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Elmaghrabi YA, Roseblade A, Rahman K, Rawling T, Murray M. Carbon Chain Length in a Novel Anticancer Aryl-Urea Fatty Acid Modulates Mitochondrial Targeting, Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Cell Killing. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400281. [PMID: 38945837 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400281] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The cancer cell mitochondrion could be a promising target for the development of new anticancer agents. 16-([3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]carbamoylamino)hexadecanoic acid (2) is a novel aryl-urea fatty acid that targets the mitochondrion in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and activates cell death. In the present study, the relationships between alkyl chain length in 2 analogues, mitochondrial disruption and cell killing were evaluated. The chain-contracted C13-analogue 7 c optimally disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (IC50 4.8±0.8 μM). In addition, annexin V-FITC/7-AAD assays demonstrated that 7 c was the most effective cell killing analogue and C11 BODIPY (581/591) assays demonstrated that 7 c was also most effective in generating reactive oxygen species in MDA-MB-231 cells. Together, carbon chain length is a key factor that determines the capacity of 2 analogues to disrupt the mitochondrial membrane, induce the production of reactive oxygen species and kill breast cancer cells. As an aryl-urea with enhanced activity and improved drug-like properties, 7 c may be a suitable lead molecule for entry into a program of development of these molecules as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin A Elmaghrabi
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Ariane Roseblade
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Khalilur Rahman
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology and Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW, 2006, Australia
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Murray M. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derived lipid mediators: a comprehensive update on their application in anti-cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:617-629. [PMID: 38595031 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2340493] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a range of health benefits, including anticancer activity, and are converted to lipid mediators that could be adapted into pharmacological strategies. However, the stability of these mediators must be improved, and they may require formulation to achieve optimal tissue concentrations. AREAS COVERED Herein, the author reviews the literature around chemical stabilization and formulation of ω-3 PUFA mediators and their application in anticancer drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION Aryl-urea bioisosteres of ω-3 PUFA epoxides that killed cancer cells targeted the mitochondrion by a novel dual mechanism: as protonophoric uncouplers and as inhibitors of electron transport complex III that activated ER-stress and disrupted mitochondrial integrity. In contrast, aryl-ureas that contain electron-donating substituents prevented cancer cell migration. Thus, aryl-ureas represent a novel class of agents with tunable anticancer properties. Stabilized analogues of other ω-3 PUFA-derived mediators could also be adapted into anticancer strategies. Indeed, a cocktail of agents that simultaneously promote cell killing, inhibit metastasis and angiogenesis, and that attenuate the pro-inflammatory microenvironment is a novel future anticancer strategy. Such regimen may enhance anticancer drug efficacy, minimize the development of anticancer drug resistance and enhance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murray
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
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Rahman MK, Umashankar B, Choucair H, Pazderka C, Bourget K, Chen Y, Dunstan CR, Rawling T, Murray M. Inclusion of the in-chain sulfur in 3-thiaCTU increases the efficiency of mitochondrial targeting and cell killing by anticancer aryl-urea fatty acids. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175470. [PMID: 36543287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria in tumor cells are functionally different from those in normal cells and could be targeted to develop new anticancer agents. We showed recently that the aryl-ureido fatty acid CTU is the prototype of a new class of mitochondrion-targeted agents that kill cancer cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress and promoting apoptosis. However, prolonged treatment with high doses of CTU were required for in vivo anti-tumor activity. Thus, new strategies are now required to produce agents that have enhanced anticancer activity over CTU. In the present study we prepared a novel aryl-urea termed 3-thiaCTU, that contained an in-chain sulfur heteroatom, for evaluation in tumor cell lines and in mice carrying tumor xenografts. The principal finding to emerge was that 3-thiaCTU was several-fold more active than CTU in the activation of aryl-urea mechanisms that promoted cancer cell killing. Thus, in in vitro studies 3-thiaCTU disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS production, activated ER-stress and promoted tumor cell apoptosis more effectively than CTU. 3-ThiaCTU was also significantly more active than CTUin vivo in mice that carried MDA-MB-231 cell xenografts. Compared to CTU, 3-thiaCTU prevented tumor growth more effectively and at much lower doses. These findings indicate that, in comparison to CTU, 3-thiaCTU is an aryl-urea with markedly enhanced activity that could now be suitable for development as a novel anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Khalilur Rahman
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Balasubrahmanyam Umashankar
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Hassan Choucair
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Curtis Pazderka
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Kirsi Bourget
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yongjuan Chen
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Colin R Dunstan
