1
|
Mao L, Qin Y, Fan J, Yang W, Li B, Cao L, Yuan L, Wang M, Liu B, Wang W. Rapid discovery of a novel "green" and natural GST inhibitor for sensitizing hepatocellular carcinoma to Cisplatin by visual screening strategy. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100923. [PMID: 38799232 PMCID: PMC11127223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Over-expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) can promote Cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Hence, inhibiting GST is an attractive strategy to improve Cisplatin sensitivity in HCC therapy. Although several synthesized GST inhibitors have been developed, the side effects and narrow spectrum for anticancer seriously limit their clinical application. Considering the abundance of natural compounds with anticancer activity, this study developed a rapid fluorescence technique to screen "green" natural GST inhibitors with high specificity. The fluorescence assay demonstrated that schisanlactone B (hereafter abbreviated as C1) isolated from Xue tong significantly down-regulated GST levels in Cisplatin-resistant HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, C1 can selectively kill HCC cells from normal liver cells, effectively improving the therapeutic effect of Cisplatin on HCC mice by down-regulating GST expression. Considering the high GST levels in HCC patients, this compound demonstrated the high potential for sensitizing HCC therapy in clinical practice by down-regulating GST levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Mao
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yan Qin
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Jialong Fan
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Wei Yang
- College of Foreign Languages, Hunan Women's University, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Bin Li
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Liang Cao
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Liqin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Mengyun Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lv N, Huang C, Huang H, Dong Z, Chen X, Lu C, Zhang Y. Overexpression of Glutathione S-Transferases in Human Diseases: Drug Targets and Therapeutic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1970. [PMID: 38001822 PMCID: PMC10668987 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a major class of phase II metabolic enzymes. Besides their essential role in detoxification, GSTs also exert diverse biological activities in the occurrence and development of various diseases. In the past few decades, much research interest has been paid to exploring the mechanisms of GST overexpression in tumor drug resistance. Correspondingly, many GST inhibitors have been developed and applied, solely or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, for the treatment of multi-drug resistant tumors. Moreover, novel roles of GSTs in other diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and neurodegenerative diseases, have been recognized in recent years, although the exact regulatory mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This review, firstly summarizes the roles of GSTs and their overexpression in the above-mentioned diseases with emphasis on the modulation of cell signaling pathways and protein functions. Secondly, specific GST inhibitors currently in pre-clinical development and in clinical stages are inventoried. Lastly, applications of GST inhibitors in targeting cell signaling pathways and intracellular biological processes are discussed, and the potential for disease treatment is prospected. Taken together, this review is expected to provide new insights into the interconnection between GST overexpression and human diseases, which may assist future drug discovery targeting GSTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Lv
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (N.L.); (H.H.)
| | - Chunyan Huang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (N.L.); (H.H.)
| | - Haoyan Huang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (N.L.); (H.H.)
| | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China;
| | - Xijing Chen
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (N.L.); (H.H.)
| | - Chengcan Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China;
- Jiangning Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (N.L.); (H.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu W, Cheng L, Du Y, Liu X, Ma J, Yan L. 6-(7-Nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) Hexanol Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Endometriosis by Regulating Glutathione S-Transferase Mu Class 4. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2945-2961. [PMID: 36928896 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic disease associated with a disrupted oxidative balance and chronic inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase Mu class 4 (GSTM4) in endometriosis and determined whether 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX) regulates GSTM4 expression to affect cellular functions and oxidative stress. GSTM4 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in endometrium from 15 endometriosis patients and 15 healthy controls. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of GSTM4, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Survivin, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL), Bax, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in primary endometrial stromal cells with endometriosis (EESC) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC). The effects of NBDHEX on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and Transwell assays. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of GSTM4 was significantly increased in endometrium from endometriosis patients. Upon NBDHEX treatment, ESC exhibited reduced proliferation, migration and invasion abilities, and increased apoptosis. NBDHEX decreased the expression of endometriosis prognostic markers (PCNA and MMP-9) and anti-apoptotic proteins (Survivin and Bcl-xl), while it increased the expression of the apoptotic protein Bax. It had no effect on Keap1 expression, and it decreased the expression of Nrf2. The effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of GSTM4 was similar to that of suppressing GSTM4 expression with NBDHEX treatment. These results indicate that GSTM4 is highly expressed in endometriosis and its expression is inhibited by NBDHEX. Decreased expression of GSTM4 inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasion, and negatively regulates Nrf2 to affect oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that GSTM4 may play a role in ameliorating the progression of endometriosis. NBDHEX may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical, University, Taiyuan, 030032, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, China
| | - Yanbo Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mazari AMA, Zhang L, Ye ZW, Zhang J, Tew KD, Townsend DM. The Multifaceted Role of Glutathione S-Transferases in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:688. [PMID: 37189435 PMCID: PMC10136111 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of proteins is encoded by 16 genes presented in seven different classes. GSTs exhibit remarkable structural similarity with some overlapping functionalities. As a primary function, GSTs play a putative role in Phase II metabolism by protecting living cells against a wide variety of toxic molecules by conjugating them with the tripeptide glutathione. This conjugation reaction is extended to forming redox sensitive post-translational modifications on proteins: S-glutathionylation. Apart from these catalytic functions, specific GSTs are involved in the regulation of stress-induced signaling pathways that govern cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recently, studies on the effects of GST genetic polymorphisms on COVID-19 disease development revealed that the individuals with higher numbers of risk-associated genotypes showed higher risk of COVID-19 prevalence and severity. Furthermore, overexpression of GSTs in many tumors is frequently associated with drug resistance phenotypes. These functional properties make these proteins promising targets for therapeutics, and a number of GST inhibitors have progressed in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aslam M. A. Mazari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 70 President Street, DDB410, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Leilei Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 70 President Street, DDB410, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Ye
