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Xu Y, Li W, Zhou X, Gao Y, Ding L, Xu L, Mao X, Zhou A, Wang X, Ning X. Integrative Strategy for Investigating the Interactions between STING and Small-Molecule Ligands. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:14185-14191. [PMID: 36354159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although small-molecule agonists of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) show significance in activating the immune system, the dynamic process involved in ligands activating STING remains unclear. Herein, we developed a biochemical strategy, integrating computer simulation and a biochemical engineering approach, to reveal the interaction mechanism between STING and 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA), an agonist that activates the TANK binding kinase 1-interferon regulatory factor 3 signaling pathway. Specifically, inspired by an analysis of the STING-DMXAA crystal structure, we designed and synthesized DMXAA derivatives to investigate the STING-DMXAA binding model. We identified that the carboxyl moiety of DMXAA was a major pharmacophore responsive to STING activation. In particular, the loss of hydrogen bond interaction between the carboxylic acid of DMXAA and the side chain Thr262 of STING led to STING inhibition. DMXAA N-methyl amide derivative (DNHM) exhibited good inhibitor activity, inhibited STING-mediated interferon production in vitro and in vivo, and effectively attenuated STING-associated inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we provide a new insight into STING-ligand interactions, which may improve the understanding of STING biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurui Xu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ya Gao
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Likang Ding
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005 United States
| | - Le Xu
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xianxian Mao
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Anwei Zhou
- Department of Physics, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- Institute of Advanced Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Biology and Functional Molecules, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xinghai Ning
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Markowicz J, Wołowiec S, Rode W, Uram Ł. Synthesis and Properties of α-Mangostin and Vadimezan Conjugates with Glucoheptoamidated and Biotinylated 3rd Generation Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer, and Conjugation Effect on Their Anticancer and Anti-Nematode Activities. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:606. [PMID: 35335982 PMCID: PMC8951109 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Mangostin and vadimezan are widely studied potential anticancer agents. Their biological activities may be improved by covalent bonding by amide or ester bonds with the third generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer, substituted with α-D-glucoheptono-1,4-lactone and biotin. Thus, conjugates of either ester- (G3gh4B5V) or amide-linked (G32B12gh5V) vadimezan, and equivalents of α-mangostin (G3gh2B5M and G32B12gh5M, respectively), were synthesized, characterized and tested in vitro against cancer cells: U-118 MG glioma, SCC-15 squamous carcinoma, and BJ normal human fibroblasts growth, as well as against C. elegans development. α-Mangostin cytotoxicity, stronger than that of Vadimezan, was increased (by 2.5-9-fold) by conjugation with the PAMAM dendrimer (with the amide-linking being slightly more effective), and the strongest effect was observed with SCC-15 cells. Similar enhancement of toxicity resulting from the drug conjugation was observed with C. elegans. Vadimezan (up to 200 µM), as well as both its dendrimer conjugates, was not toxic against both the studied cells and nematodes. It showed an antiproliferative effect against cancer cells at concentrations ≥100 µM. This effect was significantly enhanced after conjugation of the drug with the dendrimer via the amide, but not the ester bond, with G32B12gh5V inhibiting the proliferation of SCC-15 and U-118 MG cells at concentrations ≥4 and ≥12 μM, respectively, without a visible effect in normal BJ cells. Thus, the drug delivery system based on the PAMAM G3 dendrimer containing amide bonds, partially-blocked amino groups on the surface, larger particle diameter and higher zeta potential can be a useful tool to improve the biological properties of transported drug molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Markowicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstancow Warszawy Ave, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Stanisław Wołowiec
- Medical College, Rzeszów University, 1a Warzywna Street, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Rode
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Uram
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstancow Warszawy Ave, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
