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Corrao F, Kelly-Aubert M, Sermet-Gaudelus I, Semeraro M. Unmet challenges in cystic fibrosis treatment with modulators. Expert Rev Respir Med 2024; 18:145-157. [PMID: 38755109 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2357210] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 'Highly effective' modulator therapies (HEMTs) have radically changed the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) therapeutic landscape. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken to assess impact of HEMT in life of pwCF, treatment challenges in specific populations such as very young children, and current knowledge gaps. EXPERT OPINION HEMTs are prescribed for pwCF with definite genotypes. The heterogeneity of variants complicates treatment possibilities and around 10% of pwCF worldwide remains ineligible. Genotype-specific treatments are prompting theratyping and personalized medicine strategies. Improvement in lung function and quality of life increase survival rates, shifting CF from a pediatric to an adult disease. This implies new studies addressing long-term efficacy, side effects, emergence of adult co-morbidities and possible drug-drug interactions. More sensitive and predictive biomarkers for both efficacy and toxicity are warranted. As HEMTs cross the placenta and are found in breast milk, studies addressing the potential consequences of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding are urgently needed. Finally, although the treatment and expected outcomes of CF have improved dramatically in high- and middle-income countries, lack of access in low-income countries to these life-changing medicines highlights inequity of care worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Corrao
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | | | - Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus
- INSERM, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Mucoviscidose et maladies apparentées. Site constitutif, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- European Reference Lung Center, Frankfurt, Germany
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Michaela Semeraro
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre Investigation Clinique, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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Rizzo C, Pace A, Pibiri I, Buscemi S, Palumbo Piccionello A. From Conventional to Sustainable Catalytic Approaches for Heterocycles Synthesis. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023:e202301604. [PMID: 38140917 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds is fundamental for all the research area in chemistry, from drug synthesis to material science. In this framework, catalysed synthetic methods are of great interest to effective reach such important building blocks. In this review, we will report on some selected examples from the last five years, of the major improvement in the field, focusing on the most important conventional catalytic systems, such as transition metals, organocatalysts, to more sustainable ones such as photocatalysts, iodine-catalysed reaction, electrochemical reactions and green innovative methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Rizzo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Italy, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo
| | - Andrea Pace
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Italy, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Italy, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo
| | - Silvestre Buscemi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Italy, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo
| | - Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Italy, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 17, 90128, Palermo
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3
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Chiavetta RF, Titoli S, Barra V, Cancemi P, Melfi R, Di Leonardo A. Site-Specific RNA Editing of Stop Mutations in the CFTR mRNA of Human Bronchial Cultured Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10940. [PMID: 37446121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is reported that about 10% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients worldwide have nonsense (stop) mutations in the CFTR gene, which cause the premature termination of CFTR protein synthesis, leading to a truncated and non-functional protein. To address this issue, we investigated the possibility of rescuing the CFTR nonsense mutation (UGA) by sequence-specific RNA editing in CFTR mutant CFF-16HBEge, W1282X, and G542X human bronchial cells. We used two different base editor tools that take advantage of ADAR enzymes (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) to edit adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) within the mRNA: the REPAIRv2 (RNA Editing for Programmable A to I Replacement, version 2) and the minixABE (A to I Base Editor). Immunofluorescence experiments show that both approaches were able to recover the CFTR protein in the CFTR mutant cells. In addition, RT-qPCR confirmed the rescue of the CFTR full transcript. These findings suggest that site-specific RNA editing may efficiently correct the UGA premature stop codon in the CFTR transcript in CFF-16HBEge, W1282X, and G542X cells. Thus, this approach, which is safer than acting directly on the mutated DNA, opens up new therapeutic possibilities for CF patients with nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta F Chiavetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Titoli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Viviana Barra
