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Vankadara S, Ke Z, Wang S, Foo SY, Gunaratne J, Lee MA, Koh X, Chia CSB. Cytotoxic activity and cell specificity of a novel LHRH peptide drug conjugate, D-Cys6-LHRH vedotin, against ovarian cancer cell lines. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14516. [PMID: 38618710 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14516] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most deadly female gynaecological malignancy in developed countries and new treatments are urgently needed. The luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) peptide drug conjugate Zoptarelin doxorubicin is one such potential new drug modality that entered clinical trials for treating LHRH receptor-positive gynaecological cancers. However, development stopped after disappointing Phase 3 results in 2017. We believe the lack of efficacy was due to linker instability and payload potency. In this work, we replaced its linker-toxin with vedotin (MC-VC-PABC-MMAE), yielding the novel peptide drug conjugate D-Cys6-LHRH vedotin. A GI50 and cell specificity comparison against cancerous and non-cancerous ovarian cell lines showed significantly superior bioactivity and selectivity over Zoptarelin doxorubicin (GI50 4 vs. 453 nM) and other chemotherapeutic drugs used for treating ovarian cancers. Our results suggest D-Cys6-LHRH vedotin can potentially be used as a treatment for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanyam Vankadara
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Ke
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sifang Wang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sin Yun Foo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jayantha Gunaratne
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 4 Medical Drive, MD10, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - May Ann Lee
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xiaoying Koh
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - C S Brian Chia
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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2
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Mező G, Gomena J, Ranđelović I, Dókus EL, Kiss K, Pethő L, Schuster S, Vári B, Vári-Mező D, Lajkó E, Polgár L, Kőhidai L, Tóvári J, Szabó I. Oxime-Linked Peptide-Daunomycin Conjugates as Good Tools for Selection of Suitable Homing Devices in Targeted Tumor Therapy: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1864. [PMID: 38339141 PMCID: PMC10855781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031864] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is still one of the main therapeutic approaches in cancer therapy. Nevertheless, its poor selectivity causes severe toxic side effects that, together with the development of drug resistance in tumor cells, results in a limitation for its application. Tumor-targeted drug delivery is a possible choice to overcome these drawbacks. As well as monoclonal antibodies, peptides are promising targeting moieties for drug delivery. However, the development of peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) is still a big challenge. The main reason is that the conjugates have to be stable in circulation, but the drug or its active metabolite should be released efficiently in the tumor cells. For this purpose, suitable linker systems are needed that connect the drug molecule with the homing peptide. The applied linker systems are commonly categorized as cleavable and non-cleavable linkers. Both the groups possess advantages and disadvantages that are summarized briefly in this manuscript. Moreover, in this review paper, we highlight the benefit of oxime-linked anthracycline-peptide conjugates in the development of PDCs. For instance, straightforward synthesis as well as a conjugation reaction proceed in excellent yields, and the autofluorescence of anthracyclines provides a good tool to select the appropriate homing peptides. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these conjugates can be used properly in in vivo studies. The results indicate that the oxime-linked PDCs are potential candidates for targeted tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Mező
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Chemistry, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jacopo Gomena
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Chemistry, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (B.V.); (J.T.)
| | - Endre Levente Dókus
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
| | - Krisztina Kiss
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Pethő
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
| | - Sabine Schuster
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
- Institute of Chemistry, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Vári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (B.V.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Doctoral School of Pathological Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diána Vári-Mező
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (B.V.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Doctoral School of Pathological Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Lajkó
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (E.L.); (L.P.); (L.K.)
| | - Lívia Polgár
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (E.L.); (L.P.); (L.K.)
| | - László Kőhidai
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (E.L.); (L.P.); (L.K.)
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (B.V.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph.D. Studies, Doctoral School of Pathological Sciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Szabó
- HUN-REN-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (J.G.); (E.L.D.); (L.P.); (S.S.); (D.V.-M.); (I.S.)
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3
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Bergami M, Manfrini O, Cenko E, Bugiardini R. Combined Therapy with Anthracyclines and GnRH Analogues for Breast Cancer: Impact on Ischemic Heart Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6791. [PMID: 37959257 PMCID: PMC10648997 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of classic chemotherapy agents like anthracyclines with novel targeted medications has had a positive impact on women's survival from breast cancer. GnRH analogues are primarily employed to temporarily suppress ovarian function in premenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Despite their benefits, the true degree of their collateral effects has been widely understudied, especially when it comes to ischemic heart disease. This review aims at summarizing the current state of the art on this issue, with particular focus on the risk for cardiotoxicity associated with the combined use of GnRH analogues and anthracyclines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Raffaele Bugiardini
- Laboratory of Epidemiological and Clinical Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (O.M.); (E.C.)
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4
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Biniari G, Markatos C, Nteli A, Tzoupis H, Simal C, Vlamis-Gardikas A, Karageorgos V, Pirmettis I, Petrou P, Venihaki M, Liapakis G, Tselios T. Rational Design, Synthesis and Binding Affinity Studies of Anthraquinone Derivatives Conjugated to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogues towards Selective Immunosuppression of Hormone-Dependent Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15232. [PMID: 37894912 PMCID: PMC10607160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015232] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is pivotal in regulating human reproduction and fertility through its specific receptors. Among these, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor type I (GnRHR I), which is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family, is expressed on the surface of both healthy and malignant cells. Its presence in cancer cells has positioned this receptor as a primary target for the development of novel anti-cancer agents. Moreover, the extensive regulatory functions of GnRH have underscored decapeptide as a prominent vehicle for targeted drug delivery, which is accomplished through the design of appropriate conjugates. On this basis, a rationally designed series of anthraquinone/mitoxantrone-GnRH conjugates (con1-con8) has been synthesized herein. Their in vitro binding affinities range from 0.06 to 3.42 nM, with six of them (con2-con7) demonstrating higher affinities for GnRH than the established drug leuprolide (0.64 nM). Among the mitoxantrone based GnRH conjugates, con3 and con7 show the highest affinities at 0.07 and 0.06 nM, respectively, while the disulfide bond present in the conjugates is found to be readily reduced by the thioredoxin (Trx) system. These findings are promising for further pharmacological evaluation of the synthesized conjugates with the prospect of performing future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Biniari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (G.B.); (A.N.); (H.T.); (C.S.); (A.V.-G.)
| | - Christos Markatos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Agathi Nteli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (G.B.); (A.N.); (H.T.); (C.S.); (A.V.-G.)
| | - Haralambos Tzoupis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (G.B.); (A.N.); (H.T.); (C.S.); (A.V.-G.)
| | - Carmen Simal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (G.B.); (A.N.); (H.T.); (C.S.); (A.V.-G.)
| | - Alexios Vlamis-Gardikas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (G.B.); (A.N.); (H.T.); (C.S.); (A.V.-G.)
| | - Vlasios Karageorgos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Ioannis Pirmettis
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece; (I.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Panagiota Petrou
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece; (I.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Maria Venihaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - George Liapakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Theodore Tselios
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (G.B.); (A.N.); (H.T.); (C.S.); (A.V.-G.)