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Unit, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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Shrestha R, Johnson E, Byrne FL. Exploring the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial uncouplers in cancer. Mol Metab 2021; 51:101222. [PMID: 33781939 PMCID: PMC8129951 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial uncouplers are well-known for their ability to treat a myriad of metabolic diseases, including obesity and fatty liver diseases. However, for many years now, mitochondrial uncouplers have also been evaluated in diverse models of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, some mitochondrial uncouplers are now in clinical trials for cancer, although none have yet been approved for the treatment of cancer. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review we summarise published studies in which mitochondrial uncouplers have been investigated as an anti-cancer therapy in preclinical models. In many cases, mitochondrial uncouplers show strong anti-cancer effects both as single agents, and in combination therapies, and some are more toxic to cancer cells than normal cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial uncoupling mechanism of action in cancer cells has been described in detail, with consistencies and inconsistencies between different structural classes of uncouplers. For example, many mitochondrial uncouplers decrease ATP levels and disrupt key metabolic signalling pathways such as AMPK/mTOR but have different effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Many of these effects oppose aberrant phenotypes common in cancer cells that ultimately result in cell death. We also highlight several gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed before we have a clear direction and strategy for applying mitochondrial uncouplers as anti-cancer agents. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS There is a large body of evidence supporting the therapeutic use of mitochondrial uncouplers to treat cancer. However, the long-term safety of some uncouplers remains in question and it will be critical to identify which patients and cancer types would benefit most from these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Shrestha
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052, Australia
| | - Edward Johnson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052, Australia
| | - Frances L Byrne
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, 2052, Australia.
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Mary YS, Mary YS, Rad AS, Yadav R, Celik I, Sarala S. Theoretical investigation on the reactive and interaction properties of sorafenib – DFT, AIM, spectroscopic and Hirshfeld analysis, docking and dynamics simulation. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Rawling T, MacDermott-Opeskin H, Roseblade A, Pazderka C, Clarke C, Bourget K, Wu X, Lewis W, Noble B, Gale PA, O'Mara ML, Cranfield C, Murray M. Aryl urea substituted fatty acids: a new class of protonophoric mitochondrial uncoupler that utilises a synthetic anion transporter. Chem Sci 2020; 11:12677-12685. [PMID: 34094462 PMCID: PMC8163295 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc02777d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiring mitochondria establish a proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane (MIM) that is used to generate ATP. Protein-independent mitochondrial uncouplers collapse the proton gradient and disrupt ATP production by shuttling protons back across the MIM in a protonophoric cycle. Continued cycling relies on the formation of MIM-permeable anionic species that can return to the intermembrane space after deprotonation in the mitochondrial matrix. Previously described protonophores contain acidic groups that are part of delocalised π-systems that provide large surfaces for charge delocalisation and facilitate anion permeation across the MIM. Here we present a new class of protonophoric uncoupler based on aryl-urea substituted fatty acids in which an acidic group and a π-system are separated by a long alkyl chain. The aryl-urea group in these molecules acts as a synthetic anion receptor that forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the fatty acid carboxylate after deprotonation. Dispersal of the negative charge across the aryl-urea system produces lipophilic dimeric complexes that can permeate the MIM and facilitate repeated cycling. Substitution of the aryl-urea group with lipophilic electron withdrawing groups is critical to complex lipophilicity and uncoupling activity. The aryl-urea substituted fatty acids represent the first biological example of mitochondrial uncoupling mediated by the interaction of a fatty acid and an anion receptor moiety, via self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW 2007 Australia +61-2-9514-7956
| | - Hugo MacDermott-Opeskin
- Research School of Chemistry, College of Science, The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Ariane Roseblade
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW 2007 Australia +61-2-9514-7956
| | - Curtis Pazderka
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW 2007 Australia +61-2-9514-7956
| | - Callum Clarke
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW 2007 Australia +61-2-9514-7956
| | - Kirsi Bourget
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Xin Wu
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - William Lewis
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Benjamin Noble
- Research School of Chemistry, College of Science, The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
- School of Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia
| | - Philip A Gale
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Megan L O'Mara
- Research School of Chemistry, College of Science, The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Charles Cranfield
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW 2007 Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
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Murray M, Roseblade A, Chen Y, Bourget K, Rawling T. Carbon Chain Length Modulates MDA‐MB‐231 Breast Cancer Cell Killing Mechanisms by Mitochondrially Targeted Aryl−Urea Fatty Acids. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:247-255. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of Sydney Camperdown, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Ariane Roseblade
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology Sydney Ultimo, New South Wales 2007 Australia
| | - Yongjuan Chen
- Discipline of Pharmacology School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of Sydney Camperdown, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Kirsi Bourget
- Discipline of Pharmacology School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of Sydney Camperdown, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology Sydney Ultimo, New South Wales 2007 Australia
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