1
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Chen CY, Elmore S, Lalami I, Neal H, Vadlamudi RK, Raj GV, Ahn JM. Oligo-benzamide-based peptide mimicking tools for modulating biology. Methods Enzymol 2024; 698:221-245. [PMID: 38886033 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.04.022] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The oligo-benzamide scaffold is a rigid organic framework that can hold 2-3 functional groups as O-alkyl substituents on its benzamide units, mirroring their natural arrangement in an α-helix. Oligo-benzamides demonstrated outstanding α-helix mimicry and can be readily synthesized by following high yielding and iterative reaction steps in both solution-phase and solid-phase. A number of oligo-benzamides have been designed to emulate α-helical peptide segments in biologically active proteins and showed strong protein binding, in turn effectively disrupting protein-protein interactions in vitro and in vivo. In this chapter, the design of oligo-benzamides for mimicking α-helices, efficient synthetic routes for producing them, and their biomedical studies showing remarkable potency in inhibiting protein functions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Scott Elmore
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Ismail Lalami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Henry Neal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jung-Mo Ahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States.
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2
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Li S, Wang Y, Yin J, Li K, Liu L, Gao J. Design, synthesis, and activity evaluation of 2-iminobenzimidazoles as c-Myc inhibitors for treating multiple myeloma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28411. [PMID: 38590884 PMCID: PMC10999938 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that remains incurable and poses a significant threat to global public health. The multifunctional transcription factor c-Myc plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is closely associated with MM progression. As part of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLHZip) family, c-Myc forms heterodimers with its obligate partner Max, binds to the Enhancer-box (E-box) of DNA, and ultimately co-regulates gene expression. Therefore, impeding the capacity for heterodimerization to bind to DNA represents a favored strategy in thwarting c-Myc transcription. In this study, we first synthesized a series of novel 2-iminobenzimidazole derivatives and further estimated their potential anti-MM activity. Notably, among all the derivatives, 5b and 5d demonstrated remarkable inhibitory activity against RPMI-8226 and U266 cells, with IC50 values of 0.85 μM and 0.97 μM for compound 5b, and 0.96 μM and 0.89 μM for compound 5d. Western blot and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that compounds 5b and 5d effectively suppressed both c-Myc protein expression and transcriptional activity of the c-Myc promoter in RPMI-8226 and U266 cells. Furthermore, these compounds induced apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest in the aforementioned MM cells. Molecular docking studies revealed that 5b and 5d exhibited strong binding affinity to the interface between c-Myc/Max and E-box of DNA. Taken together, our findings suggest that further investigations are warranted for potential therapeutic applications of 5b and 5d for c-Myc-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Yinchuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Kaihang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Linlin Liu
- College of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, PR China
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3
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Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
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4
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Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
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5
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Haque M, Flack T, Singh R, Wall A, de Castro GV, Jiang L, White AJP, Barnard A. Aromatic oligoesters as novel helix mimetic scaffolds. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 87:117311. [PMID: 37182518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The design, synthesis, and conformational analysis of a novel aromatic oligoester helix mimetic scaffold is reported. A range of amino acid-type side-chain functionality can be readily incorporated into monomer building blocks over three facile synthetic steps. Analysis of representative dimers revealed a stable conformer capable of effective mimicry of a canonical α-helix and the scaffold was found to be surprisingly stable to degradation in aqueous solutions at acidic and neutral pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Haque
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Theo Flack
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Ravi Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Archie Wall
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | | | - Lishen Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Andrew J P White
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Anna Barnard
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK.
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6
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Pang Y, Lu T, Xu-Monette ZY, Young KH. Metabolic Reprogramming and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Lymphoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065493. [PMID: 36982568 PMCID: PMC10052731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065493] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of diseases that often require their metabolism program to fulfill the demand of cell proliferation. Features of metabolism in lymphoma cells include high glucose uptake, deregulated expression of enzymes related to glycolysis, dual capacity for glycolytic and oxidative metabolism, elevated glutamine metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis. These aberrant metabolic changes lead to tumorigenesis, disease progression, and resistance to lymphoma chemotherapy. This metabolic reprogramming, including glucose, nucleic acid, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism, is a dynamic process caused not only by genetic and epigenetic changes, but also by changes in the microenvironment affected by viral infections. Notably, some critical metabolic enzymes and metabolites may play vital roles in lymphomagenesis and progression. Recent studies have uncovered that metabolic pathways might have clinical impacts on the diagnosis, characterization, and treatment of lymphoma subtypes. However, determining the clinical relevance of biomarkers and therapeutic targets related to lymphoma metabolism is still challenging. In this review, we systematically summarize current studies on metabolism reprogramming in lymphoma, and we mainly focus on disorders of glucose, amino acids, and lipid metabolisms, as well as dysregulation of molecules in metabolic pathways, oncometabolites, and potential metabolic biomarkers. We then discuss strategies directly or indirectly for those potential therapeutic targets. Finally, we prospect the future directions of lymphoma treatment on metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Pang
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Hematology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Tingxun Lu
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Zijun Y. Xu-Monette
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ken H. Young
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-668-7568; Fax: +1-919-684-1856
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7
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Abstract
Deregulation of transcription factors is critical to hallmarks of cancer. Genetic mutations, gene fusions, amplifications or deletions, epigenetic alternations, and aberrant post-transcriptional modification of transcription factors are involved in the regulation of various stages of carcinogenesis, including cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Thus, targeting the dysfunctional transcription factors may lead to new cancer therapeutic strategies. However, transcription factors are conventionally considered as "undruggable." Here, we summarize the recent progresses in understanding the regulation of transcription factors in cancers and strategies to target transcription factors and co-factors for preclinical and clinical drug development, particularly focusing on c-Myc, YAP/TAZ, and β-catenin due to their significance and interplays in cancer.
