Catalytic inhibitors of DNA topoisomerase II

Paraoxon and glyphosate induce DNA double-strand breaks but are not type II topoisomerase poisons

We tested the hypothesis that the pesticides paraoxon and glyphosate cause DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by poisoning the enzyme Type II topoisomerase (topo II). Peripheral lymphocytes in G0 phase, treated with the pesticides, plus or minus ICRF-187, an inhibitor of Topo II, were stimulated to proliferate; induced cytogenetic damage was measured. Micronuclei, chromatin buds, nucleoplasmic bridges, and extranuclear fragments were induced by treatments with the pesticides, irrespective of the pre-treatment with ICRF-187. These results indicate that the pesticides do not act as topo II poisons. The induction of DSB may occur by other mechanisms, such as effects on other proteins involved in recombination repair.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Eleutherine Isolated from Eleutherine plicata Bulb in Rat Glioma C6 Cells

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults, and have a poor prognosis, despite the different types of treatment available. There is growing demand for new therapies to treat this life-threatening tumor. Quinone derivatives from plants have received increased interest as potential anti-glioma drugs, due to their diverse pharmacologic activities, such as inhibiting cell growth, inflammation, tumor invasion, and promoting tumor regression. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-glioma activity of Eleutherine plicata, which is related to three main naphthoquinone compounds-eleutherine, isoeleutherine, and eleutherol-but their mechanism of action remains elusive. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of eleutherine on rat C6 glioma. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay; morphological changes were evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy. Apoptosis was determined by annexin V-FITC-propidium iodide staining, and antiproliferative effects were assessed by wound migration and colony formation assays. Protein kinase B (AKT/pAKT) expression was measured by western blot, and telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Eleutherine reduced C6 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, suppressed migration and invasion, induced apoptosis, and reduced AKT phosphorylation and telomerase expression. In summary, our results suggest that eleutherine has potential clinical use in treating glioma.

Drugging the 'undruggable'. Therapeutic targeting of protein-DNA interactions with the use of computer-aided drug discovery methods

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.

Topoisomerase II Poisons: Converting Essential Enzymes into Molecular Scissors

The extensive length, compaction, and interwound nature of DNA, together with its controlled and restricted movement in eukaryotic cells, create a number of topological issues that profoundly affect all of the functions of the genetic material. Topoisomerases are essential enzymes that modulate the topological structure of the double helix, including the regulation of DNA under- and overwinding and the removal of tangles and knots from the genome. Type II topoisomerases alter DNA topology by generating a transient double-stranded break in one DNA segment and allowing another segment to pass through the DNA gate. These enzymes are involved in a number of critical nuclear processes in eukaryotic cells, such as DNA replication, transcription, and recombination, and are required for proper chromosome structure and segregation. However, because type II topoisomerases generate double-stranded breaks in the genetic material, they also are intrinsically dangerous enzymes that have the capacity to fragment the genome. As a result of this dualistic nature, type II topoisomerases are the targets for a number of widely prescribed anticancer drugs. This article will describe the structure and catalytic mechanism of eukaryotic type II topoisomerases and will go on to discuss the actions of topoisomerase II poisons, which are compounds that stabilize DNA breaks generated by the type II enzyme and convert these essential enzymes into "molecular scissors." Topoisomerase II poisons represent a broad range of structural classes and include anticancer drugs, dietary components, and environmental chemicals.

Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Dexrazoxane Analogues Reveals ICRF-193 as the Most Potent Bisdioxopiperazine against Anthracycline Toxicity to Cardiomyocytes Due to Its Strong Topoisomerase IIβ Interactions

Cardioprotective activity of dexrazoxane (ICRF-187), the only clinically approved drug against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, has traditionally been attributed to its iron-chelating metabolite. However, recent experimental evidence suggested that the inhibition and/or depletion of topoisomerase IIβ (TOP2B) by dexrazoxane could be cardioprotective. Hence, we evaluated a series of dexrazoxane analogues and found that their cardioprotective activity strongly correlated with their interaction with TOP2B in cardiomyocytes, but was independent of their iron chelation ability. Very tight structure-activity relationships were demonstrated on stereoisomeric forms of 4,4'-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(piperazine-2,6-dione). In contrast to its rac-form 12, meso-derivative 11 (ICRF-193) showed a favorable binding mode to topoisomerase II in silico, inhibited and depleted TOP2B in cardiomyocytes more efficiently than dexrazoxane, and showed the highest cardioprotective efficiency. Importantly, the observed ICRF-193 cardioprotection did not interfere with the antiproliferative activity of anthracycline. Hence, this study identifies ICRF-193 as the new lead compound in the development of efficient cardioprotective agents.

Hypericin, a medicinal compound from St. John's Wort, inhibits genotoxicity induced by mutagenic agents in V79 cells

This study evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and the modulatory effects on DNA damage of hypericin in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). The hypericin is a natural polycyclic quinone, mainly extracted from St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Along with hyperforin, the hypericins are responsible for the antidepressant activity of St. John's Wort. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the XTT colorimetric assay and the nuclear division index (NDI). The genotoxic activity was studied by the micronucleus test at concentrations of 30, 60, 120, and 240 μg/mL. Mutagenic agents, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS, 44 μg/mL), doxorubicin (DXR, 0.5 μg/mL), and etoposide (VP16, 1 μg/mL) were used in combination with different concentrations of hypericin in order to evaluate the modulatory effect on DNA damage. Results showed that the hypericin was cytotoxic at concentrations above 156.2 μg/mL and genotoxic above 120 μg/mL. The hypericin significantly reduced DNA damage frequency induced by DXR, at concentrations of 30 and 60 μg/mL, and MMS at a concentration of 30 μg/mL, but was unable to reduce damage when combined with VP-16. These results demonstrate the non-photoactivated hypericin toxicological safety limits, its protective effect on DNA damage and provide a basis for future studies that may characterize better its chemopreventive mechanism.

