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Gao J, Jiang X, Lei S, Cheng W, Lai Y, Li M, Yang L, Liu P, Chen XH, Huang M, Yu H, Xu H, Xu Z. A region-confined PROTAC nanoplatform for spatiotemporally tunable protein degradation and enhanced cancer therapy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6608. [PMID: 39098906 PMCID: PMC11298519 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50735-w] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The antitumor performance of PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is limited by its insufficient tumor specificity and poor pharmacokinetics. These disadvantages are further compounded by tumor heterogeneity, especially the presence of cancer stem-like cells, which drive tumor growth and relapse. Herein, we design a region-confined PROTAC nanoplatform that integrates both reactive oxygen species (ROS)-activatable and hypoxia-responsive PROTAC prodrugs for the precise manipulation of bromodomain and extraterminal protein 4 expression and tumor eradication. These PROTAC nanoparticles selectively accumulate within and penetrate deep into tumors via response to matrix metalloproteinase-2. Photoactivity is then reactivated in response to the acidic intracellular milieu and the PROTAC is discharged due to the ROS generated via photodynamic therapy specifically within the normoxic microenvironment. Moreover, the latent hypoxia-responsive PROTAC prodrug is restored in hypoxic cancer stem-like cells overexpressing nitroreductase. Here, we show the ability of region-confined PROTAC nanoplatform to effectively degrade BRD4 in both normoxic and hypoxic environments, markedly hindering tumor progression in breast and head-neck tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Center of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tumor, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shumin Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenhao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yi Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Peifeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Min Huang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Center of Pharmaceutics, 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.
| | - Huixiong Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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2
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Wallabregue AD, Bolland H, Faulkner S, Hammond EM, Conway SJ. Two Color Imaging of Different Hypoxia Levels in Cancer Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2572-2583. [PMID: 36656915 PMCID: PMC9896549 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) occurs in a range of biological contexts, including plants, bacterial biofilms, and solid tumors; it elicits responses from these biological systems that impact their survival. For example, conditions of low oxygen make treating tumors more difficult and have a negative impact on patient prognosis. Therefore, chemical probes that enable the study of biological hypoxia are valuable tools to increase the understanding of disease-related conditions that involve low oxygen levels, ultimately leading to improved diagnosis and treatment. While small-molecule hypoxia-sensing probes exist, the majority of these image only very severe hypoxia (<1% O2) and therefore do not give a full picture of heterogeneous biological hypoxia. Commonly used antibody-based imaging tools for hypoxia are less convenient than small molecules, as secondary detection steps involving immunostaining are required. Here, we report the synthesis, electrochemical properties, photophysical analysis, and biological validation of a range of indolequinone-based bioreductive fluorescent probes. We show that these compounds image different levels of hypoxia in 2D and 3D cell cultures. The resorufin-based probe 2 was activated in conditions of 4% O2 and lower, while the Me-Tokyo Green-based probe 4 was only activated in severe hypoxia─0.5% O2 and less. Simultaneous application of these compounds in spheroids revealed that compound 2 images similar levels of hypoxia to pimonidazole, while compound 4 images more extreme hypoxia in a manner analogous to EF5. Compounds 2 and 4 are therefore useful tools to study hypoxia in a cellular setting and represent convenient alternatives to antibody-based imaging approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine
L. D. Wallabregue
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Hannah Bolland
- Oxford
Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Stephen Faulkner
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Ester M. Hammond
- Oxford
Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K.,
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.,
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3
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Smith PJ, McKeown SR, Patterson LH. Targeting DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment using unidirectional hypoxia-activated prodrugs (uHAPs). IUBMB Life 2023; 75:40-54. [PMID: 35499745 PMCID: PMC10084299 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic tumour microenvironment (hTME), arising from inadequate and chaotic vascularity, can present a major obstacle for the treatment of solid tumours. Hypoxic tumour cells compromise responses to treatment since they can generate resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The hTME impairs the delivery of a range of anti-cancer drugs, creates routes for metastasis and exerts selection pressures for aggressive phenotypes; these changes potentially occur within an immunosuppressed environment. Therapeutic strategies aimed at the hTME include targeting the molecular changes associated with hypoxia. An alternative approach is to exploit the prevailing lack of oxygen as a principle for the selective activation of prodrugs to target cellular components within the hTME. This review focuses on the design concepts and rationale for the use of unidirectional Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs (uHAPs) to target the hTME as exemplified by the uHAPs AQ4N and OCT1002. These agents undergo irreversible reduction in a hypoxic environment to active forms that target DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A). This nuclear enzyme is essential for cell division and is a recognised chemotherapeutic target. An activated uHAP interacts with the enzyme-DNA complex to induce DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and tumour cell death. uHAPs are designed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional HAPs and offer unique pharmacodynamic properties for effective targeting of TOP2A in the hTME. uHAP therapy in combination with standard of care treatments has the potential to enhance outcomes by co-addressing the therapeutic challenge presented by the hTME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Smith
- Cancer and Genetics Division, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Laurence H Patterson
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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4
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Ivan M, Fishel ML, Tudoran OM, Pollok KE, Wu X, Smith PJ. Hypoxia signaling: Challenges and opportunities for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:185-195. [PMID: 34628029 PMCID: PMC8986888 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is arguably the first recognized cancer microenvironment hallmark and affects virtually all cellular populations present in tumors. During the past decades the complex adaptive cellular responses to oxygen deprivation have been largely elucidated, raising hope for new anti cancer agents. Despite undeniable preclinical progress, therapeutic targeting of tumor hypoxia is yet to transition from bench to bedside. This review focuses on new pharmacological agents that exploit tumor hypoxia or interfere with hypoxia signaling and discusses strategies to maximize their therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Ivan
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Oana M Tudoran
- The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Karen E Pollok
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xue Wu
- Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Paul J Smith
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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5
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Exploring hypoxic biology to improve radiotherapy outcomes. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e21. [DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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6
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li X, Huo F, Zhang Y, Cheng F, Yin C. Enzyme-activated Prodrugs and Their Release Mechanisms for Treatment of Cancer. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:5504-5519. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00922f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme-activated prodrugs have received a lot of attention in recent years. These prodrugs have low toxicity to cells before they are activated, and when they interact with specific enzymes, they...
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7
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Therapeutic targeting of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:751-772. [PMID: 34326502 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is prevalent in human tumours and contributes to microenvironments that shape cancer evolution and adversely affect therapeutic outcomes. Historically, two different tumour microenvironment (TME) research communities have been discernible. One has focused on physicochemical gradients of oxygen, pH and nutrients in the tumour interstitium, motivated in part by the barrier that hypoxia poses to effective radiotherapy. The other has focused on cellular interactions involving tumour and non-tumour cells within the TME. Over the past decade, strong links have been established between these two themes, providing new insights into fundamental aspects of tumour biology and presenting new strategies for addressing the effects of hypoxia and other microenvironmental features that arise from the inefficient microvascular system in solid tumours. This Review provides a perspective on advances at the interface between these two aspects of the TME, with a focus on translational therapeutic opportunities relating to the elimination and/or exploitation of tumour hypoxia.
