1
|
Abusharkh KAN, Comert Onder F, Çınar V, Hamurcu Z, Ozpolat B, Ay M. A drug repurposing study identifies novel FOXM1 inhibitors with in vitro activity against breast cancer cells. Med Oncol 2024; 41:188. [PMID: 38918225 PMCID: PMC11199234 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
FOXM1, a proto-oncogenic transcription factor, plays a critical role in cancer development and treatment resistance in cancers, particularly in breast cancer. Thus, this study aimed to identify potential FOXM1 inhibitors through computational screening of drug databases, followed by in vitro validation of their inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells. In silico studies involved pharmacophore modeling using the FOXM1 inhibitor, FDI-6, followed by virtual screening of DrugBank and Selleckchem databases. The selected drugs were prepared for molecular docking, and the crystal structure of FOXM1 was pre-processed for docking simulations. In vitro studies included MTT assays to assess cytotoxicity, and Western blot analysis to evaluate protein expression levels. Our study identified Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole as potential FOXM1 inhibitors through in silico screening and molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable interactions of these drugs with FOXM1. In vitro experiments showed both Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole exhibited strong FOXM1 inhibition at effective concentrations and that showed inhibition of cell proliferation. Rabeprazole showed the inhibitor activity at 10 µM in BT-20 and MCF-7 cell lines. Pantoprazole exhibited FOXM1 inhibition at 30 µM and in BT-20 cells and at 70 µM in MCF-7 cells, respectively. Our current study provides the first evidence that Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole can bind to FOXM1 and inhibit its activity and downstream signaling, including eEF2K and pEF2, in breast cancer cells. These findings indicate that rabeprazole and pantoprazole inhibit FOXM1 and breast cancer cell proliferation, and they can be used for FOXM1-targeted therapy in breast or other cancers driven by FOXM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A N Abusharkh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Graduate Studies, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020, Çanakkale, Türkiye
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020, Çanakkale, Türkiye
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, 20002, Palestine
| | - Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020, Çanakkale, Türkiye.
| | - Venhar Çınar
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38039, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Zuhal Hamurcu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, 38039, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020, Çanakkale, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duzgun Z, Korkmaz FD, Akgün E. FDI-6 inhibits VEGF-B expression in metastatic breast cancer: a combined in vitro and in silico study. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10891-z. [PMID: 38853176 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10891-z] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed to meet the oxygen and nutrient needs of tissues. This process is vitally important in many physiological and pathological conditions such as tumor growth, metastasis, and chronic inflammation. Although the relationship of FDI-6 compound with FOXM1 protein is well known in the literature, its relationship with angiogenesis is not adequately elucidated. This study investigates the relationship of FDI-6 with angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) protein expression alterations. Furthermore, the study aims to elucidate the in silico interaction of FDI-6 with the VEGFR1 protein, a key player in initiating the angiogenic process, which is activated through its binding with VEGF-B. Our results demonstrate a significant effect of FDI-6 on cell viability. Specifically, we determined that the IC50 value of FDI-6 in HUVEC cells after 24 h of treatment is 24.2 μM, and in MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h of application, it is 10.8 μM. These findings suggest that the cytotoxic effect of FDI-6 varies depending on the cell type. In wound healing experiments, FDI-6 significantly suppressed wound closure in MDA-MB-231 cells but did not show a similar effect in HUVEC cells. This finding suggests FDI-6 may have potential cell-type-specific effects. Molecular docking studies reveal that FDI-6 exhibits a stronger interaction with the VEGFR1 protein compared to its inhibitor, a novel interaction not previously reported in the literature. Molecular dynamic simulation results demonstrate a stable interaction between FDI-6 and VEGFR1. This interaction suggests that FDI-6 might modulate mechanisms associated with angiogenesis. Our Western blot analysis results show regulatory effects of FDI-6 on the expression of the VEGF-B protein. We encourage exploration of FDI-6 as a potential therapeutic agent in pathological processes related to angiogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed examination of the relationship between FDI-6 and both the molecular interactions and protein expressions of VEGF-B. Our findings support FDI-6 as a potential therapeutic agent in pathological processes associated with angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zekeriya Duzgun
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey.
