1
|
Roggia M, Natale B, Amendola G, Grasso N, Di Maro S, Taliani S, Castellano S, Reina SCR, Salvati E, Amato J, Cosconati S. Discovering Dually Active Anti-cancer Compounds with a Hybrid AI-structure-based Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39276072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer's persistent growth often relies on its ability to maintain telomere length and tolerate the accumulation of DNA damage. This study explores a computational approach to identify compounds that can simultaneously target both G-quadruplex (G4) structures and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)1 enzyme, offering a potential multipronged attack on cancer cells. We employed a hybrid virtual screening (VS) protocol, combining the power of machine learning with traditional structure-based methods. PyRMD, our AI-powered tool, was first used to analyze vast chemical libraries and to identify potential PARP1 inhibitors based on known bioactivity data. Subsequently, a structure-based VS approach selected compounds from these identified inhibitors for their G4 stabilization potential. This two-step process yielded 50 promising candidates, which were then experimentally validated for their ability to inhibit PARP1 and stabilize G4 structures. Ultimately, four lead compounds emerged as promising candidates with the desired dual activity and demonstrated antiproliferative effects against specific cancer cell lines. This study highlights the potential of combining Artificial Intelligence and structure-based methods for the discovery of multitarget anticancer compounds, offering a valuable approach for future drug development efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Roggia
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Benito Natale
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Giorgio Amendola
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Nicola Grasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Merlino F, Marzano S, Zizza P, D’Aria F, Grasso N, Carachino A, Iachettini S, Biroccio A, Fonzo SD, Grieco P, Randazzo A, Amato J, Pagano B. Unlocking the potential of protein-derived peptides to target G-quadruplex DNA: from recognition to anticancer activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6748-6762. [PMID: 38828773 PMCID: PMC11229374 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Noncanonical nucleic acid structures, particularly G-quadruplexes, have garnered significant attention as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Here, the recognition of G-quadruplex DNA by peptides derived from the Rap1 protein is explored, with the aim of developing novel peptide-based G-quadruplex ligands with enhanced selectivity and anticancer activity. Biophysical techniques were employed to assess the interaction of a peptide derived from the G-quadruplex-binding domain of the protein with various biologically relevant G-quadruplex structures. Through alanine scanning mutagenesis, key amino acids crucial for G-quadruplex recognition were identified, leading to the discovery of two peptides with improved G-quadruplex-binding properties. However, despite their in vitro efficacy, these peptides showed limited cell penetration and anticancer activity. To overcome this challenge, cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-conjugated derivatives were designed, some of which exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Interestingly, selected CPP-conjugated peptides exerted potent anticancer activity across various tumour types via a G-quadruplex-dependent mechanism. These findings underscore the potential of peptide-based G-quadruplex ligands in cancer therapy and pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these DNA structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Nicola Grasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alice Carachino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Sara Iachettini
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Fonzo
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sobinoff AP, Di Maro S, Low RRJ, Benedetti R, Tomassi S, D'Aniello A, Russo R, Baglivo I, Chianese U, Pedone PV, Chambery A, Cesare AJ, Altucci L, Pickett HA, Cosconati S. Irreversible inhibition of TRF2 TRFH recruiting functions by a covalent cyclic peptide induces telomeric replication stress in cancer cells. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1652-1665.e6. [PMID: 38065101 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.008] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The TRF2 shelterin component is an essential regulator of telomere homeostasis and genomic stability. Mutations in the TRF2TRFH domain physically impair t-loop formation and prevent the recruitment of several factors that promote efficient telomere replication, causing telomeric DNA damage. Here, we design, synthesize, and biologically test covalent cyclic peptides that irreversibly target the TRF2TRFH domain. We identify APOD53 as our most promising compound, as it consistently induces a telomeric DNA damage response in cancer cell lines. APOD53 forms a covalent adduct with a reactive cysteine residue present in the TRF2TRFH domain and induces phenotypes consistent with TRF2TRFH domain mutants. These include induction of a telomeric DNA damage response, increased telomeric replication stress, and impaired recruitment of RTEL1 and SLX4 to telomeres. We demonstrate that APOD53 impairs cancer cell growth and find that co-treatment with APOD53 can exacerbate telomere replication stress caused by the G4 stabilizer RHPS4 and low dose aphidicolin (APH).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Sobinoff
- Telomere Length Regulation Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ronnie R J Low