Synthesis, docking study and inhibitory activity of 2,6-diketopiperazines derived from α-amino acids on HDAC8

Diketopiperazines (DKPs) have been regarded as an important scaffold from the viewpoint of synthesis due to their biological properties for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. In this work, two novel series of enantiomeric 2,6-DKPs derived from α-amino acids were synthesized through nucleophilic substitution and intramolecular cyclization reactions. All the compounds were docked against histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8), which is a promising target for the development of anticancer drugs. These compounds bound into the active site of HDAC8 in a similar way to Trichostatin A (TSA), which is an HDAC8 inhibitor. This study showed that the conformation of the 2,6-DKP ring, stereochemistry, and the type of substituent on the chiral center had an important role in the binding modes. The Gibbs free energies and dissociation constants values of HDAC8-ligand complexes showed that compounds (S)-4hBn, (S)-4m, (R)-4h, and (R)-4m were more stable and affine towards HDAC8 than TSA. The inhibitory activities of 4a, (S)-4h, (S)- and (R)-4(g, l, m) were evaluated in vitro on HDAC8. It was found that compounds (R)-4g (IC₅₀ = 21.54 nM) and (R)-4m (IC₅₀ = 10.81 nM) exhibited better inhibitory activities than TSA (IC₅₀ = 28.32 nM). These results suggested that 2,6-DKPs derivatives may be promising anticancer agents for further biological studies.

Structural Recognition and Binding Pattern Analysis of Human Topoisomerase II Alpha with Steroidal Drugs: In Silico Study to Switchover the Cancer Treatment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Topoisomerase TOP-IIA (TTOP-IIA) is widely used as a significant target for cancer therapeutics because of its involvement in cell proliferation. Steroidal drugs have been suggested for breast cancer treatment as aromatase enzymes inhibitors . TTOP-IIA inhibitors can be used as a target for the development of new cancer therapeutics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we conducted a docking study on steroidal drugs Anastrozole (ANA), Letrozole (LET), and exemestane (EXE) with TTOP-IIA  to explore the therapeutic area of these drugs.

RESULTS

The binding interaction of EXE drug had significant docking interaction which is followed by ANA and LET. Thus, all these drugs could be used to inhibit the TTOP-IIA mediated cell proliferation and could be a hope to treat the other types of cancers. Among all three tested steroidal drugs, EXE showed binding energy -7.05 kcal/mol, hydrogen bond length1.78289 Å and amino acid involved in an interaction was A: LYS723:HZ3 -: UNK1:O6.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data showed the most significant binding interaction analyzed with the tested enzyme. Thus, in vitro laboratory experimentation and in vivo research are necessary to put forward therapeutic repositioning of these drugs to establish them as a broad spectrum potential anticancer drugs.
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Cellular DNA Topoisomerases Are Required for the Synthesis of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA

In order to identify host cellular DNA metabolic enzymes that are involved in the biosynthesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, we developed a cell-based assay supporting synchronized and rapid cccDNA synthesis from intracellular progeny nucleocapsid DNA. This was achieved by arresting HBV DNA replication in HepAD38 cells with phosphonoformic acid (PFA), a reversible HBV DNA polymerase inhibitor, at the stage of single-stranded DNA and was followed by removal of PFA to allow the synchronized synthesis of relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) and subsequent conversion into cccDNA within 12 to 24 h. This cccDNA formation assay allows systematic screening of the effects of small molecular inhibitors of DNA metabolic enzymes on cccDNA synthesis but avoids cytotoxic effects upon long-term treatment. Using this assay, we found that all the tested topoisomerase I and II (TOP1 and TOP2, respectively) poisons as well as topoisomerase II DNA binding and ATPase inhibitors significantly reduced the levels of cccDNA. It was further demonstrated that these inhibitors also disrupted cccDNA synthesis during de novo HBV infection of HepG2 cells expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). Mechanistic analyses indicate that whereas TOP1 inhibitor treatment prevented the production of covalently closed negative-strand rcDNA, TOP2 inhibitors reduced the production of this cccDNA synthesis intermediate to a lesser extent. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of topoisomerase II significantly reduced cccDNA amplification. Taking these observations together, our study demonstrates that topoisomerase I and II may catalyze distinct steps of HBV cccDNA synthesis and that pharmacologic targeting of these cellular enzymes may facilitate the cure of chronic hepatitis B.IMPORTANCE Persistent HBV infection relies on stable maintenance and proper functioning of a nuclear episomal form of the viral genome called cccDNA, the most stable HBV replication intermediate. One of the major reasons for the failure of currently available antiviral therapeutics to cure chronic HBV infection is their inability to eradicate or inactivate cccDNA. We report here a chemical genetics approach to identify host cellular factors essential for the biosynthesis and maintenance of cccDNA and reveal that cellular DNA topoisomerases are required for both de novo synthesis and intracellular amplification of cccDNA. This approach is suitable for systematic screening of compounds targeting cellular DNA metabolic enzymes and chromatin remodelers for their ability to disrupt cccDNA biosynthesis and function. Identification of key host factors required for cccDNA metabolism and function will reveal molecular targets for developing curative therapeutics of chronic HBV infection.

Concentration-response studies of the chromosome-damaging effects of topoisomerase II inhibitors determined in vitro using human TK6 cells

Topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors are commonly used as chemotherapy to treat multiple types of cancer, though their use is also associated with the development of therapy related acute leukemias. While the chromosome-damaging effects of etoposide, a topo II poison, have been proposed to act through a threshold mechanism, little is known about the chromosome damaging effects and dose responses for the catalytic inhibitors of the enzyme. The current study was designed to further investigate the potencies and concentration-response relationships of several topoisomerase II inhibitors, including the topoisomerase II poison etoposide, as well as catalytic inhibitors aclarubicin, merbarone, ICRF-154 and ICRF-187 using both a traditional in vitro micronucleus assay as well as a flow-cytometry based version of the assay. Benchmark dose (BMD) analysis was used to identify models that best fit the data and estimate a BMD, in this case the concentration at which a one standard deviation increase above the control frequency would be expected. All of the agents tested were potent in inducing micronuclei in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells, with significant increases seen at low micromolar, and in the cases of aclarubicin and etoposide, at low nanomolar concentrations. Use of the anti-kinetochore CREST antibody with the microscopy-based assay demonstrated that the vast majority of the micronuclei originated from chromosome breakage. In comparing the two versions of the micronucleus assay, significant increases in micronucleated cells were observed at similar or lower concentrations using the traditional microscopy-based assay. BMD modeling of the data exhibited several advantages and proved to be a valuable alternative for concentration-response analysis, producing points of departure comparable to those derived using traditional no-observed or lowest-observed genotoxic effect level (NOGEL or LOGEL) approaches.

