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Deng Y, Dong G, Meng Y, Noinaj N, Huang R. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Venglustat on NTMT1 Inhibition. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1601-1615. [PMID: 36634151 PMCID: PMC9892271 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The protein N-terminal methyltransferase 1 (NTMT1) is implicated in neurogenesis, retinoblastoma, and cervical cancer. However, its pharmacological potentials have not been elucidated due to the lack of drug-like inhibitors. Here, we report the discovery of the first NTMT1 in vivo chemical probe GD433 by structure-guided optimization of our previously reported lead compound venglustat. GD433 (IC50 = 27 ± 1.1 nM) displays improved potency and selectivity than venglustat across biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays. GD433 also displays good oral bioavailability and can serve as an in vivo chemical probe to dissect the pharmacological roles of Nα methylation. In addition, we also identified a close analogue (YD2160) that is inactive against NTMT1. The active inhibitor and negative control will serve as valuable tools to examine the physiological and pharmacological functions of NTMT1 catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchao Deng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Guangping Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Nicholas Noinaj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Markey Center for Structural Biology, and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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2
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Reza S, Ugorski M, Suchański J. Glucosylceramide and galactosylceramide, small glycosphingolipids with significant impact on health and disease. Glycobiology 2021; 31:1416-1434. [PMID: 34080016 PMCID: PMC8684486 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous clinical observations and exploitation of cellular and animal models indicate that glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and galactosylceramide (GalCer) are involved in many physiological and pathological phenomena. In many cases, the biological importance of these monohexosylcermides has been shown indirectly as the result of studies on enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation. Under physiological conditions, GalCer plays a key role in the maintenance of proper structure and stability of myelin and differentiation of oligodendrocytes. On the other hand, GlcCer is necessary for the proper functions of epidermis. Such an important lysosomal storage disease as Gaucher disease (GD) and a neurodegenerative disorder as Parkinson’s disease are characterized by mutations in the GBA1 gene, decreased activity of lysosomal GBA1 glucosylceramidase and accumulation of GlcCer. In contrast, another lysosomal disease, Krabbe disease, is associated with mutations in the GALC gene, resulting in deficiency or decreased activity of lysosomal galactosylceramidase and accumulation of GalCer and galactosylsphingosine. Little is known about the role of both monohexosylceramides in tumor progression; however, numerous studies indicate that GlcCer and GalCer play important roles in the development of multidrug-resistance by cancer cells. It was shown that GlcCer is able to provoke immune reaction and acts as a self-antigen in GD. On the other hand, GalCer was recognized as an important cellular receptor for HIV-1. Altogether, these two molecules are excellent examples of how slight differences in chemical composition and molecular conformation contribute to profound differences in their physicochemical properties and biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Reza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Ugorski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Suchański
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C.K. Norwida 31, 50-375, Wroclaw, Poland
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3
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Roy KR, Uddin MB, Roy SC, Hill RA, Marshall J, Li Y, Chamcheu JC, Lu H, Liu Y. Gb3-cSrc complex in glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains contributes to the expression of p53 mutant protein and cancer drug resistance via β-catenin-activated RNA methylation. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:653-667. [PMID: 33205006 PMCID: PMC7655095 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a key enzyme catalyzing ceramide glycosylation to generate glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which in turn serves as the precursor for cells to produce glycosphingolipids (GSLs). In cell membranes, GSLs serve as essential components of GSL-enriched microdomains (GEMs) and mediate membrane functions and cell behaviors. Previous studies showed that ceramide glycosylation correlates with upregulated expression of p53 hotspot mutant R273H and cancer drug resistance. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We report herewith that globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) is associated with cSrc kinase in GEMs and plays a crucial role in modulating expression of p53 R273H mutant and drug resistance. Colon cancer cell lines, either WiDr homozygous for missense-mutated TP53 (R273H+/+) or SW48/TP53-Dox bearing heterozygous TP53 mutant (R273H/+), display drug resistance with increased ceramide glycosylation. Inhibition of GCS with Genz-161 (GENZ 667161) resensitized cells to apoptosis in these p53 mutant-carrying cancer cells. Genz-161 effectively inhibited GCS activity, and substantially suppressed the elevated Gb3 levels seen in GEMs of p53-mutant cells exposed to doxorubicin. Complex formation between Gb3 and cSrc in GEMs to activate β-catenin was detected in both cultured cells and xenograft tumors. Suppression of ceramide glycosylation significantly decreased Gb3-cSrc in GEMs, β-catenin, and methyltransferase-like 3 for m6A RNA methylation, thus altering pre-mRNA splicing, resulting in upregulated expression of wild-type p53 protein, but not mutants, in cells carrying p53 R273H. Altogether, increased Gb3-cSrc complex in GEMs of membranes in response to anticancer drug induced cell stress promotes expression of p53 mutant proteins and accordant cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik R. Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Mohammad B. Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Sagor C. Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Ronald A. Hill
