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Kaya B, Smith H, Chen Y, Azad MG, M Russell T, Richardson V, Bernhardt PV, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Targeting lysosomes by design: novel N-acridine thiosemicarbazones that enable direct detection of intracellular drug localization and overcome P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated resistance. Chem Sci 2024:d4sc04339a. [PMID: 39165729 PMCID: PMC11331336 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc04339a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Innovative N-acridine thiosemicarbazones (NATs) were designed along with their iron(iii), copper(ii), and zinc(ii) complexes. Lysosomal targeting was promoted by specifically incorporating the lysosomotropic Pgp substrate, acridine, into the thiosemicarbazone scaffold to maintain the tridentate N, N, S-donor system. The acridine moiety enables a significant advance in thiosemicarbazone design, since: (1) it enables tracking of the drugs by confocal microscopy using its inherent fluorescence; (2) it is lysosomotropic enabling lysosomal targeting; and (3) as acridine is a P-glycoprotein (Pgp) substrate, it facilitates lysosomal targeting, resulting in the drug overcoming Pgp-mediated resistance. These new N-acridine analogues are novel, and this is the first time that acridine has been specifically added to the thiosemicarbazone framework to achieve the three important properties above. These new agents displayed markedly greater anti-proliferative activity against resistant Pgp-expressing cells than very low Pgp-expressing cells. The anti-proliferative activity of NATs against multiple Pgp-positive cancer cell-types (colon, lung, and cervical carcinoma) was abrogated by the third generation Pgp inhibitor, Elacridar, and also Pgp siRNA that down-regulated Pgp. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that low Pgp in KB31 (-Pgp) cells resulted in acridine's proclivity for DNA intercalation promoting NAT nuclear-targeting. In contrast, high Pgp in KBV1 (+Pgp) cells led to NAT lysosomal sequestration, preventing its nuclear localisation. High Pgp expression in KBV1 (+Pgp) cells resulted in co-localization of NATs with the lysosomal marker, LysoTracker™, that was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than the positive control, the di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) Zn(ii) complex, [Zn(DpC)2]. Incorporation of acridine into the thiosemicarbazone scaffold led to Pgp-mediated transport into lysosomes to overcome Pgp-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
| | - Henry Smith
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
| | - Yanbing Chen
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
- Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Tiffany M Russell
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
- Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
- Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane 4111 Queensland Australia
- Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Nagoya 466-8550 Japan
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Gholam Azad M, Hussaini M, Russell TM, Richardson V, Kaya B, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Multi-modal mechanisms of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1: Inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling by stabilization of protein kinase Cα. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107417. [PMID: 38815861 PMCID: PMC11261793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), inhibits pro-oncogenic signaling in pancreatic cancer (PC). This investigation dissected a novel mechanism induced by NDRG1 on WNT/β-catenin signaling in multiple PC cell types. NDRG1 overexpression decreased β-catenin and downregulated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein levels and its activation. However, β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41 are classically induced by GSK-3β was significantly increased after NDRG1 overexpression, suggesting a GSK-3β-independent mechanism. Intriguingly, NDRG1 overexpression upregulated protein kinase Cα (PKCα), with PKCα silencing preventing β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41, and decreasing β-catenin expression. Further, NDRG1 and PKCα were demonstrated to associate, with PKCα stabilization occurring after NDRG1 overexpression. PKCα half-life increased from 1.5 ± 0.8 h (3) in control cells to 11.0 ± 2.5 h (3) after NDRG1 overexpression. Thus, NDRG1 overexpression leads to the association of NDRG1 with PKCα and PKCα stabilization, resulting in β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41. The association between PKCα, NDRG1, and β-catenin was identified, with the formation of a potential metabolon that promotes the latter β-catenin phosphorylation. This anti-oncogenic activity of NDRG1 was multi-modal, with the above mechanism accompanied by the downregulation of the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), which is involved in β-catenin nuclear translocation, inhibition of AKT phosphorylation (Ser473), and decreased β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser552 that suppresses its transcriptional activity. These mechanisms of NDRG1 activity are important to dissect to understand the marked anti-cancer efficacy of NDRG1-inducing thiosemicarbazones that upregulate PKCα and inhibit WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mohammed Hussaini
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiffany M Russell
