1
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Bhatia N, Thareja S. Aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer: An overview (2019-2023). Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107607. [PMID: 39002515 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107607] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibition is considered a legitimate approach for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer as it accounts for more than 70% of breast cancer cases. Aromatase inhibitor therapy has been demonstrated to be highly effective in decreasing tumour size, increasing survival rates, and lowering the chance of cancer recurrence. The present review deliberates the pathophysiology and the role of aromatase in estrogen biosynthesis. Estrogen biosynthesis, various androgens, and their function in the human body have also been discussed. The salient aspects of the aromatase active site, its mode of action, and AIs, along with their intended interactions with presently FDA-approved inhibitors, have been briefly discussed. It has been detailed how different reported AIs were designed, their SAR investigations, in silico analysis, and biological evaluations. Various AIs from multiple origins, such as synthetic and semi-synthetic, have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab 151401, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab 151401, India.
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2
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Xin L, Wang C, Cheng Y, Wang H, Guo X, Deng X, Deng X, Xie B, Hu H, Min C, Dong C, Zhou HB. Discovery of Novel ERα and Aromatase Dual-Targeting PROTAC Degraders to Overcome Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8913-8931. [PMID: 38809993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a pivotal role in the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of breast cancer (BC) cells, and aromatase (ARO) is a crucial enzyme in estrogen synthesis. Hence, it is necessary to inhibit estrogen production or the activity of ERα for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC. Herein, we present a new category of dual-targeting PROTAC degraders designed to specifically target ERα and ARO. Among them, compound 18c bifunctionally degrades and inhibits ERα/ARO, thus effectively suppressing the proliferation of MCF-7 cells while showing negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells. In vivo, 18c promotes the degradation of ERα and ARO and inhibits the growth of MCF-7 xenograft tumors. Finally, compound 18c demonstrates promising antiproliferative and ERα degradation activity against the ERαMUT cells. These findings suggest that 18c, being the inaugural dual-targeting degrader for ERα and ARO, warrants further advancement for the management of BC and the surmounting of endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilan Xin
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangping Deng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Baohua Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hankun Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chang Min
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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3
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Kaur K, Verma H, Gangwar P, Jangid K, Dhiman M, Kumar V, Jaitak V. Design, synthesis, in silico and biological evaluation of new indole based oxadiazole derivatives targeting estrogen receptor alpha. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107341. [PMID: 38593531 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107341] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
A series of new indole-oxadiazole derivatives was designed and synthesized to develop potential anti-breast cancer agents. The compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 1.78 to 19.74 μM against ER-positive human breast cancer (BC) cell lines T-47D and MCF-7. Among them, compounds (5a, 5c, 5e-5h, 5j-5o) displayed superior activity against ER-α dominant (ratio of ER-α/ER-β is 9/1) T-47D cells compared to the standard drug bazedoxifene (IC50 = 12.78 ± 0.92 μM). Compounds 5c and 5o exhibited remarkable anti-proliferative activity with IC50 values of 3.24 ± 0.46 and 1.72 ± 1.67 μM against T-47D cells, respectively. Further, compound 5o manifested 1589-fold higher ER-α binding affinity (213.4 pM) relative to bazedoxifene (339.2 nM) in a competitive ER-α binding assay, while compound 5c showed a binding affinity of 446.6 nM. The Western blot analysis proved that both compounds influenced the ER-α protein's expression, impeding its subsequent transactivation and signalling pathway within T-47D cells. Additionally, a molecular docking study suggests that compounds 5c and 5o bind in such a fashion that induces conformational changes in the protein, culminating in their antagonistic effect. Also, pharmacokinetic profiles showed that all compounds have drug-like properties. Further, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) analysis confirmed the stability, conformational behaviour, reactivity, and biological feasibility of compounds 5c and 5o. In conclusion, based on our findings, compounds 5c and 5o, which exhibit significant ER-α antagonistic activity, can act as potential lead compounds for developing anti-breast cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products. Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India
| | - Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India
| | - Kailash Jangid
- Department of Chemistry, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India
| | - Vikas Jaitak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products. Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda (Pb) 151401, India.