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5
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Pnueli L, Melamed P. Epigenetic repression of gonadotropin gene expression via a GnRH-mediated DNA delivery system. Gene Ther 2022; 29:294-303. [PMID: 35301447 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive axis is activated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gonadotropes to secrete hormones that drive gonadal function and steroidogenesis. Thus repression of this axis, which is conserved across mammals and sexes, can reduce steroid levels and/or prevent reproduction. Steroid-dependent pathologies, including various cancers, are commonly treated with GnRH super-analogs which have long-term side-effects, while humane solutions for controlling reproduction in domestic and wild animal populations are lacking. GnRH-conjugated toxins are undergoing clinical trials for GnRHR-expressing cancer cells, and have been examined for gonadotrope ablation in animals, but showed low and/or transient effects and administration of toxins has many potential complications. Here we exploit GnRH targeting to gonadotropes to deliver DNA encoding an effector that induces gonadotropin gene repressive epigenetic modifications which are perpetuated over time. Several layers of specificity are endowed through targeting to GnRHR-expressing cells and due to local cleavage of the peptide packaging the DNA; the DNA-encoded effector is expressed and directed to the target genes by the DNA binding domain of a highly specific transcription factor. This design has multiple advantages over existing methods of shutting down the reproductive axis, and its modular design should allow adaptation for broad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Pnueli
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Philippa Melamed
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
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6
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Zhou J, Li Y, Huang W, Shi W, Qian H. Source and exploration of the peptides used to construct peptide-drug conjugates. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113712. [PMID: 34303870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) are a class of novel molecules widely designed and synthesized for delivering payload drugs. The peptide part plays a vital role in the whole molecule, because they determine the ability of the molecules to penetrate the membrane and target to the specific targets. Here, we introduce the source of different kinds of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and cell-targeting peptides (CTPs) that have been used or could be used in constructing PDCs as well as their latest application in delivering drugs. What's more, the approaches of developing CPPs and CTPs and the techniques to discover novel peptides are focused on and summarized in the review. This review aims to help relevant researchers fast understand the research status of peptides in PDCs and carry forward the process of novel peptides discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhou
- Centre of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Centre of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Wenlong Huang
- Centre of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Wei Shi
- Centre of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Hai Qian
- Centre of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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7
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Cohen L, Livney YD, Assaraf YG. Targeted nanomedicine modalities for prostate cancer treatment. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 56:100762. [PMID: 33857756 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cause of death amongst men in the USA. Therapy of PC has been transformed in the past decade by introducing novel therapeutics, advanced functional imaging and diagnostic approaches, next generation sequencing, as well as improved application of existing therapies in localized PC. Treatment of PC at the different stages of the disease may include surgery, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, although ADT has proven efficacious in PC treatment, its effectiveness may be temporary, as these tumors frequently develop molecular mechanisms of therapy resistance, which allow them to survive and proliferate even under conditions of testosterone deprivation, inhibition of androgen receptor signaling, or cytotoxic drug treatment. Importantly, ADT was found to induce key alterations which frequently result in the formation of metastatic tumors displaying a therapy refractory phenotype. Hence, to overcome these serious therapeutic impediments, novel PC cell-targeted therapeutic strategies are being developed. These include diverse platforms enabling specific enhanced antitumor drug uptake and increased intracellular accumulation. Studies have shown that these novel treatment modalities lead to enhanced antitumor activity and diminished systemic toxicity due to the use of selective targeting and decreased drug doses. The underlying mechanism of targeting and internalization is based upon the interaction between a selective ligand, conjugated to a drug-loaded nanoparticle or directly to an anti-cancer drug, and a specific plasma membrane biomarker, uniquely overexpressed on the surface of PC cells. Another targeted therapeutic approach is the delivery of unique anti-oncogenic signaling pathway-based therapeutic drugs, which are selectively cytotoxic to PC cells. The current paper reviews PC targeted modalities reported in the past 6 years, and discusses both the advantages and limitations of the various targeted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lital Cohen
- The Laboratory of Biopolymers for Food and Health, Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Yoav D Livney
- The Laboratory of Biopolymers for Food and Health, Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel.
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8
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Murányi J, Varga A, Gyulavári P, Pénzes K, Németh CE, Csala M, Pethő L, Csámpai A, Halmos G, Peták I, Vályi-Nagy I. Novel Crizotinib-GnRH Conjugates Revealed the Significance of Lysosomal Trapping in GnRH-Based Drug Delivery Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225590. [PMID: 31717403 PMCID: PMC6888004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several promising anti-cancer drug–GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) conjugates have been developed in the last two decades, although none of them have been approved for clinical use yet. Crizotinib is an effective multi-target kinase inhibitor, approved against anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)- or ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS-1)-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); however, its application is accompanied by serious side effects. In order to deliver crizotinib selectively into the tumor cells, we synthesized novel crizotinib analogues and conjugated them to a [d-Lys6]–GnRH-I targeting peptide. Our most prominent crizotinib–GnRH conjugates, the amide-bond-containing [d-Lys6(crizotinib*)]–GnRH-I and the ester-bond-containing [d-Lys6(MJ55*)]–GnRH-I, were able to bind to GnRH-receptor (GnRHR) and exert a potent c-Met kinase inhibitory effect. The efficacy of compounds was tested on the MET-amplified and GnRHR-expressing EBC-1 NSCLC cells. In vitro pharmacological profiling led to the conclusion that that crizotinib–GnRH conjugates are transported directly into lysosomes, where the membrane permeability of crizotinib is diminished. As a consequence of GnRHR-mediated endocytosis, GnRH-conjugated crizotinib bypasses its molecular targets—the ATP-binding site of RTKs— and is sequestered in the lysosomes. These results explained the lower efficacy of crizotinib–GnRH conjugates in EBC-1 cells, and led to the conclusion that drug escape from the lysosomes is a major challenge in the development of clinically relevant anti-cancer drug–GnRH conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Murányi
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Tűzoltó St. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.V.); (P.G.); (K.P.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (C.E.N.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Attila Varga
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Tűzoltó St. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.V.); (P.G.); (K.P.)
| | - Pál Gyulavári
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Tűzoltó St. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.V.); (P.G.); (K.P.)
| | - Kinga Pénzes
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Tűzoltó St. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (A.V.); (P.G.); (K.P.)
| | - Csilla E. Németh
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (C.E.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Miklós Csala
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, H1094 Budapest, Hungary; (C.E.N.); (M.C.)
| | - Lilla Pethő
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, H1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Antal Csámpai
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, H1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, H4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - István Peták
- Oncompass Medicine Hungary Ltd., H1024 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - István Vályi-Nagy
- Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, H1097 Budapest, Hungary;
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9
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Huerta-Reyes M, Maya-Núñez G, Pérez-Solis MA, López-Muñoz E, Guillén N, Olivo-Marin JC, Aguilar-Rojas A. Treatment of Breast Cancer With Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs. Front Oncol 2019; 9:943. [PMID: 31632902 PMCID: PMC6779786 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although significant progress has been made in the implementation of new breast cancer treatments over the last three decades, this neoplasm annually continues to show high worldwide rates of morbidity and mortality. In consequence, the search for novel therapies with greater effectiveness and specificity has not come to a stop. Among the alternative therapeutic targets, the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone type I and type II (hGnRH-I and hGnRH–II, respectively) and its receptor, the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor type I (hGnRHR-I), have shown to be powerful therapeutic targets to decrease the adverse effects of this disease. In the present review, we describe how the administration of GnRH analogs is able to reduce circulating concentrations of estrogen in premenopausal women through their action on the hypothalamus–pituitary–ovarian axis, consequently reducing the growth of breast tumors and disease recurrence. Also, it has been mentioned that, regardless of the suppression of synthesis and secretion of ovarian steroids, GnRH agonists exert direct anticancer action, such as the reduction of tumor growth and cell invasion. In addition, we discuss the effects on breast cancer of the hGnRH-I and hGnRH-II agonist and antagonist, non-peptide GnRH antagonists, and cytotoxic analogs of GnRH and their implication as novel adjuvant therapies as antitumor agents for reducing the adverse effects of breast cancer. In conclusion, we suggest that the hGnRH/hGnRHR system is a promising target for pharmaceutical development in the treatment of breast cancer, especially for the treatment of advanced states of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Huerta-Reyes
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Nefrológicas, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (CMN-SXXI), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Especialidades, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Maya-Núñez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Medicina Reproductiva, IMSS, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad No. 4, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco Allán Pérez-Solis
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Medicina Reproductiva, IMSS, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad No. 4, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eunice López-Muñoz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Medicina Reproductiva, IMSS, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad No. 4, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nancy Guillén
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS-ERL9195, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Olivo-Marin