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Jiménez-Pérez A, Fernández-Fariña S, Pedrido R, García-Tojal J. Desulfurization of thiosemicarbazones: the role of metal ions and biological implications. J Biol Inorg Chem 2024; 29:3-31. [PMID: 38148423 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-023-02037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones are biologically active substances whose structural formula is formed by an azomethine, an hydrazine, and a thioamide fragments, to generate a R2C=N-NR-C(=S)-NR2 backbone. These compounds often act as ligands to generate highly stable metal-organic complexes. In certain experimental conditions, however, thiosemicarbazones undergo reactions leading to the cleavage of the chain. Sometimes, the breakage involves desulfurization processes. The present work summarizes the different chemical factors that influence the desulfurization reactions of thiosemicarbazones, such as pH, the presence of oxidant reactants or the establishment of redox processes as those electrochemically induced, the effects of the solvent, the temperature, and the electromagnetic radiation. Many of these reactions require coordination of thiosemicarbazones to metal ions, even those present in the intracellular environment. The nature of the products generated in these reactions, their detection in vivo and in vitro, together with the relevance for the biological activity of these compounds, mainly as antineoplastic agents, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alondra Jiménez-Pérez
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Burgos, 09001, Burgos, Spain
| | - Sandra Fernández-Fariña
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultade de Química, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosa Pedrido
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultade de Química, Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Javier García-Tojal
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Burgos, 09001, Burgos, Spain.
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Wijesinghe TP, Kaya B, Gonzálvez MA, Harmer JR, Gholam Azad M, Bernhardt PV, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Steric Blockade of Oxy-Myoglobin Oxidation by Thiosemicarbazones: Structure-Activity Relationships of the Novel PPP4pT Series. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15453-15476. [PMID: 37922410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
The di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones demonstrated marked anticancer efficacy, prompting progression of DpC to clinical trials. However, DpC induced deleterious oxy-myoglobin oxidation, stifling development. To address this, novel substituted phenyl thiosemicarbazone (PPP4pT) analogues and their Fe(III), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes were prepared. The PPP4pT analogues demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity (IC50: 0.009-0.066 μM), with the 1:1 Cu:L complexes showing the greatest efficacy. Substitutions leading to decreased redox potential of the PPP4pT:Cu(II) complexes were associated with higher antiproliferative activity, while increasing potential correlated with increased redox activity. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between redox activity and antiproliferative efficacy. The PPP4pT:Fe(III) complexes attenuated oxy-myoglobin oxidation significantly more than the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazones, Triapine, COTI-2, and DpC, or earlier thiosemicarbazone series. Incorporation of phenyl- and styryl-substituents led to steric blockade, preventing approach of the PPP4pT:Fe(III) complexes to the heme plane and its oxidation. The 1:1 Cu(II):PPP4pT complexes were inert to transmetalation and did not induce oxy-myoglobin oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharushi P Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Miguel A Gonzálvez
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Harmer
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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Valluri A, Wellman J, McCallister CL, Brown KC, Lawrence L, Russell R, Jensen J, Denvir J, Valentovic MA, Denning KL, Salisbury TB. mTOR Regulation of N-Myc Downstream Regulated 1 (NDRG1) Phosphorylation in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9364. [PMID: 37298315 PMCID: PMC10253553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119364] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is a component of two signaling complexes that are known as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. We sought to identify mTOR-phosphorylated proteins that are differently expressed in clinically resected clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) relative to pair-matched normal renal tissue. Using a proteomic array, we found N-Myc Downstream Regulated 1 (NDRG1) showed the greatest increase (3.3-fold) in phosphorylation (on Thr346) in ccRCC. This was associated with an increase in total NDRG1. RICTOR is a required subunit in mTORC2, and its knockdown decreased total and phospho-NDRG1 (Thr346) but not NDRG1 mRNA. The dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor, Torin 2, significantly reduced (by ~100%) phospho-NDRG1 (Thr346). Rapamycin is a selective mTORC1 inhibitor that had no effect on the levels of total NDRG1 or phospho-NDRG1 (Thr346). The reduction in phospho-NDRG1 (Thr346) due to the inhibition of mTORC2 corresponded with a decrease in the percentage of live cells, which was correlated with an increase in apoptosis. Rapamycin had no effect on ccRCC cell viability. Collectively, these data show that mTORC2 mediates the phosphorylation of NDRG1 (Thr346) in ccRCC. We hypothesize that RICTOR and mTORC2-mediated phosphorylation of NDRG1 (Thr346) promotes the viability of ccRCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Valluri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Jessica Wellman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Chelsea L. McCallister
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Kathleen C. Brown
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Logan Lawrence
- Cabell Huntington Hospital Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (L.L.); (R.R.); (K.L.D.)
