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Zeng J, Deng Q, Chen Z, Yan S, Dong Q, Zhang Y, Cui Y, Li L, He Y, Shi J. Recent development of VEGFR small molecule inhibitors as anticancer agents: A patent review (2021-2023). Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107278. [PMID: 38484586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107278] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
VEGFR, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is an important regulatory factor that promotes angiogenesis and vascular permeability. It plays a significant role in processes such as tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. VEGFR is mainly composed of three subtypes: VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. Among them, VEGFR-2 is the crucial signaling receptor for VEGF, which is involved in various pathological and physiological functions. At present, VEGFR-2 is closely related to a variety of cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Hepatocellular carcinoma, Renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, gastric cancer, glioma, etc. Consequently, VEGFR-2 serves as a crucial target for various cancer treatments. An increasing number of VEGFR inhibitors have been discovered to treat cancer, and they have achieved tremendous success in the clinic. Nevertheless, VEGFR inhibitors often exhibit severe cytotoxicity, resistance, and limitations in indications, which weaken the clinical therapeutic effect. In recent years, many small molecule inhibitors targeting VEGFR have been identified with anti-drug resistance, lower cytotoxicity, and better affinity. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and physiological functions of VEGFR, as well as some VEGFR inhibitors currently in clinical use. Also, we summarize the in vivo and in vitro activities, selectivity, structure-activity relationship, and therapeutic or preventive use of VEGFR small molecule inhibitors reported in patents in the past three years (2021-2023), thereby presenting the prospects and insights for the future development of targeted VEGFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zeng
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China
| | - Qichuan Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Shuang Yan
- Sichuan University of Arts and Science, DaZhou 635000, China
| | - Qin Dong
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China
| | - Yuan Cui
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Sichuan 611137, China.
| | - Yuxin He
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Șandor A, Fizeșan I, Ionuț I, Marc G, Moldovan C, Oniga I, Pîrnău A, Vlase L, Petru AE, Macasoi I, Oniga O. Discovery of A Novel Series of Quinazoline-Thiazole Hybrids as Potential Antiproliferative and Anti-Angiogenic Agents. Biomolecules 2024; 14:218. [PMID: 38397456 PMCID: PMC10886515 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020218] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the pivotal role of angiogenesis in solid tumor progression, we developed a novel series of quinazoline-thiazole hybrids (SA01-SA07) as antiproliferative and anti-angiogenic agents. Four out of the seven compounds displayed superior antiproliferative activity (IC50 =1.83-4.24 µM) on HepG2 cells compared to sorafenib (IC50 = 6.28 µM). The affinity towards the VEGFR2 kinase domain was assessed through in silico prediction by molecular docking, molecular dynamics studies, and MM-PBSA. The series displayed a high degree of similarity to sorafenib regarding the binding pose within the active site of VEGFR2, with a different orientation of the 4-substituted-thiazole moieties in the allosteric pocket. Molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA evaluations identified SA05 as the hybrid forming the most stable complex with VEGFR2 compared to sorafenib. The impact of the compounds on vascular cell proliferation was assessed on EA.hy926 cells. Six compounds (SA01-SA05, SA07) displayed superior anti-proliferative activity (IC50 = 0.79-5.85 µM) compared to sorafenib (IC50 = 6.62 µM). The toxicity was evaluated on BJ cells. Further studies of the anti-angiogenic effect of the most promising compounds, SA04 and SA05, through the assessment of impact on EA.hy296 motility using a wound healing assay and in ovo potential in a CAM assay compared to sorafenib, led to the confirmation of the anti-angiogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Șandor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babes, Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (I.I.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Ionel Fizeșan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ioana Ionuț
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babes, Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (I.I.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Gabriel Marc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babes, Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (I.I.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Cristina Moldovan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babes, Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (I.I.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
| | - Ilioara Oniga
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creangă Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adrian Pîrnău
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babeș, Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Andreea-Elena Petru
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ioana Macasoi
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Oniga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 41 Victor Babes, Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.Ș.); (I.I.); (G.M.); (C.M.); (O.O.)
