1
|
Li B, Cheng K, Wang T, Peng X, Xu P, Liu G, Xue D, Jiao N, Wang C. Research progress on GPX4 targeted compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116548. [PMID: 38838547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Blocking the System Xc-_ GSH_GPX4 pathway to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells is a novel strategy for cancer treatment. GPX4 serves as the core of the System Xc-/GSH/GPX4 pathway and is a predominant target for inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells. This article summarizes compounds identified in current research that directly target the GPX4 protein, including inhibitors, activators, small molecule degraders, chimeric degraders, and the application of combination therapies with other drugs, aiming to promote further research on the target and related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Keguang Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, State/Ministry of Education of China Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Tzumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Peng
- Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ning Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hillebrand L, Liang XJ, Serafim RAM, Gehringer M. Emerging and Re-emerging Warheads for Targeted Covalent Inhibitors: An Update. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7668-7758. [PMID: 38711345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors and other types of covalent modalities have seen a revival in the past two decades, with a variety of new targeted covalent drugs having been approved in recent years. A key feature of such molecules is an intrinsically reactive group, typically a weak electrophile, which enables the irreversible or reversible formation of a covalent bond with a specific amino acid of the target protein. This reactive group, often called the "warhead", is a critical determinant of the ligand's activity, selectivity, and general biological properties. In 2019, we summarized emerging and re-emerging warhead chemistries to target cysteine and other amino acids (Gehringer, M.; Laufer, S. A. J. Med. Chem. 2019, 62, 5673-5724; DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01153). Since then, the field has rapidly evolved. Here we discuss the progress on covalent warheads made since our last Perspective and their application in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hillebrand
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiaojun Julia Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Labrecque CL, Fuglestad B. Ligandability at the membrane interface of GPx4 revealed through a reverse micelle fragment screening platform. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593437. [PMID: 38766018 PMCID: PMC11100811 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
While they account for a large portion of drug targets, membrane proteins (MPs) present a unique challenge for drug discovery. Peripheral membrane proteins (PMPs), a class of proteins that bind reversibly to membranes, are also difficult targets, particularly those that function only while bound to membranes. The protein-membrane interface in PMPs is often where functional interactions and catalysis occur, making it a logical target for inhibition. However, interfaces are underexplored spaces in inhibitor design and there is a need for enhanced methods for small-molecule ligand discovery. In an effort to better initiate drug discovery efforts for PMPs, this study presents a screening methodology using membrane-mimicking reverse micelles (mmRM) and NMR-based fragment screening to assess ligandability in the protein-membrane interface. The proof-of-principle target, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), is a lipid hydroperoxidase which is essential for the oxidative protection of membranes and thereby the prevention of ferroptosis. GPx4 inhibition is promising for therapy-resistant cancer therapy, but current inhibitors are generally covalent ligands with limited clinical utility. Presented here is the discovery of non-covalent small-molecule ligands for membrane-bound GPx4 revealed through the mmRM fragment screening methodology. The fragments were tested against GPx4 in bulk aqueous conditions and displayed little to no binding to the protein without embedment into the membrane. The 9 hits had varying affinities and partitioning coefficients and revealed properties of fragments that bind within the protein-membrane interface. Additionally, a secondary screen confirmed the potential to progress the fragments by enhancing the affinity from > 200 μM to ~15 μM with the addition of certain hydrophobic groups. This study presents an advancement of screening capabilities for membrane associated proteins, reveals ligandability within the GPx4 protein-membrane interface, and may serve as a starting point for developing non-covalent inhibitors of GPx4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L. Labrecque
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 22384, United States
| | - Brian Fuglestad
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 22384, United States
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma F, Li Y, Cai M, Yang W, Wu Z, Dong J, Qin JJ. ML162 derivatives incorporating a naphthoquinone unit as ferroptosis/apoptosis inducers: Design, synthesis, anti-cancer activity, and drug-resistance reversal evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 270:116387. [PMID: 38593589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Activating apoptosis has long been viewed as an anti-cancer process, but recently increasing evidence has accumulated that induction of ferroptosis has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapeutics. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is one of the pivotal factors regulating ferroptosis that targeted inhibition or degradation of GPX4 could effectively trigger ferroptosis. In this study, a series of ML162-quinone conjugates were constructed by using pharmacophore hybridization and bioisosterism strategies, with the aim of obtaining more active anticancer agents via the ferroptosis and apoptosis dual cell death processes. Of these compounds, GIC-20 was identified as the most active one that exhibited promising anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo via ferroptosis and apoptosis dual-targeting processes, without obvious toxicity compared with ML162. On one hand, GIC-20 could trigger ferroptosis in cells by inducing intracellular lipid peroxide and ROS accumulation, and destroying mitochondrial structure. In addition to GPX4 inhibition, GIC-20 can also trigger ferroptosis via proteasomal-mediated degradation of GPX4, suggesting GIC-20 may function as a molecule glue degrader. On the other hand, GIC-20 can also induce apoptosis via upregulating the level of apoptotic protein Bax