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4
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Kaur K, Verma H, Gangwar P, Dhiman M, Jaitak V. Design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of indole-based tetrazole derivatives as putative anti-breast cancer agents. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1329-1347. [PMID: 38665833 PMCID: PMC11042173 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00730h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A series of new indole-tetrazole derivatives were designed and synthesized to develop potential anti-breast cancer agents. The compounds exhibited in vitro anti-proliferative activity against ER-α positive T-47D (IC50 = 3.82-24.43 μM), MCF-7 (IC50 = 3.08-22.65 μM), and ER-α negative MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 7.69-19.4 μM) human breast cancer cell lines. Compounds 5d and 5f displayed significant anti-proliferative activity compared to bazedoxifene (IC50 = 14.23 ± 0.68 μM), with IC50 values of 10.00 ± 0.59 and 3.83 ± 0.74 μM, respectively, against the ER-α dominant T-47D cell line. Also, both compounds showed non-significant cytotoxicity against normal cells HEK-293. Further, the ER-α binding affinity of 5d and 5f was assessed through a fluorescence polarization-based competitive binding assay, where 5d and 5f have shown significant binding with IC50 = 5.826 and 110.6 nM, respectively, as compared to the standard drug bazedoxifene (IC50 = 339.2 nM). Western blot analysis confirmed that compound 5d reduced ER-α protein expression in T-47D cells, hindering its transactivation and signalling pathways. Additionally, a molecular docking study suggests that compounds 5d and 5f bind in such a fashion that induces conformational changes in the protein, culminating in their antagonistic effect. Pharmacokinetic profiles showed that the compounds possessed drug-like properties. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation studies establish the dynamic stability and conformational behaviour of the ER-α protein and ligand complex of both compounds. Additionally, 5d and 5f ensure biological feasibility as per their DFT analysis through HOMO-LUMO energy gap analysis. In conclusion, compounds 5d and 5f, exhibiting significant ER-α antagonistic activity, can act as potential lead compounds for anti-breast cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda (Pb) 151401 India
| | - Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda (Pb) 151401 India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda (Pb) 151401 India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda (Pb) 151401 India
| | - Vikas Jaitak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda (Pb) 151401 India
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5
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Xiong S, Song K, Xiang H, Luo G. Dual-target inhibitors based on ERα: Novel therapeutic approaches for endocrine resistant breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 270:116393. [PMID: 38588626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116393] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), a nuclear transcription factor, is a well-validated therapeutic target for more than 70% of all breast cancers (BCs). Antagonizing ERα either by selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) forms the foundation of endocrine therapy and has achieved great success in the treatment of ERα positive (ERα+) BCs. Unfortunately, despite initial effectiveness, endocrine resistance eventually emerges in up to 30% of ERα+ BC patients and remains a significant medical challenge. Several mechanisms implicated in endocrine resistance have been extensively studied, including aberrantly activated growth factor receptors and downstream signaling pathways. Hence, the crosstalk between ERα and another oncogenic signaling has led to surge of interest to develop combination therapies and dual-target single agents. This review briefly introduces the synergisms between ERα and another anticancer target and summarizes the recent advances of ERα-based dual-targeting inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective. Accordingly, their rational design strategies, structure-activity relationships (SARs) and biological activities are also dissected to provide some perspectives on future directions for ERα-based dual target drug discovery in BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ke Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hua Xiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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6
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Rani S, Vermani S, Kaur V, Singh P. Targeting aromatase to restrain oestrogen production and developing efficacious interventions against ER-positive cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116111. [PMID: 38185056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116111] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Being the most frequently diagnosed disease, breast cancer is mainly classified as ER+ cancers due to the detection of estrogen receptor (ER) expression. Irrespetive of the successes achieved in the treatment of ER+ cancers by the use of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) drugs like tamoxifen, resistance to the drug is a major clinical obstacle. Working on alternative treatment approaches, here, on the basis of mode of action of aromatase for the conversion of androstenedione to oestrogen, a series of compounds was developed. Results of all the experiments performed with these compounds led to the identification of three highly potent compounds 5d, 5e and 7d with their IC50 61.0, 83.0 and 54.0 nM for aromatase. Indicating their effectiveness in the treatment of ER+ cancers, appreciable tumor growth inhibitory activities of these compounds were observed against breast cancer cell lines. Further, the physico-chemical experiments including plasma protein binding, HSA binding, kinetic studies, solubility, ADME properties and molecular modelling studies supported the drug like features of the compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudesh Rani
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Sheetal Vermani
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Varinder Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Palwinder Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.
