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Līpiņš DD, Jeminejs A, Ušacka U, Mishnev A, Turks M, Novosjolova I. Regioselective quinazoline C2 modifications through the azide-tetrazole tautomeric equilibrium. Beilstein J Org Chem 2024; 20:675-683. [PMID: 38590535 PMCID: PMC10999978 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.20.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
2-Chloro-4-sulfonylquinazolines undergo functional group swap when treated with an azide nucleophile: 1) the azide replaces the sulfonyl group at the C4 position; 2) the intrinsic azide-tetrazole tautomeric equilibrium directs the nucleofugal sulfinate from the first step to replace chloride at the C2 position. This transformation is effective with quinazolines bearing electron-rich substituents. Therefore, the title transformations are demonstrated on the 6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline core, which is present in pharmaceutically active substances. The methodology application is showcased by transforming the obtained 4-azido-6,7-dimethoxy-2-sulfonylquinazolines into the α1-adrenoceptor blockers terazosin and prazosin by further C2-selective SNAr reaction and azide reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dāgs Dāvis Līpiņš
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Andris Jeminejs
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Una Ušacka
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
- Ķekava Secondary School, Gaismas Str. 9, Ķekava, Ķekava Parish, Ķekava Municipality, LV-2123, Latvia
| | - Anatoly Mishnev
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles Str. 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Māris Turks
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
| | - Irina Novosjolova
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
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2
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Wang L, Zhang H, Huang W, Han Z, Xu H, Gu Y. Development of a novel EphA2-targeting radioligand for SPECT imaging in different tumor models. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116105. [PMID: 38154255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatoma A2 receptor (EphA2) is a tyrosine kinase, which is overexpressed in tumors while having lower expression in normal tissues, making it an excellent target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Peptide radiotracers offer unique advantages in tumor diagnosis and therapy and have been approved for clinical use. In this study, a high-affinity EPHA2-targeted radiotracer, 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3, was developed and designed based on linear peptides. 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3 exhibited superior water solubility and stability. And 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3 could specifically target EphA2-expressing tumors, particularly with a tumor-to-non-target (T/NT) ratio >4.7 excluding kidneys. As a result of excellent biodistribution and tumor targeting capability of 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-EPH-3, it might be a promising candidate drug for clinical diagnosis of EphA2-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zhihao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Haoran Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yueqing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Gulou District, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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3
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Tröster A, DiPrima M, Jores N, Kudlinzki D, Sreeramulu S, Gande SL, Linhard V, Ludig D, Schug A, Saxena K, Reinecke M, Heinzlmeir S, Leisegang MS, Wollenhaupt J, Lennartz F, Weiss MS, Kuster B, Tosato G, Schwalbe H. Optimization of the Lead Compound NVP-BHG712 as a Colorectal Cancer Inhibitor. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203967. [PMID: 36799129 PMCID: PMC10133194 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) kinase belongs to the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. There are several indications of an involvement of EPHA2 in the development of infectious diseases and cancer. Despite pharmacological potential, EPHA2 is an under-examined target protein. In this study, we synthesized a series of derivatives of the inhibitor NVP-BHG712 and triazine-based compounds. These compounds were evaluated to determine their potential as kinase inhibitors of EPHA2, including elucidation of their binding mode (X-ray crystallography), affinity (microscale thermophoresis), and selectivity (Kinobeads assay). Eight inhibitors showed affinities in the low-nanomolar regime (KD <10 nM). Testing in up to seven colon cancer cell lines that express EPHA2 reveals that several derivatives feature promising effects for the control of human colon carcinoma. Thus, we have developed a set of powerful tool compounds for fundamental new research on the interplay of EPH receptors in a cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Tröster
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Michael DiPrima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus, Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Denis Kudlinzki
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Santosh L. Gande
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Verena Linhard
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Damian Ludig
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Alexander Schug
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Maria Reinecke
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Stephanie Heinzlmeir
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
| | - Matthias S. Leisegang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Frank Lennartz
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Manfred S. Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus, Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
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4
