1
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Banka VK, Sainas S, Martino E, Wang J, Lolli ML, Ding YS. Radiosynthesis of [ 18F]brequinar for in vivo PET imaging of hDHODH for potential studies of acute myeloid leukemia and cancers. RSC Med Chem 2024:d4md00433g. [PMID: 39149561 PMCID: PMC11320022 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00433g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme that plays a critical role in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, has been recognized as a promising target for the treatment of diseases that involve cellular proliferation, such as autoimmune diseases and cancers. Pharmacological inhibition of human DHODH (hDHODH) that offers a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment in adult subjects with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has recently been supported by phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory AML. To facilitate the development of optimized hDHODH inhibitors, the presence of an in vivo imaging probe that is able to demonstrate in vivo target engagement is critical and desirable. Brequinar is one of the most potent hDHODH inhibitors so far discovered. In this work, we use a copper-mediated radiofluorination (CMRF) strategy and compare the chemical design and radiosynthesis starting from either pinacole boronate p-nitrobenzyl ester (4) or tributylstannate (tin) p-nitrobenzyl ester (5), chosen for their suitability as a precursor to [18F]brequinar. We report here the design, synthesis, radiolabeling and characterization of [18F]brequinar, and a preliminary PET imaging study of DHODH in vivo. This study provides the strategies to create [18F]brequinar, the first hDHODH inhibitor PET radiotracer, which will facilitate its use as a tool (theranostics) for hDHODH drug development and for diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic efficacy in AML and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar Banka
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging 660 First Ave., 4th Floor New York NY 10016 USA +1 (212)263 7541 +1 (212)263 6605
| | - Stefano Sainas
- Department of Drug Science and Technology (DSTF), University of Torino Turin Italy
| | - Elena Martino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology (DSTF), University of Torino Turin Italy
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging 660 First Ave., 4th Floor New York NY 10016 USA +1 (212)263 7541 +1 (212)263 6605
| | - Marco Lucio Lolli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology (DSTF), University of Torino Turin Italy
| | - Yu-Shin Ding
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Imaging 660 First Ave., 4th Floor New York NY 10016 USA +1 (212)263 7541 +1 (212)263 6605
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine New York NY USA
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2
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DeRatt LG, Zhang Z, Pietsch C, Cisar JS, Zhang X, Wang W, Tanner A, Matico R, Shaffer P, Jacoby E, Kazmi F, Shukla N, Bush TL, Patrick A, Philippar U, Attar R, Edwards JP, Kuduk SD. Discovery of JNJ-74856665: A Novel Isoquinolinone DHODH Inhibitor for the Treatment of AML. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11254-11272. [PMID: 38889244 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a heterogeneous disease of the blood and bone marrow, is characterized by the inability of myeloblasts to differentiate into mature cell types. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an enzyme well-known in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway and preclinical findings demonstrated that DHODH is a metabolic vulnerability in AML as inhibitors can induce differentiation across multiple AML subtypes. As a result of virtual screening and structure-based drug design approaches, a novel series of isoquinolinone DHODH inhibitors was identified. Further lead optimization afforded JNJ-74856665 as an orally bioavailable, potent, and selective DHODH inhibitor with favorable physicochemical properties selected for clinical development in patients with AML and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey G DeRatt
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Zhuming Zhang
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Christine Pietsch
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Justin S Cisar
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Weixue Wang
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Alexandra Tanner
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Rosalie Matico
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Paul Shaffer
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Edgar Jacoby
- Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Faraz Kazmi
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Neetu Shukla
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Tammy L Bush
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Aaron Patrick
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Ulrike Philippar
- Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Attar
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - James P Edwards
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Scott D Kuduk
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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3
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Ishikawa C, Mori N. Pivotal role of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase as a therapeutic target in adult T-cell leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:99-109. [PMID: 38558052 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14209] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the role of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) in pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and the effects of its inhibition on the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. METHODS Cell proliferation, viability, cycle, and apoptosis were analyzed using WST-8 assays, flow cytometry, and Hoechst 33342 staining. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-ATL effects of DHODH knockdown and inhibition, RT-PCR and immunoblotting were conducted. RESULTS HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines aberrantly expressed DHODH. Viral infection and the oncoprotein, Tax, enhanced DHODH expression, while knockdown of DHODH decreased HTLV-1-infected T-cell growth. In addition, BAY2402234, a DHODH inhibitor, exerted an anti-proliferative effect, which was reversed by uridine supplementation. BAY2402234 induced DNA damage and S phase arrest by downregulating c-Myc, CDK2, and cyclin A and upregulating p53 and cyclin E. It also induced caspase-mediated apoptosis by the upregulation of pro-apoptotic and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, BAY2402234 induced caspase-independent ferroptosis and necroptosis. It decreased phosphorylation of IKK, IκBα, PTEN, Akt, and its downstream targets, suggesting that inhibition of NF-κB and Akt signaling is involved in its anti-ATL action. CONCLUSION These findings highlight DHODH as a potential therapeutic target for treating ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Ishikawa
- Department of Microbiology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
- Division of Health Sciences, Transdisciplinary Research Organization for Subtropics and Island Studies, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Naoki Mori
- Department of Microbiology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
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4
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Alberti M, Poli G, Broggini L, Sainas S, Rizzi M, Boschi D, Ferraris DM, Martino E, Ricagno S, Tuccinardi T, Lolli ML, Miggiano R. An alternative conformation of the N-terminal loop of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase drives binding to a potent antiproliferative agent. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2024; 80:386-396. [PMID: 38805244 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798324004066] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the years, human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (hDHODH), which is a key player in the de novo pyrimidine-biosynthesis pathway, has been targeted in the treatment of several conditions, including autoimmune disorders and acute myelogenous leukaemia, as well as in host-targeted antiviral therapy. A molecular exploration of its inhibitor-binding behaviours yielded promising candidates for innovative drug design. A detailed description of the enzymatic pharmacophore drove the decoration of well-established inhibitory scaffolds, thus gaining further in vitro and in vivo efficacy. In the present work, using X-ray crystallography, an atypical rearrangement was identified in the binding pose of a potent inhibitor characterized by a polar pyridine-based moiety (compound 18). The crystal structure shows that upon binding compound 18 the dynamics of a protein loop involved in a gating mechanism at the cofactor-binding site is modulated by the presence of three water molecules, thus fine-tuning the polarity/hydrophobicity of the binding pocket. These solvent molecules are engaged in the formation of a hydrogen-bond mesh in which one of them establishes a direct contact with the pyridine moiety of compound 18, thus paving the way for a reappraisal of the inhibition of hDHODH. Using an integrated approach, the thermodynamics of such a modulation is described by means of isothermal titration calorimetry coupled with molecular modelling. These structural insights will guide future drug design to obtain a finer Kd/logD7.4 balance and identify membrane-permeable molecules with a drug-like profile in terms of water solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Alberti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via G. Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Broggini
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Stefano Sainas
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Menico Rizzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via G. Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Donatella Boschi
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Davide M Ferraris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via G. Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Martino
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco L Lolli
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Riccardo Miggiano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via G. Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy
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5
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Mousavi H, Rimaz M, Zeynizadeh B. Practical Three-Component Regioselective Synthesis of Drug-Like 3-Aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[ h]cinnolines as Potential Non-Covalent Multi-Targeting Inhibitors To Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1828-1881. [PMID: 38647433 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00055] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are one of the prominent health challenges facing contemporary society, and many efforts have been made to overcome and (or) control it. In this research paper, we described a practical one-pot two-step three-component reaction between 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (1), aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates (2a-h), and hydrazine monohydrate (NH2NH2•H2O) for the regioselective preparation of some 3-aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnoline derivatives (3a-h). After synthesis and characterization of the mentioned cinnolines (3a-h), the in silico multi-targeting inhibitory properties of these heterocyclic scaffolds have been investigated upon various Homo sapiens-type enzymes, including hMAO-A, hMAO-B, hAChE, hBChE, hBACE-1, hBACE-2, hNQO-1, hNQO-2, hnNOS, hiNOS, hPARP-1, hPARP-2, hLRRK-2(G2019S), hGSK-3β, hp38α MAPK, hJNK-3, hOGA, hNMDA receptor, hnSMase-2, hIDO-1, hCOMT, hLIMK-1, hLIMK-2, hRIPK-1, hUCH-L1, hPARK-7, and hDHODH, which have confirmed their functions and roles in the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), based on molecular docking studies, and the obtained results were compared with a wide range of approved drugs and well-known (with IC50, EC50, etc.) compounds. In addition, in silico ADMET prediction analysis was performed to examine the prospective drug properties of the synthesized heterocyclic compounds (3a-h). The obtained results from the molecular docking studies and ADMET-related data demonstrated that these series of 3-aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnolines (3a-h), especially hit ones, can really be turned into the potent core of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), and/or due to the having some reactionable locations, they are able to have further organic reactions (such as cross-coupling reactions), and expansion of these compounds (for example, with using other types of aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates) makes a new avenue for designing novel and efficient drugs for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mousavi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rimaz
- Department of Chemistry, Payame Noor University, P.O. Box 19395-3697, Tehran 19395-3697, Iran
| | - Behzad Zeynizadeh
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
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6
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DeRatt LG, Pietsch EC, Cisar JS, Jacoby E, Kazmi F, Matico R, Shaffer P, Tanner A, Wang W, Attar R, Edwards JP, Kuduk SD. Discovery of Alternative Binding Poses through Fragment-Based Identification of DHODH Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:381-387. [PMID: 38505861 PMCID: PMC10945543 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00543] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that affects many aspects essential to cell proliferation and survival. Recently, DHODH has been identified as a potential target for acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Herein, we describe the identification of potent DHODH inhibitors through a scaffold hopping approach emanating from a fragment screen followed by structure-based drug design to further improve the overall profile and reveal an unexpected novel binding mode. Additionally, these compounds had low P-gp efflux ratios, allowing for applications where exposure to the brain would be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey G. DeRatt
