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Inoue S, Thanh Nguyen D, Hamada K, Okuma R, Okada C, Okada M, Abe I, Sengoku T, Goto Y, Suga H. De Novo Discovery of Pseudo-Natural Prenylated Macrocyclic Peptide Ligands. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202409973. [PMID: 38837490 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202409973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Prenylation of peptides is widely observed in the secondary metabolites of diverse organisms, granting peptides unique chemical properties distinct from proteinogenic amino acids. Discovery of prenylated peptide agents has largely relied on isolation or genome mining of naturally occurring molecules. To devise a platform technology for de novo discovery of artificial prenylated peptides targeting a protein of choice, here we have integrated the thioether-macrocyclic peptide (teMP) library construction/selection technology, so-called RaPID (Random nonstandard Peptides Integrated Discovery) system, with a Trp-C3-prenyltransferase KgpF involved in the biosynthesis of a prenylated natural product. This unique enzyme exhibited remarkably broad substrate tolerance, capable of modifying various Trp-containing teMPs to install a prenylated residue with tricyclic constrained structure. We constructed a vast library of prenylated teMPs and subjected it to in vitro selection against a phosphoglycerate mutase. This selection platform has led to the identification of a pseudo-natural prenylated teMP inhibiting the target enzyme with an IC50 of 30 nM. Importantly, the prenylation was essential for the inhibitory activity, enhanced serum stability, and cellular uptake of the peptide, highlighting the benefits of peptide prenylation. This work showcases the de novo discovery platform for pseudo-natural prenylated peptides, which is readily applicable to other drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumika Inoue
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dinh Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Hamada
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, 236-0004, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Rika Okuma
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chikako Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, 236-0004, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Okada
- Department of Material and Life Chemistry, Kanagawa University, Kanagawa-ku, 221-8686, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ikuro Abe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Sengoku
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, 236-0004, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuki Goto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502, Kyoto, Japan
- Toyota Riken Rising Fellow, Toyota Physical and Chemical Research Institute, Sakyo, 606-8502, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
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LimF is a versatile prenyltransferase for histidine-C-geranylation on diverse non-natural substrates. Nat Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-022-00822-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Biological Activity and Stability of Aeruginosamides from Cyanobacteria. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20020093. [PMID: 35200623 PMCID: PMC8878463 DOI: 10.3390/md20020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aeruginosamides (AEGs) are classified as cyanobactins, ribosomally synthesized peptides with post-translational modifications. They have been identified in cyanobacteria of genera Microcystis, Oscillatoria, and Limnoraphis. In this work, the new data on the in vitro activities of three AEG variants, AEG A, AEG625 and AEG657, and their interactions with metabolic enzymes are reported. Two aeruginosamides, AEG625 and AEG657, decreased the viability of human breast cancer cell line T47D, but neither of the peptides was active against human liver cancer cell line Huh7. AEGs also did not change the expression of MIR92b-3p, but for AEG625, the induction of oxidative stress was observed. In the presence of a liver S9 fraction containing microsomal and cytosolic enzymes, AEG625 and AEG657 showed high stability. In the same assays, quick removal of AEG A was recorded. The peptides had mild activity against three cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, but only at the highest concentration used in the study (60 µM). The properties of AEGs, i.e., cytotoxic activity and in vitro interactions with important metabolic enzymes, form a good basis for further studies on their pharmacological potential.
