1
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Schmitt C, Mauker P, Vepřek NA, Gierse C, Meiring JCM, Kuch J, Akhmanova A, Dehmelt L, Thorn-Seshold O. A Photocaged Microtubule-Stabilising Epothilone Allows Spatiotemporal Control of Cytoskeletal Dynamics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202410169. [PMID: 38961560 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202410169] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is essential for spatial and temporal organisation of a wide range of cellular and tissue-level processes, such as proliferation, signalling, cargo transport, migration, morphogenesis, and neuronal development. Cytoskeleton research aims to study these processes by imaging, or by locally manipulating, the dynamics and organisation of cytoskeletal proteins with high spatiotemporal resolution: which matches the capabilities of optical methods. To date, no photoresponsive microtubule-stabilising tool has united all the features needed for a practical high-precision reagent: a low potency and biochemically stable non-illuminated state; then an efficient, rapid, and clean photoresponse that generates a high potency illuminated state; plus good solubility at suitable working concentrations; and efficient synthetic access. We now present CouEpo, a photocaged epothilone microtubule-stabilising reagent that combines these needs. Its potency increases approximately 100-fold upon irradiation by violet/blue light to reach low-nanomolar values, allowing efficient photocontrol of microtubule dynamics in live cells, and even the generation of cellular asymmetries in microtubule architecture and cell dynamics. CouEpo is thus a high-performance tool compound that can support high-precision research into many microtubule-associated processes, from biophysics to transport, cell motility, and neuronal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Schmitt
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Butenandtstrasse 7, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Philipp Mauker
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Butenandtstrasse 7, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Nynke A Vepřek
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Butenandtstrasse 7, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Carolin Gierse
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Joyce C M Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Kuch
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Butenandtstrasse 7, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Leif Dehmelt
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 4a, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Butenandtstrasse 7, Munich, 81377, Germany
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2
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Reynders M, Garścia M, Müller-Deku A, Wranik M, Krauskopf K, de la Osa de la Rosa L, Schaffer K, Jötten A, Rode A, Stierle V, Kraus Y, Baumgartner B, Ali A, Bubeneck A, Seal T, Steinmetz MO, Paulitschke P, Thorn-Seshold O. A photo-SAR study of photoswitchable azobenzene tubulin-inhibiting antimitotics identifying a general method for near-quantitative photocontrol. Chem Sci 2024; 15:12301-12309. [PMID: 39118608 PMCID: PMC11304547 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc03072a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Azobenzene analogues of the tubulin polymerisation inhibitor combretastatin A4 (PSTs) were previously developed to optically control microtubule dynamics in living systems, with subsecond response time and single-cell spatial precision, by reversible in situ photoswitching of their bioactivity with near-UV/visible light. First-generation PSTs were sufficiently potent and photoswitchable for use in live cells and embryos. However, the link between their seconds-scale and hours-scale bioactivity remained untested. Furthermore, the scope for modifications to tune their photo-structure-activity-relationship or expand their function was unknown. Here, we used large-field-of-view, long-term tandem photoswitching/microscopy to reveal the temporal onset of cytostatic effects. We then synthesised a panel of novel PSTs exploring structural variations that tune photoresponse wavelengths and lipophilicity, identifying promising blue-shifted analogues that are better-compatible with GFP/YFP imaging. Taken together, these results can guide new design and applications for photoswitchable microtubule inhibitors. We also identified tolerated sites for linkers to attach functional cargos; and we tested fluorophores, aiming at RET isomerisation or reporter probes. Instead we found that these antennas greatly enhance long-wavelength single-photon photoisomerisation, by an as-yet un-explored mechanism, that can now drive general progress towards near-quantitative long-wavelength photoswitching of photopharmaceuticals in living systems, with minimal molecular redesign and broad scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reynders
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Małgorzata Garścia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Adrian Müller-Deku
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Maximilian Wranik
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut Villigen 5232 Switzerland
| | - Kristina Krauskopf
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | | | - Konstantin Schaffer
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 80539 Germany
- PHIO Scientific GmbH Munich 81371 Germany
| | - Anna Jötten
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 80539 Germany
- PHIO Scientific GmbH Munich 81371 Germany
| | - Alexander Rode
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Valentin Stierle
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 80539 Germany
| | - Yvonne Kraus
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Benedikt Baumgartner
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Ahmed Ali
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Andrei Bubeneck
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Trina Seal
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut Villigen 5232 Switzerland
- Biozentrum, University of Basel Basel 4056 Switzerland
| | - Philipp Paulitschke
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 80539 Germany
- PHIO Scientific GmbH Munich 81371 Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich 81377 Germany
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3
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Steinmetz MO, Prota AE. Structure-based discovery and rational design of microtubule-targeting agents. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102845. [PMID: 38805950 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102845] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy as antitumor, antifungal, antiparasitic, and herbicidal agents, finding applications in the clinical, veterinary, and agrochemical industry. Recent advances in tubulin and microtubule structural biology have provided powerful tools that pave the way for the rational design of innovative small-molecule MTAs for future basic and applied life science applications. In this mini-review, we present the current status of the tubulin and microtubule structural biology field, the recent impact it had on the discovery and rational design of MTAs, and exciting avenues for future MTA research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland; University of Basel, Biozentrum, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea E Prota
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
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4
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Stindt CN, Crespi S, Feringa BL. Synthesis of Styrylbenzazole Photoswitches and Evaluation of their Photochemical Properties. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401409. [PMID: 38761405 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401409] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Styrylbenzazoles form a promising yet under-represented class of photoswitches that can perform a light-driven E-Z isomerization of the central alkene double bond without undergoing irreversible photocyclization, typical of the parent stilbene. In this work, we report the synthesis and photochemical study of 23 styrylbenzazole photoswitches. Their thermal stabilities, quantum yields, maximum absorption wavelengths and photostationary state (PSS) distributions can be tuned by changing the benzazole heterocycle and the substitution pattern on the aryl ring. In particular, we found that push-pull systems show large redshifts of the maximum absorption wavelengths and the highest quantum yields, whereas ortho-substituted styrylbenzazole photoswitches exhibit the most favorable PSS ratios. Taking advantage of both design principles, we produced 2,6-dimethyl-4-(dimethylamino)-styrylbenzothiazole, a thermally stable and efficient P-type photoswitch which displays negative photochromism upon irradiation with visible light up to 470 nm to obtain a near-quantitative isomerization with a very high quantum yield of 59 %. Furthermore, 4-hydroxystyrylbenzoxazole was demonstrated to be a pH-sensitive switch which exhibits a 100 nm redshift upon deprotonation. Ortho-methylation of its benzothiazole analogue improved the obtained PSS ratio in its deprotonated state from E : Z=53 : 47 to E : Z=18 : 82. We anticipate that this relatively unexplored class of photoswitches will form a valuable expansion of the current family of photoswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte N Stindt
