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Xin L, Wang C, Cheng Y, Wang H, Guo X, Deng X, Deng X, Xie B, Hu H, Min C, Dong C, Zhou HB. Discovery of Novel ERα and Aromatase Dual-Targeting PROTAC Degraders to Overcome Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8913-8931. [PMID: 38809993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00196] [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: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a pivotal role in the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of breast cancer (BC) cells, and aromatase (ARO) is a crucial enzyme in estrogen synthesis. Hence, it is necessary to inhibit estrogen production or the activity of ERα for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC. Herein, we present a new category of dual-targeting PROTAC degraders designed to specifically target ERα and ARO. Among them, compound 18c bifunctionally degrades and inhibits ERα/ARO, thus effectively suppressing the proliferation of MCF-7 cells while showing negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells. In vivo, 18c promotes the degradation of ERα and ARO and inhibits the growth of MCF-7 xenograft tumors. Finally, compound 18c demonstrates promising antiproliferative and ERα degradation activity against the ERαMUT cells. These findings suggest that 18c, being the inaugural dual-targeting degrader for ERα and ARO, warrants further advancement for the management of BC and the surmounting of endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilan Xin
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangping Deng
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Baohua Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hankun Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chang Min
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chune Dong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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2
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Gu L, Pillay RP, Aronson R, Kaur M. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein knock-down in conjunction with a cholesterol-depleting agent decreases tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. IUBMB Life 2024. [PMID: 38733508 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2823] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The cholesterogenic phenotype, encompassing de novo biosynthesis and accumulation of cholesterol, aids cancer cell proliferation and survival. Previously, the role of cholesteryl ester (CE) transfer protein (CETP) has been implicated in breast cancer aggressiveness, but the molecular basis of this observation is not clearly understood, which this study aims to elucidate. CETP knock-down resulted in a >50% decrease in cell proliferation in both 'estrogen receptor-positive' (ER+; Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF7) breast cancer cells) and 'triple-negative' breast cancer (TNBC; MDA-MB-231) cell lines. Intriguingly, the abrogation of CETP together with the combination treatment of tamoxifen (5 μM) and acetyl plumbagin (a cholesterol-depleting agent) (5 μM) resulted in twofold to threefold increase in apoptosis in both cell lines. CETP knockdown also showed decreased intracellular CE levels, lipid raft and lipid droplets in both cell lines. In addition, RT2 Profiler PCR array (Qiagen, Germany)-based gene expression analysis revealed an overall downregulation of genes associated in cholesterol biosynthesis, lipid signalling and drug resistance in MCF7 cells post-CETP knock-down. On the contrary, resistance in MDA-MB-231 cells was reduced through increased expression in cholesterol efflux genes and the expression of targetable surface receptors by endocrine therapy. The pilot xenograft mice study substantiated CETP's role as a cancer survival gene as knock-down of CETP stunted the growth of TNBC tumour by 86%. The principal findings of this study potentiate CETP as a driver in breast cancer growth and aggressiveness and thus targeting CETP could limit drug resistance via the reduction in cholesterol accumulation in breast cancer cells, thereby reducing cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Gu
- Department of School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruvesh Pascal Pillay
- Department of School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruth Aronson
- Department of School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- Department of School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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3
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Rej RK, Allu SR, Roy J, Acharyya RK, Kiran INC, Addepalli Y, Dhamodharan V. Orally Bioavailable Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras: An Innovative Approach in the Golden Era of Discovering Small-Molecule Cancer Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:494. [PMID: 38675453 PMCID: PMC11054475 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040494] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are an emerging therapeutic modality that show promise to open a target space not accessible to conventional small molecules via a degradation-based mechanism. PROTAC degraders, due to their bifunctional nature, which is categorized as 'beyond the Rule of Five', have gained attention as a distinctive therapeutic approach for oral administration in clinical settings. However, the development of PROTACs with adequate oral bioavailability remains a significant hurdle, largely due to their large size and less than ideal physical and chemical properties. This review encapsulates the latest advancements in orally delivered PROTACs that have entered clinical evaluation as well as developments highlighted in recent scholarly articles. The insights and methodologies elaborated upon in this review could be instrumental in supporting the discovery and refinement of novel PROTAC degraders aimed at the treatment of various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - Joyeeta Roy
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Ranjan Kumar Acharyya
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (S.R.A.); (R.K.A.)
