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Russell LE, Yadav J, Maldonato BJ, Chien HC, Zou L, Vergara AG, Villavicencio EG. Transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions: regulatory guidelines, in vitro and in vivo methodologies and translation, special populations, and the blood-brain barrier. Drug Metab Rev 2024:1-28. [PMID: 38967415 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2364591] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
This review, part of a special issue on drug-drug interactions (DDIs) spearheaded by the International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX) New Investigators, explores the critical role of drug transporters in absorption, disposition, and clearance in the context of DDIs. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in understanding the clinical relevance of these transporters. Current knowledge on key uptake and efflux transporters that affect drug disposition and development is summarized. Regulatory guidelines from the FDA, EMA, and PMDA that inform the evaluation of potential transporter-mediated DDIs are discussed in detail. Methodologies for preclinical and clinical testing to assess potential DDIs are reviewed, with an emphasis on the utility of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. This includes the application of relative abundance and expression factors to predict human pharmacokinetics (PK) using preclinical data, integrating the latest regulatory guidelines. Considerations for assessing transporter-mediated DDIs in special populations, including pediatric, hepatic, and renal impairment groups, are provided. Additionally, the impact of transporters at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) on the disposition of CNS-related drugs is explored. Enhancing the understanding of drug transporters and their role in drug disposition and toxicity can improve efficacy and reduce adverse effects. Continued research is essential to bridge remaining gaps in knowledge, particularly in comparison with cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Russell
- Department of Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences, AbbVie Inc, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jaydeep Yadav
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics, Merck & Co., Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Maldonato
- Department of Nonclinical Development and Clinical Pharmacology, Revolution Medicines, Inc, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Huan-Chieh Chien
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ling Zou
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ana G Vergara
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Erick G Villavicencio
- Department of Biology-Discovery, Imaging and Functional Genomics, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
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2
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Gröner B, Hoffmann C, Endepols H, Urusova EA, Brugger M, Neumaier F, Timmer M, Neumaier B, Zlatopolskiy BD. Radiosynthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of m-[ 18F]FET and [ 18F]FET-OMe as Novel [ 18F]FET Analogs for Brain Tumor Imaging. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2795-2812. [PMID: 38747353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01215] [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: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
O-([18F]Fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine ([18F]FET) is actively transported into the brain and cancer cells by LAT1 and possibly other amino acid transporters, which enables brain tumor imaging by positron emission tomography (PET). However, tumor delivery of this probe in the presence of competing amino acids may be limited by a relatively low affinity for LAT1. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the meta-substituted [18F]FET analog m-[18F]FET and the methyl ester [18F]FET-OMe, which were designed to improve tumor delivery by altering the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and/or transport properties. Both tracers could be prepared with good radiochemical yields of 41-56% within 66-90 min. Preclinical evaluation with [18F]FET as a reference tracer demonstrated reduced in vitro uptake of [18F]FET-OMe by U87 glioblastoma cells and no advantage for in vivo tumor imaging. In contrast, m-[18F]FET showed significantly improved in vitro uptake and accelerated in vivo tumor accumulation in an orthotopic glioblastoma model. As such, our work identifies m-[18F]FET as a promising alternative to [18F]FET for brain tumor imaging that deserves further evaluation with regard to its transport properties and in vivo biodistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Gröner
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Chris Hoffmann
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Heike Endepols
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Elizaveta A Urusova
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Melanie Brugger
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
| | - Felix Neumaier
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Marco Timmer
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Neurosurgery, Department of General Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Bernd Neumaier
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Boris D Zlatopolskiy
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
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3
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Bahrami K, Kärkkäinen J, Bibi S, Huttunen J, Tampio J, Montaser AB, Moody CL, Lehtonen M, Rautio J, Wheelhouse RT, Huttunen KM. Specific transport of temozolomide does not override DNA repair-mediated chemoresistance. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 195:106661. [PMID: 38052257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106661] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ) a DNA alkylating agent, is the standard-of-care for brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Although the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of TMZ, such as chemical stability and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), have been questioned in the past, the acquired chemoresistance has been the main limiting factor of long-term clinical use of TMZ. In the present study, an L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-utilizing prodrug of TMZ (TMZ-AA, 6) was prepared and studied for its cellular accumulation and cytotoxic properties in human squamous cell carcinoma, UT-SCC-28 and UT-SCC-42B cells, and TMZ-sensitive human glioma, U-87MG cells that expressed functional LAT1. TMZ-AA 6 accumulated more effectively than TMZ itself into those cancer cells that expressed LAT1 (UT-SCC-42B). However, this did not correlate with decreased viability of treated cells. Indeed, TMZ-AA 6, similarly to TMZ itself, required adjuvant inhibitor(s) of DNA-repair systems, O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) and base excision repair (BER), as well as active DNA mismatch repair (MMR), for maximal growth inhibition. The present study shows that improving the delivery of this widely-used methylating agent is not the main barrier to improved chemotherapy, although utilizing a specific transporter overexpressed at the BBB or glioma cells can have targeting advantages. To obtain a more effective anticancer prodrug, the compound design focus should shift to altering the major DNA alkylation site or inhibiting DNA repair systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayun Bahrami
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jussi Kärkkäinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sania Bibi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne Tampio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ahmed B Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Marko Lehtonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarkko Rautio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Subbaiah MAM, Rautio J, Meanwell NA. Prodrugs as empowering tools in drug discovery and development: recent strategic applications of drug delivery solutions to mitigate challenges associated with lead compounds and drug candidates. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:2099-2210. [PMID: 38226865 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00957a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of a drug to a specific organ or tissue at an efficacious concentration is the pharmacokinetic (PK) hallmark of promoting effective pharmacological action at a target site with an acceptable safety profile. Sub-optimal pharmaceutical or ADME profiles of drug candidates, which can often be a function of inherently poor physicochemical properties, pose significant challenges to drug discovery and development teams and may contribute to high compound attrition rates. Medicinal chemists have exploited prodrugs as an informed strategy to productively enhance the profiles of new chemical entities by optimizing the physicochemical, biopharmaceutical, and pharmacokinetic properties as well as selectively delivering a molecule to the site of action as a means of addressing a range of limitations. While discovery scientists have traditionally employed prodrugs to improve solubility and membrane permeability, the growing sophistication of prodrug technologies has enabled a significant expansion of their scope and applications as an empowering tool to mitigate a broad range of drug delivery challenges. Prodrugs have emerged as successful solutions to resolve non-linear exposure, inadequate exposure to support toxicological studies, pH-dependent absorption, high pill burden, formulation challenges, lack of feasibility of developing solid and liquid dosage forms, first-pass metabolism, high dosing frequency translating to reduced patient compliance and poor site-specific drug delivery. During the period 2012-2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 50 prodrugs, which amounts to 13% of approved small molecule drugs, reflecting both the importance and success of implementing prodrug approaches in the pursuit of developing safe and effective drugs to address unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugaiah A M Subbaiah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Biocon Park, Bommasandra Phase IV, Bangalore, PIN 560099, India.