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Crespi
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Present address: Ångström Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lian YL, Lin YC. The emerging tools for precisely manipulating microtubules. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102360. [PMID: 38640790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102360] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Cells generate a highly diverse microtubule network to carry out different activities. This network is comprised of distinct tubulin isotypes, tubulins with different post-translational modifications, and many microtubule-based structures. Defects in this complex system cause numerous human disorders. However, how different microtubule subtypes in this network regulate cellular architectures and activities remains largely unexplored. Emerging tools such as photosensitive pharmaceuticals, chemogenetics, and optogenetics enable the spatiotemporal manipulation of structures, dynamics, post-translational modifications, and cross-linking with actin filaments in target microtubule subtypes. This review summarizes the design rationale and applications of these new approaches and aims to provide a roadmap for researchers navigating the intricacies of microtubule dynamics and their post-translational modifications in cellular contexts, thereby opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ling Lian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan; Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
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6
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Seliwjorstow A, Takamiya M, Rastegar S, Pianowski Z. Reversible Influence of Hemipiperazine Photochromism on the Early Development of Zebrafish Embryo. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400143. [PMID: 38442077 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400143] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the potential of controlling organismal development with light by using reversible photomodulation of activity in bioactive compounds. Specifically, our research focuses on plinabulin 1, an inhibitor of tubulin dynamics that contains a photochromic motif called hemipiperazine. The two isomeric forms, Z-1 and E-1, can partially interconvert with light, yet show remarkable thermal stability in darkness. The Z-isomer exhibits higher cytotoxicity due to stronger binding to α-tubulin's colchicine site. The less toxic E-1 form, considered a "pro-drug", can be isolated in vitro and stored. Upon activation by blue or cyan light, it predominantly generates the more toxic Z-1 form. Here we demonstrate that 1 can effectively photomodulate epiboly, a critical microtubule-dependent cell movement during gastrulation in zebrafish embryos. This research highlights the potential of photomodulation for precise and reversible control of cellular activities and organismal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Seliwjorstow
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstrasse 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Masanari Takamiya
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing IBCS-BIP, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstrasse 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing IBCS-BIP, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstrasse 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Zbigniew Pianowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstrasse 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems IBCS-FMS, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstrasse 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
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7
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Dong B, Mahapatra S, Clark MG, Carlsen MS, Mohn KJ, Ma S, Brasseale KA, Crim G, Zhang C. Spatiotemporally Precise Optical Manipulation of Intracellular Molecular Activities. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307342. [PMID: 38279563 PMCID: PMC10987104 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Controlling chemical processes in live cells is a challenging task. The spatial heterogeneity of biochemical reactions in cells is often overlooked by conventional means of incubating cells with desired chemicals. A comprehensive understanding of spatially diverse biochemical processes requires precise control over molecular activities at the subcellular level. Herein, a closed-loop optoelectronic control system is developed that allows the manipulation of biomolecular activities in live cells at high spatiotemporal precision. Chemical-selective fluorescence signals are utilized to command lasers that trigger specific chemical processes or control the activation of photoswitchable inhibitors at desired targets. This technology is fully compatible with laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopes. The authors demonstrate selective interactions of a 405 nm laser with targeted organelles and simultaneous monitoring of cell responses by fluorescent protein signals. Notably, blue laser interaction with the endoplasmic reticulum leads to a more pronounced reduction in cytosolic green fluorescent protein signals in comparison to that with nuclei and lipid droplets. Moreover, when combined with a photoswitchable inhibitor, microtubule polymerization is selectively inhibited within the subcellular compartments. This technology enables subcellular spatiotemporal optical manipulation over chemical processes and drug activities, exclusively at desired targets, while minimizing undesired effects on non-targeted locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Dong
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Shivam Mahapatra
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Matthew G. Clark
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Mark S. Carlsen
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Karsten J. Mohn
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Seohee Ma
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Kent A. Brasseale
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Grace Crim
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University560 Oval Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research201 S. University St.West LafayetteIN47907USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease207 S. Martin Jischke Dr.West LafayetteIN47907USA
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8
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Zhao Y, Huang Q, Li Q, Chen Z, Liu Y. Bidirectional Regulation of Intracellular Enzyme Activity Using Light-Driven Nano-Inhibitors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318533. [PMID: 38196066 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318533] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Photochemical regulation provides precise control over enzyme activities with high spatiotemporal resolution. A promising approach involves anchoring "photoswitches" at enzyme active sites to modulate substrate recognition. However, current methods often require genetic mutations and irreversible enzyme modifications for the site-specific anchoring of "photoswitches", potentially compromising the enzyme activities. Herein, we present a pioneering reversible nano-inhibitor based on molecular imprinting technique for bidirectional regulation of intracellular enzyme activity. The nano-inhibitor employs a molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle as its body and azobenzene-modified inhibitors ("photoswitches") as the arms. By using a target enzyme as the molecular template, the nano-inhibitor acquires oriented binding sites on its surface, resulting in a high affinity for the target enzyme and non-covalently firm anchoring of the azobenzene-modified inhibitor to the enzyme active site. Harnessing the reversible isomerization of azobenzene units upon exposure to ultraviolet and visible light, the nano-inhibitor achieves bidirectional enzyme activity regulation by precisely docking and undocking inhibitor at the active site. Notably, this innovative approach enables the facile in situ regulation of intracellular endogenous enzymes, such as carbonic anhydrase. Our results represent a practical and versatile tool for precise enzyme activity regulation in complex intracellular environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Qingqing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Qiushi Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
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9