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria "Luigi Vanvitelli", Medical Epigenetics Program
| | - Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonia D'Aniello
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosita Russo
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ilaria Baglivo
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ugo Chianese
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo V Pedone
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Angela Chambery
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Anthony J Cesare
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; BIOGEM, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria "Luigi Vanvitelli", Medical Epigenetics Program; IEOS CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Hilda A Pickett
- Telomere Length Regulation Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang X, Zhang M, Xiong XQ, Yang H, Wang P, Zhang K, Awadasseid A, Narva S, Wu YL, Zhang W. Design, synthesis and bioactivity of novel naphthalimide-benzotriazole conjugates against A549 cells via targeting BCL2 G-quadruplex and inducing autophagy. Life Sci 2022; 302:120651. [PMID: 35597548 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In this study, a series of novel naphthalimide-benzotriazole conjugates (1a-3c) based on 1, 8-naphthalimide as a core skeleton, aiming at G-quadruplexes, were designed and synthesized, and their anti-cancer activity and mechanism were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the CCK-8 assay, FRET melting, EMSA, CD, and molecular docking, intracellular assays, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS By the CCK-8 assay, it was found that the compound, 2-(3-(piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-6-(1H-benzo [d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (3a), has better activity against A549 cells. Through extracellular assays, including FRET melting, EMSA, CD, and molecular docking, results showed that 3a selectively interacted with BCL2 G-quadruplex(es). Further studies by intracellular assays, including western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, etc., verified that 3a mediated the death of A549 cells by two pathways: inhibition of the expression of the BCL2 gene, causing tumor cell apoptosis, and promotion of genetic instability, causing autophagy. This study suggests that the type of compounds, in particular, 3a, may be a potential molecule to explore for BCL2 G-quadruplex-targeted drugs against lung cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that compound 3a as a BCL2 G-quadruplex ligand induces DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis in A549 cells. This study provides us with a type of lead compound as an anti-tumor drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xu-Qiong Xiong
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Hao Yang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Koutian Zhang
- Zhejiang Jianing Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Annoor Awadasseid
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Suresh Narva
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310051, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vertecchi E, Rizzo A, Salvati E. Telomere Targeting Approaches in Cancer: Beyond Length Maintenance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073784. [PMID: 35409143 PMCID: PMC8998427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are crucial structures that preserve genome stability. Their progressive erosion over numerous DNA duplications determines the senescence of cells and organisms. As telomere length homeostasis is critical for cancer development, nowadays, telomere maintenance mechanisms are established targets in cancer treatment. Besides telomere elongation, telomere dysfunction impinges on intracellular signaling pathways, in particular DNA damage signaling and repair, affecting cancer cell survival and proliferation. This review summarizes and discusses recent findings in anticancer drug development targeting different “telosome” components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Vertecchi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angela Rizzo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molinaro C, Martoriati A, Cailliau K. Proteins from the DNA Damage Response: Regulation, Dysfunction, and Anticancer Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3819. [PMID: 34359720 PMCID: PMC8345162 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to genotoxic stress through a series of complex protein pathways called DNA damage response (DDR). These monitoring mechanisms ensure the maintenance and the transfer of a correct genome to daughter cells through a selection of DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and programmed cell death processes. Canonical or non-canonical DDRs are highly organized and controlled to play crucial roles in genome stability and diversity. When altered or mutated, the proteins in these complex networks lead to many diseases that share common features, and to tumor formation. In recent years, technological advances have made it possible to benefit from the principles and mechanisms of DDR to target and eliminate cancer cells. These new types of treatments are adapted to the different types of tumor sensitivity and could benefit from a combination of therapies to ensure maximal efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katia Cailliau