and downregulating the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in HT1080 cells. Furthermore, GIC-20 also enhanced the sensitivity of resistant MIA-PaCa-2-AMG510R cells to AMG510, suggesting the great potential of GIC-20 in overcoming the acquired resistance of KRASG12C inhibitors. Overall, GIC-20 represents a novel dual ferroptosis/apoptosis inducer warranting further development for cancer therapeutics and overcoming drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Furong Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhoum, 310053, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Yulong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhoum, 310053, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Maohua Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhoum, 310053, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Wenyan Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Zumei Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhoum, 310053, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Jinyun Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu L, Chen C, Cai Y, Li Y, Gong L, Zhu T, Kong L, Luo J. Identification of a ferritinophagy inducer via sinomenine modification for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116250. [PMID: 38417218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Ferritinophagy is a cellular process to release redox-active iron. Excessive activation of ferritinophagy ultimately results in ferroptosis characterized by ROS accumulation which plays important roles in the development and progression of cancer. Sinomenine, a main bioactive alkaloid from the traditional Chinese medicine Sinomenum acutum, inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by promoting ROS production. Herein, new compounds were designed and synthesized through the stepwise optimization of sinomenine. Among them, D3-3 induced the production of lipid ROS, and significantly promoted colorectal cancer cells to release the ferrous ion in an autophagy-dependent manner. Moreover, D3-3 enhanced the interaction of FTH1-NCOA4, indicating the activation of ferritinophagy. In vivo experiments showed that D3-3 restrained tumor growth and promoted lipid peroxidation in the HCT-116 xenograft model. These findings demonstrated that D3-3 is an inducer of ferritinophagy, eventually triggering ferroptosis. Compound D3-3, as the first molecule to be definitively demonstrated to induce ferritinophagy, is worth further evaluation as a promising drug candidate in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuxing Cai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yalin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lijie Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jianguang Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hu M, Li X, Wang L, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Hua H, Liu H, Cai T, Zhu D, Xiang Q. ZX703: A Small-Molecule Degrader of GPX4 Inducing Ferroptosis in Human Cancer Cells. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:406-412. [PMID: 38505849 PMCID: PMC10945796 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel form of oxidative cell death triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The induction of ferroptosis presents an attractive therapeutic strategy for human diseases, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. Herein, we describe our design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of endogenous glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) degraders using the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) approach with the aim of inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells. Our efforts led to the discovery of compound 5i (ZX703), which significantly degraded GPX4 through the ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagy-lysosome pathways in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, 5i was found to induce the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HT1080 cells, thereby inducing ferroptosis. This study provides an attractive intervention strategy for ferroptosis-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengdie Hu
- Department
of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University,
and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- Guoke
Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department
of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University,
and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department
of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University,
and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yujie Sun
- Guoke
Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Guoke
Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Huina Liu
- Guoke
Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Ting Cai
- Guoke
Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhu
- Department
of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University,
and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Qiuping Xiang
- Guoke
Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Hu M, Zhang Y, Hua H, Sun Y, Xiang Q, Zhu D. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Hydrophobic-Tagged Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) Degraders. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107115. [PMID: 38232684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of oxidative cell death induced by lipid peroxidation accumulation. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) plays a key role in the regulation of ferroptosis and is considered to be a promising therapeutic target for cancer and other human diseases. Herein, we describe our design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of HyT-based degraders of the GPX4. One of the most promising compounds, 7b (ZX782), effectively induces dose- and time-dependent degradation of GPX4 protein and potently suppresses the growth of human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells, which are highly sensitive to ferroptosis and widely used for evaluating compound specificity in ferroptosis. Mechanism investigation indicated that 7b depletes GPX4 through both the ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagy-lysosome. Furthermore, the degradation of GPX4 induced by 7b could significantly increase the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HT1080 cells, ultimately leading to ferroptosis. Overall, compound 7b exhibits robust potency in depleting endogenous GPX4, thereby modulating ferroptosis in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Li
- Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Mengdie Hu
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Yujie Sun
- Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Qiuping Xiang
- Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo 315010, China.