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8
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Anduran E, Dubois LJ, Lambin P, Winum JY. Hypoxia-activated prodrug derivatives of anti-cancer drugs: a patent review 2006 - 2021. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 32:1-12. [PMID: 34241566 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1954617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hypoxic tumor microenvironment represents a persistent obstacle in the treatment of most solid tumors. In the past years, significant efforts have been made to improve the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) of chemotherapeutic compounds have attracted widespread interest as a therapeutic means to treat hypoxic tumors. AREAS COVERED This updated review paper covers key patents published between 2006 and 2021 on the developments of HAP derivatives of anti-cancer compounds. EXPERT OPINION Despite significant achievements in the development of HAP derivatives of anti-cancer compounds and although many clinical trials have been performed or are ongoing both as monotherapies and as part of combination therapies, there has currently no HAP anti-cancer agent been commercialized into the market. Unsuccessful clinical translation is partly due to the lack of patient stratification based on reliable biomarkers that are predictive of a positive response to hypoxia-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Anduran
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.,GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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9
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Al-Hilal TA, Hossain MA, Alobaida A, Alam F, Keshavarz A, Nozik-Grayck E, Stenmark KR, German NA, Ahsan F. Design, synthesis and biological evaluations of a long-acting, hypoxia-activated prodrug of fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, to reduce its systemic side-effects. J Control Release 2021; 334:237-247. [PMID: 33915222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ROCK, one of the downstream regulators of Rho, controls actomyosin cytoskeleton organization, stress fiber formation, smooth muscle contraction, and cell migration. ROCK plays an important role in the pathologies of cerebral and coronary vasospasm, hypertension, cancer, and arteriosclerosis. Pharmacological-induced systemic inhibition of ROCK affects both the pathological and physiological functions of Rho-kinase, resulting in hypotension, increased heart rate, decreased lymphocyte count, and eventually cardiovascular collapse. To overcome the adverse effects of systemic ROCK inhibition, we developed a bioreductive prodrug of a ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, that functions selectively under hypoxic conditions. By masking fasudil's active site with a bioreductive 4-nitrobenzyl group, we synthesized a prodrug of fasudil that is inactive in normoxia. Reduction of the protecting group initiated by hypoxia reveals an electron-donating substituent that leads to fragmentation of the parent molecule. Under normoxia the fasudil prodrug displayed significantly reduced activity against ROCK compared to its parent compound, but under severe hypoxia the prodrug was highly effective in suppressing ROCK activity. Under hypoxia the prodrug elicited an antiproliferative effect on disease-afflicted pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. The prodrug displayed a long plasma half-life, remained inactive in the blood, and produced no drop in systemic blood pressure when compared with fasudil-treated controls. Due to its selective nature, our hypoxia-activated fasudil prodrug could be used to treat diseases where tissue-hypoxia or hypoxic cells are the pathological basis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim A Al-Hilal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed Alobaida
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farzana Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Eva Nozik-Grayck
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kurt R Stenmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nadezhda A German
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Fakhrul Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA.
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10
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Skwarska A, Calder EDD, Sneddon D, Bolland H, Odyniec ML, Mistry IN, Martin J, Folkes LK, Conway SJ, Hammond EM. Development and pre-clinical testing of a novel hypoxia-activated KDAC inhibitor. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1258-1270.e13. [PMID: 33910023 PMCID: PMC8460716 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is associated with therapy resistance and poor patient prognosis. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs, designed to selectively target hypoxic cells while sparing normal tissue, represent a promising treatment strategy. We report the pre-clinical efficacy of 1-methyl-2-nitroimidazole panobinostat (NI-Pano, CH-03), a novel bioreductive version of the clinically used lysine deacetylase inhibitor, panobinostat. NI-Pano was stable in normoxic (21% O2) conditions and underwent NADPH-CYP-mediated enzymatic bioreduction to release panobinostat in hypoxia (<0.1% O2). Treatment of cells grown in both 2D and 3D with NI-Pano increased acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9, induced apoptosis, and decreased clonogenic survival. Importantly, NI-Pano exhibited growth delay effects as a single agent in tumor xenografts. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed the presence of sub-micromolar concentrations of panobinostat in hypoxic mouse xenografts, but not in circulating plasma or kidneys. Together, our pre-clinical results provide a strong mechanistic rationale for the clinical development of NI-Pano for selective targeting of hypoxic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Skwarska
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ewen D D Calder
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Deborah Sneddon
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Hannah Bolland
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Maria L Odyniec
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ishna N Mistry
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Lisa K Folkes
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Stuart J Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
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11
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Beeby E, Magalhães M, Lemos MFL, Pires IM, Cabral C. Cytotoxic effects of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris phytoproducts in cancer cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113515. [PMID: 33190784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The past few years have witnessed an increasing interest in essential oils (EOs) as potential therapeutic agents against a wide variety of pathologies, including cancer. EOs extracted from Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris (R. segetum) are a clear example of a phytoproduct with therapeutic applications, as it is widely used in traditional medicine due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and these properties were already validated by previous studies. Although, it is well established that inflammation is a key hallmark of cancer, with a key role promoting tumorigenesis, and being chronic inflammation often associated with tumorigenic processes, there are no previous studies regarding the assessment of the antitumoural potential of R. segetum EOs. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study intends to be the first to evaluate the antitumoural proprieties of R. segetum EO phytoproducts in cancer cell models. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this, R. segetum EOs were extracted from plants collected at either flowering (RS_Fl) or fruiting (RS_Fr) stage. The impact on proliferation and viability of treatment with R. segetum EO extracts was assessed using in vitro 2D and 3D models. RESULTS Both R. segetum EOs presented effective antiproliferative/viability effects, evidence noted by low IC50 values in 2D models, and significant reduction of spheroid size in 3D in vitro models. Mechanistically, treatment with R. segetum EOs was associated with an altered G1 (associated with p21 stabilisation), and subsequent induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results indicate that R. segetum EOs have potential as suitable antitumoural therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Beeby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Mariana Magalhães
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco F L Lemos
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Isabel M Pires
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - Célia Cabral
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
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12
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Xue Y, Bai H, Peng B, Fang B, Baell J, Li L, Huang W, Voelcker NH. Stimulus-cleavable chemistry in the field of controlled drug delivery. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:4872-4931. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01061h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review comprehensively summarises stimulus-cleavable linkers from various research areas and their cleavage mechanisms, thus provides an insightful guideline to extend their potential applications to controlled drug release from nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Xue
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
| | - Hua Bai
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
| | - Bo Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
| | - Bin Fang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton
- Victoria 3168
- Australia
| | - Lin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
| | - Wei Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
| | - Nicolas Hans Voelcker
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics
- Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering
- Northwestern Polytechnical University
- 127 West Youyi Road
- Xi'an 710072
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13
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Singh R, Bhardwaj VK, Sharma J, Das P, Purohit R. Discovery and in silico evaluation of aminoarylbenzosuberene molecules as novel checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitor determinants. Genomics 2020; 113:707-715. [PMID: 33065246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is an essential kinase with a critical function in cell cycle arrest. Several potent inhibitors targeting CHK1 have been published, but most of them have failed in clinical trials. Acknowledging the emerging consequence of CHK1 inhibitors in medication of cancer, there is a demand for widening the chemical range of CHK1 inhibitors. In this research, we considered a set of in-house plant based semi-synthetic aminoarylbenzosuberene molecules as potential CHK1 inhibitors. Based on a combined computational research that consolidates molecular docking and binding free energy computations we recognized the crucial determinants for their receptor binding. The drug likeness of these molecules were also scrutinized based on their toxicity and bioavailibilty profile. The computational strategy indicates that the Bch10 could be regarded as a potential CHK1 inhibitor in comparison with top five co-crystallize molecules. Bch10 signifies a promising outlet for the development of potent inhibitors for CHK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Singh
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP 176061, India; Biotechnology division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP 176061, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Bhardwaj
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP 176061, India; Biotechnology division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP 176061, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IHBT Campus, Palampur, HP 176061, India
| | - Jatin Sharma
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP 176061, India; Biotechnology division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP 176061, India
| | - Pralay Das
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IHBT Campus, Palampur, HP 176061, India; Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rituraj Purohit
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP 176061, India; Biotechnology division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP 176061, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IHBT Campus, Palampur, HP 176061, India.