The Genomic Health of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Genomic Instability and the Consequences on Nuclear Organization

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are increasingly used for cell-based regenerative therapies worldwide, with embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells as potential treatments for debilitating and chronic conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and type 1 diabetes. However, with the level of genomic anomalies stem cells generate in culture, their safety may be in question. Specifically, hPSCs frequently acquire chromosomal abnormalities, often with gains or losses of whole chromosomes. This review discusses how important it is to efficiently and sensitively detect hPSC aneuploidies, to understand how these aneuploidies arise, consider the consequences for the cell, and indeed the individual to whom aneuploid cells may be administered.

Casein kinase II-dependent phosphorylation of DNA topoisomerase II suppresses the effect of a catalytic topo II inhibitor, ICRF-193, in fission yeast

DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) regulates the topological state of DNA and is necessary for DNA replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. Topo II has essential functions in cell proliferation and therefore is a critical target of anticancer drugs. In this study, using Phos-tag SDS-PAGE analysis in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe), we identified casein kinase II (Cka1/CKII)-dependent phosphorylation at the C-terminal residues Ser¹³⁶³ and Ser¹³⁶⁴ in topo II. We found that this phosphorylation decreases the inhibitory effect of an anticancer catalytic inhibitor of topo II, ICRF-193, on mitosis. Consistent with the constitutive activity of Cka1/CKII, Ser¹³⁶³ and Ser¹³⁶⁴ phosphorylation of topo II was stably maintained throughout the cell cycle. We demonstrate that ICRF-193-induced chromosomal mis-segregation is further exacerbated in two temperature-sensitive mutants, cka1-372 and cka1/orb5-19, of the catalytic subunit of CKII or in the topo II nonphosphorylatable alanine double mutant top2-S1363A,S1364A but not in cells of the phosphomimetic glutamate double mutant top2-S1363E,S1364E Our results suggest that Ser¹³⁶³ and Ser¹³⁶⁴ in topo II are targeted by Cka1/CKII kinase and that their phosphorylation facilitates topo II ATPase activity in the N-terminal region, which regulates protein turnover on chromosome DNA. Because CKII-mediated phosphorylation of the topo II C-terminal domain appears to be evolutionarily conserved, including in humans, we propose that attenuation of CKII-controlled topo II phosphorylation along with catalytic topo II inhibition may promote anticancer effects.

Pharmacoinformatics analysis of merbarone binding site in human topoisomerase IIα

Merbarone is a derivative of thiobarbituric acid, possessing catalytic inhibitory potential against human topoisomerase IIα (hTopoIIα). Merbarone was reported to inhibit DNA cleavage by hTopoIIα. It is important to understand the molecular mechanism of hTopoIIα inhibition by merbarone, as these details guide the rational design of new ligands. In this work, a systematic pharmacoinformatics analysis has been reported to analyze the merbarone-hTopoIIα interactions and to identify merbarone analogs as potential hTopoIIα inhibitors. The reported crystal structure of hTopoIIα-DNA complex (PDB ID: 4FM9) is not suitable for analyzing the merbarone-binding domain, because it is a biological assembly of hTopoIIα in C-gate open conformation. Therefore, 3D structure of hTopoIIα-DNA complex suitable for molecular modeling analysis at merbarone binding site was first generated. Using this generated complex, molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the effect of merbarone on hTopoIIα-DNA complex. The binding energy for the enol form of merbarone with hTopoIIα-DNA was estimated to be -51.28 kcal/mol. The explored binding site and identified molecular recognition interactions were in accordance with the previously reported interference in the DNA-cleavage by merbarone. Virtual screening was performed using drug likeness filters, toxicity filters and ADMET descriptor based filters followed by molecular docking (ZINC database). Sixteen compounds were identified as merbarone-functional analogs suitable for hTopoIIα inhibition. These identified molecules can be considered for further evaluation of their anti-hTopoIIα activity.

Synthesis of carbazole derivatives containing chalcone analogs as non-intercalative topoisomerase II catalytic inhibitors and apoptosis inducers

Novel topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitors have gained considerable interest for the development of anticancer agents. In this study, a series of carbazole derivatives containing chalcone analogs (CDCAs) were synthesized and investigated for their Topo II inhibition and cytotoxic activities. The results from Topo II mediated DNA relaxation assay showed that CDCAs could significantly inhibit the activity of Topo II, and the structure-activity relationship indicated the halogen substituent in phenyl ring play an important role in the activity. Further mechanism studies revealed that CDCAs function as non-intercalative Topo II catalytic inhibitors. Moreover, some CDCAs showed micromolar cytotoxic activities. The most potent compound 3h exhibited notable growth inhibition against four human cancer cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that compounds 3d and 3h arrested the HL-60 cells in sub G1 phase by induction of apoptosis. It was further confirmed by Annexin-V-FITC binding assay. Western blot analysis revealed that compound 3h induces apoptosis likely through the activation of caspase proteins.

3EZ, 20Ac-ingenol induces cell-specific apoptosis in cyclin D1 over-expression through the activation of ATR and downregulation of p-Akt

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) samples exhibit an activated PI3K/Akt pathway, which suggests a general role of Akt in the development of leukemia. We have previously used western blot analysis to show that the catalytic topoisomerase (topo) inhibitor, 3EZ, 20Ac-ingenol, induced DNA damage response (DDR), which activated ATR, downregulated p-Akt through upregulation of PTEN level, and led to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. In this study, we used ATR or PTEN siRNA and observed that the specific cell arrest and apoptosis of BALL-1 cells in DDR caused by 3EZ, 20Ac-ingenol was dependant on activation of ATR and downregulation of nuclear p-Akt through upregulation of PTEN. Moreover, some B cell lymphomas among ALLs overexpress cyclin D1. The DDR induced during the S-phase with 3EZ, 20Ac-ingenol treatment was increased by the intra S-phase checkpoint response that was triggered by the loss of nuclear cyclin D1 regulation in BALL-1 cells overexpressing cyclin D1. Although topo 1 catalytic inhibitors induce a decatenation checkpoint and subsequent G2/M phase arrest, the decatenation checkpoint caused by 3EZ, 20Ac-ingenol induced apoptosis only in the BALL-1 cells that accumulated cyclin D1.

