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Kasana S, Kumar S, Patel P, Kurmi BD, Jain S, Sahu S, Vaidya A. Caspase inhibitors: a review on recently patented compounds (2016-2023). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:1047-1072. [PMID: 39206873 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2397732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Caspases are a family of protease enzymes that play a crucial role in apoptosis. Dysregulation of caspase activity has been implicated in various pathological conditions, making caspases an important focus of research in understanding cell death mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with abnormal apoptosis. AREAS COVERED It is a comprehensive review of caspase inhibitors that have been comprising recently granted patents from 2016 to 2023. It includes peptide and non-peptide caspase inhibitors with their application for different diseases. EXPERT OPINION This review categorizes and analyses recently patented caspase inhibitors on various diseases. Diseases linked to caspase dysregulation, including neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune conditions, are highlighted to accentuate the therapeutic relevance of the patented caspase inhibitors. This paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical developers seeking an up-to-date understanding of recently patented caspase inhibitors. The integration of recent patented compounds, structural insights, and mechanistic details provides a holistic view of the progress in caspase inhibitor research and its potential impact on addressing various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Kasana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Shivam Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Preeti Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Balak Das Kurmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Shweta Jain
- Sir Madanlal Institute of Pharmacy, Etawah, India
| | - Sanjeev Sahu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Ankur Vaidya
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Etawah, India
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Shah EJ, Grunwald WC, Garrett TL, Brown TL, Cool DR. Sarin-Induced Neuroinflammation in Mouse Brain Is Attenuated by the Caspase Inhibitor Q-VD-OPh. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:367-375. [PMID: 37918856 PMCID: PMC10801781 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Organophosphates cause hyperstimulation of the central nervous system, leading to extended seizures, convulsions, and brain damage. Sarin is a highly toxic organophosphate nerve agent that has been employed in several terrorist attacks. The prolonged toxicity of sarin may be enhanced by the neuroinflammatory response initiated by the inflammasome, caspase involvement, and generation/release of proinflammatory cytokines. Since neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation are prevalent in sarin-exposed animals, we were interested in evaluating the capacity of quinolyl-valyl-O-methylaspartyl-[-2,6-difluorophenoxy]-methyl ketone (Q-VD-OPh), a pan caspase inhibitor to attenuate neuroinflammation following sarin exposure. To test this hypothesis, sarin-exposed C57BL/6 mice were treated with Q-VD-OPh or negative control quinolyl-valyl-O-methylglutamyl-[-2,6-difluorophenoxy]-methyl ketone, sacrificed at 2- and 14-day time points, followed by removal of the amygdala and hippocampus. A Bio-Rad 23-Plex cytokine analysis was completed on each tissue. The results suggest that exposure to sarin induced a dramatic increase in interleukin-1β and 6 other cytokines and a decrease in 2 of the 23 cytokines at 2 days in the amygdala compared with controls. Q-VD-OPh attenuated these changes at the 2-day time point. At 14 days, six of these cytokines were still significantly different from controls. Hippocampus was less affected at both time points. Diazepam, a neuroprotective drug against nerve agents, caused an increase in several cytokines but did not have a synergistic effect with Q-VD-OPh. Treatment of sarin exposure with apoptosis inhibitors appears to be a worthwhile approach for further testing as a comprehensive counteragent against organophosphate exposure. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A pan inhibitor of caspases (Q-VD-OPh) was proposed as a potential antidote for sarin-induced neuroinflammation by reducing the level of inflammation via inflammasome caspase inhibition. Q-VD-OPh added at 30 minutes post-sarin exposure attenuated the inflammatory response of a number of cytokines and chemokines in the amygdala and hippocampus, two brain regions sensitive to organophosphate exposure. Apoptotic marker reduction at 2 and 14 days further supports further testing of inhibitors of apoptosis as a means to lessen extended organophosphate toxicity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta J Shah
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.J.S., W.C.G, T.L.G., D.R.C) and Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology (T.L.G., T.L.B.), Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - William C Grunwald
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.J.S., W.C.G, T.L.G., D.R.C) and Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology (T.L.G., T.L.B.), Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Teresa L Garrett
