1
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Tong N, Wong-Roushar J, Wallace-Povirk A, Shah Y, Nyman MC, Katinas JM, Schneider M, O’Connor C, Bao X, Kim S, Li J, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Dann CE, Gangjee A. Multitargeted 6-Substituted Thieno[2,3- d]pyrimidines as Folate Receptor-Selective Anticancer Agents that Inhibit Cytosolic and Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:748-770. [PMID: 37200803 PMCID: PMC10186366 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Multitargeted agents with tumor selectivity result in reduced drug resistance and dose-limiting toxicities. We report 6-substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds (3-9) with pyridine (3, 4), fluorine-substituted pyridine (5), phenyl (6, 7), and thiophene side chains (8, 9), for comparison with unsubstituted phenyl (1, 2) and thiophene side chain (10, 11) containing thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds. Compounds 3-9 inhibited proliferation of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) expressing folate receptors (FRs) α or β but not the reduced folate carrier (RFC); modest inhibition of CHO cells expressing the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) by 4, 5, 6, and 9 was observed. Replacement of the side-chain 1',4'-phenyl ring with 2',5'-pyridyl, or 2',5'-pyridyl with a fluorine insertion ortho to l-glutamate resulted in increased potency toward FR-expressing CHO cells. Toward KB tumor cells, 4-9 were highly active (IC50's from 2.11 to 7.19 nM). By metabolite rescue in KB cells and in vitro enzyme assays, de novo purine biosynthesis was identified as a targeted pathway (at 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (AICARFTase) and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase)). Compound 9 was 17- to 882-fold more potent than previously reported compounds 2, 10, and 11 against GARFTase. By targeted metabolomics and metabolite rescue, 1, 2, and 6 also inhibited mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyl transferase 2 (SHMT2); enzyme assays confirmed inhibition of SHMT2. X-ray crystallographic structures were obtained for 4, 5, 9, and 10 with human GARFTase. This series affords an exciting new structural platform for potent multitargeted antitumor agents with FR transport selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Tong
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jennifer Wong-Roushar
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Yesha Shah
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Morgan C. Nyman
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jade M. Katinas
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Carrie O’Connor
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Xun Bao
- Barbara
Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Barbara
Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Barbara
Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Barbara
Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Department
of Oncology, Wayne State University School
of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, Wayne State University
School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Charles E. Dann
- Department
of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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2
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Matherly LH, Schneider M, Gangjee A, Hou Z. Biology and therapeutic applications of the proton-coupled folate transporter. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:695-706. [PMID: 36239195 PMCID: PMC9637735 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2136071] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) was discovered in 2006 as the principal mechanism by which folates are absorbed in the intestine and the causal basis for hereditary folate malabsorption (HFM). In 2011, it was found that PCFT is highly expressed in many tumors. This stimulated interest in using PCFT for cytotoxic drug targeting, taking advantage of the substantial levels of PCFT transport and acidic pH conditions commonly associated with tumors. AREAS COVERED We summarize the literature from 2006 to 2022 that explores the role of PCFT in the intestinal absorption of dietary folates and its role in HFM and as a transporter of folates and antifolates such as pemetrexed (Alimta) in relation to cancer. We provide the rationale for the discovery of a new generation of targeted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates with selective PCFT transport and inhibitory activity toward de novo purine biosynthesis in solid tumors. We summarize the benefits of this approach to cancer therapy and exciting new developments in the structural biology of PCFT and its potential to foster refinement of active structures of PCFT-targeted anti-cancer drugs. EXPERT OPINION We summarize the promising future and potential challenges of implementing PCFT-targeted therapeutics for HFM and a variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry H. Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Mathew Schneider
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
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3