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14
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Saneyoshi H, Ono A. Design and Synthesis of Protecting Groups for Pro-oligo Type Nucleic Acid-based Drugs. J SYN ORG CHEM JPN 2020. [DOI: 10.5059/yukigoseikyokaishi.78.886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Saneyoshi
- Department of Chemistry, Shiga University of Medical Science
| | - Akira Ono
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Kanagawa University
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15
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Yeoh YQ, Horsley JR, Polyak SW, Abell AD. A hypoxia-activated antibacterial prodrug. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127140. [PMID: 32247730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A prodrug based on a known antibacterial compound is reported to target Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli under reductive conditions. The prodrug was prepared by masking the N-terminus and side chain amines of a component lysine residue as 4-nitrobenzyl carbamates. Activation to liberate the antibacterial was demonstrated on treatment with a model reductant, tin(II) chloride. The bioactivity of 1 was confirmed in antibacterial susceptibility assays whereas prodrug 2 was inactive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Qi Yeoh
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - John R Horsley
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Steven W Polyak
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Andrew D Abell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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16
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Huang Y, Jin C, Yu J, Wang L, Lu W. A novel multifunctional 2-nitroimidazole-based bioreductive linker and its application in hypoxia-activated prodrugs. Bioorg Chem 2020; 101:103975. [PMID: 32474180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia has been widely explored over the years as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker. Herein, we designed, optimized and synthesized a new multifunctional bioreductive linker (12) containing an alkynyl group (potential click chemistry fragment); the linker is based on 2-nitroimidazole which was expected to simultaneously overcome the drawbacks of hypoxia-activated prodrugs (poor selectivity and unsatisfactory water solubility). Furthermore, a hypoxia-activated, water-soluble SN-38 prodrug was obtained, and it was stable under physiological conditions and was rapidly released as an active drug under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Chen Jin
- Xingliu (Shanghai) Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Room A406, 1#Building, No. 1976 Middle Gaoke Road, Shanghai 201210, PR China
| | - Jiahui Yu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China.
| | - Wei Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China.
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17
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Calder ED, Skwarska A, Sneddon D, Folkes LK, Mistry IN, Conway SJ, Hammond EM. Hypoxia-activated pro-drugs of the KDAC inhibitor vorinostat (SAHA). Tetrahedron 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2020.131170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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18
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Koo S, Bobba KN, Cho MY, Park HS, Won M, Velusamy N, Hong KS, Bhuniya S, Kim JS. Molecular Theranostic Agent with Programmed Activation for Hypoxic Tumors. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2019; 2:4648-4655. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seyoung Koo
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kondapa Naidu Bobba
- Amrita Centre for Industrial Research & Innovation, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ettimadai, Coimbatore 641112, India
| | - Mi Young Cho
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Hye Sun Park
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Miae Won
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Nithya Velusamy
- Amrita Centre for Industrial Research & Innovation, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ettimadai, Coimbatore 641112, India
| | - Kwan Soo Hong
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Sankarprasad Bhuniya
- Amrita Centre for Industrial Research & Innovation, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ettimadai, Coimbatore 641112, India
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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19
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Harms JK, Lee TW, Wang T, Lai A, Kee D, Chaplin JM, McIvor NP, Hunter FW, Macann AMJ, Wilson WR, Jamieson SMF. Impact of Tumour Hypoxia on Evofosfamide Sensitivity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Models. Cells 2019; 8:E717. [PMID: 31337055 PMCID: PMC6678517 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour hypoxia is a marker of poor prognosis and failure of chemoradiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), providing a strategy for therapeutic intervention in this setting. To evaluate the utility of the hypoxia-activated prodrug evofosfamide (TH-302) in HNSCC, we established ten early passage patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of HNSCC that were characterised by their histopathology, hypoxia status, gene expression, and sensitivity to evofosfamide. All PDX models closely resembled the histology of the patient tumours they were derived from. Pimonidazole-positive tumour hypoxic fractions ranged from 1.7-7.9% in line with reported HNSCC clinical values, while mRNA expression of the Toustrup hypoxia gene signature showed close correlations between PDX and matched patient tumours, together suggesting the PDX models may accurately model clinical tumour hypoxia. Evofosfamide as a single agent (50 mg/kg IP, qd × 5 for three weeks) demonstrated antitumour efficacy that was variable across the PDX models, ranging from complete regressions in one p16-positive PDX model to lack of significant activity in the three most resistant models. Despite all PDX models showing evidence of tumour hypoxia, and hypoxia being essential for activation of evofosfamide, the antitumour activity of evofosfamide only weakly correlated with tumour hypoxia status determined by pimonidazole immunohistochemistry. Other candidate evofosfamide sensitivity genes-MKI67, POR, and SLFN11-did not strongly influence evofosfamide sensitivity in univariate analyses, although a weak significant relationship with MKI67 was observed, while SLFN11 expression was lost in PDX tumours. Overall, these data confirm that evofosfamide has antitumour activity in clinically-relevant PDX tumour models of HNSCC and support further clinical evaluation of this drug in HNSCC patients. Further research is required to identify those factors that, alongside hypoxia, can influence sensitivity to evofosfamide and could act as predictive biomarkers to support its use in precision medicine therapy of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Harms
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Tet-Woo Lee
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Tao Wang
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Amy Lai
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Dennis Kee
- LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - John M Chaplin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Nick P McIvor
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Francis W Hunter
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Andrew M J Macann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - William R Wilson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Stephen M F Jamieson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
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20
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Kumari R, Sunil D, Ningthoujam RS. Naphthalimides in fluorescent imaging of tumor hypoxia - An up-to-date review. Bioorg Chem 2019; 88:102979. [PMID: 31100616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.102979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a distinctive characteristic of advanced solid malignancies that results from a disparity between oxygen supply and its consumption. The degree of hypoxia is believed to have adverse prognostic significance. Therefore detecting cellular hypoxia can potentially offer insights into the grade of tumour as well as its evolution towards a progressive malignant phenotype, which clinically translates to greater metastatic potential and treatment resistance. Fluorescence imaging to visualize hypoxia in biological systems is a minimally-invasive method. Recently there are several reports on interdisciplinary research that aims at developing functional probes that can be efficiently used for non-invasive imaging of hypoxic tumours. Upregulated levels of nitroreductase (NTR) is detected in hypoxic solid malignancies, and this characteristic feature is increasingly utilized in the development of NTR-targeted fluorescent molecules to selectively sense hypoxia in vivo. The present review summarizes various reports published on the design concepts of nitro naphthalimide-based bio-reductive fluorescent sensors that can be applied noninvasively to image hypoxia in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
| | - Dhanya Sunil
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India.