| | | | - Egemen Akgün
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Swati K, Varma SR, Parameswari RP, Panda SP, Agrawal M, Prakash A, Kumar D, Agarwal P. Computational exploration of FOXM1 inhibitors for glioblastoma: an integrated virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38305824 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308772] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a comprehensive investigation of a set of phytochemicals to identify potential inhibitors for the Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was conducted. FOXM1 is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM) cells and plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression, proliferation, and invasion. FOXM1 inhibitors have shown promising results in preclinical studies, and ongoing clinical trials are assessing their efficacy in GBM patients. However, there are limited studies on the identification of novel compounds against this attractive therapeutic target. To address this, the NPACT database containing 1,574 phytochemicals was used, employing a hierarchical multistep docking approach, followed by an estimation of relative binding free energy. By fixing user-defined XP-dock and MM-GBSA cut-off scores of -6.096 and -37.881 kcal/mol, the chemical space was further narrowed. Through exhaustive analysis of molecular binding interactions and various pharmacokinetics profiles, we identified four compounds, namely NPACT00002, NPACT01454, NPACT00856, and NPACT01417, as potential FOXM1 inhibitors. To assess the stability of protein-ligand binding in dynamic conditions, 100 ns Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies were performed. Furthermore, Molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA) based binding free energy estimations of the entire simulation trajectories revealed a strong binding affinity of all identified compounds towards FOXM1, surpassing that of the control drug Troglitazone. Based on extensively studied multistep docking approaches, we propose that these molecules hold promise as FOXM1 inhibitors for potential therapeutic applications in GBM. However, experimental validation will be necessary to confirm their efficacy as targeted therapies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Swati
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Sudhir Rama Varma
- Department of clinical sciences, Centre for Medical and Bioallied Health Sciences Research, Ajman university, Ajman, UAE
| | - R P Parameswari
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Siva Prasad Panda
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohit Agrawal
- School of Medical & Allied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Anand Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India
| | - Prasoon Agarwal
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han XY, Zhou ZY, Li SY, Xue ST. Advances in inhibitors of potential tumor target FOXM1. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:809-812. [PMID: 37226453 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yang Han
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zi-Ying Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Si-Yan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Si-Tu Xue
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alimardan Z, Abbasi M, Hasanzadeh F, Aghaei M, Khodarahmi G, Kashfi K. Heat shock proteins and cancer: The FoxM1 connection. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115505. [PMID: 36931349 PMCID: PMC10134075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (Hsp) and FoxM1 have significant roles in carcinogenesis. According to their relative molecular weight, Hsps are divided into Hsp110, Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60, Hsp40, and small Hsps. Hsp70 can play essential functions in cancer initiation and is overexpressed in several human cancers. Hsp70, in combination with cochaperones HIP and HOP, refolds partially denatured proteins and acts as a cochaperone for Hsp90. Also, Hsp70, in combination with BAG3, regulates the FoxM1 signaling pathway. FoxM1 protein is a transcription factor of the Forkhead family that is overexpressed in most human cancers and is involved in many cancers' development features, including proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis. This review discusses the Hsp70, Hsp90, and FoxM1 structure and function, the known Hsp70 cochaperones, and Hsp70, Hsp90, and FoxM1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alimardan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Maryam Abbasi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Farshid Hasanzadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmud Aghaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ghadamali Khodarahmi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gao Y, Geng J, Xie Z, Zhou Z, Yang H, Yi H, Han X, Xue S, Li Z. Synthesis and antineoplastic activity of ethylene glycol phenyl aminoethyl ether derivatives as FOXM1 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114877. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Alimardan Z, Abbasi M, Khodarahmi G, Kashfi K, Hasanzadeh F, Mahmud A. Identification of new small molecules as dual FoxM1 and Hsp70 inhibitors using computational methods. Res Pharm Sci 2022; 17:635-656. [PMID: 36704430 PMCID: PMC9872178 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.359431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose FoxM1 and Hsp70 proteins are highly expressed in many cancers. Thus, their inhibition serves as Bonafede targets in cancer treatment. Experimental approach FDI-6, an inhibitor of FoxM1, was selected as a template, and based on its structure, a new library from the ZINC database was obtained. Virtual screening was then performed using the created pharmacophore model. The second virtual screening phase was conducted with molecular docking to get the best inhibitor for both FoxM1 and Hsp70 active sites. In silico, ADMET properties were also calculated. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the best ligand, ZINC1152745, for both Hsp70 and FoxM1 proteins during 100 ns. Findings / Results The results of this study indicated that ZINC1152745 was stable in the active site of both proteins, Hsp70 and FoxM1. The final scaffold identified by the presented computational approach could offer a hit compound for designing promising anticancer agents targeting both FoxM1 and Hsp70. Conclusion and implications Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on ZINC1152745 targeting FoxM1 and Hsp70 active sites. The results of several hydrogen bonds, the radius of gyration, RMSF, RMSD, and free energy during the simulations showed good stability of ZINC1152745 with FoxM1 and Hsp70.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alimardan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Maryam Abbasi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, I.R. Iran,Corresponding authors: M. Abbasi, Tel: +987633710406, Fax: +98- Gh.A. Khodarahmi, Tel: +98-3137927095, Fax: +98-3136680011
| | - Ghadamali Khodarahmi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Corresponding authors: M. Abbasi, Tel: +987633710406, Fax: +98- Gh.A. Khodarahmi, Tel: +98-3137927095, Fax: +98-3136680011
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA,Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, USA,Department of Chemistry and Physics, State University of New York at Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Farshid Hasanzadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Aghaei Mahmud
- Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Demirtas Korkmaz F, Dogan Turacli I, Esendagli G, Ekmekci A. Effects of thiostrepton alone or in combination with selumetinib on triple-negative breast cancer metastasis. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10387-10397. [PMID: 36097108 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07751-0] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE FoxM1 transcription factor contributes to tumor metastasis and poor prognosis in many cancers including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this study, we examined the effects of FoxM1 inhibitor Thiostrepton (THIO) alone or in combination with MEK inhibitor Selumetinib (SEL) on metastatic parameters in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry was used to assess metastasis-related protein expressions in 4T1 cells and its allograft tumor model in BALB/c mice. In vivo uPA activity was determined by enzymatic methods. RESULTS Both inhibitors were effective on the expressions of FoxM1, ERK, p-ERK, Twist, E-cadherin, and Vimentin alone or in combination in vitro. THIO significantly decreased 4T1 cell migration and changed the cell morphology from mesenchymal-like to epithelial-like structure. THIO was more effective than in combination with SEL in terms of metastatic protein expressions in vivo. THIO alone significantly inhibited mean tumor growth, decreased lung metastasis rate and tumor foci, however, no significant changes in these parameters were observed in the combined group. Immunohistochemically, FoxM1 expression intensity was decreased with THIO and its combination with SEL in the tumors. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that inhibiting FoxM1 as a single target is more effective than combined treatment with MEK in theTNBC allograft model. The therapeutic efficacy of THIO should be investigated with further studies on appropriate drug delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Funda Demirtas Korkmaz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. .,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, 28100, Turkey.
| | - Irem Dogan Turacli
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ufuk University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Guldal Esendagli
- Department of Medical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Ekmekci
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
CDI Exerts Anti-Tumor Effects by Blocking the FoxM1-DNA Interaction. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071671. [PMID: 35884976 PMCID: PMC9313426 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1) is an appealing target for anti-cancer therapeutics as this cell proliferation-associated transcription factor is overexpressed in most human cancers. FoxM1 is involved in tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. To discover novel inhibitors that disrupt the FoxM1-DNA interaction, we identified CDI, a small molecule that inhibits the FoxM1–DNA interaction. CDI was identified through an assay based on the time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer response of a labeled consensus oligonucleotide that was bound to a recombinant FoxM1-dsDNA binding domain (FoxM1-DBD) protein and exhibited potent inhibitory activity against FoxM1-DNA interaction. CDI suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells obtained from a breast cancer patient. Furthermore, it decreased not only the mRNA and protein expression of FoxM1 but also that of downstream targets such as CDC25b. Additionally, global transcript profiling of MDA-MB-231 cells by RNA-Seq showed that CDI decreases the expression of FoxM1-regulated genes. The docking and MD simulation results indicated that CDI likely binds to the DNA interaction site of FoxM1-DBD and inhibits the function of FoxM1-DBD. These results of CDI being a possible effective inhibitor of FoxM1-DNA interaction will encourage its usage in pharmaceutical applications.