| | - Dongsheng Zhu
- Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li S, Huang P, Lai F, Zhang T, Guan J, Wan H, He Y. Mechanisms of Ferritinophagy and Ferroptosis in Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1605-1626. [PMID: 37736794 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of the role of autophagy, particularly the selective form like ferritinophagy, in promoting cells to undergo ferroptosis has inspired us to investigate functional connections between diseases and cell death. Ferroptosis is a novel model of procedural cell death characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammatory response. Based on ferroptosis, the study of ferritinophagy is particularly important. In recent years, extensive research has elucidated the role of ferroptosis and ferritinophagy in neurological diseases and anemia, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. Besides, the global emergence and rapid transmission of COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, represents a considerable risk to public health worldwide. The potential involvement of ferroptosis in the pathophysiology of brain injury associated with COVID-19 is still unclear. This review summarizes the pathophysiological changes of ferroptosis and ferritinophagy in neurological diseases, anemia, and COVID-19, and hypothesizes that ferritinophagy may be a potential mechanism of ferroptosis. Advancements in these fields will enhance our comprehension of methods to prevent and address neurological disorders, anemia, and COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Ping Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Feifan Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jiaqi Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Haitong Wan
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Yu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Niu F, Yang R, Feng H, Liu Y, Liu R, Ma B. A GPX4 non-enzymatic domain and MDM2 targeting peptide PROTAC for acute lymphoid leukemia therapy through ferroptosis induction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 684:149125. [PMID: 37897912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, an emerging form of programmed cell death, has garnered substantial attention as a potential target for cancer therapy. However, despite the potential promise, no ferroptosis-related therapies have progressed to clinical trials. Identifying disease types sensitive to ferroptosis and developing specific ferroptosis-targeting drugs are critical focal points in the field of ferroptosis-based treatment. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive database analysis and presented compelling evidence indicating a high expression of GPX4 in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), significantly correlating with poor prognosis. Notably, elevated GPX4 expression is closely associated with ALL relapse, a major challenge in the treatment of this disease. Building upon these findings, we devised a novel peptide-based Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC) drug targeting GPX4 through computer-aided design. In contrast to existing drugs that target the conjugative enzyme active site, our design focused on a peptide drug targeting the non-active site of GPX4. Furthermore, we strategically selected MDM2, an E3 ligase highly expressed in ALL, for the PROTAC drug design. This deliberate choice amplifies the drug's effect on cancer cells while minimizing its impact on normal cells, achieving desirable selectivity for cancer cells. Leveraging nanogold delivery, we successfully facilitated intracellular action of the GPX4-targeting peptide PROTAC drug, denoted as Au-PGPD (peptide GPX4 PROTAC drug). Au-PGPD effectively induced GPX4 degradation and inhibited ALL cell proliferation. Remarkably, Au-PGPD exhibited significantly less efficacy on normal cells, underscoring the selectivity and safety of our design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Niu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Runyu Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruimin Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bohan Ma
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oh M, Jang SY, Lee JY, Kim JW, Jung Y, Kim J, Seo J, Han TS, Jang E, Son HY, Kim D, Kim MW, Park JS, Song KH, Oh KJ, Kim WK, Bae KH, Huh YM, Kim SH, Kim D, Han BS, Lee SC, Hwang GS, Lee EW. The lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 inhibitor Darapladib sensitises cancer cells to ferroptosis by remodelling lipid metabolism. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5728. [PMID: 37714840 PMCID: PMC10504358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41462-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Arachidonic and adrenic acids in the membrane play key roles in ferroptosis. Here, we reveal that lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) controls intracellular phospholipid metabolism and contributes to ferroptosis resistance. A metabolic drug screen reveals that darapladib, an inhibitor of Lp-PLA2, synergistically induces ferroptosis in the presence of GPX4 inhibitors. We show that darapladib is able to enhance ferroptosis under lipoprotein-deficient or serum-free conditions. Furthermore, we find that Lp-PLA2 is located in the membrane and cytoplasm and suppresses ferroptosis, suggesting a critical role for intracellular Lp-PLA2. Lipidomic analyses show that darapladib treatment or deletion of PLA2G7, which encodes Lp-PLA2, generally enriches phosphatidylethanolamine species and reduces lysophosphatidylethanolamine species. Moreover, combination treatment of darapladib with the GPX4 inhibitor PACMA31 efficiently inhibits tumour growth in a xenograft model. Our study suggests that inhibition of Lp-PLA2 is a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance ferroptosis in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihee Oh
- Biodefense Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Seo Young Jang
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, 03759, Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Jong Woo Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Youngae Jung
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, 03759, Korea
| | - Jiwoo Kim
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Department, Drug Discovery Platform Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Korea
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, Korea
| | - Jinho Seo
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Tae-Su Han
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Eunji Jang
- MediBio-Informatics Research Center, Novomics Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Young Son
- YUHS-KRIBB Medical Convergence Research Institute, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Dain Kim
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, 03759, Korea
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Korea
| | - Min Wook Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | | | - Kwon-Ho Song
- Department of Cell Biology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, 42472, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Oh
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Won Kon Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hee Bae
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Yong-Min Huh
- MediBio-Informatics Research Center, Novomics Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea
- YUHS-KRIBB Medical Convergence Research Institute, Seoul, 03722, Korea
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Soon Ha Kim
- MitoImmune Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, 06123, Korea
| | - Doyoun Kim
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Department, Drug Discovery Platform Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Korea
| | - Baek-Soo Han
- Biodefense Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
| | - Geum-Sook Hwang
- Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul, 03759, Korea.