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 70 President Street, DDB410, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 70 President Street, DDB410, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kenneth D. Tew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 70 President Street, DDB410, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Danyelle M. Townsend
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 274 Calhoun Street, MSC141, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sha H, Zou R, Lu Y, Gan Y, Ma R, Feng J, Chen D. NBDHEX re-sensitizes adriamycin-resistant breast cancer by inhibiting glutathione S-transferase pi. Cancer Med 2023; 12:5833-5845. [PMID: 36266920 PMCID: PMC10028113 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5370] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adriamycin is a novel chemotherapeutic agent of great benefit for treating breast cancer. However, adriamycin -resistance remains a major obstacle. The vital Glutathione transferase P1 (GSTPi) inhibitor 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX) has recently shown antitumor activity in various cancers. In this study, we analyzed the effect of NBDHEX and adriamycin combination against breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. METHODS CCK-8 assay was performed to test cell viability. The location and expression level of GSTpi was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot in cells and immunohistochemistry staining in tissues. The enzyme activity test was applied to detect the effect of NBDHEX on the activity of GSTpi. The apoptosis related proteins' expression was tested using Western blot. The phosphorylation sites of GSTpi were detected by mass spectrometry. Antitumor effects of single treatment or co-administration of adriamycin and NBDHEX were evaluated in nude mice. RESULTS NBDHEX treatment inhibited GSTpi enzyme activity and co-administration of adriamycin and NBDHEX promoted apoptosis of adriamycin-resistance breast cancer cell. Moreover, drug combination of NBDHEX and adriamycin significantly enhanced tumor growth inhibition compared with single agent. CONCLUSION NBDHEX serves as a good candidate for combination with adriamycin, offering new insights for breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Sha
- Department of ChemotherapyJiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Renrui Zou
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Ya Lu
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yujie Gan
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Rong Ma
- Research Center of Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Fourth Clinical School of The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Dan Chen
- Research Center of Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer ResearchNanjingJiangsuChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Symmetrical Selenoesters in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020610. [PMID: 36839934 PMCID: PMC9967742 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, selenium containing derivatives have attracted more attention in medicinal chemistry. In the present work, the anticancer activity of symmetrical selenoesters was investigated by studying the reversal of efflux pump-related and apoptosis resistance in sensitive and resistant human colon adenocarcinoma cells expressing the ABCB1 protein. The combined effect of the compounds with doxorubicin was demonstrated with a checkerboard assay. The ABCB1 inhibitory and the apoptosis-inducing effects of the derivatives were measured with flow cytometry. Whole transcriptome sequencing was carried out on Illumina platform upon the treatment of resistant cells with the most potent derivatives. One ketone and three methyl ester selenoesters showed synergistic or weak synergistic interaction with doxorubicin, respectively. Ketone selenoesters were the most potent ABCB1 inhibitors and apoptosis inducers. Nitrile selenoesters could induce moderate early and late apoptotic processes that could be explained by their ABCB1 modulating properties. The transcriptome analysis revealed that symmetrical selenoesters may influence the redox state of the cells and interfere with metastasis formation. It can be assumed that these symmetrical selenocompounds possess toxic, DNA-damaging effects due to the presence of two selenium atoms in the molecule, which may be augmented by the presence of symmetrical groups.
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhattacherjee D, Raina K, Mandal TK, Thummer RP, Bhabak KP. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer by benzylic organotrisulfides: Contribution of the released hydrogen sulfide towards potent anti-cancer activity. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 191:82-96. [PMID: 36038037 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The potent anti-cancer activity of naturally occurring organopolysulfides has attracted wide research attention over the last two decades. Sustained donation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from organopolysulfides is found to be beneficial for the treatment of several organ-specific cancers. In the present study, for the first time, the mechanism of action for the potent anti-cancer activity of bis(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl) trisulfide 4 against highly aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) is described. Preliminary in vitro studies revealed potent anti-proliferative activity of the trisulfide 4 against triple-negative breast cancer cells with an IC50 value of 1.0 μM. Mechanistic studies reveal that the compound exhibited anti-cancer activity, primarily by targeting and suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The inactivation of the β-catenin level was associated with the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and the significant down-regulation of downstream signaling genes such as Cyclin D1 and c-Myc expression. Several control experiments with analogous organosulfur compounds and the key enzyme inhibitors reveal that the presence of a trisulfide unit in the compound is crucial for the desired inactivation of β-catenin expression, which is promoted by GSK-3β-induced phosphorylation of β-catenin and its proteasomal degradation. Moreover, the trisulfide unit or the released H2S induced down-regulation of the p53 expression with the possible S-sulfhydration process led to p53-independent up-regulation of p21 expression. Therefore, the key results of this study highlighting the potency of synthetic benzylic organotrisulfide and the released H2S towards the growth inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway would certainly be helpful for further studies and developing small-molecule anti-cancer therapeutics in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debojit Bhattacherjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India; Centre for the Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Khyati Raina
- Department Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Tapas K Mandal
- Centre for the Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India; Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Department Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Krishna P Bhabak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India; Centre for the Environment, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India; Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hanssen KM, Haber M, Fletcher JI. Targeting multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1)-expressing cancers: Beyond pharmacological inhibition. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 59:100795. [PMID: 34983733 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapy remains one of the most significant obstacles to successful cancer treatment. While inhibiting drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is a seemingly attractive and logical approach to combat multidrug resistance (MDR), small molecule inhibition of ABC transporters has so far failed to confer clinical benefit, despite considerable efforts by medicinal chemists, biologists, and clinicians. The long-sought treatment to eradicate cancers displaying ABC transporter overexpression may therefore lie within alternative targeting strategies. When aberrantly expressed, the ABC transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) confers MDR, but can also shift cellular redox balance, leaving the cell vulnerable to select agents. Here, we explore the physiological roles of MRP1, the rational for targeting this transporter in cancer, the development of small molecule MRP1 inhibitors, and the most recent developments in alternative therapeutic approaches for targeting cancers with MRP1 overexpression. We discuss approaches that extend beyond simple MRP1 inhibition by exploiting the collateral sensitivity to glutathione depletion and ferroptosis, the rationale for targeting the shared transcriptional regulators of both MRP1 and glutathione biosynthesis, advances in gene silencing, and new molecules that modulate transporter activity to the detriment of the cancer cell. These strategies illustrate promising new approaches to address multidrug resistant disease that extend beyond the simple reversal of MDR and offer exciting routes for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley M Hanssen
