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Gomes AR, Varela CL, Pires AS, Tavares-da-Silva EJ, Roleira FMF. Synthetic and natural guanidine derivatives as antitumor and antimicrobial agents: A review. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106600. [PMID: 37209561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Guanidines are fascinating small nitrogen-rich organic compounds, which have been frequently associated with a wide range of biological activities. This is mainly due to their interesting chemical features. For these reasons, for the past decades, researchers have been synthesizing and evaluating guanidine derivatives. In fact, there are currently on the market several guanidine-bearing drugs. Given the broad panoply of pharmacological activities displayed by guanidine compounds, in this review, we chose to focus on antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activities presented by several natural and synthetic guanidine derivatives, which are undergoing preclinical and clinical studies from January 2010 to January 2023. Moreover, we also present guanidine-containing drugs currently in the market for the treatment of cancer and several infectious diseases. In the preclinical and clinical setting, most of the synthesized and natural guanidine derivatives are being evaluated as antitumor and antibacterial agents. Even though DNA is the most known target of this type of compounds, their cytotoxicity also involves several other different mechanisms, such as interference with bacterial cell membranes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, mediated-Rac1 inhibition, among others. As for the compounds already used as pharmacological drugs, their main application is in the treatment of different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, prostate, and leukemia. Guanidine-containing drugs are also being used for the treatment of bacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral infections and, recently, have been proposed for the treatment of COVID-19. To conclude, the guanidine group is a privileged scaffold in drug design. Its remarkable cytotoxic activities, especially in the field of oncology, still make it suitable for a deeper investigation to afford more efficient and target-specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Gomes
- Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla L Varela
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Praceta Professor Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Medicine, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana S Pires
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Praceta Professor Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisiário J Tavares-da-Silva
- Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Fernanda M F Roleira
- Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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2
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Jing J, Wu Z, Wang J, Luo G, Lin H, Fan Y, Zhou C. Hedgehog signaling in tissue homeostasis, cancers, and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:315. [PMID: 37596267 PMCID: PMC10439210 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01559-5] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in various biological events. HH signaling pathway exerts its biological effects through a complex signaling cascade involved with primary cilium. HH signaling pathway has important functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. It plays a central role in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. Importantly, it has become increasingly clear that HH signaling pathway is associated with increased cancer prevalence, malignant progression, poor prognosis and even increased mortality. Understanding the integrative nature of HH signaling pathway has opened up the potential for new therapeutic targets for cancer. A variety of drugs have been developed, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and long non-coding RNA (LncRNA), some of which are approved for clinical use. This review outlines recent discoveries of HH signaling in tissue homeostasis and cancer and discusses how these advances are paving the way for the development of new biologically based therapies for cancer. Furthermore, we address status quo and limitations of targeted therapies of HH signaling pathway. Insights from this review will help readers understand the function of HH signaling in homeostasis and cancer, as well as opportunities and challenges of therapeutic targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guowen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hengyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Anichini G, Raggi C, Pastore M, Carrassa L, Maresca L, Crivaro E, Lottini T, Duwe L, Andersen JB, Tofani L, Di Tommaso L, Banales JM, Arcangeli A, Marra F, Stecca B. Combined Inhibition of Smoothened and the DNA Damage Checkpoint WEE1 Exerts Antitumor Activity in Cholangiocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:343-356. [PMID: 36807728 PMCID: PMC9978885 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by resistance to chemotherapy and a poor prognosis. Therefore, treatments that can effectively suppress tumor growth are urgently needed. Aberrant activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling has been implicated in several cancers, including those of the hepatobiliary tract. However, the role of HH signaling in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we addressed the function of the main transducer Smoothened (SMO) and the transcription factors (TFs) GLI1 and GLI2 in iCCA. In addition, we evaluated the potential benefits of the combined inhibition of SMO and the DNA damage kinase WEE1. Transcriptomic analysis of 152 human iCCA samples showed increased expression of GLI1, GLI2, and Patched 1 (PTCH1) in tumor tissues compared with nontumor tissues. Genetic silencing of SMO, GLI1, and GLI2 inhibited the growth, survival, invasiveness, and self-renewal of iCCA cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of SMO reduced iCCA growth and viability in vitro, by inducing double-strand break DNA damage, leading to mitotic arrest and apoptotic cell death. Importantly, SMO inhibition resulted in the activation of the G2-M checkpoint and DNA damage kinase WEE1, increasing the vulnerability to WEE1 inhibition. Hence, the combination of MRT-92 with the WEE1 inhibitor AZD-1775 showed increased antitumor activity in vitro and in iCCA xenografts compared with single treatments. These data indicate that combined inhibition of SMO and WEE1 reduces tumor burden and may represent a strategy for the clinical development of novel therapeutic approaches in iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Anichini
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Raggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirella Pastore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Carrassa
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Maresca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Enrica Crivaro
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziano Lottini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lea Duwe
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Dept. of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Dept. of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Tofani
- Department of Statistics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.,National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), Madrid, Spain.,Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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4
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Modulation of Hedgehog Signaling for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma and the Development of Preclinical Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102376. [PMID: 36289637 PMCID: PMC9598418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. While the survivability of BCC is high, many patients are excluded from clinically available treatments due to health risks or personal choice. Further, patients with advanced or metastatic disease have severely limited treatment options. The dysregulation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling cascade drives onset and progression of BCC. As such, the modulation of this pathway has driven advancements in BCC research. In this review, we focus firstly on inhibitors that target the Hh pathway as chemotherapeutics against BCC. Two therapies targeting Hh signaling have been made clinically available for BCC patients, but these treatments suffer from limited initial efficacy and a high rate of chemoresistant tumor recurrence. Herein, we describe more recent developments of chemical scaffolds that have been designed to hopefully improve upon the available therapeutics. We secondly discuss the history and recent efforts involving modulation of the Hh genome as a method of producing in vivo models of BCC for preclinical research. While there are many advancements left to be made towards improving patient outcomes with BCC, it is clear that targeting the Hh pathway will remain at the forefront of research efforts in designing more effective chemotherapeutics as well as relevant preclinical models.
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5
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Nguyen NM, Cho J. Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Cancer Therapy and Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031733. [PMID: 35163655 PMCID: PMC8835893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a highly conserved pathway that plays a vital role during embryonic development. Recently, uncontrolled activation of this pathway has been demonstrated in various types of cancer. Therefore, Hh pathway inhibitors have emerged as an important class of anti-cancer agents. Unfortunately, however, their reputation has been tarnished by the emergence of resistance during therapy, necessitating clarification of mechanisms underlying the drug resistance. In this review, we briefly overview canonical and non-canonical Hh pathways and their inhibitors as targeted cancer therapy. In addition, we summarize the mechanisms of resistance to Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, including point mutations of the drug binding pocket or downstream molecules of SMO, and non-canonical mechanisms to reinforce Hh pathway output. A distinct mechanism involving loss of primary cilia is also described to maintain GLI activity in resistant tumors. Finally, we address the main strategies to circumvent the drug resistance. These strategies include the development of novel and potent inhibitors targeting different components of the canonical Hh pathway or signaling molecules of the non-canonical pathway. Further studies are necessary to avoid emerging resistance to Hh inhibitors and establish an optimal customized regimen with improved therapeutic efficacy to treat various types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma.
