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Wu J, Wu X, Cheng C, Liu L, Xu L, Xu Z, Wang S, Symmes D, Mo L, Chen R, Zhang J. Therapeutic targeting of vimentin by ALD-R491 impacts multiple pathogenic processes to attenuate acute and chronic colitis in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115648. [PMID: 37812892 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, crucially contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by interacting with genetic risk factors, facilitating pathogen infection, and modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. This study aimed to demonstrate preclinical proof-of-concept for targeting vimentin therapeutically in IBD across diverse etiologies. METHODS The small molecule compound ALD-R491 was assessed for vimentin binding using microscale thermophoresis, off-target effects via Eurofins screening, and therapeutic effects in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis and in IL-10 KO with spontaneous colitis. Parameters measured included body weight, survival, disease activity, colon length, and histology. The study analyzed intestinal proinflammatory cytokines, Th17/Treg cells, and epithelial barrier molecules, along with gut microbiota profiling. RESULTS ALD-R491 specifically bound vimentin with a dissociation constant (KD) of 328 ± 12.66 nM and no off-target effects. In the DSS model, orally administered ALD-R491 exhibited dose-dependent therapeutic effects, superior to 5-ASA and Tofacitinib. In the IL-10 KO model, ALD-R491 significantly delayed colitis onset and progression, with near-zero disease activity index scores over a 15-week treatment. ALD-R491 consistently showed in both models a reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, a rebalanced Th17/Treg axis by reducing RORγt while enhancing FoxP3 expression, and an improved epithelial barrier integrity by increasing intestinal expressions of Mucin-2, ZO-1 and Claudin5. The intestinal dysbiosis was restored with enriched presence of probiotics. CONCLUSIONS Targeting vimentin exhibits significant therapeutic effects on various facets of IBD pathogenesis, representing a compelling approach for the development of highly effective treatments in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Laboratory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueting Wu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Le Xu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zijing Xu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuaishuai Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Deebie Symmes
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Union City, CA 94587, USA
| | - Lian Mo
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Union City, CA 94587, USA
| | - Ruihuan Chen
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Union City, CA 94587, USA; Luoda Biosciences, Inc., Chuzhou, Anhui, China.
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Arrindell J, Desnues B. Vimentin: from a cytoskeletal protein to a critical modulator of immune response and a target for infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1224352. [PMID: 37475865 PMCID: PMC10354447 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that plays a role in cell processes, including cell migration, cell shape and plasticity, or organelle anchorage. However, studies from over the last quarter-century revealed that vimentin can be expressed at the cell surface and even secreted and that its implications in cell physiology largely exceed structural and cytoskeletal functions. Consequently, vimentin contributes to several pathophysiological conditions such as cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, or infection. In this review, we aimed at covering these various roles and highlighting vimentin implications in the immune response. We also provide an overview of how some microbes including bacteria and viruses have acquired the ability to circumvent vimentin functions in order to interfere with host responses and promote their uptake, persistence, and egress from host cells. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic approaches associated with vimentin targeting, leading to several beneficial effects such as preventing infection, limiting inflammatory responses, or the progression of cancerous events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Arrindell
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Benoit Desnues
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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3
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Dong G, Jiang Y, Zhang F, Zhu F, Liu J, Xu Z. Recent updates on 1,2,3-, 1,2,4-, and 1,3,5-triazine hybrids (2017-present): The anticancer activity, structure-activity relationships, and mechanisms of action. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200479. [PMID: 36372519 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the world, and the prevalence and mortality rates of cancer will continue to grow. Chemotherapeutics play a critical role in cancer therapy, but drug resistance and side effects are major hurdles to effective treatment, evoking an immediate need for the discovery of new anticancer agents. Triazines including 1,2,3-, 1,2,4-, and 1,3,5-triazine have occupied a propitious place in drug design and development due to their excellent pharmacological profiles. Mechanistically, triazine derivatives could interfere with various signaling pathways to induce cancer cell death. Hence, triazine derivatives possess potential in vitro and in vivo efficacy against diverse cancers. In particular, triazine hybrids are able to overcome drug resistance and reduce side effects. Moreover, several triazine hybrids such as brivanib (indole-containing pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine), gedatolisib (1,3,5-triazine-urea hybrid), and enasidenib (1,3,5-triazine-pyridine hybrid) have already been available in the market. Accordingly, triazine hybrids are useful scaffolds for the discovery of novel anticancer chemotherapeutics. This review focuses on the anticancer activity of 1,2,3-, 1,2,4-, and 1,3,5-triazine hybrids, together with the structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action developed from 2017 to the present. The enriched structure-activity relationships may be useful for further rational drug development of triazine hybrids as potential clinical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoli Dong
