1
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Masci D, Puxeddu M, Di Magno L, D’Ambrosio M, Parisi A, Nalli M, Bai R, Coluccia A, Sciò P, Orlando V, D’Angelo S, Biagioni S, Urbani A, Hamel E, Nocentini A, Filiberti S, Turati M, Ronca R, Kopecka J, Riganti C, Fionda C, Bordone R, Della Rocca G, Canettieri G, Supuran CT, Silvestri R, La Regina G. 4-(3-Phenyl-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-1 H-pyrrol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide, a Novel Carbonic Anhydrase and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Dual-Targeting Inhibitor with Potent Activity against Multidrug Resistant Cancer Cells. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14824-14842. [PMID: 37902628 PMCID: PMC10641813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
We synthesized new pyrrole and indole derivatives as human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibitors with the potential to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The presence of both N1-(4-sulfonamidophenyl) and 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) substituents was essential for strong hCA inhibitors. The most potent hCA XII inhibitor 15 (Ki = 6.8 nM) suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and its target genes MYC, Fgf20, and Sall4 and exhibited the typical markers of apoptosis, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, and cleaved caspase-3. Compound 15 showed strong inhibition of viability in a panel of cancer cells, including colorectal cancer and triple-negative breast cancer cells, was effective against the NCI/ADR-RES DOX-resistant cell line, and restored the sensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX) in HT29/DX and MDCK/P-gp cells. Compound 15 is a novel dual-targeting compound with activity against hCA and Wnt/β-catenin. It thus has a broad targeting spectrum and is an anticancer agent with specific potential in P-glycoprotein overexpressing cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Masci
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory
Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, Viale
Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Michele D’Ambrosio
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Anastasia Parisi
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Ruoli Bai
- Molecular
Pharmacology Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division
of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Frederick National Laboratory for
Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute,
National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Pietro Sciò
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Viviana Orlando
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Sara D’Angelo
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Ernest Hamel
- Molecular
Pharmacology Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division
of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Frederick National Laboratory for
Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute,
National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Dipartimento
Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Firenze, Italy
| | - Serena Filiberti
- Experimental
Oncology and Immunology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational
Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Marta Turati
- Experimental
Oncology and Immunology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational
Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Experimental
Oncology and Immunology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational
Medicine, University of Brescia, Via Branze 39, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department
of Oncology and Molecular Biotecnology Center “Guido Tarone″, Oncological Pharmacology Unit, Via Nizza 44, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department
of Oncology and Molecular Biotecnology Center “Guido Tarone″, Oncological Pharmacology Unit, Via Nizza 44, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Cinzia Fionda
- Laboratory
Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, Viale
Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Laboratory
Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, Viale
Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giorgia Della Rocca
- Laboratory
Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, Viale
Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory
Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza
University of Rome, Viale
Regina Elena 291, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Dipartimento
Neurofarba, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Firenze, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory
Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti
Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185, Italy
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2
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Nalli M, Di Magno L, Wen Y, Liu X, D’Ambrosio M, Puxeddu M, Parisi A, Sebastiani J, Sorato A, Coluccia A, Ripa S, Di Pastena F, Capelli D, Montanari R, Masci D, Urbani A, Naro C, Sette C, Orlando V, D’Angelo S, Biagioni S, Bigogno C, Dondio G, Pastore A, Stornaiuolo M, Canettieri G, Liu T, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Novel N-(Heterocyclylphenyl)benzensulfonamide Sharing an Unreported Binding Site with T-Cell Factor 4 at the β-Catenin Armadillo Repeats Domain as an Anticancer Agent. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1087-1103. [PMID: 37470018 PMCID: PMC10353061 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00092] [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: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts, no inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have been approved so far for the clinical treatment of cancer. We synthesized novel N-(heterocyclylphenyl)benzenesulfonamides as β-catenin inhibitors. Compounds 5-10 showed strong inhibition of the luciferase activity. Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited the MDA-MB-231, HCC1806, and HCC1937 TNBC cells. Compound 9 induced in vitro cell death in SW480 and HCT116 cells and in vivo tumorigenicity of a human colorectal cancer line HCT116. In a co-immunoprecipitation study in HCT116 cells transfected with Myc-tagged T-cell factor 4 (Tcf-4), compound 9 abrogated the association between β-catenin and Tcf-4. The crystallographic analysis of the β-catenin Armadillo repeats domain revealed that compound 9 and Tcf-4 share a common binding site within the hotspot binding region close to Lys508. To our knowledge, compound 9 is the first small molecule ligand of this region to be reported. These results highlight the potential of this novel class of β-catenin inhibitors as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Yichao Wen