| | - Jarkko Rautio
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The College of Pharmacy, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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5
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Morrow JP, Mazrad ZAI, Warne NM, Ayton S, Bush AI, Kempe K. Schiff-Base Cross-Linked Poly(2-oxazoline) Micelle Drug Conjugates Possess Antiferroptosis Activity in Numerous In Vitro Cell Models. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1068-1083. [PMID: 38178625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
A great deal of nanocarriers have been applied to induce ferroptosis in cancer research, yet there are limited examples of nanocarrier formulations to rescue ferroptosis, which can be applied to neurodegeneration, inflammation, liver damage, kidney disease, and more. Here, we present the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of pH-responsive, core-cross-linked micelle (CCM) ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) conjugates with amine, valproic acid, and biotin surface chemistries. Fer-1 release from stable and defined CCM Fer-1 conjugates was quantified, highlighting the sustained release for 24 h. CCM Fer-1 conjugates demonstrated excellent ferroptosis rescue by their antilipid peroxidation activity in a diverse set of cell lines in vitro. Additionally, CCMs showed tunable cell association in SH-SY5Y and translocation across an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, highlighting potential brain disease applications. Overall, here, we present a polymeric Fer-1 delivery system to enhance Fer-1 action, which could help in improving Fer-1 action in the treatment of ferroptosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Morrow
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Zihnil A I Mazrad
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Nicole M Warne
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kristian Kempe
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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6
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Li J, Ye E, Huang J, Xu M, Zhang J, Zhang J, Cai H, Zhang J. Cysteine-modified PEGylated nanoparticles for targeted delivery of methylprednisolone to pancreatitis. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 195:114179. [PMID: 38199584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114179] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The timely suppression of inflammatory mediator production and mitigation of their effects on pancreatic acinar cells are crucial for the successful management of acute pancreatitis. To achieve effective treatment, we present a novel approach utilizing cysteine modified PEG nanoparticles for both precise accumulation at the site of pancreatitis and specific targeting of acinar cells. Methylprednisolone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was tailored to enhance its circulation time in the bloodstream, preferentially accumulate in the pancreas and enhance cell uptake efficiency by acinar cells through specifically targeting L-Type amino acid transporter 1. The nanosystem significantly downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, resulting in the effective suppression of inflammation in acinar cells within an acute pancreatitis rat model. The utilization of the dual targeted therapy strategy holds considerable potential for the clinical management of pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Li
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ertai Ye
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jingwen Huang
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jieke Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Junrong Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huijie Cai
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jinjie Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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7
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Huttunen J, Tampio J, Järvinen J, Montaser AB, Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM. Amino acid derivative of probenecid potentiates apoptosis-inducing effects of vinblastine by increasing oxidative stress in a cancer cell-specific manner. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 388:110833. [PMID: 38101600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic drugs suffer from multidrug resistance (MDR). Efflux transporters, namely ATP-binding cassettes (ABCs), that pump the drugs out of the cancer cells comprise one major reason behind MDR. Therefore, ABC inhibitors have been under development for ages, but unfortunately, without clinical success. In the present study, an l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-utilizing derivative of probenecid (PRB) was developed as a cancer cell-targeted efflux inhibitor for P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) and/or several multidrug resistant proteins (MRPs), and its ability to increase vinblastine (VBL) cellular accumulation and apoptosis-inducing effects were explored. The novel amino acid derivative of PRB (2) increased the VBL exposure in triple-negative human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and human glioma cells (U-87MG) by 10-68 -times and 2-5-times, respectively, but not in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). However, the combination therapy had greater cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 compared to MDA-MB-231 cells due to the increased oxidative stress recorded in MCF-7 cells. The metabolomic study also revealed that compound 2, together with VBL, decreased the transport of those amino acids essential for the biosynthesis of endogenous anti-oxidant glutathione (GSH). Moreover, the metabolic differences between the outcomes of the studied breast cancer cell lines were explained by the distinct expression profiles of solute carriers (SLCs) that can be concomitantly inhibited. Therefore, attacking several SLCs simultaneously to change the nutrient environment of cancer cells can serve as an adjuvant therapy to other chemotherapeutics, offering an alternative to ABC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janne Tampio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juulia Järvinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ahmed B Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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8
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Järvinen J, Montaser AB, Adla SK, Leppänen J, Lehtonen M, Vellonen KS, Laitinen T, Jalkanen A, Elmquist WF, Timonen J, Huttunen KM, Rautio J. Altering distribution profile of palbociclib by its prodrugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106637. [PMID: 37967656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106637] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, is currently used clinically for treating hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative breast cancer. Additionally, it has the potential to be utilized in the treatment of various tumors, including malignant glioblastoma. Previous research has indicated that palbociclib is a substrate for two efflux transporters, P-glycoprotein (P-gp; MDR1) and breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP), which restrict the brain exposure of palbociclib. In the present study, our objective was to alter the brain distribution pattern of palbociclib by creating and assessing two novel prodrugs through in vitro, in situ, and in vivo evaluations. To this end, we synthesized two prodrugs of palbociclib by attaching it to the tyrosine promoiety at the para- (PD1) and meta-(PD2) position via a carbamate bond. We hypothesized that the prodrugs could bypass efflux transporter-mediated drug resistance by leveraging the l-type amino acid transporter (LAT1) to facilitate their transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into cancer cells, such as glioma cells that express LAT1. The compounds PD1 and PD2 did not show selective binding and had limited inhibitory effects on LAT1 in three cell lines (MCF-7, U87-MG, HEK-hLAT1). However, PD1 and PD2 demonstrated the ability to evade efflux mechanisms, and their in vitro uptake profiles were comparable to that of palbociclib, indicating their potential for effective cellular transport. In in situ and in vivo studies, brain uptake was not significantly improved compared to palbociclib, but the pharmacokinetic profiles showed encouraging enhancements. PD1 exhibited a higher AUCbrain/plasma ratio, suggesting safer dosing, while PD2 showed favorable long-acting pharmacokinetics. Although our prodrug design did not significantly improve palbociclib brain delivery due to the potential size limitation of the prodrugs, the study provides valuable insights for future prodrug development and drug delivery strategies targeting specific transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juulia Järvinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ahmed B Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Santosh Kumar Adla
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Leppänen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Lehtonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kati-Sisko Vellonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aaro Jalkanen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - William F Elmquist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Juri Timonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarkko Rautio
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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9
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Gyimesi G, Hediger MA. Transporter-Mediated Drug Delivery. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031151. [PMID: 36770817 PMCID: PMC9919865 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane transport of small organic and inorganic molecules is one of the cornerstones of cellular metabolism. Among transmembrane transporters, solute carrier (SLC) proteins form the largest, albeit very diverse, superfamily with over 400 members. It was recognized early on that xenobiotics can directly interact with SLCs and that this interaction can fundamentally determine their efficacy, including bioavailability and intertissue distribution. Apart from the well-established prodrug strategy, the chemical ligation of transporter substrates to nanoparticles of various chemical compositions has recently been used as a means to enhance their targeting and absorption. In this review, we summarize efforts in drug design exploiting interactions with specific SLC transporters to optimize their therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we describe current and future challenges as well as new directions for the advanced development of therapeutics that target SLC transporters.
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10
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Huttunen J, Kronenberger T, Montaser AB, Králová A, Terasaki T, Poso A, Huttunen KM. Sodium-Dependent Neutral Amino Acid Transporter 2 Can Serve as a Tertiary Carrier for l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1-Utilizing Prodrugs. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1331-1346. [PMID: 36688491 PMCID: PMC9906736 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Membrane transporters are the key determinants of the homeostasis of endogenous compounds in the cells and their exposure to drugs. However, the substrate specificities of distinct transporters can overlap. In the present study, the interactions of l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-utilizing prodrugs with sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) were explored. The results showed that the cellular uptake of LAT1-utilizing prodrugs into a human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 cells, was mediated via SNATs as the uptake was increased at higher pH (8.5), decreased in the absence of sodium, and inhibited in the presence of unselective SNAT-inhibitor, (α-(methylamino)isobutyric acid, MeAIB). Moreover, docking the compounds to a SNAT2 homology model (inward-open conformation) and further molecular dynamics simulations and the subsequent trajectory and principal component analyses confirmed the chemical features supporting the interactions of the studied compounds with SNAT2, which was found to be the main SNAT expressed in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland,Department
of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital
Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse
14, DE 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Department
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Eberhard-Karls-Universität,
Tübingen, Auf
der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Cluster
of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally
Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University
of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ahmed B. Montaser
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Adéla Králová
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland,Department
of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital
Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse
14, DE 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Department
of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Eberhard-Karls-Universität,
Tübingen, Auf
der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Cluster
of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally
Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University
of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany,Tübingen
Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kristiina M. Huttunen
- School
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.
Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland,
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11
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Bahrami K, Järvinen J, Laitinen T, Reinisalo M, Honkakoski P, Poso A, Huttunen KM, Rautio J. Structural Features Affecting the Interactions and Transportability of LAT1-Targeted Phenylalanine Drug Conjugates. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:206-218. [PMID: 36394563 PMCID: PMC9811466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00594] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) transfers essential amino acids across cell membranes. Owing to its predominant expression in the blood-brain barrier and tumor cells, LAT1 has been exploited for drug delivery and targeting to the central nervous system (CNS) and various cancers. Although the interactions of amino acids and their mimicking compounds with LAT1 have been extensively investigated, the specific structural features for an optimal drug scaffold have not yet been determined. Here, we evaluated a series of LAT1-targeted drug-phenylalanine conjugates (ligands) by determining their uptake rates by in vitro studies and investigating their interaction with LAT1 via induced-fit docking. Combining the experimental and computational data, we concluded that although LAT1 can accommodate various types of structures, smaller compounds are preferred. As the ligand size increased, its flexibility became more crucial in determining the compound's transportability and interactions. Compounds with linear or planar structures exhibited reduced uptake; those with rigid lipophilic structures lacked interactions and likely utilized other transport mechanisms for cellular entry. Introducing polar groups between aromatic structures enhanced interactions. Interestingly, compounds with a carbamate bond in the aromatic ring's para-position displayed very good transport efficiencies for the larger compounds. Compared to the ester bond, the corresponding amide bond had superior hydrogen bond acceptor properties and increased interactions. A reverse amide bond was less favorable than a direct amide bond for interactions with LAT1. The present information can be applied broadly to design appropriate CNS or antineoplastic drug candidates with a prodrug strategy and to discover novel LAT1 inhibitors used either as direct or adjuvant cancer therapy.