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6
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Tusa I, Gagliardi S, Tubita A, Pandolfi S, Menconi A, Lulli M, Dello Sbarba P, Stecca B, Rovida E. The Hedgehog-GLI Pathway Regulates MEK5-ERK5 Expression and Activation in Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11259. [PMID: 34681917 PMCID: PMC8538987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. We recently showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), encoded by the MAPK7 gene, plays a pivotal role in melanoma by regulating cell functions necessary for tumour development, such as proliferation. Hedgehog-GLI signalling is constitutively active in melanoma and is required for proliferation. However, no data are available in literature about a possible interplay between Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways. Here, we show that hyperactivation of the Hedgehog-GLI pathway by genetic inhibition of the negative regulator Patched 1 increases the amount of ERK5 mRNA and protein. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that GLI1, the major downstream effector of Hedgehog-GLI signalling, binds to a functional non-canonical GLI consensus sequence at the MAPK7 promoter. Furthermore, we found that ERK5 is required for Hedgehog-GLI-dependent melanoma cell proliferation, and that the combination of GLI and ERK5 inhibitors is more effective than single treatments in reducing cell viability and colony formation ability in melanoma cells. Together, these findings led to the identification of a novel Hedgehog-GLI-ERK5 axis that regulates melanoma cell growth, and shed light on new functions of ERK5, paving the way for new therapeutic options in melanoma and other neoplasms with active Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Core Research Laboratory-Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Silvia Pandolfi
- Core Research Laboratory-Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Persio Dello Sbarba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory-Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
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7
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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8
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Rana T, Behl T, Sehgal A, Sachdeva M, Mehta V, Sharma N, Singh S, Bungau S. Exploring Sonic Hedgehog Cell Signaling in Neurogenesis: Its Potential Role in Depressive Behavior. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1589-1602. [PMID: 33786718 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the most prevalent form of neuropsychiatric disorder affecting all age groups globally. As per the estimation of the World Health Organization (WHO), depression will develop into the foremost reason for disability globally by the year 2030. The primary neurobiological mechanism implicated in depression remains ambiguous; however, dysregulation of molecular and signaling transductions results in depressive disorders. Several theories have been developed to explain the pathogenesis of depression, however, none of them completely explained all aspects of depressive-pathogenesis. In the current review, we aimed to explore the role of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in the development of the depressive disorder and its potential as the therapeutic target. Shh signaling has a crucial function in neurogenesis and neural tube patterning during the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Shh signaling performs a basic function in embryogenesis and hippocampal neurogenesis. Moreover, antidepressants are also known to enhance neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which further suggests the potential of Shh signaling. Furthermore, there is decreased expression of a glioma-associated oncogene (Gli1) and Smoothened (Smo) in depression. Moreover, antidepressants also regulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and wingless protein (Wnt) signaling, therefore, Shh may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the depressive disorder. Deregulation of Shh signaling in CNS results in neurological disorders such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Distt. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Fatimah College of Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Government College of Pharmacy, Rohru, Distt. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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9
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Balestri S, Del Giovane A, Sposato C, Ferrarelli M, Ragnini-Wilson A. The Current Challenges for Drug Discovery in CNS Remyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062891. [PMID: 33809224 PMCID: PMC8001072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The myelin sheath wraps around axons, allowing saltatory currents to be transmitted along neurons. Several genetic, viral, or environmental factors can damage the central nervous system (CNS) myelin sheath during life. Unless the myelin sheath is repaired, these insults will lead to neurodegeneration. Remyelination occurs spontaneously upon myelin injury in healthy individuals but can fail in several demyelination pathologies or as a consequence of aging. Thus, pharmacological intervention that promotes CNS remyelination could have a major impact on patient’s lives by delaying or even preventing neurodegeneration. Drugs promoting CNS remyelination in animal models have been identified recently, mostly as a result of repurposing phenotypical screening campaigns that used novel oligodendrocyte cellular models. Although none of these have as yet arrived in the clinic, promising candidates are on the way. Many questions remain. Among the most relevant is the question if there is a time window when remyelination drugs should be administrated and why adult remyelination fails in many neurodegenerative pathologies. Moreover, a significant challenge in the field is how to reconstitute the oligodendrocyte/axon interaction environment representative of healthy as well as disease microenvironments in drug screening campaigns, so that drugs can be screened in the most appropriate disease-relevant conditions. Here we will provide an overview of how the field of in vitro models developed over recent years and recent biological findings about how oligodendrocytes mature after reactivation of their staminal niche. These data have posed novel questions and opened new views about how the adult brain is repaired after myelin injury and we will discuss how these new findings might change future drug screening campaigns for CNS regenerative drugs.