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cancemi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (C.O.B.S.), Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Centro di Oncobiologia Sperimentale (C.O.B.S.), Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Li S, Li J, Shi W, Nie Z, Zhang S, Ma F, Hu J, Chen J, Li P, Xie X. Pharmaceuticals Promoting Premature Termination Codon Readthrough: Progress in Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:988. [PMID: 37371567 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060988] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 11% of all known gene lesions causing human genetic diseases are nonsense mutations that introduce a premature stop codon (PTC) into the protein-coding gene sequence. Drug-induced PTC readthrough is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hereditary diseases caused by nonsense mutations. To date, it has been found that more than 50 small-molecular compounds can promote PTC readthrough, known as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs), and can be divided into two major categories: aminoglycosides and non-aminoglycosides. This review summarizes the pharmacodynamics and clinical application potential of the main TRIDs discovered so far, especially some newly discovered TRIDs in the past decade. The discovery of these TRIDs brings hope for treating nonsense mutations in various genetic diseases. Further research is still needed to deeply understand the mechanism of eukaryotic cell termination and drug-induced PTC readthrough so that patients can achieve the greatest benefit from the various TRID treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juan Li
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Genetic Study of Hematopathy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenjing Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ziyan Nie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fengdie Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jun Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Carollo PS, Tutone M, Culletta G, Fiduccia I, Corrao F, Pibiri I, Di Leonardo A, Zizzo MG, Melfi R, Pace A, Almerico AM, Lentini L. Investigating the Inhibition of FTSJ1, a Tryptophan tRNA-Specific 2'-O-Methyltransferase by NV TRIDs, as a Mechanism of Readthrough in Nonsense Mutated CFTR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9609. [PMID: 37298560 PMCID: PMC10253411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, coding for the CFTR chloride channel. About 10% of the CFTR gene mutations are "stop" mutations that generate a premature termination codon (PTC), thus synthesizing a truncated CFTR protein. A way to bypass PTC relies on ribosome readthrough, which is the ribosome's capacity to skip a PTC, thus generating a full-length protein. "TRIDs" are molecules exerting ribosome readthrough; for some, the mechanism of action is still under debate. We investigate a possible mechanism of action (MOA) by which our recently synthesized TRIDs, namely NV848, NV914, and NV930, could exert their readthrough activity by in silico analysis and in vitro studies. Our results suggest a likely inhibition of FTSJ1, a tryptophan tRNA-specific 2'-O-methyltransferase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Tutone
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (P.S.C.); (G.C.); (I.F.); (F.C.); (I.P.); (A.D.L.); (M.G.Z.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (A.M.A.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Lentini
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (P.S.C.); (G.C.); (I.F.); (F.C.); (I.P.); (A.D.L.); (M.G.Z.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (A.M.A.)
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6
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Corrao F, Zizzo MG, Tutone M, Melfi R, Fiduccia I, Carollo PS, Leonardo AD, Caldara G, Perriera R, Pace A, Belmonte B, Sammataro S, Pibiri I, Lentini L. Nonsense codons suppression. An acute toxicity study of three optimized TRIDs in murine model, safety and tolerability evaluation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113886. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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7
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Askarzadeh M, Azizian H, Adib M, Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani M, Mojtabavi S, Faramarzi MA, Sajjadi-Jazi SM, Larijani B, Hamedifar H, Mahdavi M. Design, synthesis, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition, docking, and molecular dynamics of new phthalimide-benzenesulfonamide hybrids for targeting type 2 diabetes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10569. [PMID: 35732907 PMCID: PMC9217978 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, a new series of 14 novel phthalimide-benzenesulfonamide derivatives 4a-n were synthesized, and their inhibitory activity against yeast α-glucosidase was screened. The obtained results indicated that most of the newly synthesized compounds showed prominent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. Among them, 4-phenylpiperazin derivative 4m exhibited the strongest inhibition with the IC50 value of 52.2 ± 0.1 µM. Enzyme kinetic study of compound 4m proved that its inhibition mode was competitive and Ki value of this compound was calculated to be 52.7 µM. In silico induced fit docking and molecular dynamics studies were performed to further investigate the interaction, orientation, and conformation of the target compounds over the active site of α-glucosidase. Obtained date of these studies demonstrated that our new compounds interacted as well with the α-glucosidase active site with the acceptable binding energies. Furthermore, in silico druglikeness/ADME/Toxicity studies of compound 4m were performed and predicted that this compound is druglikeness and has good ADME and toxicity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Askarzadeh
- School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, PO Box 14155-6455, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Azizian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Adib
- School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, PO Box 14155-6455, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mojtabavi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Faramarzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahmoud Sajjadi-Jazi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Hamedifar