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department
of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese
and Western Medicine, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437 Shanghai, China
| | - Michele D’Ambrosio
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia Parisi
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Sebastiani
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sorato
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ripa
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Capelli
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Montanari
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Orlando
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara D’Angelo
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Bigogno
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Giulio Dondio
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Nalli M, Masci D, Urbani A, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Emerging Direct Targeting β-Catenin Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227735. [PMID: 36431838 PMCID: PMC9698307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227735] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant accumulation of β-catenin in the cell nucleus as a result of deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is found in various types of cancer. Direct β-catenin targeting agents are being researched despite obstacles; however, specific β-catenin drugs for clinical treatments have not been approved so far. We focused on direct β-catenin targeting of potential therapeutic value as anticancer agents. This review provides recent advances on small molecule β-catenin agents. Structure-activity relationships and biological activities of reported inhibitors are discussed. This work provides useful knowledge in the discovery of β-catenin agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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4
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Coluccia A, Bufano M, La Regina G, Puxeddu M, Toto A, Paone A, Bouzidi A, Musto G, Badolati N, Orlando V, Biagioni S, Masci D, Cantatore C, Cirilli R, Cutruzzolà F, Gianni S, Stornaiuolo M, Silvestri R. Anticancer Activity of ( S)-5-Chloro-3-((3,5-dimethylphenyl)sulfonyl)- N-(1-oxo-1-((pyridin-4-ylmethyl)amino)propan-2-yl)-1 H-indole-2-carboxamide (RS4690), a New Dishevelled 1 Inhibitor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1358. [PMID: 35267666 PMCID: PMC8909805 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Wingless/integrase-11 (WNT)/β-catenin pathway is a crucial upstream regulator of a huge array of cellular functions. Its dysregulation is correlated to neoplastic cellular transition and cancer proliferation. Members of the Dishevelled (DVL) family of proteins play an important role in the transduction of WNT signaling by contacting its cognate receptor, Frizzled, via a shared PDZ domain. Thus, negative modulators of DVL1 are able to impair the binding to Frizzled receptors, turning off the aberrant activation of the WNT pathway and leading to anti-cancer activity. Through structure-based virtual screening studies, we identified racemic compound RS4690 (1), which showed a promising selective DVL1 binding inhibition with an EC50 of 0.74 ± 0.08 μM. Molecular dynamic simulations suggested a different binding mode for the enantiomers. In the in vitro assays, enantiomer (S)-1 showed better inhibition of DVL1 with an EC50 of 0.49 ± 0.11 μM compared to the (R)-enantiomer. Compound (S)-1 inhibited the growth of HCT116 cells expressing wild-type APC with an EC50 of 7.1 ± 0.6 μM and caused a high level of ROS production. These results highlight (S)-1 as a lead compound for the development of new therapeutic agents against WNT-dependent colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.); (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Marianna Bufano
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.); (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.); (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.); (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Angelo Toto
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology of CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Alessio Paone
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology of CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Amani Bouzidi
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology of CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Giorgia Musto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Domenico Montesano, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Nadia Badolati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Domenico Montesano, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Viviana Orlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (V.O.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (V.O.); (S.B.)
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cantatore
- National Center for the Control and Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Roberto Cirilli
- National Center for the Control and Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology of CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Stefano Gianni
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Biochemical Sciences “Rossi Fanelli”, Institute of Biology and Molecular Pathology of CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.C.); (S.G.)
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Domenico Montesano, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.M.); (N.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (M.B.); (G.L.R.); (M.P.)