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10
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Lospinoso Severini L, Ghirga F, Bufalieri F, Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. The SHH/GLI signaling pathway: a therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1159-1181. [PMID: 32990091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1823967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogeneous tumor of the cerebellum that is divided into four main subgroups with distinct molecular and clinical features. Sonic Hedgehog MB (SHH-MB) is the most genetically understood and occurs predominantly in childhood. Current therapies consist of aggressive and non-targeted multimodal approaches that are often ineffective and cause long-term complications. These problems intensify the need to develop molecularly targeted therapies to improve outcome and reduce treatment-related morbidities. In this scenario, Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a developmental pathway whose deregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, has emerged as an attractive druggable pathway for SHH-MB therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the advancements in the HH antagonist research field. We place an emphasis on Smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) inhibitors and immunotherapy approaches that are validated in preclinical SHH-MB models and that have therapeutic potential for MB patients. Literature from Pubmed and data reported on ClinicalTrial.gov up to August 2020 were considered. EXPERT OPINION Extensive-omics analysis has enhanced our knowledge and has transformed the way that MB is studied and managed. The clinical use of SMO antagonists has yet to be determined, however, future GLI inhibitors and multitargeting approaches are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 , Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
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11
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Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, Botta B, Mori M. Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors: an updated patent review (2015-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:235-250. [PMID: 32070165 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1730327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a pivotal role in tissue development and stemness, and its deregulation is found in many different tumors. Several efforts have been devoted to discovery of Hh inhibitors, including three drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), targeting the upstream receptor smoothened (SMO). However, SMO mutations or SMO-independent Hh pathway activation raise the need for novel Hh inhibitors.Areas covered: This review describes Hh inhibitors with anticancer potential patented in the period 2015-present.Expert opinion: Despite the initial enthusiasm in SMO antagonists, drug-resistant mutations, and SMO-independent Hh activation limited their clinical application. A growing number of therapeutic strategies are currently focusing on downstream Hh effectors (i.e. glioma-associate oncogenes (GLI) proteins) or other signaling pathways related to Hh, in addition to drug repositioning. Given the heterogenic nature of cancers, a terrific clinical impact is expected by multi-targeting approaches able to modulate simultaneously SMO and GLI, and/or additional targets that act as regulators of Hh signaling. It is expected that these alternative strategies might be investigated in clinical trials in the next years against a wide variety of tumor types, and that they provide improved outcomes compared to current SMO antagonists or other single-agent anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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12
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Kremer L, Hennes E, Brause A, Ursu A, Robke L, Matsubayashi HT, Nihongaki Y, Flegel J, Mejdrová I, Eickhoff J, Baumann M, Nencka R, Janning P, Kordes S, Schöler HR, Sterneckert J, Inoue T, Ziegler S, Waldmann H. Discovery of the Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor Pipinib that Targets PI4KIIIß. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:16617-16628. [PMID: 31454140 PMCID: PMC6900058 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201907632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is crucial for vertebrate embryonic development, tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Hh signaling is upregulated in basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma and Hh pathway inhibitors targeting the Smoothened (SMO) protein are in clinical use. However, the signaling cascade is incompletely understood and novel druggable proteins in the pathway are in high demand. We describe the discovery of the Hh-pathway modulator Pipinib by means of cell-based screening. Target identification and validation revealed that Pipinib selectively inhibits phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ (PI4KB) and suppresses GLI-mediated transcription and Hh target gene expression by impairing SMO translocation to the cilium. Therefore, inhibition of PI4KB and, consequently, reduction in phosphatidyl-4-phosphate levels may be considered an alternative approach to inhibit SMO function and thus, Hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Kremer
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Elisabeth Hennes
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Alexandra Brause
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Andrei Ursu
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTechnical University DortmundOtto-Hahn-Straße 644221DortmundGermany
- Current address: Department of ChemistryThe Scripps Research Institute110 Scripps WayJupiterFL33458USA
| | - Lucas Robke
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTechnical University DortmundOtto-Hahn-Straße 644221DortmundGermany
| | - Hideaki T. Matsubayashi
- Department of Cell BiologyJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine855 N. Wolfe Street, 453 RangosBaltimoreMD21205USA
| | - Yuta Nihongaki
- Department of Cell BiologyJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine855 N. Wolfe Street, 453 RangosBaltimoreMD21205USA
| | - Jana Flegel
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Ivana Mejdrová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryFlemingovo nam. 216610Prague 6Czech Republic
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbHOtto-Hahn-Straße 1544227DortmundGermany
| | - Matthias Baumann
- Lead Discovery Center GmbHOtto-Hahn-Straße 1544227DortmundGermany
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryFlemingovo nam. 216610Prague 6Czech Republic
| | - Petra Janning
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Susanne Kordes
- Lead Discovery Center GmbHOtto-Hahn-Straße 1544227DortmundGermany
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstr. 2048149MünsterGermany
| | - Hans R. Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstr. 2048149MünsterGermany
- Medical FacultyUniversity of MünsterDomagkstr. 348149MünsterGermany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyMax Planck Institute for Molecular BiomedicineRöntgenstr. 2048149MünsterGermany
- Technische Universität DresdenDFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden01307DresdenGermany
| | - Takanari Inoue
- Department of Cell BiologyJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine855 N. Wolfe Street, 453 RangosBaltimoreMD21205USA
| | - Slava Ziegler
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Department of Chemical BiologyMax-Planck-Institute of Molecular PhysiologyOtto-Hahn-Straße 1144227DortmundGermany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyTechnical University DortmundOtto-Hahn-Straße 644221DortmundGermany
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13
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Kremer L, Hennes E, Brause A, Ursu A, Robke L, Matsubayashi HT, Nihongaki Y, Flegel J, Mejdrová I, Eickhoff J, Baumann M, Nencka R, Janning P, Kordes S, Schöler HR, Sterneckert J, Inoue T, Ziegler S, Waldmann H. Discovery of the Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor Pipinib that Targets PI4KIIIß. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201907632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Kremer
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hennes
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Alexandra Brause
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Andrei Ursu
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Technical University Dortmund Otto-Hahn-Straße 6 44221 Dortmund Germany
- Current address: Department of Chemistry The Scripps Research Institute 110 Scripps Way Jupiter FL 33458 USA
| | - Lucas Robke
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Technical University Dortmund Otto-Hahn-Straße 6 44221 Dortmund Germany
| | - Hideaki T. Matsubayashi
- Department of Cell Biology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 855 N. Wolfe Street, 453 Rangos Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Yuta Nihongaki
- Department of Cell Biology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 855 N. Wolfe Street, 453 Rangos Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Jana Flegel
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Ivana Mejdrová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Flemingovo nam. 2 16610 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH Otto-Hahn-Straße 15 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Matthias Baumann
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH Otto-Hahn-Straße 15 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Flemingovo nam. 2 16610 Prague 6 Czech Republic
| | - Petra Janning
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Susanne Kordes
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH Otto-Hahn-Straße 15 44227 Dortmund Germany
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine Röntgenstr. 20 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Hans R. Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine Röntgenstr. 20 48149 Münster Germany
- Medical Faculty University of Münster Domagkstr. 3 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine Röntgenstr. 20 48149 Münster Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden DFG-Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden 01307 Dresden Germany
| | - Takanari Inoue
- Department of Cell Biology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 855 N. Wolfe Street, 453 Rangos Baltimore MD 21205 USA
| | - Slava Ziegler
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Department of Chemical Biology Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology Otto-Hahn-Straße 11 44227 Dortmund Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Technical University Dortmund Otto-Hahn-Straße 6 44221 Dortmund Germany
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14
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Kozielewicz P, Bowin CF, Turku A, Schulte G. A NanoBRET-Based Binding Assay for Smoothened Allows Real-time Analysis of Ligand Binding and Distinction of Two Binding Sites for BODIPY-cyclopamine. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 97:23-34. [PMID: 31707356 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.118158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) is a GPCR that mediates hedgehog signaling. Hedgehog binds the transmembrane protein Patched, which in turn regulates SMO activation. Overactive SMO signaling is oncogenic and is therefore a clinically established drug target. Here we establish a nanoluciferase bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET)-based ligand binding assay for SMO providing a sensitive and high throughput-compatible addition to the toolbox of GPCR pharmacologists. In the NanoBRET-based binding assay, SMO is N terminally tagged with nanoluciferase (Nluc) and binding of BODIPY-cyclopamine is assessed by quantifying resonance energy transfer between receptor and ligand. The assay allowed kinetic analysis of ligand-receptor binding in living HEK293 cells, competition binding experiments using commercially available SMO ligands (SANT-1, cyclopamine-KAAD, SAG1.3 and purmorphamine), and pharmacological dissection of two BODIPY-cyclopamine binding sites. This high throughput-compatible assay is superior to commonly used SMO ligand binding assays in the separation of specific from non-specific ligand binding and, provides a suitable complement to chemical biology strategies for the discovery of novel SMO-targeting drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We established a NanoBRET-based binding assay for SMO with superior sensitivity compared to fluorescence-based assays. This assay allows distinction of two separate binding sites for BODIPY-cyclopamine on the SMO transmembrane core in live cells in real time. The assay is a valuable complement for drug discovery efforts and will support a better understanding of Class F GPCR pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kozielewicz
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl-Fredrik Bowin
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ainoleena Turku
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Atoh1 Controls Primary Cilia Formation to Allow for SHH-Triggered Granule Neuron Progenitor Proliferation. Dev Cell 2019; 48:184-199.e5. [PMID: 30695697 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During cerebellar development, granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) proliferate by transducing Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling via the primary cilium. Precise regulation of ciliogenesis, thus, ensures proper GNP pool expansion. Here, we report that Atoh1, a transcription factor required for GNPs formation, controls the presence of primary cilia, maintaining GNPs responsiveness to SHH. Loss of primary cilia abolishes the ability of Atoh1 to keep GNPs in a proliferative state. Mechanistically, Atoh1 promotes ciliogenesis by transcriptionally regulating Cep131, which facilitates centriolar satellite (CS) clustering to the basal body. Importantly, ectopic expression of Cep131 counteracts the effects of Atoh1 loss in GNPs by restoring proper localization of CS and ciliogenesis. This Atoh1-CS-primary cilium-SHH pro-proliferative pathway is also conserved in SHH-type medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain tumor arising from the GNPs. Together, our data reveal how Atoh1 modulates the primary cilium to regulate GNPs development.