| | - I. N. Chaithanya Kiran
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Yesu Addepalli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - V. Dhamodharan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
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4
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Hajimolaali M, Dorkoosh FA, Antimisiaris SG. Review of recent preclinical and clinical research on ligand-targeted liposomes as delivery systems in triple negative breast cancer therapy. J Liposome Res 2024:1-26. [PMID: 38520185 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2024.2325963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC) is one of the deadliest types, making up about 20% of all breast cancers. Chemotherapy is the traditional manner of progressed TNBC treatment; however, it has a short-term result with a high reversibility pace. The lack of targeted treatment limited and person-dependent treatment options for those suffering from TNBC cautions to be the worst type of cancer among breast cancer patients. Consequently, appropriate treatment for this disease is considered a major clinical challenge. Therefore, various treatment methods have been developed to treat TNBC, among which chemotherapy is the most common and well-known approach recently studied. Although effective methods are chemotherapies, they are often accompanied by critical limitations, especially the lack of specific functionality. These methods lead to systematic toxicity and, ultimately, the expansion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells. Therefore, finding novel and efficient techniques to enhance the targeting of TNBC treatment is an essential requirement. Liposomes have demonstrated that they are an effective method for drug delivery; however, among a large number of liposome-based drug delivery systems annually developed, a small number have just received authorization for clinical application. The new approaches to using liposomes target their structure with various ligands to increase therapeutic efficiency and diminish undesired side effects on various body tissues. The current study describes the most recent strategies and research associated with functionalizing the liposomes' structure with different ligands as targeted drug carriers in treating TNBCs in preclinical and clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hajimolaali
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Farid Abedin Dorkoosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Medical Biomaterial Research Center (MBRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sophia G Antimisiaris
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, FORTH/ICEHT, Patras, Greece
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5
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Tian Y, Liu K, Wu D, Wu L, Xu Q, Wei W, Li Z, Du Q, Bian J. The discovery of potent USP2/USP8 dual-target inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer via structure guided optimization of ML364. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116275. [PMID: 38452725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116275] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
USP2 and USP8 are crucial in the development and progression of breast cancer, primarily through the stabilization of protein substrates such as Her2 and ERα. The dual-target inhibitor ML364, targeting both USP2 and USP8, has garnered significant interest in recent research. In this study, we developed a series of ML364 derivatives using ligand-based drug design strategies. The standout compound, LLK203, demonstrated enhanced inhibitory activity, showing a 4-fold increase against USP2 and a 9-fold increase against USP8, compared to the parent molecule. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, LLK203 effectively degraded key proteins involved in cancer progression and notably inhibited cell proliferation. Moreover, LLK203 exhibited potent in vivo efficacy in the 4T1 homograft model, while maintaining a low toxicity profile. These results underscore the potential of LLK203 as a promising dual-target inhibitor of USP2/USP8 for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Kang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Dongdong Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Liuyi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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6
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Xu T, Mi L, Namulinda T, Yan YJ, Meerovich GA, Reshetov IV, Kogan EA, Chen ZL. Quaternary ammonium cations conjugated 5,15-diaryltetranaphtho[2,3]porphyrins as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116228. [PMID: 38354521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116228] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
In quest for new photosensitizers (PSs) with remarkable antitumor photodynamic efficacy, a series of fifteen quaternary ammonium (QA) cations conjugated 5,15-diaryltetranaphtho[2,3]porphyrins (Ar2TNPs) was synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo to understand how variations in the length of the alkoxy group and the kind of QA cations on meso-phenyl influence the photodynamic antitumor activity. All final compounds (I1-5, II1-5, and III1-5) exhibited robust absorption at 729 nm with significant bathochromic shift and high molar extinction coefficients (1.16 × 105-1.41 × 105 M-1 cm-1), as well as other absorptions at 445, 475, 651, and 714 nm for tumors and other diseases of diverse sizes and depths. Upon exposure to 474 nm light, they displayed intense fluorescence emission with fluorescence quantum yields ranging from 0.32 to 0.43. The ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also quantified, attaining a maximum rate of up to 0.0961 s-1. The IC50 values of all the compounds regarding phototoxicity