Collapse
|
10
|
Huerta-García CS, Pérez DJ, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Tabatabaei Dakhili SA, Romo-Mancillas A, Castillo R, Hernández-Campos A. Structure–Activity Relationship of N-Phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide Derivatives Designed as Forkhead Box M1 Inhibitors: The Effect of Electron-Withdrawing and Donating Substituents on the Phenyl Ring. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030283. [PMID: 35337081 PMCID: PMC8949145 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We report synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and molecular-docking studies of 18 thieno[2,3-b]pyridines with a phenylacetamide moiety at position 2, which is disubstituted with F, Cl, Br, or I at position 4, and with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups (-CN, -NO2, -CF3, and -CH3) at position 2, to study how the electronic properties of the substituents affected the FOXM1-inhibitory activity. Among compounds 1–18, only those bearing a -CN (regardless of the halogen) decreased FOXM1 expression in a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), as shown by Western blotting. However, only compounds 6 and 16 decreased the relative expression of FOXM1 to a level lower than 50%, and hence, we determined their anti-proliferative activity (IC50) in MDA-MB-231 cells using the MTT assay, which was comparable to that observed with FDI-6, in contrast to compound 1, which was inactive according to both Western blot and MTT assays. We employed molecular docking to calculate the binding interactions of compounds 1–18 in the FOXM1 DNA-binding site. The results suggest a key role for residues Val296 and Leu289 in this binding. Furthermore, we used molecular electrostatic potential maps showing the effects of different substituents on the overall electron density.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- César Sebastian Huerta-García
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.S.H.-G.); (R.C.)
| | - David J. Pérez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2E1, Canada; (D.J.P.); (C.A.V.-M.); (S.A.T.D.)
- Unidad Radiofarmacia-Ciclotrón, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos A. Velázquez-Martínez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2E1, Canada; (D.J.P.); (C.A.V.-M.); (S.A.T.D.)
| | | | - Antonio Romo-Mancillas
- Laboratorio de Diseño Asistido por Computadora y Síntesis de Fármacos, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Querétaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Rafael Castillo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.S.H.-G.); (R.C.)
| | - Alicia Hernández-Campos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.S.H.-G.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-56225287
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bailly C. The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton. An update of its mode of action, pharmacological properties and applications. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 914:174661. [PMID: 34863996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174661] [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: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton (TS) is used as a veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections. TS is a protein translation inhibitor, essentially active against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. In procaryotes, TS abrogates binding of GTPase elongation factors to the 70S ribosome, by altering the structure of rRNA-L11 protein complexes. TS exerts also antimalarial effects by disrupting protein synthesis in the apicoplast genome of Plasmodium falciparum. Interestingly, the drug targets both the infectious pathogen (bacteria or parasite) and host cell, by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy which contributes to enhance the host cell defense. In addition, TS has been characterized as a potent chemical inhibitor of the oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1, frequently overexpressed in cancers or other diseases. The capacity of TS to crosslink FoxM1, and a few other proteins such as peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) and the 19S proteasome, contributes to the anticancer effects of the thiopeptide. The anticancer activities of TS evidenced using diverse tumor cell lines, in vivo models and drug combinations are reviewed here, together with the implicated targets and mechanisms. The difficulty to formulate TS is a drag on the pharmaceutical development of the natural product. However, the design of hemisynthetic analogues and the use of micellar drug delivery systems should facilitate a broader utilization of the compound in human and veterinary medicines. This review shed light on the many pharmacological properties of TS, with the objective to promote its use as a pharmacological tool and medicinal product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, Wasquehal, 59290, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Luo G, Lin X, Vega-Medina A, Xiao M, Li G, Wei H, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Xiang H. Targeting of the FOXM1 Oncoprotein by E3 Ligase-Assisted Degradation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17098-17114. [PMID: 34812040 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXM1 that regulates multiple proliferation-related genes through selective protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions is now considered an attractive oncotarget. There are several small-molecule inhibitors that indirectly suppress the expression of FOXM1 or block its DNA binding domain (FOXM1-DBD). However, insufficient specificity or/and efficacy are two potential drawbacks. Here, we employed in silico modeling of FOXM1-DBD with inhibitors to enable the design of an effective CRBN-recruiting molecule that induced significant FOXM1 protein degradation and exerted promising in vivo antitumor activity against TNBC xenograft models. This study is the first of its kind showcasing the use of an approach described in the literature as protein-targeting chimeras to degrade the elusive FOXM1, providing an alternative strategy to counter the pathological effects resulting from the increased transcriptional activity of FOXM1 observed in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Xin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Antonio Vega-Medina