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdavi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ensinck MM, Carlon MS. One Size Does Not Fit All: The Past, Present and Future of Cystic Fibrosis Causal Therapies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121868. [PMID: 35740997 PMCID: PMC9220995 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic disorder, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Over the last 30 years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of CF and the development of treatments that target the underlying defects in CF. Currently, a highly effective CFTR modulator treatment (Kalydeco™/Trikafta™) is available for 90% of people with CF. In this review, we will give an extensive overview of past and ongoing efforts in the development of therapies targeting the molecular defects in CF. We will discuss strategies targeting the CFTR protein (i.e., CFTR modulators such as correctors and potentiators), its cellular environment (i.e., proteostasis modulation, stabilization at the plasma membrane), the CFTR mRNA (i.e., amplifiers, nonsense mediated mRNA decay suppressors, translational readthrough inducing drugs) or the CFTR gene (gene therapies). Finally, we will focus on how these efforts can be applied to the 15% of people with CF for whom no causal therapy is available yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein M. Ensinck
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium;
| | - Marianne S. Carlon
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium;
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Bezzerri V, Lentini L, Api M, Busilacchi EM, Cavalieri V, Pomilio A, Diomede F, Pegoraro A, Cesaro S, Poloni A, Pace A, Trubiani O, Lippi G, Pibiri I, Cipolli M. Novel Translational Read-through-Inducing Drugs as a Therapeutic Option for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040886. [PMID: 35453634 PMCID: PMC9024944 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is one of the most commonly inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS). In SDS, bone marrow is hypocellular, with marked neutropenia. Moreover, SDS patients have a high risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which in turn increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from an early age. Most SDS patients are heterozygous for the c.183-184TA>CT (K62X) SBDS nonsense mutation. Fortunately, a plethora of translational read-through inducing drugs (TRIDs) have been developed and tested for several rare inherited diseases due to nonsense mutations so far. The authors previously demonstrated that ataluren (PTC124) can restore full-length SBDS protein expression in bone marrow stem cells isolated from SDS patients carrying the nonsense mutation K62X. In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of a panel of ataluren analogues in restoring SBDS protein resynthesis and function both in hematological and non-hematological SDS cells. Besides confirming that ataluren can efficiently induce SBDS protein re-expression in SDS cells, the authors found that another analogue, namely NV848, can restore full-length SBDS protein synthesis as well, showing very low toxicity in zebrafish. Furthermore, NV848 can improve myeloid differentiation in bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors, enhancing neutrophil maturation and reducing the number of dysplastic granulocytes in vitro. Therefore, these findings broaden the possibilities of developing novel therapeutic options in terms of nonsense mutation suppression for SDS. Eventually, this study may act as a proof of concept for the development of similar approaches for other IBMFS caused by nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Bezzerri
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Martina Api
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Ancona, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Elena Marinelli Busilacchi
- Hematology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (E.M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
- Zebrafish Laboratory, Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Pomilio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Francesca Diomede
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie Innovative in Medicina e Odontoiatria, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.)
| | - Anna Pegoraro
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Simone Cesaro
- Unit of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Antonella Poloni
- Hematology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (E.M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Oriana Trubiani
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie Innovative in Medicina e Odontoiatria, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.D.); (O.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (I.P.)
| | - Marco Cipolli
- Cystic Fibrosis Center of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-812-2293
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Phytol and Heptacosane Are Possible Tools to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in an In Vitro Model of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030356. [PMID: 35337153 PMCID: PMC8952646 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is the ability of cancer cells to gain resistance to both conventional and novel chemotherapy agents, and remains a major problem in cancer therapy. Resistance mechanisms are multifactorial and involve more strictly pharmacological factors, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and biological factors such as inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Possible therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have increased in recent years; however, drug resistance remains a problem for most pa-tients. Phytol and heptacosane are the major compounds of Euphorbia intisy essential oil (EO) which were demonstrated to inhibit P-gp in a multidrug resistant in vitro model of AML. This study investigated the mechanism by which phytol and heptacosane improve P-gp-mediated drug transport. Phytol suppresses the P-gp expression via NF-κB inhibition and does not seem to act on the efflux system. Heptacosane acts as a substrate and potent P-gp inhibitor, demonstrating the ability to retain the substrate doxorubicin inside the cell and enhancing its cytotoxic effects. Our results suggest that these compounds act as non-toxic modulators of P-gp through different mechanisms and are able to revert P-gp-mediated drug resistance in tumor cells.