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Ramos S, Vicente-Blázquez A, López-Rubio M, Gallego-Yerga L, Álvarez R, Peláez R. Frentizole, a Nontoxic Immunosuppressive Drug, and Its Analogs Display Antitumor Activity via Tubulin Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17474. [PMID: 38139302 PMCID: PMC10744269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417474] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimitotic agents are one of the more successful types of anticancer drugs, but they suffer from toxicity and resistance. The application of approved drugs to new indications (i.e., drug repurposing) is a promising strategy for the development of new drugs. It relies on finding pattern similarities: drug effects to other drugs or conditions, similar toxicities, or structural similarity. Here, we recursively searched a database of approved drugs for structural similarity to several antimitotic agents binding to a specific site of tubulin, with the expectation of finding structures that could fit in it. These searches repeatedly retrieved frentizole, an approved nontoxic anti-inflammatory drug, thus indicating that it might behave as an antimitotic drug devoid of the undesired toxic effects. We also show that the usual repurposing approach to searching for targets of frentizole failed in most cases to find such a relationship. We synthesized frentizole and a series of analogs to assay them as antimitotic agents and found antiproliferative activity against HeLa tumor cells, inhibition of microtubule formation within cells, and arrest at the G2/M phases of the cell cycle, phenotypes that agree with binding to tubulin as the mechanism of action. The docking studies suggest binding at the colchicine site in different modes. These results support the repurposing of frentizole for cancer treatment, especially for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Ramos
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.); (M.L.-R.); (L.G.-Y.); (R.Á.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alba Vicente-Blázquez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.); (M.L.-R.); (L.G.-Y.); (R.Á.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.); (M.L.-R.); (L.G.-Y.); (R.Á.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Gallego-Yerga
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.); (M.L.-R.); (L.G.-Y.); (R.Á.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raquel Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.); (M.L.-R.); (L.G.-Y.); (R.Á.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (S.R.); (M.L.-R.); (L.G.-Y.); (R.Á.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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10
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Matsuura K, Inaba H. Photoresponsive peptide materials: Spatiotemporal control of self-assembly and biological functions. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:041303. [PMID: 38505425 PMCID: PMC10903425 DOI: 10.1063/5.0179171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Peptides work as both functional molecules to modulate various biological phenomena and self-assembling artificial materials. The introduction of photoresponsive units to peptides allows the spatiotemporal remote control of their structure and function upon light irradiation. This article overviews the photoresponsive peptide design, interaction with biomolecules, and applications in self-assembling materials over the last 30 years. Peptides modified with photochromic (photoisomerizable) molecules, such as azobenzene and spiropyran, reversibly photo-controlled the binding to biomolecules and nanostructure formation through self-assembly. Photocleavable molecular units irreversibly control the functions of peptides through cleavage of the main chain and deprotection by light. Photocrosslinking between peptides or between peptides and other biomolecules enhances the structural stability of peptide assemblies and complexes. These photoresponsive peptides spatiotemporally controlled the formation and dissociation of peptide assemblies, gene expressions, protein-drug interactions, protein-protein interactions, liposome deformation and motility, cytoskeleton structure and stability, and cell functions by appropriate light irradiation. These molecular systems can be applied to photo-control biological functions, molecular robots, artificial cells, and next-generation smart drug delivery materials.
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11
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Gehringer M, Pape F, Méndez M, Barbie P, Unzue Lopez A, Lefranc J, Klingler FM, Hessler G, Langer T, Diamanti E, Schiedel M. Back in Person: Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2023. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300344. [PMID: 37485831 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300344] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry (FiMC) is the largest international Medicinal Chemistry conference in the German speaking area and took place from April 3rd to 5th 2023 in Vienna (Austria). Fortunately, after being cancelled in 2020 and two years (2021-2022) of entirely virtual meetings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FiMC could be held in a face-to-face format again. Organized by the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the Division of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry of the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG), together with the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the Austrian Chemical Society (GÖCH), the Austrian Pharmaceutical Society (ÖPhG), and a local organization committee from the University of Vienna headed by Thierry Langer, the meeting brought together 260 participants from 21 countries. The program included 38 lectures by leading scientists from industry and academia as well as early career investigators. Moreover, 102 posters were presented in two highly interactive poster sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gehringer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry Department, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Pape
- NUVISAN Innovation Campus Berlin, NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Muellerstraße 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - María Méndez
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Höchst, Bldg. G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philipp Barbie
- Bayer AG, R&D, Pharmaceuticals, Laboratory IV, Bldg. S106, 231, 13342, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Unzue Lopez
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julien Lefranc
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Hessler
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Höchst, Bldg. G877, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleonora Diamanti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matthias Schiedel
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
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12
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Zhang Z, Le GNT, Ge Y, Tang X, Chen X, Ejim L, Bordeleau E, Wright GD, Burns DC, Tran S, Axerio-Cilies P, Wang YT, Dong M, Woolley GA. Isomerization of bioactive acylhydrazones triggered by light or thiols. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1285-1295. [PMID: 37308709 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The acylhydrazone unit is well represented in screening databases used to find ligands for biological targets, and numerous bioactive acylhydrazones have been reported. However, potential E/Z isomerization of the C=N bond in these compounds is rarely examined when bioactivity is assayed. Here we analysed two ortho-hydroxylated acylhydrazones discovered in a virtual drug screen for modulators of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and other bioactive hydroxylated acylhydrazones with structurally defined targets reported in the Protein Data Bank. We found that ionized forms of these compounds, which are populated under laboratory conditions, photoisomerize readily and the isomeric forms have markedly different bioactivity. Furthermore, we show that glutathione, a tripeptide involved with cellular redox balance, catalyses dynamic E⇄Z isomerization of acylhydrazones. The ratio of E to Z isomers in cells is determined by the relative stabilities of the isomers regardless of which isomer was applied. We conclude that E/Z isomerization may be a common feature of the bioactivity observed with acylhydrazones and should be routinely analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Giang N T Le
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yang Ge
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiaowen Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linda Ejim
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotics Discovery M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Bordeleau
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotics Discovery M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gerard D Wright
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotics Discovery M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darcy C Burns
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susannah Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Axerio-Cilies