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Baggio C, Udompholkul P, Gambini L, Pellecchia M. Targefrin: A Potent Agent Targeting the Ligand Binding Domain of EphA2. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15443-15456. [PMID: 36331527 PMCID: PMC9706575 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 is invariably associated with poor prognosis and development of aggressive metastatic cancers. Guided by our recently solved X-ray structure of the complex between an agonistic peptide and EphA2-LBD, we report on a novel agent, targefrin, that binds to EphA2-LBD with a 21 nM dissociation constant by isothermal titration calorimetry and presents an IC50 value of 10.8 nM in a biochemical assay. In cell-based assays, a dimeric version of the agent is as effective as the natural dimeric ligands (ephrinA1-Fc) in inducing cellular receptor internalization and degradation in several pancreatic cancer cell lines. When conjugated with chemotherapy, the agents can effectively deliver paclitaxel to pancreatic cancers in a mouse xenograft study. Given the pivotal role of EphA2 in tumor progression, we are confident that the agents reported could be further developed into innovative EphA2-targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Medicine, University of California
Riverside, 900 University
Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences,
School of Medicine, University of California
Riverside, 900 University
Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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5
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Orahoske CM, Afrin M, Li Y, Hanna J, Marbury M, Li B, Su B. Identification of Prazosin as a Potential Flagellum Attachment Zone 1(FAZ1) Inhibitor for the Treatment of Human African Trypanosomiasis. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1711-1726. [PMID: 35894227 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) remains a health threat to sub-Saharan Africa. The current treatments suffer from drug resistance and life-threatening side effects, making drug discovery for HAT still important. A high-throughput screening of the library of pharmaceutically active compounds identified prazosin, an α-adrenoceptor antagonist, that showed selective activity toward Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Furthermore, a series of prazosin analogues were examined, and overall, the new analogues had improved activity and selectivity. To elucidate the binding partner, a biotin-conjugated probe was synthesized, and a protein pulldown assay combined with a proteomic analysis identified the flagellum attachment zone 1 (FAZ1) filament as an interacting partner. Additionally, prazosin treatment resulted in dysfunction of the flagellum of trypanosome cells, which is indicative of a FAZ1 irregularity. We also examined the drug distribution by utilizing immunofluorescence with a designed fluorescent analogue that showed partial colocalization with FAZ1. With the activity of the prazosin analogues, a structure-activity relationship (SAR) was summarized for future lead optimization. Our findings provide a new group of FAZ1 inhibitors as novel antitrypanosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody M Orahoske
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Marjia Afrin
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Yaxin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Jovana Hanna
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Myah Marbury
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Bibo Li
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Bin Su
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
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6
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Udompholkul P, Baggio C, Gambini L, Sun Y, Zhao M, Hoffman RM, Pellecchia M. Effective Tumor Targeting by EphA2-Agonist-Biotin-Streptavidin Conjugates. Molecules 2021; 26:3687. [PMID: 34204178 PMCID: PMC8235110 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported on a potent synthetic agent, 135H11, that selectively targets the receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA2. While 135H11 possesses a relatively high binding affinity for the ligand-binding domain of EphA2 (Kd~130 nM), receptor activation in the cell required the synthesis of dimeric versions of such agent (namely 135H12). This was expected given that the natural ephrin ligands also need to be dimerized or clustered to elicit agonistic activity in cell. In the present report we investigated whether the agonistic activity of 135H11 could be enhanced by biotin conjugation followed by complex formation with streptavidin. Therefore, we measured the agonistic EphA2 activity of 135H11-biotin (147B5) at various agent/streptavidin ratios, side by side with 135H12, and a scrambled version of 147B5 in pancreatic- and breast-cancer cell lines. The (147B5)n-streptavidin complexes (when n = 2, 3, 4, but not when n = 1) induced a strong receptor degradation effect in both cell lines compared to 135H12 or the (scrambled-147B5)4-streptavidin complex as a control, indicating that multimerization of the targeting agent resulted in an increased ability to cause receptor clustering and internalization. Subsequently, we prepared an Alexa-Fluor-streptavidin conjugate to demonstrate that (147B5)4-AF-streptavidin, but not the scrambled equivalent complex, concentrates in pancreatic and breast cancers in orthotopic nude-mouse models. Hence, we conclude that these novel targeting agents, with proper derivatization with imaging reagents or chemotherapy, can be used as diagnostics, and/or to deliver chemotherapy selectively to EphA2-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (P.U.); (C.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (P.U.); (C.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (P.U.); (C.B.); (L.G.)
| | - Yu Sun
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Dr #7220, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ming Zhao
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Robert M. Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Dr #7220, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (P.U.); (C.B.); (L.G.)