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16
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Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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17
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Genomic testing, tumor microenvironment and targeted therapy of Hedgehog-related human cancers. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:953-970. [PMID: 31036756 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog signals are transduced through Patched receptors to the Smoothened (SMO)-SUFU-GLI and SMO-Gi-RhoA signaling cascades. MTOR-S6K1 and MEK-ERK signals are also transduced to GLI activators through post-translational modifications. The GLI transcription network up-regulates target genes, such as BCL2, FOXA2, FOXE1, FOXF1, FOXL1, FOXM1, GLI1, HHIP, PTCH1 and WNT2B, in a cellular context-dependent manner. Aberrant Hedgehog signaling in tumor cells leads to self-renewal, survival, proliferation and invasion. Paracrine Hedgehog signaling in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which harbors cancer-associated fibroblasts, leads to angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune evasion and neuropathic pain. Hedgehog-related genetic alterations occur frequently in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (85%) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-subgroup medulloblastoma (87%) and less frequently in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ovarian cancer. Among investigational SMO inhibitors, vismodegib and sonidegib are approved for the treatment of patients with BCC, and glasdegib is approved for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Resistance to SMO inhibitors is caused by acquired SMO mutations, SUFU deletions, GLI2 amplification, other by-passing mechanisms of GLI activation and WNT/β-catenin signaling activation. GLI-DNA-interaction inhibitors (glabrescione B and GANT61), GLI2 destabilizers (arsenic trioxide and pirfenidone) and a GLI-deacetylation inhibitor (4SC-202) were shown to block GLI-dependent transcription and tumorigenesis in preclinical studies. By contrast, SMO inhibitors can remodel the immunosuppressive TME that is dominated by M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, and thus, a Phase I/II clinical trial of the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab with or without vismodegib in BCC patients is ongoing.
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18
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Pace JR, Teske KA, Chau LQ, Dash RC, Zaino AM, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Hadden MK. Structure-Activity Relationships for Itraconazole-Based Triazolone Analogues as Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3873-3885. [PMID: 30896941 PMCID: PMC7450990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Food and Drug Administration-approved antifungal agent, itraconazole (ITZ), has been increasingly studied for its novel biological properties. In particular, ITZ inhibits the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and has the potential to serve as an anticancer chemotherapeutic against several Hh-dependent malignancies. We have extended our studies on ITZ analogues as Hh pathway inhibitors through the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel des-triazole ITZ analogues that incorporate modifications to the triazolone/side chain region of the scaffold. Our overall results suggest that the triazolone/side chain region can be replaced with various functionalities (hydrazine carboxamides and meta-substituted amides) resulting in improved potency when compared to ITZ. Our studies also indicate that the stereochemical orientation of the dioxolane ring is important for both potent Hh pathway inhibition and compound stability. Finally, our studies suggest that the ITZ scaffold can be successfully modified in terms of functionality and stereochemistry to further improve its anti-Hh potency and physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Pace
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092 , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Kelly A Teske
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092 , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Lianne Q Chau
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center , Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute , 10901 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
| | - Radha Charan Dash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092 , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Angela M Zaino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092 , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center , Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute , 10901 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
| | - M Kyle Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092 , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
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19
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Galperin I, Dempwolff L, Diederich WE, Lauth M. Inhibiting Hedgehog: An Update on Pharmacological Compounds and Targeting Strategies. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8392-8411. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Galperin
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Dempwolff
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wibke E. Diederich
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Medicinal Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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20
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Montagnani V, Stecca B. Role of Protein Kinases in Hedgehog Pathway Control and Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040449. [PMID: 30934935 PMCID: PMC6520855 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that is crucial for growth and tissue patterning during embryonic development. It is mostly quiescent in the adult, where it regulates tissue homeostasis and stem cell behavior. Aberrant reactivation of HH signaling has been associated to several types of cancer, including those in the skin, brain, prostate, breast and hematological malignancies. Activation of the canonical HH signaling is triggered by binding of HH ligand to the twelve-transmembrane protein PATCHED. The binding releases the inhibition of the seven-transmembrane protein SMOOTHENED (SMO), leading to its phosphorylation and activation. Hence, SMO activates the transcriptional effectors of the HH signaling, that belong to the GLI family of transcription factors, acting through a not completely elucidated intracellular signaling cascade. Work from the last few years has shown that protein kinases phosphorylate several core components of the HH signaling, including SMO and the three GLI proteins, acting as powerful regulatory mechanisms to fine tune HH signaling activities. In this review, we will focus on the mechanistic influence of protein kinases on HH signaling transduction. We will also discuss the functional consequences of this regulation and the possible implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Montagnani
- Core Research Laboratory⁻Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory⁻Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
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21
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State of the art of Smo antagonists for cancer therapy: advances in the target receptor and new ligand structures. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:617-638. [PMID: 30912670 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been associated with cancer, it has emerged as a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. The main target among the key Hedgehog proteins is the GPCR-like Smo receptor. Therefore, some Smo antagonists that have entered clinical trials, including the US FDA-approved drugs vismodegib and sonidegib, to treat basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. However, early resistance of these drugs has spawned the need to understand the molecular bases of this phenomena. We therefore reviewed details about Smo receptor structures and the best Smo antagonist chemical structures. In addition, we discussed strategies that should be considered to develop new, safer generations of Smo antagonists that avoid current clinical limitations.