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6W1W7, Canada
| | - Maoxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Guolong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Hanlin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | | | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Perez DJ, Tabatabaei Dakhili SA, Bergman C, Dufour J, Wuest M, Juengling FD, Wuest F, Velazquez-Martinez CA. FOXM1 inhibitors as potential diagnostic agents: 1st generation of a PET probe targeting FOXM1 to detect triple negative-breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3720-3729. [PMID: 34402202 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The FOXM1 protein controls the expression of essential genes related to cancer cell cycle progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. We hypothesize that FOXM1 inhibitors could represent a novel approach to develop 18 F-based radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Therefore, in this report we describe the first attempt to use 18 F-labeled FOXM1 inhibitors to detect triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Briefly, we replaced the original amide group in the parent drug FDI-6 for a ketone group in the novel AF-FDI molecule, to carry out an aromatic nucleophilic ( 18 F)-fluorination. AF-FDI dissociated the FOXM1-DNA complex, decreased FOXM1 levels, and inhibited cell proliferation in a TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231). [ 18 F]AF-FDI was internalized in MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell uptake inhibition experiments showed that AF-FDI and FDI-6 significantly decreased the maximum uptake of [ 18 F]AF-FDI, suggesting specificity towards FOXM1. [ 18 F]AF-FDI reached a tumor uptake of SUV = 0.31 in MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice and was metabolically stable 60 min post-injection. These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential role of FOXM1 to develop PET radiotracers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Perez
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy & Health Research, 11361 - 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, CANADA
| | | | - Cody Bergman
- University of Alberta, Department of Oncology, T6E 2E1, Edmonton, CANADA
| | - Jennifer Dufour
- University of Alberta, Department of Oncology, T6E 2E1, Edmonton, CANADA
| | - Melinda Wuest
- University of Alberta, Department of Oncology, T6E 2E1, Edmonton, CANADA
| | | | - Frank Wuest
- University of Alberta, Department of Oncology, T6E 2E1, Edmonton, CANADA
| | - Carlos Alberto Velazquez-Martinez
- University of Alberta, Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2142-L Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, 11361 - 87 Avenue, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, CANADA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Radaeva M, Ton AT, Hsing M, Ban F, Cherkasov A. Drugging the 'undruggable'. Therapeutic targeting of protein-DNA interactions with the use of computer-aided drug discovery methods. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2660-2679. [PMID: 34332092 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) act as major oncodrivers in many cancers and are frequently regarded as high-value therapeutic targets. The functionality of TFs relies on direct protein-DNA interactions, which are notoriously difficult to target with small molecules. However, this prior view of the 'undruggability' of protein-DNA interfaces has shifted substantially in recent years, in part because of significant advances in computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). In this review, we highlight recent examples of successful CADD campaigns resulting in drug candidates that directly interfere with protein-DNA interactions of several key cancer TFs, including androgen receptor (AR), ETS-related gene (ERG), MYC, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), topoisomerase II (TOP2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Importantly, these findings open novel and compelling avenues for therapeutic targeting of over 1600 human TFs implicated in many conditions including and beyond cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Radaeva
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Anh-Tien Ton
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Michael Hsing
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Anticancer Effects of FDI-6, a FOXM1 Inhibitor, on Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136685. [PMID: 34206484 PMCID: PMC8269391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents an important clinical challenge, as it does not respond to endocrine therapies or other available targeting agents. FOXM1, an oncogenic transcriptional factor, has reported to be upregulated and associated with poor clinical outcomes in TNBC patients. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of FDI-6, a FOXM1 inhibitor, as well as its molecular mechanisms, in TNBC cells. Two TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HS578T, were used in this study. The anti-cancer activities of FDI-6 were evaluated using various 2D cell culture assays, including Sulforhodamine B (SRB), wound healing, and transwell invasion assays together with 3D spheroid assays, mimicking real tumour structural properties. After treatment with FDI-6, the TNBC cells displayed a significant inhibition in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Increased apoptosis was also observed in the treated cells. In addition, we found that FDI-6 lead to the downregulation of FOXM1 and its key oncogenic targets, including CyclinB1, Snail, and Slug. Interestingly, we also found that the FDI-6/Doxorubicin combination significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity and apoptotic properties, suggesting that FDI-6 might improve chemotherapy treatment efficacy and reduce unwanted side effects. Altogether, FDI-6 exhibited promising anti-tumour activities and could be developed as a newly effective treatment for TNBC.