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Wang C, Zhang M, Shi S, Jiang Y, Fei X, Liu L, Ye D, Zhang S. Interaction mechanism of novel fluorescent antifolates targeted with folate receptors α and β via molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations. J Mol Model 2022; 28:205. [PMID: 35780236 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Eight novel fluorescent antifolates were designed and docked with folate receptors FRα and FRβ. The structures of the complexes were further calculated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The binding energies were calculated by molecular docking and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) studies. The binding energy differences between FRα and FRβ (|Ebα|-|Ebβ|) values for compounds 3 and 8 were 1.3 and 1.1 kcal/mol calculated by molecular docking, and 13.9 and 10.4 kcal/mol by MM-PBSA simulation, respectively. The results indicated that compounds 3 and 8 may be the best candidates for targeted drug delivery to FRα. The binding structures, interaction residues, negatively charged pocket volume, and surface area were analyzed for all the complexes. We further calculated the root mean square displacement and secondary structural elements of the bound complexes using molecular dynamics simulations. The purpose of this study is to design novel antifolates targeted to FRα and FRβ, and to further distinguish between cancer cells and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Wang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuhui Shi
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Handan College, Handan, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuening Fei
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Lijuan Liu
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Ye
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shouchao Zhang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
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4
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Jiang Y, Wang C, Zhang M, Fei X, Gu Y. Type and size effect of functional groups on the novel antifolate target recognition folate receptors α and β: Docking, molecular dynamics and MM/PBSA study. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 100:107663. [PMID: 32659629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel antifolates (32 compounds) were used to study the interactions with folate receptors α and β. The compounds had different sizes of methyl (-CH3), carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), and amino groups (-NH2). The binding properties of the complexes were studied by molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, and MM/PBSA free energy calculations. The docked binding energies and modes were analyzed to identify compounds with good recognition of FRα from FRβ. The stable conformers, root mean square displacement, root mean square fluctuation free binding energy, and contribution of residues to the binding energy of the complexes were further analyzed to illustrate the interactions between the novel compounds and folate receptors. The data show that introducing long functional groups in folate will increase the binding affinity with FRα but will decrease the binding affinity with FRβ. The results provide a strategy for the design of novel antifolates targeted to FRα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jiang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cuihong Wang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuening Fei
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yingchun Gu
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
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5
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Golani LK, Islam F, O'Connor C, Dekhne AS, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine as tumor-targeting agents with selectivity for tumor uptake by high affinity folate receptors over the reduced folate carrier. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115544. [PMID: 32503687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine benzoyl compounds based on 2 were isosterically modified at the 4-carbon bridge by replacing the vicinal (C11) carbon by heteroatoms N (4), O (5) or S (6), or with an N-substituted formyl (7), trifluoroacetyl (8) or acetyl (9). Replacement with sulfur (6) afforded the most potent KB tumor cell inhibitor, ~6-fold better than the parent 2. In addition, 6 retained tumor transport selectivity via folate receptor (FR) α and -β over the ubiquitous reduced folate carrier (RFC). FRα-mediated cell inhibition for 6 was generally equivalent to 2, while the FRβ-mediated activity was improved by 16-fold over 2. N (4) and O (5) substitutions afforded similar tumor cell inhibitions as 2, with selectivity for FRα and -β over RFC. The N-substituted analogs 7-9 also preserved transport selectivity for FRα and -β over RFC. For FRα-expressing CHO cells, potencies were in the order of 8 > 7 > 9. Whereas 8 and 9 showed similar results with FRβ-expressing CHO cells, 7 was ~16-fold more active than 2. By nucleoside rescue experiments, all the compounds inhibited de novo purine biosynthesis, likely at the step catalyzed by glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. Thus, heteroatom replacements of the CH2 in the bridge of 2 afford analogs with increased tumor cell inhibition that could provide advantages over 2, as well as tumor transport selectivity over clinically used antifolates including methotrexate and pemetrexed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit K Golani
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
| | - Farhana Islam
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Aamod S Dekhne
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 421 East Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 421 East Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
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6
