1
|
Li J, Wang X, Zhang H, Hu X, Peng X, Jiang W, Zhuo L, Peng Y, Zeng G, Wang Z. Fenamates: Forgotten treasure for cancer treatment and prevention: Mechanisms of action, structural modification, and bright future. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 39171404 DOI: 10.1002/med.22079] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Fenamates as classical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are widely used for relieving pain. Preclinical studies and epidemiological data highlight their chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic potential for cancer. However, comprehensive reviews of fenamates in cancer are limited. To accelerate the repurposing of fenamates, this review summarizes the results of fenamates alone or in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents. This paper also explores targets of fenamates in cancer therapy, including COX, AKR family, AR, gap junction, FTO, TEAD, DHODH, TAS2R14, ion channels, and DNA. Besides, this paper discusses other mechanisms, such as regulating Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathway, and the regulation of the expressions of Sp, EGR-1, NAG-1, ATF-3, ErbB2, AR, as well as the modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, this paper outlined the structural modifications of fenamates, highlighting their potential as promising leads for anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xue Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Weifan Jiang
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Linsheng Zhuo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Guo Zeng
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Harrahill NJ, Hadden MK. Small molecules that regulate the N 6-methyladenosine RNA modification as potential anti-cancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116526. [PMID: 38805939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, the field of post-translational RNA modifications, is a burgeoning domain of research that has recently received significant attention for its role in multiple diseases, including cancer. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prominent post-translational RNA modification and plays a critical role in RNA transcription, processing, translation, and metabolism. The m6A modification is controlled by three protein classes known as writers (methyltransferases), erasers (demethylases), and readers (m6A-binding proteins). Each class of m6A regulatory proteins has been implicated in cancer initiation and progression. As such, many of these proteins have been identified as potential targets for anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. In this work, we provide an overview of the role m6A-regulating proteins play in cancer and discuss the current state of small molecule therapeutics targeting these proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noah J Harrahill
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269-3092, United States
| | - M Kyle Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269-3092, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ren C, Cao Z, Liu Y, Wang R, Lin C, Wang Z. Medicinal chemistry aspects of fat mass and obesity associated protein: structure, function and inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2024:1-22. [PMID: 39101588 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2380245] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Adiposity and obesity-related proteins (FTO), the earliest identified mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylases, are known to play crucial roles in several biological processes. Therefore, FTO is a promising target for anticancer treatment. Understanding the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FTO targets can serve as guidelines for drug development. Despite significant efforts to develop FTO inhibitors, no specific small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical trials so far. In this manuscript, we review the relationship between FTO and various cancers, the small-molecule inhibitors developed against FTO targets from the perspective of medicinal chemistry and other fields, and describe their structural optimization process and structure-activity relationship, providing clues for their future development direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changyu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhi Cao
- Medical Quality Control & Evaluation Department, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Congcong Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zishu Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang S, Xu L, Zhuang H, Li F, Lu Y. A new perspective on hematological malignancies: m6A modification in immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1374390. [PMID: 38868768 PMCID: PMC11168112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1374390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for hematological malignancies is a rapidly advancing field that has gained momentum in recent years, primarily encompassing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other modalities. However, its clinical efficacy remains limited, and drug resistance poses a significant challenge. Therefore, novel immunotherapeutic targets and agents need to be identified. Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA epitope modification, has emerged as a pivotal factor in various malignancies. Reportedly, m6A mutations influence the immunological microenvironment of hematological malignancies, leading to immune evasion and compromising the anti-tumor immune response in hematological malignancies. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the roles of the currently identified m6A modifications in various hematological malignancies, with a particular focus on their impact on the immune microenvironment. Additionally, we provide an overview of the research progress made in developing m6A-targeted drugs for hematological tumor therapy, to offer novel clinical insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Liping Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Haihui Zhuang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Fenglin Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Hematology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang YZ, Li HY, Zhang Y, Jiang RX, Xu J, Gu J, Jiang Z, Jiang ZY, You QD, Guo XK. Discovery of Pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidine Derivative as a Novel and Selective ALKBH5 Inhibitor for the Treatment of AML. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15944-15959. [PMID: 37983486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