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7
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Mostafa T, Albeir M, Wober J, Abadi A, Salama I, Ahmed NS. Design, synthesis, and in-silico study of novel triarylethylene analogs with dual anti-estrogenic and serotonergic activity. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22127. [PMID: 37877739 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22127] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor is an important target in breast cancer. Serotonin receptors (5-HT2A and 5-HT2C , in particular) were investigated for a potential role in development and progression of breast cancer. Ligands that interact with estrogenic receptors influence the emotional state of females. Thus, designing selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) analogs with potential serotonergic activity is a plausible approach. The dual ligands can augment cytotoxic effect of SERMs, help in both physical and emotional menopausal symptom relief, enhance cognitive function and support bone health. Herein, we report triarylethylene analogs as potential candidates for treatment of breast cancer. Compound 2e showed (ERα relative β- galactosidase activity = 0.70), 5-HT2A (Ki = 0.97 µM), and 5-HT2C (Ki = 3.86 µM). It was more potent on both MCF-7 (GI50 = 0.27 µM) and on MDA-MB-231 (GI50 = 1.86 µM) compared to tamoxifen (TAM). Compound 4e showed 40 times higher antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 and 15 times on MDA-MBA compared to TAM. Compound 4e had higher average potency than TAM on all nine tested cell line panels. Our in-silico model revealed the binding interactions of compounds 2 and 2e in the three receptors; further structural modifications are suggested to optimize binding to the ERα, 5-HT2A , and 5-HT2C .
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Mostafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Miriam Albeir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jannette Wober
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ashraf Abadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ismail Salama
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Nermin S Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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8
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Oguz A, Saglik BN, Oguz M, Ozturk B, Yilmaz M. Novel mitochondrial and DNA damaging fluorescent Calix[4]arenes bearing isatin groups as aromatase inhibitors: Design, synthesis and anticancer activity. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 98:117586. [PMID: 38171252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer causes a high rate of mortality all over the world. Therefore, the present study focuses on the anticancer activity of new lower rim-functionalized calix[4]arenes integrated with isatin and the p-position of calixarenes with 1,4-dimethylpyridinium iodine against various human cancer cells such as MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, as well as the PNT1A healthy epithelial cell line. It was observed that compound 6c had the lowest values in MCF-7 (8.83 µM) and MDA-MB-231 (3.32 µM). Cell imaging and apoptotic activity studies were performed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. The confocal imaging studies with 6c showed that the compound easily entered the cell, and it was observed that 6c accumulated in the mitochondria. The Comet assay test was used to detect DNA damage of compounds in cells. It was found that treated cells had abnormal tail nuclei and damaged DNA structures compared with untreated cells. In vitro human aromatase enzyme inhibition profiles showed that compound 6c had a remarkable inhibitory effect on aromatase. Compound 6c displayed a significant inhibition capacity on aromatase enzyme with the IC50 value of 0.104 ± 0.004 µM. Thus, not only the anticancer activity of the new fluorescent derivatives, which are the subject of this study, but the aromatase inhibitory profiles have also been proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alev Oguz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Selcuk, Campus, 42031 Konya, Turkey
| | - Begum Nurpelin Saglik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Oguz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Selcuk, Campus, 42031 Konya, Turkey
| | - Bahadir Ozturk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Selcuk University, 42131 Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Yilmaz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Selcuk, Campus, 42031 Konya, Turkey.