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Korea.
| | - Eun-Woo Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chaudière J. Biological and Catalytic Properties of Selenoproteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10109. [PMID: 37373256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenocysteine is a catalytic residue at the active site of all selenoenzymes in bacteria and mammals, and it is incorporated into the polypeptide backbone by a co-translational process that relies on the recoding of a UGA termination codon into a serine/selenocysteine codon. The best-characterized selenoproteins from mammalian species and bacteria are discussed with emphasis on their biological function and catalytic mechanisms. A total of 25 genes coding for selenoproteins have been identified in the genome of mammals. Unlike the selenoenzymes of anaerobic bacteria, most mammalian selenoenzymes work as antioxidants and as redox regulators of cell metabolism and functions. Selenoprotein P contains several selenocysteine residues and serves as a selenocysteine reservoir for other selenoproteins in mammals. Although extensively studied, glutathione peroxidases are incompletely understood in terms of local and time-dependent distribution, and regulatory functions. Selenoenzymes take advantage of the nucleophilic reactivity of the selenolate form of selenocysteine. It is used with peroxides and their by-products such as disulfides and sulfoxides, but also with iodine in iodinated phenolic substrates. This results in the formation of Se-X bonds (X = O, S, N, or I) from which a selenenylsulfide intermediate is invariably produced. The initial selenolate group is then recycled by thiol addition. In bacterial glycine reductase and D-proline reductase, an unusual catalytic rupture of selenium-carbon bonds is observed. The exchange of selenium for sulfur in selenoproteins, and information obtained from model reactions, suggest that a generic advantage of selenium compared with sulfur relies on faster kinetics and better reversibility of its oxidation reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Chaudière
- CBMN (CNRS, UMR 5248), University of Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cai M, Ma F, Hu C, Li H, Cao F, Li Y, Dong J, Qin JJ. Design and synthesis of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as degraders of glutathione peroxidase 4. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117352. [PMID: 37257255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a new type of regulated, non-apoptotic cell death driven by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation. Inducing cell ferroptosis by inactivating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) has been considered as an effective cancer treatment strategy, but only few GPX4 inhibitors have been reported to date. Targeted protein degradation is receiving increasing attention in the discovery and development of therapeutic modality, particularly proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Herein, we reported the design, synthesis, and evaluation of different types of GPX4-targeting PROTACs using ML162 derivatives and ligands for CRBN/VHL E3 ligases. Among them, CRBN-based PROTAC GDC-11 showed a relatively balanced biological profile in GPX4 degradation (degradation rate of 33% at 10 μM), cytotoxicity (IC50 = 11.69 μM), and lipid peroxides accumulation (2-foldincreaserelatedtoDMSO), suggesting a typical characteristic of ferroptosis. In silico docking and quantum chemistry theoretical calculations provided a plausible explanation for the moderate degrading effect of these synthesized PROTACs. Overall, this work lays the foundation for subsequent studies of GPX4-targeting PROTACs, and further design and synthesis of GPX4-targeting degrader are currently in progress in our group, which will be reported in due course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Furong Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Can Hu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haobin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Fei Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yulong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jinyun Dong
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cheff DM, Cheng Q, Guo H, Travers J, Klumpp-Thomas C, Shen M, Arnér ESJ, Hall MD. Development of an assay pipeline for the discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of human glutathione peroxidases GPX1 and GPX4. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102719. [PMID: 37244126 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenoprotein glutathione peroxidases (GPX), like ubiquitously expressed GPX1 and the ferroptosis modulator GPX4, enact antioxidant activities by reducing hydroperoxides using glutathione. Overexpression of these enzymes is common in cancer and can be associated with the development of resistance to chemotherapy. GPX1 and GPX4 inhibitors have thus shown promise as anti-cancer agents, and targeting other GPX isoforms may prove equally beneficial. Existing inhibitors are often promiscuous, or modulate GPXs only indirectly, so novel direct inhibitors identified through screening against GPX1 and GPX4 could be valuable. Here, we developed optimized glutathione reductase (GR)-coupled GPX assays for the biochemical high-throughput screen (HTS) of almost 12,000 compounds with proposed mechanisms of action. Initial hits were triaged using a GR counter-screen, assessed for isoform specificity against an additional GPX isoform, GPX2, and were assessed for general selenocysteine-targeting activity using a thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD1) assay. Importantly, 70% of the GPX1 inhibitors identified in the primary screen, including several cephalosporin antibiotics, were found to also inhibit TXNRD1, while auranofin, previously known as a TXNRD1 inhibitor, also inhibited GPX1 (but not GPX4). Additionally, every GPX1 inhibitor identified (including omapatrilat, tenatoprazole, cefoxitin and ceftibuten) showed similar inhibitory activity against GPX2. Some compounds inhibiting GPX4 but not GPX1 or GPX2, also inhibited TXNRD1 (26%). Compounds only inhibiting GPX4 included pranlukast sodium hydrate, lusutrombopag, brilanestrant, simeprevir, grazoprevir (MK-5172), paritaprevir, navitoclax, venetoclax and VU0661013. Two compounds (metamizole sodium and isoniazid sodium methanesulfate) inhibited all three GPXs but not TXNRD1, while 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate, PI4KIII beta inhibitor 3, SCE-2174 and cefotetan sodium inhibited all tested selenoproteins (but not GR). The detected overlaps in chemical space suggest that the counter screens introduced here should be imperative for identification of specific GPX inhibitors. With this approach, we could indeed identify novel GPX1/GPX2- or GPX4-specific inhibitors, thus presenting a validated pipeline for future identification of specific selenoprotein-targeting agents. Our study also identified GPX1/GPX2, GPX4 and/or TXNRD1 as targets for several previously developed pharmacologically active compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorian M Cheff