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Rare Genetic Disease ResearchSanofi‐Genzyme R&D CenterGenzyme, FraminghamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yu‐Teh Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Jean Christopher Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Yong‐Yu Liu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
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4
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Chen J, Khiste SK, Fu X, Roy KR, Dong Y, Zhang J, Liu M, Liu YY, Liu Z. Rubusoside-assisted solubilization of poorly soluble C 6-Ceramide for a pilot pharmacokinetic study. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 146:106402. [PMID: 31841664 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.106402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although C6-Ceramide has attracted much attention as a possible tumor suppressor, the delivery of C6-Ceramide is still challenging due to its inherent hydrophobicity and insolubility. In this study we explored the use of a natural compound rubusoside (RUB) as a solubilizer to enhance the solubility of a fluorescence-labeled C6-Ceramide (NBD C6-Ceramide) and to characterize its pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in an animal model. RUB significantly enhanced the solubility of NBD C6-Ceramide by forming nanomicelles, and efficiently delivered NBD C6-Ceramide in rats by oral and intravenous administration. RUB loaded 1.96 % of NBD C6-Ceramide in the nanomicelles and solubilized it to a concentration of 3.6 mg/mL in water. NBD C6-Ceramide in nanomicelles remained stable in aqueous solutions, allowing intravenous administration without the use of any organic solvents or surfactants. After oral administration, NBD C6-Ceramide rapidly rose to peak plasma concentrations within the first 90 min, distributed to tissues, and remained in vivo for more than 24 h. Tissular levels of NBD C6-Ceramide from high to low were associated with heart, lung, cerebellum, testicle, spleen, liver, kidney, and brain. Altogether, our study demonstrated that RUB-assisted nanomicelles can serve as an efficient and convenient delivery system for short-chain C6-Ceramide and enable in vivo evaluation of potential new cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA
| | - Sachin K Khiste
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Xiaomei Fu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Kartik R Roy
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Yixuan Dong
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Mei Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 330004, China
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
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5
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Khiste SK, Liu Z, Roy KR, Uddin MB, Hosain SB, Gu X, Nazzal S, Hill RA, Liu YY. Ceramide-Rubusoside Nanomicelles, a Potential Therapeutic Approach to Target Cancers Carrying p53 Missense Mutations. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:564-574. [PMID: 31645443 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide (Cer) is an active cellular sphingolipid that can induce apoptosis or proliferation-arrest of cancer cells. Nanoparticle-based delivery offers an effective approach for overcoming bioavailability and biopharmaceutics issues attributable to the pronounced hydrophobicity of Cer. Missense mutations of the protein p53, which have been detected in approximately 42% of cancer cases, not only lose the tumor suppression activity of wild-type p53, but also gain oncogenic functions promoting tumor progression and drug resistance. Our previous works showed that cellular Cer can eradicate cancer cells that carry a p53 deletion-mutation by modulating alternative pre-mRNA splicing, restoring wild-type p53 protein expression. Here, we report that new ceramide-rubusoside (Cer-RUB) nanomicelles considerably enhance Cer in vivo bioavailability and restore p53-dependent tumor suppression in cancer cells carrying a p53 missense mutation. Natural RUB encapsulated short-chain C6-Cer so as to form Cer-RUB nanomicelles (∼32 nm in diameter) that substantially enhanced Cer solubility and its levels in tissues and tumors of mice dosed intraperitoneally. Intriguingly, Cer-RUB nanomicelle treatments restored p53-dependent tumor suppression and sensitivity to cisplatin in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells and xenograft tumors carrying p53 R248Q mutation. Moreover, Cer-RUB nanomicelles showed no signs of significant nonspecific toxicity to noncancerous cells or normal tissues, including bone marrow. Furthermore, Cer-RUB nanomicelles restored p53 phosphorylated protein and downstream function to wild-type levels in p53 R172H/+ transgenic mice. Altogether, this study, for the first time, indicates that natural Cer-RUB nanomicelles offer a feasible approach for efficaciously and safely targeting cancers carrying p53 missense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin K Khiste
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kartik R Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Mohammad B Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Salman B Hosain
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | - Sami Nazzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ronald A Hill
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana.