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Yu Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - G Andrew Woolley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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Borys F, Tobiasz P, Fabczak H, Joachimiak E, Krawczyk H. First-in-Class Colchicine-Based Visible Light Photoswitchable Microtubule Dynamics Disrupting Agent. Cells 2023; 12:1866. [PMID: 37508530 PMCID: PMC10378023 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141866] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Compounds that disrupt microtubule dynamics, such as colchicine, paclitaxel, or Vinca alkaloids, have been broadly used in biological studies and have found application in clinical anticancer medications. However, their main disadvantage is the lack of specificity towards cancerous cells, leading to severe side effects. In this paper, we report the first synthesis of 12 new visible light photoswitchable colchicine-based microtubule inhibitors AzoCols. Among the obtained compounds, two photoswitches showed light-dependent cytotoxicity in cancerous cell lines (HCT116 and MCF-7). The most promising compound displayed a nearly twofold increase in potency. Moreover, dissimilar inhibition of purified tubulin polymerisation in cell-free assay and light-dependent disruption of microtubule organisation visualised by immunofluorescence imaging sheds light on the mechanism of action as microtubule photoswitchable destabilisers. The presented results provide a foundation towards the synthesis and development of a novel class of photoswitchable colchicine-based microtubule polymerisation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Borys
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3 Street, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Tobiasz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3 Street, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Fabczak
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Joachimiak
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Krawczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3 Street, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Gallego-Yerga L, Ceña V, Peláez R. Potent and Selective Benzothiazole-Based Antimitotics with Improved Water Solubility: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation as Novel Anticancer Agents. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1698. [PMID: 37376146 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of colchicine site ligands on tubulin has proven to be a successful strategy to develop potent antiproliferative drugs against cancer cells. However, the structural requirements of the binding site endow the ligands with low aqueous solubility. In this work, the benzothiazole scaffold is used to design, synthesize, and evaluate a new family of colchicine site ligands exhibiting high water solubility. The compounds exerted antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines, due to tubulin polymerization inhibition, showing high selectivity toward cancer cells in comparison with non-tumoral HEK-293 cells, as evidenced by MTT and LDH assays. The most potent derivatives, containing a pyridine moiety and ethylurea or formamide functionalities, displayed IC50 values in the nanomolar range even in the difficult-to-treat glioblastoma cells. Flow cytometry experiments on HeLa, MCF7, and U87MG cells showed that they arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phases at an early time point (24 h), followed by apoptotic cell death 72 h after the treatment. Tubulin binding was confirmed by microtubule network disruption observed via confocal microscopy. Docking studies support favorable interaction of the synthesized ligands at the colchicine binding site. These results validate the proposed strategy to develop potent anticancer colchicine ligands with improved water solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gallego-Yerga
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Valentín Ceña
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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15
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Velasco CD, Santarella-Mellwig R, Schorb M, Gao L, Thorn-Seshold O, Llobet A. Microtubule depolymerization contributes to spontaneous neurotransmitter release in vitro. Commun Biol 2023; 6:488. [PMID: 37147475 PMCID: PMC10163034 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are key to multiple neuronal functions involving the transport of organelles, however, their relationship to neurotransmitter release is still unresolved. Here, we show that microtubules present in the presynaptic compartment of cholinergic autaptic synapses are dynamic. To investigate how the balance between microtubule growth and shrinkage affects neurotransmission we induced synchronous microtubule depolymerization by photoactivation of the chemical inhibitor SBTub3. The consequence was an increase in spontaneous neurotransmitter release. An analogous effect was obtained by dialyzing the cytosol with Kif18A, a plus-end-directed kinesin with microtubule depolymerizing activity. Kif18A also inhibited the refilling of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles during high frequency stimulation. The action of Kif18A was associated to one order of magnitude increases in the numbers of exo-endocytic pits and endosomes present in the presynaptic terminal. An enhancement of spontaneous neurotransmitter release was also observed when neurons were dialyzed with stathmin-1, a protein with a widespread presence in the nervous system that induces microtubule depolymerization. Taken together, these results support that microtubules restrict spontaneous neurotransmitter release as well as promote the replenishment of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia D Velasco
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rachel Santarella-Mellwig
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schorb
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Artur Llobet
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Wranik M, Weinert T, Slavov C, Masini T, Furrer A, Gaillard N, Gioia D, Ferrarotti M, James D, Glover H, Carrillo M, Kekilli D, Stipp R, Skopintsev P, Brünle S, Mühlethaler T, Beale J, Gashi D, Nass K, Ozerov D, Johnson PJM, Cirelli C, Bacellar C, Braun M, Wang M, Dworkowski F, Milne C, Cavalli A, Wachtveitl J, Steinmetz MO, Standfuss J. Watching the release of a photopharmacological drug from tubulin using time-resolved serial crystallography. Nat Commun 2023; 14:903. [PMID: 36807348 PMCID: PMC9936131 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36481-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding and release of ligands from their protein targets is central to fundamental biological processes as well as to drug discovery. Photopharmacology introduces chemical triggers that allow the changing of ligand affinities and thus biological activity by light. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of photopharmacology is largely missing because the relevant transitions during the light-triggered reaction cannot be resolved by conventional structural biology. Using time-resolved serial crystallography at a synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser, we capture the release of the anti-cancer compound azo-combretastatin A4 and the resulting conformational changes in tubulin. Nine structural snapshots from 1 ns to 100 ms complemented by simulations show how cis-to-trans isomerization of the azobenzene bond leads to a switch in ligand affinity, opening of an exit channel, and collapse of the binding pocket upon ligand release. The resulting global backbone rearrangements are related to the action mechanism of microtubule-destabilizing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Wranik
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weinert
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Chavdar Slavov
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tiziana Masini
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonia Furrer
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Natacha Gaillard
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Gioia
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrarotti
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniel James
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Hannah Glover
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Carrillo
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Demet Kekilli
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Robin Stipp
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Petr Skopintsev
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Brünle
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Mühlethaler
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - John Beale
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Dardan Gashi
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Karol Nass
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry Ozerov
- Scientific Computing, Theory and Data, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Philip J M Johnson
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Cirelli
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Camila Bacellar
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Markus Braun
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meitian Wang
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Florian Dworkowski
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Chris Milne
- Photon Science Division, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163, Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland.
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jörg Standfuss
- Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232, Villigen, Switzerland.