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12
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Montaser AB, Kuiri J, Natunen T, Hruška P, Potěšil D, Auriola S, Hiltunen M, Terasaki T, Lehtonen M, Jalkanen A, Huttunen KM. Enhanced drug delivery by a prodrug approach effectively relieves neuroinflammation in mice. Life Sci 2022; 310:121088. [PMID: 36257461 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Neuroinflammation is a prominent hallmark in several neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Halting neuroinflammation can slow down the progression of NDs. Improving the efficacy of clinically available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a promising approach that may lead to fast-track and effective disease-modifying therapies for NDs. Here, we aimed to utilize the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) to improve the efficacy of salicylic acid as an example of an NSAID prodrug, for which brain uptake and intracellular localization have been reported earlier. MAIN METHODS Firstly, we confirmed the improved LAT1 utilization of the salicylic acid prodrug (SA-AA) in freshly isolated primary mouse microglial cells. Secondly, we performed behavioural rotarod, open field, and four-limb hanging tests in mice, and a whole-brain proteome analysis. KEY FINDINGS The SA-AA prodrug alleviated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the rotarod and hanging tests. The proteome analysis indicated decreased neuroinflammation at the molecular level. We identified 399 proteins linked to neuroinflammation out of 7416 proteins detected in the mouse brain. Among them, Gps2, Vamp8, Slc6a3, Slc18a2, Slc5a7, Rgs9, Lrrc1, Ppp1r1b, Gnal, and Adcy5/6 were associated with the drug's effects. The SA-AA prodrug attenuated the LPS-induced neuroinflammation through the regulation of critical pathways of neuroinflammation such as the cellular response to stress and transmission across chemical synapses. SIGNIFICANCE The efficacy of NSAIDs can be improved via the utilization of LAT1 and repurposed for the treatment of neuroinflammation. This improved brain delivery and microglia localisation can be applied to other inflammatory modulators to achieve effective and targeted CNS therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Janita Kuiri
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pavel Hruška
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Potěšil
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Lehtonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aaro Jalkanen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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13
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Mitusova K, Peltek OO, Karpov TE, Muslimov AR, Zyuzin MV, Timin AS. Overcoming the blood–brain barrier for the therapy of malignant brain tumor: current status and prospects of drug delivery approaches. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:412. [PMID: 36109754 PMCID: PMC9479308 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides the broad development of nanotechnological approaches for cancer diagnosis and therapy, currently, there is no significant progress in the treatment of different types of brain tumors. Therapeutic molecules crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reaching an appropriate targeting ability remain the key challenges. Many invasive and non-invasive methods, and various types of nanocarriers and their hybrids have been widely explored for brain tumor treatment. However, unfortunately, no crucial clinical translations were observed to date. In particular, chemotherapy and surgery remain the main methods for the therapy of brain tumors. Exploring the mechanisms of the BBB penetration in detail and investigating advanced drug delivery platforms are the key factors that could bring us closer to understanding the development of effective therapy against brain tumors. In this review, we discuss the most relevant aspects of the BBB penetration mechanisms, observing both invasive and non-invasive methods of drug delivery. We also review the recent progress in the development of functional drug delivery platforms, from viruses to cell-based vehicles, for brain tumor therapy. The destructive potential of chemotherapeutic drugs delivered to the brain tumor is also considered. This review then summarizes the existing challenges and future prospects in the use of drug delivery platforms for the treatment of brain tumors.
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14
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Targeting Transporters for Drug Delivery to the Brain: Can We Do Better? Pharm Res 2022; 39:1415-1455. [PMID: 35359241 PMCID: PMC9246765 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03241-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Limited drug delivery to the brain is one of the major reasons for high failure rates of central nervous system (CNS) drug candidates. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) with its tight junctions, membrane transporters, receptors and metabolizing enzymes is a main player in drug delivery to the brain, restricting the entrance of the drugs and other xenobiotics. Current knowledge about the uptake transporters expressed at the BBB and brain parenchymal cells has been used for delivery of CNS drugs to the brain via targeting transporters. Although many transporter-utilizing (pro)drugs and nanocarriers have been developed to improve the uptake of drugs to the brain, their success rate of translation from preclinical development to humans is negligible. In the present review, we provide a systematic summary of the current progress in development of transporter-utilizing (pro)drugs and nanocarriers for delivery of drugs to the brain. In addition, we applied CNS pharmacokinetic concepts for evaluation of the limitations and gaps in investigation of the developed transporter-utilizing (pro)drugs and nanocarriers. Finally, we give recommendations for a rational development of transporter-utilizing drug delivery systems targeting the brain based on CNS pharmacokinetic principles.
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15
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Huttunen J, Agami M, Tampio J, Montaser AB, Huttunen KM. Comparison of Experimental Strategies to Study l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) Utilization by Ligands. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010037. [PMID: 35011270 PMCID: PMC8746705 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
l-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), expressed abundantly in the brain and placenta and overexpressed in several cancer cell types, has gained a lot of interest in drug research and development, as it can be utilized for brain-targeted drug delivery, as well as inhibiting the essential amino acid supply to cancer cells. The structure of LAT1 is today very well-known and the interactions of ligands at the binding site of LAT1 can be modeled and explained. However, less is known of LAT1′s life cycle within the cells. Moreover, the functionality of LAT1 can be measured by several different methods, which may vary between the laboratories and make the comparison of the results challenging. In the present study, the usefulness of indirect cis-inhibition methods and direct cellular uptake methods and their variations to interpret the interactions of LAT1-ligands were evaluated. Moreover, this study also highlights the importance of understanding the intracellular kinetics of LAT1-ligands, and how they can affect the regular function of LAT1 in critical tissues, such as the brain. Hence, it is discussed herein how the selected methodology influences the outcome and created knowledge of LAT1-utilizing compounds.
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16
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Chemical Approaches for Studying the Biology and Pharmacology of Membrane Transporters: The Histidine/Large Amino Acid Transporter SLC7A5 as a Benchmark. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216562. [PMID: 34770970 PMCID: PMC8588388 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The localization of membrane transporters at the forefront of natural barriers makes these proteins very interesting due to their involvement in the absorption and distribution of nutrients and xenobiotics, including drugs. Over the years, structure/function relationship studies have been performed employing several strategies, including chemical modification of exposed amino acid residues. These approaches are very meaningful when applied to membrane transporters, given that these proteins are characterized by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains with a different degree of accessibility to employed chemicals. Besides basic features, the chemical targeting approaches can disclose information useful for pharmacological applications as well. An eminent example of this picture is the histidine/large amino acid transporter SLC7A5, known as LAT1 (Large Amino Acid Transporter 1). This protein is crucial in cell life because it is responsible for mediating the absorption and distribution of essential amino acids in peculiar body districts, such as the blood brain barrier and placenta. Furthermore, LAT1 can recognize a large variety of molecules of pharmacological interest and is also considered a hot target for drugs due to its over-expression in virtually all human cancers. Therefore, it is not surprising that the chemical targeting approach, coupled with bioinformatics, site-directed mutagenesis and transport assays, proved fundamental in describing features of LAT1 such as the substrate binding site, regulatory domains and interactions with drugs that will be discussed in this review. The results on LAT1 can be considered to have general applicability to other transporters linked with human diseases.
