1
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Kurpiejewski K, Piecyk K, Lukaszewicz M, Kamel K, Chmurski K, Kmiecik S, Jankowska-Anyszka M. The Synergistic Effect of N2 and N7 Modifications on the Inhibitory Efficacy of mRNA Cap Analogues. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:632. [PMID: 38794202 PMCID: PMC11123931 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050632] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the fight against cancer, researchers have turned their attention to the eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, a protein whose increased level is strongly correlated with the development and progression of various types of cancer. Among the numerous strategies devised to tackle eIF4E overexpression, the use of 5' end mRNA cap analogues has emerged as a promising approach. Here, we present new candidates as potent m7GMP analogues for inhibiting translation and interfacing with eIF4E. By employing an appropriate strategy, we synthesized doubly modified mono- and dinucleotide cap analogues, introducing simultaneous substituents at both the N7 and N2 positions of the guanine ring. This approach was identified as an effective and promising combination. Our findings reveal that these dual modifications increase the potency of the dinucleotide analogue, marking a significant advancement in the development of cancer therapeutics targeting the eIF4E pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Kurpiejewski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.); (K.C.)
| | - Karolina Piecyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.); (K.C.)
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Karol Kamel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Kazimierz Chmurski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.); (K.C.)
| | - Sebastian Kmiecik
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland;
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2
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Warminski M, Trepkowska E, Smietanski M, Sikorski PJ, Baranowski MR, Bednarczyk M, Kedzierska H, Majewski B, Mamot A, Papiernik D, Popielec A, Serwa RA, Shimanski BA, Sklepkiewicz P, Sklucka M, Sokolowska O, Spiewla T, Toczydlowska-Socha D, Warminska Z, Wolosewicz K, Zuberek J, Mugridge JS, Nowis D, Golab J, Jemielity J, Kowalska J. Trinucleotide mRNA Cap Analogue N6-Benzylated at the Site of Posttranscriptional m6A m Mark Facilitates mRNA Purification and Confers Superior Translational Properties In Vitro and In Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8149-8163. [PMID: 38442005 PMCID: PMC10979456 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs undergo cotranscriptional 5'-end modification with a 7-methylguanosine cap. In higher eukaryotes, the cap carries additional methylations, such as m6Am─a common epitranscriptomic mark unique to the mRNA 5'-end. This modification is regulated by the Pcif1 methyltransferase and the FTO demethylase, but its biological function is still unknown. Here, we designed and synthesized a trinucleotide FTO-resistant N6-benzyl analogue of the m6Am-cap-m7GpppBn6AmpG (termed AvantCap) and incorporated it into mRNA using T7 polymerase. mRNAs carrying Bn6Am showed several advantages over typical capped transcripts. The Bn6Am moiety was shown to act as a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) purification handle, allowing the separation of capped and uncapped RNA species, and to produce transcripts with lower dsRNA content than reference caps. In some cultured cells, Bn6Am mRNAs provided higher protein yields than mRNAs carrying Am or m6Am, although the effect was cell-line-dependent. m7GpppBn6AmpG-capped mRNAs encoding reporter proteins administered intravenously to mice provided up to 6-fold higher protein outputs than reference mRNAs, while mRNAs encoding tumor antigens showed superior activity in therapeutic settings as anticancer vaccines. The biochemical characterization suggests several phenomena potentially underlying the biological properties of AvantCap: (i) reduced propensity for unspecific interactions, (ii) involvement in alternative translation initiation, and (iii) subtle differences in mRNA impurity profiles or a combination of these effects. AvantCapped-mRNAs bearing the Bn6Am may pave the way for more potent mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics and serve as molecular tools to unravel the role of m6Am in mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Trepkowska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and
Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological
and Chemical Research Centre, University
of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Kedzierska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Majewski
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Papiernik
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Popielec
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz A. Serwa
- Proteomics
Core Facility, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brittany A. Shimanski
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Piotr Sklepkiewicz
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Sklucka
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Sokolowska
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Spiewla
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Zofia Warminska
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Wolosewicz
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jeffrey S. Mugridge
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Golab
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna
Therapeutics sp. z o.o. Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Attia RT, Ewida MA, Khaled E, Fahmy SA, Fawzy IM. Newly Synthesized Anticancer Purine Derivatives Inhibiting p-EIF4E Using Surface-Modified Lipid Nanovesicles. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:37864-37881. [PMID: 37867723 PMCID: PMC10586017 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Translation of mRNA is one of the processes adopted by cancer cells to maintain survival via phosphorylated (p)-eIF4E overexpression. Once p-eIF4E binds to the cap structure of mRNA, it advocates a nonstop translation process. In this regard, 15 new-based GMP analogs were synthesized to target eIF4E and restrain its binding to cap mRNA. The compounds were tested against three types of cancer cell lines: Caco-2, HepG-2, MCF-7, and normal kidney cells (Vero cells). Most of the compounds showed high potency against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), characterized by the highest cancer type for overexpression of p-eIF4E. Compound 4b was found to be the most active against three cell lines, colon (Caco-2), hepatic (HepG-2), and breast (MCF-7), with positive IC50 values of 31.40, 27.15, and 21.71 μM, respectively. Then, chitosan-coated niosomes loaded with compound 4b (Cs/4b-NSs) were developed (as kinetically enhanced molecules) to improve the anticancer effects further. The prepared Cs/4b-NSs showed pronounced cytotoxicity compared to the free 4b against Caco2, Hepg2, and MCF-7 with IC50 values of 16.15, 26.66, and 6.90 μM, respectively. Then, the expression of both the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated western blot techniques was conducted on MCF-7 cells treated with the most active compounds (based on the obtained IC50 values) to determine the total protein expression of both eIF4E and p-eIF4e. Interestingly, the selected most active compounds displayed 35.8-40.7% inhibition of p-eIF4E expression when evaluated on MCF-7 compared to Ribavirin (positive control). CS/4b-NSs showed the best inhibition (40.7%). The findings of the present joint in silico molecular docking, simulation dynamic studies, and experimental investigation suggest the potential use of niosomal nanovesicles as a promising nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of the newly synthesized compound 4b to eukaryotic initiation factor 4E. These outcomes support the possible use of Cs/4b-NSs in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem T. Attia
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Menna A. Ewida
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Eman Khaled
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry
Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, R5 New Garden City, New Administrative Capital, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Iten M. Fawzy
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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4