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17
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Computational Approaches to the Rational Design of Tubulin-Targeting Agents. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020285. [PMID: 36830654 PMCID: PMC9952983 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are highly dynamic polymers of α,β-tubulin dimers which play an essential role in numerous cellular processes such as cell proliferation and intracellular transport, making them an attractive target for cancer and neurodegeneration research. To date, a large number of known tubulin binders were derived from natural products, while only one was developed by rational structure-based drug design. Several of these tubulin binders show promising in vitro profiles while presenting unacceptable off-target effects when tested in patients. Therefore, there is a continuing demand for the discovery of safer and more efficient tubulin-targeting agents. Since tubulin structural data is readily available, the employment of computer-aided design techniques can be a key element to focus on the relevant chemical space and guide the design process. Due to the high diversity and quantity of structural data available, we compiled here a guide to the accessible tubulin-ligand structures. Furthermore, we review different ligand and structure-based methods recently used for the successful selection and design of new tubulin-targeting agents.
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18
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Rushworth J, Thawani AR, Fajardo-Ruiz E, Meiring JCM, Heise C, White AJP, Akhmanova A, Brandt JR, Thorn-Seshold O, Fuchter MJ. [5]-Helistatins: Tubulin-Binding Helicenes with Antimitotic Activity. JACS AU 2022; 2:2561-2570. [PMID: 36465552 PMCID: PMC9709948 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Helicenes are high interest synthetic targets with unique conjugated helical structures that have found important technological applications. Despite this interest, helicenes have had limited impact in chemical biology. Herein, we disclose a first-in-class antimitotic helicene, helistatin 1 (HA-1), where the helicene scaffold acts as a structural mimic of colchicine, a known antimitotic drug. The synthesis proceeds via sequential Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions and a π-Lewis acid cycloisomerization mediated by PtCl2. HA-1 was found to block microtubule polymerization in both cell-free and live cell assays. Not only does this demonstrate the feasibility of using helicenes as bioactive scaffolds against protein targets, but also suggests wider potential for the use of helicenes as isosteres of biaryls or cis-stilbenes-themselves common drug and natural product scaffolds. Overall, this study further supports future opportunities for helicenes for a range of chemical biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James
L. Rushworth
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, U.K.
| | - Aditya R. Thawani
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, U.K.
| | - Elena Fajardo-Ruiz
- Department
of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University
of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Joyce C. M. Meiring
- Cell
Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty
of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, Netherlands
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department
of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University
of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Andrew J. P. White
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, U.K.
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell
Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty
of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, Netherlands
| | - Jochen R. Brandt
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, U.K.
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department
of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University
of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Matthew J. Fuchter
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, U.K.
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19
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Hemipiperazines as peptide-derived molecular photoswitches with low-nanomolar cytotoxicity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6066. [PMID: 36241620 PMCID: PMC9568564 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33750-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches transform light energy into reversible structural changes. Their combination with known pharmacophores often allows for photomodulation of the biological activity. The effort to apply such compounds in photopharmacology as light-activated pro-drugs is, however, hampered by serious activity reduction upon pharmacophore modifications, or limited biostability. Here we report that a potent antimitotic agent plinabulin and its derivatives demonstrate up to 56-fold reversible activity photomodulation. Alternatively, irreversible photoactivation with cyan light can enhance the cytotoxicity up to three orders of magnitude-all without compromising the original activity level, as the original pharmacophore structure is unchanged. This occurs due to the presence of a peptide-derived photoswitchable motif hemipiperazine inside the plinabulin scaffold. Furthermore, we systematically describe photochromism of these thermally stable and biocompatible hemipiperazines, as well as a photoswitchable fluorophore derived from plinabulin. The latter may further expand the applicability of hemipiperazine photochromism towards super-resolution microscopy.
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20
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Gao L, Kraus Y, Stegner A, Wein T, Heise C, von Brunn L, Fajardo-Ruiz E, Thorn-Seshold J, Thorn-Seshold O. Self-reporting styrylthiazolium photopharmaceuticals: mitochondrial localisation as well as SAR drive biological activity. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:7787-7794. [PMID: 36172848 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00347c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel photoswitches offering features complementary to the well-established azobenzenes are increasingly driving high-precision research in cellular photopharmacology. Styrylthiazolium (StyTz) and styrylbenzothiazolium (StyBtz) are cellularly untested E/Z-isomerisation photoswitches which are nearly isosteric to azobenzenes, but have distinct properties: including ca. 60 nm red-shifted π → π* absorption, self-reporting fluorescence, Z → E relaxation on typical biological timescales, and decent solubility (positive charge). We tested StyTz and StyBtz for their potential as photopharmaceutical scaffolds, by applying them to photocontrol microtubule dynamics. They light-specifically disrupt microtubule network architecture and block cell proliferation: yet, testing lead compound StyBtz2 for its molecular mechanism of action showed that it did not inhibit microtubule dynamics. Using its self-reporting fluorescence, we tracked its localisation in live cells and observed accumulation of E-StyBtz2 into mitochondria; during prolonged illumination, it was released into the cytosol, and blebbing and cell death were observed. We interpret this as light-dependent rupturing of mitochondria on acute timescales. We conclude that StyTz/StyBtz can be interesting photopharmaceutical scaffolds for addressing mitochondrial, rather than cytosolic, targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Yvonne Kraus
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Andrea Stegner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Thomas Wein
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Leonie von Brunn
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Elena Fajardo-Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Julia Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
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21
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Meiring JCM, Grigoriev I, Nijenhuis W, Kapitein LC, Akhmanova A. Opto-katanin, an optogenetic tool for localized, microtubule disassembly. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4660-4674.e6. [PMID: 36174574 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules are cytoskeletal polymers that separate chromosomes during mitosis and serve as rails for intracellular transport and organelle positioning. Manipulation of microtubules is widely used in cell and developmental biology, but tools for precise subcellular spatiotemporal control of microtubules are currently lacking. Here, we describe a light-activated system for localized recruitment of the microtubule-severing enzyme katanin. This system, named opto-katanin, uses targeted illumination with blue light to induce rapid, localized, and reversible microtubule depolymerization. This tool allows precise clearing of a subcellular region of microtubules while preserving the rest of the microtubule network, demonstrating that regulation of katanin recruitment to microtubules is sufficient to control its severing activity. The tool is not toxic in the absence of blue light and can be used to disassemble both dynamic and stable microtubules in primary neurons as well as in dividing cells. We show that opto-katanin can be used to locally block vesicle transport and to clarify the dependence of organelle morphology and dynamics on microtubules. Specifically, our data indicate that microtubules are not required for the maintenance of the Golgi stacks or the tubules of the endoplasmic reticulum but are needed for the formation of new membrane tubules. Finally, we demonstrate that this tool can be applied to study the contribution of microtubules to cell mechanics by showing that microtubule bundles can exert forces constricting the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce C M Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Ilya Grigoriev
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands
| | - Wilco Nijenhuis
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands; Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CB, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas C Kapitein
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands; Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CB, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.