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States; Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hui Guo
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Jameson Travers
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Carleen Klumpp-Thomas
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Min Shen
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Matthew D Hall
- Early Translation Branch, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhu L, Hu S, Yan X, Zeng Q, Zhang B, Jiang L, Yao SQ, Ge J. Ugi reaction-assisted assembly of covalent PROTACs against glutathione peroxidase 4. Bioorg Chem 2023; 134:106461. [PMID: 36924654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Inducing cell ferroptosis by inactivating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a popular cancer treatment strategy. However, only few GPX4 inhibitors have been developed to date. PROteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) is a promising approach to provide new opportunities to overcome limitations of traditional therapeutics. Herein, a PROTAC-like activity-based probe PD-Q2 was first assembled using Ugi reaction, consisting of a known GPX4 inhibitor ML-162 homolog to the E3 ligase cereblon ligand-pomalidomide. Pull-down and immunoblotting analysis revealed that GPX4 was a covalent target of PD-Q2, but the degradation efficiency was weak. Therefore, a series of degraders was further synthesized by varying the linkers of heterofunctional PROTACs. Among these degraders, PD-4 and PD-P2 were found to promote effective GPX4 degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and cause lipid ROS accumulation. PD-4 and PD-P2 showed potent inhibitory of colony formation and cell growth. Furthermore, we found that with pomalidomide, the degraders exhibit a high fluorescent signal that is mostly localized in the lysosome, which may affect the effectiveness of anti-cell proliferation. Overall, we provide GPX4 degraders for further exploring therapeutic potential of regulating ferroptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Linye Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore.
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Koeberle SC, Kipp AP, Stuppner H, Koeberle A. Ferroptosis-modulating small molecules for targeting drug-resistant cancer: Challenges and opportunities in manipulating redox signaling. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:614-682. [PMID: 36658724 PMCID: PMC10947485 DOI: 10.1002/med.21933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death program that is characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation. Triggering ferroptosis has been proposed as a promising strategy to fight cancer and overcome drug resistance in antitumor therapy. Understanding the molecular interactions and structural features of ferroptosis-inducing compounds might therefore open the door to efficient pharmacological strategies against aggressive, metastatic, and therapy-resistant cancer. We here summarize the molecular mechanisms and structural requirements of ferroptosis-inducing small molecules that target central players in ferroptosis. Focus is placed on (i) glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 4, the only GPX isoenzyme that detoxifies complex membrane-bound lipid hydroperoxides, (ii) the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc - that is central for glutathione regeneration, (iii) the redox-protective transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), and (iv) GPX4 repression in combination with induced heme degradation via heme oxygenase-1. We deduce common features for efficient ferroptotic activity and highlight challenges in drug development. Moreover, we critically discuss the potential of natural products as ferroptosis-inducing lead structures and provide a comprehensive overview of structurally diverse biogenic and bioinspired small molecules that trigger ferroptosis via iron oxidation, inhibition of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase system or less defined modes of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solveigh C. Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckTirolInnsbruckAustria
- Department of Molecular Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Nutritional SciencesFriedrich Schiller University JenaThüringenJenaGermany
| | - Anna P. Kipp
- Department of Molecular Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Nutritional SciencesFriedrich Schiller University JenaThüringenJenaGermany
| | - Hermann Stuppner
- Unit of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckTirolInnsbruckAustria
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI)University of InnsbruckTirolInnsbruckAustria
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chiodi D, Ishihara Y. "Magic Chloro": Profound Effects of the Chlorine Atom in Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5305-5331. [PMID: 37014977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Chlorine is one of the most common atoms present in small-molecule drugs beyond carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. There are currently more than 250 FDA-approved chlorine-containing drugs, yet the beneficial effect of the chloro substituent has not yet been reviewed. The seemingly simple substitution of a hydrogen atom (R = H) with a chlorine atom (R = Cl) can result in remarkable improvements in potency of up to 100,000-fold and can lead to profound effects on pharmacokinetic parameters including clearance, half-life, and drug exposure in vivo. Following the literature terminology of the "magic methyl effect" in drugs, the term "magic chloro effect" has been coined herein. Although reports of 500-fold or 1000-fold potency improvements are often serendipitous discoveries that can be considered "magical" rather than planned, hypotheses made to explain the magic chloro effect can lead to lessons that accelerate the cycle of drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Chiodi
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Yoshihiro Ishihara
- Department of Chemistry, Vividion Therapeutics, 5820 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Randolph JT, O'Connor MJ, Han F, Hutchins CW, Siu YA, Cho M, Zheng Y, Hickson JA, Markley JL, Manaves V, Algire M, Baker KA, Chapman AM, Gopalakrishnan SM, Panchal SC, Foster-Duke K, Stolarik DF, Kempf-Grote A, Dammeier D, Fossey S, Sun Q, Sun C, Shen Y, Dart MJ, Kati WM, Lai A, Firestone AJ, Kort ME. Discovery of a Potent Chloroacetamide GPX4 Inhibitor with Bioavailability to Enable Target Engagement in Mice, a Potential Tool Compound for Inducing Ferroptosis In Vivo. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3852-3865. [PMID: 36877935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Compounds that inhibit glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) hold promise as cancer therapeutics in their ability to induce a form of nonapoptotic cell death called ferroptosis. Our research identified 24, a structural analog of the potent GPX4 inhibitor RSL3, that has much better plasma stability (t1/2 > 5 h in mouse plasma). The bioavailability of 24 provided efficacious plasma drug concentrations with IP dosing, thus enabling in vivo studies to assess tolerability and efficacy. An efficacy study in mouse using a GPX4-sensitive tumor model found that doses of 24 up to 50 mg/kg were tolerated for 20 days but had no effect on tumor growth, although partial target engagement was observed in tumor homogenate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fei Han