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9
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Janowska S, Holota S, Lesyk R, Wujec M. Aromatase Inhibitors as a Promising Direction for the Search for New Anticancer Drugs. Molecules 2024; 29:346. [PMID: 38257259 PMCID: PMC10819800 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020346] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aromatase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of estrogens, which are hormones that contribute to the growth of certain types of breast cancer. In particular, aromatase catalyzes the conversion of androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones) in various tissues, including the adrenal glands, ovaries, and adipose tissue. Given the role of estrogen in promoting the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers, aromatase has become an important molecular target for the development of anticancer agents. Aromatase inhibitors can be classified into two main groups based on their chemical structure: steroidal and non-steroidal inhibitors. This work presents a review of the literature from the last ten years regarding the search for new aromatase inhibitors. We present the directions of search, taking into account the impact of structure modifications on anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Janowska
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Serhii Holota
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; (S.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Roman Lesyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; (S.H.); (R.L.)
| | - Monika Wujec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Xin L, Min J, Hu H, Li Y, Du C, Xie B, Cheng Y, Deng X, Deng X, Shen K, Huang J, Chen CC, Guo RT, Dong C, Zhou HB. Structure-guided identification of novel dual-targeting estrogen receptor α degraders with aromatase inhibitory activity for the treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 253:115328. [PMID: 37037140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major challenge in conventional endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer (BC). BC is a multifactorial disease, in which simultaneous aromatase (ARO) inhibition and ERα degradation may effectively inhibit the signal transduction of both proteins, thus potentially overcoming drug resistance caused by overexpression or mutation of target proteins. In this study, guided by the X-ray structure of a hit compound 30a in complex with ER-Y537S, a structure-based optimization was performed to get a series of multiacting inhibitors targeting both ERα and ARO, and finally a novel class of potent selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) based on a three-dimensional oxabicycloheptene sulfonamide (OBHSA) scaffold equipped with aromatase inhibitor (AI) activity were identified. Of these dual-targeting SERD-AI hybrids, compound 31q incorporating a 1H-1,2,4-triazole moiety showed excellent ERα degradation activity, ARO inhibitory activity and remarkable antiproliferative activity against BC resistant cells. Furthermore, 31q manifested efficient tumor suppression in MCF-7 tumor xenograft models. Taken together, our study reported for the first time the highly efficient dual-targeting SERD-AI hybrid compounds, which may lay the foundation of translational research for improved treatment of endocrine-resistant BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilan Xin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Hebing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chuanqian Du
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Baohua Xie
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiangping Deng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kang Shen
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Chun-Chi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Rey-Ting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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11
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Gobbi S, Martini S, Rozza R, Spinello A, Caciolla J, Rampa A, Belluti F, Zaffaroni N, Magistrato A, Bisi A. Switching from Aromatase Inhibitors to Dual Targeting Flavonoid-Based Compounds for Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:3047. [PMID: 37049810 PMCID: PMC10096035 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073047] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant outcomes attained by scientific research, breast cancer (BC) still represents the second leading cause of death in women. Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC accounts for the majority of diagnosed BCs, highlighting the disruption of estrogenic signalling as target for first-line treatment. This goal is presently pursued by inhibiting aromatase (AR) enzyme or by modulating Estrogen Receptor (ER) α. An appealing strategy for fighting BC and reducing side effects and resistance issues may lie in the design of multifunctional compounds able to simultaneously target AR and ER. In this paper, previously reported flavonoid-related potent AR inhibitors were suitably modified with the aim of also targeting ERα. As a result, homoisoflavone derivatives 3b and 4a emerged as well-balanced submicromolar dual acting compounds. An extensive computational study was then performed to gain insights into the interactions the best compounds established with the two targets. This study highlighted the feasibility of switching from single-target compounds to balanced dual-acting agents, confirming that a multi-target approach may represent a valid therapeutic option to counteract ER+ BC. The homoisoflavone core emerged as a valuable natural-inspired scaffold for the design of multifunctional compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gobbi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Martini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20113 Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) c/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Angelo Spinello
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Jessica Caciolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Rampa