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Gao X, Jin Y, Zhu W, Wu X, Wang J, Guo C. Regulation of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E as a Potential Anticancer Strategy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12678-12696. [PMID: 37725577 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) are highly expressed in cancer cells, especially eIF4E, the central regulatory node driving cancer cell growth and a potential target for anticancer drugs. eIF4E-targeting strategies primarily focus on inhibiting eIF4E synthesis, interfering with eIF4E/eIF4G interactions, and targeting eIF4E phosphorylation and peptide inhibitors. Although some small-molecule inhibitors are in clinical trials, no eIF4E inhibitors are available for clinical use. We provide an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of eIF4E and summarize the progress in developing and discovering eIF4E inhibitor strategies. We propose that interference with eIF4E/eIF4G interactions will provide a new perspective for the design of eIF4E inhibitors and may be a preferred strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Gao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yonglong Jin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Wenyong Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, China
| | - Xiaochen Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biology Science and Technology, Baotou Teacher's College, Baotou 014030, China
| | - Chuanlong Guo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
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5
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Istomine R, Al-Aubodah TA, Alvarez F, Smith JA, Wagner C, Piccirillo CA. The eIF4EBP-eIF4E axis regulates CD4 + T cell differentiation through modulation of T cell activation and metabolism. iScience 2023; 26:106683. [PMID: 37187701 PMCID: PMC10176268 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106683] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are critical for adaptive immunity, differentiating into distinct effector and regulatory subsets. Although the transcriptional programs underlying their differentiation are known, recent research has highlighted the importance of mRNA translation in determining protein abundance. We previously conducted genome-wide analysis of translation in CD4+ T cells revealing distinct translational signatures distinguishing these subsets, identifying eIF4E as a central differentially translated transcript. As eIF4E is vital for eukaryotic translation, we examined how altered eIF4E activity affected T cell function using mice lacking eIF4E-binding proteins (BP-/-). BP-/- effector T cells showed elevated Th1 responses ex vivo and upon viral challenge with enhanced Th1 differentiation observed in vitro. This was accompanied by increased TCR activation and elevated glycolytic activity. This study highlights how regulating T cell-intrinsic eIF4E activity can influence T cell activation and differentiation, suggesting the eIF4EBP-eIF4E axis as a potential therapeutic target for controlling aberrant T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Istomine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Tho-Alfakar Al-Aubodah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Fernando Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jacob A. Smith
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carston Wagner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ciriaco A. Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Corresponding author
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6
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Siekierska I, Lukaszewicz M, Worch R, Jankowska-Anyszka M, Piecyk K. Application of Phosphoramidate ProTide Technology for the Synthesis of 5'-mRNA Cap Analogs Modified on the Exocyclic Amine Group. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200490. [PMID: 36658701 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Aryloxy triester phosphoramidate methodology, commonly known as ProTide technology, is one of the most widely used prodrug approaches applied to therapeutic nucleosides. This approach has been used extensively by the pharmaceutical industry and researchers in medicinal chemistry. Herein we report our adaptation of this effective method for the synthesis of bioactive 5'-mRNA cap analogues as inhibitors for targeting cap-dependent translation. The synthesis was performed in two main stages: preparation of N2-modified guanosine analogues and their subsequent transformation into prodrugs using phenylethoxy-l-alaninyl phosphorochloridate. The prepared pro-nucleotide cap analogues were tested for their capacity in enzymatic activation, inhibitory properties in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system, and passive membrane translocation properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Siekierska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Worch
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Karolina Piecyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Qiu L, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Han J, Xie J. Translational Regulation by eIFs and RNA Modifications in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2050. [PMID: 36360287 PMCID: PMC9690228 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Translation is a fundamental process in all living organisms that involves the decoding of genetic information in mRNA by ribosomes and translation factors. The dysregulation of mRNA translation is a common feature of tumorigenesis. Protein expression reflects the total outcome of multiple regulatory mechanisms that change the metabolism of mRNA pathways from synthesis to degradation. Accumulated evidence has clarified the role of an increasing amount of mRNA modifications at each phase of the pathway, resulting in translational output. Translation machinery is directly affected by mRNA modifications, influencing translation initiation, elongation, and termination or altering mRNA abundance and subcellular localization. In this review, we focus on the translation initiation factors associated with cancer as well as several important RNA modifications, for which we describe their association with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzhu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Clinical College of Southwest Jiao Tong University, Chengdu 610014, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Su Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junhong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiang Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
- The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Clinical College of Southwest Jiao Tong University, Chengdu 610014, China
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8
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Wojcik R, Baranowski MR, Markiewicz L, Kubacka D, Bednarczyk M, Baran N, Wojtczak A, Sikorski PJ, Zuberek J, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Novel N7-Arylmethyl Substituted Dinucleotide mRNA 5' cap Analogs: Synthesis and Evaluation as Modulators of Translation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111941. [PMID: 34834356 PMCID: PMC8623273 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dinucleotide analogs of the messenger RNA cap (m7GpppN) are useful research tools and have potential applications as translational inhibitors or reagents for modification of in vitro transcribed mRNAs. It has been previously reported that replacing the methyl group at the N7-position with benzyl (Bn) produces a dinucleotide cap with superior properties. Here, we followed up on this finding by synthesizing 17 novel Bn7GpppG analogs and determining their structure-activity relationship regarding translation and translational inhibition. The compounds were prepared in two steps, including selective N7-alkylation of guanosine 5'-monophosphate by arylmethyl bromide followed by coupling with imidazole-activated GDP, with total yields varying from 22% to 62%. The compounds were then evaluated by determining their affinity for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), testing their susceptibility to decapping pyrophosphatase, DcpS-which is most likely the major cellular enzyme targeting this type of compound-and determining their translation inhibitory properties in vitro. We also synthesized mRNAs capped with the evaluated compounds and tested their translational properties in A549 cells. Our studies identified N7-(4-halogenbenzyl) substituents as promising modifications in the contexts of either mRNA translation or translational inhibition. Finally, to gain more insight into the consequences at the molecular level of N7-benzylation of the mRNA cap, we determined the crystal structures of three compounds with eIF4E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Wojcik
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02097 Warsaw, Poland; (R.W.); (L.M.); (M.B.); (N.B.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Marek R. Baranowski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.R.B.); (D.K.); (A.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Lukasz Markiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02097 Warsaw, Poland; (R.W.); (L.M.); (M.B.); (N.B.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.R.B.); (D.K.); (A.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02097 Warsaw, Poland; (R.W.); (L.M.); (M.B.); (N.B.); (P.J.S.)