and dark toxicity were determined using KYSE-150 cells, and the phototoxicity indices were calculated. Among these compounds, III1 demonstrated the highest phototoxic index with minimal dark toxicity, and suppressed successfully the growth of esophageal carcinoma xenograft with favorable tolerance in vivo. Furthermore, the histological results showed III1-mediated PDT had a significant cytotoxic effect on the tumor. These outcomes underscore the potential of III1 as a highly effective antitumor photosensitizer drug in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, College of Biology and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Le Mi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, College of Biology and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Tabbisa Namulinda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, College of Biology and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yi-Jia Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China; Shanghai Xianhui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Gennady A Meerovich
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | - Evgeniy Altarovna Kogan
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Zhi-Long Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, College of Biology and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China; Department of Pharmacy, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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7
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Yang X. Research progress of LSD1-based dual-target agents for cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 101:117651. [PMID: 38401457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117651] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone lysine demethylase that is significantly overexpressed or dysregulated in different cancers and plays important roles in cell growth, invasion, migration, immune escape, angiogenesis, gene regulation, and transcription. Therefore, it is a superb target for the discovery of novel antitumor agents. However, because of their innate and acquired resistance and low selectivity, LSD1 inhibitors are associated with limited therapeutic efficacy and high toxicity. Furthermore, LSD1 inhibitors synergistically improve the efficacy of additional antitumor drugs, which encourages numerous medicinal chemists to innovate and develop new-generation LSD1-based dual-target agents. This review discusses the theoretical foundation of the design of LSD1-based dual-target agents and summarizes their possible applications in treating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
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8
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Yang T, Li W, Zhou J, Xu M, Huang Z, Ming J, Huang T. A novel bystander effect in tamoxifen treatment: PPIB derived from ER+ cells attenuates ER- cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:147. [PMID: 38360722 PMCID: PMC10869711 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Tamoxifen (TAM) is the frontline therapy for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer in premenopausal women that interrupts ER signaling. As tumors with elevated heterogeneity, amounts of ER-negative (ER-) cells are present in ER+ breast cancer that cannot be directly killed by TAM. Despite complete remissions have been achieved in clinical practice, the mechanism underlying the elimination of ER- cells during TAM treatment remains an open issue. Herein, we deciphered the elimination of ER- cells in TAM treatment from the perspective of the bystander effect. Markable reductions were observed in tumorigenesis of ER- breast cancer cells by applying both supernatants from TAM-treated ER+ cells and a transwell co-culture system, validating the presence of a TAM-induced bystander effect. The major antitumor protein derived from ER+ cells, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase B (PPIB), is the mediator of the TAM-induced bystander effect identified by quantitative proteomics. The attenuation of ER- cells was attributed to activated BiP/eIF2α/CHOP axis and promoted endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced apoptosis, which can also be triggered by PPIB independently. Altogether, our study revealed a novel TAM-induced bystander effect in TAM treatment of ER+ breast cancer, raising the possibility of developing PPIB as a synergistic antitumor agent or even substitute endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinglin Yang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jie Ming
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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9
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Rej RK, Roy J, Allu SR. Therapies for the Treatment of Advanced/Metastatic Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Current Situation and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:552. [PMID: 38339303 PMCID: PMC10854569 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030552] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The hormone receptor-positive (HR+) type is the most frequently identified subtype of breast cancer. HR+ breast cancer has a more positive prognosis when compared to other subtypes, such as human epidermal growth factor protein 2-positive disorder and triple-negative disease. The advancement in treatment outcomes for advanced HR+ breast cancer has been considerably elevated due to the discovery of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors and their combination effects with endocrine therapy. However, despite the considerable effectiveness of tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERMs), and aromatase inhibitors (AI), the issue of treatment resistance still presents a significant challenge for HR+ breast cancer. As a result, there is a focus on exploring new therapeutic strategies such as targeted protein degradation and covalent inhibition for targeting ERα. This article discusses the latest progress in treatments like oral selective ER degraders (SERDs), complete estrogen receptor antagonists (CERANs), selective estrogen receptor covalent antagonists (SERCAs), proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders, and combinations of CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine therapy. The focus is specifically on those compounds that have transitioned into phases of clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Joyeeta Roy