- Unité d'Analyse d'Images Biologiques, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS-UMR3691, Paris, France
| | - Arturo Aguilar-Rojas
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Medicina Reproductiva, IMSS, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad No. 4, Mexico City, Mexico.,Unité d'Analyse d'Images Biologiques, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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10
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Singla N, Ghandour RA, Raj GV. Investigational luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists and other hormonal agents in early stage clinical trials for prostate cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:249-259. [PMID: 30649971 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1570130] [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] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment and management of prostate cancer continues to evolve; newer classes of agents and combination therapies are being developed and some are being investigated in early phase clinical trials. AREAS COVERED We discuss investigational hormonal agents for the treatment of prostate cancer and focus primarily on luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists in early stage trials. We look at agents that target the hormonal axis, including anti-androgens, gonadotropins, estrogenic agents and progestogenic agents and other non-hormonal agents often used in combination with LHRH agonists. We review these candidates in the specific clinical niche in which they might find utility. EXPERT OPINION Of all candidate compounds being evaluated in clinical trials, very few will receive FDA approval. Few, if any of the investigational agents discussed here will be used routinely in clinical practice for treating prostate cancer. Recognizing the reasons for the failure of agents to advance to later stage trials is important. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying prostate cancer pathogenesis, including various points in the HGPA and parallel pathways, will help identify potentially actionable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmish Singla
- a Department of Urology , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Rashed A Ghandour
- a Department of Urology , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- a Department of Urology , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
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11
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Li S, Zhao H, Chang X, Wang J, Zhao E, Yin Z, Mao X, Deng S, Hao T, Wang H, Yang Y. Synthesis, in vitro stability, and antiproliferative effect of d-cysteine modified GnRH-doxorubicin conjugates. J Pept Sci 2018; 25:e3135. [PMID: 30467919 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor in many tumors but not in normal tissues makes it possible to use GnRH analogs as targeting peptides for selective delivery of cytotoxic agents, which may help to enhance the uptake of anticancer drugs by cancer cells and reduce toxicity to normal cells. The GnRH analogs [d-Cys6 , desGly10 , Pro9 -NH2 ]-GnRH, [d-Cys6 , desGly10 , Pro9 -NHEt]-GnRH, and [d-Cys6 , α-aza-Gly10 -NH2 ]-GnRH were conjugated with doxorubicin (Dox), respectively, through N-succinimidyl-3-maleimidopropionate as a linker to afford three new GnRH-Dox conjugates. The metabolic stability of these conjugates in human serum was determined by RP-HPLC. The antiproliferative activity of the conjugates was examined in GnRH receptor-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line by MTT assay. The three GnRH-Dox conjugates showed improved metabolic stability in human serum in comparison with AN-152. The antiproliferative effect of conjugate II ([d-Cys6 , desGly10 , Pro9 -NHEt]-GnRH-Dox) on MCF-7 cells was higher than that of conjugate I ([d-Cys6 , desGly10 , Pro9 -NH2 ]-GnRH-Dox) and conjugate III ([d-Cys6 , α-aza-Gly10 -NH2 ]-GnRH-Dox), and the cytotoxicity of conjugate II against GnRH receptor-negative 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblast cells was decreased in comparison with free Dox. GnRH receptor inhibition test suggested that the antiproliferative activity of conjugate II might be due to the cellular uptake mediated by the targeting binding of [d-Cys6 -des-Gly10 -Pro9 -NHEt]-GnRH to GnRH receptors. Our study indicates that targeting delivery of conjugate II mediated by [d-Cys6 -des-Gly10 -Pro9 -NHEt]-GnRH is a promising strategy for chemotherapy of tumors that overexpress GnRH receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Li
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Hongling Zhao
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Xiaomin Chang
- Department of Immunology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Department of Immunology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Enhong Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Zhifeng Yin
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Xiaoxia Mao
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Shuhua Deng
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Ting Hao
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
| | - Yaqi Yang
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, China
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12
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Schuster S, Biri-Kovács B, Szeder B, Buday L, Gardi J, Szabó Z, Halmos G, Mező G. Enhanced In Vitro Antitumor Activity of GnRH-III-Daunorubicin Bioconjugates Influenced by Sequence Modification. Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:E223. [PMID: 30423956 PMCID: PMC6320914 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10040223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptors for gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) are highly expressed in various human cancers including breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate and colorectal cancer. Ligands like human GnRH-I or the sea lamprey analogue GnRH-III represent a promising approach for the development of efficient drug delivery systems for targeted tumor therapy. Here, we report on the synthesis and cytostatic effect of 14 oxime bond-linked daunorubicin GnRH-III conjugates containing a variety of unnatural amino acids within the peptide sequence. All compounds demonstrated a reduced cell viability in vitro on estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive and ERα negative cancer cells. The best candidate revealed an increased cancer cell growth inhibitory effect compared to our lead-compound GnRH-III-[⁴Lys(Bu),⁸Lys(Dau=Aoa)]. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy studies showed that the cellular uptake of the novel conjugate is substantially improved leading to an accelerated delivery of the drug to its site of action. However, the release of the active drug-metabolite by lysosomal enzymes was not negatively affected by amino acid substitution, while the compound provided a high stability in human blood plasma. Receptor binding studies were carried out to ensure a high binding affinity of the new compound for the GnRH-receptor. It was demonstrated that GnRH-III-[²ΔHis,³d-Tic,⁴Lys(Bu),⁸Lys(Dau=Aoa)] is a highly potent and promising anticancer drug delivery system for targeted tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schuster
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Beáta Biri-Kovács
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Bálint Szeder
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - László Buday
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - János Gardi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Zsuzsanna Szabó
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Mező
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
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Liang Z, Lu Z, Zhang Y, Shang D, Li R, Liu L, Zhao Z, Zhang P, Lin Q, Feng C, Zhang Y, Liu P, Tu Z, Liu H. Targeting Membrane Receptors of Ovarian Cancer Cells for Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2018; 19:449-467. [PMID: 30306870 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181010091246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide from gynecological malignancies, mainly because there are few early symptoms and the disease is generally diagnosed at an advanced stage. In addition, despite the effectiveness of cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer and the high response rates to chemotherapy, survival has improved little over the last 20 years. The management of patients with ovarian cancer also remains similar despite studies showing striking differences and heterogeneity among different subtypes. It is therefore clear that novel targeted therapeutics are urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes for ovarian cancer. To that end, several membrane receptors associated with pivotal cellular processes and often aberrantly overexpressed in ovarian cancer cells have emerged as potential targets for receptor-mediated therapeutic strategies including specific agents and multifunctional delivery systems based on ligand-receptor binding. This review focuses on the profiles and potentials of such strategies proposed for ovarian cancer treatment and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiquan Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ruyan Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Lanlan Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Zhicong Zhao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Peishan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Qiong Lin
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Chunlai Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yibang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
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14
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Oláh G, Dobos N, Vámosi G, Szabó Z, Sipos É, Fodor K, Harda K, Schally AV, Halmos G. Experimental therapy of doxorubicin resistant human uveal melanoma with targeted cytotoxic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (AN-152). Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 123:371-376. [PMID: 30076951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytotoxic analogs of LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) can be successfully used for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers such as prostatic, ovarian, endometrial, but our knowledge about their effect on hormone-independent cancers such as human uveal melanoma (UM) is limited. Previously, we have demonstrated that 46% of UM express full-length LHRH receptors. This finding has led us to further examine the mechanism of action of LHRH receptor based targeted therapies in this malignancy. AIMS In the present study we investigated the cellular uptake of doxorubicin (DOX) and cytotoxic LHRH analog AN-152 (AEZS-108, zoptarelin doxorubicin) on human UM cell lines (OCM3) and its DOX resistant form OCM3DOX320 by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The LHRH receptor expression was characterized by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS We were able to establish a new, stable and DOX resistant human UM cell line OCM3DOX320. Our results demonstrated the expression of splice variants and isoforms of receptor for LHRH in OCM3 UM cell line and its doxorubicin resistant form OCM3DOX320. It has been revealed by MTT assay that AN-152 inhibited cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner in OCM3DOX320 cells. Furthermore, receptor-mediated uptake of AN-152 was demonstrated using confocal laser scanning microscopy in both cell line. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the antiproliferative effect of AN-152 can be detected even if only LHRH receptor isoforms are expressed. Our study also demonstrates the LHRH receptor-mediated uptake of AN-152 in DOX resistant OCM3DOX320 cells. Our experiments provide new insights into a potential targeted therapy of UM and give further details about the accumulation of AN-152 in hormone-independent DOX-resistant cells expressing splice variants of the LHRH receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Oláh
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nikoletta Dobos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vámosi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Szabó
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Sipos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Klára Fodor
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kristóf Harda
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gábor Halmos
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary; Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA.