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Mason EO, Goldgur Y, Robev D, Freywald A, Nikolov DB, Himanen JP. Structure of the EphB6 receptor ectodomain. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247335. [PMID: 33770085 PMCID: PMC7997048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors are the largest group amongst the receptor tyrosine kinases and are divided into two subgroups, A and B, based on ligand binding specificities and sequence conservation. Through ligand-induced and ligand-independent activities, Ephs play central roles in diverse biological processes, including embryo development, regulation of neuronal signaling, immune responses, vasculogenesis, as well as tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The Eph extracellular regions (ECDs) are constituted of multiple domains, and previous structural studies of the A class receptors revealed how they interact with ephrin ligands and simultaneously mediate Eph-Eph clustering necessary for biological activity. Specifically, EphA structures highlighted a model, where clustering of ligand-bound receptors relies on two distinct receptor/receptor interfaces. Interestingly, most unliganded A class receptors also form an additional, third interface, between the ligand binding domain (LBD) and the fibronectin III domain (FN3) of neighboring molecules. Structures of B-class Eph ECDs, on the other hand, have never been reported. To further our understanding of Eph receptor function, we crystallized the EphB6-ECD and determined its three-dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography. EphB6 has important functions in both normal physiology and human malignancies and is especially interesting because this atypical receptor innately lacks kinase activity and our understanding of the mechanism of action is still incomplete. Our structural data reveals the overall EphB6-ECD architecture and shows EphB6-LBD/FN3 interactions similar to those observed for the unliganded A class receptors, suggesting that these unusual interactions are of general importance to the Eph group. We also observe unique structural features, which likely reflect the atypical signaling properties of EphB6, namely the need of co-receptor(s) for this kinase-inactive Eph. These findings provide new valuable information on the structural organization and mechanism of action of the B-class Ephs, and specifically EphB6, which in the future will assist in identifying clinically relevant targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia O. Mason
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yehuda Goldgur
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dorothea Robev
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Dimitar B. Nikolov
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DBN); (JPH)
| | - Juha P. Himanen
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DBN); (JPH)
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8
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Salem AF, Gambini L, Billet S, Sun Y, Oshiro H, Zhao M, Hoffman RM, Bhowmick NA, Pellecchia M. Prostate Cancer Metastases Are Strongly Inhibited by Agonistic Epha2 Ligands in an Orthotopic Mouse Model. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102854. [PMID: 33023262 PMCID: PMC7600344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We demonstrate that pro-oncogenic EphA2 (ephrin type-A receptor 2) expression is activated in aggressive prostate cancers, and in mouse models of prostate cancers that are treated with enzalutamide. We also demonstrate in mouse models, that agonistic EphA2 targeting agents are very effective in suppressing cell migration and tumor metastases, hence anticipating the possible use of such agents in innovative anti-metastatic therapeutic modalities. Abstract The EphA2 tyrosine kinase receptor is highly expressed in several types of solid tumors. In our recent studies, we targeted EphA2 in pancreatic cancer with agonistic agents and demonstrated that suppression of EphA2 significantly reduced cancer-cell migration in cell-based assays. In the present study, we focused on targeting EphA2 in prostate cancer. While not all prostate cancers express EphA2, we showed that enzalutamide induced EphA2 expression in prostate cancer cells and in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) animal model, which provides further impetus to target EphA2 in prostate cancer. Western blot studies showed that agonistic dimeric synthetic (135H12) and natural (ephrinA1-Fc) ligands effectively degraded EphA2 receptor in the prostate cancer cell line PC-3. The agents also delayed cell migration of prostate cancer (PC-3) cells, while an in vivo PC-3 orthotopic metastatic nude-mouse model also revealed that administration of ephrinA1-Fc or 135H12 strongly reduced metastases. The present study further validates EphA2 as an important target in metastatic prostate cancer treatment. Our results should incentivize further efforts aimed at developing potent and effective EphA2 synthetic agonistic agents for the treatment of EphA2-driven aggressive metastatic tumors including prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F. Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.F.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.F.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Sandrine Billet
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (S.B.); (N.A.B.)