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21
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Jackson RK, Liew LP, Hay MP. Overcoming Radioresistance: Small Molecule Radiosensitisers and Hypoxia-activated Prodrugs. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2019; 31:290-302. [PMID: 30853148 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of hypoxia in radiation resistance is well established and many approaches to overcome hypoxia in tumours have been explored, with variable success. Two small molecule strategies for targeting hypoxia have dominated preclinical and clinical efforts. One approach has been the use of electron-affinic nitroheterocycles as oxygen-mimetic sensitisers. These agents are best exemplified by the 5-nitroimidazole nimorazole, which has limited use in conjunction with radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The second approach seeks to leverage tumour hypoxia as a tumour-specific address for hypoxia-activated prodrugs. These prodrugs are selectively activated by reductases under hypoxia to release cytotoxins, which in some instances may diffuse to kill surrounding oxic tumour tissue. A number of these hypoxia-activated prodrugs have been examined in clinical trial and the merits and shortcomings of recent examples are discussed. There has been an evolution from delivering DNA-interactive cytotoxins to molecularly targeted agents. Efforts to implement these strategies clinically continue today, but success has been elusive. Several issues have been identified that compromised these clinical campaigns. A failure to consider the extravascular transport and the micropharmacokinetic properties of the prodrugs has reduced efficacy. One key element for these 'targeted' approaches is the need to co-develop biomarkers to identify appropriate patients. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs require biomarkers for hypoxia, but also for appropriate activating reductases in tumours, as well as markers of intrinsic sensitivity to the released drug. The field is still evolving and changes in radiation delivery and the impact of immune-oncology will provide fertile ground for future innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Jackson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L P Liew
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M P Hay
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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22
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Yang K, Leslie KG, Kim SY, Kalionis B, Chrzanowski W, Jolliffe KA, New EJ. Tailoring the properties of a hypoxia-responsive 1,8-naphthalimide for imaging applications. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 16:619-624. [PMID: 29302671 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob03164e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Sensing hypoxia in tissues and cell models can provide insights into its role in disease states and cell development. Fluorescence imaging is a minimally-invasive method of visualising hypoxia in many biological systems. Here we present a series of improved bioreductive fluorescent sensors based on a nitro-naphthalimide structure, in which selectivity, photophysical properties, toxicity and cellular uptake are tuned through structural modifications. This new range of compounds provides improved probes for imaging and monitoring hypoxia, customised for a range of different applications. Studies in monolayers show the different reducing capabilities of hypoxia-resistant and non-resistant cell lines, and studies in tumour models show successful staining of the hypoxic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Yang
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006 Australia
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23
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Sharma A, Arambula JF, Koo S, Kumar R, Singh H, Sessler JL, Kim JS. Hypoxia-targeted drug delivery. Chem Soc Rev 2019; 48:771-813. [PMID: 30575832 PMCID: PMC6361706 DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00304a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a state of low oxygen tension found in numerous solid tumours. It is typically associated with abnormal vasculature, which results in a reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients, as well as impaired delivery of drugs. The hypoxic nature of tumours often leads to the development of localized heterogeneous environments characterized by variable oxygen concentrations, relatively low pH, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The hypoxic heterogeneity promotes tumour invasiveness, metastasis, angiogenesis, and an increase in multidrug-resistant proteins. These factors decrease the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs and can provide a barrier to advancing drug leads beyond the early stages of preclinical development. This review highlights various hypoxia-targeted and activated design strategies for the formulation of drugs or prodrugs and their mechanism of action for tumour diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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24
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel platinum(II) complex possessing bioreductive groups for cancer therapy. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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25
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Collins SL, Saha J, Bouchez LC, Hammond EM, Conway SJ. Hypoxia-Activated, Small-Molecule-Induced Gene Expression. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:3354-3360. [PMID: 30451487 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia, a condition of reduced oxygen, occurs in a wide variety of biological contexts, including solid tumors and bacterial biofilms, which are relevant to human health. Consequently, the development of chemical tools to study hypoxia is vital. Here we report a hypoxia-activated, small-molecule-mediated gene expression system using a bioreductive prodrug of the inducer isopropyl 1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside. As a proof-of-concept we have placed the production of a green fluorescent protein under the control of hypoxia. Our system has the potential to be extended to regulate the production of any given protein of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Collins
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory , University of Oxford , Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , U.K
- Cancer Research U.K./MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building , Oxford OX3 7DQ , U.K
| | - Jaideep Saha
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory , University of Oxford , Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , U.K
| | - Laure C Bouchez
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics , Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research , Fabrikstrasse 22 , 4054 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Cancer Research U.K./MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology , University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building , Oxford OX3 7DQ , U.K
| | - Stuart J Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory , University of Oxford , Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , U.K
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26
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Saneyoshi H, Ono A. Development of Protecting Groups for Prodrug-Type Oligonucleotide Medicines. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2018; 66:147-154. [PMID: 29386465 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c17-00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, nucleic acid-based drug therapeutics have gained considerable attention for their potential in the treatment of various diseases. However, their therapeutic value is greatly hindered by the challenge of delivering them into cells. One possible strategy to improve cellular uptake is the use of "prodrug-type oligonucleotide medicine" in which negatively charged phosphodiester moieties are masked by bio-labile protecting groups. In this review, we describe our recent studies related to bio-labile protecting groups for phosphodiester moieties in the development of prodrug-type oligonucleotide medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Saneyoshi
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University
| | - Akira Ono
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University
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27
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Abstract
The nitro group is considered to be a versatile and unique functional group in medicinal chemistry. Despite a long history of use in therapeutics, the nitro group has toxicity issues and is often categorized as a structural alert or a toxicophore, and evidence related to drugs containing nitro groups is rather contradictory. In general, drugs containing nitro groups have been extensively associated with mutagenicity and genotoxicity. In this context, efforts toward the structure-mutagenicity or structure-genotoxicity relationships have been undertaken. The current Perspective covers various aspects of agents that contain nitro groups, their bioreductive activation mechanisms, their toxicities, and approaches to combat their toxicity issues. In addition, recent advances in the field of anticancer, antitubercular and antiparasitic agents containing nitro groups, along with a patent survey on hypoxia-activated prodrugs containing nitro groups, are also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , 250 Wuxing Street , Taipei 11031 , Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Yun Lee
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , 250 Wuxing Street , Taipei 11031 , Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , Taipei Medical University , 250 Wuxing Street , Taipei 11031 , Taiwan
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28
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Tian X, Li Z, Sun Y, Wang P, Ma H. Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes for Hypoxia Detection via Joint Regulated Enzymes: Design, Synthesis, and Application in Living Cells and Mice. Anal Chem 2018; 90:13759-13766. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Tian
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Shaanxi Engineering Laboratory for Food Green Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest of China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
| | - Huimin Ma
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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29