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Glutathione S-Transferases in Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10050701. [PMID: 33946704 PMCID: PMC8146591 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the glutathione S-transferases (GST) protein family is composed of seven members that present remarkable structural similarity and some degree of overlapping functionalities. GST proteins are crucial antioxidant enzymes that regulate stress-induced signaling pathways. Interestingly, overactive GST proteins are a frequent feature of many human cancers. Recent evidence has revealed that the biology of most GST proteins is complex and multifaceted and that these proteins actively participate in tumorigenic processes such as cell survival, cell proliferation, and drug resistance. Structural and pharmacological studies have identified various GST inhibitors, and these molecules have progressed to clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. In this review, we discuss recent findings in GST protein biology and their roles in cancer development, their contribution in chemoresistance, and the development of GST inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Q, Liu Z, Hua W, Gou S. Discovery of 6-(7-Nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol Derivatives as Glutathione Transferase Inhibitors with Favorable Selectivity and Tolerated Toxicity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1701-1712. [PMID: 33529017 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione transferase (GST P1-1) is a potential target for anticancer drugs. In this work, a series of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX) derivatives as GST P1-1 inhibitors were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activity. Among the target compounds, 4n showed more selective inhibition toward GST P1-1 and GST M2-2, better water solubility, and more potent anticancer activities toward all the tested cancer cells (except for HOS) than its parent molecule. Detailed biological studies on the effect of 4n toward 143b cells revealed that 4n could arrest the cell cycle at the G2 phase and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Like NBDHEX, 4n displayed good pharmacokinetic characteristics. An in vivo study on 143b xenograft models demonstrated that 4n could significantly reduce tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, showing stronger antitumor activity than NBDHEX. Thus, 4n deserves to be further investigated as a potential antitumor agent for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Liu
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Wuyang Hua
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Shaohua Gou
- Pharmaceutical Research Center and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.,Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 211189, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sha H, Dong S, Yu C, Zou R, Zhu Y, Lu Y, Zhang J, Cao H, Chen D, Wu J, Feng J. In Vitro and in Vivo Efficacy of NBDHEX on Gefitinib-resistant Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:7216-7223. [PMID: 33193885 PMCID: PMC7646187 DOI: 10.7150/jca.46461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gefitinib, a first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), is recommended for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who harbor activating EGFR mutations. However, the tumors of most patients initially sensitive to gefitinib will develop resistance within several months of therapy. Drug resistance is a major obstacle to NSCLC treatment. The novel glutathione transferase P1 (GSTPi) inhibitor 6-(7-nitro-2, 1, 3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX) has recently been shown to be active against tumors. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of NBDHEX against NSCLC. Treatment with NBDHEX inhibited GSTpi enzymatic activity and promoted apoptosis of gefinitb-resistant NSCLC cells. Moreover, NBDHEX reduced tumor growth in mice. These findings indicated that NBDHEX is a good candidate for treatment of NSCLC patients, and that NBDHEX offers a new approach to cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Sha
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China.,The Forth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shuchen Dong
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chen Yu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Renrui Zou
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China.,The Forth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China.,The Forth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya Lu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China.,The Forth Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Junying Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haixia Cao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dan Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jianzhong Wu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Baiziting42, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oncology Therapeutics Targeting the Metabolism of Amino Acids. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081904. [PMID: 32824193 PMCID: PMC7463463 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival by supporting building block synthesis, producing reducing agents to mitigate oxidative stress, and generating immunosuppressive metabolites for immune evasion. Malignant cells rewire amino acid metabolism to maximize their access to nutrients. Amino acid transporter expression is upregulated to acquire amino acids from the extracellular environment. Under nutrient depleted conditions, macropinocytosis can be activated where proteins from the extracellular environment are engulfed and degraded into the constituent amino acids. The demand for non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) can be met through de novo synthesis pathways. Cancer cells can alter various signaling pathways to boost amino acid usage for the generation of nucleotides, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging molecules, and oncometabolites. The importance of amino acid metabolism in cancer proliferation makes it a potential target for therapeutic intervention, including via small molecules and antibodies. In this review, we will delineate the targets related to amino acid metabolism and promising therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Paolo V, Fulci C, Rotili D, De Luca A, Tomassi S, Serra M, Scimeca M, Geroni C, Quintieri L, Caccuri AM. Characterization of water-soluble esters of nitrobenzoxadiazole-based GSTP1-1 inhibitors for cancer treatment. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114060. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
14
|
Cancer Stem Cells and Osteosarcoma: Opportunities and Limitations. Tech Orthop 2019. [DOI: 10.1097/bto.0000000000000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
|
15
|
6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol: a promising new anticancer compound. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20171440. [PMID: 29358310 PMCID: PMC5809612 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The 7-nitro-2,1,3-nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) derivatives are a series of compounds containing the NBD scaffold that are not glutathione (GSH) peptidomimetics, and result in a strong inhibition of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Growing evidences highlight their pivotal roles and outstanding anticancer activity in different tumor models. In particular, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio) hexanol (NBDHEX) is extensively studied, which is a very efficient inhibitor of GSTP1-1. It triggers apoptosis in several tumor cell lines and this cytotoxic activity is observed at micro and submicromolar concentrations. Importantly, studies have shown that NBDHEX acts as an anticancer drug by inhibiting GSTs catalytic activity, avoiding inconvenience of the inhibitor extrusion from the cell by specific pumps and disrupting the interaction between the GSTP1-1 and key signaling effectors. Additionally, some researchers also have discovered that NBDHEX can act as late-phase autophagy inhibitor, which opens new opportunities to fully exploit its therapeutic potential. In this review, we summarize the advantages, anticancer mechanisms, and analogs of this compound, which will establish the basis on the usage of NBDHEX in clinical applications in future.