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Dekhne AS, Shah K, Ducker GS, Katinas JM, Wong-Roushar J, Nayeen MJ, Doshi A, Ning C, Bao X, Frühauf J, Liu J, Wallace-Povirk A, O'Connor C, Dzinic SH, White K, Kushner J, Kim S, Hüttemann M, Polin L, Rabinowitz JD, Li J, Hou Z, Dann CE, Gangjee A, Matherly LH. Novel Pyrrolo[3,2- d]pyrimidine Compounds Target Mitochondrial and Cytosolic One-carbon Metabolism with Broad-spectrum Antitumor Efficacy. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1787-1799. [PMID: 31289137 PMCID: PMC6774887 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Folate-dependent one-carbon (C1) metabolism is compartmentalized into the mitochondria and cytosol and supports cell growth through nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis. Mitochondrial C1 metabolism, including serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) 2, provides glycine, NAD(P)H, ATP, and C1 units for cytosolic biosynthetic reactions, and is implicated in the oncogenic phenotype across a wide range of cancers. Whereas multitargeted inhibitors of cytosolic C1 metabolism, such as pemetrexed, are used clinically, there are currently no anticancer drugs that specifically target mitochondrial C1 metabolism. We used molecular modeling to design novel small-molecule pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors targeting mitochondrial C1 metabolism at SHMT2. In vitro antitumor efficacy was established with the lead compounds (AGF291, AGF320, AGF347) toward lung, colon, and pancreatic cancer cells. Intracellular targets were identified by metabolic rescue with glycine and nucleosides, and by targeted metabolomics using a stable isotope tracer, with confirmation by in vitro assays with purified enzymes. In addition to targeting SHMT2, inhibition of the cytosolic purine biosynthetic enzymes, β-glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase and/or 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, and SHMT1 was also established. AGF347 generated significant in vivo antitumor efficacy with potential for complete responses against both early-stage and upstage MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic tumor xenografts, providing compelling proof-of-concept for therapeutic targeting of SHMT2 and cytosolic C1 enzymes by this series. Our results establish structure-activity relationships and identify exciting new drug prototypes for further development as multitargeted antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamod S Dekhne
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Khushbu Shah
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory S Ducker
- Department of Chemistry/Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Jade M Katinas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | | | - Md Junayed Nayeen
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Arpit Doshi
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Changwen Ning
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xun Bao
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Josephine Frühauf
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jenney Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sijana H Dzinic
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Kathryn White
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Maik Hüttemann
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Lisa Polin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Joshua D Rabinowitz
- Department of Chemistry/Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Charles E Dann
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan.
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7
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Czyzyk DJ, Valhondo M, Jorgensen WL, Anderson KS. Understanding the structural basis of species selective, stereospecific inhibition for Cryptosporidium and human thymidylate synthase. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2069-2078. [PMID: 31172516 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS), found in all organisms, is an essential enzyme responsible for the de novo synthesis of deoxythymidine monophosphate. The TS active sites of the protozoal parasite Cryptosporidium hominis and human are relatively conserved. Evaluation of antifolate compound 1 and its R-enantiomer 2 against both enzymes reveals divergent inhibitor selectivity and enzyme stereospecificity. To establish how C. hominis and human TS (ChTS and hTS) selectively discriminate 1 and 2, respectively, we determined crystal structures of ChTS complexed with 2 and hTS complexed with 1 or 2. Coupled with the previously determined structure of ChTS complexed with 1, we discuss a possible mechanism for enzyme stereospecificity and inhibitor selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Czyzyk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Karen S Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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Jiang Y, Wang C, Zhang M, Fei X, Gu Y. Interacted mechanism of functional groups in ligand targeted with folate receptor via docking, molecular dynamic and MM/PBSA. J Mol Graph Model 2018; 87:121-128. [PMID: 30537642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Twenty novel compounds with different functional groups (-COOH, -OH, -NH2 and -CH3) were designed to study the interaction mechanism of ligands with folate receptors (FRs). The optimized structure and the dipole moment of the novel compounds were calculated by a density functional tight-binding method (DFTB). The binding mechanism of the compounds with FRs was studied by molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and MM/PBSA free energy calculations. The binding energies, root mean square displacement and root mean square fluctuation of the complexes were analyzed to further illustrate the effect of the functional groups. The functional groups play important roles in stabilizing the bound complexes. Compared to other groups, -OH is more stably linked with the compound. These data provide a theoretical basis for the design of novel compounds targeted with FRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jiang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cuihong Wang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuening Fei