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Zeng Y, Ma J, Zhan Y, Xu X, Zeng Q, Liang J, Chen X. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs and redox-responsive nanocarriers. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:6551-6574. [PMID: 30425475 PMCID: PMC6202002 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s173431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is one of the marked features of malignant tumors, which is associated with several adaptation changes in the microenvironment of tumor cells. Therefore, targeting tumor hypoxia is a research hotspot for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the developing chemotherapeutic drugs for targeting hypoxia, including quinones, nitroaromatic/nitroimidazole, N-oxides, and transition metal complexes. In addition, redox-responsive bonds, such as nitroimidazole groups, azogroups, and disulfide bonds, are frequently used in drug delivery systems for targeting the redox environment of tumors. Both hypoxia-activated prodrugs and redox-responsive drug delivery nanocarriers have significant effects on targeting tumor hypoxia for cancer therapy. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs are commonly used in clinical trials with favorable prospects, while redox-responsive nanocarriers are currently at the experimental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zeng
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China, ,
| | - Jingwen Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Zhan
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China, ,
| | - Xinyi Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China, ,
| | - Qi Zeng
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China, ,
| | - Jimin Liang
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China, ,
| | - Xueli Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China, ,
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30
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Qiu Z, Oleinick NL, Zhang J. ATR/CHK1 inhibitors and cancer therapy. Radiother Oncol 2017; 126:450-464. [PMID: 29054375 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cell cycle checkpoint proteins ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated-and-Rad3-related kinase (ATR) and its major downstream effector checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) prevent the entry of cells with damaged or incompletely replicated DNA into mitosis when the cells are challenged by DNA damaging agents, such as radiation therapy (RT) or chemotherapeutic drugs, that are the major modalities to treat cancer. This regulation is particularly evident in cells with a defective G1 checkpoint, a common feature of cancer cells, due to p53 mutations. In addition, ATR and/or CHK1 suppress replication stress (RS) by inhibiting excess origin firing, particularly in cells with activated oncogenes. Those functions of ATR/CHK1 make them ideal therapeutic targets. ATR/CHK1 inhibitors have been developed and are currently used either as single agents or paired with radiotherapy or a variety of genotoxic chemotherapies in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we review the status of the development of ATR and CHK1 inhibitors. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which ATR and CHK1 inhibition induces cell killing in the presence or absence of exogenous DNA damaging agents, such as RT and chemotherapeutic agents. Lastly, we discuss synthetic lethality interactions between the inhibition of ATR/CHK1 and defects in other DNA damage response (DDR) pathways/genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojun Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Nancy L Oleinick
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Junran Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
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31
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Mistry IN, Thomas M, Calder EDD, Conway SJ, Hammond EM. Clinical Advances of Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs in Combination With Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 98:1183-1196. [PMID: 28721903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide, the need for specific, effective therapies is ever more urgent. One example of targeted cancer therapeutics is hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs), also known as bioreductive prodrugs. These prodrugs are inactive in cells with normal oxygen levels but in hypoxic cells (with low oxygen levels) undergo chemical reduction to the active compound. Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors and is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and resistance to all modes of therapy. Therefore, the combination of radiation therapy and bioreductive drugs presents an attractive opportunity for synergistic effects, because the HAP targets the radiation-resistant hypoxic cells. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs have typically been precursors of DNA-damaging agents, but a new generation of molecularly targeted HAPs is emerging. By targeting proteins associated with tumorigenesis and survival, these compounds may result in greater selectivity over healthy tissue. We review the clinical progress of HAPs as adjuncts to radiation therapy and conclude that the use of HAPs alongside radiation is vastly underexplored at the clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishna N Mistry
- Cancer Research UK/Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Thomas
- Cancer Research UK/Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ewen D D Calder
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Conway
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Cancer Research UK/Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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32
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Jahanban-Esfahlan R, de la Guardia M, Ahmadi D, Yousefi B. Modulating tumor hypoxia by nanomedicine for effective cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:2019-2031. [PMID: 28198007 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia, a characteristic feature of tumors, is indispensable to tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and multi drug resistance. Hypoxic avascular regions, deeply embedded inside the tumors significantly hinder delivery of therapeutic agents. The low oxygen tension results in resistance to the current applied anti-cancer therapeutics including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, the efficacy of which is firmly tied to the level of tumor oxygen supply. However, emerging data indicate that nanocarriers/nanodrugs can offer substantial benefits to improve the efficacy of current therapeutics, through modulation of tumor hypoxia. This review aims to introduce the most recent advances made in nanocarrier mediated targeting of tumor hypoxia. The first part is dedicated to the approaches by which nanocarriers could be designed to target/leverage hypoxia. These approaches include i) inhibiting Hypoxia Inducer Factor (HIF-1α); ii) hypoxia activated prodrugs/linkers; and iii) obligate anaerobe mediated targeting of tumor hypoxia. The second part, details novel nanosystems proposed to modulate tumor hypoxia through tumor oxygenation. These methods seek to lessen tumor hypoxia through vascular normalization, or reoxygenation therapy. The reoxygenation of tumor could be accomplished by: i) generation of oxygen filled nanocarriers; ii) natural/artificial oxygen nanocarriers; and iii) oxygen generators. The efficacy of each approach and their potential in cancer therapy is further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Jahanban-Esfahlan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Delshad Ahmadi
- Students Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Molecular Targeting Therapy Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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33
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Efficient synthesis of novel furo[2,3- d ]pyrimidine derivatives under catalyst-free conditions. Tetrahedron Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Winn BA, Shi Z, Carlson GJ, Wang Y, Nguyen BL, Kelly EM, Ross RD, Hamel E, Chaplin DJ, Trawick ML, Pinney KG. Bioreductively activatable prodrug conjugates of phenstatin designed to target tumor hypoxia. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:636-641. [PMID: 28007448 PMCID: PMC5319644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A variety of solid tumor cancers contain significant regions of hypoxia, which provide unique challenges for targeting by potent anticancer agents. Bioreductively activatable prodrug conjugates (BAPCs) represent a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention. BAPCs are designed to be biologically inert until they come into contact with low oxygen tension, at which point reductase enzyme mediated cleavage releases the parent anticancer agent in a tumor-specific manner. Phenstatin is a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, mimicking the chemical structure and biological activity of the natural product combretastatin A-4. Synthetic approaches have been established for nitrobenzyl, nitroimidazole, nitrofuranyl, and nitrothienyl prodrugs of phenstatin incorporating nor-methyl, mono-methyl, and gem-dimethyl variants of the attached nitro compounds. A series of BAPCs based on phenstatin have been prepared by chemical synthesis and evaluated against the tubulin-microtubule protein system. In a preliminary study using anaerobic conditions, the gem-dimethyl nitrothiophene and gem-dimethyl nitrofuran analogues were shown to undergo efficient enzymatic cleavage in the presence of NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase. Each of the eleven BAPCs evaluated in this study demonstrated significantly reduced inhibitory activity against tubulin in comparison to the parent anti-cancer agent phenstatin (IC50=1.0μM). In fact, the majority of the BAPCs (seven of the eleven analogues) were not inhibitors of tubulin polymerization (IC50>20μM), which represents an anticipated (and desirable) attribute for these prodrugs, since they are intended to be biologically inactive prior to enzyme-mediated cleavage to release phenstatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Winn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - Zhe Shi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - Graham J Carlson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - Benson L Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - Evan M Kelly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - R David Ross
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States
| | - Ernest Hamel
- Screening Technologies Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, United States
| | - David J Chaplin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States; Mateon Therapeutics, Inc., 701 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 210, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States
| | - Mary L Trawick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States.