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22
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Watson EE, Russo F, Moreau D, Winssinger N. Optochemical Control of Therapeutic Agents through Photocatalyzed Isomerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203390. [PMID: 35510306 PMCID: PMC9400970 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
A Ru(bpy)3Cl2 photocatalyst is applied to the rapid trans to cis isomerization of a range of alkene‐containing pharmacological agents, including combretastatin A‐4 (CA‐4), a clinical candidate in oncology, and resveratrol derivatives, switching their configuration from inactive substances to potent cytotoxic agents. Selective in cellulo activation of the CA‐4 analog Res‐3M is demonstrated, along with its potent cytotoxicity and inhibition of microtubule dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Watson
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Francesco Russo
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Moreau
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
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23
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Watson EE, Russo F, Moreau D, Winssinger N. Optochemical Control of Therapeutic Agents through Photocatalyzed Isomerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202203390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Watson
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Francesco Russo
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Moreau
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry NCCR Chemical Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Geneva 1211 Geneva Switzerland
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24
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Kirchner S, Pianowski Z. Photopharmacology of Antimitotic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5657. [PMID: 35628467 PMCID: PMC9145521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimitotic agents such as the clinically approved vinca alkaloids, taxanes and epothilone can arrest cell growth during interphase and are therefore among the most important drugs available for treating cancer. These agents suppress microtubule dynamics and thus interfere with intracellular transport, inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell death. Because these drugs target biological processes that are essential to all cells, they face an additional challenge when compared to most other drug classes. General toxicity can limit the applicable dose and therefore reduce therapeutic benefits. Photopharmacology aims to avoid these side-effects by introducing compounds that can be applied globally to cells in their inactive form, then be selectively induced to bioactivity in targeted cells or tissue during a defined time window. This review discusses photoswitchable analogues of antimitotic agents that have been developed by combining different photoswitchable motifs with microtubule-stabilizing or microtubule-destabilizing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kirchner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany;
| | - Zbigniew Pianowski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany;
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems–FMS, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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25
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Thorn-Seshold O, Meiring JCM. Photocontrolling Microtubule Dynamics with Photoswitchable Chemical Reagents. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2430:403-430. [PMID: 35476347 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1983-4_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule dynamics can be inhibited with sub-second temporal resolution and cellular-scale spatial resolution, by using precise illuminations to optically pattern where and when photoswitchable microtubule-inhibiting chemical reagents exert their latent bioactivity. The recently available reagents (SBTub, PST, STEpo, AzTax, PHTub) now enable researchers to use light to reversibly modulate microtubule-dependent processes in eukaryotes, in 2D and 3D cell culture as well as in vivo, across a variety of model organisms: with applications in fields from cargo transport to cell migration, cell division, and embryonic development.Here we give an introduction to using these photoswitchable microtubule inhibitors in cells. We describe the theory of small molecule photoswitching, and the unique performance features, usage requirements, and limitations that photoswitchable chemical reagents have; then we summarize the major classes of photoswitchable microtubule inhibitors that are currently available, with the properties that suit them to different applications, and troubleshooting measures for avoiding common mistakes. We outline workflows to establish cellular assays where they are used to optically control microtubule dynamics in a temporally reversible fashion with spatial specificity down to a single selected cell within a field of view. The methods in this chapter also equip the reader to tackle advanced uses of photoswitchable chemical reagents, in 3D culture and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Joyce C M Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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26
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Kneuttinger AC. A guide to designing photocontrol in proteins: methods, strategies and applications. Biol Chem 2022; 403:573-613. [PMID: 35355495 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Light is essential for various biochemical processes in all domains of life. In its presence certain proteins inside a cell are excited, which either stimulates or inhibits subsequent cellular processes. The artificial photocontrol of specifically proteins is of growing interest for the investigation of scientific questions on the organismal, cellular and molecular level as well as for the development of medicinal drugs or biocatalytic tools. For the targeted design of photocontrol in proteins, three major methods have been developed over the last decades, which employ either chemical engineering of small-molecule photosensitive effectors (photopharmacology), incorporation of photoactive non-canonical amino acids by genetic code expansion (photoxenoprotein engineering), or fusion with photoreactive biological modules (hybrid protein optogenetics). This review compares the different methods as well as their strategies and current applications for the light-regulation of proteins and provides background information useful for the implementation of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kneuttinger
- Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry and Regensburg Center for Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
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27
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Eli S, Castagna R, Mapelli M, Parisini E. Recent Approaches to the Identification of Novel Microtubule-Targeting Agents. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:841777. [PMID: 35425809 PMCID: PMC9002125 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.841777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are key components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton with essential roles in cell division, intercellular transport, cell morphology, motility, and signal transduction. They are composed of protofilaments of heterodimers of α-tubulin and β-tubulin organized as rigid hollow cylinders that can assemble into large and dynamic intracellular structures. Consistent with their involvement in core cellular processes, affecting microtubule assembly results in cytotoxicity and cell death. For these reasons, microtubules are among the most important targets for the therapeutic treatment of several diseases, including cancer. The vast literature related to microtubule stabilizers and destabilizers has been reviewed extensively in recent years. Here we summarize recent experimental and computational approaches for the identification of novel tubulin modulators and delivery strategies. These include orphan small molecules, PROTACs as well as light-sensitive compounds that can be activated with high spatio-temporal accuracy and that represent promising tools for precision-targeted chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Eli
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossella Castagna
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Iela 21, Riga, Latvia
| | - Marina Mapelli
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marina Mapelli, ; Emilio Parisini,
| | - Emilio Parisini
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Iela 21, Riga, Latvia
- *Correspondence: Marina Mapelli, ; Emilio Parisini,
