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Bhuniya S, Vrettos EI. Hypoxia-Activated Theragnostic Prodrugs (HATPs): Current State and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:557. [PMID: 38675218 PMCID: PMC11054426 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a significant feature of solid tumors and frequently poses a challenge to the effectiveness of tumor-targeted chemotherapeutics, thereby limiting their anticancer activity. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs represent a class of bio-reductive agents that can be selectively activated in hypoxic compartments to unleash the toxic warhead and thus, eliminate malignant tumor cells. However, their applicability can be further elevated by installing fluorescent modalities to yield hypoxia-activated theragnostic prodrugs (HATPs), which can be utilized for the simultaneous visualization and treatment of hypoxic tumor cells. The scope of this review is to summarize noteworthy advances in recent HATPs, highlight the challenges and opportunities for their further development, and discuss their potency to serve as personalized medicines in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankarprasad Bhuniya
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research, JIS University, Kolkata 700091, India;
| | - Eirinaios I. Vrettos
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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2
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Hu M, Dong X, Zhao W. Lysosome-targeted Aza-BODIPY photosensitizers for anti-cancer photodynamic therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 99:117583. [PMID: 38198943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Developing effective near-infrared (NIR) photosensitizers (PSs) has been an attractive goal of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment. In this study, we synthesized N, N-diethylaminomethylphenyl-containing Aza-BODIPY photosensitizers and comprehensively investigated their photophysical/photochemical properties, as well as cell-based and animal-based anti-tumor studies. Among them, BDP 1 has strong NIR absorption at 680 nm and higher singlet oxygen yield in PBS which showed favorable pH-activatable and lysosome-targeting ability. BDP 1 could be easily taken up by tumor cells and showed negligible dark activity (IC50 > 50 μM), however strong phototoxicity upon exposure to light irradiation. The acceptable fluorescence emission from BDP 1 allowed convenient in vivo fluorescence imaging for organ distribution studies in mice. After PDT treatment with upon single time PDT treatment at the beginning using relatively low light dose (54 J/ cm2), BDP 1 (2 mg/kg, 0.1 mL) was found to have strong efficacy to inhibit tumor growth and even to ablate off tumor without causing body weight loss. Therefore, pH-activatable and lysosome-targeted PS may become an effective way to develop potent PDT agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of the Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China.
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3
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Zou P, Lin R, Fang Z, Chen J, Guan H, Yin J, Chang Z, Xing L, Lang J, Xue X, Chen M. Implanted, Wireless, Self-Powered Photodynamic Therapeutic Tablet Synergizes with Ferroptosis Inducer for Effective Cancer Treatment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302731. [PMID: 37957541 PMCID: PMC10754143 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The effective and targeted treatment of resistant cancer cells presents a significant challenge. Targeting cell ferroptosis has shown remarkable efficacy against apoptosis-resistant tumors due to their elevated iron metabolism and oxidative stress levels. However, various obstacles have limited its effectiveness. To overcome these challenges and enhance ferroptosis in cancer cells, we have developed a self-powered photodynamic therapeutic tablet that integrates a ferroptosis inducer (FIN), imidazole ketone erastin (IKE). FINs augment the sensitivity of photodynamic therapy (PDT) by increasing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, they utilize the Fenton reaction to supplement oxygen, generating a greater amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during PDT. Additionally, PDT facilitates the release of iron ions from the labile iron pool (LIP), accelerating lipid peroxidation and inducing ferroptosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated a more than 85% tumor inhibition rate. This synergistic treatment approach not only addresses the limitations of inadequate penetration and tumor hypoxia associated with PDT but also reduces the required medication dosage. Its high efficiency and specificity towards targeted cells minimize adverse effects, presenting a novel approach to combat clinical resistance in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingjin Zou
- School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054China
- Department of Radiation OncologyRadiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Clinical Research Center for CancerSichuan Cancer CenterSichuan Cancer Hospital & InstituteAffiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610042China
| | - Rui Lin
- School of PhysicsUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu611731China
| | - Zengyi Fang
- School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054China
- Department of Radiation OncologyRadiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Clinical Research Center for CancerSichuan Cancer CenterSichuan Cancer Hospital & InstituteAffiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610042China
| | - Junyang Chen