| | - Kevin G Pinney
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97348, Waco, TX 76798-7348, United States.
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Baran N, Konopleva M. Molecular Pathways: Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs in Cancer Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:2382-2390. [PMID: 28137923 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a known feature of aggressive solid tumors as well as a critical hallmark of the niche in aggressive hematologic malignances. Hypoxia is associated with insufficient response to standard therapy, resulting in disease progression and curtailed patients' survival through maintenance of noncycling cancer stem-like cells. A better understanding of the mechanisms and signaling pathways induced by hypoxia is essential to overcoming these effects. Recent findings demonstrate that bone marrow in the setting of hematologic malignancies is highly hypoxic, and that progression of the disease is associated with expansion of hypoxic niches and stabilization of the oncogenic hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF1α). Solid tumors have also been shown to harbor hypoxic areas, maintaining survival of cancer cells via the HIF1α pathway. Developing new strategies for targeting hypoxia has become a crucial approach in modern cancer therapy. The number of preclinical and clinical trials targeting low-oxygen tumor compartments or the hypoxic bone marrow niche via hypoxia-activated prodrugs is increasing. This review discusses the development of the hypoxia-activated prodrugs and their applicability in treating both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(10); 2382-90. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Baran
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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36
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O’Connor LJ, Mistry IN, Collins SL, Folkes LK, Brown G, Conway SJ, Hammond EM. CYP450 Enzymes Effect Oxygen-Dependent Reduction of Azide-Based Fluorogenic Dyes. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2017; 3:20-30. [PMID: 28149949 PMCID: PMC5269656 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.6b00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Azide-containing compounds have broad utility in organic synthesis and chemical biology. Their use as powerful tools for the labeling of biological systems in vitro has enabled insights into complex cellular functions. To date, fluorogenic azide-containing compounds have primarily been employed in the context of click chemistry and as sensitive functionalities for hydrogen sulfide detection. Here, we report an alternative use of this functionality: as fluorogenic probes for the detection of depleted oxygen levels (hypoxia). Oxygen is imperative to all life forms, and probes that enable quantification of oxygen tension are of high utility in many areas of biology. Here we demonstrate the ability of an azide-based dye to image hypoxia in a range of human cancer cell lines. We have found that cytochrome P450 enzymes are able to reduce these probes in an oxygen-dependent manner, while hydrogen sulfide does not play an important role in their reduction. These data indicate that the azide group is a new bioreductive functionality that can be employed in prodrugs and dyes. We have uncovered a novel mechanism for the cellular reduction of azides, which has implications for the use of click chemistry in hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J. O’Connor
- Department of Chemistry,
Chemistry Research Laboratory, University
of Oxford, Mansfield
Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation
Oncology, Department of Oncology, University
of Oxford, Old Road Campus
Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Ishna N. Mistry
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation
Oncology, Department of Oncology, University
of Oxford, Old Road Campus
Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Sarah L. Collins
- Department of Chemistry,
Chemistry Research Laboratory, University
of Oxford, Mansfield
Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Lisa K. Folkes
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation
Oncology, Department of Oncology, University
of Oxford, Old Road Campus
Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Graham Brown
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation
Oncology, Department of Oncology, University
of Oxford, Old Road Campus
Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K.
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department of Chemistry,
Chemistry Research Laboratory, University
of Oxford, Mansfield
Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Ester M. Hammond
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation
Oncology, Department of Oncology, University
of Oxford, Old Road Campus
Research Building, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K.
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McIntyre A, Hulikova A, Ledaki I, Snell C, Singleton D, Steers G, Seden P, Jones D, Bridges E, Wigfield S, Li JL, Russell A, Swietach P, Harris AL. Disrupting Hypoxia-Induced Bicarbonate Transport Acidifies Tumor Cells and Suppresses Tumor Growth. Cancer Res 2016; 76:3744-55. [PMID: 27197160 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is associated clinically with therapeutic resistance and poor patient outcomes. One feature of tumor hypoxia is activated expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), a regulator of pH and tumor growth. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that impeding the reuptake of bicarbonate produced extracellularly by CA9 could exacerbate the intracellular acidity produced by hypoxic conditions, perhaps compromising cell growth and viability as a result. In 8 of 10 cancer cell lines, we found that hypoxia induced the expression of at least one bicarbonate transporter. The most robust and frequent inductions were of the sodium-driven bicarbonate transporters SLC4A4 and SLC4A9, which rely upon both HIF1α and HIF2α activity for their expression. In cancer cell spheroids, SLC4A4 or SLC4A9 disruption by either genetic or pharmaceutical approaches acidified intracellular pH and reduced cell growth. Furthermore, treatment of spheroids with S0859, a small-molecule inhibitor of sodium-driven bicarbonate transporters, increased apoptosis in the cell lines tested. Finally, RNAi-mediated attenuation of SLC4A9 increased apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer spheroids and dramatically reduced growth of MDA-MB-231 breast tumors or U87 gliomas in murine xenografts. Our findings suggest that disrupting pH homeostasis by blocking bicarbonate import might broadly relieve the common resistance of hypoxic tumors to anticancer therapy. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3744-55. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan McIntyre
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom. Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alzbeta Hulikova
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ioanna Ledaki
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Snell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dean Singleton
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Steers
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Seden
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dylan Jones
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Bridges
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Wigfield
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ji-Liang Li
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Russell
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pawel Swietach