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17
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Song J, Lu C, Leszek J, Zhang J. Design and Development of Nanomaterial-Based Drug Carriers to Overcome the Blood-Brain Barrier by Using Different Transport Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10118. [PMID: 34576281 PMCID: PMC8465340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are the leading causes of death and disabilities in the world. It is quite challenging to treat CNS diseases efficiently because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is a physical barrier with tight junction proteins and high selectivity to limit the substance transportation between the blood and neural tissues. Thus, it is important to understand BBB transport mechanisms for developing novel drug carriers to overcome the BBB. This paper introduces the structure of the BBB and its physiological transport mechanisms. Meanwhile, different strategies for crossing the BBB by using nanomaterial-based drug carriers are reviewed, including carrier-mediated, adsorptive-mediated, and receptor-mediated transcytosis. Since the viral-induced CNS diseases are associated with BBB breakdown, various neurotropic viruses and their mechanisms on BBB disruption are reviewed and discussed, which are considered as an alternative solution to overcome the BBB. Therefore, most recent studies on virus-mimicking nanocarriers for drug delivery to cross the BBB are also reviewed and discussed. On the other hand, the routes of administration of drug-loaded nanocarriers to the CNS have been reviewed. In sum, this paper reviews and discusses various strategies and routes of nano-formulated drug delivery systems across the BBB to the brain, which will contribute to the advanced diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Song
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Str., London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada;
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Str., London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada;
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Str., London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada;
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Str., London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada;
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18
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Targeting Systems to the Brain Obtained by Merging Prodrugs, Nanoparticles, and Nasal Administration. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081144. [PMID: 34452105 PMCID: PMC8399330 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
About 40 years ago the lipidization of hydrophilic drugs was proposed to induce their brain targeting by transforming them into lipophilic prodrugs. Unfortunately, lipidization often transforms a hydrophilic neuroactive agent into an active efflux transporter (AET) substrate, with consequent rejection from the brain after permeation across the blood brain barrier (BBB). Currently, the prodrug approach has greatly evolved in comparison to lipidization. This review describes the evolution of the prodrug approach for brain targeting considering the design of prodrugs as active influx substrates or molecules able to inhibit or elude AETs. Moreover, the prodrug approach appears strategic in optimization of the encapsulation of neuroactive drugs in nanoparticulate systems that can be designed to induce their receptor-mediated transport (RMT) across the BBB by appropriate decorations on their surface. Nasal administration is described as a valuable alternative to obtain the brain targeting of drugs, evidencing that the prodrug approach can allow the optimization of micro or nanoparticulate nasal formulations of neuroactive agents in order to obtain this goal. Furthermore, nasal administration is also proposed for prodrugs characterized by peripheral instability but potentially able to induce their targeting inside cells of the brain.
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19
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Kärkkäinen J, Laitinen T, Markowicz-Piasecka M, Montaser A, Lehtonen M, Rautio J, Gynther M, Poso A, Huttunen KM. Molecular characteristics supporting l-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-mediated translocation. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104921. [PMID: 33933805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
l-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is an interesting protein due to its peculiar expression profile. It can be utilized not only as a carrier for improved or targeted drug delivery, e.g., into the brain but also as a target protein by which amino acid supply can be restricted, e.g., from the cancer cells. The recognition and binding processes of LAT1-ligands, such as amino acids and clinically used small molecules, including l-dopa, gabapentin, and melphalan, are today well-known. Binding to LAT1 is crucial, particularly when designing the LAT1-inhibitors. However, it will not guarantee effective translocation across the cell membrane via LAT1, which is a definite requirement for LAT1-substrates, such as drugs that elicit their pharmacological effects inside the cells. Therefore, in the present study, the accumulation of known LAT1-utilizing compounds into the selected LAT1-expressing cancer cells (MCF-7) was explored experimentally over a time period. The differences found among the transport efficiency and affinity of the studied compounds for LAT1 were subsequently explained by docking the ligands into the human LAT1 model (based on the recent cryo-electron microscopy structure). Thus, the findings of this study clarify the favorable structural requirements of the size, shape, and polarity of the ligands that support the translocation and effective transport across the cell membrane via LAT1. This knowledge can be applied in future drug design to attain improved or targeted drug delivery and hence, successful LAT1-utilizing drugs with increased therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Kärkkäinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Pharmacy, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, P.O. Box 100, FI-70029, KYS, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Magdalena Markowicz-Piasecka
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ahmed Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Lehtonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jarkko Rautio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Gynther
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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20
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Fairweather SJ, Shah N, Brӧer S. Heteromeric Solute Carriers: Function, Structure, Pathology and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 21:13-127. [PMID: 33052588 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Solute carriers form one of three major superfamilies of membrane transporters in humans, and include uniporters, exchangers and symporters. Following several decades of molecular characterisation, multiple solute carriers that form obligatory heteromers with unrelated subunits are emerging as a distinctive principle of membrane transporter assembly. Here we comprehensively review experimentally established heteromeric solute carriers: SLC3-SLC7 amino acid exchangers, SLC16 monocarboxylate/H+ symporters and basigin/embigin, SLC4A1 (AE1) and glycophorin A exchanger, SLC51 heteromer Ost α-Ost β uniporter, and SLC6 heteromeric symporters. The review covers the history of the heteromer discovery, transporter physiology, structure, disease associations and pharmacology - all with a focus on the heteromeric assembly. The cellular locations, requirements for complex formation, and the functional role of dimerization are extensively detailed, including analysis of the first complete heteromer structures, the SLC7-SLC3 family transporters LAT1-4F2hc, b0,+AT-rBAT and the SLC6 family heteromer B0AT1-ACE2. We present a systematic analysis of the structural and functional aspects of heteromeric solute carriers and conclude with common principles of their functional roles and structural architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Fairweather
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. .,Resarch School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | - Nishank Shah
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stefan Brӧer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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21
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Bao X, Wu J, Jiang J, Tien AC, Sanai N, Li J. Quantitative protein expression of blood-brain barrier transporters in the vasculature of brain metastases of patients with lung and breast cancer. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:1265-1271. [PMID: 33566445 PMCID: PMC8301582 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined absolute transporter protein abundances in isolated microvessels of human noncancerous cerebral cortex as well as brain metastases of patients with lung and breast cancer, using a validated targeted proteomics approach. As compared with those in microvessels of noncancerous cerebral cortex, the median protein abundances of glucose transporter 1 (a brain endothelial marker) and sodium‐potassium pump (Na/K ATPase, a plasma membrane marker) were decreased by ~ 80% in brain metastasis microvessels. The major efflux transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2) fell to undetectable in microvessels of more than 80% of brain metastasis specimens. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 was undetectable in microvessels of more than 80% of brain metastases, whereas large neutral amino acid transporter 1 levels remained unchanged. In conclusion, the integrity of the physical and biochemical barrier with respect to transporter protein expression is largely disrupted in brain metastasis tumor vasculatures. Differential transporter protein abundances at the blood‐brain barrier and blood‐brain tumor barrier provided mechanistic and quantitative basis for prediction of heterogeneous drug penetration into human brain and brain tumors, which is critical not only to the understanding of the success or failure of systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of brain tumors but also to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Bao
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jianmei Wu
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jun Jiang
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - An-Chi Tien
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Nader Sanai
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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22
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Montaser AB, Järvinen J, Löffler S, Huttunen J, Auriola S, Lehtonen M, Jalkanen A, Huttunen KM. L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 Enables the Efficient Brain Delivery of Small-Sized Prodrug across the Blood-Brain Barrier and into Human and Mouse Brain Parenchymal Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4301-4315. [PMID: 33228353 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters have long been utilized to improve the oral, hepatic, and renal (re)absorption. In the brain, however, the transporter-mediated drug delivery has not yet been fully achieved due to the complexity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Because L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is a good candidate to improve the brain delivery, we developed here four novel LAT1-utilizing prodrugs of four nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As a result, all the prodrugs were able to cross the BBB and localize into the brain cells. The brain uptake of salicylic acid (SA) was improved five times, not only across the mouse BBB but also into the cultured mouse and human brain cells. The naproxen prodrug was also transported efficiently into the mouse brain achieving less peripheral exposure, but the brain release of naproxen from the prodrug was not improved. Contrarily, the high plasma protein binding of the flurbiprofen prodrug and the premature bioconversion of the ibuprofen prodrug in the mouse blood hindered the efficient brain delivery. Thus, the structure of the parent drug affects the successful brain delivery of the LAT1-utilizing prodrugs, and the small-sized LAT1-utilizing prodrug of SA constituted a successful model to specifically deliver its parent drug across the mouse BBB and into the cultured mouse and human brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B. Montaser