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Culletta G, Allegra M, Almerico AM, Restivo I, Tutone M. In Silico Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Anticancer Arylsulfonamide Endowed with Anti-Telomerase Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15010082. [PMID: 35056139 PMCID: PMC8778141 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, a reverse transcriptase enzyme involved in DNA synthesis, has a tangible role in tumor progression. Several studies have evidenced telomerase as a promising target for developing cancer therapeutics. The main reason is due to the overexpression of telomerase in cancer cells (85–90%) compared with normal cells where it is almost unexpressed. In this paper, we used a structure-based approach to design potential inhibitors of the telomerase active site. The MYSHAPE (Molecular dYnamics SHared PharmacophorE) approach and docking were used to screen an in-house library of 126 arylsulfonamide derivatives. Promising compounds were synthesized using classical and green methods. Compound 2C revealed an interesting IC50 (33 ± 4 µM) against the K-562 cell line compared with the known telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532 IC50 (208 ± 11 µM) with an SI ~10 compared to the BALB/3-T3 cell line. A 100 ns MD simulation of 2C in the telomerase active site evidenced Phe494 as the key residue as well as in BIBR1532. Each moiety of compound 2C was involved in key interactions with some residues of the active site: Arg557, Ile550, and Gly553. Compound 2C, as an arylsulfonamide derivative, is an interesting hit compound that deserves further investigation in terms of optimization of its structure to obtain more active telomerase inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Culletta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche e Ambientali, Università di Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.M.A.); (I.R.)
| | - Mario Allegra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.M.A.); (I.R.)
| | - Anna Maria Almerico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.M.A.); (I.R.)
| | - Ignazio Restivo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.M.A.); (I.R.)
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (M.A.); (A.M.A.); (I.R.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Pinto MC, Silva IAL, Figueira MF, Amaral MD, Lopes-Pacheco M. Pharmacological Modulation of Ion Channels for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:693-723. [PMID: 34326672 PMCID: PMC8316759 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s255377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening monogenic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, an anion channel that transports chloride and bicarbonate across epithelia. Despite clinical progress in delaying disease progression with symptomatic therapies, these individuals still develop various chronic complications in lungs and other organs, which significantly restricts their life expectancy and quality of life. The development of high-throughput assays to screen drug-like compound libraries have enabled the discovery of highly effective CFTR modulator therapies. These novel therapies target the primary defect underlying CF and are now approved for clinical use for individuals with specific CF genotypes. However, the clinically approved modulators only partially reverse CFTR dysfunction and there is still a considerable number of individuals with CF carrying rare CFTR mutations who remain without any effective CFTR modulator therapy. Accordingly, additional efforts have been pursued to identify novel and more potent CFTR modulators that may benefit a larger CF population. The use of ex vivo individual-derived specimens has also become a powerful tool to evaluate novel drugs and predict their effectiveness in a personalized medicine approach. In addition to CFTR modulators, pro-drugs aiming at modulating alternative ion channels/transporters are under development to compensate for the lack of CFTR function. These therapies may restore normal mucociliary clearance through a mutation-agnostic approach (ie, independent of CFTR mutation) and include inhibitors of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), modulators of the calcium-activated channel transmembrane 16A (TMEM16, or anoctamin 1) or of the solute carrier family 26A member 9 (SLC26A9), and anionophores. The present review focuses on recent progress and challenges for the development of ion channel/transporter-modulating drugs for the treatment of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena C Pinto
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Iris A L Silva
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miriam F Figueira
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margarida D Amaral
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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13
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Immunoproteasome and Non-Covalent Inhibition: Exploration by Advanced Molecular Dynamics and Docking Methods. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26134046. [PMID: 34279386 PMCID: PMC8271555 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective inhibition of immunoproteasome is a valuable strategy to treat autoimmune, inflammatory diseases, and hematologic malignancies. Recently, a new series of amide derivatives as non-covalent inhibitors of the β1i subunit with Ki values in the low/submicromolar ranges have been identified. Here, we investigated the binding mechanism of the most potent and selective inhibitor, N-benzyl-2-(2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)propanamide (1), to elucidate the steps from the ligand entrance into the binding pocket to the ligand-induced conformational changes. We carried out a total of 400 ns of MD-binding analyses, followed by 200 ns of plain MD. The trajectories clustering allowed identifying three representative poses evidencing new key interactions with Phe31 and Lys33 together in a flipped orientation of a representative pose. Further, Binding Pose MetaDynamics (BPMD) studies were performed to evaluate the binding stability, comparing 1 with four other inhibitors of the β1i subunit: N-benzyl-2-(2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)acetamide (2), N-cyclohexyl-3-(2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)propenamide (3), N-butyl-3-(2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)propanamide (4), and (S)-2-(2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl)-N,4-diphenylbutanamide (5). The obtained results in terms of free binding energy were consistent with the experimental values of inhibition, confirming 1 as a lead compound of this series. The adopted methods provided a full dynamic description of the binding events, and the information obtained could be exploited for the rational design of new and more active inhibitors.