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22
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Song S, Jiang J, Zhao L, Wang Q, Lu W, Zheng C, Zhang J, Ma H, Tian S, Zheng J, Luo L, Li Y, Yang ZJ, Zhang X. Structural optimization on a virtual screening hit of smoothened receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 172:1-15. [PMID: 30939349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays a critical role during embryonic development by controlling cell patterning, growth and migration. In adults, the function of Hh pathway is curtailed to tissue repair and maintenance. Aberrant reactivation of Hh signaling has been linked to tumorigenesis in various cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma. The Smoothened (Smo) receptor, a key component of the Hh pathway which is central to the signaling transduction, has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of human cancers. Taking advantage of the availability of several crystal structures of Smo in complex with different antagonists, we have previously conducted a molecular docking-based virtual screening to identify several compounds which exhibited significant inhibitory activity against the Hh pathway activation (IC50 < 10 μM) in a Gli-responsive element (GRE) reporter gene assay. The most potent compound (ChemDiv ID C794-1677: 47 nM) showed comparable Hh signaling inhibition to the marketed drug vismodegib (46 nM). Herein, we report our structural optimization based on the virtual screening hit C794-1677. Our efforts are aimed to improve potency, decrease cLogP, and remove potentially metabolic labile/toxic pyrrole and aniline functionalities presented in C794-1677. The optimization led to the identification of numerous potent compounds exemplified by 25 (7.1 nM), which was 7 folds more potent compared with vismodegib. In addition, 25 was much less lipophilic compared with C794-1677 and devoid of the potentially metabolic labile/toxic pyrrole and aniline functional groups. Furthermore, 25 exhibited promising efficacy in inhibiting Gli1 mRNA expression in NIH3T3 cells with either wildtype Smo or D473H Smo mutant. These results represented significant improvement over the virtual screening hit C794-1677 and suggested that compound 25 can be used as a good starting point to support lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Jinyi Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Li Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Wenfeng Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Chaonan Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Haikuo Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China; Cyrus Tang Hematology Center, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
| | - Sheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Jiyue Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Lusong Luo
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Youyong Li
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China
| | - Zeng-Jie Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China; Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, PR China.
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23
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Teske KA, Dash RC, Morel SR, Chau LQ, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Hadden MK. Development of posaconazole-based analogues as hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 163:320-332. [PMID: 30529635 PMCID: PMC6358021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been validated as a therapeutic strategy to treat basal cell carcinoma and holds potential for several other forms of human cancer. Itraconazole and posaconazole are clinically useful triazole anti-fungals that are being repurposed as anti-cancer agents based on their ability to inhibit the Hh pathway. We have previously demonstrated that removal of the triazole from itraconazole does not affect its ability to inhibit the Hh pathway while abolishing its primary side effect, potent inhibition of Cyp3A4. To develop structure-activity relationships for the related posaconazole scaffold, we synthesized and evaluated a series of des-triazole analogues designed through both ligand- and structure-based methods. These compounds demonstrated improved anti-Hh properties compared to posaconazole and enhanced stability without inhibiting Cyp3A4. In addition, we utilized a series of molecular dynamics and binding energy studies to probe specific interactions between the compounds and their proposed binding site on Smoothened. These studies strongly suggest that the tetrahydrofuran region of the scaffold projects out of the binding site and that π-π interactions between the compound and Smoothened play a key role in stabilizing the bound analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Teske
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Radha Charan Dash
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Shana R Morel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Lianne Q Chau
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Robert J Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - M Kyle Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
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24
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Pietrobono S, Stecca B. Targeting the Oncoprotein Smoothened by Small Molecules: Focus on Novel Acylguanidine Derivatives as Potent Smoothened Inhibitors. Cells 2018; 7:cells7120272. [PMID: 30558232 PMCID: PMC6316656 DOI: 10.3390/cells7120272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog-GLI (HH) signaling was originally identified as a critical morphogenetic pathway in embryonic development. Since its discovery, a multitude of studies have reported that HH signaling also plays key roles in a variety of cancer types and in maintaining tumor-initiating cells. Smoothened (SMO) is the main transducer of HH signaling, and in the last few years, it has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for anticancer therapy. Although vismodegib and sonidegib have demonstrated effectiveness for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), their clinical use has been hampered by severe side effects, low selectivity against cancer stem cells, and the onset of mutation-driven drug resistance. Moreover, SMO antagonists are not effective in cancers where HH activation is due to mutations of pathway components downstream of SMO, or in the case of noncanonical, SMO-independent activation of the GLI transcription factors, the final mediators of HH signaling. Here, we review the current and rapidly expanding field of SMO small-molecule inhibitors in experimental and clinical settings, focusing on a class of acylguanidine derivatives. We also discuss various aspects of SMO, including mechanisms of resistance to SMO antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit⁻Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit⁻Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
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25
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Overcoming the emerging drug resistance of smoothened: an overview of small-molecule SMO antagonists with antiresistance activity. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:2855-2875. [PMID: 30557039 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays vital roles in controlling embryonic cell fate and homeostatic, and becomes dormant in mature individuals, aberrant activation of HH signaling pathway is involved in a number of human cancers. Smoothened (SMO), a vital transducer of HH signaling pathway, attracts significant attentions in HH signaling pathway-related cancer therapy. The approval of SMO antagonists vismodegib proves that SMO is a promising therapeutic target, and a number of SMO antagonists are reported since then. However, high incidence of tumor recurrence with the clinical application of vismodegib urges exploring of novel drugs with antiresistance profiles. This review provides an overview of SMO mutations reported in the literature, crystal structures of SMO, as well as reported antagonists with antiresistance profiles.