- Department of Radiation OncologyRadiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Clinical Research Center for CancerSichuan Cancer CenterSichuan Cancer Hospital & InstituteAffiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610042China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengdu611137China
| | - Hongye Guan
- School of PhysicsUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu611731China
| | - Jie Yin
- School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054China
- Department of Radiation OncologyRadiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Clinical Research Center for CancerSichuan Cancer CenterSichuan Cancer Hospital & InstituteAffiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610042China
| | - Zhiheng Chang
- School of Computer Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu611731China
| | - Lili Xing
- School of PhysicsUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu611731China
| | - Jinyi Lang
- School of MedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610054China
- Department of Radiation OncologyRadiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Clinical Research Center for CancerSichuan Cancer CenterSichuan Cancer Hospital & InstituteAffiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610042China
| | - Xinyu Xue
- School of PhysicsUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu611731China
| | - Meihua Chen
- Department of Radiation OncologyRadiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Clinical Research Center for CancerSichuan Cancer CenterSichuan Cancer Hospital & InstituteAffiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengdu610042China
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Han HH, Wang HM, Jangili P, Li M, Wu L, Zang Y, Sedgwick AC, Li J, He XP, James TD, Kim JS. The design of small-molecule prodrugs and activatable phototherapeutics for cancer therapy. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:879-920. [PMID: 36637396 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00673a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains as one of the most significant health problems, with approximately 19 million people diagnosed worldwide each year. Chemotherapy is a routinely used method to treat cancer patients. However, current treatment options lack the appropriate selectivity for cancer cells, are prone to resistance mechanisms, and are plagued with dose-limiting toxicities. As such, researchers have devoted their attention to developing prodrug-based strategies that have the potential to overcome these limitations. This tutorial review highlights recently developed prodrug strategies for cancer therapy. Prodrug examples that provide an integrated diagnostic (fluorescent, photoacoustic, and magnetic resonance imaging) response, which are referred to as theranostics, are also discussed. Owing to the non-invasive nature of light (and X-rays), we have discussed external excitation prodrug strategies as well as examples of activatable photosensitizers that enhance the precision of photodynamic therapy/photothermal therapy. Activatable photosensitizers/photothermal agents can be seen as analogous to prodrugs, with their phototherapeutic properties at a specific wavelength activated in the presence of disease-related biomarkers. We discuss each design strategy and illustrate the importance of targeting biomarkers specific to the tumour microenvironment and biomarkers that are known to be overexpressed within cancer cells. Moreover, we discuss the advantages of each approach and highlight their inherent limitations. We hope in doing so, the reader will appreciate the current challenges and available opportunities in the field and inspire subsequent generations to pursue this crucial area of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hao Han
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai 200237, P. R. China. .,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, P. R. China
| | - Han-Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Paramesh Jangili
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mingle Li
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Luling Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Yi Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China. .,Lingang laboratory, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Adam C Sedgwick
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Peng He
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Rd., Shanghai 200237, P. R. China. .,The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Tony D James
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK. .,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Pavlova MA, Panchenko PA, Alekhina EA, Ignatova AA, Plyutinskaya AD, Pankratov AA, Pritmov DA, Grin MA, Feofanov AV, Fedorova OA. A New Glutathione-Cleavable Theranostic for Photodynamic Therapy Based on Bacteriochlorin e and Styrylnaphthalimide Derivatives. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1149. [PMID: 36551116 PMCID: PMC9775103 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a new conjugate BChl-S-S-NI based on the second-generation photosensitizer bacteriochlorin e6 (BChl) and a 4-styrylnaphthalimide fluorophore (NI), which is cleaved into individual functional fragments in the intracellular medium. The chromophores in the conjugate were cross-linked by click chemistry via a bis(azidoethyl)disulfide bridge which is reductively cleaved by the intracellular enzyme glutathione (GSH). A photophysical investigation of the conjugate in solution by using optical spectroscopy revealed that the energy transfer process is realized with high efficiency in the conjugated system, leading to the quenching of the emission of the fluorophore fragment. It was shown that the conjugate is cleaved by GSH in solution, which eliminates the possibility of energy transfer and restores the fluorescence of 4-styrylnaphthalimide. The photoinduced activity of the conjugate and its imaging properties were investigated on the mouse soft tissue sarcoma cell line S37. Phototoxicity studies in vitro show that the BChl-S-S-NI conjugate has insignificant dark cytotoxicity in the concentration range from 15 to 20,000 nM. At the same time, upon photoexcitation, it exhibits high photoinduced activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Pavlova