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Yingchun Jiang
- College of Medicine, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Fengyun Zhu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Junna Liu
- Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute of Zhumadian, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute of Zhumadian, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
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4
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Zhang H, Gomika Udugamasooriya D. Optimization of a cell surface vimentin binding peptoid to extract antagonist effect on lung cancer cells. Bioorg Chem 2022; 129:106113. [PMID: 36108586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting cytoskeletal proteins that are uniquely translocated to cancer cell surface may provide an alternative path for conventional drug discovery. Vimentin is such a cell surface-translocated cytoskeletal protein (CSV) found in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We previously reported the identification of CSV-binding peptoid, named JM3A. While JM3A had no antagonist effect, here we used multiple strategies to optimize the binding of JM3A on CSV and extract the antagonistic effect. We first performed minimum pharmacophore identification studies using alanine/sarcosine scans. These studies revealed that residues 1-4 and 8 (from the C-terminus) are not important and those residues 5-7 are important for JM3A binding to CSV. We then found that our previous N-terminal benzophenone (BP)-coupled JM3A (JM3A-BP), which was used for pull-down and target identification studies, displayed 3-fold binding enhancement. The molecular docking studies indicated that the BP moiety binds to a new binding pocket on the vimentin coil 2 fragment, and further studies using 12 benzophenone-like moieties indicated that at least two phenyl groups are needed to occupy this new binding site. Interestingly, the binding was improved when non-important and bulky residues at the 4th and 8th positions were replaced with methyl groups (JM3A-4,8-BP). We next dimerized JM3A-4,8-BP to enhance the binding via the "avidity effect," using a central lysine linker to develop JM3A-4,8-BPD1 (EC50 = 300 nM). This showed 27- and 63-fold-improvement in binding over JM3A-4,8-BP and JM3A monomers, respectively. JM3A4,8BPD1 also displayed binding comparable to vimentin antibody. Finally, we observed an antagonist effect on H1299 NSCLC cell proliferation and viability from this most improved dimeric JM3A-4,8BPD1, which was not shown by the monomeric versions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health Building 2, Houston, TX 77204-5037, USA
| | - D Gomika Udugamasooriya
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, 4349 Martin Luther King Blvd, Health Building 2, Houston, TX 77204-5037, USA; Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Road, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
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5
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Kim HR, Warrington SJ, López-Guajardo A, Al Hennawi K, Cook SL, Griffith ZDJ, Symmes D, Zhang T, Qu Z, Xu Y, Chen R, Gad AKB. ALD-R491 regulates vimentin filament stability and solubility, cell contractile force, cell migration speed and directionality. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:926283. [PMID: 36483676 PMCID: PMC9723350 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.926283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasizing cells express the intermediate filament protein vimentin, which is used to diagnose invasive tumors in the clinic. However, the role of vimentin in cell motility, and if the assembly of non-filamentous variants of vimentin into filaments regulates cell migration remains unclear. We observed that the vimentin-targeting drug ALD-R491 increased the stability of vimentin filaments, by reducing filament assembly and/or disassembly. ALD-R491-treatment also resulted in more bundled and disorganized filaments and an increased pool of non-filamentous vimentin. This was accompanied by a reduction in size of cell-matrix adhesions and increased cellular contractile forces. Moreover, during cell migration, cells showed erratic formation of lamellipodia at the cell periphery, loss of coordinated cell movement, reduced cell migration speed, directionality and an elongated cell shape with long thin extensions at the rear that often detached. Taken together, these results indicate that the stability of vimentin filaments and the soluble pool of vimentin regulate the speed and directionality of cell migration and the capacity of cells to migrate in a mechanically cohesive manner. These observations suggest that the stability of vimentin filaments governs the adhesive, physical and migratory properties of cells, and expands our understanding of vimentin functions in health and disease, including cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejeong Rosemary Kim
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ana López-Guajardo
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Khairat Al Hennawi