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Song F, Bian Y, Liu J, Li Z, Zhao L, Fang J, Lai Y, Zhou M. Indole Alkaloids, Synthetic Dimers and Hybrids with Potential In Vivo Anticancer Activity. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:377-403. [PMID: 32901583 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200908162311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Indole, a heterocyclic organic compound, is one of the most promising heterocycles found in natural and synthetic sources since its derivatives possess fascinating structural diversity and various therapeutic properties. Indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids could act on diverse targets in cancer cells, and consequently, possess potential antiproliferative effects on various cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Vinblastine, midostaurin, and anlotinib as the representative of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids respectively, have already been clinically applied to treat many types of cancers, demonstrating indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids are useful scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer agents. Covering articles published between 2010 and 2020, this review emphasizes the recent development of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids with potential in vivo therapeutic application for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yunqiang Bian
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Junman Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
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Leyva-Peralta MA, Robles-Zepeda RE, Razo-Hernández RS, Berber LPÁ, Lara KO, Ruiz-Bustos E, Gálvez-Ruíz JC. Berberine as Source of Antiproliferative Hybrid Compounds: In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity and Quantitative Structure-activity Relationship. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:1820-1834. [PMID: 31960788 DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666190503121820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances for cancer treatment, it still remains a major worldwide public health problem. Compounds derived from natural sources are important alternatives to combat this mortal disease. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with a wide variety of pharmacological properties, including antiproliferative activity. Previously, we have found that fatty acids also show antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines.. OBJECTIVE To combine berberine and fatty acids, or carboxylic acids, in order to improve their antiproliferative properties. METHODS We synthetized six new hybrid derivatives through a simple methylenedioxy group-cleavage method followed by the reaction with fatty acids, or carboxylic acids. The structure of the compounds was elucidated by IR, NMR and HRMS. The in vitro antiproliferative activity against four human cancer cell lines (HeLa, A-549, PC-3 and LS-180) and one normal cell line (ARPE-19), was evaluated by the MTT method. Chemical structures were drawn using SPARTAN '08 software and the conformational analysis was carried out with a molecular mechanic level of theory and the SYBIL force field. All molecular structures were subjected to geometrical optimization at the semi-empirical method PM3. Molecular descriptors were calculated using DRAGON 5.4 and SPARTAN ´08 programs. RESULTS The geranic acid and berberine hybrid compound (6) improved the antiproliferative activity shown by natural berberine, even more than the 16- to 18-carbon atoms fatty acids. Compound 6 showed IC50 values of 2.40 ± 0.60, 1.5 ± 0.24, 5.85 ± 1.07 and 5.44 ± 0.24 μM, against HeLa, A-549, PC-3 and LS-180 human cancer cell lines, respectively. Using this information, we performed a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of the hybrid molecules and found that the molecular descriptors associated with the antiproliferative activity are: hydrophobic constant associated with substituents (π(A) = 6.5), molecular volume descriptor (CPKvolume≈ 700 Å3), EHOMO, number of rotatable bonds (RBN) and number of 6-membered rings (nR06). CONCLUSION The methylendioxy and methoxyl groups in berberine are important for the antiproliferative activity shown by its derivatives. Better results in antiproliferative activity were obtained in compound 6 with the prenyl moiety. The QSAR indicates that the molecular descriptors which associated positively with the antiproliferative activity are: hydrophobic constant associated with substituents (π(A) = 6.5), molecular volume descriptor (CPKvolume≈ 700 Å3) and EHOMO. This research gave the basis for the design and preparation of new, easily afforded molecules derived from berberine and carboxylic acids, with improved antiproliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Leyva-Peralta
- Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas s/n, Col. Centro CP 83000. Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Ramón E Robles-Zepeda
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo S Razo-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad No. 1001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico
| | - Laura P Á Berber
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas-IICBA, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad No. 1001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico
| | - Karen O Lara
- Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas s/n, Col. Centro CP 83000. Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Ruiz-Bustos
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Juan C Gálvez-Ruíz
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
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6
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The importance of indole and azaindole scaffold in the development of antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112506. [PMID: 32688198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
With some indoles and azaindoles being successfully developed as anticancer drugs, the design and synthesis of indole and azaindole derivatives with remarkable antitumor activity has received increasing attention and significant progress has been made. This paper reviews the recent progress in the study of tumorigenesis, mechanism of actions and structure activity relationships about anticancer indole and azindole derivatives. Combining structure activity relationships and molecular targets-related knowledge, this review will help researchers design more effective, safe and cost-effective anticancer indoles and azindoles agents.