M6A (N6-methyladenosine) plays a significant role in regulating RNA processing, splicing, nucleation, translation, and stability. AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) is an Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent dioxygenase that demethylates mono- or dimethylated adenosines. ALKBH5 can be regarded as an oncogenic factor for various human cancers. However, the discovery of potent and selective ALKBH5 inhibitors remains a challenge. We identified DDO-2728 as a novel and selective inhibitor of ALKBH5 by structure-based virtual screening and optimization. DDO-2728 was not a 2-oxoglutarate analogue and could selectively inhibit the demethylase activity of ALKBH5 over FTO. DDO-2728 increased the abundance of m6A modifications in AML cells, reduced the mRNA stability of TACC3, and inhibited cell cycle progression. Furthermore, DDO-2728 significantly suppressed tumor growth in the MV4-11 xenograft mouse model and showed a favorable safety profile. Collectively, our results highlight the development of a selective probe for ALKBH5 that will pave the way for the further study of ALKBH5 targeting therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rui-Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang Y, Xia W, Dong Z, Yang CG. Chemical Inhibitors Targeting the Oncogenic m 6A Modifying Proteins. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3010-3022. [PMID: 37889223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is brought to RNA, introducing a new dimension to gene expression regulation. Among numerous RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant internal modification on eukaryote mRNA first identified in the 1970s. However, the significance of m6A modification in mRNA had been long neglected until the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) enzyme was identified as the first m6A demethylase almost 40 years later. The m6A modification influences nearly every step of RNA metabolism and thus broadly affects gene expression at multiple levels, playing a critical role in many biological processes, including cancer progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. The m6A level is dynamically regulated by RNA epigenetic machinery comprising methyltransferases such as methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3), demethylases FTO and AlkB human homologue 5 (ALKBH5), and multiple reader proteins. The understanding of the biology of RNA epigenetics and its translational drug discovery is still in its infancy. It is essential to further develop chemical probes and lead compounds for an in-depth investigation into m6A biology and the translational discovery of anticancer drugs targeting m6A modifying oncogenic proteins.In this Account, we present our work on the development of chemical inhibitors to regulate m6A in mRNA by targeting the FTO demethylase, and the elucidation of their mode of action. We reported rhein to be the first substrate competitive FTO inhibitor. Due to rhein's poor selectivity, we identified meclofenamic acid (MA) that selectively inhibits FTO compared with ALKBH5. Based on the structural complex of MA bound with FTO, we designed MA analogs FB23-2 and Dac51, which exhibit significantly improved activities compared with MA. For example, FB23-2 is specific to FTO inhibition in vitro among over 400 other oncogenic proteins, including kinases, proteases, and DNA and histone epigenetic proteins. Mimicking FTO depletion, FB23-2 promotes the differentiation/apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and inhibits the progression of primary cells in xenotransplanted mice. Dac51 treatment impairs the glycolytic activity of tumor cells and restores the function of CD8+ T cells, thereby inhibiting the growth of solid tumors in vivo. These FTO inhibitors were and will continue to be used as probes to promote biological studies of m6A modification and as lead compounds to target FTO in anticancer drug discovery.Toward the end, we also include a brief review of ALKBH5 demethylase inhibitors and METTL3 methyltransferase modulators. Collectively, these small-molecule modulators that selectively target RNA epigenetic proteins will promote in-depth studies on the regulation of gene expression and potentially accelerate anticancer target discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenyang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tanaka K, Suda A, Uesugi M, Futaki S, Imanishi M. Xanthine derivatives inhibit FTO in an L-ascorbic acid-dependent manner. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10809-10812. [PMID: 37599611 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02484a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Xanthine derivatives were identified as inhibitors of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase activity of fat-mass-and-obesity-associated protein (FTO) by activity-based high-throughput screening using the m6A-sensitive ribonuclease MazF. Pentoxifylline exhibited L-ascorbic acid concentration-dependent inhibitory activity against FTO, an unprecedented mode of inhibition, indicating that L-ascorbic acid is a promising key for designing FTO-specific inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamui Tanaka
- Institute for Chemical Research, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Akiyo Suda
- Institute for Chemical Research, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Motonari Uesugi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xiao P, Duan Z, Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang D, Liu L, Zhou C, Gan J, Dong Z, Yang CG. Rational Design of RNA Demethylase FTO Inhibitors with Enhanced Antileukemia Drug-Like Properties. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37418628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase highly expressed in diverse cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To improve antileukemia drug-like properties, we have designed 44/ZLD115, a flexible alkaline side-chain-substituted benzoic acid FTO inhibitor derived from FB23. A combination of structure-activity relationship analysis and lipophilic efficiency-guided optimization demonstrates that 44/ZLD115 exhibits better drug-likeness than the previously reported FTO inhibitors, FB23 and 13a/Dac85. Then, 44/ZLD115 shows significant antiproliferative activity in leukemic NB4 and MOLM13 cell lines. Moreover, 44/ZLD115 treatment noticeably increases m6A abundance on the AML cell RNA, upregulates RARA gene expression, and downregulates MYC gene expression in MOLM13 cells, which are consistent with FTO gene knockdown. Lastly, 44/ZLD115 exhibits antileukemic activity in xenograft mice without substantial side effects. This FTO inhibitor demonstrates promising properties that can be further developed for antileukemia applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zongliang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Deyan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianhua Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ze Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu WW, Zhang ZY, Wang F, Wang H. Emerging roles of m6A RNA modification in cancer therapeutic resistance. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:21. [PMID: 36810281 PMCID: PMC9942381 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Marvelous advancements have been made in cancer therapies to improve clinical outcomes over the years. However, therapeutic resistance has always been a major difficulty in cancer therapy, with extremely complicated mechanisms remain elusive. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, a hotspot in epigenetics, has gained growing attention as a potential determinant of therapeutic resistance. As the most prevalent RNA modification, m6A is involved in every links of RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation and stability. Three kinds of regulators, "writer" (methyltransferase), "eraser" (demethylase) and "reader" (m6A binding proteins), together orchestrate the dynamic and reversible process of m6A modification. Herein, we primarily reviewed the regulatory mechanisms of m6A in therapeutic resistance, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Then we discussed the clinical potential of m6A modification to overcome resistance and optimize cancer therapy. Additionally, we proposed existing problems in current research and prospects for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Liu
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Zhang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Neurosurgical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Walsh L, Erlanson DA, de Esch IJP, Jahnke W, Woodhead A, Wren E. Fragment-to-Lead Medicinal Chemistry Publications in 2021. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1137-1156. [PMID: 36622056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This Perspective is the seventh in an annual series that summarizes successful Fragment-to-Lead (F2L) case studies published in a given year. A tabulated summary of relevant articles published in 2021 is provided, and features such as target class, screening methods, and ligand efficiency are discussed, both for the 2021 examples and for the combined examples over the years 2015-2021. In addition, trends and new developments in the field are summarized. In particular, the use of structural information in fragment-based drug discovery is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Walsh
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel A Erlanson
- Frontier Medicines, 151 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Woodhead
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Ella Wren
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qin B, Bai Q, Yan D, Yin F, Zhu Z, Xia C, Yang Y, Zhao Y. Discovery of novel mRNA demethylase FTO inhibitors against esophageal cancer. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1995-2003. [PMID: 35833378 PMCID: PMC9291647 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2098954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 1,2,3-triazole analogues as novel fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) inhibitors were synthesised in this study. Among all 1,2,3-triazoles, compound C6 exhibited the most robust inhibition of FTO with an IC50 value of 780 nM. It displayed the potent antiproliferative activity against KYSE-150, KYSE-270, TE-1, KYSE-510, and EC109 cell lines with IC50 value of 2.17, 1.35, 0.95, 4.15, and 0.83 μM, respectively. In addition, C6 arrested the cell cycle at G2 phase against TE-1 and EC109 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Analysis of cellular mechanisms demonstrated that C6 concentration-dependently regulated epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway against TE-1 and EC109 cells. Molecular docking studies that C6 formed important hydrogen-bond interaction with Lys107, Asn110, Tyr108, and Leu109 of FTO. These findings suggested that C6 as a novel FTO inhibitor and orally antitumor agent deserves further investigation to treat esophageal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Dan Yan
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Fanxiang Yin
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Chaoyuan Xia
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang D, Wornow S, Peehl DM, Rankin EB, Brooks JD. The controversial role and therapeutic development of the m6A demethylase FTO in renal cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101518. [PMID: 36037557 PMCID: PMC9440419 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) protein, the first m6A demethylase identified in 2011, regulates multiple aspects of RNA biology including splicing, localization, stability, and translation. Accumulating data show that FTO is involved in numerous physiological processes and is implicated in multiple cancers including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the exact role of FTO in RCC remains controversial. Some studies demonstrated that decreased FTO expression was associated with aggressive clinical features and shorter overall survival in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients, while others found that FTO inhibition selectively reduced the growth and survival of VHL-deficient ccRCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we review the evidence supporting either a promoting or suppressive role of FTO in kidney cancers, the mechanisms of action of FTO, and recent progress in developing FTO inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalin Zhang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah Wornow
- Undergraduate Student Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Donna M Peehl
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James D Brooks
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aldrich CC, Calderón F, Conway SJ, He C, Hooker JM, Huryn DM, Lindsley CW, Liotta DC, Müller CE. Virtual Special Issue: Epigenetics 2022. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2673-2678. [PMID: 36268572 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
14
|
Aldrich CC, Calderón F, Conway SJ, He C, Hooker JM, Huryn DM, Lindsley CW, Liotta DC, Müller CE. Virtual Special Issue: Epigenetics 2022. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:829-834. [PMID: 36268124 PMCID: PMC9578134 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
15
|