Collapse
|
16
|
Proteomic and functional analyses reveal pleiotropic action of the anti-tumoral compound NBDHEX in Giardia duodenalis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 7:147-158. [PMID: 28366863 PMCID: PMC5377010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Giardiasis, a parasitic diarrheal disease caused by Giardia duodenalis, affects one billion people worldwide. Treatment relies only on a restricted armamentarium of drugs. The disease burden and the increase in treatment failure highlight the need for novel, safe and well characterized drug options. The antitumoral compound NBDHEX is effective in vitro against Giardia trophozoites and inhibits glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Aim of this work was to search for additional NBDHEX protein targets. The intrinsic NBDHEX fluorescence was exploited in a proteomic analysis to select and detect modified proteins in drug treated Giardia. In silico structural analysis, intracellular localization and functional assays were further performed to evaluate drug effects on the identified targets. A small subset of Giardia proteins was covalently bound to the drug at specific cysteine residues. These proteins include metabolic enzymes, e.g. thioredoxin reductase (gTrxR), as well as elongation factor 1B-γ (gEF1Bγ), and structural proteins, e.g. α-tubulin. We showed that NBDHEX in vitro binds to recombinant gEF1Bγ and gTrxR, but only the last one could nitroreduce NBDHEX leading to drug modification of gTrxR catalytic cysteines, with concomitant disulphide reductase activity inhibition and NADPH oxidase activity upsurge. Our results indicate that NBDHEX reacts with multiple targets whose roles and/or functions are specifically hampered. In addition, NBDHEX is in turn converted to reactive intermediates extending its toxicity. The described NBDHEX pleiotropic action accounts for its antigiardial activity and encourages the use of this drug as a promising alternative for the future treatment of giardiasis.
Collapse
|
17
|
De Luca A, Rotili D, Carpanese D, Lenoci A, Calderan L, Scimeca M, Mai A, Bonanno E, Rosato A, Geroni C, Quintieri L, Caccuri AM. A novel orally active water-soluble inhibitor of human glutathione transferase exerts a potent and selective antitumor activity against human melanoma xenografts. Oncotarget 2016; 6:4126-43. [PMID: 25595904 PMCID: PMC4414177 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed and synthesized two novel nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) analogues of the anticancer agent 6-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)hexan-1-ol (NBDHEX). The new compounds, namely MC3165 and MC3181, bear one and two oxygen atoms within the hydroxy-containing alkyl chain at the C4 position of the NBD scaffold, respectively. This insertion did not alter the chemical reactivity with reduced glutathione, while it conferred a remarkable increase in water solubility. MC3181 was more selective than NBDHEX towards the target protein, glutathione transferase P1-1, and highly effective in vitro against a panel of human melanoma cell lines, with IC50 in the submicromolar-low micromolar range. Interestingly, the cellular response to MC3181 was cell-type-specific; the compound triggered a JNK-dependent apoptosis in the BRAF-V600E-mutated A375 cells, while it induced morphological changes together with an increase in melanogenesis in BRAF wild-type SK23-MEL cells. MC3181 exhibited a remarkable therapeutic activity against BRAF-V600E-mutant xenografts, both after intravenous and oral administration. Outstandingly, no treatment-related signs of toxicity were observed both in healthy and tumor-bearing mice after single and repeated administrations. Taken together, these results indicate that MC3181 may represent a potential novel therapeutic opportunity for BRAF-mutated human melanoma, while being safe and water-soluble and thus overcoming all the critical aspects of NBDHEX in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia De Luca
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Carpanese
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessia Lenoci
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Calderan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, "Sapienza" University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy.,Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Quintieri
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Palumbo C, De Luca A, Rosato N, Forgione M, Rotili D, Caccuri AM. c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation by nitrobenzoxadiazoles leads to late-stage autophagy inhibition. J Transl Med 2016; 14:37. [PMID: 26847645 PMCID: PMC4743117 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrobenzoxadiazole derivatives (NBDs), including NBDHEX and the recently developed MC3181, are promising anticancer agents able to target glutathione transferase and inhibit both its catalytic activity and ability to sequester TNF-receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). NBDs have been shown to impair the growth and survival of a broad-spectrum of tumor types, in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we evaluated the effects of the new compound MC3181 on U-2OS osteosarcoma cells and investigated the impact of both NBDHEX and MC3181 on autophagy. METHODS Cell viability was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay. The dissociation of the TRAF2-GSTP1-1 complex was detected by proximity ligation assay, while the phospho-activation of JNK was assessed by western blotting. The effects of NBDs on autophagy were evaluated by GFP-LC3 puncta formation, western blotting for LC3-II and p62, and LC3 turnover assay in the presence of bafilomycin A1. The role of JNK in the reduction of autophagic flux caused by NBDs was investigated using JNK1 shRNA-transfected cells. Fluorogenic caspase activity assay and flow cytometric analysis of DNA content were used to determine the cytotoxic effects of NBDs on JNK1-silenced cells. RESULTS Similar to NBDHEX, MC3181 reduced viability and activated TRAF2/JNK signaling in U-2OS cells. Moreover, NBDs induced the accumulation of autophagic vesicles and LC3-II while reducing both basal and nutritional stress-induced autophagic flux. Furthermore, increased levels of both LC3-II and the autophagy selective substrate p62 were observed in different tumor cell lines treated with NBDs, the concurrent increase of these markers being consistent with an impairment of autophagosome clearance. Autophagy inhibition by NBDs required JNK activity: NBDs caused autophagy inhibition and caspase-3 activation in JNK-positive U-2OS, but no autophagic flux inhibition or caspase-3 activation in JNK-silenced cells. CONCLUSIONS Our demonstration that NBDs can act as late-phase autophagy inhibitors opens new opportunities to fully exploit their therapeutic potential. This may not rely solely on their effectiveness in inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, but also on their ability to weaken the capacity of tumor cells to endure stress conditions via autophagy. In addition, this study provides evidence that JNK can participate in impairing autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Rosato
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,The NAST Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Innovative Instrumentation, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mariantonietta Forgione