Collapse
|
16
|
Tabatabaei Dakhili SA, Pérez DJ, Gopal K, Haque M, Ussher JR, Kashfi K, Velázquez-Martínez CA. SP1-independent inhibition of FOXM1 by modified thiazolidinediones. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112902. [PMID: 33069434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This research article describes an approach to modify the thiazolidinedione scaffold to produce test drugs capable of binding to, and inhibit, the in vitro transcriptional activity of the oncogenic protein FOXM1. This approach allowed us to obtain FOXM1 inhibitors that bind directly to the FOXM1-DNA binding domain without targeting the expression levels of Sp1, an upstream transcription factor protein known to activate the expression of FOXM1. Briefly, we modified the chemical structure of the thiazolidinedione scaffold present in anti-diabetic medications such as pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and the former anti-diabetic drug troglitazone, because these drugs have been reported to exert inhibition of FOXM1 but hit other targets as well. After the chemical synthesis of 11 derivatives possessing a modified thiazolidinedione moiety, we screened all test compounds using in vitro protocols to measure their ability to (a) dissociate a FOXM1-DNA complex (EMSA assay); (b) decrease the expression of FOXM1 in triple negative-breast cancer cells (WB assay); (c) downregulate the expression of FOXM1 downstream targets (luciferase reporter assays and qPCR); and inhibit the formation of colonies of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (colony formation assay). We also identified a potential binding mode associated with these compounds in which compound TFI-10, one of the most active molecules, exerts binding interactions with Arg289, Trp308, and His287. Unlike the parent drug, troglitazone, compound TFI-10 does not target the in vitro expression of Sp1, suggesting that it is possible to design FOXM1 inhibitors with a better selectivity profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Pérez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Unidad Radiofarmacia-Ciclotrón, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico
| | - Keshav Gopal
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John R Ussher
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tabatabaei Dakhili SA, Pérez DJ, Gopal K, Tabatabaei Dakhili SY, Ussher JR, Velázquez-Martínez CA. A structure-activity relationship study of Forkhead Domain Inhibitors (FDI): The importance of halogen binding interactions. Bioorg Chem 2019; 93:103269. [PMID: 31654840 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The Forkhead boX M1 (FOXM1) protein is an essential transcription factor required for the normal activation of human cell cycle. However, increasing evidence supports a correlation between FOXM1 overexpression and the onset of several types of cancer. Based on a previously reported molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) study, we hypothesized the role of an essential halogen-bonding interaction between the 4-fluorophenyl group in the forkhead domain inhibitor-6 (FDI-6) and an Arg297 residue inside the FOXM1-DNA binding domain (DBD). To prove the importance of this binding interaction, we synthesized and screened ten FDI-6 derivatives possessing different groups at the 4-fluorophenyl position of the lead molecule. Briefly, we found that derivatives possessing a 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, or a 4-iodophenyl group, were equipotent to the original 4-fluorophenyl moiety present in FDI-6, whereas derivatives without this 4-halogen moiety were inactive. We also observed that positional isomers in which the halogen was relocated to positions 2- or 3- on the phenyl group were significantly less active. These results provide evidence to support the essential role of a 4-halophenyl bonding interaction, with the Arg297 residue in the FOXM1-DBD, to exert inhibition of transcriptional activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Pérez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Keshav Gopal
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - John R Ussher
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kongsema M, Wongkhieo S, Khongkow M, Lam EWF, Boonnoy P, Vongsangnak W, Wong-Ekkabut J. Molecular mechanism of Forkhead box M1 inhibition by thiostrepton in breast cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:953-962. [PMID: 31322278 PMCID: PMC6667886 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancies in women worldwide, and genotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs are effective by causing DNA damage in cancer cells. However, >90% of patients with metastatic cancer are resistant to chemotherapy. The Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor plays a pivotal role in the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by promoting DNA damage repair following genotoxic drug treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibition of the FOXM1 protein by thiostrepton, a natural antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces species. Experimental studies were designed to examine the effectiveness of thiostrepton in downregulating FOXM1 mRNA expression and activity, leading to senescence and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of thiostrepton in breast cancer was determined using cell viability assay. Additionally, thiostrepton treatment decreased the mRNA expression of cyclin B1 (CCNB1), a downstream target of FOXM1. The present results indicated that thiostrepton inhibited FOXM1 mRNA expression and its effect on CCNB1. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed to study the interactions between FOXM1-DNA and thiostrepton after molecular docking. The results revealed that the possible mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of thiostrepton on FOXM1 function was by forming a tight complex with the DNA and FOXM1 via its binding domain. Collectively, these results indicated that thiostrepton is a specific and direct inhibitor of the FOXM1 protein in breast cancer. The findings of the present study may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer and help overcome resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mesayamas Kongsema