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Belluti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCSS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20113 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy Institute of Materials (CNR-IOM) c/o SISSA, Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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12
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Khan MZI, Uzair M, Nazli A, Chen JZ. An overview on Estrogen receptors signaling and its ligands in breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114658. [PMID: 35964426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen governs the regulations of various pathological and physiological actions throughout the body in both males and females. Generally, 17β-estradiol an endogenous estrogen is responsible for different health problems in pre and postmenopausal women. The major activities of endogenous estrogen are executed by nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ while non-genomic cytoplasmic pathways also govern cell growth and apoptosis. Estrogen accomplished a fundamental role in the formation and progression of breast cancer. In this review, we have hyphenated different studies regarding ERs and a thorough and detailed study of estrogen receptors is presented. This review highlights different aspects of estrogens ranging from receptor types, their isoforms, structures, signaling pathways of ERα, ERβ and GPER along with their crystal structures, pathological roles of ER, ER ligands, and therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Uzair
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Adila Nazli
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Jian-Zhong Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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13
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Caciolla J, Martini S, Spinello A, Belluti F, Bisi A, Zaffaroni N, Magistrato A, Gobbi S. Single-digit nanomolar inhibitors lock the aromatase active site via a dualsteric targeting strategy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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14
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Liang JJ, Yu WL, Yang L, Xie BH, Qin KM, Yin YP, Yan JJ, Gong S, Liu TY, Zhou HB, Hong K. Design and synthesis of marine sesterterpene analogues as novel estrogen receptor α degraders for breast cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 229:114081. [PMID: 34992039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation using small molecules is an intriguing strategy for drug development. The marine sesterterpene compound MHO7 had been reported to be a potential ERα degradation agent. In order to further improve its biological activity, two series of novel MHO7 derivatives with long side chains were designed and identified as novel selective estrogen receptor down-regulators (SERDs). The growth inhibition activity of the novel SERD compounds were significantly affected by the type and length of the side chain. Most of the derivatives were significantly more potent than MHO7 against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant breast cancer cells. Among them, compound 16a, with IC50 values of 0.41 μM against MCF-7 cell lines and 9.6-fold stronger than MHO7, was the most potential molecule. A whole-genome transcriptomic analysis of MCF-7 cells revealed that the mechanism of 16a against MCF-7 cell was similar with that of MHO7. The estrogen signaling pathway was the most affected among the disturbed genes, but the ERα degradation activity of 16a was observed higher than that of MHO7. Other effects of 16a were confirmed similar with MHO7, which means that the basic mechanisms of the derivatives are the same with the ophiobolin backbone, i.e. the degradation of ERα is mediated via proteasome-mediated process, the induction of apoptosis and the cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Meanwhile, a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase of cellular ROS were also detected. Based on these results, as a novel modified ophiobolin derived compound, 16a may warrant further exploitation as a promising SERD candidate agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jia Liang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Wu-Lin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Liang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Bao-Hua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Kong-Ming Qin
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yu-Ping Yin
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Jing-Jing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Shuang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Ten-Yue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Kui Hong
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
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15
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Osmaniye D, Levent S, Sağlık BN, Karaduman AB, Özkay Y, Kaplancıklı ZA. Novel imidazole derivatives as potential aromatase and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors against breast cancer. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj00424k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The activity of the synthesized compounds against breast cancer was investigated. Molecular docking studies were performed against aromatase, MAO-B, and Caspase-3 enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Osmaniye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Doping and Narcotic Compounds Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Serkan Levent
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Doping and Narcotic Compounds Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Begum Nurpelin Sağlık
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Doping and Narcotic Compounds Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Burak Karaduman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Özkay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Doping and Narcotic Compounds Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
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