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14
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Kong R, Ma J, Hwang S, Moon YC, Welch EM, Weetall M, Colacino JM, Almstead N, Babiak J, Goodwin E. In vitro metabolism, reaction phenotyping, enzyme kinetics, CYP inhibition and induction potential of ataluren. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 8:e00576. [PMID: 32196986 PMCID: PMC7083565 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ataluren promotes ribosomal readthrough of premature termination codons in mRNA which result from nonsense mutations. In vitro studies were performed to characterize the metabolism and enzyme kinetics of ataluren and its interaction potential with CYP enzymes. Incubation of [14C]‐ataluren with human liver microsomes indicated that the major metabolic pathway for ataluren is via direct glucuronidation and that the drug is not metabolized via cytochrome P450 (CYP). Glucuronidation was also observed in the incubation in human intestinal and kidney microsomes, but not in human pulmonary microsomes. UGT1A9 was found to be the major uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) responsible for ataluren glucuronidation in the liver and kidney microsomes. Enzyme kinetic analysis of the formation of ataluren acyl glucuronide, performed in human liver, kidney, and intestinal microsomes and recombinant human UGT1A9, found that increasing bovine serum albumin (BSA) levels enhanced the glucuronidation Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) and ataluren protein binding but had a minimal effect on maximum velocity (Vmax) of glucuronidation. Due to the decreased unbound Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km,u), the ataluren unbound intrinsic clearance (CLint,u) increased for all experimental systems and BSA concentrations. Human kidney microsomes were about 3.7‐fold more active than human liver microsomes, in terms of CLint,u/mg protein, indicating that the kidney is also a key organ for the metabolism and disposition of ataluren in humans. Ataluren showed no or little potential to inhibit or induce most of the CYP enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Kong
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, USA
| | - Jiyuan Ma
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Babiak
- PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, USA
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15
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Palma M, Lejeune F. Deciphering the molecular mechanism of stop codon readthrough. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:310-329. [PMID: 33089614 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of the stop codon by the translation machinery is essential to terminating translation at the right position and to synthesizing a protein of the correct size. Under certain conditions, the stop codon can be recognized as a coding codon promoting translation, which then terminates at a later stop codon. This event, called stop codon readthrough, occurs either by error, due to a dedicated regulatory environment leading to generation of different protein isoforms, or through the action of a readthrough compound. This review focuses on the mechanisms of stop codon readthrough, the nucleotide and protein environments that facilitate or inhibit it, and the therapeutic interest of stop codon readthrough in the treatment of genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Palma
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR9020 - U1277 - CANTHER - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Lejeune
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR9020 - U1277 - CANTHER - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
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16
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Pibiri I, Melfi R, Tutone M, Di Leonardo A, Pace A, Lentini L. Targeting Nonsense: Optimization of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole TRIDs to Rescue CFTR Expression and Functionality in Cystic Fibrosis Cell Model Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176420. [PMID: 32899265 PMCID: PMC7504161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients develop a severe form of the disease when the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is affected by nonsense mutations. Nonsense mutations are responsible for the presence of a premature termination codon (PTC) in the mRNA, creating a lack of functional protein. In this context, translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) represent a promising approach to correct the basic defect caused by PTCs. By using computational optimization and biological screening, we identified three new small molecules showing high readthrough activity. The activity of these compounds has been verified by evaluating CFTR expression and functionality after treatment with the selected molecules in cells expressing nonsense–CFTR–mRNA. Additionally, the channel functionality was measured by the halide sensitive yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) quenching assay. All three of the new TRIDs displayed high readthrough activity and low toxicity and can be considered for further evaluation as a therapeutic approach toward the second major cause of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (L.L.); Tel.: +39-091-238-97545 (I.P.); +39-091-238-97341 (L.L.)