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8
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Guo H, Zhang W, Wang J, Zhao G, Wang Y, Zhu BM, Dong P, Watari H, Wang B, Li W, Tigyi G, Yue J. Cryptotanshinone inhibits ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by degrading c-Myc and attenuating the FAK signaling pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:959518. [PMID: 36247016 PMCID: PMC9554091 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.959518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptotanshinone (CT), a natural compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge that is also known as the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen, exhibits antitumor activity in various cancers. However, it remains unclear whether CT has a potential therapeutic benefit against ovarian cancers. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of CT in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and using a xenograft model in NSG mice orthotopically implanted with HEY A8 human ovarian cancer cells and to explore the molecular mechanism(s) underlying CT’s antitumor effects. We found that CT inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OVCAR3 and HEY A8 cells, while sensitizing the cell responses to the chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel and cisplatin. CT also suppressed ovarian tumor growth and metastasis in immunocompromised mice orthotopically inoculated with HEY A8 cells. Mechanistically, CT degraded the protein encoded by the oncogene c-Myc by promoting its ubiquitination and disrupting the interaction with its partner protein Max. CT also attenuated signaling via the nuclear focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway and degraded FAK protein in both cell lines. Knockdown of c-Myc using lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9 nickase resulted in reduction of FAK expression, which phenocopies the effects of CT and the c-Myc/Max inhibitor 10058-F4. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that CT inhibits primary ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by degrading c-Myc and FAK and attenuating the FAK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Life Science, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Junming Yue, ; Wenjing Zhang, ; Bing-Mei Zhu,
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Guannan Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Yaohong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Bing-Mei Zhu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Junming Yue, ; Wenjing Zhang, ; Bing-Mei Zhu,
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Watari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Baojin Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Gabor Tigyi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Junming Yue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Junming Yue, ; Wenjing Zhang, ; Bing-Mei Zhu,
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9
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel c-Myc inhibitor against colorectal cancer via blocking c-Myc/Max heterodimerization and disturbing its DNA binding. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The expression of Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferase 1 and 2 (EHMT1/2) is deregulated in many cancers. Most studies thus far have focused on the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMTs. However, the mechanisms that lead to their deregulated expression, and the interacting proteins that could impact EHMT activity are not well understood. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the upstream regulators and the interactors that provide alternative therapeutic approaches to tackle EHMT driven malignancies. Abstract Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-(65)-153-236; Fax: +65-(67)-788-161
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11
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Zhang J, Zhao X, Cai C. The crystal structure of N-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzamide, C 14H 19NO 3. Z KRIST-NEW CRYST ST 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/ncrs-2022-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
C14H19NO3, monoclinic, Cc (no. 9), a = 11.1235(5) Å, b = 15.3724(5) Å, c = 8.1110(3) Å, β = 109.3980(10)°, V = 1308.21(9) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0300, wR
ref
(F
2) = 0.0703, T = 170 K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiao Zhang
- College of Food and Medicine, Luoyang Normal University , Luoyang , China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- College of Food and Medicine, Luoyang Normal University , Luoyang , China
| | - Chenyu Cai
- College of Food and Medicine, Luoyang Normal University , Luoyang , China
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12
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Wang Z, Ji H. Characterization of Hydrophilic α-Helical Hot Spots on the Protein-Protein Interaction Interfaces for the Design of α-Helix Mimetics. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:1873-1890. [PMID: 35385659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The cooperativity index, Kc, was developed to examine the binding synergy between hot spots of the ligand-protein. For the first time, the convergence of the side-chain spatial arrangements of hydrophilic α-helical hot spots Thr, Tyr, Asp, Asn, Ser, Cys, and His in protein-protein interaction (PPI) complex structures was disclosed and quantified by developing novel clustering models. In-depth analyses revealed the driving force for the protein-protein binding conformation convergence of hydrophilic α-helical hot spots. This observation allows deriving pharmacophore models to design new mimetics for hydrophilic α-helical hot spots. A computational protocol was developed to search amino acid analogues and small-molecule mimetics for each hydrophilic α-helical hot spot. As a pilot study, diverse building blocks of commercially available nonstandard L-type α-amino acids and the phenyl ring-containing small-molecule fragments were obtained, which serve as a fragment collection to mimic hydrophilic α-helical hot spots for the improvement of binding affinity, selectivity, physicochemical properties, and synthesis accessibility of α-helix mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States.,Departments of Chemistry and Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-9497, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States.,Departments of Chemistry and Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-9497, United States
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13
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Xu Y, Yu Q, Wang P, Wu Z, Zhang L, Wu S, Li M, Wu B, Li H, Zhuang H, Zhang X, Huang Y, Gan X, Xu R. A Selective Small-Molecule c-Myc Degrader Potently Regresses Lethal c-Myc Overexpressing Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104344. [PMID: 35048559 PMCID: PMC8922104 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
MYC oncogene is involved in the majority of human cancers and is often associated with poor outcomes, rendering it an extraordinarily desirable target, but therapeutic targeting of c-Myc protein has been a challenge for >30 years. Here, WBC100, a novel oral active molecule glue that selectively degrades c-Myc protein over other proteins and potently kills c-Myc overexpressing cancer cells is reported. WBC100 targets the nuclear localization signal 1 (NLS1)-Basic-nuclear localization signal 2 (NLS2) region of c-Myc and induces c-Myc protein degradation through ubiquitin E3 ligase CHIP mediated 26S proteasome pathway, leading to apoptosis of cancer cells. In vivo, WBC100 potently regresses multiple lethal c-Myc overexpressing tumors such as acute myeloid leukemia, pancreatic, and gastric cancers with good tolerability in multiple xenograft mouse models. Identification of the NLS1-Basic-NLS2 region as a druggable pocket for targeting the "undruggable" c-Myc protein and that single-agent WBC100 potently regresses c-Myc overexpressing tumors through selective c-Myc proteolysis opens new perspectives for pharmacologically intervening c-Myc in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Qingfeng Yu
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Zhaoxing Wu
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Shuigao Wu
- Weben PharmaceuticalsHangzhou310051China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Bowen Wu
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Hongzhi Li
- Department of Molecular MedicineBeckman Research InstituteCity of Hope National Medical CenterDuarteCA91010USA
| | - Haifeng Zhuang
- Department of Hematologythe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310009China
| | - Xuzhao Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Yu Huang
- Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | | | - Rongzhen Xu
- Department of Hematology and Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionChina National Ministry of EducationKey Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical SciencesThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
- Institute of HematologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310009China
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14