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - E. Christine Pietsch
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Justin S. Cisar
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Edgar Jacoby
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Faraz Kazmi
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Rosalie Matico
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Paul Shaffer
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Alexandra Tanner
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Weixue Wang
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Ricardo Attar
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - James P. Edwards
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Scott D. Kuduk
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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7
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Gehlot P, Vyas VK. A Patent Review of Human Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (hDHODH) Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents and their Other Therapeutic Applications (1999-2022). Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2024; 19:280-297. [PMID: 37070439 DOI: 10.2174/1574892818666230417094939] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Highly proliferating cells, such as cancer cells, are in high demand of pyrimidine nucleotides for their proliferation, accomplished by de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. The human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (hDHODH) enzyme plays a vital role in the rate-limiting step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. As a recognised therapeutic target, hDHODH plays a significant role in cancer and other illness. In the past two decades, small molecules as inhibitors hDHODH enzyme have drawn much attention as anticancer agents, and their role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS). In this patent review, we have compiled patented hDHODH inhibitors published between 1999 and 2022 and discussed the development of hDHODH inhibitors as anticancer agents. Therapeutic potential of small molecules as hDHODH inhibitors for the treatment of various diseases, such as cancer, is very well recognised. Human DHODH inhibitors can rapidly cause intracellular uridine monophosphate (UMP) depletion to produce starvation of pyrimidine bases. Normal cells can better endure a brief period of starvation without the side effects of conventional cytotoxic medication and resume synthesis of nucleic acid and other cellular functions after inhibition of de novo pathway using an alternative salvage pathway. Highly proliferative cells such as cancer cells do not endure starvation because they are in high demand of nucleotides for cell differentiation, which is fulfilled by de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. In addition, hDHODH inhibitors produce their desired activity at lower doses rather than a cytotoxic dose of other anticancer agents. Thus, inhibition of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis will create new prospects for the development of novel targeted anticancer agents, which ongoing preclinical and clinical experiments define. Our work brings together a comprehensive patent review of the role of hDHODH in cancer, as well as various patents related to the hDHODH inhibitors and their anticancer and other therapeutic potential. This compiled work on patented DHODH inhibitors will guide researchers in pursuing the most promising drug discovery strategies against the hDHODH enzyme as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinky Gehlot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, 382481, Gujrat, India
| | - Vivek K Vyas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, 382481, Gujrat, India
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8
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Munk SHN, Merchut-Maya JM, Adelantado Rubio A, Hall A, Pappas G, Milletti G, Lee M, Johnsen LG, Guldberg P, Bartek J, Maya-Mendoza A. NAD + regulates nucleotide metabolism and genomic DNA replication. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1774-1786. [PMID: 37957325 PMCID: PMC10709141 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01280-z] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The intricate orchestration of enzymatic activities involving nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and preserving genomic integrity. As a co-enzyme, NAD+ plays a key role in regulating metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and Kreb's cycle. ADP-ribosyltransferases (PARPs) and sirtuins rely on NAD+ to mediate post-translational modifications of target proteins. The activation of PARP1 in response to DNA breaks leads to rapid depletion of cellular NAD+ compromising cell viability. Therefore, the levels of NAD+ must be tightly regulated. Here we show that exogenous NAD+, but not its precursors, has a direct effect on mitochondrial activity. Short-term incubation with NAD+ boosts Kreb's cycle and the electron transport chain and enhances pyrimidine biosynthesis. Extended incubation with NAD+ results in depletion of pyrimidines, accumulation of purines, activation of the replication stress response and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, a combination of NAD+ and 5-fluorouridine selectively kills cancer cells that rely on de novo pyrimidine synthesis. We propose an integrated model of how NAD+ regulates nucleotide metabolism, with relevance to healthspan, ageing and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arnaldur Hall
- Genome Integrity Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George Pappas
- Genome Integrity Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giacomo Milletti
- DNA Replication and Cancer Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - MyungHee Lee
- DNA Replication and Cancer Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Genome Integrity Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Per Guldberg
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jiri Bartek
- Genome Integrity Group, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden.
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9
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Yang T, Shi X, Li S, Zhao Z, Wang J, Yu P, Li H, Wang R, Chen Z. Targeting DHODH reveals therapeutic opportunities in ATRA-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115314. [PMID: 37579695 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115314] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced differentiation has transformed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) from the most fatal to the most curable hematological disease, resistance to ATRA in high-risk APL patients remains a clinical challenge. In this paper, we discovered that dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibition overcame ATRA resistance. 416, a potent DHODH inhibitor previously obtained in our group, inhibited the occurrence of APL in cells and model mice. Excitingly, 416 effectively overcame ATRA resistance in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis and differentiation. Further mechanistic studies showed that PML/RARα lost the regulation of Bcl-2 and c-Myc in NB4-R1 cells, which probably contributed to ATRA resistance. Notably, 416 maintained its Bcl-2 and c-Myc down-regulation effect in NB4-R1 cells and overcome ATRA resistance by inhibiting DHODH. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of 416 for APL therapy and overcoming ATRA resistance, supporting the further development of DHODH inhibitors for clinical use in refractory and relapsed APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyuan Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiayu Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhenjiang Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Junyi Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Panpan Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
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10
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Jatana S, Ponti AK, Johnson EE, Rebert NA, Smith JL, Fulmer CG, Maytin EV, Achkar JP, Fernandez AP, McDonald C. A novel murine model of pyoderma gangrenosum reveals that inflammatory skin-gut crosstalk is mediated by IL-1β-primed neutrophils. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148893. [PMID: 37475852 PMCID: PMC10354730 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a debilitating skin condition often accompanied by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Strikingly, ~40% of patients that present with PG have underlying IBD, suggesting shared but unknown mechanisms of pathogenesis. Impeding the development of effective treatments for PG is the absence of an animal model that exhibits features of both skin and gut manifestations. This study describes the development of the first experimental drug-induced mouse model of PG with concomitant intestinal inflammation. Topical application of pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors on wounded mouse skin generates skin ulcers enriched in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as well as pro-inflammatory cellular and soluble mediators mimicking human PG. The mice also develop spontaneous intestinal inflammation demonstrated by histologic damage. Further investigations revealed increased circulating low density IL-1β primed neutrophils that undergo enhanced NETosis at inflamed tissue sites supported by an increase in circulatory citrullinated histone 3, a marker of aberrant NET formation. Granulocyte depletion dampens the intestinal inflammation in this model, further supporting the notion that granulocytes contribute to the skin-gut crosstalk in PG mice. We anticipate that this novel murine PG model will enable researchers to probe common disease mechanisms and identify more effective targets for treatment for PG patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samreen Jatana
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - András K. Ponti
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Erin E. Johnson
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, United States
| | - Nancy A. Rebert
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jordyn L. Smith
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Clifton G. Fulmer
- Department of Pathology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Edward V. Maytin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jean-Paul Achkar
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anthony P. Fernandez
- Department of Pathology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Christine McDonald
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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11
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Teixeira O, Martins IBS, Froes TQ, de Araújo AS, Nonato MC. Kinetic and structural studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dihydroorotate dehydrogenase reveal new insights into class 2 DHODH inhibition. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130378. [PMID: 37150227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130378] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide. TB represents a serious public health threat, and it is characterized by high transmission rates, prevalence in impoverished regions, and high co-infection rates with HIV. Moreover, the serious side effects of long-term treatment that decrease patient adherence, and the emergence of multi-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causing agent of TBs, pose several challenges for its eradication. The search for a new TB treatment is necessary and urgent. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is responsible for the stereospecific oxidation of (S)-dihydroorotate (DHO) to orotate during the fourth and only redox step of the de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway. DHODH has been considered an attractive target against infectious diseases. As a first step towards exploiting DHODH as a drug target against TB, we performed a full kinetic characterization of both bacterial MtDHODH and its human ortholog (HsDHDOH) using both substrates coenzyme Q0 (Q0) and vitamin K3 (K3). MtDHODH follows a ping-pong mechanism of catalysis and shares similar catalytic parameters with the human enzyme. Serendipitously, Q0 was found to inhibit MtDHODH (KI (Q0) = 138 ± 31 μM). To the best of our knowledge, Q0 is the first non-orotate like dihydroorotate-competitive inhibitor for class 2 DHODHs ever described. Molecular dynamics simulations along with in silico solvent mapping allowed us to successfully probe protein flexibility and correlate it with the druggability of binding sites. Together, our results provide the starting point for the design of a new generation of potent and selective inhibitors against MtDHODH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olívia Teixeira
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil; Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and molecular Targets (CRAFT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Bernardes Santana Martins
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Física, UNESP, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thamires Quadros Froes
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil; Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and molecular Targets (CRAFT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Suman de Araújo
- Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Física, UNESP, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil; Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and molecular Targets (CRAFT), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.