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juulia Järvinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Susanne Löffler
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Lehtonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aaro Jalkanen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M. Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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23
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Venteicher B, Merklin K, Ngo HX, Chien HC, Hutchinson K, Campbell J, Way H, Griffith J, Alvarado C, Chandra S, Hill E, Schlessinger A, Thomas AA. The Effects of Prodrug Size and a Carbonyl Linker on l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1-Targeted Cellular and Brain Uptake. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:869-880. [PMID: 33230949 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, SLC7A5) imports dietary amino acids and amino acid drugs (e. g., l-DOPA) into the brain, and plays a role in cancer metabolism. Though there have been numerous reports of LAT1-targeted amino acid-drug conjugates (prodrugs), identifying the structural determinants to enhance substrate activity has been challenging. In this work, we investigated the position and orientation of a carbonyl group in linking hydrophobic moieties including the anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen to l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine. We found that esters of meta-carboxyl l-phenylalanine had better LAT1 transport rates than the corresponding acylated l-tyrosine analogues. However, as the size of the hydrophobic moiety increased, we observed a decrease in LAT1 transport rate with a concomitant increase in potency of inhibition. Our results have important implications for designing amino acid prodrugs that target LAT1 at the blood-brain barrier or on cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooklynn Venteicher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Kasey Merklin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Huy X Ngo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1550 4th St, Rm RH581, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Huan-Chieh Chien
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 1550 4th St, Rm RH581, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Keino Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, 1468 Madison Ave, Annenberg Building Floor 19, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jerome Campbell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Hannah Way
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Joseph Griffith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Cesar Alvarado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Surabhi Chandra
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
| | - Evan Hill
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, at Kearney 2507 11th Ave, Copeland Hall, Kearney, NE, 68849, (USA)
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, 1468 Madison Ave, Annenberg Building Floor 19, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Allen A Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2401 11th Ave, Bruner Hall of Science, Kearney, NE 68849, USA
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24
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Dhanawat M, Gupta S, Mehta DK, Das R. Design, Synthesis and Enhanced BBB Penetration Studies of L-serine-Tethered Nipecotic Acid-Prodrug. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2020; 71:94-103. [PMID: 33241549 DOI: 10.1055/a-1290-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Nipecotic acid is considered to be one of the most potent inhibitors of neuronal and glial-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake in vitro. Due to its hydrophilic nature, nipecotic acid does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Large neutral amino acids (LAT1)-knotted nipecotic acid prodrug was designed and synthesized with the aim to enhance the BBB permeation by the use of carrier-mediated transport. The synthesized prodrug was tested in animal models of Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions in mice. Further pain studies were carried out followed by neurotoxicity estimation by writhing and rota-rod test respectively. HPLC data suggests that the synthesized prodrug has improved penetration through BBB. Nipecotic acid-L-serine ester prodrug with considerable anti-epileptic activity, and the ability to permeate the BBB has been successfully synthesized. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Dhanawat
- MM College of Pharmacy, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- MM College of Pharmacy, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Dinesh Kumar Mehta
- MM College of Pharmacy, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
| | - Rina Das
- MM College of Pharmacy, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana
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25
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Zaugg J, Huang X, Ziegler F, Rubin M, Graff J, Müller J, Moser-Hässig R, Powell T, Gertsch J, Altmann KH, Albrecht C. Small molecule inhibitors provide insights into the relevance of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno-foetal amino acid transport. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12681-12693. [PMID: 33001560 PMCID: PMC7687008 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15840] [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: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta supplies the foetus with critical nutrients such as essential amino acids (AA, eg leucine) for development and growth. It also represents a cellular barrier which is formed by a polarized, differentiated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) monolayer. Active Na+‐independent leucine transport across the placenta is mainly attributed to the System L transporters LAT1/SLC7A5 and LAT2/SLC7A8. This study explored the influence of trophoblast differentiation on the activity of LAT1/LAT2 and the relevance of LAT1/LAT2 in leucine uptake and transfer in trophoblasts by applying specific small molecule inhibitors (JPH203/JG336/JX009). L‐leucine uptake (total dose = 167 μmol/L) was sensitive to LAT1‐specific inhibition by JPH203 (EC50 = 2.55 µmol/L). The inhibition efficiency of JPH203 was increased by an additional methoxy group in the JPH203‐derivate JG336 (EC50 = 1.99 µmol/L). Interestingly, JX009 showed efficient System L inhibition (EC50 = 2.35 µmol/L) and was the most potent inhibitor of leucine uptake in trophoblasts. The application of JPH203 and JX009 in Transwell®‐based leucine transfer revealed LAT1 as the major accumulative transporter at the apical membrane, but other System L transporters such as LAT2 as rate‐limiting for leucine efflux across the basal membrane. Therefore, differential specificity of the applied inhibitors allowed for estimation of the contribution of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno‐foetal AA transfer and their potential impact in pregnancy diseases associated with impaired foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Zaugg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ziegler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Rubin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Graff
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Müller
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruedi Moser-Hässig
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Section, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Altmann
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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26
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Puris E, Gynther M, Auriola S, Huttunen KM. L-Type amino acid transporter 1 as a target for drug delivery. Pharm Res 2020; 37:88. [PMID: 32377929 PMCID: PMC7203094 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our growing understanding of membrane transporters and their substrate specificity has opened a new avenue in the field of targeted drug delivery. The L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) has been one of the most extensively investigated transporters for delivering drugs across biological barriers. The transporter is predominantly expressed in cerebral cortex, blood-brain barrier, blood-retina barrier, testis, placenta, bone marrow and several types of cancer. Its physiological function is to mediate Na+ and pH independent exchange of essential amino acids: leucine, phenylalanine, etc. Several drugs and prodrugs designed as LAT1 substrates have been developed to improve targeted delivery into the brain and cancer cells. Thus, the anti-parkinsonian drug, L-Dopa, the anti-cancer drug, melphalan and the anti-epileptic drug gabapentin, all used in clinical practice, utilize LAT1 to reach their target site. These examples provide supporting evidence for the utility of the LAT1-mediated targeted delivery of the (pro)drug. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in LAT1-mediated targeted drug delivery. In addition, the use of LAT1 is critically evaluated and limitations of the approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Puris
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Mikko Gynther
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
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27
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Montaser A, Lehtonen M, Gynther M, Huttunen KM. L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1-Utilizing Prodrugs of Ketoprofen Can Efficiently Reduce Brain Prostaglandin Levels. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12040344. [PMID: 32290494 PMCID: PMC7238114 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12040344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to efficiently combat neuroinflammation, it is essential to deliver the anti-inflammatory drugs to their target sites in the brain. Pro-drugs utilizing the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) can be transported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the cellular barriers of the brain’s parenchymal cells. In this study, we evaluated, for the first time, the efficacy of LAT1-utilizing prodrugs of ketoprofen (KPF) on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in vitro and prostaglandin E2 production in vivo by using an enzymatic assay and liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry method, respectively. Aliphatic amino acid-conjugated pro-drugs inhibited the peroxidase activity of COX in vitro in their intact form (85% inhibition, IC50 ≈ 1.1 µM and 79%, IC50 ≈ 2.3 µM), which was comparable to KPF (90%, IC50 ≈ 0.9). Thus, these compounds acted more as KPF derivatives rather than pro-drugs. In turn, aromatic amino acid-conjugated pro-drugs behaved differently. The ester pro-drug inhibited the COX peroxidase activity in vitro (90%, IC50 ≈ 0.6 µM) due to its bioconversion to KPF, whereas the amide pro-drug was inactive toward COX enzymes in vitro. However, the amide pro-drug released KPF in the mouse brain in sufficient and effective amounts measured as reduced PGE2 levels.