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L. Cook
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Zak D. J. Griffith
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Deebie Symmes
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruihuan Chen
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Annica K. B. Gad
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Madeira Chemistry Research Centre, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
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6
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Qiu Z, Liu W, Zhu Q, Ke K, Zhu Q, Jin W, Yu S, Yang Z, Li L, Sun X, Ren S, Liu Y, Zhu Z, Zeng J, Huang X, Huang Y, Wei L, Ma M, Lu J, Chen X, Mou Y, Xie T, Sui X. The Role and Therapeutic Potential of Macropinocytosis in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919819. [PMID: 36046825 PMCID: PMC9421435 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Macropinocytosis, a unique endocytosis pathway characterized by nonspecific internalization, has a vital role in the uptake of extracellular substances and antigen presentation. It is known to have dual effects on cancer cells, depending on cancer type and certain microenvironmental conditions. It helps cancer cells survive in nutrient-deficient environments, enhances resistance to anticancer drugs, and promotes invasion and metastasis. Conversely, overexpression of the RAS gene alongside drug treatment can lead to methuosis, a novel mode of cell death. The survival and proliferation of cancer cells is closely related to macropinocytosis in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but identifying how these cells interface with the TME is crucial for creating drugs that can limit cancer progression and metastasis. Substantial progress has been made in recent years on designing anticancer therapies that utilize the effects of macropinocytosis. Both the induction and inhibition of macropinocytosis are useful strategies for combating cancer cells. This article systematically reviews the general mechanisms of macropinocytosis, its specific functions in tumor cells, its occurrence in nontumor cells in the TME, and its application in tumor therapies. The aim is to elucidate the role and therapeutic potential of macropinocytosis in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejing Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianru Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Ke
- Department of Gastrointestinal-Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qicong Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal-Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal-Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuxian Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuyi Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochen Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanfen Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangping Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiping Mou
- Department of Gastrointestinal-Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yiping Mou, ; Tian Xie, ; Xinbing Sui,
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yiping Mou, ; Tian Xie, ; Xinbing Sui,
| | - Xinbing Sui
- Department of Medical Oncology and School of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yiping Mou, ; Tian Xie, ; Xinbing Sui,
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Martínez-Peña F, Pearson AD, Tang EL, Kuburich NA, Mani SA, Schultz PG, Bollong MJ, Lairson LL. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel FiVe1 derivatives as potent and selective agents for the treatment of mesenchymal cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 242:114638. [PMID: 36001933 PMCID: PMC10377566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) endows stem cell-like properties to cancer cells. Targeting this process represents a potential therapeutic approach to overcome cancer metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. FiVe1 was identified from an EMT-based synthetic lethality screen and was found to inhibit the stem cell-like properties and proliferation of not only cancer cells undergoing EMT, but also more broadly in mesenchymal cancers that include therapeutically intractable soft tissue sarcomas. FiVe1 functions by directly binding to the type III intermediate filament protein vimentin (VIM) in a mode that induces hyperphosphorylation of Ser56, which results in selective disruption of mitosis and induced multinucleation in transformed VIM-expressing mesenchymal cancer cell types. Cell-based potency (IC50 = 1.6 μM, HT-1080 fibrosarcoma), poor solubility (<1 μM) and low oral bioavailability limits the direct application of FiVe1 as an in vivo probe or therapeutic agent. To overcome these drawbacks, we performed structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and synthesized a set of 35 new compounds, consisting of diverse modifications of the FiVe1 scaffold. Among these compounds, 4e showed a marked improvement in potency (IC50 = 44 nM, 35-fold improvement, HT-1080) and cell type selectivity (19-fold improvement), when compared to FiVe1. Improvements in the potency of 4e, in terms of overall cytotoxicity, directly correlate with VIM Ser56 phosphorylation status and the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles of 4e in mouse are superior to FiVe1. Successful optimization also resulted in potent and selective derivatives 11a, 11j and 11k, which exhibited superior pharmacological profiles, in terms of metabolic stability and aqueous solubility. Collectively, these optimization efforts have resulted in the development of promising FiVe1 analogs with potential applications in the treatment of mesenchymal cancers, as well as in the study of VIM-related biology.