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.R.B.); (D.K.); (A.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Natalia Baran
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02097 Warsaw, Poland; (R.W.); (L.M.); (M.B.); (N.B.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Anna Wojtczak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.R.B.); (D.K.); (A.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02097 Warsaw, Poland; (R.W.); (L.M.); (M.B.); (N.B.); (P.J.S.)
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.R.B.); (D.K.); (A.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.R.B.); (D.K.); (A.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02097 Warsaw, Poland; (R.W.); (L.M.); (M.B.); (N.B.); (P.J.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (J.J.)
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9
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Control of the eIF4E activity: structural insights and pharmacological implications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6869-6885. [PMID: 34541613 PMCID: PMC8558276 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The central role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in controlling mRNA translation has been clearly assessed in the last decades. eIF4E function is essential for numerous physiological processes, such as protein synthesis, cellular growth and differentiation; dysregulation of its activity has been linked to ageing, cancer onset and progression and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). The interaction between eIF4E and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) is crucial for the assembly of the translational machinery, the initial step of mRNA translation. A well-characterized group of proteins, named 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), inhibits the eIF4E–eIF4G interaction by competing for the same binding site on the eIF4E surface. 4E-BPs and eIF4G share a single canonical motif for the interaction with a conserved hydrophobic patch of eIF4E. However, a second non-canonical and not conserved binding motif was recently detected for eIF4G and several 4E-BPs. Here, we review the structural features of the interaction between eIF4E and its molecular partners eIF4G and 4E-BPs, focusing on the implications of the recent structural and biochemical evidence for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The design of novel eIF4E-targeting molecules that inhibit translation might provide new avenues for the treatment of several conditions.
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10
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Romagnoli A, Maracci C, D’Agostino M, Teana AL, Marino DD. Targeting mTOR and eIF4E: a feasible scenario in ovarian cancer therapy. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:596-606. [PMID: 35582305 PMCID: PMC9094073 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most common causes for cancer death in women; lack of early diagnosis and acquired resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy account for its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. As with other cancer types, ovarian cancer is characterized by dysregulated signaling pathways and protein synthesis, which together contribute to rapid cellular growth and invasiveness. The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway represents the core of different signaling pathways regulating a number of essential steps in the cell, among which protein synthesis and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), the mRNA cap binding protein, is one of its downstream effectors. eIF4E is a limiting factor in translation initiation and its overexpression is a hallmark in many cancers. Because its action is regulated by a number of factors that compete for the same binding site, eIF4E is an ideal target for developing novel antineoplastic drugs. Several inhibitors targeting the mTOR signaling pathway have been designed thus far, however most of these molecules show poor stability and high toxicity in vivo. This minireview explores the possibility of targeting mTOR and eIF4E proteins, thus impacting on translation initiation in ovarian cancer, describing the most promising experimental strategies and specific inhibitors that have been shown to have an effect on other kinds of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Romagnoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Cristina Maracci
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Mattia D’Agostino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Anna La Teana
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
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11
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Pelletier J, Schmeing TM, Sonenberg N. The multifaceted eukaryotic cap structure. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1636. [PMID: 33300197 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The 5' cap structure is added onto RNA polymerase II transcripts soon after initiation of transcription and modulates several post-transcriptional regulatory events involved in RNA maturation. It is also required for stimulating translation initiation of many cytoplasmic mRNAs and serves to protect mRNAs from degradation. These functional properties of the cap are mediated by several cap binding proteins (CBPs) involved in nuclear and cytoplasmic gene expression steps. The role that CBPs play in gene regulation, as well as the biophysical nature by which they recognize the cap, is quite intricate. Differences in mechanisms of capping as well as nuances in cap recognition speak to the potential of targeting these processes for drug development. In this review, we focus on recent findings concerning the cap epitranscriptome, our understanding of cap binding by different CBPs, and explore therapeutic targeting of CBP-cap interaction. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications Translation > Translation Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Pelletier
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - T Martin Schmeing
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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12
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Golojuch S, Kopcial M, Strzelecka D, Kasprzyk R, Baran N, Sikorski PJ, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Exploring tryptamine conjugates as pronucleotides of phosphate-modified 7-methylguanine nucleotides targeting cap-dependent translation. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115523. [PMID: 32362385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is overexpressed in many cancers deregulating translational control of the cell cycle. mRNA 5' cap analogs targeting eIF4E are small molecules with the potential to counteract elevated levels of eIF4E in cancer cells. However, the practical utility of typical cap analogs is limited because of their reduced cell membrane permeability. Transforming the active analogs into their pronucleotide derivatives is a promising approach to overcome this obstacle. 7-Benzylguanosine monophosphate (bn7GMP) is a cap analog that has been successfully transformed into a cell-penetrating pronucleotide by conjugation of the phosphate moiety with tryptamine. In this work, we explored whether a similar strategy is applicable to other cap analogs, particularly phosphate-modified 7-methylguanine nucleotides. We report the synthesis of six new tryptamine conjugates containing N7-methylguanosine mono- and diphosphate and their analogs modified with thiophosphate moiety. These new potential pronucleotides and the expected products of their activation were characterized by biophysical and biochemical methods to determine their affinity towards eIF4E, their ability to inhibit translation in vitro, their susceptibility to enzymatic degradation and their turnover in cell extract. The results suggest that compounds containing the thiophosphate moiety may act as pronucleotides that release low but sustainable concentrations of 7-methylguanosine 5'-phosphorothioate (m7GMPS), which is a translation inhibitor with in vitro potency higher than bn7GMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Golojuch
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, L. Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Kopcial
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, L. Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Strzelecka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, L. Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, L. Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Baran
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, I. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, L. Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
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13
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Mohibi S, Chen X, Zhang J. Cancer the'RBP'eutics-RNA-binding proteins as therapeutic targets for cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 203:107390. [PMID: 31302171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a critical role in the regulation of various RNA processes, including splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, transport, translation and degradation of coding RNAs, non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. Recent studies indicate that RBPs not only play an instrumental role in normal cellular processes but have also emerged as major players in the development and spread of cancer. Herein, we review the current knowledge about RNA binding proteins and their role in tumorigenesis as well as the potential to target RBPs for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakur Mohibi
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California at Davis, United States
| | - Xinbin Chen
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California at Davis, United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California at Davis, United States.