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (C.M.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Several decades elapsed between the first descriptions of G-quadruplex nucleic acid structures (G4s) assembled in vitro and the emergence of experimental findings indicating that such structures can form and function in living systems. A large body of evidence now supports roles for G4s in many aspects of nucleic acid biology, spanning processes from transcription and chromatin structure, mRNA processing, protein translation, DNA replication and genome stability, and telomere and mitochondrial function. Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that some of this evidence is tentative, which is not surprising given the technical challenges associated with demonstrating G4s in biology. Here I provide an overview of evidence for G4 biology, focusing particularly on the many potential pitfalls that can be encountered in its investigation, and briefly discuss some of broader biological processes that may be impacted by G4s including cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
G-quadruplex, Friend or Foe: The Role of the G-quartet in Anticancer Strategies. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:848-861. [PMID: 32467069 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The clinical applicability of G-quadruplexes (G4s) as anticancer drugs is currently being evaluated. Several G4 ligands and aptamers are undergoing clinical trials following the notable examples of quarfloxin and AS1411, respectively. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the use of G4 nucleic acids as both therapeutic tools ('friends', as healing anticancer drugs) and targets ('foes', within the harmful cancer cell), particularly using aptamers and quadruplex-targeted ligands, respectively. We explore the recent research on synthetic G4 ligands toward the discovery of anticancer therapeutics and their mechanism of action. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in chemical and structural biology that enable the design of specific G4 aptamers to be used as novel anticancer agents.
Collapse
|
9
|
Beauvarlet J, Bensadoun P, Darbo E, Labrunie G, Rousseau B, Richard E, Draskovic I, Londono-Vallejo A, Dupuy JW, Nath Das R, Guédin A, Robert G, Orange F, Croce S, Valesco V, Soubeyran P, Ryan KM, Mergny JL, Djavaheri-Mergny M. Modulation of the ATM/autophagy pathway by a G-quadruplex ligand tips the balance between senescence and apoptosis in cancer cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:2739-2756. [PMID: 30759257 PMCID: PMC6451122 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex ligands exert their antiproliferative effects through telomere-dependent and telomere-independent mechanisms, but the inter-relationships among autophagy, cell growth arrest and cell death induced by these ligands remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the G-quadruplex ligand 20A causes growth arrest of cancer cells in culture and in a HeLa cell xenografted mouse model. This response is associated with the induction of senescence and apoptosis. Transcriptomic analysis of 20A treated cells reveals a significant functional enrichment of biological pathways related to growth arrest, DNA damage response and the lysosomal pathway. 20A elicits global DNA damage but not telomeric damage and activates the ATM and autophagy pathways. Loss of ATM following 20A treatment inhibits both autophagy and senescence and sensitizes cells to death. Moreover, disruption of autophagy by deletion of two essential autophagy genes ATG5 and ATG7 leads to failure of CHK1 activation by 20A and subsequently increased cell death. Our results, therefore, identify the activation of ATM by 20A as a critical player in the balance between senescence and apoptosis and autophagy as one of the key mediators of such regulation. Thus, targeting the ATM/autophagy pathway might be a promising strategy to achieve the maximal anticancer effect of this compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Beauvarlet
- Institut Bergonié, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Paul Bensadoun
- Institut Bergonié, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Elodie Darbo
- Institut Bergonié, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- Centre de Bioinformatique de Bordeaux, université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux France
| | - Gaelle Labrunie
- Institut Bergonié, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Benoît Rousseau
- Service commun des animaleries, Université de Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Elodie Richard
- Institut Bergonié, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Irena Draskovic
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3244, F-75005 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR3244, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Arturo Londono-Vallejo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3244, F-75005 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR3244, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-William Dupuy
- Université de Bordeaux, Centre de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Plateforme Protéome, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rabindra Nath Das
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Aurore Guédin
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - Guillaume Robert
- Inserm U1065, C3M, Team: Myeloid Malignancies and Multiple Myeloma, Université Côte d’Azur, F-06204 Nice, France
| | - Francois Orange
- Université Côte d’Azur, Centre Commun de Microscopie Appliquée (CCMA), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Sabrina Croce
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valerie Valesco
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Bergonié, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Soubeyran