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26
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Bariwal J, Kumar V, Dong Y, Mahato RI. Design of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for cancer treatment. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:1137-1204. [PMID: 30484872 DOI: 10.1002/med.21555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is involved in the initiation and progression of various cancers and is essential for embryonic and postnatal development. This pathway remains in the quiescent state in adult tissues but gets activated upon inflammation and injuries. Inhibition of Hh signaling pathway using natural and synthetic compounds has provided an attractive approach for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. While the majority of Hh pathway inhibitors target the transmembrane protein Smoothened (SMO), some small molecules that target the signaling cascade downstream of SMO are of particular interest. Substantial efforts are being made to develop new molecules targeting various components of the Hh signaling pathway. Here, we have discussed the discovery of small molecules as Hh inhibitors from the diverse chemical background. Also, some of the recently identified natural products have been included as a separate section. Extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) of each chemical class is the focus of this review. Also, clinically advanced molecules are discussed from the last 5 to 7 years. Nanomedicine-based delivery approaches for Hh pathway inhibitors are also discussed concisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Bariwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yuxiang Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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27
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Amarante MK, Vitiello GAF, Rosa MH, Mancilla IA, Watanabe MAE. Potential use of CXCL12/CXCR4 and sonic hedgehog pathways as therapeutic targets in medulloblastoma. Acta Oncol 2018; 57:1134-1142. [PMID: 29771176 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1473635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor occurring in children, and although high long-term survival rates have been reached with current therapeutic protocols, several neurological injuries are still observed among survivors. It has been shown that the development of MB is highly dependent on the microenvironment surrounding it and that the CXCL12 chemokine and its receptor, CXCR4 and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway are crucial for cerebellar development, coordinating proliferation and migration of embryonic cells and malfunctions in these axes can lead to MB development. Indeed, the concomitant overactivation of these axes was suggested to define a new MB molecular subgroup. New molecules are being studied, aiming to inhibit either CXCR4 or the SHH pathways and have been tested in preclinical settings for the treatment of cancers. The use of these molecules could improve MB treatment and save patients from aggressive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens, which are responsible for severe neurological consequences. This review aims to summarize current data about the experimental inhibition of CXCR4 and SHH pathways in MB and its potential implications in treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Henrique Rosa
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
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28
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Vesci L, Milazzo FM, Stasi MA, Pace S, Manera F, Tallarico C, Cini E, Petricci E, Manetti F, De Santis R, Giannini G. Hedgehog pathway inhibitors of the acylthiourea and acylguanidine class show antitumor activity on colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:368-379. [PMID: 30099257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Small series of acylguanidine and acylthiourea derivatives were synthesized in gram-scale and assayed for their ability to modulate the Hh signalling pathway. In vitro studies showed a low micromolar inhibitory activity toward tumor cell lines, while the oral administration revealed an excellent ADME profile in vivo. Compound 5 emerged as the most active and safe inhibitor of colon cancer cells both in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Based on these data, 5 could be prioritized to further development with the perspective of clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Vesci
- Research & Development, Alfasigma SpA, via Pontina, Km 30.400, I-00040, Pomezia, Italy.
| | | | | | - Silvia Pace
- Research & Development, Alfasigma SpA, via Pontina, Km 30.400, I-00040, Pomezia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Manera
- Research & Development, Alfasigma SpA, via Pontina, Km 30.400, I-00040, Pomezia, Italy.
| | - Carlo Tallarico
- Research & Development, Alfasigma SpA, via Pontina, Km 30.400, I-00040, Pomezia, Italy.
| | - Elena Cini
- Lead Discovery Siena Srl, via Fiorentina 1, I-53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Lead Discovery Siena Srl, via Fiorentina 1, I-53100, Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Rita De Santis
- Research & Development, Alfasigma SpA, via Pontina, Km 30.400, I-00040, Pomezia, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Research & Development, Alfasigma SpA, via Pontina, Km 30.400, I-00040, Pomezia, Italy.
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29
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Pietrobono S, Santini R, Gagliardi S, Dapporto F, Colecchia D, Chiariello M, Leone C, Valoti M, Manetti F, Petricci E, Taddei M, Stecca B. Targeted inhibition of Hedgehog-GLI signaling by novel acylguanidine derivatives inhibits melanoma cell growth by inducing replication stress and mitotic catastrophe. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:142. [PMID: 29396391 PMCID: PMC5833413 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling is a critical driver in tumorigenesis. The Smoothened (SMO) receptor is one of the major upstream transducers of the HH pathway and a target for the development of anticancer agents. The SMO inhibitor Vismodegib (GDC-0449/Erivedge) has been approved for treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, the emergence of resistance during Vismodegib treatment and the occurrence of numerous side effects limit its use. Our group has recently discovered and developed novel and potent SMO inhibitors based on acylguanidine or acylthiourea scaffolds. Here, we show that the two acylguanidine analogs, compound (1) and its novel fluoride derivative (2), strongly reduce growth and self-renewal of melanoma cells, inhibiting the level of the HH signaling target GLI1 in a dose-dependent manner. Both compounds induce apoptosis and DNA damage through the ATR/CHK1 axis. Mechanistically, they prevent G2 to M cell cycle transition, and induce signs of mitotic aberrations ultimately leading to mitotic catastrophe. In a melanoma xenograft mouse model, systemic treatment with 1 produced a remarkable inhibition of tumor growth without body weight loss in mice. Our data highlight a novel route for cell death induction by SMO inhibitors and support their use in therapeutic approaches for melanoma and, possibly, other types of cancer with active HH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Santini
- Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Dapporto
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica and Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - David Colecchia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica and Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Mario Chiariello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica and Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Cosima Leone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Valoti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy. .,Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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30
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Bernardini G, Geminiani M, Gambassi S, Orlandini M, Petricci E, Marzocchi B, Laschi M, Taddei M, Manetti F, Santucci A. Novel smoothened antagonists as anti-neoplastic agents for the treatment of osteosarcoma. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4961-4971. [PMID: 29215700 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is an ultra-rare highly malignant tumor of the skeletal system affecting mainly children and young adults and it is characterized by an extremely aggressive clinical course. OS patients are currently treated with chemotherapy and complete surgical resection of cancer tissue. However, resistance to chemotherapy and the recurrence of disease, as pulmonary metastasis, remain the two greatest challenges in the management, and treatment of this tumor. For these reasons, it is of primary interest to find alternative therapeutic strategies for OS. Dysregulated Hedgehog signalling is involved in the development of various types of cancers including OS. It has also been implicated in tumor/stromal interaction and cancer stem cell biology, and therefore presents a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In our work, we tested the activity of five potent Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, four acylguanidine and one acylthiourea derivatives, against an OS cell line. We found that almost all our compounds were able to inhibit OS cells proliferation and to reduce Gli1 protein levels. Our results also indicated that SMO inhibition in OS cells by such compounds, induces apoptosis with a nanomolar potency. These findings suggest that inactivation of SMO may be a useful approach to the treatment of patients with OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Gambassi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Orlandini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Marzocchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.,UOC Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Marcella Laschi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
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31