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.J.S., W.C.G, T.L.G., D.R.C) and Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology (T.L.G., T.L.B.), Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Thomas L Brown
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.J.S., W.C.G, T.L.G., D.R.C) and Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology (T.L.G., T.L.B.), Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - David R Cool
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (E.J.S., W.C.G, T.L.G., D.R.C) and Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology (T.L.G., T.L.B.), Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
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Sarić N, Hashimoto-Torii K, Jevtović-Todorović V, Ishibashi N. Nonapoptotic caspases in neural development and in anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:446-458. [PMID: 35491256 PMCID: PMC9117442 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, classically initiated by caspase pathway activation, plays a prominent role during normal brain development as well as in neurodegeneration. The noncanonical, nonlethal arm of the caspase pathway is evolutionarily conserved and has also been implicated in both processes, yet is relatively understudied. Dysregulated pathway activation during critical periods of neurodevelopment due to environmental neurotoxins or exposure to compounds such as anesthetics can have detrimental consequences for brain maturation and long-term effects on behavior. In this review, we discuss key molecular characteristics and roles of the noncanonical caspase pathway and how its dysregulation may adversely affect brain development. We highlight both genetic and environmental factors that regulate apoptotic and sublethal caspase responses and discuss potential interventions that target the noncanonical caspase pathway for developmental brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Sarić
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kazue Hashimoto-Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Nobuyuki Ishibashi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA; Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
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NLRP3 Inflammasome Is Involved in Q-VD-OPH Induced Necroptosis Following Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1200-1209. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Lee H, Shin EA, Lee JH, Ahn D, Kim CG, Kim JH, Kim SH. Caspase inhibitors: a review of recently patented compounds (2013-2015). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 28:47-59. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1378426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Lee
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Ah Shin
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of East West Medical Science, Graduate School of East West Medical Science Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Deoksoo Ahn
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Geun Kim
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju-Ha Kim
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Keoni CL, Brown TL. Inhibition of Apoptosis and Efficacy of Pan Caspase Inhibitor, Q-VD-OPh, in Models of Human Disease. J Cell Death 2015; 8:1-7. [PMID: 25922583 PMCID: PMC4395138 DOI: 10.4137/jcd.s23844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is physiological cell death required for the cellular maintenance of homeostasis, and caspases play a major role in the execution of this process. Numerous disorders occur when levels of apoptosis within an organism are excessive, and several studies have explored the possibility of using caspase inhibitors to prevent these disorders. Q-VD-OPh (quinolyl-valyl-O-methylaspartyl-[2,6-difluorophenoxy]-methyl ketone), a novel pan caspase inhibitor, has been used because of its efficacy to inhibit apoptosis at low concentrations, its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as being nontoxic in vivo. This review examines Q-VD-OPh's ability to inhibit apoptosis in several animal models of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanel Li Keoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Thomas L Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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AR-A014418 as a glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor: Anti-apoptotic and therapeutic potential in experimental spinal cord injury. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2013; 24:22-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucir.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Goldberg L, Israeli R, Kloog Y. FTS and 2-DG induce pancreatic cancer cell death and tumor shrinkage in mice. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e284. [PMID: 22419113 PMCID: PMC3317504 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Ras inhibitor S-trans-trans farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS)
inhibits active Ras, which controls cell proliferation, differentiation,
survival, and metabolism. FTS also inhibits HIF1α expression in
cancer cells, leading to an energy crisis. The synthetic glucose analog
2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which inhibits glycolysis, is selectively directed to
tumor cells that exhibit increased glucose consumption. The 2-DG enters tumor
cells, where it competes with glucose for glycolytic enzymes. In cancer models,
as well as in human phase 1 trials, 2-DG inhibits tumor growth without toxicity.