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28
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Gao L, Meiring JCM, Varady A, Ruider IE, Heise C, Wranik M, Velasco CD, Taylor JA, Terni B, Weinert T, Standfuss J, Cabernard CC, Llobet A, Steinmetz MO, Bausch AR, Distel M, Thorn-Seshold J, Akhmanova A, Thorn-Seshold O. In Vivo Photocontrol of Microtubule Dynamics and Integrity, Migration and Mitosis, by the Potent GFP-Imaging-Compatible Photoswitchable Reagents SBTubA4P and SBTub2M. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5614-5628. [PMID: 35290733 PMCID: PMC8972266 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Photoswitchable reagents are powerful tools for high-precision studies in cell biology. When these reagents are globally administered yet locally photoactivated in two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, they can exert micron- and millisecond-scale biological control. This gives them great potential for use in biologically more relevant three-dimensional (3D) models and in vivo, particularly for studying systems with inherent spatiotemporal complexity, such as the cytoskeleton. However, due to a combination of photoswitch isomerization under typical imaging conditions, metabolic liabilities, and insufficient water solubility at effective concentrations, the in vivo potential of photoswitchable reagents addressing cytosolic protein targets remains largely unrealized. Here, we optimized the potency and solubility of metabolically stable, druglike colchicinoid microtubule inhibitors based on the styrylbenzothiazole (SBT) scaffold that are nonresponsive to typical fluorescent protein imaging wavelengths and so enable multichannel imaging studies. We applied these reagents both to 3D organoids and tissue explants and to classic model organisms (zebrafish, clawed frog) in one- and two-protein imaging experiments, in which spatiotemporally localized illuminations allowed them to photocontrol microtubule dynamics, network architecture, and microtubule-dependent processes in vivo with cellular precision and second-level resolution. These nanomolar, in vivo capable photoswitchable reagents should open up new dimensions for high-precision cytoskeleton research in cargo transport, cell motility, cell division, and development. More broadly, their design can also inspire similarly capable optical reagents for a range of cytosolic protein targets, thus bringing in vivo photopharmacology one step closer to general realization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Joyce C M Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht CH 3584, Netherlands
| | - Adam Varady
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Iris E Ruider
- Physics Department and Center for Protein Assemblies CPA, Technical University of Munich, Garching 85747, Germany
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wranik
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia D Velasco
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Jennifer A Taylor
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Beatrice Terni
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Tobias Weinert
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Standfuss
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Clemens C Cabernard
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Artur Llobet
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Andreas R Bausch
- Physics Department and Center for Protein Assemblies CPA, Technical University of Munich, Garching 85747, Germany
| | - Martin Distel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna 1090, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Julia Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht CH 3584, Netherlands
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich 81377, Germany
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29
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Ariga K. Biomimetic and Biological Nanoarchitectonics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3577. [PMID: 35408937 PMCID: PMC8998553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A post-nanotechnology concept has been assigned to an emerging concept, nanoarchitectonics. Nanoarchitectonics aims to establish a discipline in which functional materials are fabricated from nano-scale components such as atoms, molecules, and nanomaterials using various techniques. Nanoarchitectonics opens ways to form a more unified paradigm by integrating nanotechnology with organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, material chemistry, microfabrication technology, and biotechnology. On the other hand, biological systems consist of rational organization of constituent molecules. Their structures have highly asymmetric and hierarchical features that allow for chained functional coordination, signal amplification, and vector-like energy and signal flow. The process of nanoarchitectonics is based on the premise of combining several different processes, which makes it easier to obtain a hierarchical structure. Therefore, nanoarchitectonics is a more suitable methodology for creating highly functional systems based on structural asymmetry and hierarchy like biosystems. The creation of functional materials by nanoarchitectonics is somewhat similar to the creation of functional systems in biological systems. It can be said that the goal of nanoarchitectonics is to create highly functional systems similar to those found in biological systems. This review article summarizes the synthesis of biomimetic and biological molecules and their functional structure formation from various viewpoints, from the molecular level to the cellular level. Several recent examples are arranged and categorized to illustrate such a trend with sections of (i) synthetic nanoarchitectonics for bio-related units, (ii) self-assembly nanoarchitectonics with bio-related units, (iii) nanoarchitectonics with nucleic acids, (iv) nanoarchitectonics with peptides, (v) nanoarchitectonics with proteins, and (vi) bio-related nanoarchitectonics in conjugation with materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan;
- Department of Advanced Materials Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Chiba 277-8561, Japan
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30
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Gao L, Meiring JCM, Heise C, Rai A, Müller‐Deku A, Akhmanova A, Thorn‐Seshold J, Thorn‐Seshold O. Photoswitchable Epothilone-Based Microtubule Stabilisers Allow GFP-Imaging-Compatible, Optical Control over the Microtubule Cytoskeleton. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202114614. [PMID: 34902214 PMCID: PMC9305116 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Optical methods to modulate microtubule dynamics show promise for reaching the micron- and millisecond-scale resolution needed to decrypt the roles of the cytoskeleton in biology. However, optical microtubule stabilisers are under-developed. We introduce "STEpos" as GFP-orthogonal, light-responsive epothilone-based microtubule stabilisers. They use a novel styrylthiazole photoswitch in a design to modulate hydrogen-bonding and steric effects that control epothilone potency. STEpos photocontrol microtubule dynamics and cell division with micron- and second-scale spatiotemporal precision. They substantially improve potency, solubility, and ease-of-use compared to previous optical microtubule stabilisers, and the structure-photoswitching-activity relationship insights in this work will guide future optimisations. The STEpo reagents can contribute greatly to high-precision research in cytoskeleton biophysics, cargo transport, cell motility, cell division, development, and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 7Munich81377Germany
| | - Joyce C. M. Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and BiophysicsDepartment of BiologyUtrecht UniversityPadualaan 83584 CHUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 7Munich81377Germany
| | - Ankit Rai
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and BiophysicsDepartment of BiologyUtrecht UniversityPadualaan 83584 CHUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Adrian Müller‐Deku
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 7Munich81377Germany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and BiophysicsDepartment of BiologyUtrecht UniversityPadualaan 83584 CHUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Julia Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 7Munich81377Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 7Munich81377Germany
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31