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15
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Vrettos EI, Mező G, Tzakos AG. On the design principles of peptide-drug conjugates for targeted drug delivery to the malignant tumor site. Beilstein J Org Chem 2018; 14:930-954. [PMID: 29765474 PMCID: PMC5942387 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.14.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death affecting nearly one in two people, and the appearance of new cases is projected to rise by >70% by 2030. To effectively combat the menace of cancer, a variety of strategies have been exploited. Among them, the development of peptide–drug conjugates (PDCs) is considered as an inextricable part of this armamentarium and is continuously explored as a viable approach to target malignant tumors. The general architecture of PDCs consists of three building blocks: the tumor-homing peptide, the cytotoxic agent and the biodegradable connecting linker. The aim of the current review is to provide a spherical perspective on the basic principles governing PDCs, as also the methodology to construct them. We aim to offer basic and integral knowledge on the rational design towards the construction of PDCs through analyzing each building block, as also to highlight the overall progress of this rapidly growing field. Therefore, we focus on several intriguing examples from the recent literature, including important PDCs that have progressed to phase III clinical trials. Last, we address possible difficulties that may emerge during the synthesis of PDCs, as also report ways to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirinaios I Vrettos
- University of Ioannina, Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ioannina, GR-45110, Greece
| | - Gábor Mező
- Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány P. stny. 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andreas G Tzakos
- University of Ioannina, Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ioannina, GR-45110, Greece
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16
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Targeting luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone: A potential therapeutics to treat gynecological and other cancers. J Control Release 2018; 269:277-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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17
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Rautio J, Kärkkäinen J, Sloan KB. Prodrugs – Recent approvals and a glimpse of the pipeline. Eur J Pharm Sci 2017; 109:146-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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18
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An enzyme-responsive conjugate improves the delivery of a PI3K inhibitor to prostate cancer. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 12:2373-2381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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19
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Li X, Shen B, Chen Q, Zhang X, Ye Y, Wang F, Zhang X. Antitumor effects of cecropin B-LHRH' on drug-resistant ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:251. [PMID: 27021903 PMCID: PMC4809036 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2287-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor (LHRHr) represents a promising therapeutic target for treating sex hormone-dependent tumors. We coupled cecropin B, an antimicrobial peptide, to LHRH’, a form of LHRH modified at carboxyl-terminal residues 4–10, which binds to LHRHr without interfering with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. This study aimed to assess the antitumor effects of cecropin B-LHRH’ (CB-LHRH’) in drug-resistant ovarian and endometrial cancers. Methods To evaluate the antitumor effects of CB-LHRH’, three drug resistant ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV-3, ES-2, NIH:OVCAR-3) and an endometrial cancer cell line (HEC-1A) were treated with CB-LHRH’. Cell morphology changes were assessed using inverted and electron microscopes. In addition, cell growth and cell cytotoxicity were measured by MTT assay and LDH release, respectively. In addition, hemolysis was measured. Furthermore, radioligand receptor binding, hypersensitization and minimal inhibitory concentrations (against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii) were determined. Finally, the impact on tumor growth in BALB/c-nu mice was assessed in an ES-2 xenograft model. Results CB-LHRH’ bound LHRHr with high-affinity (dissociation constant, Kd = 0.252 ± 0.061nM). Interestingly, CB-LHRH’ significantly inhibited the cell viability of SKOV-3, ES-2, NIH:OVCAR-3 and HEC-1A, but not that of normal eukaryotic cells. CB-LHRH’ was active against bacteria at micromolar concentrations, and caused no hypersensitivity in guinea pigs. Furthermore, CB-LHRH’ inhibited tumor growth with a 23.8 and 20.4 % reduction in tumor weight at 50 and 25 mg/kg.d, respectively. Conclusions CB-LHRH’ is a candidate for targeted chemotherapy against ovarian and endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Central Laboratory, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Women Health Care, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Ye
- Pharmacy Division, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengmei Wang
- Pharmacy Division, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Ullrich M, Bergmann R, Peitzsch M, Zenker EF, Cartellieri M, Bachmann M, Ehrhart-Bornstein M, Block NL, Schally AV, Eisenhofer G, Bornstein SR, Pietzsch J, Ziegler CG. Multimodal Somatostatin Receptor Theranostics Using [(64)Cu]Cu-/[(177)Lu]Lu-DOTA-(Tyr(3))octreotate and AN-238 in a Mouse Pheochromocytoma Model. Theranostics 2016; 6:650-65. [PMID: 27022413 PMCID: PMC4805660 DOI: 10.7150/thno.14479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and extra-adrenal paragangliomas (PHEO/PGLs) are rare catecholamine-producing chromaffin cell tumors. For metastatic disease, no effective therapy is available. Overexpression of somatostatin type 2 receptors (SSTR2) in PHEO/PGLs promotes interest in applying therapies using somatostatin analogs linked to radionuclides and/or cytotoxic compounds, such as [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-(Tyr3)octreotate (DOTATATE) and AN-238. Systematic evaluation of such therapies for the treatment of PHEO/PGLs requires sophisticated animal models. In this study, the mouse pheochromocytoma (MPC)-mCherry allograft model showed high tumor densities of murine SSTR2 (mSSTR2) and high tumor uptake of [64Cu]Cu-DOTATATE. Using tumor sections, we assessed mSSTR2-specific binding of DOTATATE, AN-238, and somatostatin-14. Therapeutic studies showed substantial reduction of tumor growth and tumor-related renal monoamine excretion in tumor-bearing mice after treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE compared to AN-238 and doxorubicin. Analyses did not show agonist-dependent receptor downregulation after single mSSTR2-targeting therapies. This study demonstrates that the MPC-mCherry model is a uniquely powerful tool for the preclinical evaluation of SSTR2-targeting theranostic applications in vivo. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of somatostatin analogs, especially of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE, for the treatment of metastatic PHEO/PGLs. Repeated treatment cycles, fractionated combinations of SSTR2-targeting radionuclide and cytotoxic therapies, and other adjuvant compounds addressing additional mechanisms may further enhance therapeutic outcome.
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21
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Lelle M, Kaloyanova S, Freidel C, Theodoropoulou M, Musheev M, Niehrs C, Stalla G, Peneva K. Octreotide-Mediated Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery via a Cleavable Doxorubicin-Peptide Conjugate. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:4290-300. [PMID: 26524088 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although recent methods for targeted drug delivery have addressed many of the existing problems of cancer therapy associated with undesirable side effects, significant challenges remain that have to be met before they find significant clinical relevance. One such area is the delicate chemical bond that is applied to connect a cytotoxic drug with targeting moieties like antibodies or peptides. Here we describe a novel platform that can be utilized for the preparation of drug-carrier conjugates in a site-specific manner, which provides excellent versatility and enables triggered release inside cancer cells. Its key feature is a cleavable doxorubicin-octreotide bioconjugate that targets overexpressed somatostatin receptors on tumor cells, where the coupling between the two components was achieved through the first cleavable disulfide-intercalating linker. The tumor targeting ability and suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion in AtT-20 cells by both octreotide and the doxorubicin hybrid were determined via a specific radioimmunoassay. Both substances reduced the hormone secretion to a similar extent, which demonstrated that the tumor homing peptide is able to interact with the relevant cell surface receptors after the attachment of the drug. Effective drug release was quickly accomplished in the presence of the physiological reducing agent glutathione. We also demonstrate the relevance of this scaffold in biological context in cytotoxicity assays with pituitary, pancreatic, and breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lelle
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefka Kaloyanova
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Freidel
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Michael Musheev
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance , 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Günter Stalla
- Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Kraepelinstraße 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Kalina Peneva
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Lessingstrasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
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22
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A cleavable cytolysin–neuropeptide Y bioconjugate enables specific drug delivery and demonstrates intracellular mode of action. J Control Release 2015; 209:170-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Szabó I, Bősze S, Orbán E, Sipos É, Halmos G, Kovács M, Mező G. Comparative in vitro biological evaluation of daunorubicin containing GnRH-I and GnRH-II conjugates developed for tumor targeting. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:426-35. [PMID: 25908176 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hormone based drug targeting is a promising tool for selective tumor therapy. In this study, synthesis and systematic comparative biological evaluation of novel drug containing analogs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone GnRH-I and GnRH-II is reported demonstrating their suitability for tumor targeting. The cytotoxic conjugates were prepared by the attachment of the chemotherapeutical agent daunorubicin (Dau) to GnRH analogs directly or through an enzyme-labile spacer with oxime linkage. All conjugates were found to be proteolytically stable under circumstances applied in biological assays. Both GnRH-I and GnRH-II were able to bind similarly to high-affinity GnRH-I receptors on human pituitary and human prostate cancer cells. The in vitro long-term cytotoxic effect of the conjugates was comparable with that of the free drug in human breast and colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, a concentration-dependent cellular uptake profile was observed. The in vitro apoptotic effect of the compounds was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis using annexin-V. Our results show that both the GnRH-I and the GnRH-II based analogs might be applied for targeted tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Szabó
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös L. University, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
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Böhme D, Beck-Sickinger AG. Controlling Toxicity of Peptide-Drug Conjugates by Different Chemical Linker Structures. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:804-14. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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25
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Wang C, Ma Y, Feng S, Liu K, Zhou N. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor-targeted paclitaxel-degarelix conjugate: synthesis and in vitro
evaluation. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:569-76. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Yongtao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Siliang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
| | - Ning Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures; Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Beijing 100850 China
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Böhme D, Beck-Sickinger AG. Drug delivery and release systems for targeted tumor therapy. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:186-200. [PMID: 25703117 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most toxic agents currently used for chemotherapy show a narrow therapeutic window, because of their inability to distinguish between healthy and cancer cells. Targeted drug delivery offers the possibility to overcome this issue by selectively addressing structures on the surface of cancer cells, therefore reducing undesired side effects. In this broad field, peptide-drug conjugates linked by intracellular cleavable structures have evolved as highly promising agents. They can specifically deliver toxophores to tumor cells by targeting distinct receptors overexpressed in cancer. In this review, we focus on these compounds and describe important factors to develop a highly efficient peptide-drug conjugate. The necessary properties of tumor-targeting peptides are described, and the different options for cleavable linkers used to connect toxic agents and peptides are discussed, and synthetic considerations for the introduction of these structures are reported. Furthermore, recent examples and current developments of peptide-drug conjugates are critically evaluated with a special focus on the applied linker structures and their future use in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Böhme
- Institute of Biochemistry, Universität Leipzig, Brüderstraße 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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You H, Yoon HE, Jeong PH, Ko H, Yoon JH, Kim YC. Pheophorbide-a conjugates with cancer-targeting moieties for targeted photodynamic cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:1453-62. [PMID: 25753328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Pheophorbide-a, a non-selective photosensitizer, was conjugated with cancer-targeting moieties, such as folic acid, the CRGDLASLC peptide, the cRGDfK peptide and leuprorelin, for the purpose of targeted photodynamic cancer therapy. The cellular uptake of pheophorbide-a conjugates in cancer cells overexpressing the corresponding receptors of the targeting moieties was largely enhanced compared with that in the receptor-negative cells. In the study of in vitro photodynamic activity and selectivity of pheophorbide-a conjugates in the receptor-positive and receptor-negative cells, a pheophorbide-a conjugate, (14) with an αvβ6 ligand (CRGDLASLC) exhibited the highest selectivity in the positive FaDu cells. Targeted PDT with 14 induced cell death through apoptosis and morphological apoptosis-like characteristics. These results suggest that pheophorbide-a conjugate 14 could be utilized in selective photodynamic therapy for oral cancers primarily expressing the αvβ6 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun You
- Department of Medical System Engineering (DMSE), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Eun Yoon
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, College of Dentistry, Deajeon Dental Hospital, Wonkang University, 77, Dunsan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-120, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyeong-Hwa Jeong
- Department of Medical System Engineering (DMSE), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojin Ko
- School of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Hoon Yoon
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, College of Dentistry, Deajeon Dental Hospital, Wonkang University, 77, Dunsan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-120, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Chul Kim
- Department of Medical System Engineering (DMSE), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea; School of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea.