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Sudtirak Wongkhieo
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Mattaka Khongkow
- National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Phansiri Boonnoy
- Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology (CBLAST), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wanwipa Vongsangnak
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Jirasak Wong-Ekkabut
- Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology (CBLAST), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Di Carlo C, Brandi J, Cecconi D. Pancreatic cancer stem cells: Perspectives on potential therapeutic approaches of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. World J Stem Cells 2018; 10:172-182. [PMID: 30631392 PMCID: PMC6325076 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v10.i11.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumours of the pancreas, characterised by a five-year survival rate less than 8%. Recent reports that pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) contribute to the tumorigenesis, progression, and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer have prompted the investigation of new therapeutic approaches able to directly target PCSCs. In the present paper the non-cancer related drugs that have been proposed to target CSCs that could potentially combat pancreatic cancer are reviewed and evaluated. The role of some pathways and deregulated proteins in PCSCs as new therapeutic targets are also discussed with a focus on selected specific inhibitors. Finally, advances in the development of nanoparticles for targeting PCSCs and site-specific drug delivery are highlighted, and their limitations considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Di Carlo
- Department of Biotechnology, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Jessica Brandi
- Department of Biotechnology, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy.
| | - Daniela Cecconi
- Department of Biotechnology, Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lambert M, Jambon S, Depauw S, David-Cordonnier MH. Targeting Transcription Factors for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061479. [PMID: 29921764 PMCID: PMC6100431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as cancers for which they account for about 20% of all oncogenes identified so far. For long time, with the exception of ligand-inducible nuclear receptors, transcription factors were considered as “undruggable” targets. Advances knowledge of these transcription factors, in terms of structure, function (expression, degradation, interaction with co-factors and other proteins) and the dynamics of their mode of binding to DNA has changed this postulate and paved the way for new therapies targeted against transcription factors. Here, we discuss various ways to target transcription factors in cancer models: by modulating their expression or degradation, by blocking protein/protein interactions, by targeting the transcription factor itself to prevent its DNA binding either through a binding pocket or at the DNA-interacting site, some of these inhibitors being currently used or evaluated for cancer treatment. Such different targeting of transcription factors by small molecules is facilitated by modern chemistry developing a wide variety of original molecules designed to specifically abort transcription factor and by an increased knowledge of their pathological implication through the use of new technologies in order to make it possible to improve therapeutic control of transcription factor oncogenic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
O'Regan RM, Nahta R. Targeting forkhead box M1 transcription factor in breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 154:407-413. [PMID: 29859987 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Improved understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of breast tumors and the approval of multiple targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment landscape and long-term survival rates for patients with breast cancer. Despite the development of highly effective targeted agents, drug resistance and disease progression remain major clinical concerns. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating drug resistance will allow new treatments to be developed. The forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) transcription factor is overexpressed in breast cancer and strongly associated with resistance to targeted therapies and chemotherapy. FoxM1 regulates all hallmarks of cancer, including proliferation, mitosis, EMT, invasion, and metastasis. Inhibition of FoxM1 transcription factor function is a potential strategy for overcoming breast cancer progression. In this research update, we review the role of FoxM1 in breast cancer and pharmacological approaches for blocking FoxM1 transcription factor function. Future preclinical studies should evaluate combination drug strategies to inhibit FoxM1 function and upstream kinase signaling pathways as potential strategies to treat resistant and metastatic breast cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M O'Regan
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, United States
| | - Rita Nahta
- Departments of Pharmacology and Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, United States.
| |
Collapse
|