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Mao L, Qin Y, Fan J, Yang W, Li B, Cao L, Yuan L, Wang M, Liu B, Wang W. Rapid discovery of a novel "green" and natural GST inhibitor for sensitizing hepatocellular carcinoma to Cisplatin by visual screening strategy. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100923. [PMID: 38799232 PMCID: PMC11127223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Over-expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) can promote Cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Hence, inhibiting GST is an attractive strategy to improve Cisplatin sensitivity in HCC therapy. Although several synthesized GST inhibitors have been developed, the side effects and narrow spectrum for anticancer seriously limit their clinical application. Considering the abundance of natural compounds with anticancer activity, this study developed a rapid fluorescence technique to screen "green" natural GST inhibitors with high specificity. The fluorescence assay demonstrated that schisanlactone B (hereafter abbreviated as C1) isolated from Xue tong significantly down-regulated GST levels in Cisplatin-resistant HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, C1 can selectively kill HCC cells from normal liver cells, effectively improving the therapeutic effect of Cisplatin on HCC mice by down-regulating GST expression. Considering the high GST levels in HCC patients, this compound demonstrated the high potential for sensitizing HCC therapy in clinical practice by down-regulating GST levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Mao
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yan Qin
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Jialong Fan
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Foreign Languages, Hunan Women's University, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Bin Li
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Liang Cao
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Liqin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Mengyun Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
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2
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Zhu H, Yan C, Yao P, Li P, Li Y, Yang H. Ginsenoside Rg1 protects cardiac mitochondrial function via targeting GSTP1 to block S-glutathionylation of optic atrophy 1. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 204:54-67. [PMID: 37105420 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a fundamental challenge in myocardial injury. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is a bioactive compound with pharmacological potential for cardiac protection. Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) acts as a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that contributes to the structural integrity and function of mitochondria. This study investigated the protective role of Rg1 in septic cardiac injury from the perspective of OPA1 stability. Rg1 protected cardiac contractive function against endotoxin injury in mice by maintaining mitochondrial cristae structure. In cardiomyocytes, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) evoked mitochondrial fragmentation and destruction of mitochondrial biogenesis, which were prevented by Rg1, possibly due to the preservation of the integrity of cristae structure. In support, the beneficial effects of Rg1 on cardioprotection and mitochondrial biogenesis were diminished by OPA1 deficiency subjected to the LPS challenge. Mechanistically, LPS stimulation triggered intracellular glutathione destabilization that promoted S-glutathionylation of OPA1 at Cys551, leading to the dissociation of OPA1-Mitofilin. Rg1 interacted with GSTP1 to inhibit its S-glutathionylation of OPA1, thereby promoting OPA1-Mitofilin interaction and protecting mitochondrial cristae structure. These findings suggest that GSTP1/OPA1 axis may be a beneficial strategy for the treatment of myocardial injury, and expand the clinical application of Rg1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Changyang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Peng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Sha H, Zou R, Lu Y, Gan Y, Ma R, Feng J, Chen D. NBDHEX re-sensitizes adriamycin-resistant breast cancer by inhibiting glutathione S-transferase pi. Cancer Med 2023; 12:5833-5845. [PMID: 36266920 PMCID: PMC10028113 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5370] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adriamycin is a novel chemotherapeutic agent of great benefit for treating breast cancer. However, adriamycin -resistance remains a major obstacle. The vital Glutathione transferase P1 (GSTPi) inhibitor 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX) has recently shown antitumor activity in various cancers. In this study, we analyzed the effect of NBDHEX and adriamycin combination against breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. METHODS CCK-8 assay was performed to test cell viability. The location and expression level of GSTpi was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot in cells and immunohistochemistry staining in tissues. The enzyme activity test was applied to detect the effect of NBDHEX on the activity of GSTpi. The apoptosis related proteins' expression was tested using Western blot. The phosphorylation sites of GSTpi were detected by mass spectrometry. Antitumor effects of single treatment or co-administration of adriamycin and NBDHEX were evaluated in nude mice. RESULTS NBDHEX treatment inhibited GSTpi enzyme activity and co-administration of adriamycin and NBDHEX promoted apoptosis of adriamycin-resistance breast cancer cell. Moreover, drug combination of NBDHEX and adriamycin significantly enhanced tumor growth inhibition compared with single agent. CONCLUSION NBDHEX serves as a good candidate for combination with adriamycin, offering new insights for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Sha
- Department of ChemotherapyJiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Renrui Zou
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Ya Lu
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yujie Gan
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Rong Ma