We postulated that under normoxic conditions, tumor cells treated with FTS would
be more sensitive than normal cells to 2-DG. We show here that combined
treatment with FTS and 2-DG inhibited cancer cell proliferation additively, yet
induced apoptotic cell death synergistically both in vitro and in
vivo. The induced apoptosis was inferred from QVD-OPH inhibition, an
increase in cleaved caspase 3, and loss of survivin. FTS and 2-DG when combined,
but not separately, also induced an increase in fibrosis of the tumor tissue,
chronic inflammation, and tumor shrinkage. Overall, these results suggest a
possible new treatment of pancreatic tumors by the combined administration of
FTS and 2-DG, which together induce pancreatic tumor cell death and tumor
shrinkage under non-toxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Goldberg
- Department of Neurobiology, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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CIBZ, a novel BTB domain-containing protein, is involved in mouse spinal cord injury via mitochondrial pathway independent of p53 gene. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33156. [PMID: 22427977 PMCID: PMC3299754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces both primary uncontrollable mechanical injury and secondary controllable degeneration, which further results in the activation of cell death cascades that mediate delayed tissue damage. To alleviate its impairments and seek for an effective remedy, mRNA differential display was used to investigate gene mRNA expression profiling in mice following SCI. A specific Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein, CIBZ, was discovered to implicate in the SCI process for the first time. Further researches indicated that CIBZ was extensively distributed in various tissues, and the expression level was highest in muscle, followed by spinal cord, large intestine, kidney, spleen, thymus, lung, cerebrum, stomach, ovary and heart, respectively. After injury, the CIBZ expression decreased dramatically and reached the lowest level at 8 h, but it gradually increased to the maximal level at 7 d. Caspase-3 and C-terminal-binding protein (CtBP), two CIBZ-related proteins, showed similar tendency. Interestingly, p53 expression remained constant in all groups. Via flow cytometry (FCM) analysis, it was found that the cell death rate in SCI group markedly increased and reached the highest value 1 d after surgery and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) at 1 d was the lowest in all groups. Taken together, it is suggested that: (i) in the presence of CtBP, CIBZ gene is involved in secondary injury process and trigger the activation of apoptotic caspase-3 and bax genes independent of p53; (ii) abrupt down-regulation of CtBP at 8 h is a sign of mitochondria dysfunction and the onset of cell death; (iii) it could be used as an inhibitor or target drug of caspase-3 gene to improve spinal cord function.
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Kuželová K, Grebeňová D, Brodská B. Dose-dependent effects of the caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh on different apoptosis-related processes. J Cell Biochem 2011; 112:3334-42. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
Activation of microglia and inflammation-mediated neurotoxicity are suggested to have key roles in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders. We recently published an article in Nature revealing an unexpected role for executioner caspases in the microglia activation process. We showed that caspases 8 and 3/7, commonly known to have executioner roles for apoptosis, can promote microglia activation in the absence of death. We found these caspases to be activated in microglia of PD and AD subjects. Inhibition of this signaling pathway hindered microglia activation and importantly reduced neurotoxicity in cell and animal models of disease. Here we review evidence suggesting that microglia can have a key role in the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms regulating their activation and neurotoxic effect. We focus on the provocative hypothesis that caspase inhibition can be neuroprotective by targeting the microglia rather than the neurons themselves.
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Sîrbulescu RF, Zupanc GKH. Inhibition of caspase-3-mediated apoptosis improves spinal cord repair in a regeneration-competent vertebrate system. Neuroscience 2010; 171:599-612. [PMID: 20837106 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Teleost fish exhibit an excellent potential for structural and functional recovery after CNS lesions. The function of apoptosis in the process of regeneration remains controversial. While some studies have identified this type of cell death as essential for successful regeneration, other investigations have suggested some degree of functional improvement after inhibition of apoptosis. In the present study, we examined whether inhibition of apoptosis immediately after injury can improve spinal cord regeneration. As a model system, we used Apteronotus leptorhynchus, a regeneration-competent weakly electric fish. To inhibit apoptosis, we employed 2,2'-methylenebis (1,3-cyclohexanedione) (M50054), a compound that prevents caspase-3 activation. Administration of this apoptosis inhibitor led to a significant reduction in the numbers of apoptotic cells at 24 h, 5 days, and 30 days after the lesion. Using triple immunolabeling, we identified a significant reduction in the level of apoptosis at 5 and 30 days after the lesion among the following cellular categories: cells generated shortly after the lesion, existing neurons, and newly differentiated neurons. This reduced rate of apoptosis led to an increase in the relative number of differentiating and surviving neurons at both 5 and 30 days post-injury, compared to the control groups. Functional regeneration, as indicated by the recovery rate of the amplitude of the electric organ discharge (EOD), was significantly improved within the first 20 days after the lesion in the fish treated with M50054. Our data provide the first evidence that modulation of caspase-3 activation can significantly improve neuroregeneration and functional recovery in a regeneration-competent organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Sîrbulescu
- School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University Bremen, P.O. BOX 750 561, 28725 Bremen, Germany
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