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Kopparapu P, Löhr CV, Pearce MC, Tyavanagimatt S, Nakshatri H, Kolluri SK. Small Molecule Functional Converter of B-Cell Lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) Suppresses Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1302-1309. [PMID: 38751629 PMCID: PMC11091964 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00360] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins plays a vital role in tumorigenesis. Cancer cells utilize the expression of Bcl-2 to evade therapy and develop resistance. Bcl-2 overexpression also causes cancer cells to be more invasive and metastatic. About 80% of cancer deaths are due to metastases, and yet targeted therapies for metastatic cancers are scarce. We discovered a small molecule, BFC1103, which changes the conformation of Bcl-2 to convert the antiapoptotic protein to a proapoptotic protein. BFC1103-induced apoptosis is dependent on the expression levels of Bcl-2, with higher levels causing more apoptosis. BFC1103 suppressed the growth of breast cancer lung metastasis. BFC1103 has the potential for further optimization and development for clinical testing in metastatic cancers that express Bcl-2. This study demonstrates a new approach to target Bcl-2 using a small molecule, BFC1103, to suppress metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad
R. Kopparapu
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
| | - Christiane V. Löhr
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-4801, United States
| | - Martin C. Pearce
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
| | - Shanthakumar Tyavanagimatt
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department
of Surgery, Indiana University School of
Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-3082, United States
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
- Linus
Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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Kopparapu PR, Pearce MC, Löhr CV, Duong C, Jang HS, Tyavanagimatt S, O'Donnell EF, Nakshatri H, Kolluri SK. Identification and Characterization of a Small Molecule Bcl-2 Functional Converter. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:634-644. [PMID: 38329389 PMCID: PMC10911799 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells exploit the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 to evade apoptosis and develop resistance to therapeutics. High levels of Bcl-2 leads to sequestration of pro-apoptotic proteins causing the apoptotic machinery to halt. In this study, we report discovery of a small molecule, BFC1108 (5-chloro-N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-2-[(4-methoxybenzyol)amino]benzamide), which targets Bcl-2 and converts it into a pro-apoptotic protein. The apoptotic effect of BFC1108 is not inhibited, but rather potentiated, by Bcl-2 overexpression. BFC1108 induces a conformational change in Bcl-2, resulting in the exposure of its BH3 domain both in vitro and in vivo. BFC1108 suppresses the growth of triple-negative breast cancer xenografts with high Bcl-2 expression and inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis. This study demonstrates a novel approach to targeting Bcl-2 using BFC1108, a small molecule Bcl-2 functional converter that effectively induces apoptosis in Bcl-2-expressing cancers. SIGNIFICANCE We report the identification of a small molecule that exposes the Bcl-2 killer conformation and induces death in Bcl-2-expressing cancer cells. Selective targeting of Bcl-2 and elimination of cancer cells expressing Bcl-2 opens up new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R. Kopparapu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Martin C. Pearce
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Christiane V. Löhr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Cathy Duong
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Shanthakumar Tyavanagimatt
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Edmond F. O'Donnell
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | | | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
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Yang Y, An Y, Ren M, Wang H, Bai J, Du W, Kong D. The mechanisms of action of mitochondrial targeting agents in cancer: inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and inducing apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1243613. [PMID: 37954849 PMCID: PMC10635426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1243613] [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] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment affects the structure and metabolic function of mitochondria in tumor cells. This process involves changes in metabolic activity, an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells compared to normal cells, the production of more intracellular free radicals, and the activation of oxidative pathways. From a practical perspective, it is advantageous to develop drugs that target mitochondria for the treatment of malignant tumors. Such drugs can enhance the selectivity of treatments for specific cell groups, minimize toxic effects on normal tissues, and improve combinational treatments. Mitochondrial targeting agents typically rely on small molecule medications (such as synthetic small molecules agents, active ingredients of plants, mitochondrial inhibitors or autophagy inhibitors, and others), modified mitochondrial delivery system agents (such as lipophilic cation modification or combining other molecules to form targeted mitochondrial agents), and a few mitochondrial complex inhibitors. This article will review these compounds in three main areas: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), changes in ROS levels, and endogenous oxidative and apoptotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yahui An
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mingli Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenli Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dezhi Kong
- Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Wu Y, Zhou M, Lin R, Yu L, Zhang X, Xie J. Acid-Responsive Macroporous Silica Nanoparticles for Bcl-2-Functional-Converting Peptide Release and Synergism with Celastrol for Enhanced Therapy against Resistant Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37312263 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Combination of chemotherapeutics with polypeptide/protein drugs has been demonstrated to be an effective approach for treatment against cancer multidrug resistance. However, due to the low biostability and weak cell penetrating ability of biomacromolecules, intracellular delivery and release of biomacromolecules in a spatiotemporally controllable manner in target sites in vivo face great challenges, and synergistic effects will not be achieved as expected just by simple drug combination. Here, we conceived an inspired strategy to combat the drug-resistant tumors by fabricating multiarm PEG-gated large pore-sized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the Bcl-2-functional-converting peptide (denoted as N9@M-CA∼8P) payload and controlled release and realizing synergistic effects with celastrol integration at a low dosage as a curative sensitizer. Our results demonstrated that the N9 peptide could be pH-responsively released from the macropores of the M-CA∼8P nanosystem both in simulated physiological environments and in cancer cells and at tumor sites. Biosafe and enhanced therapeutic outcomes (90% tumor inhibition) were obtained by combination of the N9@M-CA∼8P nanosystem with celastrol coordinatively inducing mitochondrion-mediated cell apoptosis in resistant cancer cell lines and in the corresponding xenografted mice models. Overall, this study provides convincing evidence for effective and safe resistant cancer treatment through a stimulus-responsive biomacromolecule nanosystem combined with a low dosage of a natural compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehuang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Min Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ruimiao Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Lixue Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaokun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jingjing Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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Zhang R, Cheng G, Liu S, Lv H, Li J. A four-in-one pure nanomedicine for synergistic multi-target therapy against breast cancer. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:8809-8822. [PMID: 34633023 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01820e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Designing a multi-target nanomedicine without a carrier is pivotal for successful cancer nanotherapy. This study details a novel four-in-one RRX/BMS/CA4/PTX nanomedicine by simple nanoprecipitation. In this multi-target pure nanomedicine, paclitaxel (PTX) causes the immunogenic cell death of 4T1 tumour cells and the differentiation of marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into dendritic cells (DCs) at low dose; repertaxin (RRX) selectively depletes cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are not killed by paclitaxel to inhibit lung metastasis from the breast; BMS-1 blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway for proliferating effector T cells; and combretastatin A4 (CA4) targets tumour microvessels to cut off the blood supply in the tumour microenvironment. The synergy of multi-target therapies results in excellent antitumour effects. The tumour inhibition rate of 4T1 tumours is 92.5%, and the lung metastasis suppression rate exceeds 90%; no relapse is observed at 46 days after the treatment endpoint, and the survival of 50% of mice is prolonged by 95 days. Due to the low dose of PTX administration, the systemic toxicity of the RRX/BMS/CA4/PTX nanomedicine is not found. Our results suggest a strategy for designing multi-target pure nanomedicines with simple construction and efficacious therapeutic responses that present potential for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Ge Cheng
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Shengnan Liu
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Hongying Lv
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Institute of Radiation Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
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Concurrent impairment of nucleus and mitochondria for synergistic inhibition of cancer metastasis. Int J Pharm 2021; 608:121077. [PMID: 34487811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, which increases the mortality in a short period of time, has been considered as the main challenge in tumor treatment. However, tumor growth suppression also should not be ignored in cancer metastasis treatment. Recently, accumulating evidences have suggested that mitochondria play an important role in mitigating caner metastasis. Nucleus, as the repository of genetic information, plays a key role in cell proliferation. However, it remains elusive that the concurrent impairment of nucleus and mitochondria may achieve better anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effects. Here, we designed a mitochondria-penetrating peptide modified doxorubicin (MPP-Dox) loaded N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer conjugates (PM), as well as a nuclear accumulating HPMA copolymer Dox conjugates (PN) by the nuclear tendency of Dox. After co-delivering the two copolymers (abbreviation for PMN), PM promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor metastasis by damaging mitochondria, whereas PN suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by destroying nucleus. Importantly, PM and PN complemented each other as expected. The mitochondrial dysfunction and tumor metastasis inhibition of PM was improved by PN, while cell proliferation suppression and apoptosis by nucleus destroying of PN was enhanced by PM. As a result, tumor growth of breast cancer 4T1 cells in vivo was significantly restrained and lung metastasis was potently decreased and almost eradicated, fully reflecting the advantages of organelle targeting combination therapy. As a consequence, our work showed that concurrent impairment of nucleus and mitochondria was feasible and beneficial to metastatic cancer treatment.
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