Ubiquitous Nature of Fluoroquinolones: The Oscillation between Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities

Fluoroquinolones are synthetic antibacterial agents that stabilize the ternary complex of prokaryotic topoisomerase II enzymes (gyrase and Topo IV), leading to extensive DNA fragmentation and bacteria death. Despite the similar structural folds within the critical regions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic topoisomerases, clinically relevant fluoroquinolones display a remarkable selectivity for prokaryotic topoisomerase II, with excellent safety records in humans. Typical agents that target human topoisomerases (such as etoposide, doxorubicin and mitoxantrone) are associated with significant toxicities and secondary malignancies, whereas clinically relevant fluoroquinolones are not known to exhibit such propensities. Although many fluoroquinolones have been shown to display topoisomerase-independent antiproliferative effects against various human cancer cells, those that are significantly active against eukaryotic topoisomerase show the same DNA damaging properties as other topoisomerase poisons. Empirical models also show that fluoroquinolones mediate some unique immunomodulatory activities of suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and super-inducing interleukin-2. This article reviews the extended roles of fluoroquinolones and their prospects as lead for the unmet needs of "small and safe" multimodal-targeting drug scaffolds.

Novel xanthone-polyamine conjugates as catalytic inhibitors of human topoisomerase IIα

It has been proposed that xanthone derivatives with anticancer potential act as topoisomerase II inhibitors because they interfere with the ability of the enzyme to bind its ATP cofactor. In order to further characterize xanthone mechanism and generate compounds with potential as anticancer drugs, we synthesized a series of derivatives in which position 3 was substituted with different polyamine chains. As determined by DNA relaxation and decatenation assays, the resulting compounds are potent topoisomerase IIα inhibitors. Although xanthone derivatives inhibit topoisomerase IIα-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis, mechanistic studies indicate that they do not act at the ATPase site. Rather, they appear to function by blocking the ability of DNA to stimulate ATP hydrolysis. On the basis of activity, competition, and modeling studies, we propose that xanthones interact with the DNA cleavage/ligation active site of topoisomerase IIα and inhibit the catalytic activity of the enzyme by interfering with the DNA strand passage step.

Phenanthriplatin Acts As a Covalent Poison of Topoisomerase II Cleavage Complexes

Drugs capable of trapping topoisomerase II (Top2), an essential enzyme that cleaves DNA to remove naturally occurring knots and tangles, can serve as potent anticancer agents. The monofunctional platinum agent phenanthriplatin, cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(phenanthridine)Cl](NO₃), is shown here to trap Top2 in addition to its known modes of inhibition of DNA and RNA polymerases. Its potency therefore combines diverse modes of action by which phenanthriplatin kills cancer cells. The observation that phenanthriplatin can act as a Top2 poison highlights opportunities to design nonclassical platinum anticancer agents with this novel mechanism of action. Such complexes have the potential to overcome current limitations with chemotherapy, such as resistance, and to provide treatment options for cancers that do not respond well to classical agents. Covalent DNA-platinum lesions implicated in Top2 poisoning are distinctive from those generated by known therapeutic topoisomerase poisons, which typically exert their action by reversible binding at the interface of Top2-DNA cleavage complexes.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of C1-O-substituted-3-(3-butylamino-2-hydroxy-propoxy)-xanthen-9-one as topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitors

Topoisomerase II poison blocks the transitorily generated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) from religation, thereby causes severe DNA damage and gene toxicity. While topoisomerase II catalytic inhibitor does not form cleavable DNA-enzyme complex because its function attributes to inhibition of the catalytic steps of the enzyme such as before generating DNA DSBs or in the last step of the catalytic cycle after religation. It has been reported that the stabilizing effect of etoposide on transient cleavable DNA-topoisomerase IIβ complex attributes to its secondary malignancy. Therefore, topoisomerase IIα has been considered as more attractive target than topoisomerase IIβ for the development of chemotherapeutic agents. In the previous work, we reported compounds I and II as novel topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitors targeting for ATP binding site of human topoisomerase IIα ATP-binding domain. As a continuous work, we have designed and synthesized 43 compounds of C1-O-alkyl and arylalkyl substitiuted compounds with or without methoxy group on ring A. In the topoisomerase IIα inhibitory test, among the tested C1-O-4-chlorophenethyl substituted compounds 37 and 47 were more active than others, and compound 37 showed strongest topoisomerase IIα inhibitory activity with 94.4% and 23.0% inhibition, respectively, at 100 and 20 μM. Compounds 37 and 47 have also showed much enhanced cytotoxic activity against T47D cells; IC50 (μM): 0.63 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.02, respectively, which are stronger than reference drugs. Band depletion assay and cleavage complex assay results showed compounds 37 and 47 were potential topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor with low DNA damage.

Functional characterization and inhibition of the type II DNA topoisomerase coded by African swine fever virus

DNA topoisomerases are essential for DNA metabolism and while their role is well studied in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, it is less known for virally-encoded topoisomerases. African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA virus that infects Ornithodoros ticks and all members of the family Suidae, representing a global threat for pig husbandry with no effective vaccine nor treatment. It was recently demonstrated that ASFV codes for a type II topoisomerase, highlighting a possible target for control of the virus. In this work, the ASFV DNA topoisomerase II was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and found to efficiently decatenate kDNA and to processively relax supercoiled DNA. Optimal conditions for its activity were determined and its sensitivity to a panel of topoisomerase poisons and inhibitors was evaluated. Overall, our results provide new knowledge on viral topoisomerases and on ASFV, as well as a possible target for the control of this virus.

Dexrazoxane exacerbates doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity

Infertility induced by anti-cancer treatments pose a major concern for cancer survivors. Doxorubicin (DXR) has been previously shown to exert toxic effects on the testicular germinal epithelium. Based upon the cardioprotective traits of dexrazoxane (DEX), we studied its potential effect in reducing DXR-induced testicular toxicity. Male mice were injected with 5 mg/kg DXR, 100 mg/kg DEX, combination of both or saline (control) and sacrificed either 1, 3 or 6 months later. Testes were excised and further processed. Glutathione and apoptosis assays were performed to determine oxidative stress. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to study the effects of the drugs on testicular histology and on spermatogonial reserve. DXR and the combined treatment induced a striking decline in testicular weight. DEX prevented DXR-induced oxidative stress, but enhanced DXR-induced apoptosis within the testes. Furthermore, the combined treatment depleted the spermatogonial reserve after 1 month, with impaired recovery at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. This resulted in compromised sperm parameters, testicular and epididymal weights as well as significantly reduced sperm motility, all of which were more severe than those observed in DXR-treated mice. The activity of DEX in the testis may differ from its activity in cardiomyocytes. Adding DEX to DXR exacerbates DXR-induced testicular toxicity.