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Bazzar W, Zhang F, Wickström M, Alzrigat M, Franco M, Krona C, Cameron DP, Dyberg C, Olsen TK, Verschut V, Schmidt L, Lim SY, Mahmoud L, Hydbring P, Lehmann S, Baranello L, Nelander S, Johnsen JI, Larsson LG. MYCMI-7: A Small MYC-Binding Compound that Inhibits MYC: MAX Interaction and Tumor Growth in a MYC-Dependent Manner. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022. [PMID: 36874405 DOI: 10.1158/27679764.crc-21-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Deregulated expression of MYC family oncogenes occurs frequently in human cancer and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. While MYC is a highly warranted target, it has been considered "undruggable," and no specific anti-MYC drugs are available in the clinic. We recently identified molecules named MYCMIs that inhibit the interaction between MYC and its essential partner MAX. Here we show that one of these molecules, MYCMI-7, efficiently and selectively inhibits MYC:MAX and MYCN:MAX interactions in cells, binds directly to recombinant MYC, and reduces MYC-driven transcription. In addition, MYCMI-7 induces degradation of MYC and MYCN proteins. MYCMI-7 potently induces growth arrest/apoptosis in tumor cells in a MYC/MYCN-dependent manner and downregulates the MYC pathway on a global level as determined by RNA sequencing. Sensitivity to MYCMI-7 correlates with MYC expression in a panel of 60 tumor cell lines and MYCMI-7 shows high efficacy toward a collection of patient-derived primary glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ex vivo cultures. Importantly, a variety of normal cells become G1 arrested without signs of apoptosis upon MYCMI-7 treatment. Finally, in mouse tumor models of MYC-driven AML, breast cancer, and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, treatment with MYCMI-7 downregulates MYC/MYCN, inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs survival through apoptosis with few side effects. In conclusion, MYCMI-7 is a potent and selective MYC inhibitor that is highly relevant for the development into clinically useful drugs for the treatment of MYC-driven cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that the small-molecule MYCMI-7 binds MYC and inhibits interaction between MYC and MAX, thereby hampering MYC-driven tumor cell growth in culture and in vivo while sparing normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Krona
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Donald P Cameron
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Schmidt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sheryl Y Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sören Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Bazzar W, Zhang F, Wickström M, Alzrigat M, Franco M, Krona C, Cameron DP, Dyberg C, Olsen TK, Verschut V, Schmidt L, Lim SY, Mahmoud L, Hydbring P, Lehmann S, Baranello L, Nelander S, Johnsen JI, Larsson LG. MYCMI-7: A Small MYC-Binding Compound that Inhibits MYC: MAX Interaction and Tumor Growth in a MYC-Dependent Manner. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:182-201. [PMID: 36874405 PMCID: PMC9980915 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deregulated expression of MYC family oncogenes occurs frequently in human cancer and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. While MYC is a highly warranted target, it has been considered "undruggable," and no specific anti-MYC drugs are available in the clinic. We recently identified molecules named MYCMIs that inhibit the interaction between MYC and its essential partner MAX. Here we show that one of these molecules, MYCMI-7, efficiently and selectively inhibits MYC:MAX and MYCN:MAX interactions in cells, binds directly to recombinant MYC, and reduces MYC-driven transcription. In addition, MYCMI-7 induces degradation of MYC and MYCN proteins. MYCMI-7 potently induces growth arrest/apoptosis in tumor cells in a MYC/MYCN-dependent manner and downregulates the MYC pathway on a global level as determined by RNA sequencing. Sensitivity to MYCMI-7 correlates with MYC expression in a panel of 60 tumor cell lines and MYCMI-7 shows high efficacy toward a collection of patient-derived primary glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ex vivo cultures. Importantly, a variety of normal cells become G1 arrested without signs of apoptosis upon MYCMI-7 treatment. Finally, in mouse tumor models of MYC-driven AML, breast cancer, and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, treatment with MYCMI-7 downregulates MYC/MYCN, inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs survival through apoptosis with few side effects. In conclusion, MYCMI-7 is a potent and selective MYC inhibitor that is highly relevant for the development into clinically useful drugs for the treatment of MYC-driven cancer. Significance Our findings demonstrate that the small-molecule MYCMI-7 binds MYC and inhibits interaction between MYC and MAX, thereby hampering MYC-driven tumor cell growth in culture and in vivo while sparing normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Krona
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Donald P Cameron
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Schmidt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sheryl Y Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sören Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Normal and Neoplastic Growth Suppression by the Extended Myc Network. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040747. [PMID: 35203395 PMCID: PMC8870482 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the first discovered and most prominent cellular oncogenes is MYC, which encodes a bHLH-ZIP transcription factor (Myc) that both activates and suppresses numerous genes involved in proliferation, energy production, metabolism and translation. Myc belongs to a small group of bHLH-ZIP transcriptional regulators (the Myc Network) that includes its obligate heterodimerization partner Max and six "Mxd proteins" (Mxd1-4, Mnt and Mga), each of which heterodimerizes with Max and largely opposes Myc's functions. More recently, a second group of bHLH-ZIP proteins (the Mlx Network) has emerged that bears many parallels with the Myc Network. It is comprised of the Myc-like factors ChREBP and MondoA, which, in association with the Max-like member Mlx, regulate smaller and more functionally restricted repertoires of target genes, some of which are shared with Myc. Opposing ChREBP and MondoA are heterodimers comprised of Mlx and Mxd1, Mxd4 and Mnt, which also structurally and operationally link the two Networks. We discuss here the functions of these "Extended Myc Network" members, with particular emphasis on their roles in suppressing normal and neoplastic growth. These roles are complex due to the temporal- and tissue-restricted expression of Extended Myc Network proteins in normal cells, their regulation of both common and unique target genes and, in some cases, their functional redundancy.
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17
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Trobe M, Schreiner T, Vareka M, Grimm S, Wölfl B, Breinbauer R. A Modular Synthesis of Teraryl‐based α‐Helix Mimetics, Part 5: A Complete Set of Pyridine Boronic Acid Pinacol Esters Featuring Side Chains of Proteinogenic Amino Acids. European J Org Chem 2022; 2022:e202101280. [PMID: 35910461 PMCID: PMC9304165 DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202101280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Teraryl‐based α‐helix mimetics have proven to be useful compounds for the inhibition of protein‐protein interactions (PPI). We have developed a modular and flexible approach for the synthesis of teraryl‐based α‐helix mimetics using pyridine containing boronic acid building blocks to increase the water solubility. Following our initial publication in which we have introduced the methodology in combination with sequential Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling for teraryl assembly, we can now report a complete set of pyridine based boronic acid building blocks decorated with side chains of all proteinogenic amino acids relevant for PPI (Ala, Arg, Asn, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val) to complement the core fragment set. For a representative set of teraryls we have studied the influence of the pyridine rings on the solubility of the assembled oligoarenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Trobe
- Graz University of Technology: Technische Universitat Graz Institute of Organic Chemistry AUSTRIA
| | - Till Schreiner
- Graz University of Technology: Technische Universitat Graz Institute of Organic Chemistry AUSTRIA
| | - Martin Vareka
- Graz University of Technology: Technische Universitat Graz Institute of Organic Chemistry AUSTRIA
| | - Sebastian Grimm
- Graz University of Technology: Technische Universitat Graz Institute of Organic Chemistry AUSTRIA
| | - Bernhard Wölfl
- Graz University of Technology: Technische Universitat Graz Institute of Organic Chemistry AUSTRIA
| | - Rolf Breinbauer
- Technische Universitat Graz Institute of Organic Chemistry Stremayrgasse 9 A-8010 Graz AUSTRIA
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18
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Gu YQ, Shen WY, Yang QY, Chen ZF, Liang H. Ru(III) complexes with pyrazolopyrimidines as anticancer agents: bioactivities and the underlying mechanisms. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:1333-1343. [PMID: 34989734 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02765d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Three ruthenium(III) complexes with pyrazolopyrimidine [Ru(Ln)(H2O)Cl3] (1-3, n = 1-3) were prepared and characterized. These Ru(III) compounds show strong cytotoxicity against six cancer cell lines and low toxicity to normal human liver cells. Particularly, they exhibited stronger cytotoxicity to SK-OV-3 cells than cisplatin. Mechanism studies revealed that complex 1 inhibited tumor cell invasion and suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis by elevating the levels of intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) and free calcium (Ca2+), and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). It also activated the caspase cascade, accompanied with upregulation of cytochrome c, Bax, p53, Apaf-1 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, complex 1 caused cell cycle arrest at S phase by inhibiting the expression of CDC 25, cyclin A2 and CDK 2 proteins, and induced DNA damage by interacting with DNA and inhibiting the topoisomerase I enzyme. Complex 1 exhibited efficient in vivo anticancer activity in a model of SK-OV-3 tumor xenograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Qiong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, P. R. China. .,School of Environment and Life Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, 530001, P. R China
| | - Wen-Ying Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, P. R. China.
| | - Qi-Yuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, P. R. China.
| | - Zhen-Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, P. R. China.
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, P. R. China.