- Institut Bergonié, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1218, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G611BD, UK and Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow,Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Porru M, Zizza P, Franceschin M, Leonetti C, Biroccio A. EMICORON: A multi-targeting G4 ligand with a promising preclinical profile. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1362-1370. [PMID: 27838395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade, guanine G-rich sequences folding into G-quadruplex (G4) structures have received a lot of attention and their biological role is now a matter of large debate. Rising amounts of experimental evidence have validated several G-rich motifs as molecular targets in cancer treatment. Despite that an increasing number of small molecules has been reported to possess excellent G4 stabilizing properties, none of them has progressed through the drug-development pipeline due to their poor drug-like properties. In this context, the identification of G4 ligands with more favorable pharmacological properties and with a well-defined target activity could be fruitful for anticancer therapy application. SCOPE OF REVIEW This manuscript outlines the current state of knowledge regarding EMICORON, a G4-interactive molecule structurally and biologically similar, on the one side, to coronene and, on the other side, to a bay-monosubstituted perylene. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Overall this work evidences that EMICORON, a new promising G4 ligand, possesses a marked antitumoral activity both standing alone and in combination with chemotherapeutics. Moreover, EMICORON represents a good example of multimodal class of antitumoral drug, able to simultaneously affect multiple targets participating in several distinct signaling pathways, thus simplifying the treatment modalities and improving the selectivity against cancer cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Due to the importance of G4 forming sequences in crucial biological processes participating in tumor progression, their successful targeting with small molecules could represent a very important innovation in the development of effective therapeutic strategies against cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Porru
- SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Italy.
| | - Marco Franceschin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiong YX, Su HF, Lv P, Ma Y, Wang SK, Miao H, Liu HY, Tan JH, Ou TM, Gu LQ, Huang ZS. A newly identified berberine derivative induces cancer cell senescence by stabilizing endogenous G-quadruplexes and sparking a DNA damage response at the telomere region. Oncotarget 2016; 6:35625-35. [PMID: 26462146 PMCID: PMC4742130 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The guanine-rich sequences are able to fold into G-quadruplexes in living cells, making these structures promising anti-cancer drug targets. In the current study, we identified a small molecule, Ber8, from a series of 9-substituted berberine derivatives and found that it could induce acute cell growth arrest and senescence in cancer cells, but not in normal fibroblasts. Further analysis revealed that the cell growth arrest was directly associated with apparent cell cycle arrest, cell senescence, and profound DNA damage at the telomere region. Significantly, our studies also provided evidence that Ber8 could stabilize endogenous telomeric G-quadruplexes structures in cells. Ber8 could then induce the delocalization of TRF1 and POT1 from the telomere accompanied by a rapid telomere uncapping. These results provide compelling insights into direct binding of telomeric G-quadruplexes and might contribute to the development of more selective, effective anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Xia Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Hua-Fei Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Peng Lv
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Medical Science, Shunde Polytechnic, Foshan 528333, P.R.China
| | - Shi-Ke Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Hui Miao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Hui-Yun Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Lian-Quan Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R.China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Frajese GV, Benvenuto M, Fantini M, Ambrosin E, Sacchetti P, Masuelli L, Giganti MG, Modesti A, Bei R. Potassium increases the antitumor effects of ascorbic acid in breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:4224-4234. [PMID: 27313770 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (A) has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-cancer activity in association with chemotherapeutic agents. Potassium (K) is a regulator of cellular proliferation. In the present study, the biological effects of A and K bicarbonate, alone or in combination (A+K), on breast cancer cell lines were evaluated. The survival of cancer cells was determined by sulforhodamine B cell proliferation assay, while analysis of the cell cycle distribution was conducted via fluorescence-activated cell sorting. In addition, the expression of signaling proteins was analyzed upon treatment. The results indicated that there was a heterogeneous response of the different cell lines to A and K, and the best effects were achieved by A+K and A treatment. The interaction between A+K indicated an additive or synergistic effect. In addition, A+K increased the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle, and was the most effective treatment in activating the degradation of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1. In the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, A+K induced the appearance of the 18 kDa isoform of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (Bax), which is a more potent inducer of apoptosis than the full-length Bax-p21. The effects of A and K on the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1 and ERK2 were heterogeneous. In addition, treatment with K, A and A+K inhibited the expression of nuclear factor-κB. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that K potentiated the anti-tumoral effects of A in breast cancer cells in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vanni Frajese