Identification of genotoxic compounds using isogenic DNA repair deficient DT40 cell lines on a quantitative high throughput screening platform

DNA repair pathways play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by repairing DNA damage induced by endogenous processes and xenobiotics, including environmental chemicals. Induction of DNA damage may lead to genomic instability, disruption of cellular homeostasis and potentially tumours. Isogenic chicken DT40 B-lymphocyte cell lines deficient in DNA repair pathways can be used to identify genotoxic compounds and aid in characterising the nature of the induced DNA damage. As part of the US Tox21 program, we previously optimised several different DT40 isogenic clones on a high-throughput screening platform and confirmed the utility of this approach for detecting genotoxicants by measuring differential cytotoxicity in wild-type and DNA repair-deficient clones following chemical exposure. In the study reported here, we screened the Tox21 10K compound library against two isogenic DNA repair-deficient DT40 cell lines (KU70 (-/-) /RAD54 (-/-) and REV3 (-/-) ) and the wild-type cell line using a cell viability assay that measures intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels. KU70 and RAD54 are genes associated with DNA double-strand break repair processes, and REV3 is associated with translesion DNA synthesis pathways. Active compounds identified in the primary screening included many well-known genotoxicants (e.g. adriamycin, melphalan) and several compounds previously untested for genotoxicity. A subset of compounds was further evaluated by assessing their ability to induce micronuclei and phosphorylated H2AX. Using this comprehensive approach, three compounds with previously undefined genotoxicity-2-oxiranemethanamine, AD-67 and tetraphenylolethane glycidyl ether-were identified as genotoxic. These results demonstrate the utility of this approach for identifying and prioritising compounds that may damage DNA.

4,6-Substituted-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-ones as monocyclic catalytic inhibitors of human DNA topoisomerase IIα targeting the ATP binding site

Human DNA topoisomerase IIα (htIIα) is a validated target for the development of novel anticancer agents. Starting from our discovered 4-amino-1,3,5-triazine inhibitors of htIIα, we investigated a library of 2,4,6-trisubstituted-1,3,5-triazines for novel inhibitors that bind to the htIIα ATP binding site using a combination of structure-based and ligand-based pharmacophore models and molecular docking. 4,6-substituted-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-ones 8, 9 and 14 were identified as novel inhibitors with activity comparable to the established drug etoposide (1). Compound 8 inhibits the htIIα decatenation in a superior fashion to etoposide. Cleavage assays demonstrated that selected compounds 8 and 14 do not act as poisons and antagonize the poison effect of etoposide. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) confirmed binding of compound 8 to the htIIα ATPase domain and compound 14 effectively inhibits the htIIα mediated ATP hydrolysis. The molecular dynamics simulation study provides further insight into the molecular recognition. The 4,6-disubstituted-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-ones represent the first validated monocyclic class of catalytic inhibitors that bind to the to the htIIα ATPase domain.

Cytogenetic evidence that DNA topoisomerase II is not involved in radiation induced chromsome-type aberrations

ICRF-187 (Cardioxane™, Chiron) is a catalytic inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase II (Topo II), proposed to act by blocking Topo II-mediated DNA cleavage without stabilizing DNA-Topo II-"cleavable complexes". In this study ICRF-187 was used to evaluate the potential involvement of DNA topoisomerase II in the formation of the radiation-induced chromosome-type aberrations in the G0 phase of the cell cycle in human lymphocytes from three healthy male donors. This is based on many evidences that DNA topoisomerases are involved in DNA recombination, mainly of illegitimate type (non-homologous) both in vitro and in vivo. The results obtained clearly indicated that ICRF-187 did not induce per se any chromosomal damage. When challenged with the non-catalytic Topo II poison VP-16 (etoposide), which acts by stabilizing the "cleavable complex" generating "protein concealed" DSB's and thus chromosomal aberrations, it completely abolished the significant induction of chromosome-type aberrations and formation of dicentric chromosomes. This indicates that ICRF-187 acts effectively as catalytic inhibitor of Topo II. On the other hand, when X-ray treatments were challenged with ICRF-187 using experimental conditions as for VP-16 treatments, no modification of the incidence of chromosome-type aberrations and dicentric chromosomes was observed. On this basis, we conclude that Topo II is not involved in the formation of X-ray-induced chromosome-type aberrations and dicentric chromosomes in human lymphocytes in the G0 phase of the cell cycle.

Abacavir, an anti-HIV-1 drug, targets TDP1-deficient adult T cell leukemia

Adult T cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive T cell malignancy caused by human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and has a poor prognosis. We analyzed the cytotoxic effects of various nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) for HIV-1 on ATL cells and found that abacavir potently and selectively kills ATL cells. Although NRTIs have minimal genotoxicities on host cells, the therapeutic concentration of abacavir induced numerous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the chromosomal DNA of ATL cells. DSBs persisted over time in ATL cells but not in other cell lines, suggesting impaired DNA repair. We found that the reduced expression of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), a repair enzyme, is attributable to the cytotoxic effect of abacavir on ATL cells. We also showed that TDP1 removes abacavir from DNA ends in vitro. These results suggest a model in which ATL cells with reduced TDP1 expression are unable to excise abacavir incorporated into genomic DNA, leading to irreparable DSBs. On the basis of the above mechanism, we propose abacavir as a promising chemotherapeutic agent for ATL.

Monocyclic 4-amino-6-(phenylamino)-1,3,5-triazines as inhibitors of human DNA topoisomerase IIα

Human DNA topoisomerase IIα (htIIα) is a validated target for the development of anticancer agents. Starting from the available information about the binding of the purine-based htIIα inhibitors in the ATP binding site we designed a virtual screening campaign combining structure-based and ligand-based pharmacophores with a molecular docking calculation searching for compounds that would contain a monocycle mimetic of the purine moiety. We discovered novel 4-amino-6-(phenylamino)-1,3,5-triazines 6, 7 and 11 as monocyclic htIIα inhibitors targeting the ATP binding site. Compound 6 from the 1,3,5-triazine series also displayed cytotoxicity properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines and selectivity against human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cell lines.