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19
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Liu Y, Li J, Gu Y, Ma L, Cen S, Peng Z, Hu L. Synthesis and structure-activity relationship study of new biaryl amide derivatives and their inhibitory effects against hepatitis C virus. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114033. [PMID: 34883293 PMCID: PMC8648050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel biaryl amide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-HCV virus activity. Some significant SARs were uncovered. The intensive structural modifications led to fifteen novel compounds with more potent inhibitory activity compared to the hit compounds IMB 26 and IMB1f. Among them, compound 80 was the most active, with EC50 values almost equivalent to the clinical drug telaprevir (EC50 = 15 nM). Furthermore, it also had a good safety and in vitro and oral pharmacokinetic (oral bioavailability in rats: 34%) profile, suggesting a highly drug-like nature. Compound 80represents a more promising scaffold for anti-HCV virus activity for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
| | - Jianrui Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Yuxi Gu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Ling Ma
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
| | - Zonggen Peng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
| | - Laixing Hu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
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20
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Gonzalez-Pecchi V, Kwan AK, Doyle S, Ivanov AA, Du Y, Fu H. NSD3S stabilizes MYC through hindering its interaction with FBXW7. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:438-447. [PMID: 31638140 PMCID: PMC7333476 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The MYC transcription factor plays a key role in cell growth control. Enhanced MYC protein stability has been found to promote tumorigenesis. Thus, understanding how MYC stability is controlled may have significant implications for revealing MYC-driven growth regulatory mechanisms in physiological and pathological processes. Our previous work identified the histone lysine methyltransferase nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 3 (NSD3) as a MYC modulator. NSD3S, a noncatalytic isoform of NSD3 with oncogenic activity, appears to bind, stabilize, and activate the transcriptional activity of MYC. However, the mechanism by which NSD3S stabilizes MYC remains to be elucidated. To uncover the nature of the interaction and the underlying mechanism of MYC regulation by NSD3S, we characterized the binding interface between both proteins by narrowing the interface to a 15-amino acid region in NSD3S that is partially required for MYC regulation. Mechanistically, NSD3S binds to MYC and reduces the association of F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) with MYC, which results in suppression of FBXW7-mediated proteasomal degradation of MYC and an increase in MYC protein half-life. These results support a critical role for NSD3S in the regulation of MYC function and provide a novel mechanism for NSD3S oncogenic function through inhibition of FBXW7-mediated degradation of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gonzalez-Pecchi
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Albert K Kwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrey A Ivanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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21
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Ahmadi SE, Rahimi S, Zarandi B, Chegeni R, Safa M. MYC: a multipurpose oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic implications in blood malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:121. [PMID: 34372899 PMCID: PMC8351444 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC oncogene is a transcription factor with a wide array of functions affecting cellular activities such as cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and hematopoiesis. Due to the multi-functionality of MYC, its expression is regulated at multiple levels. Deregulation of this oncogene can give rise to a variety of cancers. In this review, MYC regulation and the mechanisms by which MYC adjusts cellular functions and its implication in hematologic malignancies are summarized. Further, we also discuss potential inhibitors of MYC that could be beneficial for treating hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Rahimi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Zarandi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, College of Health and Human Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Radaeva M, Ton AT, Hsing M, Ban F, Cherkasov A. Drugging the 'undruggable'. Therapeutic targeting of protein-DNA interactions with the use of computer-aided drug discovery methods. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2660-2679. [PMID: 34332092 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) act as major oncodrivers in many cancers and are frequently regarded as high-value therapeutic targets. The functionality of TFs relies on direct protein-DNA interactions, which are notoriously difficult to target with small molecules. However, this prior view of the 'undruggability' of protein-DNA interfaces has shifted substantially in recent years, in part because of significant advances in computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). In this review, we highlight recent examples of successful CADD campaigns resulting in drug candidates that directly interfere with protein-DNA interactions of several key cancer TFs, including androgen receptor (AR), ETS-related gene (ERG), MYC, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), topoisomerase II (TOP2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Importantly, these findings open novel and compelling avenues for therapeutic targeting of over 1600 human TFs implicated in many conditions including and beyond cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Radaeva
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Anh-Tien Ton
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Michael Hsing
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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23
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Singh A, Kumar A, Kumar P, Nayak N, Bhardwaj T, Giri R, Garg N. A novel inhibitor L755507 efficiently blocks c-Myc-MAX heterodimerization and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100903. [PMID: 34157284 PMCID: PMC8294579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis, and its deregulation is associated with highly aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant cancers. After binding with partner MAX, the c-Myc-MAX heterodimer regulates the expression of several genes, leading to an oncogenic phenotype. Although considered a crucial therapeutic target, no clinically approved c-Myc-targeted therapy has yet been discovered. Here, we report the discovery via computer-aided drug discovery of a small molecule, L755507, which functions as a c-Myc inhibitor to efficiently restrict the growth of diverse Myc-expressing cells with low micromolar IC50 values. L755507 successfully disrupts the c-Myc-MAX heterodimer, resulting in decreased expression of c-Myc target genes. Spectroscopic and computational experiments demonstrated that L755507 binds to the c-Myc peptide and thereby stabilizes the helix-loop-helix conformation of the c-Myc transcription factor. Taken together, this study suggests that L755507 effectively inhibits the c-Myc-MAX heterodimerization and may be used for further optimization to develop a c-Myc-targeted antineoplastic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Singh
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ankur Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Namyashree Nayak
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Taniya Bhardwaj
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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24
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Salvianolic acid B noncovalently interacts with disordered c-Myc: a computational and spectroscopic-based study. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1341-1352. [PMID: 34114895 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: c-Myc, along with its partner MAX, regulates the expression of several genes, leading to an oncogenic phenotype. The MAX interacting interface of c-Myc is disordered and uncharacterized for small molecule binding. Salvianolic acid B possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including anticancer activity. The current study was designed to elucidate the interaction of the Sal_Ac_B with the disordered bHLH domain of c-Myc using computational and biophysical techniques. Materials & methods: The binding of Sal_Ac_B with Myc was studied using computational and biophysical techniques, including molecular docking and simulation, fluorescence lifetime, circular dichroism and anisotropy. Results & conclusions: The study demonstrated a high binding potential of Sal_Ac_B against the disordered Myc peptide. The binding of the compounds leads to an overall conformational change in Myc. Moreover, an extensive simulation study showed a stable Sal_Ac_B/Myc binding.