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Zhang Y, Hu C. Anticancer activity of bisindole alkaloids derived from natural sources and synthetic bisindole hybrids. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000092. [PMID: 32468606 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The bisindole moiety, as a versatile pharmacophore, is one of the widespread heterocycles in naturally occurring and synthetic bioactive compounds. The bisindole alkaloids derived from natural sources possess structural and mechanistic diversity, and they were found to be generally more active than monoindole alkaloids against various cancer cell lines. Moreover, some bisindole alkaloids such as the tubulin inhibitors, vinorelbine and vinblastine, have already been approved for cancer therapy, suggesting that bisindole alkaloids are a significant source of anticancer agents and lead hits. Bisindole hybrids have the potential to overcome drug resistance, enhance efficiency, and reduce severe side effects. The bisindole-lactam hybrid midostaurin has already been approved for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia who are FLT3 mutation-positive, highlighting the importance of bisindole hybrids in the development of novel anticancer agents. In this review, we present a brief account of the bisindole alkaloids derived from nature and of synthetic hybrids with potential anticancer activity developed in the recent 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Huang HL, Lin WJ. Dual Peptide-Modified Nanoparticles Improve Combination Chemotherapy of Etoposide and siPIK3CA Against Drug-Resistant Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12030254. [PMID: 32178266 PMCID: PMC7150975 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a highly aggressive form of malignancy with rapid recurrence and poor prognosis. The dual peptide-modified nanoparticles (NPs) for improving chemotherapy against drug-resistant small cell lung carcinoma cells has been developed. In this study, the SCLC targeting ligand, antagonist G peptide (AG), and cell-penetrating peptide, TAT, modified NPs were used to encapsulate both anticancer drugs etoposide (ETP) and PIK3CA small-interfering RNA (siPIK3CA). The ETP@NPs and siRNA@NPs had particle size 201.0 ± 1.9-206.5 ± 0.7 nm and 155.3 ± 12.4-169.1 ± 11.2 nm, respectively. The lyophilized ETP@NPs and siRNA@NPs maintained their particle size and zeta potential during 28-day storage without severe aggregation or dissociation. Either ETP@NPs or siRNA@NPs significantly reduced the IC50 of drugs by 2.5-5.5 folds and 2.4-3.9 folds, respectively, as compared to free ETP and siRNA/PEI nanocomplex in drug-resistant CD133(+) H69 cells. Herein, the IC50 of dual-peptide modified ETP@NPs and siRNA@NPs were prominently lower than single-peptide modified NPs. The synergistic effect (CI < 1) was further observed in co-treatment of ETP and siPIK3CA particularly delivered by dual-peptide modified NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Lin Huang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
| | - Wen Jen Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
- Drug Research Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-33668765; Fax: +886-2-23919098
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Wang JP, Yan JP, Xu J, Yin TH, Zheng RQ, Wang W. Paclitaxel-loaded nanobubble targeted to pro-gastrin-releasing peptide inhibits the growth of small cell lung cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:6637-6649. [PMID: 31406477 PMCID: PMC6642650 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s199175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this work was to study the effects of paclitaxel-loaded nanobubbles targeting pro-gastrin-releasing peptide, designated as paclitaxel targeting nanobubbles, on small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods Paclitaxel targeting nanobubbles were prepared by Thin-film hydration method. Subsequently, the prepared nanomaterials were tested for their in vitro effects on SCLC H446 cells proliferation, apoptosis and motility using the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and cell scratch test. Next, the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms of the prepared nanomaterials on H446 cells were evaluated by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical detection. Finally, the in vivo effects of the constructed nanomaterials were assessed on SCLC tumor using tumor-burdened nude mice models. Results Paclitaxel targeting nanobubbles significantly inhibited SCLC cell proliferation and migration, and promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, the expression levels of Bcl-2, survivin, CDK2 and MMP-2 significantly decreased in SCLC cells treated with paclitaxel targeting nanobubbles, whereas the expression of caspase-3 and Rb were increased. There was a notable decrease in tumor size in vivo in SCLC nude mice models treated with paclitaxel targeting nanobubbles. Conclusion Paclitaxel targeting nanobubbles effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of SCLC cells and induced SCLC cells apoptosis. Hence, these nanobubbles show potential in SCLC-targeted drug treatment application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, People's Republic of China.,Department of Ultrasound, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Ping Yan
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanxi Province People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Hui Yin