An improved high yield total synthesis and cytotoxicity study of the marine alkaloid neoamphimedine: an ATP-competitive inhibitor of topoisomerase IIα and potent anticancer agent

Recently, we characterized neoamphimedine (neo) as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of the ATPase domain of human Topoisomerase IIα. Thus far, neo is the only pyridoacridine with this mechanism of action. One limiting factor in the development of neo as a therapeutic agent has been access to sufficient amounts of material for biological testing. Although there are two reported syntheses of neo, both require 12 steps with low overall yields (≤6%). In this article, we report an improved total synthesis of neo achieved in 10 steps with a 25% overall yield. In addition, we report an expanded cytotoxicity study using a panel of human cancer cell lines, including: breast, colorectal, lung, and leukemia. Neo displays potent cytotoxicity (nM IC50 values) in all, with significant potency against colorectal cancer (lowest IC50 = 6 nM). We show that neo is cytotoxic not cytostatic, and that neo exerts cytotoxicity by inducing G2-M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Structural determinants of the catalytic inhibition of human topoisomerase IIα by salicylate analogs and salicylate-based drugs

We previously identified salicylate as a novel catalytic inhibitor of human DNA topoisomerase II (topo II; EC 5.99.1.3) that preferentially targets the alpha isoform by interfering with topo II-mediated DNA cleavage. Many pharmaceuticals and compounds found in foods are salicylate-based. We have now investigated whether these are also catalytic inhibitors of topo II and the structural determinants modulating these effects. We have determined that a number of hydroxylated benzoic acids attenuate doxorubicin-induced DNA damage signaling mediated by the ATM protein kinase and inhibit topo II decatenation activity in vitro with varying potencies. Based on the chemical structures of these and other derivatives, we identified unique properties influencing topo II inhibition, including the importance of substitutions at the 2'- and 5'-positions. We extended our findings to a number of salicylate-based pharmaceuticals including sulfasalazine and diflunisal and found that both were effective at attenuating doxorubicin-induced DNA damage signaling, topo II DNA decatenation and they blocked stabilization of doxorubicin-induced topo II cleavable complexes in cells. In a manner similar to salicylate, we determined that these agents inhibit topo II-mediated DNA cleavage. This was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in topo II-mediated ATP-hydrolysis. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel function for the broader class of salicylate-related compounds and highlight the need for additional studies into whether they may impact the efficacy of chemotherapy regimens that include topo II poisons.

Phytochemicals as Anticancer and Chemopreventive Topoisomerase II Poisons

Phytochemicals are a rich source of anticancer drugs and chemopreventive agents. Several of these chemicals appear to exert at least some of their effects through interactions with topoisomerase II, an essential enzyme that regulates DNA supercoiling and removes knots and tangles from the genome. Topoisomerase II-active phytochemicals function by stabilizing covalent protein-cleaved DNA complexes that are intermediates in the catalytic cycle of the enzyme. As a result, these compounds convert topoisomerase II to a cellular toxin that fragments the genome. Because of their mode of action, they are referred to as topoisomerase II poisons as opposed to catalytic inhibitors. The first sections of this article discuss DNA topology, the catalytic cycle of topoisomerase II, and the two mechanisms (interfacial vs. covalent) by which different classes of topoisomerase II poisons alter enzyme activity. Subsequent sections discuss the effects of several phytochemicals on the type II enzyme, including demethyl-epipodophyllotoxins (semisynthetic anticancer drugs) as well as flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, catechins, isothiocyanates, and curcumin (dietary chemopreventive agents). Finally, the leukemogenic potential of topoisomerase II-targeted phytochemicals is described.

Cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin is mediated through mitochondrial iron accumulation

Doxorubicin is an effective anticancer drug with known cardiotoxic side effects. It has been hypothesized that doxorubicin-dependent cardiotoxicity occurs through ROS production and possibly cellular iron accumulation. Here, we found that cardiotoxicity develops through the preferential accumulation of iron inside the mitochondria following doxorubicin treatment. In isolated cardiomyocytes, doxorubicin became concentrated in the mitochondria and increased both mitochondrial iron and cellular ROS levels. Overexpression of ABCB8, a mitochondrial protein that facilitates iron export, in vitro and in the hearts of transgenic mice decreased mitochondrial iron and cellular ROS and protected against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Dexrazoxane, a drug that attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, decreased mitochondrial iron levels and reversed doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage. Finally, hearts from patients with doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy had markedly higher mitochondrial iron levels than hearts from patients with other types of cardiomyopathies or normal cardiac function. These results suggest that the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin develop from mitochondrial iron accumulation and that reducing mitochondrial iron levels protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Differential and common DNA repair pathways for topoisomerase I- and II-targeted drugs in a genetic DT40 repair cell screen panel

Clinical topoisomerase I (Top1) and II (Top2) inhibitors trap topoisomerases on DNA, thereby inducing protein-linked DNA breaks. Cancer cells resist the drugs by removing topoisomerase-DNA complexes, and repairing the drug-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Because numerous enzymes and cofactors are involved in the removal of the topoisomerase-DNA complexes and DSB repair, it has been challenging to comprehensively analyze the relative contribution of multiple genetic pathways in vertebrate cells. Comprehending the relative contribution of individual repair factors would give insights into the lesions induced by the inhibitors and genetic determinants of response. Ultimately, this information would be useful to target specific pathways to augment the therapeutic activity of topoisomerase inhibitors. To this end, we put together 48 isogenic DT40 mutant cells deficient in DNA repair and generated one cell line deficient in autophagy (ATG5). Sensitivity profiles were established for three clinically relevant Top1 inhibitors (camptothecin and the indenoisoquinolines LMP400 and LMP776) and three Top2 inhibitors (etoposide, doxorubicin, and ICRF-193). Highly significant correlations were found among Top1 inhibitors as well as Top2 inhibitors, whereas the profiles of Top1 inhibitors were different from those of Top2 inhibitors. Most distinct repair pathways between Top1 and Top2 inhibitors include NHEJ, TDP1, TDP2, PARP1, and Fanconi Anemia genes, whereas homologous recombination seems relevant especially for Top1 and, to a lesser extent, for Top2 inhibitors. We also found and discuss differential pathways among Top1 inhibitors and Top2 inhibitors.