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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O'Connor LJ, Cazares-Körner C, Saha J, Evans CNG, Stratford MRL, Hammond EM, Conway SJ. Design, synthesis and evaluation of molecularly targeted hypoxia-activated prodrugs. Nat Protoc 2016; 11:781-94. [PMID: 27010756 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2016.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Regions of insufficient oxygen supply-hypoxia-occur in diverse contexts across biology in both healthy and diseased organisms. The difference in the chemical environment between a hypoxic biological system and one with normal oxygen levels provides an opportunity for targeting compound delivery to hypoxic regions by using bioreductive prodrugs. Here we detail a protocol for the efficient synthesis of (1-methyl-2-nitro-1H-imidazol-5-yl)methanol, which is a key intermediate that can be converted into a range of 1-methyl-2-nitro-1H-imidazole-based precursors of bioreductive prodrugs. We outline methods for attaching the bioreductive group to a range of functionalities, and we discuss the strategy for positioning of the group on the biologically active parent compound. We have used two parent checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitors to exemplify the protocol. The PROCEDURE also describes a suite of reduction assays, of increasing biological relevance, to validate the bioreductive prodrug. These assays are applied to an exemplar compound, CH-01, which is a bioreductive Chk1 inhibitor. This protocol has broad applications to the development of hypoxia-targeted compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J O'Connor
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/Medical Research Council (MRC) Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cindy Cazares-Körner
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/Medical Research Council (MRC) Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jaideep Saha
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charles N G Evans
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/Medical Research Council (MRC) Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael R L Stratford
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/Medical Research Council (MRC) Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/Medical Research Council (MRC) Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart J Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Utilizing the prodrug approach as a method to overcome various pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic barriers to drug delivery is significantly accelerating and achieving successes. In contrast to the older traditional prodrugs which suffer from decreased bioavailability and a high profile of side effects, due to activation at undesired sites, the targeted prodrug approach utilizes delivery systems to improve delivery for a wide range of therapeutics including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. AREAS COVERED Recent updates in utilization of prodrugs in drug delivery between 2013 and 2015 are discussed. Targeted prodrugs against cancer, solid tumors, microbial infections, inflammation and other diseases using advanced delivery systems such as theranostic approaches, siRNA, DOX immunoconjugate, C 60-ser carrier vector, biotinylated prodrug, human serum albumin (HSA) carrier and others are presented. EXPERT OPINION Recent research efforts have been directed at developing targeted prodrugs to replace the classical prodrugs. The use of this approach has accelerated following the emergence of encouraging results from several studies on targeted prodrugs that have highlighted their higher efficiency and improved safety profiles. Targeted prodrug delivery is now considered more than a chemical modification method. It is an applicable and promising approach and, in the future, better knowledge and wide application of this approach may be attained which may pave the way for more forward-thinking and creative techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajd Amly
- a Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy , Al-Quds University , Jerusalem , Palestine , Israel
| | - Rafik Karaman
- a Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy , Al-Quds University , Jerusalem , Palestine , Israel.,b Department of Sciences , University of Basilicata , Potenza , Italy
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Abstract
The presence of a microenvironment within most tumours containing regions of low oxygen tension or hypoxia has profound biological and therapeutic implications. Tumour hypoxia is known to promote the development of an aggressive phenotype, resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is strongly associated with poor clinical outcome. Paradoxically, it is recognised as a high-priority target and one of the therapeutic strategies designed to eradicate hypoxic cells in tumours is a group of compounds known collectively as hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) or bioreductive drugs. These drugs are inactive prodrugs that require enzymatic activation (typically by 1 or 2 electron oxidoreductases) to generate cytotoxic species with selectivity for hypoxic cells being determined by (1) the ability of oxygen to either reverse or inhibit the activation process and (2) the presence of elevated expression of oxidoreductases in tumours. The concepts underpinning HAP development were established over 40 years ago and have been refined over the years to produce a new generation of HAPs that are under preclinical and clinical development. The purpose of this article is to describe current progress in the development of HAPs focusing on the mechanisms of action, preclinical properties and clinical progress of leading examples.
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Phillips RM. Targeting the hypoxic fraction of tumours using hypoxia-activated prodrugs. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 77:441-57. [PMID: 26811177 PMCID: PMC4767869 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The presence of a microenvironment within most tumours containing regions of low oxygen tension or hypoxia has profound biological and therapeutic implications. Tumour hypoxia is known to promote the development of an aggressive phenotype, resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is strongly associated with poor clinical outcome. Paradoxically, it is recognised as a high-priority target and one of the therapeutic strategies designed to eradicate hypoxic cells in tumours is a group of compounds known collectively as hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) or bioreductive drugs. These drugs are inactive prodrugs that require enzymatic activation (typically by 1 or 2 electron oxidoreductases) to generate cytotoxic species with selectivity for hypoxic cells being determined by (1) the ability of oxygen to either reverse or inhibit the activation process and (2) the presence of elevated expression of oxidoreductases in tumours. The concepts underpinning HAP development were established over 40 years ago and have been refined over the years to produce a new generation of HAPs that are under preclinical and clinical development. The purpose of this article is to describe current progress in the development of HAPs focusing on the mechanisms of action, preclinical properties and clinical progress of leading examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger M Phillips
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK.
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Saneyoshi H, Hiyoshi Y, Iketani K, Kondo K, Ono A. Bioreductive deprotection of 4-nitrobenzyl group on thymine base in oligonucleotides for the activation of duplex formation. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:5632-5. [PMID: 26592172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides containing 4-O-(4-NO2-benzyl)thymine residues were synthesized to assess potential prodrug-type action against hypoxic cells. These modified oligonucleotides were incapable of stable duplex formation under non-hypoxic conditions. However, following deprotection of the thymine residues under bioreductive conditions, the deprotected oligonucleotides were able to form stable duplexes with target oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Saneyoshi
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan.
| | - Yuki Hiyoshi
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - Koichi Iketani
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kondo
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan
| | - Akira Ono
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 3-27-1 Rokkakubashi, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 221-8686, Japan.