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12
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Nair A, Barde PJ, Routhu KV, Viswanadha S, Veeraraghavan S, Pak S, Peterson JA, Vakkalanka S. A first in man study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of RP7214, a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:1127-1138. [PMID: 36217901 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15562] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that is essential for pyrimidine de novo synthesis. Rapidly growing cancer cells and replicating viruses are dependent on host cell nucleotides, the precursors of which are provided by DHODH. Hence, DHODH becomes an ideal target for pharmacological intervention. RP7214 is a potent and selective inhibitor of human DHODH and has shown antiviral and antileukaemic activity in preclinical studies. This paper describes the phase I study that evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple ascending doses (SAD and MAD) and the food effect of RP7214 in healthy volunteers (HVs). The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of single dose (100, 200 and 400 mg QD), multiple doses (200 and 400 mg BID for 7 days) and a food effect study at a single dose of 200 mg. A total of 18, 12 and 12 HVs were enrolled in the SAD, MAD and food effect parts of the study, respectively. RP7214 was well tolerated at all dose levels. There were 20 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported, out of which most were mild to moderate in severity while three TEAEs were grade ≥3. RP7214 showed accumulation on multiple dosing. Steady-state concentrations were reached within about 3-6 days. The mean plasma half-life at steady-state was 12.8 hours (9.9-15.3). Food did not impact the absorption of RP7214. Inhibition of DHODH, as evidenced by increased dihydroorotate levels, was observed, confirming target engagement. The high systemic exposure with a favourable safety profile shows potential for the development of RP7214 in SARS-CoV-2 and acute myeloid leukaemia (NCT04680429).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Nair
- Rhizen Pharmaceuticals AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Samuel Pak
- Novum Pharmaceutical Research Services, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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13
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Lafita-Navarro MC, Conacci-Sorrell M. Nucleolar stress: From development to cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 136:64-74. [PMID: 35410715 PMCID: PMC9883801 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The nucleolus is a large nuclear membraneless organelle responsible for ribosome biogenesis. Ribosomes are cytoplasmic macromolecular complexes comprising RNA and proteins that link amino acids together to form new proteins. The biogenesis of ribosomes is an intricate multistep process that involves the transcription of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the processing of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and the assembly of rRNA with ribosomal proteins to form active ribosomes. Nearly all steps necessary for ribosome production and maturation occur in the nucleolus. Nucleolar shape, size, and number are directly linked to ribosome biogenesis. Errors in the steps of ribosomal biogenesis are sensed by the nucleolus causing global alterations in nucleolar function and morphology. This phenomenon, known as nucleolar stress, can lead to molecular changes such as stabilization of p53, which in turn activates cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. In this review, we discuss recent work on the association of nucleolar stress with degenerative diseases and developmental defects. In addition, we highlight the importance of de novo nucleotide biosynthesis for the enhanced nucleolar activity of cancer cells and discuss targeting nucleotide biosynthesis as a strategy to activate nucleolar stress to specifically target cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Lafita-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
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14
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Franczak M, Toenshoff I, Jansen G, Smolenski RT, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. The Influence of Mitochondrial Energy and 1C Metabolism on the Efficacy of Anticancer Drugs: Exploring Potential Mechanisms of Resistance. Curr Med Chem 2023; 30:1209-1231. [PMID: 35366764 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220401110418] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the main energy factory in living cells. To rapidly proliferate and metastasize, neoplastic cells increase their energy requirements. Thus, mitochondria become one of the most important organelles for them. Indeed, much research shows the interplay between cancer chemoresistance and altered mitochondrial function. In this review, we focus on the differences in energy metabolism between cancer and normal cells to better understand their resistance and how to develop drugs targeting energy metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. One of the differences between cancer and normal cells is the higher nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level, a cofactor for the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), which enhances their proliferation and helps cancer cells survive under hypoxic conditions. An important change is a metabolic switch called the Warburg effect. This effect is based on the change of energy harvesting from oxygen-dependent transformation to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), adapting them to the tumor environment. Another mechanism is the high expression of one-carbon (1C) metabolism enzymes. Again, this allows cancer cells to increase proliferation by producing precursors for the synthesis of nucleotides and amino acids. We reviewed drugs in clinical practice and development targeting NAD+, OXPHOS, and 1C metabolism. Combining novel drugs with conventional antineoplastic agents may prove to be a promising new way of anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Franczak
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Isabel Toenshoff
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam University College, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Colligan SH, Amitrano AM, Zollo RA, Peresie J, Kramer ED, Morreale B, Barbi J, Singh PK, Yu H, Wang J, Opyrchal M, Sykes DB, Nemeth MJ, Abrams SI. Inhibiting the biogenesis of myeloid-derived suppressor cells enhances immunotherapy efficacy against mammary tumor progression. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e158661. [PMID: 36453551 PMCID: PMC9711879 DOI: 10.1172/jci158661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the therapeutic landscape in oncology, they are effective in select subsets of patients. Efficacy may be limited by tumor-driven immune suppression, of which 1 key mechanism is the development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). A fundamental gap in MDSC therapeutics is the lack of approaches that target MDSC biogenesis. We hypothesized that targeting MDSC biogenesis would mitigate MDSC burden and bolster tumor responses to ICIs. We tested a class of agents, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors, that have been previously shown to restore the terminal differentiation of leukemic myeloid progenitors. DHODH inhibitors have demonstrated preclinical safety and are under clinical study for hematologic malignancies. Using mouse models of mammary cancer that elicit robust MDSC responses, we demonstrated that the DHODH inhibitor brequinar (a) suppressed MDSC production from early-stage myeloid progenitors, which was accompanied by enhanced myeloid maturation; (b) augmented the antitumor and antimetastatic activities of programmed cell death 1-based (PD-1-based) ICI therapy in ICI-resistant mammary cancer models; and (c) acted in concert with PD-1 blockade through modulation of MDSC and CD8+ T cell responses. Moreover, brequinar facilitated myeloid maturation and inhibited immune-suppressive features in human bone marrow culture systems. These findings advance the concept of MDSC differentiation therapy in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Barbi
- Department of Immunology
- Department of Thoracic Surgery
| | | | - Han Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mateusz Opyrchal
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - David B. Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Jamialahmadi O, Salehabadi E, Hashemi-Najafabadi S, Motamedian E, Bagheri F, Mancina RM, Romeo S. Cellular Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling Identifies New Potential Drug Targets Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:671-682. [PMID: 36508280 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2022.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genome-scale metabolic modeling (GEM) is one of the key approaches to unpack cancer metabolism and for discovery of new drug targets. In this study, we report the Transcriptional Regulated Flux Balance Analysis-CORE (TRFBA-), an algorithm for GEM using key growth-correlated reactions using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), an important global health burden, as a case study. We generated a HepG2 cell-specific GEM by integrating this cell line transcriptomic data with a generic human metabolic model to forecast potential drug targets for HCC. A total of 108 essential genes for growth were predicted by the TRFBA-CORE. These genes were enriched for metabolic pathways involved in cholesterol, sterol, and steroid biosynthesis. Furthermore, we silenced a predicted essential gene, 11-beta dehydrogenase hydroxysteroid type 2 (HSD11B2), in HepG2 cells resulting in a reduction in cell viability. To further identify novel potential drug targets in HCC, we examined the effect of nine drugs targeting the essential genes, and observed that most drugs inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells. Some of these drugs in this model performed better than Sorafenib, the first-line therapeutic against HCC. A HepG2 cell-specific GEM highlights sterol metabolism to be essential for cell growth. HSD11B2 downregulation results in lower cell growth. Most of the compounds, selected by drug repurposing approach, show a significant inhibitory effect on cell growth in a wide range of concentrations. These findings offer new molecular leads for drug discovery for hepatic cancer while also illustrating the importance of GEM and drug repurposing in cancer therapeutics innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oveis Jamialahmadi
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Biotechnology and Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Salehabadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sameereh Hashemi-Najafabadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Motamedian
- Department of Biotechnology and Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bagheri
- Department of Biotechnology and Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rosellina Margherita Mancina
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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17
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Banerjee R, Purhonen J, Kallijärvi J. The mitochondrial coenzyme Q junction and complex III: biochemistry and pathophysiology. FEBS J 2022; 289:6936-6958. [PMID: 34428349 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Coenzyme Q (CoQ, ubiquinone) is the electron-carrying lipid in the mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS). In mammals, it serves as the electron acceptor for nine mitochondrial inner membrane dehydrogenases. These include the NADH dehydrogenase (complex I, CI) and succinate dehydrogenase (complex II, CII) but also several others that are often omitted in the context of respiratory enzymes: dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, choline dehydrogenase, electron-transferring flavoprotein dehydrogenase, mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, proline dehydrogenases 1 and 2, and sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase. The metabolic pathways these enzymes are involved in range from amino acid and fatty acid oxidation to nucleotide biosynthesis, methylation, and hydrogen sulfide detoxification, among many others. The CoQ-linked metabolism depends on CoQ reoxidation by the mitochondrial complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex, CIII). However, the literature is surprisingly limited as for the role of the CoQ-linked metabolism in the pathogenesis of human diseases of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), in which the CoQ homeostasis is directly or indirectly affected. In this review, we give an introduction to CIII function, and an overview of the pathological consequences of CIII dysfunction in humans and mice and of the CoQ-dependent metabolic processes potentially affected in these pathological states. Finally, we discuss some experimental tools to dissect the various aspects of compromised CoQ oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Banerjee
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Purhonen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kallijärvi
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Sainas S, Giorgis M, Circosta P, Poli G, Alberti M, Passoni A, Gaidano V, Pippione AC, Vitale N, Bonanni D, Rolando B, Cignetti A, Ramondetti C, Lanno A, Ferraris DM, Canepa B, Buccinnà B, Piccinini M, Rizzi M, Saglio G, Al-Karadaghi S, Boschi D, Miggiano R, Tuccinardi T, Lolli ML. Targeting Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Using Potent Human Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Based on the 2-Hydroxypyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridine Scaffold: SAR of the Aryloxyaryl Moiety. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12701-12724. [PMID: 36162075 PMCID: PMC9574863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors have been associated with acute myelogenous leukemia as well as studied as potent host targeting antivirals. Starting from MEDS433 (IC50 1.2 nM), we kept improving the structure-activity relationship of this class of compounds characterized by 2-hydroxypyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine scaffold. Using an in silico/crystallography supported design, we identified compound 4 (IC50 7.2 nM), characterized by the presence of a decorated aryloxyaryl moiety that replaced the biphenyl scaffold, with potent inhibition and pro-differentiating abilities on AML THP1 cells (EC50 74 nM), superior to those of brequinar (EC50 249 nM) and boosted when in combination with dipyridamole. Finally, compound 4 has an extremely low cytotoxicity on non-AML cells as well as MEDS433; it has shown a significant antileukemic activity in vivo in a xenograft mouse model of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sainas
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Marta Giorgis
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Paola Circosta
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University
of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Molecular
Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Marta Alberti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Piemonte Orientale, Via
G. Bovio 6, Novara 28100, Italy
| | - Alice Passoni
- Laboratory
of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Valentina Gaidano
- Division
of Hematology and Cell Therapy, AO Ordine
Mauriziano, Largo Filippo
Turati, 62, Turin 10128, Italy
| | - Agnese C. Pippione
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Department
of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Davide Bonanni
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
- Life
Science Department, University of Modena, Via Università 4, Modena 41121, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cignetti
- Division
of Hematology and Cell Therapy, AO Ordine
Mauriziano, Largo Filippo
Turati, 62, Turin 10128, Italy
| | - Cristina Ramondetti
- Department
of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Michelangelo 27/B, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Alessia Lanno
- Laboratory
of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Davide M. Ferraris
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Piemonte Orientale, Via
G. Bovio 6, Novara 28100, Italy
| | - Barbara Canepa
- GEM FORLAB, Via Ing.