| | - Yu Sun
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (H.O.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hiromichi Oshiro
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (H.O.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Ming Zhao
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (H.O.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
| | - Robert M. Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; (Y.S.); (H.O.); (M.Z.); (R.M.H.)
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Neil A. Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (S.B.); (N.A.B.)
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (A.F.S.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-951-8277829
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9
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Orahoske CM, Li Y, Petty A, Salem FM, Hanna J, Zhang W, Su B, Wang B. Dimeric small molecule agonists of EphA2 receptor inhibit glioblastoma cell growth. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115656. [PMID: 32828423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
EphA2 receptor kinase could become a novel target for anti-glioblastoma treatment. Doxazosin previously identified acts like the endogenous ligand of EphA2 and induces cell apoptosis. Through lead structure modification a derivative of Doxazosin possessing unique dimeric structure showed an improvement in the activity. In the current study, we expanded the dimeric scaffold by lead optimization to explore the chemical space of the conjoining moieties and a slight variation to the core structure. 27 new derivatives were synthesized and examined with EphA2 overexpressed and wild type glioblastoma cell lines for cell proliferation and EphA2 activation. Three new compounds 3d, 3e, and 7bg showed potent and selective activities against the growth of EphA2 overexpressed glioblastoma cells. Dimer 3d modification replaces the long alkyl chain with a short polyethylene glycol chain. Dimer 7bg has a relatively longer polyethylene glycol chain in comparison to compound 3d and the length is more similar to the lead compound. Whereas dimer 3e has a rigid aromatic linker exploring the chemical space. The diversity of the linkers in the active suggest additional hydrogen binding sites has a positive correlation to the activity. All three dimers showed selective activity in EphA2 overexpressed cells, indicating the activity is correlated to the EphA2 targeting effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody M Orahoske
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Yaxin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Aaron Petty
- Rammelkamp Center for Research and Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Fatma M Salem
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Jovana Hanna
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Bin Su
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences & Health Professions, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
| | - Bingcheng Wang
- Rammelkamp Center for Research and Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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10
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Baudet S, Bécret J, Nicol X. Approaches to Manipulate Ephrin-A:EphA Forward Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13070140. [PMID: 32629797 PMCID: PMC7407804 DOI: 10.3390/ph13070140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A (EphA) receptors and their ephrin-A ligands are key players of developmental events shaping the mature organism. Their expression is mostly restricted to stem cell niches in adults but is reactivated in pathological conditions including lesions in the heart, lung, or nervous system. They are also often misregulated in tumors. A wide range of molecular tools enabling the manipulation of the ephrin-A:EphA system are available, ranging from small molecules to peptides and genetically-encoded strategies. Their mechanism is either direct, targeting EphA receptors, or indirect through the modification of intracellular downstream pathways. Approaches enabling manipulation of ephrin-A:EphA forward signaling for the dissection of its signaling cascade, the investigation of its physiological roles or the development of therapeutic strategies are summarized here.