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yingchun Gu
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
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9
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Wang C, Jiang Y, Zhang M, Fei X, Gu Y. Novel fluorescent antifolates that target folate receptors α and β: Molecular dynamics and density functional theory study. J Mol Graph Model 2018; 85:40-47. [PMID: 30055477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Nine novel fluorescent antifolates, 1-9, were designed and docked with FRα and FRβ. The binding energies of the bound complexes were determined by molecular docking and MM-PBSA studies. The structural properties of the complexes FR-FOL, FR-7, FR-8 and FR-9 were analyzed in detail via molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies. We further calculated the root mean square displacement and root mean square fluctuation of the bound complexes using molecular dynamics simulations. Since compounds 7, 8 and 9 are promising candidate in distinguishing FRα from FRβ, the hydrogen bond properties of complexes FRα-7, FRα-8 and FRα-9 were studied by a dispersion complemented density functional tight-binding method. The purpose of this study is to provide a rationale for the design of novel fluorescent antifolates targeted with FRα and FRβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Wang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yue Jiang
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuening Fei
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yingchun Gu
- School of Science, TianJin ChengJian University, Tianjin, China
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10
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Shah K, Raghavan S, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Development and validation of chemical features-based proton-coupled folate transporter/activity and reduced folate carrier/activity models (pharmacophores). J Mol Graph Model 2018; 81:125-133. [PMID: 29550744 PMCID: PMC5959037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
All clinically used antifolates lack transport selectivity for tumors over normal cells resulting in dose-limiting toxicities. There is growing interest in developing novel tumor-targeted cytotoxic antifolates with selective transport into tumors over normal cells via the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) over the ubiquitously expressed reduced folate carrier (RFC). A lack of X-ray crystal structures or predictive models for PCFT or RFC has hindered structure-aided drug design for PCFT-selective therapeutics. Four-point validated models (pharmacophores) were generated for PCFT/Activity (HBA, NI, RA, RA) and RFC/Activity (HBD, NI, HBA, HBA) based on inhibition (IC50) of proliferation of isogenic Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells engineered to express only human PCFT or only RFC. Our results revealed substantial differences in structural features required for transport of novel molecules by these transporters which can be utilized for developing transporter-selective antifolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Shah
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Sudhir Raghavan
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 East Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 421 East Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, United States.
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11
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Ravindra M, Wallace-Povirk A, Karim MA, Wilson MR, O'Connor C, White K, Kushner J, Polin L, George C, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Tumor Targeting with Novel Pyridyl 6-Substituted Pyrrolo[2,3- d]Pyrimidine Antifolates via Cellular Uptake by Folate Receptor α and the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter and Inhibition of De Novo Purine Nucleotide Biosynthesis. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2027-2040. [PMID: 29425443 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted specificities of 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine analogues of 1, where the phenyl side-chain is replaced by 3',6' (5, 8), 2',5' (6, 9), and 2',6' (7, 10) pyridyls, were analyzed. Proliferation inhibition of isogenic Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing folate receptors (FRs) α and β were in rank order, 6 > 9 > 5 > 7 > 8, with 10 showing no activity, and 6 > 9 > 5 > 8, with 10 and 7 being inactive, respectively. Antiproliferative effects toward FRα- and FRβ-expressing cells were reflected in competitive binding with [3H]folic acid. Only compound 6 was active against proton-coupled folate receptor (PCFT)-expressing CHO cells (∼4-fold more potent than 1) and inhibited [3H]methotrexate uptake by PCFT. In KB and IGROV1 tumor cells, 6 showed <1 nM IC50, ∼2-3-fold more potent than 1. Compound 6 inhibited glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase in de novo purine biosynthesis and showed potent in vivo efficacy toward subcutaneous IGROV1 tumor xenografts in SCID mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Ravindra
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Mohammad A Karim
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