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | | | - Y Amy Siu
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Min Cho
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Yunan Zheng
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | | | - Jana L Markley
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | | | - Mikkel Algire
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Kenton A Baker
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Alex M Chapman
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Darby Dammeier
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Stacey Fossey
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Qi Sun
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Chaohong Sun
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Yu Shen
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Michael J Dart
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Warren M Kati
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Albert Lai
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Ari J Firestone
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael E Kort
- Abbvie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu Y, Wan Y, Yi J, Zhang L, Cheng W. GPX4: The hub of lipid oxidation, ferroptosis, disease and treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188890. [PMID: 37001616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) moonlights as structural protein and antioxidase that powerfully inhibits lipid oxidation. In the past years, it is considered as a key regulator of ferroptosis, which takes role in the lipid and amine acid metabolism and influences the cell aging, oncogenesis, and cell death. More and more evidences show that targeting GPX4-induced ferroptosis is a promising strategy for disease therapy, especially cancer treatment. In view of these, we generalize the function of GPX4 and regulatory mechanism between GPX4 and ferroptosis, discuss its roles in the disease pathology, and focus on the recent advances of disease therapeutic potential.
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu H, Forouhar F, Lin AJ, Wang Q, Polychronidou V, Soni RK, Xia X, Stockwell BR. Small-molecule allosteric inhibitors of GPX4. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1680-1693.e9. [PMID: 36423641 PMCID: PMC9772252 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Encouraged by the dependence of drug-resistant, metastatic cancers on GPX4, we examined biophysical mechanisms of GPX4 inhibition, which revealed an unexpected allosteric site. We found that this site was involved in native regeneration of GPX4 under low glutathione conditions. Covalent binding of inhibitors to this allosteric site caused a conformational change, inhibition of activity, and subsequent cellular GPX4 protein degradation. To verify this site in an unbiased manner, we screened a library of compounds and identified and validated that an additional compound can covalently bind in this allosteric site, inhibiting and degrading GPX4. We determined co-crystal structures of six different inhibitors bound in this site. We have thus identified an allosteric mechanism for small molecules targeting aggressive cancers dependent on GPX4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hengrui Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Farhad Forouhar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Annie J Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Rajesh Kumar Soni
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xin Xia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Brent R Stockwell
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nguyen KA, Conilh L, Falson P, Dumontet C, Boumendjel A. The first ADC bearing the ferroptosis inducer RSL3 as a payload with conservation of the fragile electrophilic warhead. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114863. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
21
|
Karaj E, Sindi SH, Kuganesan N, Perera L, Taylor W, Viranga Tillekeratne LM. Tunable Cysteine-Targeting Electrophilic Heteroaromatic Warheads Induce Ferroptosis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11788-11817. [PMID: 35984756 PMCID: PMC10408038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Once considered potential liabilities, the modern era witnesses a renaissance of interest in covalent inhibitors in drug discovery. The available toolbox of electrophilic warheads is limited by constraints on tuning reactivity and selectivity. Following our work on a class of ferroptotic agents termed CETZOLEs, we discovered new tunable heterocyclic electrophiles which are capable of inducing ferroptosis. The biological evaluation demonstrated that thiazoles with an alkyne electrophile at the 2-position selectively induce ferroptosis with high potency. Density functional theory calculations and NMR kinetic studies demonstrated the ability of our heterocycles to undergo thiol addition, an apparent prerequisite for cytotoxicity. Chemoproteomic analysis indicated several potential targets, the most prominent among them being GPX4 protein. These results were further validated by western blot analysis and the cellular thermal shift assay. Incorporation of these heterocycles into appropriate pharmacophores generated highly cytotoxic agents such as the analogue BCP-T.A, with low nM IC50 values in ferroptosis-sensitive cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Endri Karaj
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606
| | - Shaimaa H. Sindi
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606
| | - Nishanth Kuganesan
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606
| | - Lalith Perera
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - William Taylor
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606
| | - L. M. Viranga Tillekeratne
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tan S, Kong Y, Xian Y, Gao P, Xu Y, Wei C, Lin P, Ye W, Li Z, Zhu X. The Mechanisms of Ferroptosis and the Applications in Tumor Treatment: Enemies or Friends? Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:938677. [PMID: 35911967 PMCID: PMC9334798 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.938677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, as a newly discovered non-apoptotic cell death mode, is beginning to be explored in different cancer. The particularity of ferroptosis lies in the accumulation of iron dependence and lipid peroxides, and it is different from the classical cell death modes such as apoptosis and necrosis in terms of action mode, biochemical characteristics, and genetics. The mechanism of ferroptosis can be divided into many different pathways, so it is particularly important to identify the key sites of ferroptosis in the disease. Herein, based on ferroptosis, we analyze the main pathways in detail. More importantly, ferroptosis is linked to the development of different systems of the tumor, providing personalized plans for the examination, treatment, and prognosis of cancer patients. Although some mechanisms and side effects of ferroptosis still need to be studied, it is still a promising method for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuzheng Tan