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28
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Li S, Su W, Wu H, Yuan T, Yuan C, Liu J, Deng G, Gao X, Chen Z, Bao Y, Yuan F, Zhou S, Tan H, Li Y, Li X, Fan L, Zhu J, Chen AT, Liu F, Zhou Y, Li M, Zhai X, Zhou J. Targeted tumour theranostics in mice via carbon quantum dots structurally mimicking large amino acids. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 4:704-716. [PMID: 32231314 PMCID: PMC7197249 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Strategies for selectively imaging and delivering drugs to tumours typically leverage differentially upregulated surface molecules on cancer cells. Here, we show that intravenously injected carbon quantum dots, functionalized with multiple paired α-carboxyl and amino groups that bind to the large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (which is expressed in most tumours), selectively accumulate in human tumour xenografts in mice and in an orthotopic mouse model of human glioma. The functionalized quantum dots, which structurally mimic large amino acids and can be loaded with aromatic drugs through π–π stacking interactions, enabled—in the absence of detectable toxicity—near-infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging of the tumours and a reduction in tumour burden after the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics to the tumours. The versatility of functionalization and high tumour selectivity of the quantum dots make them broadly suitable for tumour-specific imaging and drug delivery. Intravenously injected functionalized carbon quantum dots that bind to the large neutral amino acid transporter 1 and that structurally mimic large amino acids selectively accumulate in human tumours in mice, facilitating targeted theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Li
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Su
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Yuan
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Yuan
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gang Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xingchun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zeming Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Youmei Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fanglong Yuan
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shixin Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Tan
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunchao Li
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Louzhen Fan
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jia Zhu
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratories of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, and Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ann T Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fuyao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xingchen Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jiangbing Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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29
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Pocasap P, Weerapreeyakul N, Timonen J, Järvinen J, Leppänen J, Kärkkäinen J, Rautio J. Tyrosine-Chlorambucil Conjugates Facilitate Cellular Uptake through L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) in Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062132. [PMID: 32244913 PMCID: PMC7139360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is an amino acid transporter that is overexpressed in several types of cancer and, thus, it can be a potential target for chemotherapy. The objectives of this study were to (a) synthesize LAT1-targeted chlorambucil derivatives and (b) evaluate their LAT1-mediated cellular uptake as well as antiproliferative activity in vitro in the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line. Chlorambucil was conjugated to l-tyrosine—an endogenous LAT1 substrate—via either ester or amide linkage (compounds 1 and 2, respectively). While chlorambucil itself did not bind to LAT1, its derivatives 1 and 2 bound to LAT1 with a similar affinity as with l-tyrosine and their respective cellular uptake was significantly higher than that of chlorambucil in MCF-7. The results of our cellular uptake study are indicative of antiproliferative activity, as a higher intracellular uptake of chlorambucil derivatives resulted in greater cytotoxicity than chlorambucil by itself. LAT1 thus contributes to intracellular uptake of chlorambucil derivatives and, therefore, increases antiproliferative activity. The understanding gained from our research can be used in the development of LAT1-targeted anticancer drugs and prodrugs for site-selective and enhanced chemotherapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piman Pocasap
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Human High Performance and Health Promotion Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Natthida Weerapreeyakul
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- Human High Performance and Health Promotion Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Correspondence: (N.W.); (J.R.)
| | - Juri Timonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.T.); (J.J.); (J.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Juulia Järvinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.T.); (J.J.); (J.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Jukka Leppänen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.T.); (J.J.); (J.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Jussi Kärkkäinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.T.); (J.J.); (J.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Jarkko Rautio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; (J.T.); (J.J.); (J.L.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (N.W.); (J.R.)
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30
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Scalise M, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Console L, Indiveri C. Glutamine transporters as pharmacological targets: From function to drug design. Asian J Pharm Sci 2020; 15:207-219. [PMID: 32373200 PMCID: PMC7193454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different targets of administered drugs, there are membrane transporters that play also a role in drug delivery and disposition. Moreover, drug-transporter interactions are responsible for off-target effects of drugs underlying their toxicity. The improvement of the drug design process is subjected to the identification of those membrane transporters mostly relevant for drug absorption, delivery and side effect production. A peculiar group of proteins with great relevance to pharmacology is constituted by the membrane transporters responsible for managing glutamine traffic in different body districts. The interest around glutamine metabolism lies in its physio-pathological role; glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid because highly proliferative cells have an increased request of glutamine that cannot be satisfied only by endogenous synthesis. Then, glutamine transporters provide cells with this special nutrient. Among the glutamine transporters, SLC1A5, SLC6A14, SLC6A19, SLC7A5, SLC7A8 and some members of SLC38 family are the best characterized, so far, in both physiological and pathological conditions. Few 3D structures have been solved by CryoEM; other structural data on these transporters have been obtained by computational analysis. Interactions with drugs have been described for several transporters of this group. For some of them, the studies are at an advanced stage, for others, the studies are still in nuce and novel biochemical findings open intriguing perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
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31
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Huttunen J, Gynther M, Vellonen KS, Huttunen KM. L-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1)-utilizing prodrugs are carrier-selective despite having low affinity for organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs). Int J Pharm 2019; 571:118714. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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32
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Narayan A, Yan Y, Lisok A, Brummet M, Pomper MG, Lesniak WG, Dannals RF, Merino VF, Azad BB. A side-by-side evaluation of [ 18F]FDOPA enantiomers for non-invasive detection of neuroendocrine tumors by positron emission tomography. Oncotarget 2019; 10:5731-5744. [PMID: 31645896 PMCID: PMC6791383 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are an extremely heterogenous group of malignancies with variable clinical behavior. Molecular imaging of patients with NETs allows for effective patient stratification and treatment guidance and is crucial in selection of targeted therapies. Positron emission tomography (PET) with the radiotracer L-[18F]FDOPA is progressively being utilized for non-invasive in vivo visualization of NETs and pancreatic β-cell hyperplasia. While L-[18F]FDOPA-PET is a valuable tool for disease detection and management, it also exhibits significant diagnostic limitations owing to its inherent physiological uptake in off-target tissues. We hypothesized that the D-amino acid structural isomer of that clinical tracer, D-[18F]FDOPA, may exhibit superior clearance capabilities owing to a reduced in vivo enzymatic recognition and enzyme-mediated metabolism. Here, we report a side-by-side evaluation of D-[18F]FDOPA with its counterpart clinical tracer, L-[18F]FDOPA, for the non-invasive in vivo detection of NETs. In vitro evaluation in five NET cell lines, including invasive small intestinal neuroendocrine carcinomas (STC-1), insulinomas (TGP52 and TGP61), colorectal adenocarcinomas (COLO-320) and pheochromocytomas (PC12), generally indicated higher overall uptake levels of L-[18F]FDOPA, compared to D-[18F]FDOPA. While in vivo PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies in PC12, STC-1 and COLO-320 mouse xenografts further supported our in vitro data, they also illustrated lower off-target retention and enhanced clearance of D-[18F]FDOPA from healthy tissues. Cumulatively our results indicate the potential diagnostic applications of D-[18F]FDOPA for malignancies where the utility of L-[18F]FDOPA-PET is limited by the physiological uptake of L-[18F]FDOPA, and suggest D-[18F]FDOPA as a viable PET imaging tracer for NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athira Narayan
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Yan
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ala Lisok
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Brummet
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin G Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wojciech G Lesniak
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert F Dannals
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vanessa F Merino
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Babak Behnam Azad
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Huttunen J, Peltokangas S, Gynther M, Natunen T, Hiltunen M, Auriola S, Ruponen M, Vellonen KS, Huttunen KM. L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1/Lat1)-Utilizing Prodrugs Can Improve the Delivery of Drugs into Neurons, Astrocytes and Microglia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12860. [PMID: 31492955 PMCID: PMC6731241 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1/Lat1) is responsible for carrying large, neutral l-amino acids as well as several drugs and prodrugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the BBB is not the only barrier that hinders drugs acting effectively within the brain; the brain parenchymal cell membranes represent a secondary barrier for the drugs with intracellular target sites. In this study, expression and function of Lat1 was quantified in mouse primary neuron, astrocyte and immortalized microglia (BV2) cultures. Moreover, ability of Lat1 to carry prodrugs inside these brain cells was evaluated. The results showed that Lat1 was localized at the similar level in all studied cells (3.07 ± 0.92–3.77 ± 0.91 fmol/µg protein). The transporter was also functional in all three cell types, astrocytes having the highest transport capacity and affinity for the LAT1/Lat1-substrate, [14C]-l-leucine, followed by neurons and microglia. The designed prodrugs (1-6) were able to utilize Lat1 for their cellular uptake and it was mainly much higher than the one of their parent drugs. Interestingly, improved cellular uptake was also achieved in cells representing Alzheimer’s Disease phenotype. Therefore, improved delivery and intra-brain targeting of drugs can be attained by utilizing LAT1/Lat1 and prodrug approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Soile Peltokangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Gynther