| | - Mike R Wilson
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Kathryn White
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Lisa Polin
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Christina George
- Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program , Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 421 East Canfield Street , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Oncology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States.,Department of Pharmacology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , Michigan 48201 , United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15282 , United States
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12
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Wang C, Jiang Y, Fei X, Gu Y. Design and interaction mechanism of ligand targeted with folate receptor α and β. J PHYS ORG CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/poc.3719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Wang
- School of Science; TianJin ChengJian University; Tianjin China
| | - Y. Jiang
- School of Science; TianJin ChengJian University; Tianjin China
| | - X. Fei
- School of Science; TianJin ChengJian University; Tianjin China
| | - Y. Gu
- School of Science; TianJin ChengJian University; Tianjin China
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13
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Improved conditions for a direct and regioselective synthesis of 8-carboxyethyl-7-deazaguanine. Tetrahedron Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Hou Z, Gattoc L, O'Connor C, Yang S, Wallace-Povirk A, George C, Orr S, Polin L, White K, Kushner J, Morris RT, Gangjee A, Matherly LH. Dual Targeting of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Via Folate Receptor α and the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter with 6-Substituted Pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine Antifolates. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:819-830. [PMID: 28138029 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Folate uptake in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) involves the reduced folate carrier (RFC) and the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), both facilitative transporters and folate receptor (FR) α. Although in primary EOC specimens, FRα is widely expressed and increases with tumor stage, PCFT was expressed independent of tumor stage (by real-time RT-PCR and IHC). EOC cell line models, including cisplatin sensitive (IGROV1 and A2780) and resistant (SKOV3 and TOV112D) cells, expressed a 17-fold range of FRα and similar amounts (within ∼2-fold) of PCFT. Novel 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine thienoyl antifolates AGF94 and AGF154 exhibited potent antiproliferative activities toward all of the EOC cell lines, reflecting selective cellular uptake by FRα and/or PCFT over RFC. When IGROV1 cells were pretreated with AGF94 at pH 6.8, clonogenicity was potently inhibited, confirming cell killing. FRα was knocked down in IGROV1 cells with lentiviral shRNAs. Two FRα knockdown clones (KD-4 and KD-10) showed markedly reduced binding and uptake of [3H]folic acid and [3H]AGF154 by FRα, but maintained high levels of [3H]AGF154 uptake by PCFT compared to nontargeted control cells. In proliferation assays, KD-4 and KD-10 cells preserved in vitro inhibition by AGF94 and AGF154, compared to a nontargeted control, attributable to residual FRα- and substantial PCFT-mediated uptake. KD-10 tumor xenografts in severe-compromised immune-deficient mice were likewise sensitive to AGF94 Collectively, our results demonstrate the substantial therapeutic potential of novel 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates with dual targeting of PCFT and FRα toward EOCs that express a range of FRα, along with PCFT, as well as cisplatin resistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 819-30. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanjun Hou
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. .,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Leda Gattoc
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Si Yang
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Christina George
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Steve Orr
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Lisa Polin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Kathryn White
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Robert T Morris
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. .,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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15
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Golani LK, Wallace-Povirk A, Deis SM, Wong J, Ke J, Gu X, Raghavan S, Wilson MR, Li X, Polin L, de Waal PW, White K, Kushner J, O'Connor C, Hou Z, Xu HE, Melcher K, Dann CE, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Tumor Targeting with Novel 6-Substituted Pyrrolo [2,3-d] Pyrimidine Antifolates with Heteroatom Bridge Substitutions via Cellular Uptake by Folate Receptor α and the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter and Inhibition of de Novo Purine Nucleotide Biosynthesis. J Med Chem 2016; 59:7856-76. [PMID: 27458733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Targeted antifolates with heteroatom replacements of the carbon vicinal to the phenyl ring in 1 by N (4), O (8), or S (9), or with N-substituted formyl (5), acetyl (6), or trifluoroacetyl (7) moieties, were synthesized and tested for selective cellular uptake by folate receptor (FR) α and β or the proton-coupled folate transporter. Results show increased in vitro antiproliferative activity toward engineered Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing FRs by 4-9 over the CH2 analogue 1. Compounds 4-9 inhibited de novo purine biosynthesis and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase). X-ray crystal structures for 4 with FRα and GARFTase showed that the bound conformations of 4 required flexibility for attachment to both FRα and GARFTase. In mice bearing IGROV1 ovarian tumor xenografts, 4 was highly efficacious. Our results establish that heteroatom substitutions in the 3-atom bridge region of 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines related to 1 provide targeted antifolates that warrant further evaluation as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit K Golani