Comotto 36, Caluso, Turin, 10014, Italy
| | - Barbara Buccinnà
- Department
of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Michelangelo 27/B, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Marco Piccinini
- Department
of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Michelangelo 27/B, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Menico Rizzi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Piemonte Orientale, Via
G. Bovio 6, Novara 28100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University
of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Division
of Hematology and Cell Therapy, AO Ordine
Mauriziano, Largo Filippo
Turati, 62, Turin 10128, Italy
| | - Salam Al-Karadaghi
- Department
of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen
14, Box 124, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Donatella Boschi
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Riccardo Miggiano
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Piemonte Orientale, Via
G. Bovio 6, Novara 28100, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Molecular
Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Marco L. Lolli
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
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19
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Jackson TR, Vuorinen A, Josa-Culleré L, Madden KS, Conole D, Cogswell TJ, Wilkinson IV, Kettyle LM, Zhang D, O’Mahony A, Gracias D, McCall L, Westwood R, Terstappen GC, Davies SG, Tate EW, Wynne GM, Vyas P, Russell AJ, Milne TA. A tubulin binding molecule drives differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. iScience 2022; 25:104787. [PMID: 35992086 PMCID: PMC9385704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite much progress in developing better drugs, many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) still die within a year of diagnosis. This is partly because it is difficult to identify therapeutic targets that are effective across multiple AML subtypes. One common factor across AML subtypes is the presence of a block in differentiation. Overcoming this block should allow for the identification of therapies that are not dependent on a specific mutation for their efficacy. Here, we used a phenotypic screen to identify compounds that stimulate differentiation in genetically diverse AML cell lines. Lead compounds were shown to decrease tumor burden and to increase survival in vivo. Using multiple complementary target deconvolution approaches, these compounds were revealed to be anti-mitotic tubulin disruptors that cause differentiation by inducing a G2-M mitotic arrest. Together, these results reveal a function for tubulin disruptors in causing differentiation of AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Jackson
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laia Josa-Culleré
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Katrina S. Madden
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Thomas J. Cogswell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Isabel V.L. Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Laura M. Kettyle
- Axis Bioservices, 189 Castleroe Rd, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT51 3RP, Northern Ireland
| | - Douzi Zhang
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison O’Mahony
- Eurofins Discovery Phenotypic Services, St. Charles, MO 63304 and Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
- Discovery Platform at Recursion, 41 S Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
| | - Deanne Gracias
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lorna McCall
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Westwood
- Oxstem Ltd, Midland House West Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 0PH, UK
| | | | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Edward W. Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
- Oxstem Ltd, Midland House West Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 0PH, UK
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Thomas A. Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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20
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Olsen TK, Dyberg C, Embaie BT, Alchahin A, Milosevic J, Ding J, Otte J, Tümmler C, Hed Myrberg I, Westerhout EM, Koster J, Versteeg R, Ding HF, Kogner P, Johnsen JI, Sykes DB, Baryawno N. DHODH is an independent prognostic marker and potent therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:153836. [PMID: 35943801 PMCID: PMC9798925 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive therapy, children with high-risk neuroblastoma are at risk of treatment failure. We applied a multiomic system approach to evaluate metabolic vulnerabilities in human neuroblastoma. We combined metabolomics, CRISPR screening, and transcriptomic data across more than 700 solid tumor cell lines and identified dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a critical enzyme in pyrimidine synthesis, as a potential treatment target. Of note, DHODH inhibition is currently under clinical investigation in patients with hematologic malignancies. In neuroblastoma, DHODH expression was identified as an independent risk factor for aggressive disease, and high DHODH levels correlated to worse overall and event-free survival. A subset of tumors with the highest DHODH expression was associated with a dismal prognosis, with a 5-year survival of less than 10%. In xenograft and transgenic neuroblastoma mouse models treated with the DHODH inhibitor brequinar, tumor growth was dramatically reduced, and survival was extended. Furthermore, brequinar treatment was shown to reduce the expression of MYC targets in 3 neuroblastoma models in vivo. A combination of brequinar and temozolomide was curative in the majority of transgenic TH-MYCN neuroblastoma mice, indicating a highly active clinical combination therapy. Overall, DHODH inhibition combined with temozolomide has therapeutic potential in neuroblastoma, and we propose this combination for clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thale Kristin Olsen
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bethel Tesfai Embaie
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adele Alchahin
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jelena Milosevic
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane Ding
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jörg Otte
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Conny Tümmler
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ida Hed Myrberg
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ellen M. Westerhout
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rogier Versteeg
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Han-Fei Ding
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Per Kogner
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David B. Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ninib Baryawno
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Cisar JS, Pietsch C, DeRatt LG, Jacoby E, Kazmi F, Keohane C, Legenski K, Matico R, Shaffer P, Simonnet Y, Tanner A, Wang CY, Wang W, Attar R, Edwards JP, Kuduk SD. N-Heterocyclic 3-Pyridyl Carboxamide Inhibitors of DHODH for the Treatment of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11241-11256. [PMID: 35925768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a disease of the blood and bone marrow, is characterized by the inability of myeloblasts to differentiate into mature cell types. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an enzyme well-known in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway; however, small molecule DHODH inhibitors were recently shown to induce differentiation in multiple AML subtypes. Using virtual screening and structure-based drug design approaches, a new series of N-heterocyclic 3-pyridyl carboxamide DHODH inhibitors were discovered. Two lead compounds, 19 and 29, have potent biochemical and cellular DHODH activity, favorable physicochemical properties, and efficacy in a preclinical model of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Cisar
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Christine Pietsch
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Lindsey G DeRatt
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Edgar Jacoby
- Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Faraz Kazmi
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Colleen Keohane
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Katie Legenski
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Rosalie Matico
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Paul Shaffer
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Yvan Simonnet
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Alexandra Tanner
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Chao-Yuan Wang
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Weixue Wang
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Ricardo Attar
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - James P Edwards
- Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Scott D Kuduk
- Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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22
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Abohassan M, Al Shahrani M, Rajagopalan P. Identification of second generation benzylidene chromanone analogues as novel, potent DHODH inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia cells. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-10. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2103031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abohassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mesfer Al Shahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Prasanna Rajagopalan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Alqahtani SS, Koltai T, Ibrahim ME, Bashir AHH, Alhoufie STS, Ahmed SBM, Molfetta DD, Carvalho TMA, Cardone RA, Reshkin SJ, Hifny A, Ahmed ME, Alfarouk KO. Role of pH in Regulating Cancer Pyrimidine Synthesis. J Xenobiot 2022; 12:158-180. [PMID: 35893264 PMCID: PMC9326563 DOI: 10.3390/jox12030014] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication is a fundamental aspect of cancer, and replication is about reproducing all the elements and structures that form a cell. Among them are DNA, RNA, enzymes, and coenzymes. All the DNA is doubled during each S (synthesis) cell cycle phase. This means that six billion nucleic acids must be synthesized in each cycle. Tumor growth, proliferation, and mutations all depend on this synthesis. Cancer cells require a constant supply of nucleotides and other macromolecules. For this reason, they must stimulate de novo nucleotide synthesis to support nucleic acid provision. When deregulated, de novo nucleic acid synthesis is controlled by oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that enable increased synthesis and cell proliferation. Furthermore, cell duplication must be achieved swiftly (in a few hours) and in the midst of a nutrient-depleted and hypoxic environment. This also means that the enzymes participating in nucleic acid synthesis must work efficiently. pH is a critical factor in enzymatic efficiency and speed. This review will show that the enzymatic machinery working in nucleic acid synthesis requires a pH on the alkaline side in most cases. This coincides with many other pro-tumoral factors, such as the glycolytic phenotype, benefiting from an increased intracellular pH. An increased intracellular pH is a perfect milieu for high de novo nucleic acid production through optimal enzymatic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Saeed Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Muntaser E. Ibrahim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan; (M.E.I.); (A.H.H.B.)
| | - Adil H. H. Bashir
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan; (M.E.I.); (A.H.H.B.)
| | - Sari T. S. Alhoufie
- Medical Laboratories Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Samrein B. M. Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.M.A.C.); (R.A.C.); (S.J.R.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.M.A.C.); (R.A.C.); (S.J.R.)