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Xin M, Ji X, De La Cruz LK, Thareja S, Wang B. Strategies to target the Hedgehog signaling pathway for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2018; 38:870-913. [PMID: 29315702 DOI: 10.1002/med.21482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is an essential pathway in the human body, and plays a major role in embryo development and tissue patterning. Constitutive activation of the Hh signaling pathway through sporadic mutations or other mechanisms is explicitly associated with cancer development and progression in various solid malignancies. Therefore, targeted inhibition of the Hh signaling pathway has emerged as an attractive and validated therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Vismodegib, a first-in-class Hh signaling pathway inhibitor was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012, and sonidegib, another potent Hh pathway inhibitor, received FDA's approval in 2015 as a new treatment of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma. The clinical success of vismodegib and sonidegib provided strong support for the development of Hh signaling pathway inhibitors via targeting the smoothened (Smo) receptor. Moreover, Hh signaling pathway inhibitors aimed to target proteins, which are downstream or upstream of Smo, have also been pursued based on the identification of additional therapeutic benefits. Recently, much progress has been made in Hh singling and inhibitors of this pathway. Herein, medicinal chemistry strategies, especially the structural optimization process of different classes of Hh inhibitors, are comprehensively summarized. Further therapeutic potentials and challenges are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China.,Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xinyue Ji
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ladie Kimberly De La Cruz
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Binghe Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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32
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Lu W, Liu Y, Ma H, Zheng J, Tian S, Sun Z, Luo L, Li J, Zhang H, Yang ZJ, Zhang X. Design, Synthesis, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potent Smoothened Antagonists with in Vivo Activity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1980-1994. [PMID: 28618224 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most prevalent brain tumors in children. Aberrant hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling is thought to be involved in the initiation and development of medulloblastoma. Vismodegib, the first FDA-approved cancer therapy based on inhibition of aberrant hedgehog signaling, targets smoothened (Smo), a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) central to the Hh pathway. Although vismodegib exhibits promising therapeutic efficacy in tumor treatment, concerns have been raised from its nonlinear pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles at high doses partly due to low aqueous solubility. Many patients experience adverse events such as muscle spasms and weight loss. In addition, drug resistance often arises among tumor cells during treatment with vismodegib. There is clearly an urgent need to explore novel Smo antagonists with improved potency and efficacy. Through a scaffold hopping strategy, we have identified a series of novel tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which exhibited effective inhibition of Hh signaling. Among them, compound 24 is three times more potent than vismodegib in the NIH3T3-GRE-Luc reporter gene assay. Compound 24 has a lower melting point and much greater solubility compared with vismodegib, resulting in linear PK profiles when dosed orally at 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg in rats. Furthermore, compound 24 showed excellent PK profiles with a 72% oral bioavailability in beagle dogs. Compound 24 demonstrated overall favorable in vitro safety profiles with respect to CYP isoform and hERG inhibition. Finally, compound 24 led to significant regression of subcutaneous tumor generated by primary Ptch1-deficient medulloblastoma cells in SCID mouse. In conclusion, tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives represent a novel set of Smo inhibitors that could potentially be utilized to treat medulloblastoma and other Hh pathway related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Haikuo Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Jiyue Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Zhijian Sun
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Lusong Luo
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Hongjian Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Zeng-Jie Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
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Chen JK. I only have eye for ewe: the discovery of cyclopamine and development of Hedgehog pathway-targeting drugs. Nat Prod Rep 2017; 33:595-601. [PMID: 26787175 DOI: 10.1039/c5np00153f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1950s to 2015During the 1950s, sheep ranchers in the western United States experienced episodic outbreaks of cyclopic lambs. In this highlight I describe how these mysterious incidents were traced to the grazing of Veratrum californicum wildflowers by pregnant ewes, leading to the discovery of cyclopamine () as a plant-derived teratogen. The precise mechanism of cyclopamine action remained enigmatic for 30 years, until this steroid alkaloid was found to be the first specific inhibitor of Hedgehog (Hh) signalling and a direct antagonist of the transmembrane receptor Smoothened (SMO). In addition to being a valuable probe of Hh pathway function, cyclopamine has been used to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Hh pathway inhibitors. I discuss the development of SMO antagonists as anticancer therapies and emerging challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Chen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. and Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University of School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Gambassi S, Geminiani M, Thorpe SD, Bernardini G, Millucci L, Braconi D, Orlandini M, Thompson CL, Petricci E, Manetti F, Taddei M, Knight MM, Santucci A. Smoothened-antagonists reverse homogentisic acid-induced alterations of Hedgehog signaling and primary cilium length in alkaptonuria. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:3103-3111. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gambassi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Stephen D. Thorpe
- Institute of Bioengineering; School of Engineering and Materials Science; Queen Mary University of London; Mile End Rd; London United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Lia Millucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Daniela Braconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Maurizio Orlandini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Clare L. Thompson
- Institute of Bioengineering; School of Engineering and Materials Science; Queen Mary University of London; Mile End Rd; London United Kingdom
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Institute of Bioengineering; School of Engineering and Materials Science; Queen Mary University of London; Mile End Rd; London United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie; Chimica e Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Siena; Siena Italy
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35
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Patel SS, Tomar S, Sharma D, Mahindroo N, Udayabanu M. Targeting sonic hedgehog signaling in neurological disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:76-97. [PMID: 28088536 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling influences neurogenesis and neural patterning during the development of central nervous system. Dysregulation of Shh signaling in brain leads to neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder, depression, dementia, stroke, Parkinson's diseases, Huntington's disease, locomotor deficit, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, neuropathies as well as brain tumors. The synthesis, processing and transport of Shh ligand as well as the localization of its receptors and signal transduction in the central nervous system has been carefully reviewed. Further, we summarize the regulation of small molecule modulators of Shh pathway with potential in neurological disorders. In conclusion, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the potential of positive and negative regulators of the Shh pathway in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Sharan Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sunil Tomar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neeraj Mahindroo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Malairaman Udayabanu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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36
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Successful Strategies to Determine High-Resolution Structures of GPCRs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:1055-1069. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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37
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Manetti F, Petricci E, Gabrielli A, Mann A, Faure H, Gorojankina T, Brasseur L, Hoch L, Ruat M, Taddei M. Design, synthesis and biological characterization of a new class of osteogenic (1H)-quinolone derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 121:747-757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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38
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Infante P, Alfonsi R, Ingallina C, Quaglio D, Ghirga F, D'Acquarica I, Bernardi F, Di Magno L, Canettieri G, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Botta B, Mori M, Di Marcotullio L. Inhibition of Hedgehog-dependent tumors and cancer stem cells by a newly identified naturally occurring chemotype. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2376. [PMID: 27899820 PMCID: PMC5059851 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) inhibitors have emerged as valid tools in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Indeed, aberrant activation of the Hh pathway occurring either by ligand-dependent or -independent mechanisms is a key driver in tumorigenesis. The smoothened (Smo) receptor is one of the main upstream transducers of the Hh signaling and is a validated target for the development of anticancer compounds, as underlined by the FDA-approved Smo antagonist Vismodegib (GDC-0449/Erivedge) for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, Smo mutations that confer constitutive activity and drug resistance have emerged during treatment with Vismodegib. For this reason, the development of new effective Hh inhibitors represents a major challenge for cancer therapy. Natural products have always represented a unique source of lead structures in drug discovery, and in recent years have been used to modulate the Hh pathway at multiple levels. Here, starting from an in house library of natural compounds and their derivatives, we discovered novel chemotypes of Hh inhibitors by mean of virtual screening against the crystallographic structure of Smo. Hh functional based assay identified the chalcone derivative 12 as the most effective Hh inhibitor within the test set. The chalcone 12 binds the Smo receptor and promotes the displacement of Bodipy-Cyclopamine in both Smo WT and drug-resistant Smo mutant. Our molecule stands as a promising Smo antagonist able to specifically impair the growth of Hh-dependent tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and medulloblastoma stem-like cells and potentially overcome the associated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Acquarica