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Alshaye NA, Elgohary MK, Elkotamy MS, Abdel-Aziz HA. Design, Synthesis and Biological Assessment of N'-(2-Oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-6-methylimidazo[2,1- b]thiazole-5-carbohydrazides as Potential Anti-Proliferative Agents toward MCF-7 Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:216. [PMID: 38399431 PMCID: PMC10892120 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020216] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a serious threat to the health and lives of women. Two novel series of N'-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-6-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-5-carbohydrazides and 1-(aryl)-3-(6-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-5-yl)ureas were designed, synthesized and investigated for their anticancer efficacy against the MCF-7 breast cell line. Three compounds of the first series showed potent activity toward MCF-7 with IC50 in the range 8.38-11.67 µM, respectively, as compared to Sorafenib (IC50 = 7.55 µM). N'-(1-butyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-6-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-5-carbohydrazide inhibited VEGFR-2 with IC50 = 0.33 µM when compared with Sorafenib (IC50 = 0.09 µM). Furthermore, this compound was introduced to PCR assessment, where it increased Bax, caspase 8, caspase 9 and cytochrome C levels by 4.337-, 2.727-, 4.947- and 2.420-fold, respectively, while it decreased levels of Bcl-2, as the anti-apoptotic gene, by 0.359-fold when compared to the untreated control MCF-7. This compound was also arrested in the G2/M phase by 27.07%, compared with 11.31% for the control MCF-7. Furthermore, it induced early and late apoptosis in MCF-7. In addition, a molecular docking study in the VEGFR-2 active site was performed to assess the binding profile for the most active compounds. Moreover, ADME parameters of the targeted compounds were also evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najla A. Alshaye
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed K. Elgohary
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian-Russian University, Cairo 11829, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud S. Elkotamy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian-Russian University, Cairo 11829, Egypt;
| | - Hatem A. Abdel-Aziz
- Applied Organic Chemistry Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
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Santorsola M, Capuozzo M, Nasti G, Sabbatino F, Di Mauro A, Di Mauro G, Vanni G, Maiolino P, Correra M, Granata V, Gualillo O, Berretta M, Ottaiano A. Exploring the Spectrum of VEGF Inhibitors' Toxicities from Systemic to Intra-Vitreal Usage in Medical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:350. [PMID: 38254839 PMCID: PMC10813960 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor inhibitors (VEGFi) has become prevalent in the field of medicine, given the high incidence of various pathological conditions necessitating VEGF inhibition within the general population. These conditions encompass a range of advanced neoplasms, such as colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cancer, ovarian cancer, and others, along with ocular diseases. The utilization of VEGFi is not without potential risks and adverse effects, requiring healthcare providers to be well-prepared for identification and management. VEGFi can be broadly categorized into two groups: antibodies or chimeric proteins that specifically target VEGF (bevacizumab, ramucirumab, aflibercept, ranibizumab, and brolucizumab) and non-selective and selective small molecules (sunitinib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, etc.) designed to impede intracellular signaling of the VEGF receptor (RTKi, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors). The presentation and mechanisms of adverse effects resulting from VEGFi depend primarily on this distinction and the route of drug administration (systemic or intra-vitreal). This review provides a thorough examination of the causes, recognition, management, and preventive strategies for VEGFi toxicities with the goal of offering support to oncologists in both clinical practice and the design of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Santorsola
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | | | - Guglielmo Nasti
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Francesco Sabbatino
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Annabella Di Mauro
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Giordana Di Mauro
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Vanni
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgical Science, PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Piera Maiolino
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Marco Correra
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Vincenza Granata
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Oreste Gualillo
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saude), NEIRID Laboratory (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago), Research Laboratory 9, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.); (A.D.M.); (P.M.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
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Tang X, Cui K, Wu P, Hu A, Fan M, Lu X, Yang F, Lin J, Yu S, Xu Y, Liang X. Acrizanib as a Novel Therapeutic Agent for Fundus Neovascularization via Inhibitory Phosphorylation of VEGFR2. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38165719 PMCID: PMC10768700 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.1] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acrizanib, a small molecule inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), on physiological angiogenesis and pathological neovascularization in the eye and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We investigated the potential role of acrizanib in physiological angiogenesis using C57BL/6J newborn mice, and pathological angiogenesis using the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as an in vitro model for studying the molecular mechanism underlying acrizanib's antiangiogenic effects. Results The intravitreal injection of acrizanib did not show a considerable impact on physiological angiogenesis and retinal thickness, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile. In the mouse models of OIR and CNV, acrizanib showed promising results in reducing pathological neovascularization, inflammation, and vascular leakage, indicating its potential efficacy against pathological angiogenesis. Consistent with in vivo results, acrizanib blunted angiogenic events in VEGF-treated HUVECs such as proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Furthermore, acrizanib inhibited the multisite phosphorylation of VEGFR2 to varying degrees and the activation of its downstream signal pathways in VEGF-treated HUVECs. Conclusions This study suggested the potential efficacy and safety of acrizanib in suppressing fundus neovascularization. Acrizanib functioned through inhibiting multiple phosphorylation sites of VEGFR2 in endothelial cells to different degrees. Translational Relevance These results indicated that acrizanib might hold promise as a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaixuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andina Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Matthew Fan
- Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jicheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Verma M, Sarfraz A, Hasan I, Vasudev PG, Khan F. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on VEGFR2 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Identification of Potential Natural Anticancer Compounds. Med Chem 2024; 20:646-661. [PMID: 38299297 DOI: 10.2174/0115734064247526231129080415] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over-expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors (VEGFRs) leads to the hyperactivation of oncogenes. For inhibition of this hyperactivation, the USA Food Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many drugs that show adverse effects, such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, etc. There is a need to discover potent natural compounds that show minimal side effects. In the present study, we have taken structurally diverse known VEGFR2 inhibitors to develop a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) model and used this model to predict the inhibitory activity of natural compounds for VEGFR2. METHODS The QSAR model was developed through the forward stepwise Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) method. A developed QSAR model was used to predict the inhibitory activity of natural compounds. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) assessment and molecular docking studies were performed. The binding stability of the natural compounds with VEGFR2 was elucidated through Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation. RESULTS The developed QSAR model against VEGFR2 showed the regression coefficient of the training dataset (r2) as 0.81 and the external regression coefficient of the test dataset (r2 test) 0.71. Descriptors, viz., electro-topological state of potential hydrogen bonds (maxHBint2, nHBint6), atom types (minssNH), maximum topological distance matrix (SpMAD_Dt), and 2D autocorrelation (ATSC7v), have been identified. Using this model, 14 natural compounds have been selected that have shown inhibitory activity for VEGFR2, of which six natural compounds have been found to possess a strong binding affinity with VEGFR2. In MD simulation, four complexes have shown binding stability up to 50ns. CONCLUSION The developed QSAR model has identified 5 conserved activity-inducing physiochemical properties, which have been found to be correlated with the anticancer activity of the nonidentical ligand molecules bound with the VEGFR2 kinase. Lavendustin_A, 3'-O-acetylhamaudol, and arctigenin have been obtained as possible lead natural compounds against the VEGFR2 kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Verma
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O.- CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow 226015 (Uttar Pradesh), India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aqib Sarfraz
- Technology Dissemination & Computational Biology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O.- CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow, 226015 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Inamul Hasan
- Technology Dissemination & Computational Biology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O.- CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow, 226015 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prema Gauri Vasudev
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O.- CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow 226015 (Uttar Pradesh), India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Feroz Khan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Technology Dissemination & Computational Biology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O.- CIMAP, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow, 226015 Uttar Pradesh, India
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Pannucci P, Van Daele M, Cooper SL, Wragg ES, March J, Groenen M, Hill SJ, Woolard J. Role of endothelin ET A receptors in the hypertension induced by the VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors axitinib and lenvatinib in conscious freely-moving rats. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:116007. [PMID: 38145828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.116007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) suppress tumour growth by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) which is an important mediator of angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that two potent RTKIs, axitinib and lenvatinib, are associated with hypertensive side effects. Doppler flowmetry was used to evaluate regional haemodynamic profiles of axitinib and lenvatinib. Male Sprague Dawley rats (350-500 g) were instrumented with Doppler flow probes (renal and mesenteric arteries and descending abdominal aorta) and catheters (jugular vein and distal abdominal aorta, via the caudal artery). Rats were dosed daily with axitinib (3 or 6 mg.kg-1) or lenvatinib (1 or 3 mg.kg-1) and regional haemodynamics were recorded over a maximum of 4 days. Both RTKIs caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP), which was accompanied by significant (p < 0.05) vasoconstriction in both the mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. To gain insight into the involvement of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in RTKI-mediated hypertension, we also monitored heart rate (HR) and MAP in response to axitinib or lenvatinib in animals treated with the ETA receptor selective antagonist sitaxentan (5 mg.kg-1) or the mixed ETA/ETB receptor antagonist bosentan (15 mg.kg-1) over two days. Co-treatment with bosentan or sitaxentan markedly reduced the MAP effects mediated by both RTKIs (p < 0.05). Bosentan, but not sitaxentan, also attenuated ET-1 mediated increases in HR. These data suggest that selective antagonists of ETA receptors may be appropriate to alleviate the hypertensive effects of axitinib and lenvatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Pannucci
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Marieke Van Daele
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Samantha L Cooper
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Edward S Wragg
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Julie March
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Marleen Groenen
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK.