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25
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Gangarde YM, Das A, Ajit J, Saraogi I. Synthesis and Evaluation of Arylamides with Hydrophobic Side Chains for Insulin Aggregation Inhibition. Chempluschem 2021; 86:750-757. [PMID: 33949802 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Insulin, a peptide hormone, forms fibrils under aberrant physiological conditions leading to a reduction in its biological activity. To ameliorate insulin aggregation, we have synthesized a small library of oligopyridylamide foldamers decorated with different combination of hydrophobic side chains. Screening of these compounds for insulin aggregation inhibition using a Thioflavin-T assay resulted in the identification of a few hit molecules. The best hit molecule, BPAD2 inhibited insulin aggregation with an IC50 value of 0.9 μM. Mechanistic analyses suggested that BPAD2 inhibited secondary nucleation and elongation processes during aggregation. The hit molecules worked in a mechanistically distinct manner, thereby underlining the importance of structure-activity relationship studies in obtaining a molecular understanding of protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh M Gangarde
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India
| | - Anirban Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India
| | - Jainu Ajit
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India
| | - Ishu Saraogi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India.,Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India
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26
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Liu Z, Chen SS, Clarke S, Veschi V, Thiele CJ. Targeting MYCN in Pediatric and Adult Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:623679. [PMID: 33628735 PMCID: PMC7898977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.623679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of the MYC family of oncogenes, including c-MYC, MYCN and MYCL occurs in many types of cancers, and is frequently associated with a poor prognosis. The majority of functional studies have focused on c-MYC due to its broad expression profile in human cancers. The existence of highly conserved functional domains between MYCN and c-MYC suggests that MYCN participates in similar activities. MYC encodes a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) whose central oncogenic role in many human cancers makes it a highly desirable therapeutic target. Historically, as a TF, MYC has been regarded as “undruggable”. Thus, recent efforts focus on investigating methods to indirectly target MYC to achieve anti-tumor effects. This review will primarily summarize the recent progress in understanding the function of MYCN. It will explore efforts at targeting MYCN, including strategies aimed at suppression of MYCN transcription, destabilization of MYCN protein, inhibition of MYCN transcriptional activity, repression of MYCN targets and utilization of MYCN overexpression dependent synthetic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liu
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Chen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Saki Clarke
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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27
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Madden SK, de Araujo AD, Gerhardt M, Fairlie DP, Mason JM. Taking the Myc out of cancer: toward therapeutic strategies to directly inhibit c-Myc. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:3. [PMID: 33397405 PMCID: PMC7780693 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that is constitutively and aberrantly expressed in over 70% of human cancers. Its direct inhibition has been shown to trigger rapid tumor regression in mice with only mild and fully reversible side effects, suggesting this to be a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we reassess the challenges of directly targeting c-Myc, evaluate lessons learned from current inhibitors, and explore how future strategies such as miniaturisation of Omomyc and targeting E-box binding could facilitate translation of c-Myc inhibitors into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madden
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Aline Dantas de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mara Gerhardt
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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28
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Algar S, Martín-Martínez M, González-Muñiz R. Evolution in non-peptide α-helix mimetics on the road to effective protein-protein interaction modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113015. [PMID: 33423841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of interactome networks, essentially protein-protein interactions (PPIs), might represent valuable therapeutic approaches to different pathological conditions. Since a high percentage of PPIs are mediated by α-helical structures at the interacting surface, the development of compounds able to reproduce the amino acid side-chain organization of α-helices (e.g. stabilized α-helix peptides and β-derivatives, proteomimetics, and α-helix small-molecule mimetics) focuses the attention of different research groups. This appraisal describes the recent progress in the non-peptide α-helix mimetics field, which has evolved from single-face to multi-face reproducing compounds and from oligomeric to monomeric scaffolds able to bear different substituents in similar spatial dispositions as the side-chains in canonical helices. Grouped by chemical structures, the review contemplates terphenyl-like molecules, oligobenzamides and heterocyclic analogues, benzamide-amino acid conjugates and non-oligomeric small-molecules mimetics, among others, and their effectiveness to stabilize/disrupt therapeutically relevant PPIs. The X-ray structures of a couple of oligomeric peptidomimetics and of some small-molecules complexed with the MDM2 protein, as well as the state of the art on their development in clinical trials, are also remarked. The discovery of a continuously increasing number of new disease-relevant PPIs could offer future opportunities for these and other forthcoming α-helix mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Algar
- Instituto de Química Médica, IQM-CSIC, Juan de La Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
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29
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Truica MI, Burns MC, Han H, Abdulkadir SA. Turning Up the Heat on MYC: Progress in Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2020; 81:248-253. [PMID: 33087323 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
MYC is a highly validated oncogenic transcription factor and cancer target. However, the disordered nature of this protein has made it a challenging target, with no clinical stage, direct small-molecule MYC inhibitors available. Recent work leveraging a large in silico chemical library and a rapid in vivo screen has expanded the chemotypes of direct small-molecule inhibitors (MYCi). Novel MYCi represent a class of improved MYC chemical probes that bind directly to MYC to inhibit its function and to promote its degradation by enhancing GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation. One of these compounds, MYCi975, has shown remarkable tolerability and efficacy in vivo and is associated with a selective effect on MYC target gene expression. Additional effects of MYCi on the tumor immune microenvironment including immune cell infiltration and upregulation of PD-L1 expression provide a rationale for combining MYCi with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy to enhance antitumor efficacy. Our strategy for developing MYCi demonstrates an efficient way to identify selective and well-tolerated MYC inhibitors. The new MYCi provide tools for probing MYC function and serve as starting points for the development of novel anti-MYC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai I Truica
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael C Burns
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Huiying Han
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sarki A Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. .,The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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30
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Kuang G, Zhang M, Kang S, Hu D, Li X, Wei Z, Gong X, An LK, Huang ZS, Shu B, Li D. Syntheses and Evaluation of New Bisacridine Derivatives for Dual Binding of G-Quadruplex and i-Motif in Regulating Oncogene c-myc Expression. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9136-9153. [PMID: 32787078 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The c-myc oncogene is an important regulator for cell growth and differentiation, and its aberrant overexpression is closely related to the occurrence and development of various cancers. Thus, the suppression of c-myc transcription and expression has been investigated for cancer treatment. In this study, various new bisacridine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their binding with c-myc promoter G-quadruplex and i-motif. We found that a9 could bind to and stabilize both G-quadruplex and i-motif, resulting in the downregulation of c-myc gene transcription. a9 could inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce SiHa cell apoptosis and cycle arrest. a9 exhibited tumor growth inhibition activity in a SiHa xenograft tumor model, which might be related to its binding with c-myc promoter G-quadruplex and i-motif. Our results suggested that a9 as a dual G-quadruplex/i-motif binder could be effective in both oncogene replication and transcription and become a promising lead compound for further development with improved potency and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotao Kuang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Shuangshuang Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Dexuan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zuzhuang Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xue Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Lin-Kun An
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Bing Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ding Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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31
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Yiu SPT, Dorothea M, Hui KF, Chiang AKS. Lytic Induction Therapy against Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Malignancies: Past, Present, and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082142. [PMID: 32748879 PMCID: PMC7465660 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic induction therapy is an emerging virus-targeted therapeutic approach that exploits the presence of EBV in tumor cells to confer specific killing effects against EBV-associated malignancies. Efforts have been made in the past years to uncover the mechanisms of EBV latent-lytic switch and discover different classes of chemical compounds that can reactivate the EBV lytic cycle. Despite the growing list of compounds showing potential to be used in the lytic induction therapy, only a few are being tested in clinical trials, with varying degrees of success. This review will summarize the current knowledge on EBV lytic reactivation, the major hurdles of translating the lytic induction therapy into clinical settings, and highlight some potential strategies in the future development of this therapy for EBV-related lymphoid and epithelial malignancies.