Aldrich CC, Calderón F, Conway SJ, He C, Hooker JM, Huryn DM, Lindsley CW, Liotta DC, Müller CE. Virtual Special Issue: Epigenetics 2022. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1975-1980. [PMID: 36073808 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|
16
|
Aldrich CC, Calderón F, Conway SJ, He C, Hooker JM, Huryn DM, Lindsley CW, Liotta DC, Müller CE. Virtual Special Issue: Epigenetics 2022. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1524-1529. [PMID: 36262399 PMCID: PMC9575161 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
17
|
Aldrich CC, Calderón F, Conway SJ, He C, Hooker JM, Huryn DM, Lindsley CW, Liotta DC, Müller CE. Virtual Special Issue: Epigenetics 2022. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11894-11899. [PMID: 36073827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
18
|
Aldrich CC, Calderón F, Conway SJ, He C, Hooker JM, Huryn DM, Lindsley CW, Liotta DC, Müller CE. Virtual Special Issue: Epigenetics 2022. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022. [PMID: 36067366 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
19
|
Qiu FS, He JQ, Zhong YS, Guo MY, Yu CH. Implications of m6A methylation and microbiota interaction in non-small cell lung cancer: From basics to therapeutics. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:972655. [PMID: 36118041 PMCID: PMC9478539 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.972655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (m6A) is one of the most common RNA epigenetic modifications in all higher eukaryotes. Increasing evidence demonstrated that m6A-related proteins, acted as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, are abnormally expressed in the cell lines and tissues of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, lung as the special immune organ contacts with the outer environments and thereby inevitably suffers from different types of microbial pathogen attack. Those microbial pathogens affect the development, progression, and clinical outcomes of NSCLC via altering host m6A modification to disrupt pulmonary immune homeostasis and increase the susceptibility; conversely, host cells modulate m6A modification to repress bacterial colonization. Therefore, m6A harbors the potential to be the novel biomarkers and targets for predicting poor prognosis and chemotherapy sensitivity of patients with lung cancer. In this paper, we provided an overview of the biological properties of m6A-modifying enzymes, and the mechanistic links among lung microbiota, m6A modification and NSCLC. Although the flood of novel m6A-related inhibitors represents many dramatic improvements in NSCLC therapy, their efficacy and toxicity in NSCLC are explored to address these pivotal gaps in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Sheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Qi He
- Pharmaceutical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Sen Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Ying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chen-Huan Yu,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Liu Z, Duan Z, Zhang D, Xiao P, Zhang T, Xu H, Wang CH, Rao GW, Gan J, Huang Y, Yang CG, Dong Z. Structure-Activity Relationships and Antileukemia Effects of the Tricyclic Benzoic Acid FTO Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10638-10654. [PMID: 35793358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase FTO is overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and promotes leukemogenesis. We previously developed tricyclic benzoic acid FB23 as a highly potent FTO inhibitor in vitro. However, it showed a moderate antiproliferative effect on AML cells. In this work, we performed a structure-activity relationship study of tricyclic benzoic acids as FTO inhibitors. The analog 13a exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on FTO similar to that of FB23 in vitro. In contrast to FB23, 13a exerted a strong antiproliferative effect on AML cells. Like FTO knock down, 13a upregulated ASB2 and RARA expression and increased the protein abundance while it downregulated MYC expression and decreased MYC protein abundance. These genes are key FTO targets in AML cells. Finally, 13a treatment improved the survival rate of MONOMAC6-transplanted NSG mice. Collectively, our data suggest that targeting FTO with tricyclic benzoic acid inhibitors may be a potential strategy for treating AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zongliang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Deyan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pan Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongjiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Guo-Wu Rao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianhua Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Centre for the Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Recent Advances of m6A Demethylases Inhibitors and Their Biological Functions in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105815. [PMID: 35628623 PMCID: PMC9144293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a post-transcriptional RNA modification and one of the most abundant types of RNA chemical modifications. m6A functions as a molecular switch and is involved in a range of biomedical aspects, including cardiovascular diseases, the central nervous system, and cancers. Conceptually, m6A methylation can be dynamically and reversibly modulated by RNA methylation regulatory proteins, resulting in diverse fates of mRNAs. This review focuses on m6A demethylases fat-mass- and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), which especially erase m6A modification from target mRNAs. Recent advances have highlighted that FTO and ALKBH5 play an oncogenic role in various cancers, such as acute myeloid leukemias (AML), glioblastoma, and breast cancer. Moreover, studies in vitro and in mouse models confirmed that FTO-specific inhibitors exhibited anti-tumor effects in several cancers. Accumulating evidence has suggested the possibility of FTO and ALKBH5 as therapeutic targets for specific diseases. In this review, we aim to illustrate the structural properties of these two m6A demethylases and the development of their specific inhibitors. Additionally, this review will summarize the biological functions of these two m6A demethylases in various types of cancers and other human diseases.
Collapse
|
22
|
Solution structure ensemble of human obesity-associated protein FTO reveals druggable surface pockets at the interface between the N- and C-terminal domain. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101907. [PMID: 35398093 PMCID: PMC9065727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|