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Adrianne Wallace-Povirk
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Siobhan M Deis
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jennifer Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jiyuan Ke
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences and Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
| | - Xin Gu
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences and Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
| | - Sudhir Raghavan
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Mike R Wilson
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Xinxin Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Lisa Polin
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Parker W de Waal
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences and Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
| | - Kathryn White
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - H Eric Xu
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences and Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States.,Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, VARI-SIMM Center, Center for Structure and Function of Drug Targets, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Karsten Melcher
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences and Laboratory of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
| | - Charles E Dann
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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16
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Deis SM, Doshi A, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A, Dann CE. Structural and Enzymatic Analysis of Tumor-Targeted Antifolates That Inhibit Glycinamide Ribonucleotide Formyltransferase. Biochemistry 2016; 55:4574-82. [PMID: 27439469 PMCID: PMC5238714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pemetrexed and methotrexate are antifolates used for cancer chemotherapy and inflammatory diseases. These agents have toxic side effects resulting, in part, from nonspecific cellular transport by the reduced folate carrier (RFC), a ubiquitously expressed facilitative transporter. We previously described 2-amino-4-oxo-6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates with modifications of the side chain linker and aromatic ring that are poor substrates for RFC but are efficiently transported via folate receptors (FRs) and the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT). These targeted antifolates are cytotoxic in vitro toward FR- and PCFT-expressing tumor cells and in vivo with human tumor xenografts in immune-compromised mice, reflecting selective cellular uptake. Antitumor efficacy is due to inhibition of glycinamide ribonucleotide (GAR) formyltransferase (GARFTase) activity in de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides. This study used purified human GARFTase (formyltransferase domain) to assess in vitro inhibition by eight novel thieno- and pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates. Seven analogues (AGF23, AGF71, AGF94, AGF117, AGF118, AGF145, and AGF147) inhibited GARFTase with Ki values in the low- to mid-nanomolar concentration range, whereas AGF50 inhibited GARFTase with micromolar potency similar to that of PMX. On the basis of crystal structures of ternary complexes with GARFTase, β-GAR, and the monoglutamyl antifolates, differences in inhibitory potencies correlated well with antifolate binding and the positions of the terminal carboxylates. Our data provide a mechanistic basis for differences in inhibitory potencies between these novel antifolates and a framework for future structure-based drug design. These analogues could be more efficacious than clinically used antifolates, reflecting their selective cellular uptake by FRs and PCFT and potent GARFTase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan M. Deis
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Arpit Doshi
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Charles E. Dann
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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Saikia L, Roudragouda P, Thakur AJ. A one pot, two-step synthesis of 5-arylpyrrolo[2,3- d ]pyrimidines and screening of their preliminary antibacterial properties. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:992-998. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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18
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Wang L, Wallace A, Raghavan S, Deis SM, Wilson MR, Yang S, Polin L, White K, Kushner J, Orr S, George C, O'Connor C, Hou Z, Mitchell-Ryan S, Dann CE, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. 6-Substituted Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine Thienoyl Regioisomers as Targeted Antifolates for Folate Receptor α and the Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter in Human Tumors. J Med Chem 2015; 58:6938-59. [PMID: 26317331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