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,The NAST Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Innovative Instrumentation, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Graziani G, Artuso S, De Luca A, Muzi A, Rotili D, Scimeca M, Atzori MG, Ceci C, Mai A, Leonetti C, Levati L, Bonanno E, Tentori L, Caccuri AM. A new water soluble MAPK activator exerts antitumor activity in melanoma cells resistant to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 95:16-27. [PMID: 25795251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Recovery of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or activation of alternative pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, are involved in acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors which represent the first-line treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. We recently demonstrated that 6-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)hexan-1-ol (NBDHEX) and its water soluble analog 2-(2-(2-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol (MC3181) trigger apoptosis in BRAF V600E mutated melanoma cells through activation of the MAPK c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Herein, we investigated whether NBDHEX and MC3181 might exert antitumor activity against BRAF V600E mutated human melanoma cells rendered resistant to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. To this aim we generated a subline of A375 melanoma resistant in vitro and in vivo to vemurafenib (A375-VR8) and characterized by NRAS G13R mutation, high basal levels of CRAF protein and phospho-activation of AKT. In these cells ERK phosphorylation was not significantly down-modulated by vemurafenib concentrations capable of abrogating ERK phosphorylation in sensitive A375 cells. Both NBDHEX and MC3181 induced marked antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in A375-VR8 cells and, at equitoxic concentrations, caused a strong phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and of the downstream mediators of apoptosis ATF2 and p53. Drug treatment further increased ERK phosphorylation, which was required for the cellular response to the NBD derivatives, as apoptosis was antagonized by the ERK inhibitor FR180204. Finally, in vivo administration of MC3181 provoked JNK activation at the tumor site and markedly reduced A375-VR8 growth. These evidences strongly suggest that the activation of multiple pro-apoptotic MAPK pathways by MC3181 might represent a new strategy for the treatment of melanoma resistant to BRAF inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Artuso
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Muzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Ceci
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lauretta Levati
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Tentori
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- The NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rotili D, De Luca A, Tarantino D, Pezzola S, Forgione M, Morozzo Della Rocca B, Falconi M, Mai A, Caccuri AM. Synthesis and structure--activity relationship of new cytotoxic agents targeting human glutathione-S-transferases. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 89:156-71. [PMID: 25462236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The 6-((7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)thio)hexan-1-ol (NBDHEX, 1), a "suicide inhibitor" of the glutathione-S-transferase GSTP1-1, showed pro-apoptotic properties in tumor cells, but in vivo studies were limited by poor bioavailability and high affinity towards GSTM2-2, expressed in many non-cancerous tissues. Here we describe the synthesis and biological characterization of new 1 analogs (2-40), in which the hydroxyhexyl portion at the C4-sulfur atom has been replaced with phenyl-containing moieties as well as substituted alkyl chains. Some of the new compounds displayed 10-100 times increased water-solubility (8, 11, 17, 26-28, 34, 35), and most of them showed higher GSTP1-1 selectivity (2-20, 23-26, 31-33, 35) than 1. The presence of a phenyl ring with polar substituents is in general associated, with some exceptions (23, 24) to low cytotoxicity in osteosarcoma U-2OS cells. Differently, some alkyl derivatives possess cytotoxicity comparable (26, 34, 35) or higher (30, 32) than 1. Among the novel compounds, selected ones (26, 27, 34, and 35) deserve further investigation for their anticancer potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, Viale della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Tarantino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pezzola
- NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, Viale della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Forgione
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mattia Falconi
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Viale della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- NAST Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology & Innovative Instrumentation, University of Tor Vergata, Viale della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zu Y, Yang Z, Tang S, Han Y, Ma J. Effects of P-glycoprotein and its inhibitors on apoptosis in K562 cells. Molecules 2014; 19:13061-75. [PMID: 25157469 PMCID: PMC6270982 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190913061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a major factor in multidrug resistance (MDR) which is a serious obstacle in chemotherapy. P-gp has also been implicated in causing apoptosis of tumor cells, which was shown to be another important mechanism of MDR recently. To study the influence of P-gp in tumor cell apoptosis, K562/A cells (P-gp+) and K562/S cells (P-gp−) were subjected to doxorubicin (Dox), serum withdrawal, or independent co-incubation with multiple P-gp inhibitors, including valspodar (PSC833), verapamil (Ver) and H108 to induce apoptosis. Apoptosis was simultaneously detected by apoptotic rate, cell cycle by flow cytometry and cysteine aspartic acid-specific protease 3 (caspase 3) activity by immunoassay. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by PSC833 were evaluated through an MTT method and apoptosis rate, and cell cycle combined with caspase 3 activity, respectively. The results show that K562/A cells are more resistant to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest than K562/S cells after treatment with Dox or serum deprivation. The apoptosis of K562/A cells increased after co-incubation with each of the inhibitors of P-gp. P-gp inhibitors also enhanced cell cycle arrest in K562/A cell. PSC833 most strikingly decreased viability and led to apoptosis and S phase arrest of cell cycle in K562/A cells. Our study demonstrates that P-gp inhibits the apoptosis of tumor cells in addition to participating in the efflux of intracellular chemotherapy drugs. The results of the caspase 3 activity assay also suggest that the role of P-gp in apoptosis avoidance is caspase-related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Zu
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Zhiyong Yang
- HUYA Bioscience International LLC, 3 Haidian Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing 100080, China.