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.M.A.C.); (R.A.C.); (S.J.R.)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.D.M.); (T.M.A.C.); (R.A.C.); (S.J.R.)
| | | | - Mohamed E. Ahmed
- Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
- Hala Alfarouk Cancer Center, Khartoum 11123, Sudan
- Correspondence:
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24
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SARS-CoV-2 couples evasion of inflammatory response to activated nucleotide synthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122897119. [PMID: 35700355 PMCID: PMC9245715 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122897119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although ongoing vaccination drastically reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection, mutant viruses are emerging under the pressure of neutralizing antibodies, calling for new antiviral strategies. Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 couples evasion of inflammatory response to activated nucleotide synthesis. Inhibition of a key metabolic enzyme not only depletes the nucleotide pool but also restores host inflammatory defense, thereby effectively impeding SARS-CoV-2 replication. Targeting cellular enzymes offers an avenue to combat rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolves rapidly under the pressure of host immunity, as evidenced by waves of emerging variants despite effective vaccinations, highlighting the need for complementing antivirals. We report that targeting a pyrimidine synthesis enzyme restores inflammatory response and depletes the nucleotide pool to impede SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 deploys Nsp9 to activate carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase, aspartate transcarbamoylase, and dihydroorotase (CAD) that catalyzes the rate-limiting steps of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Activated CAD not only fuels de novo nucleotide synthesis but also deamidates RelA. While RelA deamidation shuts down NF-κB activation and subsequent inflammatory response, it up-regulates key glycolytic enzymes to promote aerobic glycolysis that provides metabolites for de novo nucleotide synthesis. A newly synthesized small-molecule inhibitor of CAD restores antiviral inflammatory response and depletes the pyrimidine pool, thus effectively impeding SARS-CoV-2 replication. Targeting an essential cellular metabolic enzyme thus offers an antiviral strategy that would be more refractory to SARS-CoV-2 genetic changes.
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25
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Pabon CM, Abbas HA, Konopleva M. Acute myeloid leukemia: therapeutic targeting of stem cells. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:547-556. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2083957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy M. Pabon
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hussein A. Abbas
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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26
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So J, Lewis AC, Smith LK, Stanley K, Franich R, Yoannidis D, Pijpers L, Dominguez P, Hogg SJ, Vervoort SJ, Brown FC, Johnstone RW, McDonald G, Ulanet DB, Murtie J, Gruber E, Kats LM. Inhibition of pyrimidine biosynthesis targets protein translation in acute myeloid leukemia. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15203. [PMID: 35514210 PMCID: PMC9260210 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202115203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) catalyzes one of the rate‐limiting steps in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, a pathway that provides essential metabolic precursors for nucleic acids, glycoproteins, and phospholipids. DHODH inhibitors (DHODHi) are clinically used for autoimmune diseases and are emerging as a novel class of anticancer agents, especially in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) where pyrimidine starvation was recently shown to reverse the characteristic differentiation block in AML cells. Herein, we show that DHODH blockade rapidly shuts down protein translation in leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and has potent and selective activity against multiple AML subtypes. Moreover, we find that ablation of CDK5, a gene that is recurrently deleted in AML and related disorders, increases the sensitivity of AML cells to DHODHi. Our studies provide important molecular insights and identify a potential biomarker for an emerging strategy to target AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan So
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Lorey K Smith
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Kym Stanley
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Rheana Franich
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - David Yoannidis
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lizzy Pijpers
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Pilar Dominguez
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Simon J Hogg
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Fiona C Brown
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | | | | | | | - Emily Gruber
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lev M Kats
- The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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27
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Lemieux H, Blier PU. Exploring Thermal Sensitivities and Adaptations of Oxidative Phosphorylation Pathways. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12040360. [PMID: 35448547 PMCID: PMC9025460 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12040360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Temperature shifts are a major challenge to animals; they drive adaptations in organisms and species, and affect all physiological functions in ectothermic organisms. Understanding the origin and mechanisms of these adaptations is critical for determining whether ectothermic organisms will be able to survive when faced with global climate change. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is thought to be an important metabolic player in this regard, since the capacity of the mitochondria to produce energy greatly varies according to temperature. However, organism survival and fitness depend not only on how much energy is produced, but, more precisely, on how oxidative phosphorylation is affected and which step of the process dictates thermal sensitivity. These questions need to be addressed from a new perspective involving a complex view of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and its related pathways. In this review, we examine the effect of temperature on the commonly measured pathways, but mainly focus on the potential impact of lesser-studied pathways and related steps, including the electron-transferring flavoprotein pathway, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, choline dehydrogenase, proline dehydrogenase, and sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase. Our objective is to reveal new avenues of research that can address the impact of temperature on oxidative phosphorylation in all its complexity to better portray the limitations and the potential adaptations of aerobic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Lemieux
- Faculty Saint-Jean, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6C 4G9, Canada
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (P.U.B.)
| | - Pierre U. Blier
- Department Biologie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (P.U.B.)
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28
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Branstrom A, Cao L, Furia B, Trotta C, Santaguida M, Graci JD, Colacino JM, Ray B, Li W, Sheedy J, Mollin A, Yeh S, Kong R, Sheridan R, Baird JD, O'Keefe K, Spiegel R, Goodwin E, Keating S, Weetall M. Emvododstat, a Potent Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor, Is Effective in Preclinical Models of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832816. [PMID: 35223511 PMCID: PMC8864546 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832816] [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: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking the pyrimidine nucleotide de novo synthesis pathway by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) results in the cell cycle arrest and/or differentiation of rapidly proliferating cells including activated lymphocytes, cancer cells, or virally infected cells. Emvododstat (PTC299) is an orally bioavailable small molecule that inhibits DHODH. We evaluated the potential for emvododstat to inhibit the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using several in vitro and in vivo models of the disease. Broad potent activity was demonstrated against multiple AML cell lines, AML blasts cultured ex vivo from patient blood samples, and AML tumor models including patient-derived xenograft models. Emvododstat induced differentiation, cytotoxicity, or both in primary AML patient blasts cultured ex vivo with 8 of 10 samples showing sensitivity. AML cells with diverse driver mutations were sensitive, suggesting the potential of emvododstat for broad therapeutic application. AML cell lines that are not sensitive to emvododstat are likely to be more reliant on the salvage pathway than on de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides. Pharmacokinetic experiments in rhesus monkeys demonstrated that emvododstat levels rose rapidly after oral administration, peaking about 2 hours post-dosing. This was associated with an increase in the levels of dihydroorotate (DHO), the substrate for DHODH, within 2 hours of dosing indicating that DHODH inhibition is rapid. DHO levels declined as drug levels declined, consistent with the reversibility of DHODH inhibition by emvododstat. These preclinical findings provide a rationale for clinical evaluation of emvododstat in an ongoing Phase 1 study of patients with relapsed/refractory acute leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Branstrom
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Liangxian Cao
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Bansri Furia
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | | | | | - Jason D Graci
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Joseph M Colacino
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Balmiki Ray
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Wencheng Li
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Josephine Sheedy
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Anna Mollin
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Shirley Yeh
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Ronald Kong
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | | | - John D Baird
- Clinical, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Kylie O'Keefe
- Commercial, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Robert Spiegel
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Elizabeth Goodwin
- Scientific Writing, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Suzanne Keating
- Scientific Writing, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
| | - Marla Weetall
- Research, PTC Therapeutics, Inc., South Plainfield, NJ, United States
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29
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Mesbahi Y, Trahair TN, Lock RB, Connerty P. Exploring the Metabolic Landscape of AML: From Haematopoietic Stem Cells to Myeloblasts and Leukaemic Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:807266. [PMID: 35223487 PMCID: PMC8867093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.807266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive chemotherapy regimens, up to 60% of adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) will relapse and eventually succumb to their disease. Recent studies suggest that leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) drive AML relapse by residing in the bone marrow niche and adapting their metabolic profile. Metabolic adaptation and LSC plasticity are novel hallmarks of leukemogenesis that provide important biological processes required for tumour initiation, progression and therapeutic responses. These findings highlight the importance of targeting metabolic pathways in leukaemia biology which might serve as the Achilles' heel for the treatment of AML relapse. In this review, we highlight the metabolic differences between normal haematopoietic cells, bulk AML cells and LSCs. Specifically, we focus on four major metabolic pathways dysregulated in AML; (i) glycolysis; (ii) mitochondrial metabolism; (iii) amino acid metabolism; and (iv) lipid metabolism. We then outline established and emerging drug interventions that exploit metabolic dependencies of leukaemic cells in the treatment of AML. The metabolic signature of AML cells alters during different biological conditions such as chemotherapy and quiescence. Therefore, targeting the metabolic vulnerabilities of these cells might selectively eradicate them and improve the overall survival of patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashar Mesbahi
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick Connerty
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
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30
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Bedi M, Ray M, Ghosh A. Active mitochondrial respiration in cancer: a target for the drug. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:345-361. [PMID: 34716860 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The relative contribution of mitochondrial respiration and subsequent energy production in malignant cells has remained controversial to date. Enhanced aerobic glycolysis and impaired mitochondrial respiration have gained more attention in the metabolic study of cancer. In contrast to the popular concept, mitochondria of cancer cells oxidize a diverse array of metabolic fuels to generate a majority of the cellular energy by respiration. Several mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) subunits' expressions are critical for the growth, metastasis, and cancer cell invasion. Also, the assembly factors, which regulate the integration of individual MRC complexes into native super-complexes, are upregulated in cancer. Moreover, a series of anti-cancer drugs function by inhibiting respiration and ATP production. In this review, we have specified the roles of mitochondrial fuels, MRC subunits, and super-complex assembly factors that promote active respiration across different cancer types and discussed the potential roles of MRC inhibitor drugs in controlling cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minakshi Bedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India
| | - Manju Ray
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P 1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Applied Science & Humanities GLA University Mathura, 17km Stone, NH-2, Mathura-Delhi Road, Mathura, UP, 281 406, India
| | - Alok Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700019, India.