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
- Centro di OncoBiologia Sperimentale (COBS), via San Lorenzo Colli, 90145 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (R.M.); (M.T.); (A.D.L.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (L.L.); Tel.: +39-091-238-97545 (I.P.); +39-091-238-97341 (L.L.)
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17
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Investigating REPAIRv2 as a Tool to Edit CFTR mRNA with Premature Stop Codons. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134781. [PMID: 32640650 PMCID: PMC7369808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Some CF patients are compound heterozygous or homozygous for nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene. This implies the presence in the transcript of premature termination codons (PTCs) responsible for a truncated CFTR protein and a more severe form of the disease. Aminoglycoside and PTC124 derivatives have been used for the read-through of PTCs to restore the full-length CFTR protein. However, in a precision medicine framework, the CRISPR/dCas13b-based molecular tool “REPAIRv2” (RNA Editing for Programmable A to I Replacement, version 2) could be a good alternative to restore the full-length CFTR protein. This RNA editing approach is based on the targeting of the deaminase domain of the hADAR2 enzyme fused to the dCas13b protein to a specific adenosine to be edited to inosine in the mutant mRNA. Targeting specificity is allowed by a guide RNA (gRNA) complementarily to the target region and recognized by the dCas13b protein. Here, we used the REPAIRv2 platform to edit the UGA PTC to UGG in different cell types, namely IB3-1 cells, HeLa, and FRT cells engineered to express H2BGFPopal and CFTRW1282X, respectively.
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18
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Nonsense Suppression Therapy: New Hypothesis for the Treatment of Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134672. [PMID: 32630050 PMCID: PMC7369780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a group of cancer-prone genetic diseases characterized by hypocellular bone marrow with impairment in one or more hematopoietic lineages. The pathogenesis of IBMFS involves mutations in several genes which encode for proteins involved in DNA repair, telomere biology and ribosome biogenesis. The classical IBMFS include Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS), Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA), Fanconi anemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita (DC), and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). IBMFS are associated with high risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and solid tumors. Unfortunately, no specific pharmacological therapies have been highly effective for IBMFS. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a cure for aplastic or myeloid neoplastic complications. However, it does not affect the risk of solid tumors. Since approximately 28% of FA, 24% of SCN, 21% of DBA, 20% of SDS, and 17% of DC patients harbor nonsense mutations in the respective IBMFS-related genes, we discuss the use of the nonsense suppression therapy in these diseases. We recently described the beneficial effect of ataluren, a nonsense suppressor drug, in SDS bone marrow hematopoietic cells ex vivo. A similar approach could be therefore designed for treating other IBMFS. In this review we explain in detail the new generation of nonsense suppressor molecules and their mechanistic roles. Furthermore, we will discuss strengths and limitations of these molecules which are emerging from preclinical and clinical studies. Finally we discuss the state-of-the-art of preclinical and clinical therapeutic studies carried out for IBMFS.