- Research Center of Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Dan Chen
- Research Center of Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
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Jin T, Cheng D, Jiang G, Xing W, Liu P, Wang B, Zhu W, Sun H, Sun Z, Xu Y, Qian X. Engineering naphthalimide-cyanine integrated near-infrared dye into ROS-responsive nanohybrids for tumor PDT/PTT/chemotherapy. Bioact Mater 2021; 14:42-51. [PMID: 35310343 PMCID: PMC8892148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal therapies (PTT) are emerging treatments for tumour ablation. Organic dyes such as porphyrin, chlorin, phthalocyanine, boron-dipyrromethene and cyanine are the clinically or preclinically used photosensitizer or photothermal agents. Development of structurally diverse near-infrared dyes with long absorption wavelength is of great significance for PDT and PTT. Herein, we report a novel near-infrared dye ML880 with naphthalimide modified cyanine skeleton. The introduction of naphthalimide moiety results in stronger electron delocalization and larger redshift in emission compared with IR820. Furthermore, ML880 is co-loaded with chemotherapeutic drug into ROS-responsive mesoporous organosilica (RMON) to construct nanomedicine NBD&ML@RMON, which exhibits remarkable tumor inhibition effects through PDT/PTT/chemotherapy in vivo. The structure of the near-infrared dye ML880 was first reported. ML880 showed potential to be an excellent phototherapy agent activated by NIR laser. ML880 and chemodrug were co-loaded into ROS-degradable mesoporous organosilica to prepare NBD&ML@RMON. NBD&ML@RMON showed ROS- and NIR-responsible drug release behaviors. The remarkably tumor inhibition was achieved by the combined PDT/PTT/chemotherapy under 880 nm laser.
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Glutathione S-Transferases in Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050701. [PMID: 33946704 PMCID: PMC8146591 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the glutathione S-transferases (GST) protein family is composed of seven members that present remarkable structural similarity and some degree of overlapping functionalities. GST proteins are crucial antioxidant enzymes that regulate stress-induced signaling pathways. Interestingly, overactive GST proteins are a frequent feature of many human cancers. Recent evidence has revealed that the biology of most GST proteins is complex and multifaceted and that these proteins actively participate in tumorigenic processes such as cell survival, cell proliferation, and drug resistance. Structural and pharmacological studies have identified various GST inhibitors, and these molecules have progressed to clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. In this review, we discuss recent findings in GST protein biology and their roles in cancer development, their contribution in chemoresistance, and the development of GST inhibitors for cancer treatment.
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Liu Q, Liu Z, Hua W, Gou S. Discovery of 6-(7-Nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol Derivatives as Glutathione Transferase Inhibitors with Favorable Selectivity and Tolerated Toxicity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1701-1712. [PMID: 33529017 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione transferase (GST P1-1) is a potential target for anticancer drugs. In this work, a series of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX) derivatives as GST P1-1 inhibitors were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activity. Among the target compounds, 4n showed more selective inhibition toward GST P1-1 and GST M2-2, better water solubility, and more potent anticancer activities toward all the tested cancer cells (except for HOS) than its parent molecule. Detailed biological studies on the effect of 4n toward 143b cells revealed that 4n could arrest the cell cycle at the G2 phase and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Like NBDHEX, 4n displayed good pharmacokinetic characteristics. An in vivo study on 143b xenograft models demonstrated that 4n could significantly reduce tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, showing stronger antitumor activity than NBDHEX. Thus, 4n deserves to be further investigated as a potential antitumor agent for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Liu
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Wuyang Hua
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Shaohua Gou
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.,Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
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Di Paolo V, Fulci C, Rotili D, De Luca A, Tomassi S, Serra M, Scimeca M, Geroni C, Quintieri L, Caccuri AM. Characterization of water-soluble esters of nitrobenzoxadiazole-based GSTP1-1 inhibitors for cancer treatment. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114060. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sciarretta F, Fulci C, Palumbo C, Rotili D, Tentori L, Graziani G, Caccuri AM. Effects of Glutathione Transferase-Targeting Nitrobenzoxadiazole Compounds in Relation to PD-L1 Status in Human Melanoma Cells. Chemotherapy 2019; 64:138-145. [PMID: 31639786 DOI: 10.1159/000503339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1 is a membrane protein with inhibitory effects on immune responses, whose expression has been correlated with high aggressiveness and the propensity of melanoma to metastasize. The nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) NBDHEX and its analog MC3181 are endowed with strong antitumor activity towards melanoma and a significant ability to reduce its adhesion and invasiveness. Therefore, we investigated whether PD-L1 status could affect cell sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of NBDs. We then evaluated the effects of NBDHEX on PD-L1 expression and autophagy in melanoma cells. We used the BRAF-mutated A375 melanoma cell line and an A375 variant population enriched for PD-L1+ cells as a model. The cytotoxic effects of NBDs were evaluated in comparison to those of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. METHODS The effect of NBDHEX on autophagy was determined by measuring LC3-II and p62 protein levels by Western blot. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay. PD-L1 expression and plasma membrane localization were analyzed by FACS and Western blot analysis. RESULTS NBDHEX behaves as a late-autophagy inhibitor in A375 melanoma cells, as previously found in other tumor cell lines. NBDHEX and MC3181 showed strong and comparable cytotoxic activity in both parental and PD-L1+ A375 cells, with IC50 values in the sub-micromolar range. Conversely, cells sorted for high PD-L1 expression had lower sensitivity to both the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. NBDHEX treatment did not change the total expression and cell surface localization of PD-L1 in both parental and PD-L1+ A375 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that NBDs may represent a promising treatment strategy for melanoma with elevated PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sciarretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fulci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, University of "Sapienza,", Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, .,The NAST Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Innovative Instrumentation, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,
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10
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Bašica B, Mihaljević I, Maraković N, Kovačević R, Smital T. Molecular characterization of zebrafish Gstr1, the only member of teleost-specific glutathione S- transferase class. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 208:196-207. [PMID: 30682622 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional phase II detoxification enzymes with primary function of glutathione conjugation of various endogenous and exogenous compounds. Teleost-specific Gstr1 in zebrafish (Danio rerio) was previously shown to have high expression in toxicologically relevant tissues and high activity towards model substrates. The aim of this study was a detailed functional characterization of zebrafish Gstr1. Molecular docking analyses were used to get novel insight into structural characteristics of Gstr1 and elucidation of the mechanistic interactions with both GSH and various Gstr1 substrates or inhibitors. An initial screening inhibition assay performed using model fluorescence substrate monochlorobimane (MCB) revealed interactions of different endogenous compounds and environmentally relevant xenobiotics with zebrafish Gstr1. All interacting compounds were further analyzed to determine their inhibition type and Ki values. Our data revealed that pregnenolone, progesterone, testosterone, DHEAS and corticosterone competitively inhibited transformation of MCB by Gstr1 with the calculated Ki values in the range 14-26 μM, implying that these hormones are physiological substrates of zebrafish Gstr1. Estrogens had no effect on Gstr1 activity. Taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC) expressed lower inhibition potency toward Gstr1 with the Ki value of 33 μM. Among tested xenobiotics tributyltin chloride and rifampicin non-enzymatically bound Gstr1 enzyme (the calculated Ki values are 0.26 μM and 65 μM, respectively) and inhibited its activity, showing that these compounds are reversible noncompetitive inhibitors of zebrafish Gstr1. Insecticide diazinon competitively inhibited Gstr1 activity with calculated Ki value of 27 μM, while other Gstr1-interacting insecticides, chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPF-methyl) and malathion, showed allosteric activation-like effect. Among tested pharmaceuticals, tetracycline, erythromycin and methotrexate demonstrated competitive type of inhibition with the calculated Ki values of 17.5, 36.5 and 29 μM, respectively. In summary, we suggest that zebrafish Gstr1 has an important role in steroidogenesis, metabolism and/or physiological actions of androgens, but not estrogens in fish. Finally, our results imply the role of Gstr1 in metabolism of xenobiotics and protection of fish against deleterious environmental contaminants such as organophosphate insecticides and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branka Bašica
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 2, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivan Mihaljević
- Laboratory for Molecular Ecotoxicology, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikola Maraković
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Radmila Kovačević
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 2, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tvrtko Smital
- Laboratory for Molecular Ecotoxicology, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Glutathione Transferases: Potential Targets to Overcome Chemoresistance in Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123785. [PMID: 30487385 PMCID: PMC6321424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multifunctional enzymes glutathione transferases (GSTs) are involved in the development of chemoresistance, thus representing a promising target for a novel approach in cancer treatment. This superfamily of polymorphic enzymes exhibits extraordinary substrate promiscuity responsible for detoxification of numerous conventional chemotherapeutics, at the same time regulating signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition to upregulated GST expression, different cancer cell types have a unique GST signature, enabling targeted selectivity for isoenzyme specific inhibitors and pro-drugs. As a result of extensive research, certain GST inhibitors are already tested in clinical trials. Catalytic properties of GST isoenzymes are also exploited in bio-activation of specific pro-drugs, enabling their targeted accumulation in cancer cells with upregulated expression of the appropriate GST isoenzyme. Moreover, the latest approach to increase specificity in treatment of solid tumors is development of GST pro-drugs that are derivatives of conventional anti-cancer drugs. A future perspective is based on the design of new drugs, which would selectively target GST overexpressing cancers more prone to developing chemoresistance, while decreasing side effects in off-target cells.