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32
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Hetherington K, Hegedus Z, Edwards TA, Sessions RB, Nelson A, Wilson AJ. Stapled Peptides as HIF-1α/p300 Inhibitors: Helicity Enhancement in the Bound State Increases Inhibitory Potency. Chemistry 2020; 26:7638-7646. [PMID: 32307728 PMCID: PMC7318359 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) control virtually all cellular processes and have thus emerged as potential targets for development of molecular therapeutics. Peptide-based inhibitors of PPIs are attractive given that they offer recognition potency and selectivity features that are ideal for function, yet, they do not predominantly populate the bioactive conformation, frequently suffer from poor cellular uptake and are easily degraded, for example, by proteases. The constraint of peptides in a bioactive conformation has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate against these liabilities. In this work, using peptides derived from hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) together with dibromomaleimide stapling, we identify constrained peptide inhibitors of the HIF-1α/p300 interaction that are more potent than their unconstrained sequences. Contrary to expectation, the increased potency does not correlate with an increased population of an α-helical conformation in the unbound state as demonstrated by experimental circular dichroism analysis. Rather, the ability of the peptide to adopt a bioactive α-helical conformation in the p300 bound state is better supported in the constrained variant as demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations and circular dichroism difference spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Hetherington
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Zsofia Hegedus
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Thomas A. Edwards
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Richard B. Sessions
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of BristolMedical Sciences Building, University WalkBristolBS8 1TDUK
- BrisSynBioUniversity of Bristol, Life Sciences BuildingTyndall AvenueBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - Adam Nelson
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Andrew J. Wilson
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsWoodhouse LaneLeedsLS2 9JTUK
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33
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Yang J, Cao C, Luo D, Lan S, Luo M, Shan H, Ma X, Liu Y, Yu S, Zhong X, Li R. Discovery of 4-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-(((4-methoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)-N-phenylaniline as a novel c-myc inhibitor against colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 198:112336. [PMID: 32387836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proto-oncogene c-Myc plays an essential role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), since downregulation of c-Myc inhibits intestinal polyposis, which is the most cardinal pathological change in the development of CRC. Herein, a series of novel phenoxy-N-phenylaniline derivatives were designed and synthesized. The cytotoxicity activities of all the derivatives were measured by MTT assay in different colon cancer cells, 4-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-(((4-methoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)-N-phenylaniline (42) was discovered, the lead compound 42 with excellent cytotoxicity activity of IC50 = 0.32 μM, IC50 = 0.51 μM, in HT29 and HCT 15 cells, respectively. Compound 42 had a good inhibitory activity of c-Myc/MAX dimerization and DNA binding. Besides, compound 42 could effectively induce apoptosis and induced G2/M arrest in low concentration and G0/G1 arrest in high concentration to prevent the proliferation and differentiation in colon cancer cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the 42 strongly down-regulated expression of c-Myc. Furthermore, during 30 days treatment 42 exhibited excellent efficacy in HT29 tumor xenograft model without causing significant weight loss and toxicity. Consequently, 42 could be a promising drug candidate for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Suke Lan
- College of Chemistry & Environment Protection Engineering, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huifang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Su Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinxin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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34
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Beaulieu ME, Castillo F, Soucek L. Structural and Biophysical Insights into the Function of the Intrinsically Disordered Myc Oncoprotein. Cells 2020; 9:E1038. [PMID: 32331235 PMCID: PMC7226237 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc is a transcription factor driving growth and proliferation of cells and involved in the majority of human tumors. Despite a huge body of literature on this critical oncogene, our understanding of the exact molecular determinants and mechanisms that underlie its function is still surprisingly limited. Indubitably though, its crucial and non-redundant role in cancer biology makes it an attractive target. However, achieving successful clinical Myc inhibition has proven challenging so far, as this nuclear protein is an intrinsically disordered polypeptide devoid of any classical ligand binding pockets. Indeed, Myc only adopts a (partially) folded structure in some contexts and upon interacting with some protein partners, for instance when dimerizing with MAX to bind DNA. Here, we review the cumulative knowledge on Myc structure and biophysics and discuss the implications for its biological function and the development of improved Myc inhibitors. We focus this biophysical walkthrough mainly on the basic region helix-loop-helix leucine zipper motif (bHLHLZ), as it has been the principal target for inhibitory approaches so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.C.); (L.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Bellaterra, Spain
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35
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Carmicheal J, Atri P, Sharma S, Kumar S, Chirravuri Venkata R, Kulkarni P, Salgia R, Ghersi D, Kaur S, Batra SK. Presence and structure-activity relationship of intrinsically disordered regions across mucins. FASEB J 2020; 34:1939-1957. [PMID: 31908009 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901898rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Many members of the mucin family are evolutionarily conserved and are often aberrantly expressed and glycosylated in various benign and malignant pathologies leading to tumor invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. The large size and extensive glycosylation present challenges to study the mucin structure using traditional methods, including crystallography. We offer the hypothesis that the functional versatility of mucins may be attributed to the presence of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that provide dynamism and flexibility and that the IDRs offer potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we examined the links between the mucin structure and function based on IDRs, posttranslational modifications (PTMs), and potential impact on their interactome. Using sequence-based bioinformatics tools, we observed that mucins are predicted to be moderately (20%-40%) to highly (>40%) disordered and many conserved mucin domains could be disordered. Phosphorylation sites overlap with IDRs throughout the mucin sequences. Additionally, the majority of predicted O- and N- glycosylation sites in the tandem repeat regions occur within IDRs and these IDRs contain a large number of functional motifs, that is, molecular recognition features (MoRFs), which directly influence protein-protein interactions (PPIs). This investigation provides a novel perspective and offers an insight into the complexity and dynamic nature of mucins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Carmicheal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Pranita Atri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sunandini Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Dario Ghersi
- School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.,Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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36
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Han H, Jain AD, Truica MI, Izquierdo-Ferrer J, Anker JF, Lysy B, Sagar V, Luan Y, Chalmers ZR, Unno K, Mok H, Vatapalli R, Yoo YA, Rodriguez Y, Kandela I, Parker JB, Chakravarti D, Mishra RK, Schiltz GE, Abdulkadir SA. Small-Molecule MYC Inhibitors Suppress Tumor Growth and Enhance Immunotherapy. Cancer Cell 2019; 36:483-497.e15. [PMID: 31679823 PMCID: PMC6939458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that directly target MYC and are also well tolerated in vivo will provide invaluable chemical probes and potential anti-cancer therapeutic agents. We developed a series of small-molecule MYC inhibitors that engage MYC inside cells, disrupt MYC/MAX dimers, and impair MYC-driven gene expression. The compounds enhance MYC phosphorylation on threonine-58, consequently increasing proteasome-mediated MYC degradation. The initial lead, MYC inhibitor 361 (MYCi361), suppressed in vivo tumor growth in mice, increased tumor immune cell infiltration, upregulated PD-L1 on tumors, and sensitized tumors to anti-PD1 immunotherapy. However, 361 demonstrated a narrow therapeutic index. An improved analog, MYCi975 showed better tolerability. These findings suggest the potential of small-molecule MYC inhibitors as chemical probes and possible anti-cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Han
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Atul D Jain
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mihai I Truica
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Javier Izquierdo-Ferrer
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Jonathan F Anker
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Barbara Lysy
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Vinay Sagar
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yi Luan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zachary R Chalmers
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kenji Unno
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hanlin Mok
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rajita Vatapalli
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Young A Yoo
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yara Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Irawati Kandela
- Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - J Brandon Parker
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Debabrata Chakravarti
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - Rama K Mishra
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - Sarki A Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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37
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Ma W, Ge X, Xu Z, Zhang S, He X, Li J, Xia X, Chen X, Liu Z. Theranostic Lysosomal Targeting Anticancer and Antimetastatic Agents: Half-Sandwich Iridium(III) Rhodamine Complexes. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:15240-15248. [PMID: 31552370 PMCID: PMC6751730 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Two rhodamine-modified half-sandwich Ir(III) complexes with the general formula [(Cpx)Ir(ĈN) Cl] were synthesized and characterized, where Cpx is 1-biphenyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl (Cpxbiph). Both complexes showed potent anticancer activity against A549, HeLa, and HepG2 cancer cells and normal cells, and altered ligands had an effect on proliferation resistance. The complex enters cells through energy dependence, and because of the different ligands, not only could it affect the anticancer ability of the complex but also could affect the degree of complex lysosome targeting, lysosomal damage, and further prove the antiproliferative mechanism of the complex. Excitingly, antimetastatic experiments demonstrated that complex 1 has the ability to block the migration of cancer cells. Furthermore, although the complex did not show a stronger ability to interfere with the coenzyme NAD+/NADH pair by transfer hydrogenation, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content has shown a marked increase. NF-κB activity is increased by ROS regulation, and the role of ROS-NF-κB signaling pathway further induces apoptosis. Moreover, cell flow experiments also demonstrated that complex 1 blocked the cell cycle in S phase, but the complex did not cause significant changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Ma
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xingxing Ge
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Zhishan Xu
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong
Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shumiao Zhang
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xiangdong He
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - JuanJuan Li
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xiaorong Xia
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Institute
of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The
Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical
Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
- E-mail:
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38
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Ma W, Zhang S, Tian Z, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Xia X, Chen X, Liu Z. Potential anticancer agent for selective damage to mitochondria or lysosomes: Naphthalimide-modified fluorescent biomarker half-sandwich iridium (III) and ruthenium (II) complexes. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111599. [PMID: 31408807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this work, five naphthalimide-modified half-sandwich iridium and ruthenium complexes ([(η5-Cpx)Ir(NˆN)Cl]PF6, [(η6-p-cym)Ru(NˆN)Cl]PF6) have been presented. The anticancer activities of the complexes against various cancer cell lines were investigated, among them, complexes 2 and 4 showed better anticancer activity than cisplatin, and their anticancer activity is better than complex 5 without fluorophore. In addition, a series of biological tests of complex 2 were performed using flow cytometry, the results indicated that the complex could induce cell death in a variety of ways. By changing of the ligands, the complexes exhibited different photophysical properties, and the mechanism of action of the complexes entering the cell and inducing apoptosis are different. Moreover, complex 2 successfully targeted mitochondria, while complex 4 targeted lysosomes, causing mitochondrial damage and lysosomal damage to induce apoptosis. Excitingly, complex 2 has good antimetastatic ability to cancer cells. Furthermore, complexes 2 and 4 did not have a significant effect on the NADH binding reaction, but they had a moderate binding ability to BSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Ma
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Shumiao Zhang
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Tian
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Zhishan Xu
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xiaorong Xia
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application, The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.
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Sammak S, Hamdani N, Gorrec F, Allen MD, Freund SMV, Bycroft M, Zinzalla G. Crystal Structures and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of the Apo Form of the c-MYC:MAX bHLHZip Complex Reveal a Helical Basic Region in the Absence of DNA. Biochemistry 2019; 58:3144-3154. [PMID: 31260268 PMCID: PMC6791285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The c-MYC transcription
factor is a master regulator of cell growth
and proliferation and is an established target for cancer therapy.
This basic helix–loop–helix Zip protein forms a heterodimer
with its obligatory partner MAX, which binds to DNA via the basic
region. Considerable research efforts are focused on targeting the
heterodimerization interface and the interaction of the complex with
DNA. The only available crystal structure is that of a c-MYC:MAX complex
artificially tethered by an engineered disulfide linker and prebound
to DNA. We have carried out a detailed structural analysis of the
apo form of the c-MYC:MAX complex, with no artificial linker, both
in solution using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and
by X-ray crystallography. We have obtained crystal structures in three
different crystal forms, with resolutions between 1.35 and 2.2 Å,
that show extensive helical structure in the basic region. Determination
of the α-helical propensity using NMR chemical shift analysis
shows that the basic region of c-MYC and, to a lesser extent, that
of MAX populate helical conformations. We have also assigned the NMR
spectra of the c-MYC basic helix–loop–helix Zip motif
in the absence of MAX and showed that the basic region has an intrinsic
helical propensity even in the absence of its dimerization partner.
The presence of helical structure in the basic regions in the absence
of DNA suggests that the molecular recognition occurs via a conformational
selection rather than an induced fit. Our work provides both insight
into the mechanism of DNA binding and structural information to aid
in the development of MYC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Sammak
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) , Karolinska Institutet , Solnavägen 9 , 171 65 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Najoua Hamdani
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) , Karolinska Institutet , Solnavägen 9 , 171 65 Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Fabrice Gorrec
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Mark D Allen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Stefan M V Freund
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Mark Bycroft
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology , Cambridge Biomedical Campus , Francis Crick Avenue , Cambridge CB2 0QH , U.K
| | - Giovanna Zinzalla
- Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) , Karolinska Institutet , Solnavägen 9 , 171 65 Stockholm , Sweden
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40
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Mintzas K, Heuser M. Emerging strategies to target the dysfunctional cohesin complex in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:525-537. [PMID: 31020869 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1609943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in cohesin genes have been described in numerous solid cancers and hematologic malignancies; subsequent experimental evidence has linked these mutations with carcinogenesis. Areas covered: In this review, we present current information about the physiological role of the cohesin complex in normal and malignant cells and describe current therapeutic strategies that are being explored in cohesin-mutated cancers. We discuss a range of targets and strategies that should be explored to develop targeted therapies for patients with aberrant cohesin. Expert opinion: Targeting of the cohesin complex is an underexplored area of drug development. There is a high frequency of cohesin mutations in multiple cancers, hence specific targeting strategies should be explored. Cohesins play a crucial role in cellular organization; therefore, we expect a narrow therapeutic window of direct inhibitors of cohesin components. Exploiting experimental approaches that correct dysfunctional cohesins and coupling them with current therapeutic strategies can provide novel, innovative and more effective treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Mintzas
- a Department of Hematology , Oncology, Hemostasis and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- a Department of Hematology , Oncology, Hemostasis and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
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41
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Wang XN, Su XX, Cheng SQ, Sun ZY, Huang ZS, Ou TM. MYC modulators in cancer: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2019; 29:353-367. [PMID: 31068032 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2019.1612878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The important role of MYC in tumorigenesis makes it particularly important to design MYC modulators. Over the past decade, researchers have raised a number of strategies for designing MYC modulators, some of which are already in clinical trials. This paper aims to review the patents of MYC modulators. AREAS COVERED The important biological relevance of c-MYC and the regulation pathways related to c-MYC are briefly introduced. Base on that, the MYC modulators reported in published patents and references primarily for cancer treatment are outlined, highlighting the structures and biological activities. EXPERT OPINION There has been a growing awareness of finding and designing MYC modulators as novel anticancer drugs over recent years. Patents involving the discovery, synthesis, and application of MYC modulators are particularly important for further development in this field. Although finding direct MYC inhibitors or binders is challenging, MYC cannot be simply defined as an undruggable target. There is still substantial evidence proving the concept that MYC modulators can benefit to the treatment of both human hematological malignancies and solid tumors. More efforts should be taken to improve the activity and specificity of MYC modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Na Wang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Su