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, UK.
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Moradi M, Mousavi A, Emamgholipour Z, Giovannini J, Moghimi S, Peytam F, Honarmand A, Bach S, Foroumadi A. Quinazoline-based VEGFR-2 inhibitors as potential anti-angiogenic agents: A contemporary perspective of SAR and molecular docking studies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115626. [PMID: 37453330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature, is pivotal in the migration, growth, and differentiation of endothelial cells in normal physiological conditions. In various types of tumour microenvironments, dysregulated angiogenesis plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to cancerous cells, leading to tumour size growth. VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase has been extensively studied as a critical regulator of angiogenesis; thus, inhibition of VEGFR-2 has been widely used for cancer treatments in recent years. Quinazoline nucleus is a privileged and versatile scaffold with a broad range of pharmacological activity, especially in the field of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with more than twenty small molecule inhibitors approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the last two decades. As of now, the U.S. FDA has approved eleven small chemical inhibitors of VEGFR-2 for various types of malignancies, with a prime example being vandetanib, a quinazoline derivative, which is a multi targeted kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of late-stage medullary thyroid cancer. Despite of prosperous discovery and development of VEGFR-2 down regulator drugs, there still exists limitations in clinical efficacy, adverse effects, a high rate of clinical discontinuation and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the design and synthesis of more selective and effective inhibitors to tackle these challenges. Through the gathering of this review, we have strived to broaden the extent of our view over the entire scope of quinazoline-based VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Herein, we give an overview of the importance and advancement status of reported structures, highlighting the SAR, biological evaluations and their binding modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfam Moradi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mousavi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Emamgholipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Johanna Giovannini
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Laboratory (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, 29680, Roscoff, France
| | - Setareh Moghimi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Peytam
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Honarmand
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Stéphane Bach
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models Laboratory (LBI2M), Station Biologique de Roscoff, 29680, Roscoff, France; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, FR2424, Plateforme de criblage KISSf (Kinase Inhibitor Specialized Screening Facility), Station Biologique de Roscoff, 29680, Roscoff, France; Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Bhattacharya S, Parihar VK, Prajapati BG. Unveiling the therapeutic potential of cabozantinib-loaded poly D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid and polysarcosine nanoparticles in inducing apoptosis and cytotoxicity in human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and in vivo anti-tumor activity in SCID female mice. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1125857. [PMID: 36874145 PMCID: PMC9975495 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1125857] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study aimed to develop a nano-based drug delivery system for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer that accounts for 90% of all liver malignancies. The study focused on the use of cabozantinib (CNB), a potent multikinase inhibitor that targets the VEGF receptor 2, as the chemotherapeutic drug. We developed CNB-loaded nanoparticles made from Poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid, and Polysarcosine (CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs) for use in human HepG2 cell lines. Methods By O/W solvent evaporation method, the polymeric nanoparticles were prepared. The various techniques, such as photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used, to determine the formulation's particle size, zeta potential, and morphology. SYBR Green/ROX qPCR Master Mix and RT-PCR equipment used to measure liver cancer cell line and tissue mRNA expression and MTT assay to test HepG2 cell cytotoxicity. Cell cycle arrest analysis, annexin V assay, and ZE5 Cell Analyzer apoptosis assay were also performed. Results The results of the study showed that the particle diameters were 192.0 ± 3.67 nm with 0.128 PDI and -24.18 ± 3.34 mV zeta potential. The antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometry (FCM). The IC50 value of CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs was 45.67 µg/mL, 34.73 µg/mL, and 21.56 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The study also found that 11.20% and 36.77% of CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs-treated cells were apoptotic at 60 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting that the nanoparticles were effective in inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. It can also conclude that, CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs inhibit human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and kill them by upregulating the tumour suppressor genes MT1F, MT1X, and downregulating MTTP, APOA4. Further in vivo antitumor activity was well reported in SCID female mice. Discussion Overall, this study suggests that the CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs are a promising drug delivery system for the treatment of HCC, and further research is needed to investigate their potential in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankha Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vipan Kumar Parihar