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Bernardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
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39
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Daynac M, Tirou L, Faure H, Mouthon MA, Gauthier LR, Hahn H, Boussin FD, Ruat M. Hedgehog Controls Quiescence and Activation of Neural Stem Cells in the Adult Ventricular-Subventricular Zone. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 7:735-748. [PMID: 27666792 PMCID: PMC5063572 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the mechanisms controlling quiescence and activation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is crucial for understanding brain repair. Here, we demonstrate that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling actively regulates different pools of quiescent and proliferative NSCs in the adult ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), one of the main brain neurogenic niches. Specific deletion of the Hh receptor Patched in NSCs during adulthood upregulated Hh signaling in quiescent NSCs, progressively leading to a large accumulation of these cells in the V-SVZ. The pool of non-neurogenic astrocytes was not modified, whereas the activated NSC pool increased after a short period, before progressively becoming exhausted. We also showed that Sonic Hedgehog regulates proliferation of activated NSCs in vivo and shortens both their G1 and S-G2/M phases in culture. These data demonstrate that Hh orchestrates the balance between quiescent and activated NSCs, with important implications for understanding adult neurogenesis under normal homeostatic conditions or during injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Daynac
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Linda Tirou
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Hélène Faure
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marc-André Mouthon
- CEA DSV iRCM SCSR, Laboratoire de Radiopathologie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Université Paris Sud, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Laurent R Gauthier
- CEA DSV iRCM SCSR, Laboratoire de Radiopathologie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Université Paris Sud, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Tumor Genetics Group, Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - François D Boussin
- CEA DSV iRCM SCSR, Laboratoire de Radiopathologie, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; INSERM, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Université Paris Sud, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 967, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Martial Ruat
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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40
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Maschinot CA, Pace JR, Hadden MK. Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors of Hh Signaling As Anti-Cancer Chemotherapeutics. Curr Med Chem 2016; 22:4033-57. [PMID: 26310919 DOI: 10.2174/0929867322666150827093904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a developmental signaling pathway that is essential to the proper embryonic development of many vertebrate systems. Dysregulation of Hh signaling has been implicated as a causative factor in the development and progression of several forms of human cancer. As such, the development of small molecule inhibitors of Hh signaling as potential anti-cancer chemotherapeutics has been a major area of research interest in both academics and industry over the past ten years. Through these efforts, synthetic small molecules that target multiple components of the Hh pathway have been identified and advanced to preclinical or clinical development. The goal of this review is to provide an update on the current status of several synthetic small molecule Hh pathway inhibitors and explore the potential of several recently disclosed inhibitory scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M K Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA.
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41
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Amendola G, Di Maio D, La Pietra V, Cosconati S. Best Matching Protein Conformations and Docking Programs for a Virtual Screening Campaign Against SMO Receptor. Mol Inform 2016; 35:340-9. [DOI: 10.1002/minf.201501021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Amendola
- DiSTABiF; Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli; Via Vivaldi 43 81100 Caserta Italy
| | - Danilo Di Maio
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN); sezione di Pisa; Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3 56127 Pisa Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore; Piazza dei Cavalieri 7 I-56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università di Napoli “Federico II”; Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Naples Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF; Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli; Via Vivaldi 43 81100 Caserta Italy
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42
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Fleury A, Hoch L, Martinez MC, Faure H, Taddei M, Petricci E, Manetti F, Girard N, Mann A, Jacques C, Larghero J, Ruat M, Andriantsitohaina R, Le Lay S. Hedgehog associated to microparticles inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a non-canonical pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23479. [PMID: 27010359 PMCID: PMC4806302 DOI: 10.1038/srep23479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is a critical regulator of adipogenesis. Extracellular vesicles are natural Hh carriers, as illustrated by activated/apoptotic lymphocytes specifically shedding microparticles (MP) bearing the morphogen (MP(Hh+)). We show that MP(Hh+) inhibit adipocyte differentiation and orientate mesenchymal stem cells towards a pro-osteogenic program. Despite a Smoothened (Smo)-dependency, MP(Hh+) anti-adipogenic effects do not activate a canonical Hh signalling pathway in contrast to those elicited either by the Smo agonist SAG or recombinant Sonic Hedgehog. The Smo agonist GSA-10 recapitulates many of the hallmarks of MP(Hh+) anti-adipogenic effects. The adipogenesis blockade induced by MP(Hh+) and GSA-10 was abolished by the Smo antagonist LDE225. We further elucidate a Smo/Lkb1/Ampk axis as the non-canonical Hh pathway used by MP(Hh+) and GSA-10 to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. Our results highlight for the first time the ability of Hh-enriched MP to signal via a non-canonical pathway opening new perspectives to modulate fat development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Fleury
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
| | - Lucile Hoch
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, Molecules Circuits Department, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, F-91198, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - M Carmen Martinez
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
| | - Hélène Faure
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, Molecules Circuits Department, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, F-91198, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicolas Girard
- CNRS, UMR-7200, Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Université de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, BP 60024, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - André Mann
- CNRS, UMR-7200, Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Université de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, BP 60024, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Caroline Jacques
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
| | - Jérôme Larghero
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Unité de Thérapie Cellulaire; Inserm UMR1160 et CIC de Biothérapies; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75475, Paris, France
| | - Martial Ruat
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, Molecules Circuits Department, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, F-91198, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | | | - Soazig Le Lay
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
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43
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Rimkus TK, Carpenter RL, Qasem S, Chan M, Lo HW. Targeting the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: Review of Smoothened and GLI Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8020022. [PMID: 26891329 PMCID: PMC4773745 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is a major regulator of cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and tissue polarity. Aberrant activation of the Shh pathway has been shown in a variety of human cancers, including, basal cell carcinoma, malignant gliomas, medulloblastoma, leukemias, and cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, and prostate. Tumorigenesis, tumor progression and therapeutic response have all been shown to be impacted by the Shh signaling pathway. Downstream effectors of the Shh pathway include smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc finger transcription factors. Both are regarded as important targets for cancer therapeutics. While most efforts have been devoted towards pharmacologically targeting SMO, developing GLI-targeted approach has its merit because of the fact that GLI proteins can be activated by both Shh ligand-dependent and -independent mechanisms. To date, two SMO inhibitors (LDE225/Sonidegib and GDC-0449/Vismodegib) have received FDA approval for treating basal cell carcinoma while many clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this exciting class of targeted therapy in a variety of cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of the Shh pathway and then detail the current landscape of the Shh-SMO-GLI pathway inhibitors including those in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadas K Rimkus
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Shadi Qasem
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Michael Chan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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