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Sui-Qi Cheng
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Yin Sun
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
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Sheikh‐Zeineddini N, Bashash D, Safaroghli‐Azar A, Riyahi N, Shabestari RM, Janzamin E, Safa M. Suppression of c‐Myc using 10058‐F4 exerts caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis and intensifies the antileukemic effect of vincristine in pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:14004-14016. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Sheikh‐Zeineddini
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ava Safaroghli‐Azar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Niknam Riyahi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Rima Manafi Shabestari
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | | | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Ma W, Guo L, Tian Z, Zhang S, He X, Li J, Yang Y, Liu Z. Rhodamine-modified fluorescent half-sandwich iridium and ruthenium complexes: potential application as bioimaging and anticancer agents. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:4788-4793. [DOI: 10.1039/c9dt00999j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Most half-sandwich metal anticancer complexes are non-fluorescent, which results in an uncertain mechanism of action (MoA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Ma
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - Lihua Guo
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - Zhenzhen Tian
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - Shumiao Zhang
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - Xiangdong He
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - JuanJuan Li
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - Yuliang Yang
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
| | - Zhe Liu
- Institute of Anticancer Agents Development and Theranostic Application
- The Key Laboratory of Life-Organic Analysis and Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Intermediates and Analysis of Natural Medicine
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Qufu Normal University
- Qufu 273165
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44
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Lee Y, Im H, Das S, Oh M, Lee JH, Ham S, Lim HS. Bridged α-helix mimetic small molecules. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:13311-13314. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc03627j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a strategy for generating conformationally restricted α-helix mimetic small molecules by introducing covalent bridges that limit rotation about the central axis of α-helix mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongju Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Division of Advanced Material Science
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang 37673
- South Korea
| | - Haeri Im
- Department of Chemistry
- Sookmyung Women's University
- Seoul 04310
- South Korea
| | - Sanket Das
- Department of Chemistry and Division of Advanced Material Science
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang 37673
- South Korea
| | - Misook Oh
- Department of Chemistry and Division of Advanced Material Science
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang 37673
- South Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Lee
- New Drug Development Centre
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation
- Daegu 41061
- South Korea
| | - Sihyun Ham
- Department of Chemistry
- Sookmyung Women's University
- Seoul 04310
- South Korea
| | - Hyun-Suk Lim
- Department of Chemistry and Division of Advanced Material Science
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
- Pohang 37673
- South Korea
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45
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46
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Carabet LA, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Therapeutic Inhibition of Myc in Cancer. Structural Bases and Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E120. [PMID: 30597997 PMCID: PMC6337544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc (avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) represents one of the most sought after drug targets in cancer. Myc transcription factor is an essential regulator of cell growth, but in most cancers it is overexpressed and associated with treatment-resistance and lethal outcomes. Over 40 years of research and drug development efforts did not yield a clinically useful Myc inhibitor. Drugging the "undruggable" is problematic, as Myc inactivation may negatively impact its physiological functions. Moreover, Myc is a disordered protein that lacks effective binding pockets on its surface. It is well established that the Myc function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner, Max (Myc associated factor X), which together form a functional DNA-binding domain to activate genomic targets. Herein, we provide an overview of the knowledge accumulated to date on Myc regulation and function, its critical role in cancer, and summarize various strategies that are employed to tackle Myc-driven malignant transformation. We focus on important structure-function relationships of Myc with its interactome, elaborating structural determinants of Myc-Max dimer formation and DNA recognition exploited for therapeutic inhibition. Chronological development of small-molecule Myc-Max prototype inhibitors and corresponding binding sites are comprehensively reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on modern computational drug design methods. On the outlook, technological advancements may soon provide the so long-awaited Myc-Max clinical candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia A Carabet
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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Ruan H, Sun Q, Zhang W, Liu Y, Lai L. Targeting intrinsically disordered proteins at the edge of chaos. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:217-227. [PMID: 30278223 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins or intrinsically disordered regions (IDPs or IDRs) are those that do not fold into defined tertiary structures under physiological conditions. Given their prevalence in various diseases, IDPs are attractive therapeutic targets. However, because of the dynamic nature of the IDP structure, conventional structure-based drug design methods cannot be directly applied. Thanks to recent progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying IDP and ligand interactions, computational strategies for IDP-targeted rational drug discovery are emerging. Here, we summarize recent developments in computational IDP drug design strategies and their successful applications, analyze the typical properties of reported IDP-binding compounds (iIDPs), and discuss the major challenges ahead as well as possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ruan
- BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qi Sun
- BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weilin Zhang
- BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ying Liu
- BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Luhua Lai
- BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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48
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Hydbring P, Zhang F, Verschut V, Franco M, Zakaria SM, Bazzar W, Goodwin J, Zinzalla G, Larsson LG. A selective high affinity MYC-binding compound inhibits MYC:MAX interaction and MYC-dependent tumor cell proliferation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10064. [PMID: 29968736 PMCID: PMC6030159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC is a key player in tumor development, but unfortunately no specific MYC-targeting drugs are clinically available. MYC is strictly dependent on heterodimerization with MAX for transcription activation. Aiming at targeting this interaction, we identified MYCMI-6 in a cell-based protein interaction screen for small inhibitory molecules. MYCMI-6 exhibits strong selective inhibition of MYC:MAX interaction in cells and in vitro at single-digit micromolar concentrations, as validated by split Gaussia luciferase, in situ proximity ligation, microscale thermophoresis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Further, MYCMI-6 blocks MYC-driven transcription and binds selectively to the MYC bHLHZip domain with a KD of 1.6 ± 0.5 μM as demonstrated by SPR. MYCMI-6 inhibits tumor cell growth in a MYC-dependent manner with IC50 concentrations as low as 0.5 μM, while sparing normal cells. The response to MYCMI-6 correlates with MYC expression based on data from 60 human tumor cell lines and is abrogated by MYC depletion. Further, it inhibits MYC:MAX interaction, reduces proliferation and induces massive apoptosis in tumor tissue from a MYC-driven xenograft tumor model without severe side effects. Since MYCMI-6 does not affect MYC expression, it is a unique molecular tool to specifically target MYC:MAX pharmacologically and it has good potential for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- TLV, Box 225 20, 104 22, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Siti Mariam Zakaria
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jacob Goodwin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanna Zinzalla
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Santofimia-Castaño P, Rizzuti B, Abián O, Velázquez-Campoy A, Iovanna JL, Neira JL. Amphipathic helical peptides hamper protein-protein interactions of the intrinsically disordered chromatin nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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50
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Anura A, Kazi A, Pal M, Paul RR, Sengupta S, Chatterjee J. Endorsing cellular competitiveness in aberrant epithelium of oral submucous fibrosis progression: neighbourhood analysis of immunohistochemical attributes. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 150:61-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1671-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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