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Cui Q, Wang JQ, Assaraf YG, Ren L, Gupta P, Wei L, Ashby CR, Yang DH, Chen ZS. Modulating ROS to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2018; 41:1-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Dong SC, Sha HH, Xu XY, Hu TM, Lou R, Li H, Wu JZ, Dan C, Feng J. Glutathione S-transferase π: a potential role in antitumor therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2018; 12:3535-3547. [PMID: 30425455 PMCID: PMC6204874 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s169833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferase π (GSTπ) is a Phase II metabolic enzyme that is an important facilitator of cellular detoxification. Traditional dogma asserts that GSTπ functions to catalyze glutathione (GSH)-substrate conjunction to preserve the macromolecule upon exposure to oxidative stress, thus defending cells against various toxic compounds. Over the past 20 years, abnormal GSTπ expression has been linked to the occurrence of tumor resistance to chemotherapy drugs, demonstrating that this enzyme possesses functions beyond metabolism. This revelation reveals exciting possibilities in the realm of drug discovery, as GSTπ inhibitors and its prodrugs offer a feasible strategy in designing anticancer drugs with the primary purpose of reversing tumor resistance. In connection with the authors' current research, we provide a review on the biological function of GSTπ and current developments in GSTπ-targeting drugs, as well as the prospects of future strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chen Dong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Huan-Huan Sha
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Xiao-Yue Xu
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Tian-Mu Hu
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Rui Lou
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Huizi Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Jian-Zhong Wu
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Chen Dan
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210009, China, ;
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6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol: a promising new anticancer compound. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20171440. [PMID: 29358310 PMCID: PMC5809612 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 7-nitro-2,1,3-nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) derivatives are a series of compounds containing the NBD scaffold that are not glutathione (GSH) peptidomimetics, and result in a strong inhibition of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Growing evidences highlight their pivotal roles and outstanding anticancer activity in different tumor models. In particular, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX) is extensively studied, which is a very efficient inhibitor of GSTP1-1. It triggers apoptosis in several tumor cell lines and this cytotoxic activity is observed at micro and submicromolar concentrations. Importantly, studies have shown that NBDHEX acts as an anticancer drug by inhibiting GSTs catalytic activity, avoiding inconvenience of the inhibitor extrusion from the cell by specific pumps and disrupting the interaction between the GSTP1-1 and key signaling effectors. Additionally, some researchers also have discovered that NBDHEX can act as late-phase autophagy inhibitor, which opens new opportunities to fully exploit its therapeutic potential. In this review, we summarize the advantages, anticancer mechanisms, and analogs of this compound, which will establish the basis on the usage of NBDHEX in clinical applications in future.
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Allocati N, Masulli M, Di Ilio C, Federici L. Glutathione transferases: substrates, inihibitors and pro-drugs in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:8. [PMID: 29362397 PMCID: PMC5833873 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-017-0025-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione transferase classical GSH conjugation activity plays a critical role in cellular detoxification against xenobiotics and noxious compounds as well as against oxidative stress. However, this feature is also exploited by cancer cells to acquire drug resistance and improve their survival. As a result, various members of the family were found overexpressed in a number of different cancers. Moreover several GST polymorphisms, ranging from null phenotypes to point mutations, were detected in members of the family and found to correlate with the onset of neuro-degenerative diseases. In the last decades, a great deal of research aimed at clarifying the role played by GSTs in drug resistance, at developing inhibitors to counteract this activity but also at exploiting GSTs for prodrugs specific activation in cancer cells. Here we summarize some of the most important achievements reached in this lively area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerino Allocati
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy.