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Impastato AC, Shemet A, Vepřek NA, Saper G, Hess H, Rao L, Gennerich A, Trauner D. Optical Control of Mitosis with a Photoswitchable Eg5 Inhibitor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202115846. [PMID: 34958711 PMCID: PMC9533678 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Eg5 is a kinesin motor protein that is responsible for bipolar spindle formation and plays a crucial role during mitosis. Loss of Eg5 function leads to the formation of monopolar spindles, followed by mitotic arrest, and subsequent cell death. Several cell-permeable small molecules have been reported to inhibit Eg5 and some have been evaluated as anticancer agents. We now describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of photoswitchable variants with five different pharmacophores. Our lead compound Azo-EMD is a cell permeable azobenzene that inhibits Eg5 more potently in its light-induced cis form. This activity decreased the velocity of Eg5 in single-molecule assays, promoted formation of monopolar spindles, and led to mitotic arrest in a light dependent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Impastato
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Andrej Shemet
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Nynke A Vepřek
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Gadiel Saper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, 10025, USA
| | - Henry Hess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, 10025, USA
| | - Lu Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, 10461, USA
| | - Arne Gennerich
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, 10461, USA
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, 10003, USA
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32
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Gao L, Meiring JCM, Heise C, Rai A, Müller‐Deku A, Akhmanova A, Thorn‐Seshold J, Thorn‐Seshold O. Photoswitchable Epothilone‐Based Microtubule Stabilisers Allow GFP‐Imaging‐Compatible, Optical Control over the Microtubule Cytoskeleton**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Joyce C. M. Meiring
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics Department of Biology Utrecht University Padualaan 8 3584 CH Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Ankit Rai
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics Department of Biology Utrecht University Padualaan 8 3584 CH Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Adrian Müller‐Deku
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics Department of Biology Utrecht University Padualaan 8 3584 CH Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Julia Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 Munich 81377 Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 Munich 81377 Germany
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33
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Impastato AC, Shemet A, Vepřek NA, Saper G, Hess H, Rao L, Gennerich A, Trauner D. Optical Control of Mitosis with a Photoswitchable Eg5 Inhibitor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202115846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrej Shemet
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York 10003 USA
| | - Nynke A. Vepřek
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York 10003 USA
- Department of Chemistry Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Gadiel Saper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University New York 10025 USA
| | - Henry Hess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Columbia University New York 10025 USA
| | - Lu Rao
- Department of Biochemistry Albert Einstein College of Medicine New York 10461 USA
| | - Arne Gennerich
- Department of Biochemistry Albert Einstein College of Medicine New York 10461 USA
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York 10003 USA
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Volarić J, Szymanski W, Simeth NA, Feringa BL. Molecular photoswitches in aqueous environments. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12377-12449. [PMID: 34590636 PMCID: PMC8591629 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00547a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Volarić
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Sailer A, Meiring JCM, Heise C, Pettersson LN, Akhmanova A, Thorn‐Seshold J, Thorn‐Seshold O. Pyrrole Hemithioindigo Antimitotics with Near-Quantitative Bidirectional Photoswitching that Photocontrol Cellular Microtubule Dynamics with Single-Cell Precision*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:23695-23704. [PMID: 34460143 PMCID: PMC8596636 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We report the first cellular application of the emerging near-quantitative photoswitch pyrrole hemithioindigo, by rationally designing photopharmaceutical PHTub inhibitors of the cytoskeletal protein tubulin. PHTubs allow simultaneous visible-light imaging and photoswitching in live cells, delivering cell-precise photomodulation of microtubule dynamics, and photocontrol over cell cycle progression and cell death. This is the first acute use of a hemithioindigo photopharmaceutical for high-spatiotemporal-resolution biological control in live cells. It additionally demonstrates the utility of near-quantitative photoswitches, by enabling a dark-active design to overcome residual background activity during cellular photopatterning. This work opens up new horizons for high-precision microtubule research using PHTubs and shows the cellular applicability of pyrrole hemithioindigo as a valuable scaffold for photocontrol of a range of other biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sailer
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 781377MunichGermany
| | - Joyce C. M. Meiring
- Department of BiologyUtrecht UniversityPadualaan 83584UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 781377MunichGermany
| | - Linda N. Pettersson
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 781377MunichGermany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Department of BiologyUtrecht UniversityPadualaan 83584UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Julia Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 781377MunichGermany
| | - Oliver Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of PharmacyLudwig-Maximilians University of MunichButenandtstrasse 781377MunichGermany
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36
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Sailer A, Meiring JCM, Heise C, Pettersson LN, Akhmanova A, Thorn‐Seshold J, Thorn‐Seshold O. Pyrrole Hemithioindigo Antimitotics with Near‐Quantitative Bidirectional Photoswitching that Photocontrol Cellular Microtubule Dynamics with Single‐Cell Precision**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sailer
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Joyce C. M. Meiring
- Department of Biology Utrecht University Padualaan 8 3584 Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Linda N. Pettersson
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Department of Biology Utrecht University Padualaan 8 3584 Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Julia Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn‐Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich Butenandtstrasse 7 81377 Munich Germany
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Inaba H, Matsuura K. Modulation of Microtubule Properties and Functions by Encapsulation of Nanomaterials Using a Tau-Derived Peptide. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Inaba
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
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Targeted Cancer Therapy Using Compounds Activated by Light. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133237. [PMID: 34209493 PMCID: PMC8269035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy is affected by a modest selectivity and toxic side effects of pharmacological interventions. Among novel approaches to overcome this limitation and to bring to therapy more potent and selective agents is the use of light for selective activation of anticancer compounds. In this review, we focus on the anticancer applications of two light-activated approaches still in the experimental phase: photoremovable protecting groups ("photocages") and photoswitches. We describe the structural considerations behind the development of novel compounds and the plethora of assays used to confirm whether the photochemical and pharmacological properties are meeting the stringent criteria for an efficient in vivo light-dependent activation. Despite its immense potential, light activation brings many challenges, and the complexity of the task is very demanding. Currently, we are still deeply in the phase of pharmacological tools, but the vivid research and rapid development bring the light of hope for potential clinical use.
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