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19
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Morais P, Adachi H, Yu YT. Suppression of Nonsense Mutations by New Emerging Technologies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124394. [PMID: 32575694 PMCID: PMC7352488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonsense mutations often result from single nucleotide substitutions that change a sense codon (coding for an amino acid) to a nonsense or premature termination codon (PTC) within the coding region of a gene. The impact of nonsense mutations is two-fold: (1) the PTC-containing mRNA is degraded by a surveillance pathway called nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) and (2) protein translation stops prematurely at the PTC codon, and thus no functional full-length protein is produced. As such, nonsense mutations result in a large number of human diseases. Nonsense suppression is a strategy that aims to correct the defects of hundreds of genetic disorders and reverse disease phenotypes and conditions. While most clinical trials have been performed with small molecules, there is an increasing need for sequence-specific repair approaches that are safer and adaptable to personalized medicine. Here, we discuss recent advances in both conventional strategies as well as new technologies. Several of these will soon be tested in clinical trials as nonsense therapies, even if they still have some limitations and challenges to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Morais
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Hironori Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Yi-Tao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(585)-275-1271; Fax: +1-(585)-275-6007
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20
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Tutone M, Pibiri I, Perriera R, Campofelice A, Culletta G, Melfi R, Pace A, Almerico AM, Lentini L. Pharmacophore-Based Design of New Chemical Scaffolds as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs). ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:747-753. [PMID: 32435380 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) rescue the functional full-length protein expression in genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, caused by premature termination codons (PTCs). Small molecules have been developed as TRIDs to trick the ribosomal machinery during recognition of the PTC. Herein we report a computational study to identify new TRID scaffolds. A pharmacophore approach was carried out on compounds that showed readthrough activity. The pharmacophore model applied to screen different libraries containing more than 87000 compounds identified four hit-compounds presenting scaffolds with diversity from the oxadiazole lead. These compounds have been synthesized and tested using the Fluc reporter harboring the UGA PTC. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect and the expression of the CFTR protein were evaluated. These compounds, a benzimidazole derivative (NV2899), a benzoxazole derivative (NV2913), a thiazole derivative (NV2909), and a benzene-1,3-disulfonate derivative (NV2907), were shown to be potential new lead compounds as TRIDs, boosting further efforts to address the optimization of the chemical scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Perriera
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Ambra Campofelice
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Culletta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, viale Annunziata, 98168-Messina, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Almerico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi, 90123-Palermo, Italy
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21
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Safyanova IS, Bondar OA, Pavlishchuk AV, Omelchenko IV, Iskenderov TS, Kalibabchuk VA. Crystal structure of poly[(μ 3-4-amino-1,2,5-oxa-diazole-3-hydroxamato)thallium(I)]. Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun 2020; 76:328-331. [PMID: 32148870 PMCID: PMC7057383 DOI: 10.1107/s2056989020001577] [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: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The title compound represents the thallium(I) salt of a substituted 1,2,5-oxa-diazole, [Tl(C3H3N4O3)] n , with amino- and hydroxamate groups in the 4- and 3- positions of the oxa-diazole ring, respectively. In the crystal, the deprotonated hydroxamate group represents an inter-mediate between the keto/enol tautomers and forms a five-membered chelate ring with the thallium(I) cation. The coordination sphere of the cation is augmented to a distorted disphenoid by two monodentately binding O atoms from two adjacent anions, leading to the formation of zigzag chains extending parallel to the b axis. The cohesion within the chains is supported by π-π stacking [centroid-centroid distance = 3.746 (3) Å] and inter-molecular N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna S. Safyanova
- Department of Chemistry, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 64, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Oksana A. Bondar
- Department of Chemistry, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 64, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Anna V. Pavlishchuk
- Department of Chemistry, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 64, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Iryna V. Omelchenko
- SSI "Institute for Single Crystals", National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Nauky ave. 60, 61001 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Turganbay S. Iskenderov
- Department of Chemistry, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 64, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Valentina A. Kalibabchuk
- Department of General Chemistry, O.O. Bohomolets National Medical University, Shevchenko Blvd. 13, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