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11
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Buckens OJ, El Hassouni B, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:567-582. [PMID: 32348169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1762566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident. AREAS COVERED There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Buckens
- Amsterdam University College , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza , Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk , Gdansk, Poland
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12
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Salem AF, Gambini L, Udompholkul P, Baggio C, Pellecchia M. Therapeutic Targeting of Pancreatic Cancer via EphA2 Dimeric Agonistic Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13050090. [PMID: 32397624 PMCID: PMC7281375 DOI: 10.3390/ph13050090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported on potent EphA2 targeting compounds and demonstrated that dimeric versions of such agents can exhibit remarkably increased agonistic activity in cellular assays compared to the monomers. Here we further characterize the activity of dimeric compounds at the structural, biochemical, and cellular level. In particular, we propose a structural model for the mechanism of receptor activation by dimeric agents and characterize the effect of most potent compounds in inducing EphA2 activation and degradation in a pancreatic cancer cell line. These cellular studies indicate that the pro-migratory effects induced by the receptor can be reversed in EphA2 knockout cells, by treatment with either a dimeric natural ligand (ephrinA1-Fc), or by our synthetic agonistic dimers. Based on these data we conclude that the proposed agents hold great potential as possible therapeutics in combination with standard of care, where these could help suppressing a major driver for cell migration and tumor metastases. Finally, we also found that, similar to ephrinA1-Fc, dimeric agents cause a sustained internalization of the EphA2 receptor, hence, with proper derivatizations, these could also be used to deliver chemotherapy selectively to pancreatic tumors.
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13
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Giorgio C, Zanotti I, Lodola A, Tognolini M. Ephrin or not? Six tough questions on Eph targeting. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:403-415. [PMID: 32197575 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1745187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The Eph-ephrin is a cell-cell communication system generating a forward signal in cell expressing Eph receptors and a reverse signal in ephrin-ligand expressing cells. While clearly involved in the insurgence and progression of cancer, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by this system needs development; this is a hurdle to the development of therapeutic strategies that can target the Eph receptors and/or their ephrin ligands.Areas covered: We have taken the opportunity to share some key questions on the most effective strategies to target the Eph-ephrin system. This article is based on our experience of the field and therefore is a Perspective and not comprehensive examination of the literature.Expert opinion: Targeting of the Eph-ephrin system has emerged as a potentially valuable approach for cancer therapy. Pharmacological tools have been reported in the last 15 years and these include forward signaling blockers such as kinases inhibitors and antagonists of forward and reverse signaling. Also, biologics including antibodies and recombinant proteins have been developed and some have reached early clinical stages. Data deem the Eph-ephrin system as a signaling axis that is an elusive target. A better understanding of the basic pharmacology behind the activity of available agents and a comprehensive knowledge of the ephrin biology are necessary. We are looking forward to knowing the opinion of the readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
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14
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Moyano-Galceran L, Pietilä EA, Turunen SP, Corvigno S, Hjerpe E, Bulanova D, Joneborg U, Alkasalias T, Miki Y, Yashiro M, Chernenko A, Jukonen J, Singh M, Dahlstrand H, Carlson JW, Lehti K. Adaptive RSK-EphA2-GPRC5A signaling switch triggers chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11177. [PMID: 32115889 PMCID: PMC7136956 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancers commonly activate adaptive chemotherapy resistance, attributed to both microenvironment‐dependent phenotypic plasticity and genetic characteristics of cancer cells. However, the contribution of chemotherapy itself to the non‐genetic resistance mechanisms was long neglected. Using high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) patient material and cell lines, we describe here an unexpectedly robust cisplatin and carboplatin chemotherapy‐induced ERK1/2‐RSK1/2‐EphA2‐GPRC5A signaling switch associated with cancer cell intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance. Mechanistically, pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of RSK1/2 prevented oncogenic EphA2‐S897 phosphorylation and EphA2‐GPRC5A co‐regulation, thereby facilitating a signaling shift to the canonical tumor‐suppressive tyrosine phosphorylation and consequent downregulation of EphA2. In combination with platinum, RSK inhibitors effectively sensitized even the most platinum‐resistant EphA2high, GPRC5Ahigh cells to the therapy‐induced apoptosis. In HGSC patient tumors, this orphan receptor GPRC5A was expressed exclusively in cancer cells and associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor survival. Our results reveal a kinase signaling pathway uniquely activated by platinum to elicit adaptive resistance. They further identify GPRC5A as a marker for abysmal HGSC outcome and putative vulnerability of the chemo‐resistant cells to RSK1/2‐EphA2‐pS897 pathway inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elina A Pietilä