3EZ,20Ac-ingenol, a catalytic inhibitor of topoisomerases, downregulates p-Akt and induces DSBs and apoptosis of DT40 cells

We have previously reported that many ingenol compounds derived from Euphorbia kansui exhibit topoisomerase (topo) II inhibitory activity. Of these compounds, 3EZ,20Ac-ingenol inhibited topo I activity. Camptothecin, which inhibits the religation activity of topo I without interfering with the binding of topo I to DNA and induces topo I-mediated DNA cleavage, was used as a positive control. In this study, we found that 3EZ,20Ac-ingenol did not hamper the binding of topo I to DNA in the same manner as camptothecin but affected the inhibition of cleavage of one DNA strand. 3EZ,20Ac-ingenol inhibited cell proliferation by blocking cell cycle progression in the G2/M phase. To define the mechanism of inhibition of DT40 cell proliferation, the change in Akt activity was observed because Akt activity is regulated in response to DNA damage. Western blot analysis revealed that 3EZ,20Ac-ingenol downregulated the expression of p-Akt, and apoptosis was detected by the presence of DNA double-strand breaks and caspase 3 activation.

Iron chelators with topoisomerase-inhibitory activity and their anticancer applications

SIGNIFICANCE

Iron and topoisomerases are abundant and essential cellular components. Iron is required for several key processes such as DNA synthesis, mitochondrial electron transport, synthesis of heme, and as a co-factor for many redox enzymes. Topoisomerases serve as critical enzymes that resolve topological problems during DNA synthesis, transcription, and repair. Neoplastic cells have higher uptake and utilization of iron, as well as elevated levels of topoisomerase family members. Separately, the chelation of iron and the cytotoxic inhibition of topoisomerase have yielded potent anticancer agents.

RECENT ADVANCES

The chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and dexrazoxane both chelate iron and target topoisomerase 2 alpha (top2α). Newer chelators such as di-2-pyridylketone-4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone and thiosemicarbazone -24 have recently been identified as top2α inhibitors. The growing list of agents that appear to chelate iron and inhibit topoisomerases prompts the question of whether and how these two distinct mechanisms might interplay for a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic outcome.

CRITICAL ISSUES

While iron chelation and topoisomerase inhibition each represent mechanistically advantageous anticancer therapeutic strategies, dual targeting agents present an attractive multi-modal opportunity for enhanced anticancer tumor killing and overcoming drug resistance. The commonalities and caveats of dual inhibition are presented in this review.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Gaps in knowledge, relevant biomarkers, and strategies for future in vivo studies with dual inhibitors are discussed.

GL3, a Novel 4β-Anilino-4'-O-Demethyl-4-Desoxypodophyllotoxin Analog, Traps Topoisomerase II Cleavage Complexes and Exerts Anticancer Activities

A novel VP-16 derivative, 4β-[N -(4‴-acetyloxyl-phenyl-1‴-carbonyl)-4″-aminoanilino]-4'-O-demethyl-4-desoxypodophyllotoxin (GL3), displayed a wide range of cytotoxicity in a panel of human tumor cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values ranging from 0.82 to 4.88 µM, much less than that of VP-16 (4.18-39.43 µM). Importantly, GL3 induces more significant apoptosis and cell cycle arrest than VP-16. The molecular and cellular machinery studies showed that GL3 functions as a topoisomerase II (Top 2) poison through direct binding to the enzyme, and the advanced cell-killing activities of GL3 were ascribed to its potent effects on trapping Top 2-DNA cleavage complex, Moreover, GL3-triggered DNA double-strand breaks and apoptotic cell death were in a Top 2-dependent manner, because the catalytic inhibitor aclarubicin attenuated these biologic consequences caused by Top 2 poisoning in GL3-treated cells. Taken together, among a series of 4β-anilino-4'-O-demethyl-4-desoxypodophyllotoxin analog, GL3 stood out by its improved anticancer activity and well-defined Top 2 poisoning mechanisms, which merited the potential value of GL3 as an anticancer lead compound/drug candidate deserving further development.

Gene transfection enhanced by ultrasound exposure combined with drug treatment guided by gene chip analysis

PURPOSE

Heterogeneous bioeffects have been reported in previous studies of ultrasound-mediated gene delivery. The goal of this study is to identify the differences between cells that take up plasmid DNA (pDNA) after sonication but are not transfected and cells that similarly take up pDNA but are transfected. We used these findings to select drugs that regulate intracellular processes expected to enhance gene transfection in combination with US.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression among DU145 human prostate cancer cells after ultrasound-mediated transfection was analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays. Drug treatments suggested by the microarray analysis were combined with US exposure to regulate the corresponding intracellular processes. Cell viability and transfection efficiency were determined by flow cytometry to analyze the effects of US combined with drug treatment.

RESULTS

Genes such as GADD45α (growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible, alpha) and Topoisomerase IIα were found to be associated with successful transfection. Drugs that regulate GADD45α and Topoisomerase IIα (e.g., ethyl methanesulfomate, amsacrine and chloroquine) were shown to increase ultrasound-mediated transfection efficiency by up to 2 fold.

CONCLUSIONS

Among cells with pDNA uptake after sonication, we found that genes are differentially expressed among transfected cells versus non-transfected cells. Regulation of the expression level of GADD45α and TOP2α and other intracellular processes can yield higher efficiency of ultrasound-mediated gene transfection. This suggests that a strategy to increase gene transfection efficiency involving the combination of sonication and regulation of intracellular processes using drugs could further enhance US-mediated gene transfection.

Biophysical and molecular docking studies of naphthoquinone derivatives on the ATPase domain of human topoisomerase II

Numerous naphthoquinone derivatives, such as rhinacanthins function as anticancer drugs, which target hTopoII. The structure of hTopoII contains both an ATPase domain and a DNA binding domain. Several drugs bind to either one or both of these domains, thus modifying the activity of hTopoII. The naphthoquinone esters and amides used in this study showed that their hTopoIIα inhibitory activity was inversely proportional to ATP concentration. In order to better characterize the inhibitory action of these compounds, sufficient quantities of soluble functional hTopoII-ATPase domain were required. Therefore, both the alpha and beta isoforms of the hTopoII-ATPase domain were over-expressed in Escherichia coli. The hTopoIIα-ATPase activity was reduced in the presence of naphthoquinone derivatives. Additionally, a molecular docking study revealed that the selected naphthoquinone ester and amide bind to the ATP-binding domain of hTopoIIα. Collectively, the results here provide for the first time a novel insight into the interaction between naphthoquinone esters and amides, and the ATP-binding domain of hTopoIIα. The further elucidation of the mechanism of action of the naphthoquinone esters and amides inhibitory activity is essential.