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5
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Sonnessa M, Sergio S, Saponaro C, Maffia M, Vergara D, Zito FA, Tinelli A. The Biological Relevance of NHERF1 Protein in Gynecological Tumors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:836630. [PMID: 35223518 PMCID: PMC8878902 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.836630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancer management remains challenging and a better understanding of molecular mechanisms that lead to carcinogenesis and development of these diseases is needed to improve the therapeutic approaches. The Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) is a scaffold protein that contains modular protein-interaction domains able to interact with molecules with an impact on carcinogenesis and cancer progression. During recent years, its involvement in gynecological cancers has been explored, suggesting that NHERF1 could be a potential biomarker for the development of new targeted therapies suitable to the management of these tumors. This comprehensive review provides an update on the recent study on NHERF1 activity and its pathological role in cervical and ovarian cancer, as well as on its probable involvement in the therapeutic landscape of these cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sonnessa
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, Pathology Department, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Sergio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Concetta Saponaro
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, Pathology Department, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Concetta Saponaro,
| | - Michele Maffia
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesco Alfredo Zito
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, Pathology Department, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Veris delli Ponti” Hospital, Lecce, Italy
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6
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Larrew T, Saway BF, Lowe SR, Olar A. Molecular Classification and Therapeutic Targets in Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246218. [PMID: 34944845 PMCID: PMC8699461 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ependymoma is a biologically diverse tumor wherein molecular classification has superseded traditional histological grading based on its superior ability to characterize behavior, prognosis, and possible targeted therapies. The current, updated molecular classification of ependymoma consists of ten distinct subgroups spread evenly among the spinal, infratentorial, and supratentorial compartments, each with its own distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. In this review, the history, histopathology, standard of care, prognosis, oncogenic drivers, and hypothesized molecular targets for all subgroups of ependymoma are explored. This review emphasizes that despite the varied behavior of the ependymoma subgroups, it remains clear that research must be performed to further elucidate molecular targets for these tumors. Although not all ependymoma subgroups are oncologically aggressive, development of targeted therapies is essential, particularly for cases where surgical resection is not an option without causing significant morbidity. The development of molecular therapies must rely on building upon our current understanding of ependymoma oncogenesis, as well as cultivating transfer of knowledge based on malignancies with similar genomic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Larrew
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.L.); (B.F.S.)
| | - Brian Fabian Saway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.L.); (B.F.S.)
| | | | - Adriana Olar
- NOMIX Laboratories, Denver, CO 80218, USA
- Correspondence: or
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7
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Emerging Therapeutic Agents for Colorectal Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247463. [PMID: 34946546 PMCID: PMC8707340 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are promising new therapeutic agents for CRC patients, including novel small-molecule inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers. We focused on emerging CRC’s therapeutic agents that have shown the potential for progress in clinical practice. This review provides an overview of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting VEGF and KIT, BRAF and MEK inhibitors, TLR9 agonist, STAT3 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint blockers (PD1/PDL-1 inhibitors), for which recent advances have been reported. These new agents have the potential to provide benefits to CRC patients with unmet medical needs.
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8
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Nardella C, Visconti L, Malagrinò F, Pagano L, Bufano M, Nalli M, Coluccia A, La Regina G, Silvestri R, Gianni S, Toto A. Targeting PDZ domains as potential treatment for viral infections, neurodegeneration and cancer. Biol Direct 2021; 16:15. [PMID: 34641953 PMCID: PMC8506081 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-021-00303-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between proteins is a fundamental event for cellular life that is generally mediated by specialized protein domains or modules. PDZ domains are the largest class of protein-protein interaction modules, involved in several cellular pathways such as signal transduction, cell-cell junctions, cell polarity and adhesion, and protein trafficking. Because of that, dysregulation of PDZ domain function often causes the onset of pathologies, thus making this family of domains an interesting pharmaceutical target. In this review article we provide an overview of the structural and functional features of PDZ domains and their involvement in the cellular and molecular pathways at the basis of different human pathologies. We also discuss some of the strategies that have been developed with the final goal to hijack or inhibit the interaction of PDZ domains with their ligands. Because of the generally low binding selectivity of PDZ domain and the scarce efficiency of small molecules in inhibiting PDZ binding, this task resulted particularly difficult to pursue and still demands increasing experimental efforts in order to become completely feasible and successful in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Nardella
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Visconti