2-Amino-4-oxo-6-substituted-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolate thiophene regioisomers of AGF94 (4) with a thienoyl side chain and three-carbon bridge lengths [AGF150 (5) and AGF154 (7)] were synthesized as potential antitumor agents. These analogues inhibited proliferation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) sublines expressing folate receptors (FRs) α or β (IC50s < 1 nM) or the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) (IC50 < 7 nM). Compounds 5 and 7 inhibited KB, IGROV1, and SKOV3 human tumor cells at subnanomolar concentrations, reflecting both FRα and PCFT uptake. AGF152 (6) and AGF163 (8), 2,4-diamino-5-substituted-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine thiophene regioisomers, also inhibited growth of FR-expressing CHO and KB cells. All four analogues inhibited glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase). Crystal structures of human GARFTase complexed with 5 and 7 were reported. In severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing SKOV3 tumors, 7 was efficacious. The selectivity of these compounds for PCFT and for FRα and β over the ubiquitously expressed reduced folate carrier is a paradigm for selective tumor targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Adrianne Wallace
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Sudhir Raghavan
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Siobhan M Deis
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Mike R Wilson
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Si Yang
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Lisa Polin
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Kathryn White
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Steven Orr
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Christina George
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Carrie O'Connor
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Zhanjun Hou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Shermaine Mitchell-Ryan
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Charles E Dann
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute , 110 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Aleem Gangjee
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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Zhao R, Visentin M, Goldman ID. Determinants of the activities of antifolates delivered into cells by folate-receptor-mediated endocytosis. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2015; 75:1163-73. [PMID: 25847479 PMCID: PMC4442060 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2733-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elements in the endocytic process that are determinants of the activities of antifolates delivered by folate-receptor alpha (FRα) were explored. METHODS Antifolate growth inhibition was assessed with a 1- or 5-day exposure in reduced folate carrier-null HeLa cell lines that express a high level of FRα in the presence or absence of the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT). pH-dependent rates of dissociation from FRα were also determined. RESULTS With a 1-day drug exposure which is relevant to the pulse clinical administration of these drugs, FRα expression enhanced raltitrexed activity and modestly enhanced ZD9331 activity, but did not significantly augment the activity of pemetrexed or lomotrexol. With a 5-day drug exposure, FRα-mediated growth inhibition was increased for raltitrexed and ZD9331 and emerged for lomotrexol. While the FRα-augmented activity of lomotrexol and raltitrexed did not require PCFT, augmentation of ZD9331 activity required the co-expression of PCFT with both 1- and 5-day exposures. In contrast, there was no augmentation of pemetrexed activity by FRα under any condition. The activities of these agents correlated with their rate of dissociation from the receptor at acidic pH: raltitrexed > ZD9331 > lomotrexol > pemetrexed consistent with insufficient pemetrexed release from FRα for export from the endosomes. CONCLUSIONS FRα is unlikely to contribute to the pharmacological activity of antifolates, such as pemetrexed, that bind tightly to, and dissociate slowly from, the receptor particularly when the exposure time is brief. While PCFT was required for FRα-mediated ZD9931 activity, the activities of the other antifolates was independent of PCFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongbao Zhao
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Chanin 628, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA,
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20
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Wang Y, Mitchell-Ryan S, Raghavan S, George C, Orr S, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Novel 5-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as dual inhibitors of glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase and as potential antitumor agents. J Med Chem 2015; 58:1479-93. [PMID: 25602637 DOI: 10.1021/jm501787c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A new series of 5-substituted thiopheneyl pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines 6-11 with varying chain lengths (n = 1-6) were designed and synthesized as hybrids of the clinically used anticancer drug pemetrexed (PMX) and our 6-substituted thiopheneyl pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines 2c and 2d with folate receptor (FR) α and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) uptake specificity over the reduced folate carrier (RFC) and inhibition of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis at glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFTase). Compounds 6-11 inhibited KB human tumor cells in the order 9 = 10 > 8 > 7 > 6 = 11. Compounds 8-10 were variously transported by FRα, PCFT, and RFC and, unlike PMX, inhibited de novo purine nucleotide rather than thymidylate biosynthesis. The antiproliferative effects of 8 and 9 appeared to be due to their dual inhibitions of both GARFTase and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. Our studies identify a unique structure-activity relationship for transport and dual target inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Wang