| | - Michele Masulli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmine Di Ilio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Luca Federici
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy.,CESI-MET, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
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16
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Fulci C, Rotili D, De Luca A, Stella L, Morozzo Della Rocca B, Forgione M, Di Paolo V, Mai A, Falconi M, Quintieri L, Caccuri AM. A new nitrobenzoxadiazole-based GSTP1-1 inhibitor with a previously unheard of mechanism of action and high stability. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 32:240-247. [PMID: 28097896 PMCID: PMC6009906 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2016.1247059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The nitrobezoxadiazole derivative NBDHEX is a potent inhibitor of glutathione transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1) endowed with outstanding anticancer activity in different tumor models. OBJECTIVE To characterize by in vitro biochemical and in silico studies the NBDHEX analogues named MC2752 and MC2753. MATERIALS AND METHODS Synthesis of MC2752 and MC2753, biochemical assays and in silico docking and normal-mode analyses. RESULTS The presence of a hydrophobic moiety in the side chain of MC2753 confers unique features to this molecule. Unlike its parent drug NBDHEX, MC2753 does not require GSH to trigger the dissociation of the complex between GSTP1-1 and TRAF2, and displays high stability towards the nucleophilic attack of the tripeptide under physiological conditions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION MC2753 may represent a lead compound for the development of novel GSTP1-1 inhibitors not affected in their anticancer action by fluctuations of cellular GSH levels, and characterized by an increased half-life in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Fulci
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- b Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies , University of Rome "Sapienza" , Rome , Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | | | | | - Mariantonietta Forgione
- b Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies , University of Rome "Sapienza" , Rome , Italy
| | - Veronica Di Paolo
- e Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- b Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies , University of Rome "Sapienza" , Rome , Italy.,f Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, University of Rome "La Sapienza" , Rome , Italy
| | - Mattia Falconi
- d Department of Biology , University of Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Luigi Quintieri
- e Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Anna M Caccuri
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy.,g The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
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17
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De Luca A, Rotili D, Carpanese D, Lenoci A, Calderan L, Scimeca M, Mai A, Bonanno E, Rosato A, Geroni C, Quintieri L, Caccuri AM. A novel orally active water-soluble inhibitor of human glutathione transferase exerts a potent and selective antitumor activity against human melanoma xenografts. Oncotarget 2016; 6:4126-43. [PMID: 25595904 PMCID: PMC4414177 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed and synthesized two novel nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) analogues of the anticancer agent 6-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)hexan-1-ol (NBDHEX). The new compounds, namely MC3165 and MC3181, bear one and two oxygen atoms within the hydroxy-containing alkyl chain at the C4 position of the NBD scaffold, respectively. This insertion did not alter the chemical reactivity with reduced glutathione, while it conferred a remarkable increase in water solubility. MC3181 was more selective than NBDHEX towards the target protein, glutathione transferase P1-1, and highly effective in vitro against a panel of human melanoma cell lines, with IC50 in the submicromolar-low micromolar range. Interestingly, the cellular response to MC3181 was cell-type-specific; the compound triggered a JNK-dependent apoptosis in the BRAF-V600E-mutated A375 cells, while it induced morphological changes together with an increase in melanogenesis in BRAF wild-type SK23-MEL cells. MC3181 exhibited a remarkable therapeutic activity against BRAF-V600E-mutant xenografts, both after intravenous and oral administration. Outstandingly, no treatment-related signs of toxicity were observed both in healthy and tumor-bearing mice after single and repeated administrations. Taken together, these results indicate that MC3181 may represent a potential novel therapeutic opportunity for BRAF-mutated human melanoma, while being safe and water-soluble and thus overcoming all the critical aspects of NBDHEX in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia De Luca
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Carpanese
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessia Lenoci
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Calderan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.,Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Quintieri
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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18