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Gobbi S, Belluti F, Rampa A, Bisi A. Flavonoid-Inspired Vascular Disrupting Agents: Exploring Flavone-8-Acetic Acid and Derivatives in the New Century. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144228. [PMID: 34299503 PMCID: PMC8305436 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring flavonoids are found as secondary metabolites in a wide number of plants exploited for both medicine and food and have long been known to be endowed with multiple biological activities, making them useful tools for the treatment of different pathologies. Due to the versatility of the scaffolds and the vast possibilities of appropriate decoration, they have also been regarded as fruitful sources of lead compounds and excellent chemical platforms for the development of bioactive synthetic compounds. Flavone-8-acetic acid (FAA) and 5,6-dimethylxanthone acetic acid (DMXAA) emerged for their antitumour potential due to the induction of cytokines and consequent rapid haemorrhagic necrosis of murine tumour vasculature, and different series of derivatives have been designed thereafter. Although the promising DMXAA failed in phase III clinical trials because of strict species-specificity, a boost in research came from the recent identification of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), responsible for supporting tumoural innate immune responses, as a possible biological target. Consequently, in the last decade a renewal of interest for these flavonoid-based structures was noticed, and novel derivatives have been synthesised and evaluated for a deeper understanding of the molecular features needed for affecting human cells. Undoubtedly, these natural-derived molecules deserve further investigation and still appear attractive in an anticancer perspective.
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Antiprotozoal and Antibacterial Activity of Ravenelin, a Xanthone Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus Exserohilum rostratum. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113339. [PMID: 34199336 PMCID: PMC8199546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural compound ravenelin was isolated from the biomass extracts of Exserohilum rostratum fungus, and its antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, and trypanocidal activities were evaluated. Ravenelin was isolated by column chromatography and HPLC and identified by NMR and MS. The susceptibility of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains to ravenelin was determined by microbroth dilution assay. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2) and BALB/c peritoneal macrophages by using MTT. SYBR Green I-based assay was used in the asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Trypanocidal activity was tested against the epimastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Ravenelin was active against Gram-positive bacteria strains, with emphasis on Bacillus subtilis (MIC value of 7.5 µM). Ravenelin’s antiparasitic activities were assessed against both the epimastigote (IC50 value of 5 ± 1 µM) and the intracellular amastigote forms of T. cruzi (IC50 value of 9 ± 2 µM), as well as against P. falciparum (IC50 value of 3.4 ± 0.4 µM). Ravenelin showed low cytotoxic effects on both HepG2 (CC50 > 50 µM) and peritoneal macrophage (CC50 = 185 ± 1 µM) cells with attractive selectivity for the parasites (SI values > 15). These findings indicate that ravenelin is a natural compound with both antibacterial and antiparasitic activities, and considerable selectivity indexes. Therefore, ravenelin is an attractive candidate for hit-to-lead development.
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Zhou J, Li M, Li T, Li C, Hu X, Jin L, Sun N, Hu B, Shen Z. Ultraviolet-light-induced aerobic oxidation of benzylic C(sp3)-H of alkylarenes under catalyst- and additive-free conditions. Tetrahedron 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2021.131947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Theoretical Investigations on Interactions of Arylsulphonyl Indazole Derivatives as Potential Ligands of VEGFR2 Kinase. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134793. [PMID: 32645858 PMCID: PMC7369845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is a key receptor in the angiogenesis process. The VEGFR2 expression is upregulated in many cancers so this receptor is an important target for anticancer agents. In the present paper, we analyse interactions of several dimeric indazoles, previously investigated for anticancer activity, with the amino acids present in the VEGFR2 binding pocket. Using the docking method and MD simulations as well as theoretical computations (SAPT0, PIEDA, semi-empirical PM7), we confirmed that these azoles can efficiently bind into the kinase pocket and their poses can be stabilised by the formation of hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking, π–cation, and hybrid interactions with some amino acids of the kinase cavity like Ala866, Lys868, Glu885, Thr916, Glu917, and Phe918.
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Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Cancer Cell Cytotoxic Activity of Vadimezan Hydrazones. Pharm Chem J 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-016-1455-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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