| | - Rebecca Russell
- Cabell Huntington Hospital Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (L.L.); (R.R.); (K.L.D.)
| | - James Jensen
- Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA;
| | - James Denvir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Monica A. Valentovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
| | - Krista L. Denning
- Cabell Huntington Hospital Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA; (L.L.); (R.R.); (K.L.D.)
| | - Travis B. Salisbury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA; (A.V.); (J.W.); (C.L.M.); (K.C.B.); (J.D.); (M.A.V.)
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7
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Shehadeh-Tout F, Milioli HH, Roslan S, Jansson PJ, Dharmasivam M, Graham D, Anderson R, Wijesinghe T, Azad MG, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Innovative Thiosemicarbazones that Induce Multi-Modal Mechanisms to Down-Regulate Estrogen-, Progesterone-, Androgen- and Prolactin-Receptors in Breast Cancer. Pharmacol Res 2023:106806. [PMID: 37244387 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) is a key driver of breast cancer (BC) and the ER-antagonist, tamoxifen, is a central pillar of BC treatment. However, cross-talk between ER-α, other hormone and growth factor receptors enables development of de novo resistance to tamoxifen. Herein, we mechanistically dissect the activity of a new class of anti-cancer agents that inhibit multiple growth factor receptors and down-stream signaling for the treatment of ER-positive BC. Using RNA sequencing and comprehensive protein expression analysis, we examined the activity of di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) and di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), on the expression and activation of hormone and growth factor receptors, co-factors, and key resistance pathways in ER-α-positive BC. DpC differentially regulated 106 estrogen-response genes, and this was linked to decreased mRNA levels of 4 central hormone receptors involved in BC pathogenesis, namely ER, progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR), and prolactin receptor (PRL-R). Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that due to DpC and Dp44mT binding metal ions, these agents caused a pronounced decrease in ER-α, AR, PR, and PRL-R protein expression. DpC and Dp44mT also inhibited activation and down-stream signaling of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family receptors, and expression of co-factors that promote ER-α transcriptional activity, including SRC3, NF-κB p65, and SP1. In vivo, DpC was highly tolerable and effectively inhibited ER-α-positive BC growth. Through bespoke, non-hormonal, multi-modal mechanisms, Dp44mT and DpC decrease the expression of PR, AR, PRL-R, and tyrosine kinases that act with ER-α to promote BC, constituting an innovative therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Shehadeh-Tout
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Heloisa H Milioli
- Connie Johnson Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Suraya Roslan
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg Vic 3084, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dinny Graham
- Breast Cancer Group, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Robin Anderson
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg Vic 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tharushi Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of NSW, NSW 2052 Australia.