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14
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Kaur T, Menon A, Garner AL. Synthesis of 7-benzylguanosine cap-analogue conjugates for eIF4E targeted degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 166:339-350. [PMID: 30735900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a key player in the initiation of cap-dependent translation through recognition of the m7GpppX cap at the 5' terminus of coding mRNAs. As eIF4E overexpression has been observed in a number of human diseases, most notably cancer, targeting this oncogenic translation initiation factor has emerged as a promising strategy for the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Toward this end, in the present study, we have rationally designed a series of Bn7GxP-based PROTACs for the targeted degradation of eIF4E. Herein we describe our synthetic efforts, in addition to biochemical and cellular characterization of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanpreet Kaur
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Arya Menon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Amanda L Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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15
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Moitra P. A combinatorial approach of structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation towards the discovery of a highly selective inhibitor for VP9 coat protein of Banna virus. Bioorg Chem 2019; 86:15-27. [PMID: 30684859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Structure based virtual screening of two libraries containing 27,628 numbers of antiviral compounds was used to discover a few of the potent inhibitor molecules against Banna virus (BAV). Cross-docking studies with many common interfering proteins provided five of the highly selective inhibitor for BAV. Analyses of the leading molecules with ADME-Tox filtering tool and atomistic molecular dynamics simulation studies finally discovered a benzoxazolone derivative as one of the most promising molecules towards the highly selective inhibition of BAV. The theoretical calculations are also supported by the experimental evidences where the interactions between the hit ligand and a model peptide sequence, mimicking the VP9 protein of BAV, were studied. Overall the development of a personalized therapeutic towards the highly selective inhibition of BAV is discussed herein for the first time in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parikshit Moitra
- Technical Research Centre, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja SC Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
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16
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Kocmik I, Piecyk K, Rudzinska M, Niedzwiecka A, Darzynkiewicz E, Grzela R, Jankowska-Anyszka M. Modified ARCA analogs providing enhanced translational properties of capped mRNAs. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1624-1636. [PMID: 29954234 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1486164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays gene manipulation techniques ("DNA therapy") undergo progressive development and become widely used in industry and medicine. Since new advances in mRNA technologies are capable for obtaining particles with increased stability and translational efficiency, RNA become an attractive alternative for advancement of DNA therapy. For the past years studies have been conducted to explore different modification in mRNA cap structure and its effect on RNA properties. Recently we have shown that modification of the cap structure at the N2 position of 7-methylguanosine leads to an enhancement in translation inhibition. Currently, we have decided to exploit translational properties of mRNA capped with the ARCA (anti-reversed cap) analogs modified within N2 position of purine moiety s. We designed and synthesized three new dinucleotide cap analogs and investigated them in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) and the human embryonic kidney derived HEK293 cell line, in vitro translational model systems. The obtained data indicate that, in both translational assays, the cap analogs synthesized by us when incorporated into mRNA improved its translational properties compared to the ARCA capped transcripts. Furthermore, the introduced modifications enhanced stability of the capped transcripts in HEK293 cells, which become higher compared to that of the transcripts capped with regular cap or with ARCA. Additionally one of the synthesized cap analogs revealed strong translation inhibition potency in RRL system, with IC50 value 1.7 µM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Kocmik
- a Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Karolina Piecyk
- a Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | | | - Anna Niedzwiecka
- c Laboratory of Biological Physics , Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- b Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland.,d Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Renata Grzela
- b Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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17
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Muttach F, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Synthetic mRNA capping. Beilstein J Org Chem 2017; 13:2819-2832. [PMID: 30018667 PMCID: PMC5753152 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.13.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNA with its 5'-cap is of central importance for the cell. Many studies involving mRNA require reliable preparation and modification of 5'-capped RNAs. Depending on the length of the desired capped RNA, chemical or enzymatic preparation - or a combination of both - can be advantageous. We review state-of-the art methods and give directions for choosing the appropriate approach. We also discuss the preparation and properties of mRNAs with non-natural caps providing novel features such as improved stability or enhanced translational efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Muttach
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Muthmann
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Germany
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18
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Kozarski M, Kubacka D, Wojtczak BA, Kasprzyk R, Baranowski MR, Kowalska J. 7-Methylguanosine monophosphate analogues with 5'-(1,2,3-triazoyl) moiety: Synthesis and evaluation as the inhibitors of cNIIIB nucleotidase. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:191-199. [PMID: 29195795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The hydrolysis of nucleoside 5'-monophosphates to the corresponding nucleosides and inorganic phosphate is catalysed by 5'-nucleotidases, thereby contributing to the control of endogenous nucleotide turnover and affecting the fate of exogenously delivered nucleotide- and nucleoside-derived therapeutics in cells. A recently identified nucleotidase cNIIIB shows preference towards 7-methylguanosine monophosphate (m7GMP) as a substrate, which suggests its potential involvement in mRNA degradation. However, the extent of biological functions and the significance of cNIIIB remains to be elucidated. Here, we synthesised a series of m7GMP analogues carrying a 1,2,3-triazole moiety at the 5' position as the potential inhibitors of human cNIIIB. The compounds were synthesised by using the copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) between 5'-azido-5'-deoxy-7-methylguanosine and different phosphate or phosphonate derivatives carrying terminal alkyne. The analogues were evaluated as cNIIIB inhibitors using HPLC and malachite green assays, demonstrating that compound 1a, carrying a 1,2,3-triazoylphosphonate moiety, inhibits cNIIIB activity at micromolar concentrations (IC50 87.8 ± 7.5 µM), while other analogues showed no activity. In addition, compound 1d was identified as an artifical substrate for HscNIIIB. Further characterization of inhibitor 1a revealed that it is poorly recognised by other m7G-binding proteins, eIF4E and DcpS, indicating its selectivity towards cNIIIB. The first inhibitor (1a) and unnatural substrate (1d) of cNIIIB, identified here, can be used as molecular probes for the elucidation of biological roles of cNIIIB, including the verification of its proposed function in mRNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kozarski
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Blazej A Wojtczak
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; University of Warsaw, College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek R Baranowski
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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19