- Research Programs Unit, Individualized Drug Therapy, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Pauliina Turunen
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Corvigno
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Hjerpe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Visby Hospital, Visby, Sweden
| | - Daria Bulanova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulrika Joneborg
- Division of Pelvic Cancer, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Twana Alkasalias
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Research Centre, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Yuichiro Miki
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masakazu Yashiro
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anastasiya Chernenko
- Research Programs Unit, Individualized Drug Therapy, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joonas Jukonen
- Research Programs Unit, Individualized Drug Therapy, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Madhurendra Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Dahlstrand
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joseph W Carlson
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Research Programs Unit, Individualized Drug Therapy, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Incerti M, Russo S, Corrado M, Giorgio C, Ballabeni V, Chiodelli P, Rusnati M, Scalvini L, Callegari D, Castelli R, Vacondio F, Ferlenghi F, Tognolini M, Lodola A. Optimization of EphA2 antagonists based on a lithocholic acid core led to the identification of UniPR505, a new 3α-carbamoyloxy derivative with antiangiogenetic properties. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 189:112083. [PMID: 32000051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The EphA2 receptor has been validated in animal models as new target for treating tumors depending on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry. In the present work, we extended our current knowledge on structure-activity relationship (SAR) data of two related classes of antagonists of the EphA2 receptor, namely 5β-cholan-24-oic acids and 5β-cholan-24-oyl l-β-homotryptophan conjugates, with the aim to develop new antiangiogenic compounds able to efficiently prevent the formation of blood vessels. As a result of our exploration, we identified UniPR505, N-[3α-(Ethylcarbamoyl)oxy-5β-cholan-24-oyl]-l-β-homo-tryptophan (compound 14), as a submicromolar antagonist of the EphA2 receptor capable to block EphA2 phosphorylation and to inhibit neovascularization in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Incerti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Simonetta Russo
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Miriam Corrado
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Carmine Giorgio
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Vigilio Ballabeni
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Rusnati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Castelli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessio Lodola
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy.
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16
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Metal- and acid-free, TBN-mediated direct C H nitration of arenes. JOURNAL OF SAUDI CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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17
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Zhong B, Li Y, Idippily N, Petty A, Su B, Wang B. A quantitative LC-MS/MS method for determination of a small molecule agonist of EphA2 in mouse plasma and brain tissue. Biomed Chromatogr 2019; 33:e4461. [PMID: 30548501 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Compound 27 {1, 12-bis[4-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]dodecane-1,12-dione} is a novel small molecule agonist of EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase. It showed much improved activity for the activation of EphA2 receptor compared with the parental compound doxazosin. To support further pharmacological and toxicological studies of the compound, a method using liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been developed for the quantification of this compound. Liquid-liquid extraction was used to extract the compound from mouse plasma and brain tissue homogenate. Reverse-phase chromatography with gradient elution was performed to separate compound 27 from the endogenous molecules in the matrix, followed by MS detection using positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. Multiple reaction monitoring transitions m/z 387.3 → 290.1 and m/z 384.1 → 247.1 were selected for monitoring compound 27 and internal standard prazosin, respectively. The linear calibration range was 2-200 ng/mL with the intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy within the acceptable range. This method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of compound 27 in mouse plasma and brain tissue with different drug administration routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yaxin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nethrie Idippily
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Aaron Petty
- Rammelkamp Center for Research and Department of Medicine, MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bin Su
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, College of Sciences and Health Professions, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bingcheng Wang
- Rammelkamp Center for Research and Department of Medicine, MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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18