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8
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Chang J, Lo ZHY, Alenizi S, Kovacevic Z. Re-Shaping the Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A New Role for the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2779. [PMID: 37345116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly aggressive disease, with poor response to current treatments and 5-year survival rates of 10-15%. PaC progression is facilitated by its interaction with the complex and multifaceted tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells constantly communicate with each other via the secretion and uptake of factors including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), reshaping the landscape of PaC. Recent studies demonstrated that the metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) not only inhibits oncogenic signaling pathways in PaC cells but also alters the communication between PaC cells and the surrounding stroma. In fact, NDRG1 was found to influence the secretome of PaC cells, alter cancer cell metabolism, and interfere with intracellular trafficking and intercellular communication between PaC cells and surrounding fibroblasts. This review will present recent advancements in understanding the role of NDRG1 in PaC progression, with a focus on how this molecule influences PaC-stroma communication and its potential for re-shaping the PaC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chang
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Zoe H Y Lo
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Shafi Alenizi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
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9
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Zhao X, Richardson DR. The role of the NDRG1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188871. [PMID: 36841367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death in women. This disease is heterogeneous, with clinical subtypes being estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) positive, having human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or being triple-negative for ER-α, progesterone receptor, and HER2 (TNBC). The ER-α positive and HER2 overexpressing tumors can be treated with agents targeting these proteins, including tamoxifen and pertuzumab, respectively. Despite these treatments, resistance and metastasis are problematic, while TNBC is challenging to treat due to the lack of suitable targets. Many studies examining BC and other tumors indicate a role for N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) as a metastasis suppressor. The ability of NDRG1 to inhibit metastasis is due, in part, to the inhibition of the initial step in metastasis, namely the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Paradoxically, there are also reports of NDRG1 playing a pro-oncogenic role in BC pathogenesis. The oncogenic effects of NDRG1 in BC have been reported to relate to lipid metabolism or the mTOR signaling pathway. The molecular mechanism(s) of how NDRG1 regulates the activity of multiple signaling pathways remains unclear. Therapeutic strategies that up-regulate NDRG1 have been developed and include agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone class. These compounds target oncogenic drivers in BC cells, suppressing the expression of multiple key hormone receptors including ER-α, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, and prolactin receptor, and can also overcome tamoxifen resistance. Considering the varying role of NDRG1 in BC pathogenesis, further studies are required to examine what subset of BC patients would benefit from pharmacopeia that up-regulate NDRG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhao
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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10
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Dharmasivam M, Kaya B, Wijesinghe T, Gholam Azad M, Gonzálvez MA, Hussaini M, Chekmarev J, Bernhardt PV, Richardson DR. Designing Tailored Thiosemicarbazones with Bespoke Properties: The Styrene Moiety Imparts Potent Activity, Inhibits Heme Center Oxidation, and Results in a Novel "Stealth Zinc(II) Complex". J Med Chem 2023; 66:1426-1453. [PMID: 36649565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A novel, potent, and selective antitumor agent, namely (E)-3-phenyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (PPP44mT), and its analogues were synthesized and characterized and displayed strikingly distinctive properties. This activity was mediated by the inclusion of a styrene moiety, which through steric and electrochemical mechanisms prevented deleterious oxy-myoglobin or oxy-hemoglobin oxidation relative to other potent thiosemicarbazones, i.e., di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) or di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT). Structure-activity relationship analysis demonstrated specific tuning of PPP44mT electrochemistry further inhibited oxy-myoglobin or oxy-hemoglobin oxidation. Both PPP44mT and its Cu(II) complexes showed conspicuous almost immediate cytotoxicity against SK-N-MC tumor cells (within 3 h). In contrast, [Zn(PPP44mT)2] demonstrated a pronounced delay in activity, taking 48 h before marked antiproliferative efficacy was apparent. As such, [Zn(PPP44mT)2] was designated as a "stealth Zn(II) complex" that overcomes the near immediate cytotoxicity of PPP44mT or its copper complexes. Upon examination of the suppression of oncogenic signaling, [Zn(PPP44mT)2] was superior at inhibiting cyclin D1 expression compared to DpC or Dp44mT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia.,Department of Chemistry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, 34320Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tharushi Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Miguel A Gonzálvez