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hubei No.3 People’s Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongtong Xian
- Computational Oncology Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Pengbo Gao
- Computational Oncology Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Computational Oncology Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chuzhong Wei
- Computational Oncology Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Peixu Lin
- Computational Oncology Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Weilong Ye
- Computational Oncology Laboratory, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zesong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Zesong Li, ; Xiao Zhu,
| | - Xiao Zhu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zesong Li, ; Xiao Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
The AMPK-related kinase NUAK2 suppresses glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and promotes ferroptotic cell death in breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:253. [PMID: 35523770 PMCID: PMC9076840 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01044-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a caspase-independent form of regulated cell death strongly linked to the accumulation of reactive lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid hydroperoxides are neutralized in cells by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and inhibitors of GPX4 are potent ferroptosis inducers with therapeutic potential in cancer. Here we report that siRNA-mediated silencing of the AMPK-related kinase NUAK2 suppresses cell death by small-molecule inducers of ferroptosis but not apoptosis. Mechanistically we find that NUAK2 suppresses the expression of GPX4 at the RNA level and enhances ferroptosis triggered by GPX4 inhibitors in a manner independent of its kinase activity. NUAK2 is amplified along with MDM4 in a subset of breast cancers, particularly the claudin-low subset, suggesting that this may predict vulnerability to GPX4 inhibitors. These findings identify a novel pathway regulating GPX4 expression as well as ferroptotic sensitivity with potential as a biomarker of breast cancer patients that might respond to GPX4 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
![]()
The triterpenoid
natural products have played an important role
in understanding mechanistic models of human diseases. These natural
products are diverse, but many have been characterized as reactive
oxygen species (ROS) modulators. ROS can regulate cell survival and
function, which ultimately affects biological processes leading to
disease. The triterpenoids offer an untapped source of creativity
to generate tool compounds with high selectivity to regulate ROS.
This brief Review highlights the diverse complexity by which these
secondary metabolites induce many cell death modalities (apoptosis,
autophagy, ferroptosis, etc.) that can affect various complex cell
signaling pathways through ROS and ultimately lead to evading or accelerating
cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Ling
- Department of Chemistry, Lousiana State University, 133 Chopping Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Lucinda Boyd
- Department of Chemistry, Lousiana State University, 133 Chopping Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Fatima Rivas
- Department of Chemistry, Lousiana State University, 133 Chopping Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yoshioka H, Kawamura T, Muroi M, Kondoh Y, Honda K, Kawatani M, Aono H, Waldmann H, Watanabe N, Osada H. Identification of a Small Molecule That Enhances Ferroptosis via Inhibition of Ferroptosis Suppressor Protein 1 (FSP1). ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:483-491. [PMID: 35128925 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is an intracellular enzyme that oxidizes glutathione while reducing lipid peroxides and is a promising target for cancer therapy. To date, several GPX4 inhibitors have been reported to exhibit cytotoxicity against cancer cells. However, some cancer cells are less sensitive to the known GPX4 inhibitors. This study aimed to explore compounds showing synergistic effects with GPX4 inhibitors. We screened a chemical library and identified a compound named NPD4928, whose cytotoxicity was enhanced in the presence of a GPX4 inhibitor. Furthermore, we identified ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 as its target protein. The results indicate that NPD4928 enhanced the sensitivity of various cancer cells to GPX4 inhibitors, suggesting that the combination might have therapeutic potential via the induction of ferroptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Yoshioka
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Kawamura
- RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Division for Systems Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Makoto Muroi
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Division for Systems Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Kondoh
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kaori Honda
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Makoto Kawatani
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Harumi Aono
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Division for Systems Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Division for Systems Chemical Biology, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rodriguez R, Schreiber SL, Conrad M. Persister cancer cells: Iron addiction and vulnerability to ferroptosis. Mol Cell 2022; 82:728-740. [PMID: 34965379 PMCID: PMC9152905 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a unique type of non-apoptotic cell death resulting from the unrestrained occurrence of peroxidized phospholipids, which are subject to iron-mediated production of lethal oxygen radicals. This cell death modality has been detected across many organisms, including in mammals, where it can be used as a defense mechanism against pathogens or even harnessed by T cells to sensitize tumor cells toward effective killing. Conversely, ferroptosis is considered one of the main cell death mechanisms promoting degenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis represents a vulnerability in certain cancers. Here, we critically review recent advances linking ferroptosis vulnerabilities of dedifferentiating and persister cancer cells to the dependency of these cells on iron, a potential Achilles heel for small-molecule intervention. We provide a perspective on the mechanisms reliant on iron that contribute to the persister cancer cell state and how this dependency may be exploited for therapeutic benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Rodriguez
- Chemical Biology of Cancer at Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France.