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Li Z, Wu J, Zhou J, Yuan B, Chen J, Wu W, Mo L, Qu Z, Zhou F, Dong Y, Huang K, Liu Z, Wang T, Symmes D, Gu J, Sho E, Zhang J, Chen R, Xu Y. A Vimentin-Targeting Oral Compound with Host-Directed Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Actions Addresses Multiple Features of COVID-19 and Related Diseases. mBio 2021; 12:e0254221. [PMID: 34634931 PMCID: PMC8510534 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02542-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage in COVID-19 results from both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its triggered overactive host immune responses. Therapeutic agents that focus solely on reducing viral load or hyperinflammation fail to provide satisfying outcomes in all cases. Although viral and cellular factors have been extensively profiled to identify potential anti-COVID-19 targets, new drugs with significant efficacy remain to be developed. Here, we report the potent preclinical efficacy of ALD-R491, a vimentin-targeting small molecule compound, in treating COVID-19 through its host-directed antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions. We found that by altering the physical properties of vimentin filaments, ALD-491 affected general cellular processes as well as specific cellular functions relevant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specifically, ALD-R491 reduced endocytosis, endosomal trafficking, and exosomal release, thus impeding the entry and egress of the virus; increased the microcidal capacity of macrophages, thus facilitating the pathogen clearance; and enhanced the activity of regulatory T cells, therefore suppressing the overactive immune responses. In cultured cells, ALD-R491 potently inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2-mediated pseudoviral infection. In aged mice with ongoing, productive SARS-CoV-2 infection, ALD-R491 reduced disease symptoms as well as lung damage. In rats, ALD-R491 also reduced bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Our results indicate a unique mechanism and significant therapeutic potential for ALD-R491 against COVID-19. We anticipate that ALD-R491, an oral, fast-acting, and non-cytotoxic agent targeting the cellular protein with multipart actions, will be convenient, safe, and broadly effective, regardless of viral mutations, for patients with early- or late-stage disease, post-COVID-19 complications, and other related diseases. IMPORTANCE With the Delta variant currently fueling a resurgence of new infections in the fully vaccinated population, developing an effective therapeutic drug is especially critical and urgent in fighting COVID-19. In contrast to the many efforts to repurpose existing drugs or address only one aspect of COVID-19, we are developing a novel agent with first-in-class mechanisms of action that address both the viral infection and the overactive immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. Unlike virus-directed therapeutics that may lose efficacy due to viral mutations, and immunosuppressants that require ideal timing to be effective, this agent, with its unique host-directed antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions, can work against all variants of the virus, be effective during all stages of the disease, and even resolve post-disease damage and complications. Further development of the compound will provide an important tool in the fight against COVID-19 and its complications, as well as future outbreaks of new viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhen Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Luoda Biosciences, Inc., Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baoshi Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiqiao Chen
- KCI Biotech (Suzhou) Inc., Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanchen Wu
- Joinn Laboratories (Suzhou), Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lian Mo
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingying Dong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deebie Symmes
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Jingliang Gu
- Joinn Laboratories (Suzhou), Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Eiketsu Sho
- KCI Biotech (Suzhou) Inc., Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruihuan Chen
- Luoda Biosciences, Inc., Chuzhou, Anhui, China
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Su Genomic Resource Center, Medical School of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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9