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22
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Campofelice A, Lentini L, Di Leonardo A, Melfi R, Tutone M, Pace A, Pibiri I. Strategies against Nonsense: Oxadiazoles as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133329. [PMID: 31284579 PMCID: PMC6651739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the use of oxadiazoles as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) to rescue the functional full-length protein expression in mendelian genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. These mutations in specific genes generate premature termination codons (PTCs) responsible for the translation of truncated proteins. After a brief introduction on nonsense mutations and their pathological effects, the features of various classes of TRIDs will be described discussing differences or similarities in their mechanisms of action. Strategies to correct the PTCs will be presented, particularly focusing on a new class of Ataluren-like oxadiazole derivatives in comparison to aminoglycosides. Additionally, recent results on the efficiency of new candidate TRIDs in restoring the production of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein will be presented. Finally, a prospectus on complementary strategies to enhance the effect of TRIDs will be illustrated together with a conclusive paragraph about perspectives, opportunities, and caveats in developing small molecules as TRIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Campofelice
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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23
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Lentini L, Melfi R, Cancemi P, Pibiri I, Di Leonardo A. Caffeine boosts Ataluren's readthrough activity. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01963. [PMID: 31294114 PMCID: PMC6595402 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The readthrough of nonsense mutations by small molecules like Ataluren is considered a novel therapeutic approach to overcome the gene defect in several genetic diseases as cystic fibrosis (CF). This pharmacological approach suppresses translation termination at premature termination codons (PTCs readthrough) thus restoring the expression of a functional protein. However, readthrough might be limited by the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a cell process that reduces the amount/level of PTCs containing mRNAs. Here we investigate the combined action of Ataluren and caffeine to enhance the readthrough of PTCs. IB3.1 CF cells with a nonsense mutation were treated with caffeine to attenuate the Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) activity and thus enhance the stability of the nonsense (ns)-CFTR-mRNA to be targeted by Ataluren. Our results show that NMD attenuation by caffeine enhances mRNA stability and more importantly when combined with Ataluren increase the recovery of the full-length CFTR protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cancemi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Centro di OncoBiologia Sperimentale (COBS) via San Lorenzo Colli 90145 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Leonardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16-17, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- Centro di OncoBiologia Sperimentale (COBS) via San Lorenzo Colli 90145 Palermo, Italy
- Corresponding author.
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Tutone M, Pibiri I, Lentini L, Pace A, Almerico AM. Deciphering the Nonsense Readthrough Mechanism of Action of Ataluren: An in Silico Compared Study. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:522-527. [PMID: 30996790 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataluren was reported to suppress nonsense mutations by promoting the readthrough of premature stop codons, although its mechanism of action (MOA) is still debated. The likely interaction of Ataluren with CFTR-mRNA has been previously studied by molecular dynamics. In this work we extended the modeling of Ataluren's MOA by complementary computational approaches such as induced fit docking (IFD), quantum polarized ligand docking (QPLD), MM-GBSA free-energy calculations, and computational mutagenesis. In addition to CFTR-mRNA, this study considered other model targets implicated in the translation process, such as eukaryotic rRNA 18S, prokaryotic rRNA 16S, and eukaryotic Release Factor 1 (eRF1), and we performed a comparison with a new promising Ataluren analogue (NV2445) and with a series of aminoglycosides, known to suppress the normal proofreading function of the ribosome. Results confirmed mRNA as the most likely candidate target for Ataluren and its analogue, and binding energies calculated after computational mutagenesis highlighted how Ataluren's interaction with the premature stop codon could be affected by ancillary nucleotides in the genetic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF) Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi 28 - viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 & 17, 90100-Palermo-Italy
| | - Ivana Pibiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF) Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi 28 - viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 & 17, 90100-Palermo-Italy
| | - Laura Lentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF) Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi 28 - viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 & 17, 90100-Palermo-Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF) Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi 28 - viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 & 17, 90100-Palermo-Italy
| | - Anna Maria Almerico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF) Università degli Studi di Palermo, via Archirafi 28 - viale delle Scienze, Edificio 16 & 17, 90100-Palermo-Italy
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