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Saha N, Robev D, Mason EO, Himanen JP, Nikolov DB. Therapeutic potential of targeting the Eph/ephrin signaling complex. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 105:123-133. [PMID: 30343150 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Eph-ephrin signaling pathway mediates developmental processes and the proper functioning of the adult human body. This distinctive bidirectional signaling pathway includes a canonical downstream signal cascade inside the Eph-bearing cells, as well as a reverse signaling in the ephrin-bearing cells. The signaling is terminated by ADAM metalloproteinase cleavage, internalization, and degradation of the Eph/ephrin complexes. Consequently, the Eph-ephrin-ADAM signaling cascade has emerged as a key target with immense therapeutic potential particularly in the context of cancer. An interesting twist was brought forth by the emergence of ephrins as the entry receptors for the pathological Henipaviruses, which has spurred new studies to target the viral entry. The availability of high-resolution structures of the multi-modular Eph receptors in complexes with ephrins and other binding partners, such as peptides, small molecule inhibitors and antibodies, offers a wealth of information for the structure-guided development of therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, genomic data mining of Eph mutants involved in cancer provides information for targeted drug development. In this review we summarize the distinct avenues for targeting the Eph-ephrin signaling pathway, including its termination by ADAM proteinases. We highlight the latest developments in Eph-related pharmacology in the context of Eph-ephrin-ADAM-based antibodies and small molecules. Finally, the future prospects of genomics- and proteomics-based medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayanendu Saha
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Dorothea Robev
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Emilia O Mason
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Juha P Himanen
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Dimitar B Nikolov
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
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19
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Gambini L, Salem AF, Udompholkul P, Tan XF, Baggio C, Shah N, Aronson A, Song J, Pellecchia M. Structure-Based Design of Novel EphA2 Agonistic Agents with Nanomolar Affinity in Vitro and in Cell. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2633-2644. [PMID: 30110533 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
EphA2 overexpression is invariably associated with poor prognosis and development of aggressive metastatic cancers in pancreatic, prostate, lung, ovarian, and breast cancers and melanoma. Recent efforts from our laboratories identified a number of agonistic peptides targeting the ligand-binding domain of the EphA2 receptor. The individual agents, however, were still relatively weak in affinities (micromolar range) that precluded detailed structural studies on the mode of action. Using a systematic optimization of the 12-mer peptide mimetic 123B9, we were able to first derive an agent that displayed a submicromolar affinity for the receptor. This agent enabled cocrystallization with the EphA2 ligand-binding domain providing for the first time the structural basis for their agonistic mechanism of action. In addition, the atomic coordinates of the complex enabled rapid iterations of structure-based optimizations that resulted in a novel agonistic agent, named 135H11, with a nanomolar affinity for the receptor, as demonstrated by in vitro binding assays (isothermal titration calorimetry measurements), and a biochemical displacement assay. As we have recently demonstrated, the cellular activity of these agents is further increased by synthesizing dimeric versions of the compounds. Hence, we report that a dimeric version of 135H11 is extremely effective at low nanomolar concentrations to induce cellular receptor activation, internalization, and inhibition of cell migration in a pancreatic cancer cell line. Given the pivotal role of EphA2 in tumor growth, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and metastasis, these agents, and the associated structural studies, provide significant advancements in the field for the development of novel EphA2-targeting therapeutics or diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Ahmed F. Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Xiao-Feng Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Neh Shah
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Alexander Aronson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Jikui Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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20
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Mercurio FA, Pirone L, Di Natale C, Marasco D, Pedone EM, Leone M. Sam domain-based stapled peptides: Structural analysis and interaction studies with the Sam domains from the EphA2 receptor and the lipid phosphatase Ship2. Bioorg Chem 2018; 80:602-610. [PMID: 30036816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sam (Sterile alpha motif) domains represent small helical protein-protein interaction modules which play versatile functions in different cellular processes. The Sam domain from the EphA2 receptor binds the Sam domain of the lipid phosphatase Ship2 and this interaction modulates receptor endocytosis and degradation primarily generating pro-oncogenic effects in cell. To identify molecule antagonists of the EphA2-Sam/Ship2-Sam complex with anti-cancer activity, we focused on hydrocarbon helical stapled peptides. EphA2-Sam and one of its interactors (i.e., the first Sam domain of the adaptor protein Odin) were used as model systems for peptide design. Increase in helicity in the stapled peptides, with respect to the corresponding linear/native-like regions, was proved by structural studies conducted through CD (Circular Dichroism) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). Interestingly, interaction assays by means of NMR, SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and MST (MicroScale Thermophoresis) techniques led to the discovery of a novel ligand of Ship2-Sam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luciano Pirone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Marasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; University of Naples Federico II, Department of Pharmacy, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Maria Pedone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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21