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Limonta P, Manea M. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors as molecular therapeutic targets in prostate cancer: Current options and emerging strategies. Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 39:647-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Targeting triple-negative breast cancer through the somatostatin receptor with the new cytotoxic somatostatin analogue AN-162 [AEZS-124]. Anticancer Drugs 2013; 24:150-7. [PMID: 23080077 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e32835a7e29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that the targeted cytotoxic somatostatin (sst) analogue AN-162 [AZSE-124] inhibits the growth of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancers xenografted into nude mice. In this study, we examined the trafficking of AN-162 into the cell, the expression of the somatostatin receptors (sstr) in specimens of human triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), and the effect of AN-162 on HCC 1806 human TNBC xenografts. The expression of sstr in TNBC tumor samples was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of sstr in HCC 1806 was evaluated by reverse transcription PCR. Internalization studies with I-labeled AN-162 were carried out and the autofluorescence sign of doxorubicin moiety in the cell nucleus after incubation with AN-162 was measured using a fluorescence assay. The effects of AN-162 on the growth of HCC 1806 xenografted into nude mice were studied. A fluorescence microscopy cytotoxicity assay in vitro to detect cell death after treatment with AN-162 was also carried out. About 28% of TNBC tumor specimens showed a positive staining for sstr subtype 2a. HCC 1806 expresses all five subtypes of sstr. In the fluorescence cytotoxicity assay, dead HCC 1806 cells were found 24 h after incubation with AN-162. The growth of HCC 1806 tumors in nude mice was significantly inhibited by treatment with AN-162. AN-162 was internalized into the HCC 1806 cells and doxorubicin moiety was detected in the cell nuclei. This study is the first to show that the trafficking of the cytotoxic sst analogue AN-162 into the cell is mediated by sstr. Our work shows that the growth of xenografted HCC 1806 TNBCs can be effectively inhibited in vivo with AN-162. This investigation provides information on the mechanism of action and efficacy of this new targeted cytotoxic sst analogue and identifies in this relation the sstr as a favorable therapeutic target in TNBC.
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Schreier VN, Mező G, Orbán E, Dürr C, Marquardt A, Manea M. Synthesis, enzymatic stability and in vitro cytostatic effect of Daunorubicin-GnRH-III derivative dimers. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:2145-50. [PMID: 23434423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.01.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bioconjugates containing chemotherapeutic agents attached to peptide hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are developed as drug delivery systems for targeted cancer chemotherapy. We report here the synthesis and biochemical characterization of disulfide bond-linked dimeric bioconjugates in which daunorubicin was coupled via an oxime linkage to aminooxyacetylated GnRH-III ([Glp-His-Trp-Ser-His-Asp-Trp-Lys(DauAoa-Cys)-Pro-Gly-NH2]2; where Glp is pyroglutamic acid and Aoa is aminooxyacetyl) and its derivatives modified in position four by N-Me-Ser and Lys(Ac). The in vitro stability/degradation of the bioconjugates was determined in human serum, as well as in the presence of rat liver lysosomal homogenate and digestive enzymes. All compounds were stable at least for 24h in human serum and in the presence of pepsin and trypsin, while they were degraded by lysosomal enzymes. The daunorubicin-GnRH-III derivative dimers were partly digested by α-chymotrypsin; however, they had increased stability compared to the corresponding monomers, making them potential candidates for oral administration. The in vitro cytostatic effect of the compounds was determined on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. All daunorubicin-GnRH-III derivative dimers exerted slightly increased in vitro cytostatic effect (IC50 values in low μM range) than the corresponding monomeric bioconjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Natalie Schreier
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Biopolymer Structure Analysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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Wang R, Hu X, Yue J, Zhang W, Cai L, Xie Z, Huang Y, Jing X. Luteinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone-containing biodegradable polymer micelles for enhanced intracellular drug delivery. J Mater Chem B 2013; 1:293-301. [DOI: 10.1039/c2tb00072e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Engel J, Emons G, Pinski J, Schally AV. AEZS-108 : a targeted cytotoxic analog of LHRH for the treatment of cancers positive for LHRH receptors. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:891-9. [PMID: 22577891 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.685128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Receptors for the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LHRH, also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)] can be regarded as an ideal target for a personalized medicine approach in cancer therapy. LHRH receptors are expressed in about 80% of human endometrial and ovarian cancers, 86% of prostate cancer, and about 50% of breast cancers including triple-negative breast cancer, as well as bladder, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, sarcomas, lymphomas, melanomas, and renal cell carcinomas. Apart from the pituitary and reproductive organs, other organs and hematopoietic stem cells express LHRH receptors. Thus, a targeted cytotoxic LHRH analog such as AEZS-108 (formerly known as AN-152), in which doxorubin is linked to the LHRH agonist [D-Lys(6)]LHRH, appears to be a suitable drug for targeted chemotherapy of cancers expressing receptors for LHRH, which would be more efficacious and less toxic than standard systemic chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the development of AEZS-108, its targeting mechanism, preclinical studies, and clinical trials in patients with endometrial, ovarian, prostatic, and bladder cancers. We emphasize its development as a personalized medicine approach. The studies reviewed demonstrate the effects of the cytotoxic LHRH analog, AEZS-108, mediated by LHRH receptors, in in vivo models of LHRH-receptor-positive human endometrial, ovarian, breast, prostatic, colorectal, pancreatic, and bladder cancers xenografted into nude mice. Intravenous administration of AEZS 108 inhibits the growth of LHRH-receptor-positive tumors better than equimolar doses of the cytotoxic agent doxorubicin and is far less toxic. AEZS 108 has no antitumor activity in cancers negative to LHRH receptor. This strongly supports the concept of targeting cytotoxic chemotherapy to tumor cells expressing LHRH receptors. Early clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of AEZS-108. A Phase I trial assessed the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of AEZS-108 given once every 3 weeks in patients with gynecological cancers. Two Phase II studies in heavily pretreated ovarian and recurrent endometrial cancers showed good clinical activity after a maximum of six courses of AEZS-108 as a single agent. Ongoing clinical studies with AEZS-108 in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer and patients with chemotherapy refractory bladder cancer had shown early signs of clinical efficacy. Side effects are moderate and easily manageable. In particular, no pituitary or cardiac toxicity is observed. EXPERT OPINION AEZS-108 is a cytotoxic analog designed for receptor-mediated targeted chemotherapy and consists of an LHRH carrier linked to doxorubicin. Preclinical studies demonstrate that the uptake of AEZS-108 is achieved by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Results of Phase I and II clinical trials in patients with gynecological cancers demonstrated anticancer activity without cardiotoxicity even in highly pretreated patients. Phase I/II studies in castration-resistant prostate cancer and chemotherapy refractory bladder cancer are in progress. Targeted chemotherapy with a cytotoxic analog of LHRH, such as AEZS-108, is therefore being considered for Phase III studies in advanced endometrial cancers positive for LHRH receptor. LHRH receptors are also present in human colon cancers, melanomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas, and treatment of these cancers with AEZS-108 should also be undertaken. Before such treatment with AEZS-108 is begun, the status of tumoral LHRH receptors of patients must be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Engel