| | - Songshan Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Courses, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Waihuandong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Ying Han
- Biotherapy Center of Tianjin Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Key role for a glutathione transferase in multiple-herbicide resistance in grass weeds. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:5812-7. [PMID: 23530204 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1221179110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple-herbicide resistance (MHR) in black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and annual rye-grass (Lolium rigidum) is a global problem leading to a loss of chemical weed control in cereal crops. Although poorly understood, in common with multiple-drug resistance (MDR) in tumors, MHR is associated with an enhanced ability to detoxify xenobiotics. In humans, MDR is linked to the overexpression of a pi class glutathione transferase (GSTP1), which has both detoxification and signaling functions in promoting drug resistance. In both annual rye-grass and black-grass, MHR was also associated with the increased expression of an evolutionarily distinct plant phi (F) GSTF1 that had a restricted ability to detoxify herbicides. When the black-grass A. myosuroides (Am) AmGSTF1 was expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, the transgenic plants acquired resistance to multiple herbicides and showed similar changes in their secondary, xenobiotic, and antioxidant metabolism to those determined in MHR weeds. Transcriptome array experiments showed that these changes in biochemistry were not due to changes in gene expression. Rather, AmGSTF1 exerted a direct regulatory control on metabolism that led to an accumulation of protective flavonoids. Further evidence for a key role for this protein in MHR was obtained by showing that the GSTP1- and MDR-inhibiting pharmacophore 4-chloro-7-nitro-benzoxadiazole was also active toward AmGSTF1 and helped restore herbicide control in MHR black-grass. These studies demonstrate a central role for specific GSTFs in MHR in weeds that has parallels with similar roles for unrelated GSTs in MDR in humans and shows their potential as targets for chemical intervention in resistant weed management.
Collapse
|
23
|
De Luca A, Pellizzari Tregno F, Sau A, Pastore A, Palumbo C, Alama A, Cicconi R, Federici G, Caccuri AM. Glutathione S-transferase P1-1 as a target for mesothelioma treatment. Cancer Sci 2012; 104:223-30. [PMID: 23121163 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a poorly responsive tumor known to overexpress the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which catalyzes the conjugation between glutathione and platinum(II)-containing drugs. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of the strong glutathione S-transferase inhibitor NBDHEX on human mesothelioma cell lines (MSTO-211H, MPP89, MM-B1 and Mero 48a) featuring the most common mesothelioma phenotypes: epithelioid and biphasic. Even though a different response to NBDHEX was observed, the molecule was very effective on all cell lines tested, triggering a sustained activation of both JNK and p38, followed by caspase activation and apoptosis. NBDHEX also caused severe oxidative stress in the MPP89 cells and, to a lesser extent, in the MMB1 cells, while it did not cause a significant redox imbalance in the other cell lines. The efficacy of the drug was found to be comparable or even higher than that of cisplatin. Moreover, it showed synergistic or additive effects when used in combination with cisplatin. In conclusion, NBDHEX was effective on mesothelioma cell lines, with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range (IC(50) between 1 and 4 μM). These findings indicate that NBDHEX, alone or in combination with cisplatin, is a promising new strategy for treating this rare and aggressive malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cerezo D, Lencina M, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Ferragut JA, Saceda M, Sanchez M, Cánovas M, García-Peñarrubia P, Martín-Orozco E. Acquisition of MDR phenotype by leukemic cells is associated with increased caspase-3 activity and a collateral sensitivity to cold stress. J Cell Biochem 2012; 113:1416-25. [PMID: 22173742 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype by tumor cells that renders them unsusceptible to anti-neoplasic agents is one of the main causes of chemotherapy failure in human malignancies. The increased expression of P-glycoprotein (MDR1, P-gp, ABCB1) in tumor cells contributes to drug resistance by extruding chemotherapeutic agents or by regulating programmed cell death. In a study of MDR cell survival under cold stress conditions, it was found that resistant leukemic cells with P-gp over-expression, but not their sensitive counterparts, are hypersensitive to cold-induced cell death when exposed to temperatures below 4 °C. The transfection of parental cells with a P-gp-expressing plasmid makes these cells sensitive to cold stress, demonstrating an association between P-gp expression and cell death at low temperatures. Furthermore, we observed increased basal expression and activity of effector caspase-3 at physiological temperature (37 °C) in MDR cells compared with their parental cell line. Treatment with a caspase-3 inhibitor partially rescues MDR leukemic cells from cold-induced apoptosis, which suggests that the cell death mechanism may require caspase-3 activity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that P-gp expression plays a role in MDR cell survival, and is accompanied by a collateral sensitivity to death induced by cold stress. These findings may assist in the design of specific therapeutic strategies to complement current chemotherapy treatment against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cerezo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B and Immunology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Luo W, Kinsey M, Schiffman JD, Lessnick SL. Glutathione s-transferases in pediatric cancer. Front Oncol 2011; 1:39. [PMID: 22655244 PMCID: PMC3356086 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2011.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of ubiquitously expressed polymorphic enzymes important for detoxifying endogenous and exogenous compounds. In addition to their classic activity of detoxification by conjugation of compounds with glutathione, many other functions are now found to be associated with GSTs. The associations between GST polymorphisms/functions and human disease susceptibility or treatment outcome, mostly in adults, have been extensively studied and reviewed. This mini review focuses on studies related to GST epidemiology and functions related to pediatric cancer. Opportunities to exploit GST in pediatric cancer therapy are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Luo
- The Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
The glutathione transferase inhibitor 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX) increases temozolomide efficacy against malignant melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2011; 47:1219-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
27
|
Sau A, Pellizzari Tregno F, Valentino F, Federici G, Caccuri AM. Glutathione transferases and development of new principles to overcome drug resistance. Arch Biochem Biophys 2010; 500:116-22. [PMID: 20494652 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2010.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 05/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a multifactorial phenomenon and many studies clearly show that a coordinated expression of efflux transporter proteins and phase II conjugating enzymes in tumor cells is linked to the development of the multidrug resistance phenotype. In particular, the overexpression of glutathione S-transferases and efflux pumps in tumors may reduce the reactivity of various anticancer drugs. In recent years it has become evident that glutathione S-transferases are also involved in the control of apoptosis through the inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway. As such, the glutathione S-transferase superfamily has become the focus of extensive pharmaceutical research in attempt to generate more efficient anticancer agents. Here we present an overview of the GST inhibitors and the GST-activated pro-drugs utilized to date to overcome drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sau