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Wang FS, Chen KL, Chu SW. Human/SARS-CoV-2 Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling to Discover Potential Antiviral Targets for COVID-19. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2022; 133:104273. [PMID: 35186172 PMCID: PMC8843340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2022.104273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Sheng Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 621301, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Lin Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 621301, Taiwan
| | - Sz-Wei Chu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 621301, Taiwan
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32
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Zhang L, Zhang J, Wang J, Ren C, Tang P, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Recent advances of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors for cancer therapy: Current development and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Peeters MJW, Aehnlich P, Pizzella A, Mølgaard K, Seremet T, Met Ö, Rasmussen LJ, Thor Straten P, Desler C. Mitochondrial-Linked De Novo Pyrimidine Biosynthesis Dictates Human T-Cell Proliferation but Not Expression of Effector Molecules. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718863. [PMID: 34899685 PMCID: PMC8652221 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell activation upon antigen stimulation is essential for the continuation of the adaptive immune response. Impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is a well-known disruptor of T-cell activation. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a component of the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, the activity of which depends on functional oxidative phosphorylation. Under circumstances of an inhibited oxidative phosphorylation, DHODH becomes rate-limiting. Inhibition of DHODH is known to block clonal expansion and expression of effector molecules of activated T cells. However, this effect has been suggested to be caused by downstream impairment of oxidative phosphorylation rather than a lower rate of pyrimidine synthesis. In this study, we successfully inhibit the DHODH of T cells with no residual effect on oxidative phosphorylation and demonstrate a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation of activated CD3+ T cells. This block is fully rescued when uridine is supplemented. Inhibition of DHODH does not alter expression of effector molecules but results in decreased intracellular levels of deoxypyrimidines without decreasing cell viability. Our results clearly demonstrate the DHODH and mitochondrial linked pyrimidine synthesis as an independent and important cytostatic regulator of activated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies J W Peeters
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Aehnlich
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adriano Pizzella
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Mølgaard
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Seremet
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Inflammation and Cancer Group, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Juel Rasmussen
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Thor Straten
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Inflammation and Cancer Group, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Desler
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Choudhury FK. Mitochondrial Redox Metabolism: The Epicenter of Metabolism during Cancer Progression. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111838. [PMID: 34829708 PMCID: PMC8615124 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial redox metabolism is the central component in the cellular metabolic landscape, where anabolic and catabolic pathways are reprogrammed to maintain optimum redox homeostasis. During different stages of cancer, the mitochondrial redox status plays an active role in navigating cancer cells’ progression and regulating metabolic adaptation according to the constraints of each stage. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation induces malignant transformation. Once vigorous cell proliferation renders the core of the solid tumor hypoxic, the mitochondrial electron transport chain mediates ROS signaling for bringing about cellular adaptation to hypoxia. Highly aggressive cells are selected in this process, which are capable of progressing through the enhanced oxidative stress encountered during different stages of metastasis for distant colonization. Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is suppressed to lower ROS generation, and the overall cellular metabolism is reprogrammed to maintain the optimum NADPH level in the mitochondria required for redox homeostasis. After reaching the distant organ, the intrinsic metabolic limitations of that organ dictate the success of colonization and flexibility of the mitochondrial metabolism of cancer cells plays a pivotal role in their adaptation to the new environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feroza K Choudhury
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Department, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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35
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Cheng CT, Wang TY, Chen PR, Wu WH, Lai JM, Chang PMH, Hong YR, Huang CYF, Wang FS. Computer-Aided Design for Identifying Anticancer Targets in Genome-Scale Metabolic Models of Colon Cancer. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111115. [PMID: 34827109 PMCID: PMC8614794 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Discovery of anticancer targets with minimal side effects is a major challenge in drug discovery and development. This study developed a fuzzy optimization framework for identifying anticancer targets. The framework was applied to identify not only gene regulator targets but also metabolite- and reaction-centric targets. The computational results show that the combination of a carbon metabolism target and any one-target gene that participates in the sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, nucleotide, cholesterol biosynthesis, or pentose phosphate pathways is more effective for treatment than one-target inhibition is, and a two-target combination of 5-FU and folate supplement can improve cell viability, reduce metabolic deviation, and reduce side effects of normal cells. Abstract The efficient discovery of anticancer targets with minimal side effects is a major challenge in drug discovery and development. Early prediction of side effects is key for reducing development costs, increasing drug efficacy, and increasing drug safety. This study developed a fuzzy optimization framework for Identifying AntiCancer Targets (IACT) using constraint-based models. Four objectives were established to evaluate the mortality of treated cancer cells and to minimize side effects causing toxicity-induced tumorigenesis on normal cells and smaller metabolic perturbations. Fuzzy set theory was applied to evaluate potential side effects and investigate the magnitude of metabolic deviations in perturbed cells compared with their normal counterparts. The framework was applied to identify not only gene regulator targets but also metabolite- and reaction-centric targets. A nested hybrid differential evolution algorithm with a hierarchical fitness function was applied to solve multilevel IACT problems. The results show that the combination of a carbon metabolism target and any one-target gene that participates in the sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, nucleotide, cholesterol biosynthesis, or pentose phosphate pathways is more effective for treatment than one-target inhibition is. A clinical antimetabolite drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been used to inhibit synthesis of deoxythymidine-5′-triphosphate for treatment of colorectal cancer. The computational results reveal that a two-target combination of 5-FU and a folate supplement can improve cell viability, reduce metabolic deviation, and reduce side effects of normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ting Cheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (T.-Y.W.); (P.-R.C.); (W.-H.W.)
| | - Tsun-Yu Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (T.-Y.W.); (P.-R.C.); (W.-H.W.)
| | - Pei-Rong Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (T.-Y.W.); (P.-R.C.); (W.-H.W.)
| | - Wu-Hsiung Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (T.-Y.W.); (P.-R.C.); (W.-H.W.)
| | - Jin-Mei Lai
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
| | - Peter Mu-Hsin Chang
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11211, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ren Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Ying F. Huang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11211, Taiwan;
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11211, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Sheng Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 62102, Taiwan; (C.-T.C.); (T.-Y.W.); (P.-R.C.); (W.-H.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-5-2720411 (ext. 33404)
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36
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Yu Y, Ding J, Zhu S, Alptekin A, Dong Z, Yan C, Zha Y, Ding HF. Therapeutic targeting of both dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and nucleoside transport in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:821. [PMID: 34462431 PMCID: PMC8405683 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an integral part of the growth-promoting program driven by the MYC family of oncogenes. However, this reprogramming also imposes metabolic dependencies that could be exploited therapeutically. Here we report that the pyrimidine biosynthetic enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is an attractive therapeutic target for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer with poor prognosis. Gene expression profiling and metabolomic analysis reveal that MYCN promotes pyrimidine nucleotide production by transcriptional upregulation of DHODH and other enzymes of the pyrimidine-synthesis pathway. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of DHODH suppresses the proliferation and tumorigenicity of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, we obtain evidence suggesting that serum uridine is a key factor in determining the efficacy of therapeutic agents that target DHODH. In the presence of physiological concentrations of uridine, neuroblastoma cell lines are highly resistant to DHODH inhibition. This uridine-dependent resistance to DHODH inhibitors can be abrogated by dipyridamole, an FDA-approved drug that blocks nucleoside transport. Importantly, dipyridamole synergizes with DHODH inhibition to suppress neuroblastoma growth in animal models. These findings suggest that a combination of targeting DHODH and nucleoside transport is a promising strategy to overcome intrinsic resistance to DHODH-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Yu
- Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair and Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Yichang, Three Gorges University College of Medicine, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Jane Ding
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Shunqin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ahmet Alptekin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30904, USA
| | - Chunhong Yan
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA
| | - Yunhong Zha
- Institute of Neural Regeneration and Repair and Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Yichang, Three Gorges University College of Medicine, Yichang, 443000, China.
| | - Han-Fei Ding
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 30912, USA.
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37
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Ter Braak B, Niemeijer M, Wolters L, Le Dévédec S, Bouwman P, van de Water B. Towards an advanced testing strategy for genotoxicity using image-based 2D and 3D HepG2 DNA damage response fluorescent protein reporters. Mutagenesis 2021; 37:130-142. [PMID: 34448005 PMCID: PMC9071099 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geab031] [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: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro assessment of mutagenicity is an essential component in the chemical risk assessment. Given the diverse modes of action by which chemicals can induce DNA damage, it is essential that these in vitro assays are carefully evaluated for their possibilities and limitations. In this study, we used a fluorescent protein HepG2 reporter test system in combination with high content imaging. To measure induction of the DNA damage response (DDR), we used three different green fluorescent protein reporters for p53 pathway activation. These allowed for accurate quantification of p53, p21 and BTG2 (BTG anti-proliferation factor 2) protein expression and cell viability parameters at a single cell or spheroid resolution. The reporter lines were cultured as 2D monolayers and as 3D spheroids. Furthermore, liver maturity and cytochrome P450 enzyme expression were increased by culturing in an amino acid-rich (AAGLY) medium. We found that culture conditions that support a sustained proliferative state (2D culturing with normal DMEM medium) give superior sensitivity when genotoxic compounds are tested that do not require metabolisation and of which the mutagenic mode of action is dependent on replication. For compounds, which are metabolically converted to mutagenic metabolites, more differentiated HepG2 DDR reporters (e.g. 3D cultures) showed a higher sensitivity. This study stratifies how different culture methods of HepG2 DDR reporter cells can influence the sensitivity towards diverse genotoxicants and how this provides opportunities for a tiered genotoxicity testing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Ter Braak
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marije Niemeijer
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Liesanne Wolters
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Le Dévédec
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Bouwman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bob van de Water
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Kamli H, Zaman GS, Shaikh A, Mobarki AA, Rajagopalan P. A combined Chemical, Computational and invitro approach identifies SBL 105 as novel DHODH inhibitor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia cells. Oncol Res 2021; 28:899-911. [PMID: 34353411 PMCID: PMC8790134 DOI: 10.3727/096504021x16281573507558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) has been successful at the preclinical level in controlling myeloid leukemia. However, poor clinical trials warrant the search for new potent DHODH inhibitors. Herein we present a novel DHODH inhibitor SBL-105 effective against myeloid leukemia. Chemical characteristics were identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Virtual docking and molecular dynamic simulation analysis were performed using the automated protocol with AutoDock-VINA, GROMACS program. Human-recombinant (rh) DHODH was used for enzyme inhibition study. THP-1, TF-1, HL-60, and SKM-1 cell lines were used. MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was employed for cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation analysis. Chemical analysis identified the compound to be 3-benzylidene-6,7-benz-chroman-4-one (SBL-105). The compound showed high binding efficacy toward DHODH with a ΔGbinding score of −10.9 kcal/mol. Trajectory analysis indicated conserved interactions of SBL-105–DHODH to be stable throughout the 200-ns simulation. SBL-105 inhibited rh DHODH with an IC50 value of 48.48 nM. The GI50 values of SBL-105 in controlling THP-1, TF-1, HL-60, and SKM-1 cell proliferations were 60.66, 45.33, 73.98, and 86.01 nM, respectively. A dose-dependent increase in S-phase cell cycle arrest and total apoptosis was observed by SBL-105 treatment in both cell types, which were reversed in the presence of uridine. The compound also increased the differentiation marker CD11b-positive populations in both THP-1 and TF-1 cells, which were decreased under uridine influence. SBL-105, a novel DHODH inhibitor, identified using computational and in vitro analysis, was effective in controlling AML cells and needs attention for further preclinical developments.