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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21
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Golani LK, George C, Zhao S, Raghavan S, Orr S, Wallace A, Wilson MR, Hou Z, Matherly LH, Gangjee A. Structure-activity profiles of novel 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine thienoyl antifolates with modified amino acids for cellular uptake by folate receptors α and β and the proton-coupled folate transporter. J Med Chem 2014; 57:8152-66. [PMID: 25234128 PMCID: PMC4191586 DOI: 10.1021/jm501113m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Structure-activity relationships for cellular uptake and inhibition of cell proliferation were studied for 2-amino-4-oxo-6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine thienoyl antifolates in which the terminal l-glutamate of the parent structure (7) was replaced by natural or unnatural amino acids. Compounds 7 and 10-13 were selectively inhibitory toward folate receptor (FR) α-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Antiproliferative effects of compounds 7 and 9-13 toward FRα- and FRβ-expressing CHO cells were only partly reflected in binding affinities to FRα and FRβ or in the docking scores with molecular models of FRα and FRβ. Compounds 7 and 11 were potent inhibitors of glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase in de novo purine biosynthesis in KB human tumor cells. These studies establish for the first time the importance of the α- and γ-carboxylic acid groups, the length of the amino acid, and the conformation of the side chain for transporter binding and biological activity of 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine thienoyl antifolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit K Golani
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University , 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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22
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Qi X, Xiang H, He Q, Yang C. Synthesis of Multisubstituted 2-Aminopyrroles/pyridines via Chemoselective Michael Addition/Intramolecular Cyclization Reaction. Org Lett 2014; 16:4186-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ol5018855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug
Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haoyue Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug
Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qian He
- State Key Laboratory of Drug
Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chunhao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug
Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
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23
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Zhao R, Diop-Bove N, Goldman ID. Enhanced receptor-mediated endocytosis and cytotoxicity of a folic acid-desacetylvinblastine monohydrazide conjugate in a pemetrexed-resistant cell line lacking folate-specific facilitative carriers but with increased folate receptor expression. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 85:310-21. [PMID: 24249723 DOI: 10.1124/mol.113.089110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduced folate carrier (RFC), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and folate receptors (FR) are folate-specific transporters. Antifolates currently in the clinic, such as pemetrexed, methotrexate, and pralatrexate, are transported into tumor cells primarily via RFC. Folic acid conjugated to cytotoxics, a new class of antineoplastics, are transported into cells via FR-mediated endocytosis. To better define the role of PCFT in antifolate resistance, a methotrexate-resistant cell line, M160-8, was selected from a HeLa subline in which the RFC gene was deleted and PCFT was highly overexpressed. These cells were cross-resistant to pemetrexed. PCFT function and the PCFT mRNA level in M160-8 cells were barely detectable, and FR-α function and mRNA level were increased as compared with the parent cells. While pemetrexed rapidly associated with FR and was internalized within endosomes in M160-8 cells, consistent with FR-mediated transport, subsequent pemetrexed and (6S)-5-formyltetrahydrofolate export into the cytosol was markedly impaired. In contrast, M160-8 cells were collaterally sensitive to EC0905, a folic acid-desacetylvinblastine monohydrazide conjugate also transported by FR-mediated endocytosis. However, in this case a sulfhydryl bond is cleaved to release the lipophilic cytotoxic moiety into the endosome, which passively diffuses out of the endosome into the cytosol. Hence, resistance to pemetrexed in M160-8 cells was due to entrapment of the drug within the endosome due to the absence of PCFT under conditions in which the FR cycling function was intact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongbao Zhao
- Departments of Medicine (R.Z., I.D.G.) and Molecular Pharmacology (R.Z., N.D.-P., I.D.G.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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