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Suttana W, Mankhetkorn S, Poompimon W, Palagani A, Zhokhov S, Gerlo S, Haegeman G, Berghe WV. Differential chemosensitization of P-glycoprotein overexpressing K562/Adr cells by withaferin A and Siamois polyphenols. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:99. [PMID: 20438634 PMCID: PMC2873443 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle in cancer treatment and is often the result of overexpression of the drug efflux protein, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), as a consequence of hyperactivation of NFκB, AP1 and Nrf2 transcription factors. In addition to effluxing chemotherapeutic drugs, P-gp also plays a specific role in blocking caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. One feature that cytotoxic treatments of cancer have in common is activation of the transcription factor NFκB, which regulates inflammation, cell survival and P-gp expression and suppresses the apoptotic potential of chemotherapeutic agents. As such, NFκB inhibitors may promote apoptosis in cancer cells and could be used to overcome resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Results Although the natural withanolide withaferin A and polyphenol quercetin, show comparable inhibition of NFκB target genes (involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, cell cycle, metastasis, anti-apoptosis and multidrug resistance) in doxorubicin-sensitive K562 and -resistant K562/Adr cells, only withaferin A can overcome attenuated caspase activation and apoptosis in K562/Adr cells, whereas quercetin-dependent caspase activation and apoptosis is delayed only. Interestingly, although withaferin A and quercetin treatments both decrease intracellular protein levels of Bcl2, Bim and P-Bad, only withaferin A decreases protein levels of cytoskeletal tubulin, concomitantly with potent PARP cleavage, caspase 3 activation and apoptosis, at least in part via a direct thiol oxidation mechanism. Conclusions This demonstrates that different classes of natural NFκB inhibitors can show different chemosensitizing effects in P-gp overexpressing cancer cells with impaired caspase activation and attenuated apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wipob Suttana
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li WS, Lam WS, Liu KC, Wang CH, Chang HC, Jen YC, Hsu YT, Shivatare SS, Jao SC. Overcoming the Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells by Rational Design of Efficient Glutathione S-Transferase Inhibitors. Org Lett 2009; 12:20-3. [DOI: 10.1021/ol902298s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shan Li
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Wing See Lam
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Chie-Hong Wang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Hui Chuan Chang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Ya Ching Jen
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Sachin S. Shivatare
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chuan Jao
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan, Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Federici L, Lo Sterzo C, Pezzola S, Di Matteo A, Scaloni F, Federici G, Caccuri AM. Structural basis for the binding of the anticancer compound 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol to human glutathione s-transferases. Cancer Res 2009; 69:8025-34. [PMID: 19808963 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GST) constitute a superfamily of enzymes with diversified functions including detoxification from xenobiotics. In many human cancers, Pi class GST (GSTP1-1) is overexpressed and contributes to multidrug resistance by conjugating chemotherapeutics. In addition, GSTP1-1 displays antiapoptotic activity by interacting with c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, a key regulator of apoptosis. Therefore, GSTP1-1 is considered a promising target for pharmaceutical treatment. Recently, a potent inhibitor of GSTs, 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), was identified and tested on several tumor cell lines demonstrating high antiproliferative activity. To establish the structural basis of NBDHEX activity, we determined the crystal structure of NBDHEX bound to either GSTP1-1 or GSTM2-2 (mu class). NBDHEX in both cases binds to the H-site but occupies different positions. Furthermore, the compound is covalently attached to the GSH sulfur in the GSTM2-2 crystal, forming a sigma-complex, although it is bound but not conjugated in the GSTP1-1 crystal. Several differences in the H-sites of the two isozymes determine the higher affinity of NBDHEX for GSTM2-2 with respect to GSTP1-1. One such difference is the presence of Ile(104) in GSTP1-1 close to the bound NBDHEX, whereas the corresponding position is occupied by an alanine in GSTM2-2. Mutation of Ile(104) into valine is a frequent GSTP1-1 polymorphism and we show here that the Ile(104)Val and Ile(104)Ala variants display a 4-fold higher affinity for the compound. Remarkably, the GSTP1-1/Ile(104)Ala structure in complex with NBDHEX shows a considerable shift of the compound inside the H-site. These data might be useful for the development of new anticancer compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Federici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chieti, CeSI Center of Excellence on Aging, G D'Annunzio University Foundation, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pellizzari Tregno F, Sau A, Pezzola S, Geroni C, Lapenta C, Spada M, Filomeni G, Bonanno E, Federici G, Caccuri AM. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX) on human melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2009; 45:2606-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
32
|
Scotlandi K, Remondini D, Castellani G, Manara MC, Nardi F, Cantiani L, Francesconi M, Mercuri M, Caccuri AM, Serra M, Knuutila S, Picci P. Overcoming Resistance to Conventional Drugs in Ewing Sarcoma and Identification of Molecular Predictors of Outcome. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:2209-16. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.19.2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The improvement of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) therapy is currently linked to the discovery of strategies to select patients with poor and good prognosis and of modified treatment regimens. In this study, we analyzed the molecular factors governing EWS response to chemotherapy to identify genetic signatures to be used for risk-adapted therapy. Patients and Methods Microarray technology was used for profiling 30 primary tumors and seven metastases of patients who were classified according to event-free survival. For selected genes, real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied in 42 EWS primary tumors as validation assay. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test was used to evaluate in vitro drug sensitivity. Results We identified molecular signatures that reflect tumor resistance to chemotherapy. Annotation analysis was applied to reveal the biologic functions that critically influenced clinical outcome. The prognostic relevance of glutathione metabolism pathway was validated. The expression of MGST1, the microsomal glutathione S-transferase (GST), was found to clearly predict EWS prognosis. MGST1 expression was associated with doxorubicin chemosensitivity. This prompted us to assess the in vitro effectiveness of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), a new anticancer agent that efficiently inhibits GST enzymes. Six cell lines were found to be sensitive to this new drug. Conclusion Classification of EWS patients into high- and low-risk groups is feasible with restricted molecular signatures that may have practical value at diagnosis for selecting patients with EWS who are unresponsive to current treatments. Glutathione metabolism pathway emerged as one of the most significantly altered prognosis-associated pathway. NBDHEX is proposed as a new potential therapeutic possibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Scotlandi
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel Remondini