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Ali MU, Ur Rahman MS, Jia Z, Jiang C. Eukaryotic translation initiation factors and cancer. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317709805. [PMID: 28653885 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317709805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent technological advancements have shown tremendous mechanistic accomplishments in our understanding of the mechanism of messenger RNA translation in eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic messenger RNA translation is very complex process that includes four phases (initiation, elongation, termination, and ribosome recycling) and diverse mechanisms involving protein and non-protein molecules. Translation regulation is principally achieved during initiation step of translation, which is organized by multiple eukaryotic translation initiation factors. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor proteins help in stabilizing the formation of the functional ribosome around the start codon and provide regulatory mechanisms in translation initiation. Dysregulated messenger RNA translation is a common feature of tumorigenesis. Various oncogenic and tumor suppressive genes affect/are affected by the translation machinery, making the components of the translation apparatus promising therapeutic targets for the novel anticancer drug. This review provides details on the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factors in messenger RNA translation initiation, their contribution to onset and progression of tumor, and how dysregulated eukaryotic translation initiation factors can be used as a target to treat carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Ali
- 1 Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman
- 1 Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Jia
- 2 Institute of Occupational Diseases, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cao Jiang
- 1 Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Fagan DH, Fettig LM, Avdulov S, Beckwith H, Peterson MS, Ho YY, Wang F, Polunovsky VA, Yee D. Acquired Tamoxifen Resistance in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Requires Hyperactivation of eIF4F-Mediated Translation. Discov Oncol 2017; 8:219-229. [PMID: 28577281 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-017-0296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
While selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as tamoxifen, have contributed to increased survival in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the development of resistance to these therapies has led to the need to investigate other targetable pathways involved in oncogenic signaling. Approval of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus in the therapy of secondary endocrine resistance demonstrates the validity of this approach. Importantly, mTOR activation regulates eukaryotic messenger RNA translation. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), a component of the cap-dependent translation complex eIF4F, confers resistance to drug-induced apoptosis when overexpressed in multiple cell types. The eIF4F complex is downstream of multiple oncogenic pathways, including mTOR, making it an appealing drug target. Here, we show that the eIF4F translation pathway was hyperactive in tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) MCF-7L breast cancer cells. While overexpression of eIF4E was not sufficient to confer resistance to tamoxifen in MCF-7L cells, its function was necessary to maintain resistance in TamR cells. Targeting the eIF4E subunit of the eIF4F complex through its degradation using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) or via sequestration using a mutant 4E-BP1 inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of TamR cells and partially restored sensitivity to tamoxifen. Further, the use of these agents also resulted in cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in TamR cells. Finally, the use of a pharmacologic agent which inhibited the eIF4E-eIF4G interaction also decreased the proliferation and anchorage-dependent colony formation in TamR cells. These results highlight the eIF4F complex as a promising target for patients with acquired resistance to tamoxifen and, potentially, other endocrine therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dedra H Fagan
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Lynsey M Fettig
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Svetlana Avdulov
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Heather Beckwith
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mark S Peterson
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Yen-Yi Ho
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Fan Wang
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vitaly A Polunovsky
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Douglas Yee
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, Cambridge, UK.
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21
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Kratzke RA. Targeting eukaryotic protein translation in mesothelioma. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2017; 6:343-349. [PMID: 28713679 PMCID: PMC5504115 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2017.06.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The default mechanism for protein translation in eukaryotes involves activation of the eIF4 complex at the 5' end of mRNA. This activity is upregulated in cancers, resulting in the expression of a variety of proteins necessary for the development and maintenance of the neoplastic state. Not surprisingly, mesothelioma demonstrates this same reliance on activation of 5' cap mediated translation. Efforts are ongoing to target and exploit our knowledge of this key molecular switch for cancer therapy. Agents targeting the critical eIF4E cap binding protein, disruption of the eIF4 complex, and exploitation for oncolytic virotherapy are some of the important areas of current research in mesothelioma protein translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Kratzke
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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22
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Design of nucleotide-mimetic and non-nucleotide inhibitors of the translation initiation factor eIF4E: Synthesis, structural and functional characterisation. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 124:200-217. [PMID: 27592390 PMCID: PMC5111791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is considered as the corner stone in the cap-dependent translation initiation machinery. Its role is to recruit mRNA to the ribosome through recognition of the 5′-terminal mRNA cap structure (m7GpppN, where G is guanosine, N is any nucleotide). eIF4E is implicated in cell transformation, tumourigenesis, and angiogenesis by facilitating translation of oncogenic mRNAs; it is thus regarded as an attractive anticancer drug target. We have used two approaches to design cap-binding inhibitors of eIF4E by modifying the N7-substituent of m7GMP and replacing the phosphate group with isosteres such as squaramides, sulfonamides, and tetrazoles, as well as by structure-based virtual screening aimed at identifying non-nucleotide cap-binding antagonists. Phosphomimetic nucleotide derivatives and highly ranking virtual hits were evaluated in a series of in vitro and cell-based assays to identify the first non-nucleotide eIF4E cap-binding inhibitor with activities in cell-based assays, N-[(5,6-dihydro-6-oxo-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]quinolin-7-yl)methyl]-N′-(2-methyl-propyl)-N-(phenyl-methyl)thiourea (14), including down-regulation of oncogenic proteins and suppression of RNA incorporation into polysomes. Although we did not observe cellular activity with any of our modified m7GMP phosphate isostere compounds, we obtained X-ray crystallography structures of three such compounds in complex with eIF4E, 5′-deoxy-5′-(1,2-dioxo-3-hydroxycyclobut-3-en-4-yl)amino-N7-methyl-guanosine (4a), N7-3-chlorobenzyl-5′-deoxy-5′-(1,2-dioxo-3-hydroxy-cyclobut-3-en-4-yl)amino-guanosine (4f), and N7-benzyl-5′-deoxy-5′-(trifluoromethyl-sulfamoyl)guanosine (7a). Collectively, the data we present on structure-based design of eIF4E cap-binding inhibitors should facilitate the optimisation of such compounds as potential anticancer agents.
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Abstract
The translation initiation factor eIF4E mediates a rate-limiting process that drives selective translation of many oncongenic proteins such as cyclin D1, survivin and VEGF, thereby contributing to tumour growth, metastasis and therapy resistance. As an essential regulatory hub in cancer signalling network, many oncogenic signalling pathways appear to converge on eIF4E. Therefore, targeting eIF4E-mediated cap-dependent translation is considered a promising anticancer strategy. This paper reviews the strategies that can be used to target eIF4E, highlighting agents that target eIF4E activity at each distinct level.