- Medical University of Regensburg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landshuter Strasse 65, 93059 Regensburg, Germany
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Struthers RS. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Targeting for Gonadotroph Ablation: An Approach to Non-surgical Sterilization. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:233-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Morgan K, Leighton SP, Millar RP. Probing the GnRH receptor agonist binding site identifies methylated triptorelin as a new anti-proliferative agent. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY 2012; 1:86-98. [PMID: 24490142 PMCID: PMC3906704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
D-amino acid substitutions at glycine postion 6 in GnRH-I decapeptide can possess super-agonist activity and enhanced in vivo pharmacokinetics. Agonists elicit growth-inhibition in tumorigenic cells expressing the GnRH receptor above threshold levels. However, new agonists with modified properties are required to improve the anti-proliferative range. Effects of residue substitutions and methylations on tumourigenic HEK293[SCL60] and WPE-1-NB26-3 prostate cells expressing the rat GnRH receptor were compared. Peptides were ranked according to receptor binding affinity, induction of inositol phosphate production and cell growth-inhibition. Analogues possessing D-Trp6 (including triptorelin), D-Leu6 (including leuprolide), D-Ala6, D-Lys6, or D-Arg6 exhibited agonist and anti-proliferative activity. Residues His5 or His5,Trp7,Tyr8, corresponding to residues found in GnRH-II, were tolerated, with retention of sub-nanomolar/low nanomolar binding affinities and EC50s for receptor activation and IC50s for cell growth-inhibition. His5D-Arg6-GnRH-I exhibited reduced binding affinity and potency, effective in the mid-nanomolar range. However, all GnRH-II-like analogues were less potent than triptorelin. By comparison, three methylated-Trp6 triptorelin variants showed differential binding, receptor activation and anti-proliferation potency. Significantly, 5-Methyl-DL-Trp6-Triptorelin was equipotent to triptorelin. Subsequent studies should determine whether pharmacologically enhanced derivatives of triptorelin can be developed by further alkylations, without substitutions or cleavable cytotoxic adducts, to improve the extent of growth-inhibition of tumour cells expressing the GnRH receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morgan
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel P Leighton
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Millar
- Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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Xie G, Nie T, Mackenzie GG, Sun Y, Huang L, Ouyang N, Alston N, Zhu C, Murray OT, Constantinides PP, Kopelovich L, Rigas B. The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of phospho-sulindac (OXT-328) and the effect of difluoromethylornithine. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2152-66. [PMID: 21955327 PMCID: PMC3413853 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Phospho-sulindac (PS; OXT-328) prevents colon cancer in mice, especially when combined with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Here, we explored its metabolism and pharmacokinetics. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH PS metabolism was studied in cultured cells, liver microsomes and cytosol, intestinal microsomes and in mice. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of PS were studied in mice. KEY RESULTS PS undergoes reduction and oxidation yielding PS sulphide and PS sulphone; is hydrolysed releasing sulindac, which generates sulindac sulphide (SSide) and sulindac sulphone (SSone), all of which are glucuronidated. Liver and intestinal microsomes metabolized PS extensively but cultured cells converted only 10% of it to PS sulphide and PS sulphone. In mice, oral PS is rapidly absorbed, metabolized and distributed to the blood and other tissues. PS survives only partially intact in blood; of its three major metabolites (sulindac, SSide and SSone), sulindac has the highest C(max) and SSone the highest t(1/2) ; their AUC(0-24h) are similar. Compared with conventional sulindac, PS generated more SSone but less SSide, which may contribute to the safety of PS. In the gastroduodenal wall of mice, 71% of PS was intact; sulindac, SSide and SSone together accounted for <30% of the total. This finding may explain the lack of gastrointestinal toxicity by PS. DFMO had no effect on PS metabolism but significantly reduced drug level in mouse plasma and other tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings establish the metabolism of PS define its pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, describe its interactions with DFMO and largely explain its gastrointestinal safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Xie
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Hong LPT, Scoble JA, Doughty L, Coia G, Williams CC. Cancer-targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugates: Site-specific Conjugation of Doxorubicin to Anti-EGFR 528 Fab' through a Polyethylene Glycol Linker. Aust J Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/ch11071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibody–drug conjugates have been prepared to examine the effect that attaching small-molecule drugs to an antibody fragment has on antibody activity. The anticancer drug doxorubicin was covalently attached through a polyethylene glycol linker to a cancer-targeting, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody fragment (Fab′). The reactivity of maleimide was compared with a substituted maleimide derivative (citraconimide) in conjugation reactions with cysteine residues on a Fab′. Introduction of polyethylene glycol increased aqueous solubility of the cytotoxic drug, which led to an improvement in overall yield of the conjugation reaction with the antibody fragment. Antibody–drug conjugates prepared retained activity of the parent antibody, as determined by antigen binding experiments measured by surface plasmon resonance.
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In vitro degradation and antitumor activity of oxime bond-linked daunorubicin-GnRH-III bioconjugates and DNA-binding properties of daunorubicin-amino acid metabolites. Amino Acids 2010; 41:469-83. [PMID: 20953647 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0766-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bioconjugates with receptor-mediated tumor-targeting functions and carrying cytotoxic agents should enable the specific delivery of chemotherapeutics to malignant tissues, thus increasing their local efficacy while limiting the peripheral toxicity. In the present study, gonadotropin-releasing hormone III (GnRH-III; Glp-His-Trp-Ser-His-Asp-Trp-Lys-Pro-Gly-NH(2)) was employed as a targeting moiety to which daunorubicin was attached via oxime bond, either directly or by insertion of a GFLG or YRRL tetrapeptide spacer. The in vitro antitumor activity of the bioconjugates was determined on MCF-7 human breast and HT-29 human colon cancer cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Their degradation/stability (1) in human serum, (2) in the presence of cathepsin B and (3) in rat liver lysosomal homogenate was analyzed by liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. The results show that (1) all synthesized bioconjugates have in vitro antitumor effect, (2) they are stable in human serum at least for 24 h, except for the compound containing an YRRL spacer and (3) they are hydrolyzed by cathepsin B and in the lysosomal homogenate. To investigate the relationship between the in vitro antitumor activity and the structure of the bioconjugates, the smallest metabolites produced in the lysosomal homogenate were synthesized and their binding to DNA was assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Our data indicate that the incorporation of a peptide spacer in the structure of oxime bond-linked daunorubicin-GnRH-III bioconjugates is not required for their antitumor activity. Moreover, the antitumor activity is influenced by the structure of the metabolites (daunorubicin-amino acid derivatives) and their DNA-binding properties.