- Department of Sports Science, Human and Health, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Rome I-00135, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome I-00133, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome I-00133, Italy
| | - Elena Ambrosin
- Department of Sports Science, Human and Health, University of Rome 'Foro Italico', Rome I-00135, Italy
| | - Pamela Sacchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome I-00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome I-00133, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome I-00133, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zheng XH, Mu G, Zhong YF, Zhang TP, Cao Q, Ji LN, Zhao Y, Mao ZW. Trigeminal star-like platinum complexes induce cancer cell senescence through quadruplex-mediated telomere dysfunction. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:14101-14104. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc08254h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Trigeminal star-like platinum complexes induce cancer cell senescence through quadruplex-mediated telomeric DNA damage and telomere end-loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry
- School of Chemistry
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510275
- China
| | - Ge Mu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry
- School of Chemistry
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510275
- China
| | - Yi-Fang Zhong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry
- School of Chemistry
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510275
- China
| | - Tian-Peng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences
- SunYat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Qian Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry
- School of Chemistry
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510275
- China
| | - Liang-Nian Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry
- School of Chemistry
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510275
- China
| | - Yong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences
- SunYat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510006
- China
| | - Zong-Wan Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry
- School of Chemistry
- Sun Yat-Sen University
- Guangzhou 510275
- China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zizza P, Cingolani C, Artuso S, Salvati E, Rizzo A, D'Angelo C, Porru M, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A, Novellino E, Stoppacciaro A, Gilson E, Stassi G, Leonetti C, Biroccio A. Intragenic G-quadruplex structure formed in the human CD133 and its biological and translational relevance. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:1579-90. [PMID: 26511095 PMCID: PMC4770210 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in several solid malignancies and are now emerging as a plausible target for drug discovery. Beside the questionable existence of CSCs specific markers, the expression of CD133 was reported to be responsible for conferring CSC aggressiveness. Here, we identified two G-rich sequences localized within the introns 3 and 7 of the CD133 gene able to form G-quadruplex (G4) structures, bound and stabilized by small molecules. We further showed that treatment of patient-derived colon CSCs with G4-interacting agents triggers alternative splicing that dramatically impairs the expression of CD133. Interestingly, this is strongly associated with a loss of CSC properties, including self-renewing, motility, tumor initiation and metastases dissemination. Notably, the effects of G4 stabilization on some of these CSC properties are uncoupled from DNA damage response and are fully recapitulated by the selective interference of the CD133 expression.In conclusion, we provided the first proof of the existence of G4 structures within the CD133 gene that can be pharmacologically targeted to impair CSC aggressiveness. This discloses a class of potential antitumoral agents capable of targeting the CSC subpopulation within the tumoral bulk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Zizza
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cingolani
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Artuso
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Salvati
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Rizzo
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen D'Angelo
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Porru
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Stoppacciaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Università 'La Sapienza', piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Eric Gilson
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR7284/INSERM U1081, University of Nice, 06107 Nice, France
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Archet 2 Hospital, CHU of Nice, 06202 Nice cedex 3, France
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Area of Translational Research, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mechanism studies on anti-HepG2 cell proliferation of phenanthroline derivatives as G-quadruplex DNA stabilizers. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:3798-803. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|