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel A. Panchenko
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Petroleum Chemistry and Polymeric Materials, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Alekhina
- Faculty of Petroleum Chemistry and Polymeric Materials, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Ignatova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna D. Plyutinskaya
- P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute—Branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125284 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Pankratov
- P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute—Branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125284 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitriy A. Pritmov
- Institute of Fine Chemical Technology, MIREA—Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Grin
- Institute of Fine Chemical Technology, MIREA—Russian Technological University, 119571 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Feofanov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga A. Fedorova
- A.N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Petroleum Chemistry and Polymeric Materials, D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047 Moscow, Russia
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Zhu J, Guo T, Wang Z, Zhao Y. Triggered azobenzene-based prodrugs and drug delivery systems. J Control Release 2022; 345:475-493. [PMID: 35339578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Azobenzene-based molecules show unique trans-cis isomerization upon ultraviolet light irradiation, which induce the change of polarity, crystallinity, stability, and binding affinity with pharmacological target. Moreover, azobenzene is the substrate of azoreductase that is often overexpressed in many pathological sites, e.g. hypoxic solid tumor. Therefore, azobenzene can be a multifunctional molecule in material science, pharmaceutical science and biomedicine because of its sensitivity to light, hypoxia and certain enzymes, hence showing potential application in site-specific smart therapy. Herein we focus on the employment of azobenzene and its derivatives for engineering triggered prodrug and drug delivery systems, and provide an overview of photoswitchable azo-based prodrugs, the associated problems regarding ultraviolet light and reversible isomerization, as well as the potential solutions. We also present the advance of azo-bearing delivery vehicles wherein azobenzene act as the linker, capping agent, and building block, and discuss the corresponding mechanisms for controlled cargo release, endocytosis enhancement and sensitization of free radical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jundong Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin 300120, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Yanjun Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High Efficiency, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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BODIPY nanoparticles functionalized with lactose for cancer-targeted and fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2541. [PMID: 35169149 PMCID: PMC8847361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06000-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of four lactose-modified BODIPY photosensitizers (PSs) with different substituents (-I, -H, -OCH3, and -NO2) in the para-phenyl moiety attached to the meso-position of the BODIPY core were synthesized; the photophysical properties and photodynamic anticancer activities of these sensitizers were investigated, focusing on the electronic properties of the different substituent groups. Compared to parent BODIPY H, iodine substitution (BODIPY I) enhanced the intersystem crossing (ISC) to produce singlet oxygen (1O2) due to the heavy atom effect, and maintained a high fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) of 0.45. Substitution with the electron-donating methoxy group (BODIPY OMe) results in a significant perturbation of occupied frontier molecular orbitals and consequently achieves higher 1O2 generation capability with a high ΦF of 0.49, while substitution with the electron-withdrawing nitro group (BODIPY NO2) led a perturbation of unoccupied frontier molecular orbitals and induces a forbidden dark S1 state, which is negative for both fluorescence and 1O2 generation efficiencies. The BODIPY PSs formed water-soluble nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with lactose as liver cancer-targeting ligands. BODIPY I and OMe NPs showed good fluorescence imaging and PDT activity against various tumor cells (HeLa and Huh-7 cells). Collectively, the BODIPY NPs demonstrated high 1O2 generation capability and ΦF may create a new opportunity to develop useful imaging-guided PDT agents for tumor cells.
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Singh N, Aazam ES, Riaz U. Synthesis and characterization of lawsone incorporated singlet oxygen generating conjugated polymers: Experimental and computational studies. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Distyryl 1,2-Bis(2-pyridylmethoxy) benzene substituted near-infrared BODIPY photosensitizers: synthesis and spectroscopic studies. J CHEM SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12039-021-01934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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