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Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Induced Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition is blocked by a chemical antagonist of translation factor eIF4E. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18233. [PMID: 26678431 PMCID: PMC4683370 DOI: 10.1038/srep18233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) imparts disease-defining properties to epithelial cells in cancer and organ fibrosis. Prior studies identify EMT control points at the level of transcription and translation, and indicate that activation of translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is involved in the mechanisms coordinating these two levels of control. Here we show that 4Ei-1, a specific chemical antagonist of the eIF4E-mRNA cap interaction, potently inhibits transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) mediated EMT in lung epithelial cells. Upon treatment with TGF-β1, we observed a rapid recruitment of Snail1 mRNA into the actively translated polysome pool accompanied by accumulation of the EMT transcription factor Snail1 in the nucleus. 4Ei-1 blocks ribosome recruitment to the Snail1 transcript thereby preventing accumulation of the Snail1 protein in the nucleus. Our findings establish an obligatory role for upstream translational control of downstream Snail1-mediated transcriptional events in TGF-β1 induced EMT, and provide proof of concept for efforts to pharmacologically modulate the eIF4E-cap interaction as a means to inhibit pathological EMT in the setting of cancer and organ fibrosis.
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Thumma SC, Jacobson BA, Patel MR, Konicek BW, Franklin MJ, Jay-Dixon J, Sadiq A, De A, Graff JR, Kratzke RA. Antisense oligonucleotide targeting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E reduces growth and enhances chemosensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2015; 22:396-401. [PMID: 26227824 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2015.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) enhance translation of many malignancy-related proteins, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-Myc and osteopontin. In non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), levels of eIF4E are significantly increased compared with normal lung tissue. Here, we used an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to inhibit the expression of eIF4E in NSCLC cell lines. eIF4E levels were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in NSCLC cells treated with eIF4E-specific ASO (4EASO) compared with control ASO. Treatment of NSCLC cells with the 4EASO resulted in decreased cap-dependent complex formation, decreased cell proliferation and increased sensitivity to gemcitabine. At the molecular level, repression of eIF4E with ASO resulted in decreased expression of the oncogenic proteins VEGF, c-Myc and osteopontin, whereas expression of β-actin was unaffected. Based on these findings, we conclude that eIF4E-silencing therapy alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy represents a promising approach deserving of further investigation in future NSCLC clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Thumma
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - B A Jacobson
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M R Patel
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - B W Konicek
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - M J Franklin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Jay-Dixon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A Sadiq
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A De
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J R Graff
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - R A Kratzke
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3D virtual screening of large combinatorial spaces. Methods 2015; 71:14-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Piecyk K, Lukaszewicz M, Darzynkiewicz E, Jankowska-Anyszka M. Triazole-containing monophosphate mRNA cap analogs as effective translation inhibitors. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:1539-47. [PMID: 25150228 PMCID: PMC4174436 DOI: 10.1261/rna.046193.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic analogs of the 5' end of mRNA (cap structure) are widely used in molecular studies on mechanisms of cellular processes such as translation, intracellular transport, splicing, and turnover. The best-characterized cap binding protein is translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Recognition of the mRNA cap by eIF4E is a critical, rate-limiting step for efficient translation initiation and is considered a major target for anticancer therapy. Here, we report a facile methodology for the preparation of N2-triazole-containing monophosphate cap analogs and present their biological evaluation as inhibitors of protein synthesis. Five analogs possessing this unique hetero-cyclic ring spaced from the m7-guanine of the cap structure at a distance of one or three carbon atoms and/or additionally substituted by various groups containing the benzene ring were synthesized. All obtained compounds turned out to be effective translation inhibitors with IC50 similar to dinucleotide triphosphate m(7)GpppG. As these compounds possess a reduced number of phosphate groups and, thereby, a negative charge, which may support their cell penetration, this type of cap analog might be promising in terms of designing new potential therapeutic molecules. In addition, an exemplary dinucleotide from a corresponding mononucleotide containing benzyl substituted 1,2,3-triazole was prepared and examined. The superior inhibitory properties of this analog (10-fold vs. m(7)GpppG) suggest the usefulness of such compounds for the preparation of mRNA transcripts with high translational activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Piecyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edward Darzynkiewicz
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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28
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Small-molecule inhibition of oncogenic eukaryotic protein translation in mesothelioma cells. Invest New Drugs 2014; 32:598-603. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-014-0076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Jacobson BA, Thumma SC, Jay-Dixon J, Patel MR, Dubear Kroening K, Kratzke MG, Etchison RG, Konicek BW, Graff JR, Kratzke RA. Targeting eukaryotic translation in mesothelioma cells with an eIF4E-specific antisense oligonucleotide. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81669. [PMID: 24260583 PMCID: PMC3832430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant cap-dependent translation is implicated in tumorigenesis in multiple tumor types including mesothelioma. In this study, disabling the eIF4F complex by targeting eIF4E with eIF4E-specific antisense oligonucleotide (4EASO) is assessed as a therapy for mesothelioma. METHODS Mesothelioma cells were transfected with 4EASO, designed to target eIF4E mRNA, or mismatch-ASO control. Cell survival was measured in mesothelioma treated with 4EASO alone or combined with either gemcitabine or pemetrexed. Levels of eIF4E, ODC, Bcl-2 and β-actin were assessed following treatment. Binding to a synthetic cap-analogue was used to study the strength of eIF4F complex activation following treatment. RESULTS eIF4E level and the formation of eIF4F cap-complex decreased in response to 4EASO, but not mismatch control ASO, resulting in cleavage of PARP indicating apoptosis. 4EASO treatment resulted in dose dependent decrease in eIF4E levels, which corresponded to cytotoxicity of mesothelioma cells. 4EASO resulted in decreased levels of eIF4E in non-malignant LP9 cells, but this did not correspond to increased cytotoxicity. Proteins thought to be regulated by cap-dependent translation, Bcl-2 and ODC, were decreased upon treatment with 4EASO. Combination therapy of 4EASO with pemetrexed or gemcitabine further reduced cell number. CONCLUSION 4EASO is a novel drug that causes apoptosis and selectively reduces eIF4E levels, eIF4F complex formation, and proliferation of mesothelioma cells. eIF4E knockdown results in decreased expression of anti-apoptotic and pro-growth proteins and enhances chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A. Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Saritha C. Thumma
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Joseph Jay-Dixon
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Manish R. Patel
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - K. Dubear Kroening
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Menasha, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Marian G. Kratzke
- Research Service, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ryan G. Etchison
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Bruce W. Konicek
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jeremy R. Graff
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Kratzke
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Cap analogs are chemically modified derivatives of the unique cap structure present at the 5´ end of all eukaryotic mRNAs and several non-coding RNAs. Until recently, cap analogs have served primarily as tools in the study of RNA metabolism. Continuing advances in our understanding of cap biological functions (including RNA stabilization, pre-mRNA splicing, initiation of mRNA translation, as well as cellular transport of mRNAs and snRNAs) and the consequences of the disruption of these processes - resulting in serious medical disorders - have opened new possibilities for pharmaceutical applications of these compounds. In this review, the medicinal potential of cap analogs in areas, such as cancer treatment (including eIF4E targeting and mRNA-based immunotherapy), spinal muscular atrophy treatment, antiviral therapy and the improvement of the localization of nucleus-targeting drugs, are highlighted. Advances achieved to date, challenges, plausible solutions and prospects for the future development of cap analog-based drug design are described.