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gastone Castellani
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Cristina Manara
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Filippo Nardi
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lara Cantiani
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mirko Francesconi
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mario Mercuri
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Maria Caccuri
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Massimo Serra
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sakari Knuutila
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piero Picci
- From the Department of Oncology, Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli; Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production and Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Bologna; Department of Science and Chemical Technologies, Università Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; and Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ascione A, Cianfriglia M, Dupuis ML, Mallano A, Sau A, Pellizzari Tregno F, Pezzola S, Caccuri AM. The glutathione S-transferase inhibitor 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol overcomes the MDR1-P-glycoprotein and MRP1-mediated multidrug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2009; 64:419-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-009-0960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 02/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
34
|
Pasello M, Michelacci F, Scionti I, Hattinger CM, Zuntini M, Caccuri AM, Scotlandi K, Picci P, Serra M. Overcoming glutathione S-transferase P1-related cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma. Cancer Res 2008; 68:6661-8. [PMID: 18701490 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-5840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, CDDP) is one of the most used drugs for osteosarcoma chemotherapy. By using a series of CDDP-resistant variants, which were established from the U-2OS and Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cell lines, we found that CDDP resistance was mainly associated with the increase of both the intracellular level and enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1). On the basis of these findings, we evaluated the clinical effect of GSTP1 in a series of 34 high-grade osteosarcoma patients and we found that the increased expression of GSTP1 gene was associated with a significantly higher relapse rate and a worse clinical outcome. These indications prompted us to assess the in vitro effectiveness of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), a promising new anticancer agent that is a highly efficient inhibitor of GSTP1. NBDHEX was tested on a panel of 10 human osteosarcoma cell lines and 20 variants of the U-2OS or Saos-2 cell lines that were resistant to CDDP, doxorubicin, or methotrexate. NBDHEX proved to be very active on the vast majority of these cell lines, including those with higher GSTP1 levels and enzymatic activity. Drug combination studies showed that NBDHEX can be used in association with CDDP and provided useful information about the best modality of their combined administration. In conclusion, our findings show that GSTP1 has a relevant effect for both CDDP resistance and clinical outcome of high-grade osteosarcoma and that targeting GSTP1 with NBDHEX may be considered a promising new therapeutic possibility for osteosarcoma patients who fail to respond to conventional chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pasello
- Laboratorio di Ricerca Oncologica, Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Filomeni G, Turella P, Dupuis ML, Forini O, Ciriolo MR, Cianfriglia M, Pezzola S, Federici G, Caccuri AM. 6-(7-Nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol, a specific glutathione S-transferase inhibitor, overcomes the multidrug resistance (MDR)-associated protein 1-mediated MDR in small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2008; 7:371-9. [PMID: 18281520 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-07-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we have investigated the antitumor activity of 6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX) on aggressive small cell lung cancer. NBDHEX not only is cytotoxic toward the parental small cell lung cancer H69 cell line (LC(50) of 2.3 +/- 0.6 micromol/L) but also overcomes the multidrug resistance of its variant, H69AR, which overexpresses the ATP-binding cassette transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1; LC(50) of 4.5 +/- 0.9 micromol/L). Drug efflux experiments, done in the presence of a specific inhibitor of MRP1, confirmed that NBDHEX is not a substrate for this export pump. Interestingly, NBDHEX triggers two different types of cell death: a caspase-dependent apoptosis in the H69AR cells and a necrotic phenotype in the parental H69 cells. The apoptotic pathway triggered by NBDHEX in H69AR cells is associated with c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase and c-Jun activation, whereas glutathione oxidation and activation of p38(MAPK) is observed in the NBDHEX-treated H69 cells. In contrast to the parental cells, the higher propensity to die through apoptosis of the H69AR cell line may be related to the lower expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Therefore, down-regulation of a factor crucial for cell survival makes H69AR cells more sensitive to the cytotoxic action of NBDHEX, which is not a MRP1 substrate. We have previously shown that NBDHEX is cytotoxic toward P-glycoprotein-overexpressing tumor cell lines. Therefore, NBDHEX seems a very promising compound in the search for new molecules able to overcome the ATP-binding cassette family of proteins, one of the major mechanisms of multidrug resistance in cancer cells.
Collapse
|
36
|
4-Aryl-1,3,2-oxathiazolylium-5-olate: a novel GST inhibitor to release JNK and activate c-Jun for cancer therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2007; 62:509-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-007-0632-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2007] [Accepted: 10/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
37
|
Stella L, Pallottini V, Moreno S, Leoni S, De Maria F, Turella P, Federici G, Fabrini R, Dawood KF, Bello ML, Pedersen JZ, Ricci G. Electrostatic Association of Glutathione Transferase to the Nuclear Membrane. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:6372-9. [PMID: 17197701 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m609906200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The possible nuclear compartmentalization of glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes has been the subject of contradictory reports. The discovery that the dinitrosyl-diglutathionyl-iron complex binds tightly to Alpha class GSTs in rat hepatocytes and that a significant part of the bound complex is also associated with the nuclear fraction (Pedersen, J. Z., De Maria, F., Turella, P., Federici, G., Mattei, M., Fabrini, R., Dawood, K. F., Massimi, M., Caccuri, A. M., and Ricci, G. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 6364-6371) prompted us to reconsider the nuclear localization of GSTs in these cells. Surprisingly, we found that a considerable amount of GSTs corresponding to 10% of the cytosolic pool is electrostatically associated with the outer nuclear membrane, and a similar quantity is compartmentalized inside the nucleus. Mainly Alpha class GSTs, in particular GSTA1-1, GSTA2-2, and GSTA3-3, are involved in this double modality of interaction. Confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence experiments, and molecular modeling have been used to detail the electrostatic association in hepatocytes and liposomes. A quantitative analysis of the membrane-bound Alpha GSTs suggests the existence of a multilayer assembly of these enzymes at the outer nuclear envelope that could represent an amazing novelty in cell physiology. The interception of potentially noxious compounds to prevent DNA damage could be the possible physiological role of the perinuclear and intranuclear localization of Alpha GSTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Stella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|