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44
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Manic G, Obrist F, Sistigu A, Vitale I. Trial Watch: Targeting ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways for anticancer therapy. Mol Cell Oncol 2015; 2:e1012976. [PMID: 27308506 PMCID: PMC4905354 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2015.1012976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ataxia telangiectasia mutated serine/threonine kinase (ATM)/checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2, best known as CHK2) and the ATM and Rad3-related serine/threonine kinase (ATR)/CHEK1 (best known as CHK1) cascades are the 2 major signaling pathways driving the DNA damage response (DDR), a network of processes crucial for the preservation of genomic stability that act as a barrier against tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Mutations and/or deletions of ATM and/or CHK2 are frequently found in tumors and predispose to cancer development. In contrast, the ATR-CHK1 pathway is often upregulated in neoplasms and is believed to promote tumor growth, although some evidence indicates that ATR and CHK1 may also behave as haploinsufficient oncosuppressors, at least in a specific genetic background. Inactivation of the ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways efficiently sensitizes malignant cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, ATR and CHK1 inhibitors selectively kill tumor cells that present high levels of replication stress, have a deficiency in p53 (or other DDR players), or upregulate the ATR-CHK1 module. Despite promising preclinical results, the clinical activity of ATM, ATR, CHK1, and CHK2 inhibitors, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, has not yet been fully demonstrated. In this Trial Watch, we give an overview of the roles of the ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways in cancer initiation and progression, and summarize the results of clinical studies aimed at assessing the safety and therapeutic profile of regimens based on inhibitors of ATR and CHK1, the only 2 classes of compounds that have so far entered clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florine Obrist
- Université Paris-Sud/Paris XI; Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM, UMRS1138; Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labelisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus; Villejuif, France
| | | | - Ilio Vitale
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute; Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “TorVergata”; Rome, Italy
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Enhancement of hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 anti-tumor activity by Chk1 inhibition. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:422. [PMID: 25994202 PMCID: PMC4453293 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1387-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 is reduced at its nitroimidazole group and selectively under hypoxic conditions releases the DNA cross-linker bromo-isophosphoramide mustard (Br-IPM). Here, we have explored the effect of Chk1 inhibition on TH-302-mediated pharmacological activities. METHODS We employed in vitro cell viability, DNA damage, cellular signaling assays and the in vivo HT29 human tumor xenograft model to study the effect of Chk1inhibition on TH-302 antitumor activities. RESULTS TH-302 cytotoxicity is greatly enhanced by Chk1 inhibition in p53-deficient but not in p53-proficient human cancer cell lines. Chk1 inhibitors reduced TH-302-induced cell cycle arrest via blocking TH-302-induced decrease of phosphorylation of histone H3 and increasing Cdc2-Y15 phosphorylation. Employing the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, we observed a potentiation of the TH-302 dependent tail moment. TH-302 induced γH2AX and apoptosis were also increased upon the addition of Chk1 inhibitor. Potentiation of TH-302 cytotoxicity by Chk1 inhibitor was only observed in cell lines proficient in, but not deficient in homology-directed DNA repair. We also show that combination treatment led to lowering of Rad51 expression levels as compared to either agent alone. In vivo data demonstrate that Chk1 inhibitor enhances TH-302 anti-tumor activity in p53 mutant HT-29 human tumor xenografts, supporting the hypothesis that these in vitro results can translate to enhanced in vivo efficacy of the combination. CONCLUSIONS TH-302-mediated in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities were greatly enhanced by the addition of Chk1 inhibitors. The preclinical data presented in this study support a new approach for the treatment of p53-deficient hypoxic cancers by combining Chk1 inhibitors with the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302.
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Syljuåsen RG, Hasvold G, Hauge S, Helland Å. Targeting lung cancer through inhibition of checkpoint kinases. Front Genet 2015; 6:70. [PMID: 25774168 PMCID: PMC4343027 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of checkpoint kinases ATR, Chk1, and Wee1 are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical trials. Here, we review the basic principles behind the use of such inhibitors as anticancer agents, and particularly discuss their potential for treatment of lung cancer. As lung cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, new treatment strategies are highly needed. We discuss how checkpoint kinase inhibition in principle can lead to selective killing of lung cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. Several features of lung cancer may potentially be exploited for targeting through inhibition of checkpoint kinases, including mutated p53, low ERCC1 levels, amplified Myc, tumor hypoxia and presence of lung cancer stem cells. Synergistic effects have also been reported between inhibitors of ATR/Chk1/Wee1 and conventional lung cancer treatments, such as gemcitabine, cisplatin, or radiation. Altogether, inhibitors of ATR, Chk1, and Wee1 are emerging as new cancer treatment agents, likely to be useful in lung cancer treatment. However, as lung tumors are very diverse, the inhibitors are unlikely to be effective in all patients, and more work is needed to determine how such inhibitors can be utilized in the most optimal ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi G Syljuåsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| | - Grete Hasvold
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| | - Sissel Hauge
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway ; Department of Oncology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo, Norway
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O'Connor LJ, Cazares-Körner C, Saha J, Evans CNG, Stratford MRL, Hammond EM, Conway SJ. Efficient synthesis of 2-nitroimidazole derivatives and the bioreductive clinical candidate Evofosfamide (TH-302). Org Chem Front 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5qo00211g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We describe an improved synthesis of the 2-nitroimidazole bioreductive group; this method is used to synthesise the anti-cancer drug Evofosfamide (TH-302.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J. O'Connor
- Department of Chemistry
- Chemistry Research Laboratory
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
| | - Cindy Cazares-Körner
- Department of Chemistry
- Chemistry Research Laboratory
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
| | - Jaideep Saha
- Department of Chemistry
- Chemistry Research Laboratory
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
| | - Charles N. G. Evans
- Department of Chemistry
- Chemistry Research Laboratory
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
| | - Michael R. L. Stratford
- Cancer Research UK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology
- Department of Oncology
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
| | - Ester M. Hammond
- Cancer Research UK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology
- Department of Oncology
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department of Chemistry
- Chemistry Research Laboratory
- University of Oxford
- Oxford
- UK
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Hammond EM, Asselin MC, Forster D, O'Connor JPB, Senra JM, Williams KJ. The meaning, measurement and modification of hypoxia in the laboratory and the clinic. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2014; 26:277-88. [PMID: 24602562 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia was identified as a microenvironmental component of solid tumours over 60 years ago and was immediately recognised as a potential barrier to therapy through the reliance of radiotherapy on oxygen to elicit maximal cytotoxicity. Over the last two decades both clinical and experimental studies have markedly enhanced our understanding of how hypoxia influences cellular behaviour and therapy response. Furthermore, they have confirmed early assumptions that low oxygenation status in tumours is an exploitable target in cancer therapy. Generally such approaches will be more beneficial to patients with hypoxic tumours, necessitating the use of biomarkers that reflect oxygenation status. Tissue biomarkers have shown utility in many studies. Further significant advances have been made in the non-invasive measurement of tumour hypoxia with positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging modalities. Here, we describe the complexities of defining and measuring tumour hypoxia and highlight the therapeutic approaches to combat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Hammond
- The Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M-C Asselin
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - D Forster
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - J P B O'Connor
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, Institute of Population Health, Manchester, UK
| | - J M Senra
- The Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - K J Williams
- Manchester Pharmacy School, Cambridge-Manchester Cancer Research UK Comprehensive Imaging Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Dillon MT, Good JS, Harrington KJ. Selective targeting of the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint to improve the therapeutic index of radiotherapy. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2014; 26:257-65. [PMID: 24581946 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite tremendous advances in radiotherapy techniques, allowing dose escalation to tumour tissues and sparing of organs at risk, cure rates from radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy remain suboptimal for most cancers. In tandem with our growing understanding of tumour biology, we are beginning to appreciate that targeting the molecular response to radiation-induced DNA damage holds great promise for selective tumour radiosensitisation. In particular, approaches that inhibit cell cycle checkpoint controls offer a means of exploiting molecular differences between tumour and normal cells, thereby inducing so-called cancer-specific synthetic lethality. In this overview, we discuss cellular responses to radiation-induced damage and discuss the potential of using G2/M cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors as a means of enhancing tumour control rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Dillon
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Targeted Therapy Team, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, UK; The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - J S Good
- The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - K J Harrington
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Targeted Therapy Team, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, UK; The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
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