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Malagrinò
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Pagano
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Bufano
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gianni
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Angelo Toto
- Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche "A. Rossi Fanelli" and Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Zhang Q, Friedman PA. Receptor-Loaded Virion Endangers GPCR Signaling: Mechanistic Exploration of SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Pharmacological Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010963. [PMID: 34681624 PMCID: PMC8535999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 exploits the respiratory tract epithelium including lungs as the primary entry point and reaches other organs through hematogenous expansion, consequently causing multiorgan injury. Viral E protein interacts with cell junction-associated proteins PALS1 or ZO-1 to gain massive penetration by disrupting the inter-epithelial barrier. Conversely, receptor-mediated viral invasion ensures limited but targeted infections in multiple organs. The ACE2 receptor represents the major virion loading site by virtue of its wide tissue distribution as demonstrated in highly susceptible lung, intestine, and kidney. In brain, NRP1 mediates viral endocytosis in a similar manner to ACE2. Prominently, PDZ interaction involves the entire viral loading process either outside or inside the host cells, whereas E, ACE2, and NRP1 provide the PDZ binding motif required for interacting with PDZ domain-containing proteins PALS1, ZO-1, and NHERF1, respectively. Hijacking NHERF1 and β-arrestin by virion loading may impair specific sensory GPCR signalosome assembling and cause disordered cellular responses such as loss of smell and taste. PDZ interaction enhances SARS-CoV-2 invasion by supporting viral receptor membrane residence, implying that the disruption of these interactions could diminish SARS-CoV-2 infections and be another therapeutic strategy against COVID-19 along with antibody therapy. GPCR-targeted drugs are likely to alleviate pathogenic symptoms-associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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10
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Thyroid Cancer Stem-Like Cells: From Microenvironmental Niches to Therapeutic Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071455. [PMID: 33916320 PMCID: PMC8037626 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Recent progress in thyroid cancer biology revealed a certain degree of intratumoral heterogeneity, highlighting the coexistence of cellular subpopulations with distinct proliferative capacities and differentiation abilities. Among those subpopulations, cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are hypothesized to drive TC heterogeneity, contributing to its metastatic potential and therapy resistance. CSCs principally exist in tumor areas with specific microenvironmental conditions, the so-called stem cell niches. In particular, in thyroid cancer, CSCs' survival is enhanced in the hypoxic niche, the immune niche, and some areas with specific extracellular matrix composition. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about thyroid CSCs, the tumoral niches that allow their survival, and the implications for TC therapy.
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Kharkar PS. Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Inhibitors in Oncology-A Promise for a Better Therapeutic Outcome: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15279-15307. [PMID: 33325699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal, tumorigenicity, pluripotency, chemoresistance, differentiation, invasive ability, and plasticity, reside in specialized tumor niches and are responsible for tumor maintenance, metastasis, therapy resistance, and tumor relapse. The new-age "hierarchical or CSC" model of tumor heterogeneity is based on the concept of eradicating CSCs to prevent tumor relapse and therapy resistance. Small-molecular entities and biologics acting on various stemness signaling pathways, surface markers, efflux transporters, or components of complex tumor microenvironment are under intense investigation as potential anti-CSC agents. In addition, smart nanotherapeutic tools have proved their utility in achieving CSC targeting. Several CSC inhibitors in clinical development have shown promise, either as mono- or combination therapy, in refractory and difficult-to-treat cancers. Clinical investigations with CSC marker follow-up as a measure of clinical efficacy are needed to turn the "hype" into the "hope" these new-age oncology therapeutics have to offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019, India
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12
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Di Magno L, Di Pastena F, Puxeddu M, La Regina G, Coluccia A, Ciogli A, Manetto S, Maroder M, Canettieri G, Silvestri R, Nalli M. Sulfonamide Inhibitors of β-Catenin Signaling as Anticancer Agents with Different Output on c-MYC. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2264-2268. [PMID: 32946182 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is often found deregulated in cancer. The aberrant accumulation of β-catenin in the cell nucleus results in the development of various malignancies. Specific drugs against this signaling pathway for clinical treatments have not been approved yet. Herein we report inhibitors of β-catenin signaling of potential therapeutic value as anticancer agents. Ethyl 4-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)sulfonamido)benzoate (compound 14) inhibits the effect on Wnt reporter with an IC50 value of 7.0 μM, significantly reduces c-MYC levels, inhibits HCT116 colon cancer cell growth (IC50 20.2 μM), does not violate Lipinski and Veber rules, and shows predicted Caco-2 and MDCK cell permeability Papp >500 nm s-1 . Compound 14 seems to have potential for the development of new anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciogli
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Manetto
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Deciphering ion transporters, kinases and PDZ-adaptor molecules that mediate guanylate cyclase C agonist-dependent intestinal fluid loss in vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114040. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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