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Li S, Jia Y, Jacobson B, McCauley J, Kratzke R, Bitterman PB, Wagner CR. Treatment of breast and lung cancer cells with a N-7 benzyl guanosine monophosphate tryptamine phosphoramidate pronucleotide (4Ei-1) results in chemosensitization to gemcitabine and induced eIF4E proteasomal degradation. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:523-31. [PMID: 23289910 DOI: 10.1021/mp300699d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of cancer and fibrotic diseases has been shown to be highly dependent on disregulation of cap-dependent translation. Binding protein eIF4E to N(7)-methylated guanosine capped mRNA has been found to be the rate-limiting step governing translation initiation, and therefore represents an attractive target for drug discovery. Our group has found that 7-benzyl guanosine monophosphate (7Bn-GMP) is a potent antagonist of eIF4E cap binding (K(d) = 0.8 μM). Recent X-ray crystallographic studies have revealed that the cap-dependent pocket undergoes a unique structural change in order to accommodate the benzyl group. Unfortunately, 7Bn-GMP is not cell permeable. Recently, we have prepared a tryptamine phosphoramidate prodrug of 7Bn-GMP, 4Ei-1, and shown that it is a substrate for human histidine triad nucleotide binding protein (hHINT1) and inhibits eIF4E initiated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by Zebra fish embryo cells. To assess the intracellular uptake of 4Ei-1 and conversion to 7Bn-GMP by cancer cells, we developed a sensitive assay using LC-ESI-MS/MS for the intracellular quantitation of 4Ei-1 and 7Bn-GMP. When incubated with the breast cancer cell line MDA-231 or lung cancer cell lines H460, H383 and H2009, 4Ei-1 was found to be rapidly internalized and converted to 7Bn-GMP. Since oncogenic mRNAs are predicted to have the highest eIF4E requirement for translation, we carried out chemosensitization studies with 4Ei-1. The prodrug was found to chemosensitize both breast and lung cancer cells to nontoxic levels of gemcitabine. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the expressed levels of eIF4E were substantially reduced in cells treated with 4Ei-1 in a dose-dependent manner. The levels of eI4E could be restored by treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132. Taken together, our results demonstrate that 4Ei-1 is likely to inhibit translation initiation by eIF4E cap binding by both antagonizing eIF4E cap binding and initiating eIF4E proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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32
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Eukaryotic translation initiation factors in cancer development and progression. Cancer Lett 2013; 340:9-21. [PMID: 23830805 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic gene expression is a complicated process primarily regulated at the levels of gene transcription and mRNA translation. The latter involves four main steps: initiation, elongation, termination and recycling. Translation regulation is primarily achieved during initiation which is orchestrated by 12 currently known eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). Here, we review the current state of eIF research and present a concise summary of the various eIF subunits. As eIFs turned out to be critically implicated in different oncogenic processes the various eIF members and their contribution to onset and progression of cancer are featured.
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Beccari AR, Cavazzoni C, Beato C, Costantino G. LiGen: a high performance workflow for chemistry driven de novo design. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:1518-27. [PMID: 23617275 DOI: 10.1021/ci400078g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Tools for molecular de novo design are actively sought incorporating sets of chemical rules for fast and efficient identification of structurally new chemotypes endowed with a desired set of biological properties. In this paper, we present LiGen, a suite of programs which can be used sequentially or as stand-alone tools for specific purposes. In its standard application, LiGen modules are used to define input constraints, either structure-based, through active site identification, or ligand-based, through pharmacophore definition, to docking and to de novo generation. Alternatively, individual modules can be combined in a user-defined manner to generate project-centric workflows. Specific features of LiGen are the use of a pharmacophore-based docking procedure which allows flexible docking without conformer enumeration and accurate and flexible reactant mapping coupled with reactant tagging through substructure searching. The full description of LiGen functionalities is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Beccari
- Dompé R&D Centre, Dompé SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
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34
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Kijewska K, Jarzębińska A, Kowalska J, Jemielity J, Kępińska D, Szczytko J, Pisarek M, Wiktorska K, Stolarski J, Krysiński P, Twardowski A, Mazur M. Magnetic-nanoparticle-decorated polypyrrole microvessels: toward encapsulation of mRNA cap analogues. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:1867-76. [PMID: 23597098 DOI: 10.1021/bm400250g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Many phosphorylated nucleoside derivatives have therapeutic potential, but their application is limited by problems with membrane permeability and with intracellular delivery. Here, we prepared polypyrrole microvessel structures modified with superparamagnetic nanoparticles for use as potential carriers of nucleotides. The microvessels were prepared via the photochemical polymerization of the monomer onto the surface of aqueous ferrofluidic droplets. A complementary physicochemical analysis revealed that a fraction of the nanoparticles was embedded in the microvessel walls, while the other nanoparticles were in the core of the vessel. SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) measurements indicated that the incorporated nanoparticles retained their superparamagnetic properties; thus, the resulting nanoparticle-modified microvessels can be directed by an external magnetic field. As a result of these features, these microvessels may be useful as drug carriers in biomedical applications. To demonstrate the encapsulation of drug molecules, two labeled mRNA cap analogues, nucleotide-derived potential anticancer agents, were used. It was shown that the cap analogues are located in the aqueous core of the microvessels and can be released to the external solution by spontaneous permeation through the polymer walls. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the cap analogues were preserved during encapsulation, storage, and release. This finding provides a foundation for the future development of anticancer therapies and for the delivery of nucleotide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Kijewska
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw , Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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eIF4E3 acts as a tumor suppressor by utilizing an atypical mode of methyl-7-guanosine cap recognition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:3877-82. [PMID: 23431134 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1216862110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of the methyl-7-guanosine (m(7)G) cap structure on mRNA is an essential feature of mRNA metabolism and thus gene expression. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) promotes translation, mRNA export, proliferation, and oncogenic transformation dependent on this cap-binding activity. eIF4E-cap recognition is mediated via complementary charge interactions of the positively charged m(7)G cap between the negative π-electron clouds from two aromatic residues. Here, we demonstrate that a variant subfamily, eIF4E3, specifically binds the m(7)G cap in the absence of an aromatic sandwich, using instead a different spatial arrangement of residues to provide the necessary electrostatic and van der Waals contacts. Contacts are much more extensive between eIF4E3-cap than other family members. Structural analyses of other cap-binding proteins indicate this recognition mode is atypical. We demonstrate that eIF4E3 relies on this cap-binding activity to act as a tumor suppressor, competing with the growth-promoting functions of eIF4E. In fact, reduced eIF4E3 in high eIF4E cancers suggests that eIF4E3 underlies a clinically relevant inhibitory mechanism that is lost in some malignancies. Taken together, there is more structural plasticity in cap recognition than previously thought, and this is physiologically relevant.