- Department of Medical Ultrasonic, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Qin Zheng
- Department of Medical Ultrasonic, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, People's Republic of China
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Zhang XQ, Mou XF, Mao N, Hao JJ, Liu M, Zheng JY, Wang CY, Gu YC, Shao CL. Design, semisynthesis, α-glucosidase inhibitory, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activities of p-terphenyl derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 146:232-244. [PMID: 29407953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Terphenyllin (1), a naturally abundant p-terphenyl metabolite, was isolated from the coral derived fungus Aspergillus candidus together with four natural analogues 2-5. To evaluate their potency and selectivity, a series of new derivatives of 1 were designed and semisynthesized. They were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activities. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21, 23, 24, 29, 39, and 40 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 4.79-15 μM, which were stronger than that of the positive controls, 1-deoxynojirimycin (IC50 = 192.0 μM) and acarbose (IC50 = 707.9 μM). Compounds 7 and 10 have relatively higher therapeutic indices (CC50/IC50 = 17 and 10, respectively), representing potential promising leads. The enzyme kinetic studies of compounds 1 and 24 showed a non-competitive inhibition on α-glucosidase with Ki values of 1.50 and 3.45 μM, respectively. Additionally, compounds 14, 21, 26, 29, 32, 35, and 37 were found to exhibit strong cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines A549 (lung adenocarcinoma epithelial), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and HepG2 (hepatocellular liver carcinoma) with IC50 values ranging from 0.15 to 5.26 μM. Further study indicated that 32 could induce S-phase arrest in the cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Mou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Mao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Jie Hao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Yong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266061, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Cheng Gu
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, United Kingdom
| | - Chang-Lun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory for Marine Corrosion and Protection, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute (LSMRI), Qingdao 266061, People's Republic of China.
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Pentapeptides for the treatment of small cell lung cancer: Optimisation by N ind-alkyl modification of the tryptophan side chain. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 137:221-232. [PMID: 28595067 PMCID: PMC5500990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The pentapeptide, tert-Prenyl4th-NH2 (DMePhe-DTrp-Phe-DTrp(N-tert-prenyl)-Leu-NH2), has recently been reported by our group to exhibit properties of substance P (SP) antagonist G against small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this study, we undertook a systematic structure activity investigation to optimise this lead compound to improve its in vitro anti-tumour activity and biocompatibility. A series of d-tryptophan (D-Trp) derivatives were synthesised, with a range of aliphatic N-alkyl chains (methyl to pentyl) on the indole nitrogen (Nind). These were incorporated into the pentapeptide sequence by substitution of the Nind-tert-prenylated D-Trp 4th residue with the Nind-alkylated D-Trp derivatives. These pentapeptides were significantly more potent than tert-Prenyl4th-NH2, with the Nind-butyl modification generating the most cytotoxic peptides. Compared to tert-Prenyl4th-NH2, a single butyl modification on the 4th D-Trp residue (Butyl4th-NH2) showed a ∼3 fold enhancement in cytotoxicity in either the chemo-naive H69 or the DMS79 (originating from a patient treated with chemotherapeutics and radiation therapy) SCLC cell lines. In addition, the di-butylated sequence on the 2nd and 4th D-Trp residues (Butyl2nd,4th-NH2) gave ∼4.5 times higher cytotoxicity against the H69 cell line and a ∼2 fold increase against the DMS79 cell line, compared to tert-Prenyl4th-NH2. The favoured position for butyl modification was the 4th D-Trp residue, as the Butyl2nd-NH2 peptide gave lower cytotoxicity on both cell lines. Butylated peptide sequences, when exposed to neat mouse plasma for 24 h at 37 °C, were found to resist degradation with >80% remaining intact compared to ∼58% for tert-Prenyl4th-NH2. The degradation pathway in plasma occurs via de-amidation of the C-terminus, confirmed by mass spectrometry and RP-HPLC analysis. The butyl modification also conferred resistance to metabolism when tested using S9 liver fraction from mouse. The optimum analogue responsive against the DMS79 cell line was the Butyl4th-NH2 pentapeptide, which revealed a concentration dependent increase in apoptosis: the level of late apoptotic cells rose from ∼36% at 2 μM to ∼96% at 6 μM, as determined by flow cytometry, compared to the unmodified peptide that showed no such effect. Concluding, the butyl substitutions offered the best perspective for high cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis and metabolic compatibility thereby comprising an improved broad spectrum SP antagonist candidate for treatment of SCLC.
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