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Palumbo C, De Luca A, Rosato N, Forgione M, Rotili D, Caccuri AM. c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation by nitrobenzoxadiazoles leads to late-stage autophagy inhibition. J Transl Med 2016; 14:37. [PMID: 26847645 PMCID: PMC4743117 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrobenzoxadiazole derivatives (NBDs), including NBDHEX and the recently developed MC3181, are promising anticancer agents able to target glutathione transferase and inhibit both its catalytic activity and ability to sequester TNF-receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). NBDs have been shown to impair the growth and survival of a broad-spectrum of tumor types, in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we evaluated the effects of the new compound MC3181 on U-2OS osteosarcoma cells and investigated the impact of both NBDHEX and MC3181 on autophagy. METHODS Cell viability was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay. The dissociation of the TRAF2-GSTP1-1 complex was detected by proximity ligation assay, while the phospho-activation of JNK was assessed by western blotting. The effects of NBDs on autophagy were evaluated by GFP-LC3 puncta formation, western blotting for LC3-II and p62, and LC3 turnover assay in the presence of bafilomycin A1. The role of JNK in the reduction of autophagic flux caused by NBDs was investigated using JNK1 shRNA-transfected cells. Fluorogenic caspase activity assay and flow cytometric analysis of DNA content were used to determine the cytotoxic effects of NBDs on JNK1-silenced cells. RESULTS Similar to NBDHEX, MC3181 reduced viability and activated TRAF2/JNK signaling in U-2OS cells. Moreover, NBDs induced the accumulation of autophagic vesicles and LC3-II while reducing both basal and nutritional stress-induced autophagic flux. Furthermore, increased levels of both LC3-II and the autophagy selective substrate p62 were observed in different tumor cell lines treated with NBDs, the concurrent increase of these markers being consistent with an impairment of autophagosome clearance. Autophagy inhibition by NBDs required JNK activity: NBDs caused autophagy inhibition and caspase-3 activation in JNK-positive U-2OS, but no autophagic flux inhibition or caspase-3 activation in JNK-silenced cells. CONCLUSIONS Our demonstration that NBDs can act as late-phase autophagy inhibitors opens new opportunities to fully exploit their therapeutic potential. This may not rely solely on their effectiveness in inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, but also on their ability to weaken the capacity of tumor cells to endure stress conditions via autophagy. In addition, this study provides evidence that JNK can participate in impairing autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Rosato
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,The NAST Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Innovative Instrumentation, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mariantonietta Forgione
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,The NAST Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Innovative Instrumentation, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Lalle M, Camerini S, Cecchetti S, Finelli R, Sferra G, Müller J, Ricci G, Pozio E. The FAD-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of Giardia duodenalis: an unconventional enzyme that interacts with the g14-3-3 and it is a target of the antitumoral compound NBDHEX. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:544. [PMID: 26082764 PMCID: PMC4450592 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The flagellated protozoan Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide parasite causing giardiasis, an acute and chronic diarrheal disease. Metabolism in G. duodenalis has a limited complexity thus making metabolic enzymes ideal targets for drug development. However, only few metabolic pathways (i.e., carbohydrates) have been described so far. Recently, the parasite homolog of the mitochondrial-like glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gG3PD) has been identified among the interactors of the g14-3-3 protein. G3PD is involved in glycolysis, electron transport, glycerophospholipids metabolism, and hyperosmotic stress response, and is emerging as promising target in tumor treatment. In this work, we demonstrate that gG3PD is a functional flavoenzyme able to convert glycerol-3-phosphate into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and that its activity and the intracellular glycerol level increase during encystation. Taking advantage of co-immunoprecipitation assays and deletion mutants, we provide evidence that gG3PD and g14-3-3 interact at the trophozoite stage, the intracellular localization of gG3PD is stage dependent and it partially co-localizes with mitosomes during cyst development. Finally, we demonstrate that the gG3PD activity is affected by the antitumoral compound 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol, that results more effective in vitro at killing G. duodenalis trophozoites than the reference drug metronidazole. Overall, our results highlight the involvement of gG3PD in processes crucial for the parasite survival thus proposing this enzyme as target for novel antigiardial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lalle
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Camerini
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Cecchetti
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Finelli
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sferra
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Ricci
- Department of Sciences and Chemical Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
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20
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Graziani G, Artuso S, De Luca A, Muzi A, Rotili D, Scimeca M, Atzori MG, Ceci C, Mai A, Leonetti C, Levati L, Bonanno E, Tentori L, Caccuri AM. A new water soluble MAPK activator exerts antitumor activity in melanoma cells resistant to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 95:16-27. [PMID: 25795251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Recovery of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or activation of alternative pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, are involved in acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors which represent the first-line treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. We recently demonstrated that 6-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)hexan-1-ol (NBDHEX) and its water soluble analog 2-(2-(2-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol (MC3181) trigger apoptosis in BRAF V600E mutated melanoma cells through activation of the MAPK