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36
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Bitterman PB, Polunovsky VA. Attacking a nexus of the oncogenic circuitry by reversing aberrant eIF4F-mediated translation. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 11:1051-61. [PMID: 22572598 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding their genetic complexity, different cancers share a core group of perturbed pathways converging upon a few regulatory nodes that link the intracellular-signaling network with the basic metabolic machinery. The clear implication of this view for cancer therapy is that instead of targeting individual genetic alterations one by one, the next generation of cancer therapeutics will target critical hubs in the cancer network. One such hub is the translation-initiation complex eIF4F, which integrates several cancer-related pathways into a self-amplifying signaling system. When hyperactivated by apical oncogenic signals, the eIF4F-driven translational apparatus selectively switches the translational repertoire of a cell toward malignancy. This central integrative role of pathologically activated eIF4F has motivated the development of small-molecule inhibitors to correct its function. A genome-wide, systems-level means to objectively evaluate the pharmacologic response to therapeutics targeting eIF4F remains an unmet challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Bitterman
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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37
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Chiu TL, Maize KM, Amin EA. Identification of novel anthrax toxin countermeasures using in silico methods. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 993:177-84. [PMID: 23568471 PMCID: PMC4634872 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-342-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The anthrax toxin lethal factor (LF) is the primary anthrax toxin component responsible for cytotoxicity and host death and has been a heavily researched target for design of postexposure therapeutics in the event of a bioterror attack. Various computer-aided drug design methodologies have proven useful for pinpointing new antianthrax drug scaffolds, optimizing existing leads and probes, and elucidating key mechanisms of action. We present a selection of in silico virtual screening protocols incorporating docking and scoring, shape-based searching, and pharmacophore mapping techniques to identify and prioritize small molecules with potential biological activity against LF. We also recommend screening parameters that have been shown to increase the accuracy and reliability of these computational results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Lan Chiu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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38
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Garvie CW. Solution-based approach to study binding to the eIF4E cap-binding site using CD spectroscopy. Anal Biochem 2012; 434:166-71. [PMID: 23219983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2012.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is the key component of the translational initiation complex that recruits mRNA by binding to a unique "cap" structure located at the 5' end of the mRNA. Overexpression of eIF4E has been implicated in the development of cancer, potentially as a result of increasing the cellular levels of proteins involved in processes that include proliferation and regulation of apoptosis. As a result, the cap-binding site of eIF4E has become a target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. The structure of eIF4E bound to the cap mimic 7-methyl-GDP revealed that two tryptophans from different loops in eIF4E sandwiched the 7-methylguanine group between them. This interaction gives rise to a strong exciton coupling signal between the two tryptophans that can be visualized by CD spectroscopy. eIF4E is a challenging protein to work with because of a propensity to aggregate under conditions used in biophysical techniques. CD spectroscopy provides a gentle, solution-based approach to study binding to the cap-binding site of eIF4E. Evidence is provided that the exciton coupling signal can be used to both qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the binding of cap analogs to eIF4E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin W Garvie
- Discovery Technology, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., 340 Kingsland Street, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.
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Piecyk K, Davis RE, Jankowska-Anyszka M. Synthesis of N²-modified 7-methylguanosine 5'-monophosphates as nematode translation inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:4781-9. [PMID: 22748379 PMCID: PMC3636719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.05.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Preparative scale synthesis of 14 new N(2)-modified mononucleotide 5' mRNA cap analogues was achieved. The key step involved use of an S(N)Ar reaction with protected 2-fluoro inosine and various primary and secondary amines. The derivatives were tested in a parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum, cell-free system as translation inhibitors. The most effective compound with IC(50) ∼0.9μM was a N(2)-p-metoxybenzyl-7-methylguanosine-5'-monophosphate 35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Piecyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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Jia Y, Polunovsky V, Bitterman PB, Wagner CR. Cap-dependent translation initiation factor eIF4E: an emerging anticancer drug target. Med Res Rev 2012; 32:786-814. [PMID: 22495651 PMCID: PMC7168506 DOI: 10.1002/med.21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells tend to be more highly dependent on cap‐dependent translation than normal tissues. Thus, proteins involved in the initiation of cap‐dependent translation have emerged as potential anti‐cancer drug targets. Cap‐dependent translation is initiated by the binding of the factor eIF4E to the cap domain of mRNA. Detailed x‐ray crystal and NMR structures are available for eIF4E in association with cap‐analogs, as well as domains of other initiation factors. This review will summarize efforts to design potential antagonist of eIF4E that could be used as new pharmacological tools and anti‐cancer agents and. Insights drawn from these studies should aid in the design of future inhibitors of eIF4E dependent translation initiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 786‐814, 2012
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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