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kati-Sisko Vellonen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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Cryo-EM structure of the human L-type amino acid transporter 1 in complex with glycoprotein CD98hc. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:510-517. [DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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35
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Structure-activity relationship studies of (E)-3,4-dihydroxystyryl alkyl sulfones as novel neuroprotective agents based on improved antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and BBB permeability. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 171:420-433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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36
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L-type amino acid transporter 1 utilizing prodrugs of ferulic acid revealed structural features supporting the design of prodrugs for brain delivery. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 129:99-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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37
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Verhoeven J, Hulpia F, Kersemans K, Bolcaen J, De Lombaerde S, Goeman J, Descamps B, Hallaert G, Van den Broecke C, Deblaere K, Vanhove C, Van der Eycken J, Van Calenbergh S, Goethals I, De Vos F. New fluoroethyl phenylalanine analogues as potential LAT1-targeting PET tracers for glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2878. [PMID: 30814660 PMCID: PMC6393465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET) as a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for brain tumor imaging might have some limitations because of the relatively low affinity for the L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). To assess the stereospecificity and evaluate the influence of aromatic ring modification of phenylalanine LAT1 targeting tracers, six different fluoroalkylated phenylalanine analogues were synthesized. After in vitro Ki determination, the most promising compound, 2-[18F]-2-fluoroethyl-L-phenylalanine (2-[18F]FELP), was selected for further evaluation and in vitro comparison with [18F]FET. Subsequently, 2-[18F]FELP was assessed in vivo and compared with [18F]FET and [18F]FDG in a F98 glioblastoma rat model. 2-[18F]FELP showed improved in vitro characteristics over [18F]FET, especially when the affinity and specificity for system L is concerned. Based on our results, 2-[18F]FELP is a promising new PET tracer for brain tumor imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ken Kersemans
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Bolcaen
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Jan Goeman
- Laboratory for Organic and Bio-organic synthesis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Descamps
- IBiTech-MEDISIP Ghent University, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Hallaert
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Karel Deblaere
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Vanhove
- IBiTech-MEDISIP Ghent University, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan Van der Eycken
- Laboratory for Organic and Bio-organic synthesis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Ingeborg Goethals
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip De Vos
- Laboratory of Radiopharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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38
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Wang H, Mu X, Yang J, Liang Y, Zhang XD, Ming D. Brain imaging with near-infrared fluorophores. Coord Chem Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Singh N, Scalise M, Galluccio M, Wieder M, Seidel T, Langer T, Indiveri C, Ecker GF. Discovery of Potent Inhibitors for the Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) by Structure-Based Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010027. [PMID: 30577601 PMCID: PMC6337383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is a promising anticancer target that is required for the cellular uptake of essential amino acids that serve as building blocks for cancer growth and proliferation. Here, we report a structure-based approach to identify chemically diverse and potent inhibitors of LAT1. First, a homology model of LAT1 that is based on the atomic structures of the prokaryotic homologs was constructed. Molecular docking of nitrogen mustards (NMs) with a wide range of affinity allowed for deriving a common binding mode that could explain the structure−activity relationship pattern in NMs. Subsequently, validated binding hypotheses were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation, which allowed for extracting a set of dynamic pharmacophores. Finally, a library of ~1.1 million molecules was virtually screened against these pharmacophores, followed by docking. Biological testing of the 30 top-ranked hits revealed 13 actives, with the best compound showing an IC50 value in the sub-μM range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natesh Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST, Unit of Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST, Unit of Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcus Wieder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Thomas Seidel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Thierry Langer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST, Unit of Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
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Vale N, Ferreira A, Matos J, Fresco P, Gouveia MJ. Amino Acids in the Development of Prodrugs. Molecules 2018; 23:E2318. [PMID: 30208629 PMCID: PMC6225300 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although drugs currently used for the various types of diseases (e.g., antiparasitic, antiviral, antibacterial, etc.) are effective, they present several undesirable pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties. Most of the drugs have low bioavailability, lack of sensitivity, and do not target only the damaged cells, thus also affecting normal cells. Moreover, there is the risk of developing resistance against drugs upon chronic treatment. Consequently, their potential clinical applications might be limited and therefore, it is mandatory to find strategies that improve those properties of therapeutic agents. The development of prodrugs using amino acids as moieties has resulted in improvements in several properties, namely increased bioavailability, decreased toxicity of the parent drug, accurate delivery to target tissues or organs, and prevention of fast metabolism. Herein, we provide an overview of models currently in use of prodrug design with amino acids. Furthermore, we review the challenges related to the permeability of poorly absorbed drugs and transport and deliver on target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Vale
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Abigail Ferreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- LAQV&REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana Matos
- SpiroChem AG, Rosental Area, WRO-1074-3, Mattenstrasse 24, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Paula Fresco
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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41
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Secondary carbamate linker can facilitate the sustained release of dopamine from brain-targeted prodrug. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:2856-2860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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42
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Huttunen J, Gynther M, Huttunen KM. Targeted efflux transporter inhibitors - A solution to improve poor cellular accumulation of anti-cancer agents. Int J Pharm 2018; 550:278-289. [PMID: 30149128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Efflux transporters function as vacuum cleaners of xenobiotics and therefore they hinder drugs to reach their targets at effective enough concentrations. Efflux pump inhibitors can be used to improve the cell accumulation of drugs, however all the current inhibitors lack selectivity towards cancer cells. l-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), which is expressed in many types of cancer cells can be utilized to target inhibitors of efflux transporters to these cells by converting the inhibitors into LAT1-utilizing prodrugs. In this study, we prepared 5 LAT1-utilizing prodrugs of an efflux pump inhibitor, probenecid (PRB). All novel compounds were transported into human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) mainly via LAT1. The compounds also interacted with either multiresistant proteins (MRPs), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) and increased significantly (3-4-fold) the cellular accumulation of anti-cancer agent vinblastine (VBL). Consequently, this improved the anti-proliferative efficacy of VBL by decreasing the cell growth after 72 h from 100% (VBL treatment alone) to 48-75% (combination treatment). However, the same phenomenon was not seen with other chemotherapeutic, methotrexate (MTX). Therefore, the chemotherapeutics need to be selected carefully based on their uptake mechanism to the combinations with LAT1-utilizing prodrugs of efflux pump inhibitors to defeat effectively the multidrug resistance (MDR) of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Gynther
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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43
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Chien HC, Colas C, Finke K, Springer S, Stoner L, Zur AA, Venteicher B, Campbell J, Hall C, Flint A, Augustyn E, Hernandez C, Heeren N, Hansen L, Anthony A, Bauer J, Fotiadis D, Schlessinger A, Giacomini KM, Thomas AA. Reevaluating the Substrate Specificity of the L-Type Amino Acid Transporter (LAT1). J Med Chem 2018; 61:7358-7373. [PMID: 30048132 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, SLC7A5) transports essential amino acids across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into cancer cells. To utilize LAT1 for drug delivery, potent amino acid promoieties are desired, as prodrugs must compete with millimolar concentrations of endogenous amino acids. To better understand ligand-transporter interactions that could improve potency, we developed structural LAT1 models to guide the design of substituted analogues of phenylalanine and histidine. Furthermore, we evaluated the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for both enantiomers of naturally occurring LAT1 substrates. Analogues were tested in cis-inhibition and trans-stimulation cell assays to determine potency and uptake rate. Surprisingly, LAT1 can transport amino acid-like substrates with wide-ranging polarities including those containing ionizable substituents. Additionally, the rate of LAT1 transport was generally nonstereoselective even though enantiomers likely exhibit different binding modes. Our findings have broad implications to the development of new treatments for brain disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Chieh Chien
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences , University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco , California 94158 , United States
| | - Claire Colas
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Karissa Finke
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Seth Springer
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Laura Stoner
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Arik A Zur
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences , University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco , California 94158 , United States
| | - Brooklynn Venteicher