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Marcus Conrad
- Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Pirogov National Research Medical University, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Labrecque CL, Fuglestad B. Electrostatic Drivers of GPx4 Interactions with Membrane, Lipids, and DNA. Biochemistry 2021; 60:2761-2772. [PMID: 34492183 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) serves as the only enzyme that protects membranes through the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides, preventing membrane oxidative damage and cell death through ferroptosis. Recently, GPx4 has gained attention as a therapeutic target for cancer through inhibition and as a target for inflammatory diseases through activation. In addition, GPx4 isoforms perform several distinct moonlighting functions including cysteine cross-linking of protamines during sperm cell chromatin remodeling, a function for which molecular and structural details are undefined. Despite the importance in biology, disease, and potential for drug development, little is known about GPx4 functional interactions at high resolution. This study presents the first NMR assignments of GPx4, and the electrostatic interaction of GPx4 with the membrane is characterized. Mutagenesis reveals the cationic patch residues that are key to membrane binding and stabilization. The cationic patch is observed to be important in binding headgroups of highly anionic cardiolipin. A novel lipid binding site is observed adjacent to the catalytic site and may enable protection of lipid-headgroups from oxidative damage. Arachidonic acid is also found to engage with GPx4, while cholesterol did not display any interaction. The cationic patch residues were also found to enable DNA binding, the first observation of this interaction. Electrostatic DNA binding explains a mechanism for the nuclear isoform of GPx4 to target DNA-bound protamines and to potentially reduce oxidatively damaged DNA. Together, these results highlight the importance of electrostatics in the function of GPx4 and illuminate how the multifunctional enzyme is able to fill multiple biological roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L Labrecque
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284, United States
| | - Brian Fuglestad
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284, United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cordon MB, Jacobsen KM, Nielsen CS, Hjerrild P, Poulsen TB. Forward Chemical Genetic Screen for Oxygen-Dependent Cytotoxins Uncovers New Covalent Fragments that Target GPX4. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100253. [PMID: 34252249 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The identification of growth inhibitory compounds with the ability to selectively target the cellular oxygenation state may be of therapeutic interest. Here, a phenotypic screen of a covalent fragment library revealed diverse compounds containing propiolamide warheads with selective toxicity for liver cancer cells in normoxic conditions. Target identification and validation through CETSA and direct pulldown experiments demonstrated that several compounds target glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and induce ferroptotic cell death. Although being an oxidative cell death mechanism, ferroptosis can be induced also under hypoxic conditions. Prompted by the selective toxicity discovered in the screen, we mapped the oxygen-dependence of several ferroptosis-inducing compounds across three different cell lines. These studies revealed combinations with notable reductions in sensitivity under hypoxic conditions. These observations are mechanistically interesting and may be relevant for the use of ferroptosis-inducers as anti-cancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie B Cordon
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kristian M Jacobsen
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Cecilie S Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Per Hjerrild
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas B Poulsen
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of nitroisoxazole-containing spiro[pyrrolidin-oxindole] derivatives as novel glutathione peroxidase 4/mouse double minute 2 dual inhibitors that inhibit breast adenocarcinoma cell proliferation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 217:113359. [PMID: 33725632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A series of highly active CF3-containing 3'-(nitroisoxazole)spiro[pyrrolidin-3,2'-oxindoles] were synthesized and found to be novel glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)/mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) dual inhibitors. Bioactive spirooxindole and isoxazole skeletons were combined, and the resulting compounds exhibited strong activities against both targets. In particular, compound 3d displayed excellent activity in the suppression of MDM2-mediated degradation of p53, as well as levels of GPX4, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, 3d also exhibited inhibitory effects on MDM2 and GPX4 in MCF-7 xenograft model to trigger ferroptotic and apoptotic cell death in in vivo experiments, which was consistent with the results of in vitro experiments.
Collapse
|
30
|
Ferroptosis Mechanisms Involved in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228765. [PMID: 33233496 PMCID: PMC7699575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of cell death that was described less than a decade ago. It is caused by the excess of free intracellular iron that leads to lipid (hydro) peroxidation. Iron is essential as a redox metal in several physiological functions. The brain is one of the organs known to be affected by iron homeostatic balance disruption. Since the 1960s, increased concentration of iron in the central nervous system has been associated with oxidative stress, oxidation of proteins and lipids, and cell death. Here, we review the main mechanisms involved in the process of ferroptosis such as lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase 4 enzyme activity, and iron metabolism. Moreover, the association of ferroptosis with the pathophysiology of some neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, has also been addressed.
Collapse
|