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Schmidt DR, Patel R, Kirsch DG, Lewis CA, Vander Heiden MG, Locasale JW. Metabolomics in cancer research and emerging applications in clinical oncology. CA Cancer J Clin 2021; 71:333-358. [PMID: 33982817 PMCID: PMC8298088 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has myriad effects on metabolism that include both rewiring of intracellular metabolism to enable cancer cells to proliferate inappropriately and adapt to the tumor microenvironment, and changes in normal tissue metabolism. With the recognition that fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography imaging is an important tool for the management of many cancers, other metabolites in biological samples have been in the spotlight for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Metabolomics is the global analysis of small molecule metabolites that like other -omics technologies can provide critical information about the cancer state that are otherwise not apparent. Here, the authors review how cancer and cancer therapies interact with metabolism at the cellular and systemic levels. An overview of metabolomics is provided with a focus on currently available technologies and how they have been applied in the clinical and translational research setting. The authors also discuss how metabolomics could be further leveraged in the future to improve the management of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Schmidt
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rutulkumar Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - David G. Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27708 USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Caroline A. Lewis
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Matthew G. Vander Heiden
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jason W. Locasale
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
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40
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Wang W, Cui J, Ma H, Lu W, Huang J. Targeting Pyrimidine Metabolism in the Era of Precision Cancer Medicine. Front Oncol 2021; 11:684961. [PMID: 34123854 PMCID: PMC8194085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.684961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic rewiring is considered as a primary feature of cancer. Malignant cells reprogram metabolism pathway in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic drawback to fuel cell survival and growth. Among the complex metabolic pathways, pyrimidine biosynthesis is conserved in all living organism and is necessary to maintain cellular fundamental function (i.e. DNA and RNA biosynthesis). A wealth of evidence has demonstrated that dysfunction of pyrimidine metabolism is closely related to cancer progression and numerous drugs targeting pyrimidine metabolism have been approved for multiple types of cancer. However, the non-negligible side effects and limited efficacy warrants a better strategy for negating pyrimidine metabolism in cancer. In recent years, increased studies have evidenced the interplay of oncogenic signaling and pyrimidine synthesis in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the recent conceptual advances on pyrimidine metabolism, especially dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), in the framework of precision oncology medicine and prospect how this would guide the development of new drug precisely targeting the pyrimidine metabolism in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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41
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Chakrabarty RP, Chandel NS. Mitochondria as Signaling Organelles Control Mammalian Stem Cell Fate. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:394-408. [PMID: 33667360 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence supports the notion that mitochondrial metabolism is necessary for the determination of stem cell fate. Historically, mitochondrial metabolism is linked to the production of ATP and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites to support stem cell survival and growth, respectively. However, it is now clear that beyond these canonical roles, mitochondria as signaling organelles dictate stem cell fate and function. In this review, we focus on key conceptual ideas on how mitochondria control mammalian stem cell fate and function through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, TCA cycle metabolite production, NAD+/NADH ratio regulation, pyruvate metabolism, and mitochondrial dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Prosad Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Sainas S, Giorgis M, Circosta P, Gaidano V, Bonanni D, Pippione AC, Bagnati R, Passoni A, Qiu Y, Cojocaru CF, Canepa B, Bona A, Rolando B, Mishina M, Ramondetti C, Buccinnà B, Piccinini M, Houshmand M, Cignetti A, Giraudo E, Al-Karadaghi S, Boschi D, Saglio G, Lolli ML. Targeting Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Using Potent Human Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Based on the 2-Hydroxypyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridine Scaffold: SAR of the Biphenyl Moiety. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5404-5428. [PMID: 33844533 PMCID: PMC8279415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The connection with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (hDHODH), a key enzyme in pyrimidine biosynthesis, has attracted significant interest from pharma as a possible AML therapeutic target. We recently discovered compound 1, a potent hDHODH inhibitor (IC50 = 1.2 nM), able to induce myeloid differentiation in AML cell lines (THP1) in the low nM range (EC50 = 32.8 nM) superior to brequinar's phase I/II clinical trial (EC50 = 265 nM). Herein, we investigate the 1 drug-like properties observing good metabolic stability and no toxic profile when administered at doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg every 3 days for 5 weeks (Balb/c mice). Moreover, in order to identify a backup compound, we investigate the SAR of this class of compounds. Inside the series, 17 is characterized by higher potency in inducing myeloid differentiation (EC50 = 17.3 nM), strong proapoptotic properties (EC50 = 20.2 nM), and low cytotoxicity toward non-AML cells (EC30(Jurkat) > 100 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sainas
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Marta Giorgis
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Paola Circosta
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University
of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Molecular
Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Valentina Gaidano
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University
of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Division
of Hematology, AO SS Antonio e Biagio e
Cesare Arrigo, Via Venezia
16, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | - Davide Bonanni
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Agnese C. Pippione
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Renzo Bagnati
- Department
of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto
di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
| | - Alice Passoni
- Department
of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto
di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milano 20156, Italy
| | - Yaqi Qiu
- Laboratory
of Tumor Microenvironment, Candiolo Cancer
Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Strada Provinciale, 142-KM 3.95, Candiolo, Turin 10060, Italy
- Higher
Education Mega Center, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Carina Florina Cojocaru
- Laboratory
of Tumor Microenvironment, Candiolo Cancer
Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Strada Provinciale, 142-KM 3.95, Candiolo, Turin 10060, Italy
| | - Barbara Canepa
- Gem
Forlab srl, Via Ribes,
5, Colleretto Giacosa, Turin 10010, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bona
- Gem
Chimica srl, Via Maestri
del Lavoro, 25, Busca, Cuneo 12022, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Mariia Mishina
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Cristina Ramondetti
- Department
of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Michelangelo 27/B, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Barbara Buccinnà
- Department
of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Michelangelo 27/B, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Marco Piccinini
- Department
of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Michelangelo 27/B, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Mohammad Houshmand
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University
of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Molecular
Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cignetti
- Division
of Hematology and Cell Therapy, AO Ordine
Mauriziano, Largo Filippo Turati, 62, Turin 10128, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
- Laboratory
of Tumor Microenvironment, Candiolo Cancer
Institute, FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Strada Provinciale, 142-KM 3.95, Candiolo, Turin 10060, Italy
| | - Salam Al-Karadaghi
- Department
of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Naturvetarvägen 14, Box 124, Lund 221 00, Sweden
| | - Donatella Boschi
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University
of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Division
of Hematology and Cell Therapy, AO Ordine
Mauriziano, Largo Filippo Turati, 62, Turin 10128, Italy
| | - Marco L. Lolli
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University
of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, Turin 10125, Italy
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Zhou Y, Tao L, Zhou X, Zuo Z, Gong J, Liu X, Zhou Y, Liu C, Sang N, Liu H, Zou J, Gou K, Yang X, Zhao Y. DHODH and cancer: promising prospects to be explored. Cancer Metab 2021; 9:22. [PMID: 33971967 PMCID: PMC8107416 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-021-00250-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a flavin-dependent mitochondrial enzyme catalyzing the fourth step in the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway. It is originally a target for the treatment of the non-neoplastic diseases involving in rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and is re-emerging as a validated therapeutic target for cancer therapy. In this review, we mainly unravel the biological function of DHODH in tumor progression, including its crucial role in de novo pyrimidine synthesis and mitochondrial respiratory chain in cancer cells. Moreover, various DHODH inhibitors developing in the past decades are also been displayed, and the specific mechanism between DHODH and its additional effects are illustrated. Collectively, we detailly discuss the association between DHODH and tumors in recent years here, and believe it will provide significant evidences and potential strategies for utilizing DHODH as a potential target in preclinical and clinical cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zeping Zuo
- The Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaocong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Na Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huan Liu
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kun Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaowei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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44
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Ariav Y, Ch'ng JH, Christofk HR, Ron-Harel N, Erez A. Targeting nucleotide metabolism as the nexus of viral infections, cancer, and the immune response. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg6165. [PMID: 34138729 PMCID: PMC8133749 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg6165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Virus-infected cells and cancers share metabolic commonalities that stem from their insatiable need to replicate while evading the host immune system. These similarities include hijacking signaling mechanisms that induce metabolic rewiring in the host to up-regulate nucleotide metabolism and, in parallel, suppress the immune response. In both cancer and viral infections, the host immune cells and, specifically, lymphocytes augment nucleotide synthesis to support their own proliferation and effector functions. Consequently, established treatment modalities targeting nucleotide metabolism against cancers and virally infected cells may result in restricted immune response. Encouragingly, following the introduction of immunotherapy against cancers, multiple studies improved our understanding for improving antigen presentation to the immune system. We propose here that understanding the immune consequences of targeting nucleotide metabolism against cancers may be harnessed to optimize therapy against viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarden Ariav
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - James H Ch'ng
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heather R Christofk
- Department of Biological Chemistry, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noga Ron-Harel
- Department of Biology, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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45