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Wu J, Xie Q, Liu Y, Gao Y, Qu Z, Mo L, Xu Y, Chen R, Shi L. A Small Vimentin-Binding Molecule Blocks Cancer Exosome Release and Reduces Cancer Cell Mobility. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:627394. [PMID: 34305581 PMCID: PMC8297618 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein with diverse roles in health and disease far beyond its structural functions. Exosomes or small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are key mediators for intercellular communication, contributing to tissue homeostasis and the progression of various diseases, especially the metastasis of cancers. In this study, we evaluated a novel vimentin-binding compound (R491) for its anti-cancer activities and its roles in cancer exosome release. The compound R491 induced a rapid and reversible intracellular vacuolization in various types of cancer cells. This phenotype did not result in an inhibition of cancer cell growth, which was consistent with our finding from a protein array that R491 did not reduce levels of major oncoproteins in cancer cells. Morphological and quantitative analyses on the intracellular vacuoles and extracellular exosomes revealed that in response to R491 treatment, the exosomes released from the cells were significantly reduced, while the exosomes retained as intra-luminal vesicles inside the cells were subsequently degraded. Vim+/− cells had lower amounts of vimentin and accordingly, lower amounts of both the retained and the released exosomes than Vim+/+ cells had, while the vimentin-binding compound R491 inhibited only the release of exosomes. Further functional tests showed that R491 significantly reduced the migration and invasion of cancer cells in vitro and decreased the amount of exosome in the blood in mice. Our study suggests that vimentin promotes exosome release, and small-molecule compounds that target vimentin are able to both block cancer exosome release and reduce cancer cell motility, and therefore could have potential applications for inhibiting cancer invasive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Luoda Biosciences, Inc., Chuzhou, China
| | - Qian Xie
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lian Mo
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Ying Xu
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Resource Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruihuan Chen
- Luoda Biosciences, Inc., Chuzhou, China.,Aluda Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Liyun Shi
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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10
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Ritter M, Bresgen N, Kerschbaum HH. From Pinocytosis to Methuosis-Fluid Consumption as a Risk Factor for Cell Death. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:651982. [PMID: 34249909 PMCID: PMC8261248 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.651982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The volumes of a cell [cell volume (CV)] and its organelles are adjusted by osmoregulatory processes. During pinocytosis, extracellular fluid volume equivalent to its CV is incorporated within an hour and membrane area equivalent to the cell's surface within 30 min. Since neither fluid uptake nor membrane consumption leads to swelling or shrinkage, cells must be equipped with potent volume regulatory mechanisms. Normally, cells respond to outwardly or inwardly directed osmotic gradients by a volume decrease and increase, respectively, i.e., they shrink or swell but then try to recover their CV. However, when a cell death (CD) pathway is triggered, CV persistently decreases in isotonic conditions in apoptosis and it increases in necrosis. One type of CD associated with cell swelling is due to a dysfunctional pinocytosis. Methuosis, a non-apoptotic CD phenotype, occurs when cells accumulate too much fluid by macropinocytosis. In contrast to functional pinocytosis, in methuosis, macropinosomes neither recycle nor fuse with lysosomes but with each other to form giant vacuoles, which finally cause rupture of the plasma membrane (PM). Understanding methuosis longs for the understanding of the ionic mechanisms of cell volume regulation (CVR) and vesicular volume regulation (VVR). In nascent macropinosomes, ion channels and transporters are derived from the PM. Along trafficking from the PM to the perinuclear area, the equipment of channels and transporters of the vesicle membrane changes by retrieval, addition, and recycling from and back to the PM, causing profound changes in vesicular ion concentrations, acidification, and-most importantly-shrinkage of the macropinosome, which is indispensable for its proper targeting and cargo processing. In this review, we discuss ion and water transport mechanisms with respect to CVR and VVR and with special emphasis on pinocytosis and methuosis. We describe various aspects of the complex mutual interplay between extracellular and intracellular ions and ion gradients, the PM and vesicular membrane, phosphoinositides, monomeric G proteins and their targets, as well as the submembranous cytoskeleton. Our aim is to highlight important cellular mechanisms, components, and processes that may lead to methuotic CD upon their derangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ritter
- Center for Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
- Gastein Research Institute, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis und Rehabilitation, Salzburg, Austria
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Nikolaus Bresgen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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