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Ingold B, Simon E, Ungethüm U, Kuban RJ, Müller BM, Lupp A, Neumann U, Ebert MPA, Denkert C, Weichert W, Schulz S, Röcken C. Vascular CXCR4 expression - a novel antiangiogenic target in gastric cancer? PLoS One 2010; 5:e10087. [PMID: 20386750 PMCID: PMC2851611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are prime candidates for novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies. We searched for differentially expressed GPCRs in node positive gastric carcinomas. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Differential expression of GPCRs in three node positive vs. three node negative intestinal type gastric carcinomas was analyzed by gene array technology. The candidate genes CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 were validated by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in an independent set of 37 gastric carcinomas. Translation was studied by immunohistochemistry in 347 gastric carcinomas using tissue microarrays as well as in 61 matching lymph node metastases. Protein expression was correlated with clinicopathological patient characteristics and survival. 52 GPCRs and GPCR-related genes were up- or down-regulated in node positive gastric cancer, including CXCL12. Differential expression of CXCL12 was confirmed by RT-PCR and correlated with local tumour growth. CXCL12 immunopositivity was negatively associated with distant metastases and tumour grade. Only 17% of gastric carcinomas showed CXCR4 immunopositive tumour cells, which was associated with higher local tumour extent. 29% of gastric carcinomas showed CXCR4 positive tumour microvessels. Vascular CXCR4 expression was significantly associated with higher local tumour extent as well as higher UICC-stages. When expressing both, CXCL12 in tumour cells and CXCR4 in tumour microvessels, these tumours also were highly significantly associated with higher T- and UICC-stages. Three lymph node metastases revealed vascular CXCR4 expression while tumour cells completely lacked CXCR4 in all cases. The expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 had no impact on patient survival. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results substantiate the significance of GPCRs on the biology of gastric carcinomas and provide evidence that the CXCL12-CXCR4 pathway might be a novel promising antiangiogenic target for the treatment of gastric carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ingold
- Institute of Pathology Campus Mitte, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Simon
- Institute of Pathology Campus Mitte, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Ungethüm
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf-Jürgen Kuban
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berit M. Müller
- Institute of Pathology Campus Mitte, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amelie Lupp
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ulf Neumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Campus Virchow, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias P. A. Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology Campus Mitte, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology Campus Mitte, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Röcken
- Institute of Pathology Campus Mitte, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Tumor targeting with peptides is based on the discovery that receptors for many regulatory peptides are overexpressed in tumor cells, compared with their expression in normal tissues. Consequently, these peptides and their analogues can be used as carriers/targeting moieties for the preparation of diagnostic and therapeutic agents that have increased selectivity and decreased peripheral toxicity. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Here an overview is given of the most relevant gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and somatostatin derivatives, as well as of their applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. For this purpose, recently published data in these areas (mostly articles published from 2000 to 2009) were reviewed. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN In contrast to other regulatory peptides that stimulate the tumor growth, GnRH and somatostatin derivatives have inhibitory effect; therefore, they were used primarily for the preparation of various conjugates to be used in targeted chemotherapy, targeted radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, boron neutron capture therapy and cancer diagnosis. Some of these conjugates have already found clinical applications, whereas others are now in preclinical and clinical trials. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Tumor targeting with hormone peptides provides a basis for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Mezo
- Eötvös Loránd University, Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
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Msaouel P, Galanis E, Koutsilieris M. Somatostatin and somatostatin receptors: implications for neoplastic growth and cancer biology. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2010; 18:1297-316. [PMID: 19678799 DOI: 10.1517/13543780903176399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Somatostatin agonists (SM-As) are capable of achieving durable symptomatic relief and significant clinical responses in certain tumours. Herein, we review the diverse direct and indirect mechanisms of antineoplastic activity elicited by SM-As as well as the hurdles that complicate their use as monotherapies in a broader range of malignancies. Emphasis is placed on recent clinical attempts to neutralise the IGF-mediated survival factor effects in the bone metastasis microenvironment in advanced prostate cancer. The first clinical trials of this 'anti-survival factor manipulation' strategy utilised the ability of SM-As to suppress the growth hormone-dependent liver-derived IGF-I bioavailability in combination with other drugs, such as dexamethasone, zolendronate and oestrogens, acting systemically and at the bone metastasis microenvironment. These regimens restored androgen ablation responsiveness in stage D3 prostate cancer patients and successfully produced objective clinical responses while only mild toxicities were observed. Furthermore, we focus on the preclinical experimental data of a targeted SM-A coupled to the super-potent doxorubicin derivative AN-201. The resulting conjugate (AN-238) has shown increased antitumour potency with a favourable toxicity profile. The potential use of novel SM-As as anticancer drugs is discussed in relation to data suggesting other direct and indirect treatment approaches pertaining to the somatostatin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Msaouel
- National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Department of Experimental Physiology, 75 Micras Asias St, Goudi-Athens 11527, Greece
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Preclinical evaluation of properties of a new targeted cytotoxic somatostatin analog, AN-162 (AEZS-124), and its effects on tumor growth inhibition. Anticancer Drugs 2009; 20:553-8. [PMID: 19491659 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e32832d190b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In view of findings that various tumors express receptors for somatostatin, a new targeted cytotoxic analog of somatostatin, AN-162 (AEZS-124), consisting of doxorubicin linked through glutaric acid to the somatostatin octapeptide RC-121 was developed in our laboratory. We studied the toxicity in vivo and the effect of AN-162 on growth of the MDA-MB-231 estrogen-independent human breast cancer cell line xenografted into nude mice. AN-162 induced significant tumor growth inhibition compared with the control and the group treated with doxorubicin in equimolar doses. We also evaluated the stability of AN-162 in various sera in vitro, as this conjugate is susceptible to hydrolysis by serum carboxylesterase enzymes in the circulation. This study shows for the first time that AN-162 is a safe and effective compound for the treatment of experimental breast cancer. Our findings support the concept of targeted chemotherapy based on cytotoxic peptide analog AN-162 for the treatment of breast cancers and other cancers expressing somatostatin receptors.
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Therapy of experimental hepatic cancers with cytotoxic peptide analogs targeted to receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, somatostatin or bombesin. Anticancer Drugs 2008; 19:349-58. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e3282f9adce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Stangelberger A, Schally AV, Djavan B. New treatment approaches for prostate cancer based on peptide analogues. Eur Urol 2007; 53:890-900. [PMID: 18201818 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2007.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES New therapy modalities for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer based on peptide analogues are reviewed. RESULTS Agonists and antagonists of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) lead to androgen deprivation, but direct effects on tumours may also play a role. Radiolabeled somatostatin analogues can be targeted to tumours expressing receptors for somatostatin and have been successfully applied for the localization of these tumours. Tumoural LHRH, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (BN/GRP) and their receptors appear to be involved in the proliferation of prostate cancer. On the basis of the recent advances in the understanding of the role of neuropeptides in tumour growth and progression, new therapeutic modalities are being developed that are based on antagonists of GHRH and of BN/GRP, which inhibit growth factors or their receptors. Another promising approach for the therapy of prostate cancer consists of the use of cytotoxic analogues of LHRH, bombesin, and somatostatin, which can be targeted to receptors for these peptides in prostate cancers and their metastases. CONCLUSIONS New promising forms of hormone therapy and targeted chemotherapy may improve therapy of advanced stage prostate cancer.