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Jerome Campbell
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Colton Hall
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Andrew Flint
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Evan Augustyn
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Christopher Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Nathan Heeren
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Logan Hansen
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Abby Anthony
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Justine Bauer
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure , University of Bern , 3012 Bern , Switzerland
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Kathleen M Giacomini
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences , University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco , California 94158 , United States
| | - Allen A Thomas
- Department of Chemistry , University of Nebraska at Kearney , Kearney , Nebraska 68849 , United States
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44
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Scalise M, Galluccio M, Console L, Pochini L, Indiveri C. The Human SLC7A5 (LAT1): The Intriguing Histidine/Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter and Its Relevance to Human Health. Front Chem 2018; 6:243. [PMID: 29988369 PMCID: PMC6023973 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SLC7A5, known as LAT1, belongs to the APC superfamily and forms a heterodimeric amino acid transporter interacting with the glycoprotein CD98 (SLC3A2) through a conserved disulfide. The complex is responsible for uptake of essential amino acids in crucial body districts such as placenta and blood brain barrier. LAT1/CD98 heterodimer has been studied over the years to unravel the transport mechanism and the role of each subunit. Studies conducted in intact cells demonstrated that LAT1/CD98 mediates a Na+ and pH independent antiport of amino acids. Some novel insights into the function of LAT1 derived from studies conducted in proteoliposomes reconstituted with the recombinant human LAT1. Using this experimental tool, it has been demonstrated that the preferred substrate is histidine and that CD98 is not required for transport being, plausibly, involved in routing LAT1 to the plasma membrane. Since a 3D structure of LAT1 is not available, homology models have been built on the basis of the AdiC transporter from E.coli. Crucial residues for substrate recognition and gating have been identified using a combined approach of bioinformatics and site-directed mutagenesis coupled to functional assays. Over the years, the interest around LAT1 increased because this transporter is involved in important human diseases such as neurological disorders and cancer. Therefore, LAT1 became an important pharmacological target together with other nutrient membrane transporters. Moving from knowledge on structure/function relationships, two cysteine residues, lying on the substrate binding site, have been exploited for designing thiol reacting covalent inhibitors. Some lead compounds have been characterized whose efficacy has been tested in a cancer cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
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45
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Kärkkäinen J, Gynther M, Kokkola T, Petsalo A, Auriola S, Lahtela-Kakkonen M, Laine K, Rautio J, Huttunen KM. Structural properties for selective and efficient l-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) mediated cellular uptake. Int J Pharm 2018; 544:91-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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46
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Singh N, Ecker GF. Insights into the Structure, Function, and Ligand Discovery of the Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter 1, LAT1. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1278. [PMID: 29695141 PMCID: PMC5983779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, or SLC7A5) is a sodium- and pH-independent transporter, which supplies essential amino acids (e.g., leucine, phenylalanine) to cells. It plays an important role at the Blood⁻Brain Barrier (BBB) where it facilitates the transport of thyroid hormones, pharmaceuticals (e.g., l-DOPA, gabapentin), and metabolites into the brain. Moreover, its expression is highly upregulated in various types of human cancer that are characterized by an intense demand for amino acids for growth and proliferation. Therefore, LAT1 is believed to be an important drug target for cancer treatment. With the crystallization of the arginine/agmatine antiporter (AdiC) from Escherichia Coli, numerous homology models of LAT1 have been built to elucidate the substrate binding site, ligand⁻transporter interaction, and structure⁻function relationship. The use of these models in combination with molecular docking and experimental testing has identified novel chemotypes of ligands of LAT1. Here, we highlight the structure, function, transport mechanism, and homology modeling of LAT1. Additionally, results from structure⁻function studies performed on LAT1 are addressed, which have enhanced our knowledge of the mechanism of substrate binding and translocation. This is followed by a discussion on ligand- and structure-based approaches, with an emphasis on elucidating the molecular basis of LAT1 inhibition. Finally, we provide an exhaustive summary of different LAT1 inhibitors that have been identified so far, including the recently discovered irreversible covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natesh Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinam Park
- Purdue University, Biomedical Engineering and Pharmaceutics, West Lafayette, IN47907, USA.
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48
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Taslimifar M, Buoso S, Verrey F, Kurtcuoglu V. Functional Polarity of Microvascular Brain Endothelial Cells Supported by Neurovascular Unit Computational Model of Large Neutral Amino Acid Homeostasis. Front Physiol 2018; 9:171. [PMID: 29593549 PMCID: PMC5859092 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeostatic regulation of large neutral amino acid (LNAA) concentration in the brain interstitial fluid (ISF) is essential for proper brain function. LNAA passage into the brain is primarily mediated by the complex and dynamic interactions between various solute carrier (SLC) transporters expressed in the neurovascular unit (NVU), among which SLC7A5/LAT1 is considered to be the major contributor in microvascular brain endothelial cells (MBEC). The LAT1-mediated trans-endothelial transport of LNAAs, however, could not be characterized precisely by available in vitro and in vivo standard methods so far. To circumvent these limitations, we have incorporated published in vivo data of rat brain into a robust computational model of NVU-LNAA homeostasis, allowing us to evaluate hypotheses concerning LAT1-mediated trans-endothelial transport of LNAAs across the blood brain barrier (BBB). We show that accounting for functional polarity of MBECs with either asymmetric LAT1 distribution between membranes and/or intrinsic LAT1 asymmetry with low intraendothelial binding affinity is required to reproduce the experimentally measured brain ISF response to intraperitoneal (IP) L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine injection. On the basis of these findings, we have also investigated the effect of IP administrated L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine on the dynamics of LNAAs in MBECs, astrocytes and neurons. Finally, the computational model was shown to explain the trans-stimulation of LNAA uptake across the BBB observed upon ISF perfusion with a competitive LAT1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Taslimifar
- The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Epithelial Transport Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Buoso
- The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francois Verrey
- Epithelial Transport Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,National Center of Competence in Research, Kidney.CH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vartan Kurtcuoglu
- The Interface Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,National Center of Competence in Research, Kidney.CH, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Potent inhibitors of human LAT1 (SLC7A5) transporter based on dithiazole and dithiazine compounds for development of anticancer drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 143:39-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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50
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Bhunia S, Vangala V, Bhattacharya D, Ravuri HG, Kuncha M, Chakravarty S, Sistla R, Chaudhuri A. Large Amino Acid Transporter 1 Selective Liposomes of l-DOPA Functionalized Amphiphile for Combating Glioblastoma. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:3834-3847. [PMID: 28958145 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in neurosurgery and radiation therapy during the past decade, overall survivability (OS) of glioblastoma patients continues to be less than 2 years. The scope of systemic chemotherapy is greatly limited by poor drug transport across the blood brain barrier (BBB) and, thereby, suboptimal drug accumulation in glioma tissue. To this end, use of large amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1) overexpressed both on brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) and glioma cells has begun. Prior reports on the use of LAT1 mediated delivery of model drugs showed their brain accumulations. However, in depth in vivo glioblastoma regression studies aimed at examining the therapeutic potential of LAT1 mediated delivery of potent chemotherapeutics to brain tumor tissues have not yet been undertaken. Herein, we report on the development of a nanometric (100-135 nm) promising LAT1 selective liposomal drug carrier prepared from a novel l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) functionalized amphiphile (Amphi-DOPA). In vitro studies using Rh-PE labeled liposomes of Amphi-DOPA both in untreated glioma (GL261) cells and in GL261cells preincubated with LAT1 antibody revealed LAT1 mediated cellular uptake. Intravenously administered NIR-dye labeled liposomes of Amphi-DOPA in glioblastoma-bearing mice showed preferential accumulation of the dye in brain tissue. Notably iv administration of WP1066-loaded liposomes of Amphi-DOPA enhanced the overall survivability of C57BL/6J mice bearing orthotopically established mouse glioblastoma by ∼60% compared to that for the untreated mouse group. Furthermore, we show that the OS of established glioblastoma-bearing mice can be significantly enhanced (by >300% compared to that for the untreated mouse group) when the presently described LAT1 mediated targeted chemotherapy with WP1066-loaded liposomes of Amphi-DOPA is combined with in vivo DC-targeted DNA vaccination using a survivin (a glioblastoma antigen) encoded DNA vaccine. The present findings open a new door for LAT1 mediated systemic chemotherapy of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Bhunia
- Department of Chemical Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) , 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Venugopal Vangala
- Department of Chemical Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) , 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Dwaipayan Bhattacharya
- Department of Chemical Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) , 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Halley Gora Ravuri
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton, Brisbane, Queensland Australia 4343
| | - Madhusudana Kuncha
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Sumana Chakravarty
- Department of Chemical Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) , 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramakrishna Sistla
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) , 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, India.,Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Arabinda Chaudhuri
- Department of Chemical Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) , 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi, India
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