c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Herein, we investigated whether NBDHEX and MC3181 might exert antitumor activity against BRAF V600E mutated human melanoma cells rendered resistant to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. To this aim we generated a subline of A375 melanoma resistant in vitro and in vivo to vemurafenib (A375-VR8) and characterized by NRAS G13R mutation, high basal levels of CRAF protein and phospho-activation of AKT. In these cells ERK phosphorylation was not significantly down-modulated by vemurafenib concentrations capable of abrogating ERK phosphorylation in sensitive A375 cells. Both NBDHEX and MC3181 induced marked antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in A375-VR8 cells and, at equitoxic concentrations, caused a strong phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and of the downstream mediators of apoptosis ATF2 and p53. Drug treatment further increased ERK phosphorylation, which was required for the cellular response to the NBD derivatives, as apoptosis was antagonized by the ERK inhibitor FR180204. Finally, in vivo administration of MC3181 provoked JNK activation at the tumor site and markedly reduced A375-VR8 growth. These evidences strongly suggest that the activation of multiple pro-apoptotic MAPK pathways by MC3181 might represent a new strategy for the treatment of melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Artuso
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Muzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lauretta Levati
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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21
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Glutathione depletion sensitizes cisplatin- and temozolomide-resistant glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1505. [PMID: 25356874 PMCID: PMC4649538 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Malignant glioma is a severe type of brain tumor with a poor prognosis and few options for therapy. The main chemotherapy protocol for this type of tumor is based on temozolomide (TMZ), albeit with limited success. Cisplatin is widely used to treat several types of tumor and, in association with TMZ, is also used to treat recurrent glioma. However, several mechanisms of cellular resistance to cisplatin restrict therapy efficiency. In that sense, enhanced DNA repair, high glutathione levels and functional p53 have a critical role on cisplatin resistance. In this work, we explored several mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in human glioma. We showed that cellular survival was independent of the p53 status of those cells. In addition, in a host-cell reactivation assay using cisplatin-treated plasmid, we did not detect any difference in DNA repair capacity. We demonstrated that cisplatin-treated U138MG cells suffered fewer DNA double-strand breaks and DNA platination. Interestingly, the resistant cells carried higher levels of intracellular glutathione. Thus, preincubation with the glutathione inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) induced massive cell death, whereas N-acetyl cysteine, a precursor of glutathione synthesis, improved the resistance to cisplatin treatment. In addition, BSO sensitized glioma cells to TMZ alone or in combination with cisplatin. Furthermore, using an in vivo model the combination of BSO, cisplatin and TMZ activated the caspase 3–7 apoptotic pathway. Remarkably, the combined treatment did not lead to severe side effects, while causing a huge impact on tumor progression. In fact, we noted a remarkable threefold increase in survival rate compared with other treatment regimens. Thus, the intracellular glutathione concentration is a potential molecular marker for cisplatin resistance in glioma, and the use of glutathione inhibitors, such as BSO, in association with cisplatin and TMZ seems a promising approach for the therapy of such devastating tumors.
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22
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de Oliveira DM, de Farias MT, Teles ALB, Dos Santos Junior MC, de Cerqueira MD, Lima RMF, El-Bachá RS. 8-Methoxypsoralen is a competitive inhibitor of glutathione S-transferase P1-1. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:308. [PMID: 25324722 PMCID: PMC4179718 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is known to protect healthy brain cells from potentially dangerous chemical agents, but there are many evidences supporting the idea that this protective action is extended to tumor cells. Since the process of angiogenesis in brain tumors leads to BBB breakdown, biochemical characteristics of the BBB seem to be more relevant than physical barriers to protect tumor cells from chemotherapy. In fact, a number of resistance related factors were already demonstrated to be component of both BBB and tumor cells. The enzyme glutathione S-transferases (GST) detoxify electrophilic xenobiotics and endogenous secondary metabolites formed during oxidative stress. A role has been attributed to GST in the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. This study characterized 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) as a human GST P1-1 (hGST P1-1) inhibitor. To identify and characterize the potential inhibitory activity of 8-MOP, we studied the enzyme kinetics of the conjugation of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) with GSH catalyzed by hGST P1-1. We report here that 8-MOP competitively inhibited hGST P1-1 relative to CDNB, but there was an uncompetitive inhibition relative to GSH. Chromatographic analyses suggest that 8-MOP is not a substrate. Molecular docking simulations suggest that 8-MOP binds to the active site, but its position prevents the GSH conjugation. Thus, we conclude that 8-MOP is a promising prototype for new GST inhibitors pharmacologically useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and the resistance of cancer to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Martins Dias de Cerqueira
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Bahia Salvador, Brazil