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Garcia-Monclús S, López-Alemany R, Almacellas-Rabaiget O, Herrero-Martín D, Huertas-Martinez J, Lagares-Tena L, Alba-Pavón P, Hontecillas-Prieto L, Mora J, de Álava E, Rello-Varona S, Giangrande PH, Tirado OM. EphA2 receptor is a key player in the metastatic onset of Ewing sarcoma. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1188-1201. [PMID: 29582409 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common bone malignancy affecting children and young adults with poor prognosis due to high metastasis incidence. Our group previously described that EphA2, a tyrosine kinase receptor, promotes angiogenesis in Ewing sarcoma (ES) cells via ligand-dependent signaling. Now we wanted to explore EphA2 ligand-independent activity, controlled upon phosphorylation at S897 (p-EphA2S897 ), as it has been linked to metastasis in several malignancies. By reverse genetic engineering we explored the phenotypic changes after EphA2 removal or reintroduction. Gene expression microarray was used to identify key players in EphA2 signaling. Mice were employed to reproduce metastatic processes from orthotopically implanted engineered cells. We established a correlation between ES cells aggressiveness and p-EphA2S897 . Moreover, stable overexpression of EphA2 in low EphA2 expression ES cells enhanced proliferation and migration, but not a non-phosphorylable mutant (S987A). Consistently, silencing of EphA2 reduced tumorigenicity, migration and invasion in vitro, and lung metastasis incidence in experimental and spontaneous metastasis assays in vivo. A gene expression microarray revealed the implication of EphA2 in cell signaling, cellular movement and survival. ADAM19 knockdown by siRNA technology strongly reproduced the negative effects on cell migration observed after EphA2 silencing. Altogether, our results suggest that p-EphA2S897 correlates with aggressiveness in ES, so blocking its function may be a promising treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Garcia-Monclús
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser López-Alemany
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Almacellas-Rabaiget
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Herrero-Martín
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Huertas-Martinez
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Lagares-Tena
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Piedad Alba-Pavón
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique de Álava
- CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Santi Rello-Varona
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Oscar M Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERONC, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.,Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Salem AF, Wang S, Billet S, Chen JF, Udompholkul P, Gambini L, Baggio C, Tseng HR, Posadas EM, Bhowmick NA, Pellecchia M. Reduction of Circulating Cancer Cells and Metastases in Breast-Cancer Models by a Potent EphA2-Agonistic Peptide-Drug Conjugate. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2052-2061. [PMID: 29470068 PMCID: PMC5907794 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
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EphA2
overexpression has been associated with metastasis in multiple
cancer types, including melanomas and ovarian, prostate, lung, and
breast cancers. We have recently proposed the development of peptide–drug
conjugates (PDCs) using agonistic EphA2-targeting agents, such as
the YSA peptide or its optimized version, 123B9. Although our studies
indicated that YSA– and 123B9–drug conjugates can selectively
deliver cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells in vivo, the relatively low
cellular agonistic activities (i.e., the high micromolar concentrations
required) of the agents toward the EphA2 receptor remained a limiting
factor to the further development of these PDCs in the clinic. Here,
we report that a dimeric version of 123B9 can induce receptor activation
at nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the
conjugation of dimeric 123B9 with paclitaxel is very effective at
targeting circulating tumor cells and inhibiting lung metastasis in
breast-cancer models. These studies represent an important step toward
the development of effective EphA2-targeting PDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Si Wang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute , 10901 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
| | - Sandrine Billet
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States
| | - Jie-Fu Chen
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Luca Gambini
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology , University of California, Los Angeles , 570 Westwood Plaza , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - Edwin M Posadas
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States
| | - Neil A Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , 8700 Beverly Boulevard , Los Angeles , California 90048 , United States.,Department of Research , Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration , Los Angeles , California 90073 , United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine , University of California, Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
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