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Industrial Area, Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Bhupendra G Prajapati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Shree S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
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Comparison of Intermolecular Interactions of Irreversible and Reversible Inhibitors with Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase via Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217451. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key protein from the TEC family and is involved in B-cell lymphoma occurrence and development. Targeting BTK is therefore an effective strategy for B-cell lymphoma treatment. Since previous studies on BTK have been limited to structure-function analyses of static protein structures, the dynamics of conformational change of BTK upon inhibitor binding remain unclear. Here, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms of association and dissociation of a reversible (ARQ531) and irreversible (ibrutinib) small-molecule inhibitor to/from BTK. The results indicated that the BTK kinase domain was found to be locked in an inactive state through local conformational changes in the DFG motif, and P-, A-, and gatekeeper loops. The binding of the inhibitors drove the outward rotation of the C-helix, resulting in the upfolded state of Trp395 and the formation of the salt bridge of Glu445-Arg544, which maintained the inactive conformation state. Met477 and Glu475 in the hinge region were found to be the key residues for inhibitor binding. These findings can be used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the pharmacophore and applied to the design of effective BTK inhibitors. In addition, the drug resistance to the irreversible inhibitor Ibrutinib was mainly from the strong interaction of Cys481, which was evidenced by the mutational experiment, and further confirmed by the measurement of rupture force and rupture times from steered molecular dynamics simulation. Our results provide mechanistic insights into resistance against BTK-targeting drugs and the key interaction sites for the development of high-quality BTK inhibitors. The steered dynamics simulation also offers a means to rapidly assess the binding capacity of newly designed inhibitors.
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New Oxazolo[5,4- d]pyrimidines as Potential Anticancer Agents: Their Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Biological Activity Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911694. [PMID: 36232997 PMCID: PMC9569971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911694] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a large group of diseases in which the rapid proliferation of abnormal cells generally leads to metastasis to surrounding tissues or more distant ones through the lymphatic and blood vessels, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. The main challenge in designing a modern anticancer therapy is to develop selective compounds that exploit specific molecular targets. In this work, novel oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of four human cancer cell lines (lung carcinoma: A549, breast adenocarcinoma: MCF7, metastatic colon adenocarcinoma: LoVo, primary colon adenocarcinoma: HT29), along with their P-glycoprotein-inhibitory ability and pro-apoptotic activity. These oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which are structurally similar to nucleic purine bases in general, are characterized by the presence of a pharmacologically favorable isoxazole substituent at position 2 and aliphatic amino chains at position 7 of the condensed heterocyclic system. In silico analysis of the obtained compounds identified their potent inhibitory activity towards human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Molecular docking was performed to assess the binding mode of new derivatives to the VEGFR-2 active site. Then, their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacological properties (i.e., ADME-administration, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) were also predicted to assess their druglikeness. In particular, compound 3g (with a 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl substituent) was found to be the most potent against the HT29 cell line, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 58.4 µM, exceeding the activity of fluorouracil (CC50 = 381.2 μM) and equaling the activity of cisplatin (CC50 = 47.2 µM), while being less toxic to healthy human cells (such as normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs)) than these reference drugs. The results suggest that compound 3g is a potentially promising candidate for the treatment of primary colorectal cancer.
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Zaki I, Masoud RE, Hamoud MM, Ali OAA, Abualnaja M, Fayad E, Almaaty AHA, Elnaghia LK. Design, synthesis and cytotoxicity screening of new synthesized pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives showing marked apoptotic effect. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Suryawanshi MR, Kanhed AM, Kulkarni VM, Bhosale SH, Yadav MR. Design, synthesis, and computational studies of phenylacetamides as antidepressant agents. Mol Divers 2022; 26:3157-3172. [PMID: 35128584 PMCID: PMC8818363 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, a hit molecule obtained from zinc ‘clean drug-like database’ by systematically performed computational studies was modified chemically to obtain different derivatives (VS1–VS25). Structures of synthesized derivatives were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 13C-DEPT, MS, and elemental analysis. All the synthesized compounds were biologically evaluated for their antidepressant activity by using tail suspension test and forced swimming test in albino mice. All these derivatives showed moderate to good antidepressant activity. The most potent compound (VS25) among the synthesized compounds showed better antidepressant potential than the standard drugs moclobemide, imipramine, and fluoxetine. To understand the time-dependent interactions of this most active compound with MAO-A molecular dynamics was carried out and reported here. Additionally, acute oral toxicity was performed for the most active compound as per OECD guidelines.
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