| | - Rute Maria Ferreira Lima
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ramon Santos El-Bachá
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia Salvador, Brazil
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23
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Koekemoer TC, van de Venter M, Kraus JL. JLK1486, a N,N-[(8-hydroxyquinoline)methyl]-substituted benzylamine analogue, inhibits melanoma proliferation and induces autophagy. Cell Prolif 2014; 47:416-26. [PMID: 25139616 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate anti-proliferatory activity of a selected N,N-[(8-hydroxyquinoline)methyl]-substituted benzylamine (JLK1486) on melanoma cells and to characterize its mechanism of cell population growth inhibition. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro cultures of B16F10 (mouse melanoma) cells were used as a model to characterize anti-proliferatory activity of JLK1486 using MTT growth assay, trypan blue viability assessment, cell cycle analysis, melanin production, β-galactosidase and acridine orange staining. RESULTS Proliferating B16F10 and also MeWo (human melanoma) cells were strongly growth inhibited by JLK1486, displaying IC50 values of 196 nm and 110 nm respectively. Anti-proliferatory effects were independent of cell death and were characterized by a distinct accumulation of cells in G0 /G1 phase. Tyrosinase activity and relative melanin content remained unchanged indicating that the anti-proliferatory activity was not due to phenotype differentiation. Although treated B16F10 cells stained strongly positive for senescence marker β-galactosidase, cells regained near normal proliferatory activity after removal of JLK1486. Increased acridine orange staining and presence of perinuclear vacuoles suggested induction of autophagy in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, JLK1486 pre-treatment completely abolished melphalan and antimycin A-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION JLK1486 provides a promising chemical scaffold to develop new anti-melanoma drugs or combination therapies, due to its potent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of autophagy, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Koekemoer
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
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24
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Challenging resistance mechanisms to therapies for metastatic melanoma. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2013; 34:656-66. [PMID: 24210882 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and, if spread outside the epidermis, has a dismal prognosis. Before the approval of the anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibody ipilimumab and the BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib, no other agents had demonstrated better results in terms of overall survival than the DNA-methylating compound dacarbazine (or its oral analog temozolomide). However, most patients with metastatic melanoma do not obtain long-lasting clinical benefit from ipilimumab and responses to BRAF inhibitors are short lived. Thus, combination therapies with inhibitors of DNA repair (e.g., poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase [PARP] inhibitors), novel immunomodulators (monoclonal antibodies against programmed death-1 [PD-1] or its ligand PD-L1), targeted therapies (mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]/extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] kinase [MEK] or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K]/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR] inhibitors) or antiangiogenic agents are currently being investigated to improve the efficacy of antimelanoma therapies. This review discusses the implications of simultaneously targeting key regulators of melanoma cell proliferation/survival and immune responses to counteract resistance.
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25
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De Luca A, Pellizzari Tregno F, Sau A, Pastore A, Palumbo C, Alama A, Cicconi R, Federici G, Caccuri AM. Glutathione S-transferase P1-1 as a target for mesothelioma treatment. Cancer Sci 2012; 104:223-30. [PMID: 23121163 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a poorly responsive tumor known to overexpress the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which catalyzes the conjugation between glutathione and platinum(II)-containing drugs. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of the strong glutathione S-transferase inhibitor NBDHEX on human mesothelioma cell lines (MSTO-211H, MPP89, MM-B1 and Mero 48a) featuring the most common mesothelioma phenotypes: epithelioid and biphasic. Even though a different response to NBDHEX was observed, the molecule was very effective on all cell lines tested, triggering a sustained activation of both JNK and p38, followed by caspase activation and apoptosis. NBDHEX also caused severe oxidative stress in the MPP89 cells and, to a lesser extent, in the MMB1 cells, while it did not cause a significant redox imbalance in the other cell lines. The efficacy of the drug was found to be comparable or even higher than that of cisplatin. Moreover, it showed synergistic or additive effects when used in combination with cisplatin. In conclusion, NBDHEX was effective on mesothelioma cell lines, with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range (IC(50) between 1 and 4 μM). These findings indicate that NBDHEX, alone or in combination with cisplatin, is a promising new strategy for treating this rare and aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Sau A, Filomeni G, Pezzola S, D'Aguanno S, Tregno FP, Urbani A, Serra M, Pasello M, Picci P, Federici G, Caccuri AM. Targeting GSTP1-1 induces JNK activation and leads to apoptosis in cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant human osteosarcoma cell lines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 8:994-1006. [DOI: 10.1039/c1mb05295k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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