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Berber B, Doluca O. A comprehensive drug repurposing study for COVID19 treatment: novel putative dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors show association to serotonin-dopamine receptors. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:1023-1037. [PMID: 33406218 PMCID: PMC7929379 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a key enzyme required for de novo pyrimidine synthesis and it is suggested as a target for COVID19 treatment due to high pyrimidine demand by the virus replication in the infected host cells as well as its proven effect of blocking of cytokine release by the immune cells to prevent inflammation leading to acute respiratory distress. There are a number of clinical trials underway for COVID19 treatment using DHODH inhibitors; however, there are only a small number of known DHODH antagonists available for testing. Here, we have applied a methodology to identify DHODH antagonist candidates, and compared them using in silico target prediction tools. A large set of 7900 FDA-approved and clinical stage drugs obtained from DrugBank were docked against 20 different structures DHODH available in PDB. Drugs were eliminated according to their predicted affinities by Autodock Vina. About 28 FDA-approved and 79 clinical trial ongoing drugs remained. The mode of interaction of these molecules was analyzed by repeating docking using Autodock 4 and DS Visualiser. Finally, the target region predictions of 28 FDA-approved drugs were determined through PASS and SwissTargetPrediction tools. Interestingly, the analysis of in silico target predictions revealed that serotonin-dopamine receptor antagonists could also be potential DHODH inhibitors. Our candidates shared a common attribute, a possible interaction with serotonin-dopamine receptors as well as other oxidoreductases, like DHODH. Moreover, the Bruton Tyrosine Kinase-inhibitor acalabrutunib and serotonin-dopamine receptor inhibitor drugs on our list have been found in the literature that have shown to be effective against Sars-CoV-2, while the path of activity is yet to be identified. Identifying an effective drug that can suppress both inflammation and virus proliferation will play a crucial role in the treatment of COVID. Therefore, we suggest experimental investigation of the 28 FDA-approved drugs on DHODH activity and Sars-CoV-2 virus proliferation. Those who are found experimentally effective can play an important role in COVID19 treatment. Moreover, we suggest investigating COVID19 case conditions in patients using schizophrenia and depression drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Berber
- Eskisehir Technical University, Department of Biology
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Gaidano V, Houshmand M, Vitale N, Carrà G, Morotti A, Tenace V, Rapelli S, Sainas S, Pippione AC, Giorgis M, Boschi D, Lolli ML, Cilloni D, Cignetti A, Saglio G, Circosta P. The Synergism between DHODH Inhibitors and Dipyridamole Leads to Metabolic Lethality in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1003. [PMID: 33670894 PMCID: PMC7957697 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a key enzyme of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, whose inhibition can induce differentiation and apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). DHODH inhibitors had shown promising in vitro and in vivo activity on solid tumors, but their effectiveness was not confirmed in clinical trials, probably because cancer cells exploited the pyrimidine salvage pathway to survive. Here, we investigated the antileukemic activity of MEDS433, the DHODH inhibitor developed by our group, against AML. Learning from previous failures, we mimicked human conditions (performing experiments in the presence of physiological uridine plasma levels) and looked for synergic combinations to boost apoptosis, including classical antileukemic drugs and dipyridamole, a blocker of the pyrimidine salvage pathway. MEDS433 induced apoptosis in multiple AML cell lines, not only as a consequence of differentiation, but also directly. Its combination with antileukemic agents further increased the apoptotic rate, but when experiments were performed in the presence of physiological uridine concentrations, results were less impressive. Conversely, the combination of MEDS433 with dipyridamole induced metabolic lethality and differentiation in all AML cell lines; this extraordinary synergism was confirmed on AML primary cells with different genetic backgrounds and was unaffected by physiological uridine concentrations, predicting in human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gaidano
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
- Division of Hematology, A.O. SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Mohammad Houshmand
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Carrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Morotti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Valerio Tenace
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Stefania Rapelli
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy;
| | - Stefano Sainas
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (D.B.); (M.L.L.)
| | - Agnese Chiara Pippione
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (D.B.); (M.L.L.)
| | - Marta Giorgis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (D.B.); (M.L.L.)
| | - Donatella Boschi
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (D.B.); (M.L.L.)
| | - Marco Lucio Lolli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (D.B.); (M.L.L.)
| | - Daniela Cilloni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
- University Division of Hematology and Cell Therapy, A.O. Ordine Mauriziano, University of Turin, 10128 Turin, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Cignetti
- University Division of Hematology and Cell Therapy, A.O. Ordine Mauriziano, University of Turin, 10128 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
- University Division of Hematology and Cell Therapy, A.O. Ordine Mauriziano, University of Turin, 10128 Turin, Italy;
| | - Paola Circosta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy; (M.H.); (G.C.); (A.M.); (D.C.); (G.S.); (P.C.)
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
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Jones SW, Penman SL, French NS, Park BK, Chadwick AE. Investigating dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatic in vitro models. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 72:105096. [PMID: 33460737 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), the rate-limiting enzymatic step in de novo pyrimidine synthesis, has broad immunosuppressive effects in vivo and shows promise as a therapeutic target for the treatment of malignancies, viral infections and auto-immune diseases. Whilst there are numerous DHODH inhibitors under development, leflunomide and teriflunomide are the only FDA approved compounds on the market, each of which have been issued with black-box warnings for hepatotoxicity. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a putative mechanism by which teriflunomide and leflunomide elicit their hepatotoxic effects, however it is as yet unclear whether this is shared by other nascent DHODH inhibitors. The present study aimed to evaluate the propensity for DHODH inhibitors to mediate mitochondrial dysfunction in two hepatic in vitro models. Initial comparisons of cytotoxicity and ATP content in HepaRG® cells primed for oxidative metabolism, in tandem with mechanistic evaluations by extracellular flux analysis identified multifactorial toxicity and moderate indications of respiratory chain dysfunction or uncoupling. Further investigations using HepG2 cells, a hepatic line with limited capability for phase I xenobiotic metabolism, identified leflunomide and brequinar as positive mitochondrial toxicants. Taken together, biotransformation of some DHODH inhibitor species may play a role in mediating or masking hepatic mitochondrial liabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha W Jones
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Ashton street Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Sophie L Penman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Ashton street Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Neil S French
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Ashton street Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - B Kevin Park
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Ashton street Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Amy E Chadwick
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Ashton street Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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48
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Kadir MFA, Othman S, Nellore K. Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Promote Cell Cycle Arrest and Disrupt Mitochondria Bioenergetics in Ramos Cells. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 21:1654-1665. [PMID: 32525770 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200611113734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The re-emerging of targeting Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (DHODH) in cancer treatment particularly Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) has corroborated the substantial role of DHODH in cancer and received the attention of many pharmaceutical industries. OBJECTIVE The effects of Brequinar Sodium (BQR) and 4SC-101 on lymphoblastoid cell lines were investigated. METHODS DHODH expression and cell proliferation inhibition of lymphoblastoid and lymphoma cell lines were analyzed using Western blot analysis and XTT assay, respectively. JC-1 probe and ATP biochemiluminescence kit were used to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP generation in these cell lines. Furthermore, we explored the cell cycle progression using Muse™ Cell Cycle Kit. RESULTS Ramos, SUDHL-1 and RPMI-1788 cells are fast-growing cells with equal expression of DHODH enzyme and sensitivity to DHODH inhibitors that showed that the inhibition of DHODH was not cancer-specific. In ATP depletion assay, the non-cancerous RPMI-1788 cells showed only a minor ATP reduction compared to Ramos and SUDHL-1 (cancer) cells. In the mechanistic impact of DHODH inhibitors on non-cancerous vs cancerous cells, the mitochondrial membrane potential assay revealed that significant depolarization and cytochrome c release occurred with DHODH inhibitors treatment in Ramos but not in the RPMI-1788 cells, indicating a different mechanism of proliferation inhibition in normal cells. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide evidence that DHODH inhibitors perturb the proliferation of non-cancerous cells via a distinct mechanism compared to cancerous cells. These results may lead to strategies for overcoming the impact on non-cancerous cells during treatment with DHODH inhibitors, leading to a better therapeutic window in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad F A Kadir
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shatrah Othman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kavitha Nellore
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Aurigene Discovery Technologies Pte Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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49
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Madan V, Koeffler HP. Differentiation therapy of myeloid leukemia: four decades of development. Haematologica 2021; 106:26-38. [PMID: 33054125 PMCID: PMC7776344 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.262121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by arrested differentiation, and agents that overcome this block are therapeutically useful, as shown by the efficacy of all-trans retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, the early promise of differentiation therapy did not translate into clinical benefit for other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia, in which cytotoxic chemotherapeutic regimens remained the standard of care. Recent advances, including insights from sequencing of acute myeloid leukemia genomes, have led to the development of targeted therapies, comprising agents that induce differentiation of leukemic cells in preclinical models and clinical trials, thus rejuvenating interest in differentiation therapy. These agents act on various cellular processes including dysregulated metabolic programs, signaling pathways, epigenetic machinery and the cell cycle. In particular, inhibitors of mutant IDH1/2 and FLT3 have shown clinical benefit, leading to approval by regulatory bodies of their use. Besides the focus on recently approved differentiation therapies, this review also provides an overview of differentiation- inducing agents being tested in clinical trials or investigated in preclinical research. Combinatorial strategies are currently being tested for several agents (inhibitors of KDM1A, DOT1L, BET proteins, histone deacetylases), which were not effective in clinical studies as single agents, despite encouraging anti-leukemic activity observed in preclinical models. Overall, recently approved drugs and new investigational agents being developed highlight the merits of differentiation therapy; and ongoing studies promise further advances in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Madan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore.
| | - H Phillip Koeffler
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital.
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Petrović MM, Roschger C, Chaudary S, Zierer A, Mladenović M, Jakovljević K, Marković V, Botta B, Joksović MD. Potent human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitory activity of new quinoline-4-carboxylic acids derived from phenolic aldehydes: Synthesis, cytotoxicity, lipophilicity and molecular docking studies. Bioorg Chem 2020; 105:104373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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