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6
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Pashikanti S, Afrin F, Meldrum TC, Stegelmeier JL, Pavek A, Habashi YA, Fatema K, Barrott JJ. Quantifying Fluorescently Labeled Ceramide Levels in Human Sarcoma Cell Lines in Response to a Sphingomyelin Synthase Inhibitor. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:mps2030076. [PMID: 31480447 PMCID: PMC6789850 DOI: 10.3390/mps2030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism is an important process in sustaining the growth needs of rapidly dividing cancer cells. Enzymes that synthesize sphingolipids have become attractive targets in cancer pharmacology. Ceramide is a precursor for synthesizing sphingolipids such as sphingomyelin, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and glucosylceramide. Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is the enzyme that transfers a phosphatidylcholine to ceramide to generate sphingomyelin. To test the inhibition of SMS, scientists assess the buildup of ceramide in the cell, which is cytotoxic. Because ceramide is a small lipid molecule, there are limited tools like antibodies to detect its presence. Alternatively, designated machines for small-molecule separation coupled with mass spectrometry detection can be used; however, these can be cost-prohibitive. We used a commercially available NBD-ceramide to apply to human cancer cell lines in the presence or absence of a known SMS inhibitor, jaspine B. After short incubation times, we were able to collect cell lysates and using solvent extraction methods, run the cellular material on a thin-layer chromatography plate to determine the levels of intact fluorescently labeled ceramide. Brighter fluorescence on the TLC plate correlated to greater SMS inhibition. Small molecules can then be screened quantifiably to determine the biological impact of inhibiting the sphingolipid metabolism pathways involving ceramide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinath Pashikanti
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Farjana Afrin
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Trevor C Meldrum
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - John L Stegelmeier
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Adriene Pavek
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Yashar A Habashi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Kaniz Fatema
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Jared J Barrott
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA.
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7
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Roy KR, Khiste SK, Liu Z, Liu YY. Fluorescence HPLC Analysis of the in-vivo Activity of Glucosylceramide Synthase. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3269. [PMID: 33654788 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost all functions of cells or organs rely on the activities of cellular enzymes. Indeed, the in-vivo activities that directly represent the cellular effects of enzymes in live organs are critical importance to appreciate the roles enzymes play in modulating physiological or pathological processes, although assessments of such in-vivo enzyme activity are more difficult than typical test-tube assays. Recently, we, for the first time, developed a direct and easy-handling method for HPLC analyzing the in-vivo activity of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS). GCS that converts ceramide into glucosylceramide is a limiting-enzyme in the syntheses of glycosphingolipids and is one cause of cancer drug resistance. In our method developed, rubusoside nanomicelles delivers fluorescence N-[6-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]hexanoyl]-d-erythro-sphingosine (NBD C6-ceramide) into mice, tissues uptake the cell-permeable substrate, and GCS converts it into NBD C6-glucosylceramide in all organs simultaneously. Further, HPLC analyzes the extracted NBD C6-glucosylceramide to assess alterations of the in-vivo GCS activities in tissues. This method can be broadly used to assess the in-vivo GCS activities in any kind of animal models to appreciate either the role GCS plays in diseases or the therapeutic efficacies of GCS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik R Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Sachin K Khiste
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Resources, Louisiana State University Agriculture Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
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