Topoisomerase assays

Topoisomerases are nuclear enzymes that play essential roles in DNA replication, transcription, chromosome segregation, and recombination. All cells have two major forms of topoisomerases: type I enzymes, which make single-stranded cuts in DNA, and type II enzymes, which cut and pass double-stranded DNA. DNA topoisomerases are important targets of approved and experimental anti-cancer agents. The protocols described in this unit are for assays used to assess new chemical entities for their ability to inhibit both forms of DNA topoisomerase. Included are an in vitro assay for topoisomerase I activity based on relaxation of supercoiled DNA, and an assay for topoisomerase II based on the decatenation of double-stranded DNA. The preparation of mammalian cell extracts for assaying topoisomerase activity is described, along with a protocol for an ICE assay to examine topoisomerase covalent complexes in vivo, and an assay for measuring DNA cleavage in vitro.

Dexrazoxane ameliorates doxorubicin-induced injury in mouse ovarian cells

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a frontline chemotherapy agent implicated in unintended ovarian failure in female cancer survivors. The fertility preservation techniques currently available for cancer patients are often time and cost prohibitive and do not necessarily preserve endocrine function. There are no drug-based ovary protection therapies clinically available. This study provides the first investigation using dexrazoxane (Dexra) to limit DXR insult in ovarian tissue. In KK-15 granulosa cells, a 3-h DXR treatment increased double-strand (ds) DNA breaks 40%-50%, as quantified by the neutral comet assay, and dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Dexra exhibited low toxicity in KK-15 cells, inducing no DNA damage and less than 20% cell loss. Cotreating KK-15 cells with Dexra prevented acute DXR-induced dsDNA damage. Similarly, Dexra attenuated the DXR-induced 40%-65% increase in dsDNA breaks in primary murine granulosa cells and cells from in vitro cultured murine ovaries. DXR can cause DNA damage either through a topoisomerase II-mediated pathway, based on DXR intercalation into DNA, or through oxidative stress. Cotreating KK-15 cells with 2 μM Dexra was sufficient to prevent DXR-induced, but not H(2)O(2)-induced, DNA damage. These data indicated the protective effects are likely due to Dexra's inhibition of topoisomerase II catalytic activity. This putative protective agent attenuated downstream cellular responses to DXR, preventing H2AFX activation in KK-15 cells and increasing viability as demonstrated by increasing the DXR lethal dose in KK-15 cells 5- to 8-fold (LD(20)) and primary murine granulosa cells 1.5- to 2-fold (LD(50)). These data demonstrate Dexra protects ovarian cells from DXR insult and suggest that it is a promising tool to limit DXR ovarian toxicity in vivo.

QS-ZYX-1-61 induces apoptosis through topoisomerase II in human non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells

Agents that cause DNA damage have been widely used as anticancer drugs because DNA lesions can initiate DNA checkpoints that induce cell death. The results presented here indicate that QS-ZYX-1-61, a derivative of VP-16, was significantly more potent than VP-16 in suppressing the viability of A549 cells. Treatment of cells with QS-ZYX-1-61 led to a DNA damage response and a dramatic increase of apoptosis. Our results also suggest that QS-ZYX-1-61 may be a topoisomerase (topo) II targeting agent, as evidenced by relaxation assay and induction of reversible cleavable complexes. Moreover, blocking of p53, topo IIα, and topo IIβ greatly protected against caspase-3 activation, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage, and cell growth inhibition, indicating that QS-ZYX-1-61 acts through these proteins. These results support our conclusion that QS-ZYX-1-61 has potential as an anticancer agent because it causes accumulation of DNA cleavable complexes, with downstream consequences that include double-strand breaks and DNA damage response signaling for apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate that QS-ZYX-1-61 is a novel DNA damaging agent and displays an outstanding activity that could be worthy of further investigation.

Interfacial inhibitors: targeting macromolecular complexes

Interfacial inhibitors belong to a broad class of natural products and synthetic drugs that are commonly used to treat cancers as well as bacterial and HIV infections. They bind selectively to interfaces as macromolecular machines assemble and are set in motion. The bound drugs transiently arrest the targeted molecular machines, which can initiate allosteric effects, or desynchronize macromolecular machines that normally function in concert. Here, we review five archetypical examples of interfacial inhibitors: the camptothecins, etoposide, the quinolone antibiotics, the vinca alkaloids and the novel anti-HIV inhibitor raltegravir. We discuss the common and diverging elements between interfacial and allosteric inhibitors and give a perspective for the rationale and methods used to discover novel interfacial inhibitors.

Bimolane induces multiple types of chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro

Bimolane has been commonly used in China for the treatment of psoriasis and various types of cancer. Patients treated with bimolane have been reported to have an increased risk of developing therapy-related leukemias. Although bimolane has been identified as a human leukemia-inducing agent, little is known about its genotoxic effects, and a systematic study of the types of chromosomal alterations induced by this compound has not been performed. In this study, a combination of immunochemical, molecular and conventional cytogenetic techniques has been used to study the chromosomal alterations induced by bimolane in cultured human lymphocytes. Immunochemical staining with the CREST antibody indicated that bimolane induces micronuclei (MN) originating primarily from chromosome breakage. Interestingly fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with differentially labeled chromosomes 1 and 9 centromeric probes indicated that bimolane also caused non-disjunction and polyploidy. Consistent with this, an expedited analysis of Giemsa-stained metaphase chromosomes in bimolane-treated lymphocytes revealed a high frequency of polyploidy/hyperdiploidy as well as dicentric chromosomes, and premature centromeric division (PCD). In addition, bimolane was also found to produce binucleated cells, possibly through an interference with normal functioning of intermediate filaments. As a follow-up to these studies, three different types of commercially available bimolane formulations obtained from different Chinese manufacturers were also evaluated. The effects seen with the formulated bimolane were similar to those seen with the synthesized compound. Our studies indicate that bimolane effectively induces a variety of cellular and chromosomal changes in cultured lymphocytes and that similar alterations occurring in bone marrow stem cells could contribute to the development of the secondary cancers seen in bimolane-treated patients.