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- Rogel Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
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10
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Huang W, Yu M, Sun S, Yu L, Wen S, Liu Y, Peng Z, Hao H, Wang T, Wu M. Mitochondrial-Targeting Nanotrapper Captured Copper Ions to Alleviate Tumor Hypoxia for Amplified Photoimmunotherapy in Breast Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:2166-2179. [PMID: 38170968 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a pervasive feature of solid tumors, which significantly limits the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and further influences the immunotherapy efficiency in breast cancer. However, the transient alleviation of tumor hypoxia fails to address the underlying issue of increased oxygen consumption, resulting from the rapid proliferation of tumor cells. At present, studies have found that the reduction of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) by cytochrome C oxidase (COX) inhibition that induced oxidative phosphorylation (OXHPOS) suppression was able to solve the proposed problem. Herein, we developed a specific mitochondrial-targeting nanotrapper (I@MSN-Im-PEG), which exhibited good copper chelating ability to inhibit COX for reducing the OCR. The results proved that the nanotrapper significantly alleviated the hypoxic tumor microenvironment by copper chelation in mitochondria and enhanced the PDT effect in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the nanotrapper improved photoimmunotherapy through both enhancing PDT-induced immunogenetic cell death (ICD) effects and reversing Treg-mediated immune suppression on 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. The mitochondrial-targeting nanotrapper provided a novel and efficacious strategy to enhance the PDT effect and amplify photoimmunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Mian Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Shengjie Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Simin Wen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Yuanqi Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Zhangwen Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Huisong Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
| | - Meiying Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P.R. China
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11
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Moskalik MY. Monofluoromethylation of N-Heterocyclic Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17593. [PMID: 38139426 PMCID: PMC10744182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417593] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The review focuses on recent advances in the methodologies for the formation or introduction of the CH2F moiety in N-heterocyclic substrates over the past 5 years. The monofluoromethyl group is one of the most versatile fluorinated groups used to modify the properties of molecules in synthetic medical chemistry. The review summarizes two strategies for the monofluoromethylation of N-containing heterocycles: direct monofluoromethylation with simple XCH2F sources (for example, ICH2F) and the assembly of N-heterocyclic structures from CH2F-containing substrates. The review describes the monofluoromethylation of pharmaceutically important three-, five- and six-membered N-heterocycles: pyrrolidines, pyrroles, indoles, imidazoles, triazoles, benzothiazoles, carbazoles, indazoles, pyrazoles, oxazoles, piperidines, morpholines, pyridines, quinolines and pyridazines. Assembling of 6-fluoromethylphenanthridine, 5-fluoromethyl-2-oxazolines, C5-monofluorinated isoxazoline N-oxides, and α-fluoromethyl-α-trifluoromethylaziridines is also shown. Fluoriodo-, fluorchloro- and fluorbromomethane, FCH2SO2Cl, monofluoromethyl(aryl)sulfoniummethylides, monofluoromethyl sulfides, (fluoromethyl)triphenylphosphonium iodide and 2-fluoroacetic acid are the main fluoromethylating reagents in recent works. The replacement of atoms and entire functional groups with a fluorine atom(s) leads to a change and often improvement in activity, chemical or biostability, and pharmacokinetic properties. The monofluoromethyl group is a bioisoster of -CH3, -CH2OH, -CH2NH2, -CH2CH3, -CH2NO2 and -CH2SH moieties. Bioisosteric replacement with the CH2F group is both an interesting task for organic synthesis and a pathway to modify drugs, agrochemicals and useful intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Yu Moskalik
- A.E. Favorsky Irkutsk Institute of Chemistry, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1 Favorsky Street, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia
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Bai C, Lv Y, Xiong S, Wu S, Qi L, Ren S, Zhu M, Dong H, Shen H, Li Z, Zhu Y, Ye H, Hao H, Xiao Y, Xiang H, Luo G. X-ray crystallography study and optimization of novel benzothiophene analogs as potent selective estrogen receptor covalent antagonists (SERCAs) with improved potency and safety profiles. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106919. [PMID: 37871388 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106919] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) is a well-validated strategy for estrogen receptor α positive (ERα + ) breast cancer therapy. Despite the clinical success of current standard of care (SoC), endocrine-resistance inevitably emerges and remains a significant medical challenge. Herein, we describe the structural optimization and evaluation of a new series of selective estrogen receptor covalent antagonists (SERCAs) based on benzothiophene scaffold. Among them, compounds 15b and 39d were identified as two highly potent covalent antagonists, which exhibits superior antiproliferation activity than positive controls against MCF-7 cells and shows high selectivity over ERα negative (ERα-) cells. More importantly, their mode of covalent engagement at Cys530 residue was accurately illustrated by a cocrystal structure of 15b-bound ERαY537S (PDB ID: 7WNV) and intact mass spectrometry, respectively. Further in vivo studies demonstrated potent antitumor activity in MCF-7 xenograft mouse model and an improved safety profile. Collectively, these compounds could be promising candidates for future development of the next generation SERCAs for endocrine-resistant ERα + breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Bai
- Jiangsu 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
| | - Yang Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuangshuang Xiong
- Jiangsu 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
| | - Shuangjie Wu
- Jiangsu 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
| | - Lin Qi
- Jiangsu 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
| | - Shengnan Ren
- Jiangsu 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
| | - Meiqi Zhu
- Jiangsu 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
| | - Haijuan Dong
- The Public Laboratory Platform, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hongtao Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yinxue Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Ye
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haiping Hao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Hua Xiang
- Jiangsu 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; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- Jiangsu 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.
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13
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Belluti S, Imbriano C, Casarini L. Nuclear Estrogen Receptors in Prostate Cancer: From Genes to Function. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4653. [PMID: 37760622 PMCID: PMC10526871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are almost ubiquitous steroid hormones that are essential for development, metabolism, and reproduction. They exert both genomic and non-genomic action through two nuclear receptors (ERα and ERβ), which are transcription factors with disregulated functions and/or expression in pathological processes. In the 1990s, the discovery of an additional membrane estrogen G-protein-coupled receptor augmented the complexity of this picture. Increasing evidence elucidating the specific molecular mechanisms of action and opposing effects of ERα and Erβ was reported in the context of prostate cancer treatment, where these issues are increasingly investigated. Although new approaches improved the efficacy of clinical therapies thanks to the development of new molecules targeting specifically estrogen receptors and used in combination with immunotherapy, more efforts are needed to overcome the main drawbacks, and resistance events will be a challenge in the coming years. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art on ERα and ERβ mechanisms of action in prostate cancer and promising future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Belluti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Chen Z, Hu B, Rej RK, Wu D, Acharyya RK, Wang M, Xu T, Lu J, Metwally H, Wang Y, McEachern D, Bai L, Gersch CL, Wang M, Zhang W, Li Q, Wen B, Sun D, Rae JM, Wang S. Discovery of ERD-3111 as a Potent and Orally Efficacious Estrogen Receptor PROTAC Degrader with Strong Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12559-12585. [PMID: 37647546 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a prime target for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Despite the development of several effective therapies targeting ERα signaling, clinical resistance remains a major challenge. In this study, we report the discovery of a new class of potent and orally bioavailable ERα degraders using the PROTAC technology, with ERD-3111 being the most promising compound. ERD-3111 exhibits potent in vitro degradation activity against ERα and demonstrates high oral bioavailability in mice, rats, and dogs. Oral administration of ERD-3111 effectively reduces the levels of wild-type and mutated ERα proteins in tumor tissues. ERD-3111 achieves tumor regression or complete tumor growth inhibition in the parental MCF-7 xenograft model with wild-type ER and two clinically relevant ESR1 mutated models in mice. ERD-3111 is a promising ERα degrader for further extensive evaluations for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rohan Kalyan Rej
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Dimin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ranjan Kumar Acharyya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mingliang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Hoda Metwally
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Longchuan Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Christina L Gersch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Qiuxia Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - James M Rae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- The Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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