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Stangelberger A, Schally AV, Nagy A, Szepeshazi K, Kanashiro CA, Halmos G. Inhibition of human experimental prostate cancers by a targeted cytotoxic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog AN-207. Prostate 2006; 66:200-10. [PMID: 16173040 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) on human prostate cancers can be used for targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic analogs of LHRH, such as AN-207, which consists of superactive doxorubicin derivative 2-pyrrolino doxorubicin (AN-201) linked to carrier [D-Lys6] LHRH. METHODS The effects of AN-207 and AN-201 were investigated in DU-145 androgen independent and LuCaP-35 androgen sensitive human prostate cancers xenografted into nude mice. Toxicity was evaluated by survival rates, changes in body weights, and leukocyte counts. LHRH receptors on DU-145 and LuCaP-35 tumors were evaluated by radioreceptor assays and RT-PCR. The effects on apoptosis and cell proliferation were investigated by histology and evaluation of apoptotic oncogenes Bcl-2 and Bax by Western Blot analysis. RESULTS AN-207 inhibited growth of DU-145 tumors significantly by 75% (P < 0.01) and LuCaP-35 human prostate cancers by 80% (P < 0.01), and was less toxic than AN-201. Receptors for LHRH were expressed on DU-145 and LuCaP-35 tumors. Blockade of LHRH receptors with LHRH agonist Triptorelin nullified the effects of AN-207. Treatment with AN-207, but not with AN-201, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio in DU-145 tumors and Bcl-2 in LuCaP-35 tumors indicating an increase in apoptotic activity. AN-207, but not AN-201, decreased cell proliferation in both models. CONCLUSIONS Targeted chemotherapy with AN-207 could be considered for treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Stangelberger
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-1262, USA
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Sun C, Aspland SE, Ballatore C, Castillo R, Smith AB, Castellino AJ. The design, synthesis, and evaluation of two universal doxorubicin-linkers: Preparation of conjugates that retain topoisomerase II activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:104-7. [PMID: 16242325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2005] [Revised: 09/13/2005] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The design, synthesis, and evaluation of two N-alkylmaleimide aldehydes have been achieved, which upon reductive alkylation with the C3'-amino group of doxorubicin (DOX) permits the preparation of DOX conjugates via Michael addition of thiol-containing vectors. This method enables the mild, facile, and high-throughput preparation of DOX conjugates that retain the basic C3'-nitrogen, a pre-requisite for topoisomerase II inhibition. Seven DOX-amino acid conjugates were prepared, each displaying similar inhibitory activity as the parent drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzao Sun
- Acidophil, LLC, Suite 250, 10835 Road to the Cure, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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Stangelberger A, Schally AV, Letsch M, Szepeshazi K, Nagy A, Halmos G, Kanashiro CA, Corey E, Vessella R. Targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic bombesin analogue AN-215 inhibits growth of experimental human prostate cancers. Int J Cancer 2005; 118:222-9. [PMID: 16003723 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We developed a powerful cytotoxic analogue of bombesin AN-215, in which the bombesin (BN)-like carrier peptide is conjugated to 2-pyrrolino doxorubicin (AN-201). Human prostate cancers express high levels of receptors for BN/gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) that can be used for targeted chemotherapy. The effects of targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic BN analogue AN-215 were evaluated in nude mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of DU-145, LuCaP-35, MDA-PCa-2b and intraosseous implants of C4-2 human prostate cancers. Intraosseous growth of C4-2 tumors was monitored by serum PSA. BN/GRP receptors were evaluated by 125I-[Tyr4]BN binding assays and RT-PCR. The effects of AN-215 on apoptosis and cell proliferation were followed by histology, and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein was determined by Western blot analysis. Targeted analog AN-215 significantly inhibited growth of subcutaneously implanted DU-145, LuCaP-35 and MDA-PCa-2b prostate cancers by 81% to 91% compared to controls, while cytotoxic radical AN-201 was less effective and more toxic. Serum PSA levels of mice bearing intraosseous C4-2 prostate tumors were significantly reduced. In LuCaP-35 tumors administration of BN antagonist RC-3095 prior to AN-215 blocked the receptors for BN/GRP and inhibited the effects of AN-215. High affinity receptors for BN/GRP and their m-RNA were detected on membranes of all 4 tumor models. Therapy with AN-215, but not with AN-201, decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in DU-145 and the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in LuCaP-35 tumors. The presence of BN/GRP receptors on primary and metastatic prostate cancers makes possible targeted chemotherapy with AN-215 for the treatment of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Stangelberger
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Keller G, Schally AV, Nagy A, Halmos G, Baker B, Engel JB. Targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic bombesin analogue AN-215 can overcome chemoresistance in experimental renal cell carcinomas. Cancer 2005; 104:2266-74. [PMID: 16211544 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.21402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by membrane transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (MDR-1) and MDR-associated protein (MRP), remains a challenge in the therapy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Chemotherapy targeted to hormone receptors may provide a new approach to overcome chemoresistance. The cytotoxic analogue of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), AN-215, consists of a superactive derivative of doxorubicin, AN-201, which is linked to a bombesin analogue carrier: RC-3094. METHODS The authors examined the expression of bombesin/GRP receptors in 3 human RCC cell lines (A-498, ACHN. and 786-0) by using reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and radioligand-binding assays. They also evaluated the effects of AN-215 and its cytotoxic radical AN-201 in the same RCC models in vivo, and they studied the effects of AN-215 and AN-201 on the expression levels of MDR-1 and subtype 1 of MRP (MRP-1) by using real-time PCR. RESULTS A N-215 significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth of A-498, ACHN, and 786-0 RCC xenografted into nude mice by 59.2-67.6%, whereas the cytotoxic radical AN-201 alone had no significant antitumor effects. The efficacy of AN-215 was independent of the expression patterns of MDR-1 and MRP-1 in these RCC cell lines. The induction of MDR-1 by AN-215 was similar (Experiment 2) or weaker (Experiment 1) compared with AN-201. Both AN-215 and AN-201 caused only a minor induction of MRP-1. CONCLUSIONS The current findings indicated that targeted chemotherapy with cytotoxic bombesin/GRP analogue AN-215 can inhibit the growth of RCC, providing a new treatment modality for patients with advanced RCC.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/biosynthesis
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/drug effects
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Bombesin/analogs & derivatives
- Bombesin/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/drug therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Transplantation
- Chemokines, CC/biosynthesis
- Disease Models, Animal
- Doxorubicin/analogs & derivatives
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Pyrroles/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Receptors, Bombesin/biosynthesis
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunhild Keller
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-1262, USA
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Engel JB, Schally AV, Halmos G, Baker B, Nagy A, Keller G. Targeted therapy with a cytotoxic somatostatin analog, AN-238, inhibits growth of human experimental endometrial carcinomas expressing multidrug resistance protein MDR-1. Cancer 2005; 104:1312-21. [PMID: 16047355 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.21327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance mediated by membrane transporters such as multidrug resistance (MDR-1) glycoprotein remains a challenge in the chemotherapy treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. Targeted chemotherapy might overcome this resistance. The cytotoxic somatostatin (SST) analog, AN-238, consists of a superactive derivative of doxorubicin (DOX), 2-pyrrolino-DOX (AN-201), linked to the SST analog carrier, RC-121. This conjugate binds strongly to SST receptor subtypes (sst) 2a (sst2(a)) and 5 (sst(5)) and can be targeted to tumors that express these receptors. METHODS The presence of sst2(a) and sst(5) was determined in 3 human endometrial carcinoma cell lines (HEC-1A, RL-95-2, and AN3CA). Nude mice bearing xenografts of these cancers were treated with AN-238 and its radical, AN-201. The antitumor effects and toxicity were compared. The authors studied the effects of AN-238 and AN-201 on the expression levels of MDR-1, multidrug resistance related protein (MRP-1), and breast carcinoma resistance protein (BCRP) by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The authors demonstrated the presence of mRNA and receptor protein for sst(2a) and sst(5) on HEC-1A, RL-95-2, and AN3CA tumors. AN-238 significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth of these tumors, whereas AN-201 had no effect. Blockade of SST receptors nullified the effects of AN-238. In all 3 endometrial carcinoma lines, AN-238 caused a weaker induction of MDR-1 than AN-201. No major induction of MRP-1 and BCRP occurred after treatment with AN-238 or AN-201. CONCLUSIONS Targeted chemotherapy with the cytotoxic SST analog, AN-238, inhibited powerfully the growth of endometrial carcinoma, which express SST receptors, regardless of their expression level of MDR-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorg B Engel
- Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Zhang Z, Hatta H, Tanabe K, Nishimoto SI. A new class of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine prodrugs conjugated with a tumor-homing cyclic peptide CNGRC by ester linkers: synthesis, reactivity, and tumor-cell-selective cytotoxicity. Pharm Res 2005; 22:381-9. [PMID: 15835743 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-004-1875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor-targeting prodrugs of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (5-FdUrd), which are chemical conjugations of 5-FdUrd with a tumor-homing cyclic peptide CNGRC by succinate and glutarate linkers, were synthesized to investigate the structural effects of linkers on the hydrolytic release of 5-FdUrd and the tumor-cell-selective cytotoxicity. METHODS A solid phase synthesis method was used to produce 5-FdUrd prodrugs. The kinetics and efficiency of hydrolytic 5-FdUrd release from the prodrugs were investigated in phosphate buffer (PB), fetal bovine serum (FBS), HT-1080 cell lysate, MDA-MB-231 cell lysate, and MEM containing 10% FBS. The tumor-cell-selective cytotoxicity of prodrugs was evaluated by an MTT method. RESULTS Two tumor-targeting prodrugs CNF1 and CNF2 bearing 5-FdUrd conjugated with a common cyclic peptide CNGRC by succinate and glutarate linkers, respectively, and their control compounds CN1 and CN2 without 5-FdUrd moiety were synthesized and identified. CNF1 underwent hydrolysis to release 5-FdUrd more rapidly and efficiently than CNF2. Both prodrugs were of lower cytotoxicity compared to 5-FdUrd, showing more selective cytotoxicity toward APN/CD13 positive cells (HT-1080) than toward APN/CD13 negative cells (HT-29, MDA-MB-231). CONCLUSIONS A new class of tumor-targeting 5-FdUrd prodrugs CNF1 and CNF2 were successfully synthesized. These prodrugs targeted a tumor marker APN/CD13 to cause tumor-cell-selective cyctotoxicity due to 5-FdUrd release, the rate of which could be controlled by the structure of ester linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouen Zhang
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
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