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane4072, Australia
| | - Mohammad Hussaini
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Jason Chekmarev
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane4072, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya466-8550, Japan
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11
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Hodgson R, Xu X, Anzilotti C, Deobagkar-Lele M, Crockford TL, Kepple JD, Cawthorne E, Bhandari A, Cebrian-Serrano A, Wilcock MJ, Davies B, Cornall RJ, Bull KR. NDRG1 is induced by antigen-receptor signaling but dispensable for B and T cell self-tolerance. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1216. [PMID: 36357486 PMCID: PMC9649591 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04118-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral tolerance prevents the initiation of damaging immune responses by autoreactive lymphocytes. While tolerogenic mechanisms are tightly regulated by antigen-dependent and independent signals, downstream pathways are incompletely understood. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), an anti-cancer therapeutic target, has previously been implicated as a CD4+ T cell clonal anergy factor. By RNA-sequencing, we identified Ndrg1 as the third most upregulated gene in anergic, compared to naïve follicular, B cells. Ndrg1 is upregulated by B cell receptor activation (signal one) and suppressed by co-stimulation (signal two), suggesting that NDRG1 may be important in B cell tolerance. However, though Ndrg1-/- mice have a neurological defect mimicking NDRG1-associated Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT4d) disease, primary and secondary immune responses were normal. We find that B cell tolerance is maintained, and NDRG1 does not play a role in downstream responses during re-stimulation of in vivo antigen-experienced CD4+ T cells, demonstrating that NDGR1 is functionally redundant for lymphocyte anergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Hodgson
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xijin Xu
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Consuelo Anzilotti
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mukta Deobagkar-Lele
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tanya L Crockford
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jessica D Kepple
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eleanor Cawthorne
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aneesha Bhandari
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alberto Cebrian-Serrano
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin J Wilcock
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard J Cornall
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Katherine R Bull
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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12
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Wang W, Tabu K, Aimaitijiang A, Taga T. Therapy-resistant nature of cancer stem cells in view of iron metabolism. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:34. [PMID: 36324180 PMCID: PMC9632139 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00220-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to increased resistance to standard chemo/radiotherapies and relapse, highly tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a promising target for the development of effective cancer treatments. In order to develop innovative cancer therapies that target CSCs, much attention has focused on the iron metabolism of CSCs, which has been considered to contribute to self-renewal of CSCs. Here, we review recent advances in iron metabolism and conventional iron metabolism-targeted cancer therapies, as well as therapy resistance of CSCs and potential treatment options to overcome them, which provide important insights into therapeutic strategies against intractable cancers. Potential treatment options targeting iron homeostasis, including small-molecule inhibitors, nanotechnology platforms, ferroptosis, and 5-ALA-PDT, might be a focus of future research for the development of innovative cancer therapies that tackle CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kouichi Tabu
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| | - Alapati Aimaitijiang
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Taga
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
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13
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Brogyányi T, Kaplánek R, Kejík Z, Hosnedlová B, Antonyová V, Abramenko N, Veselá K, Martásek P, Vokurka M, Richardson DR, Jakubek M. Azulene hydrazide-hydrazones for selective targeting of pancreatic cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113736. [PMID: 36156366 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of iron homeostasis is one of the important processes in the development of many oncological diseases, such as pancreatic cancer. Targeting it with specific agents, such as an iron chelator, are promising therapeutic methods. In this study, we tested the cytotoxicity of novel azulene hydrazide-hydrazone-based chelators against pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, AsPC-1). All prepared chelators (compounds 4-6) showed strong cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cell lines and high selectivity for cancer cell lines compared to the healthy line. Their cytotoxicity is lower than thiosemicarbazone-based chelators Dp44mT and DpC, but significantly higher than hydroxamic acid-based chelator DFO. The chelator tested showed mitochondrial and lysosomal co-localization and its mechanism of action was based on the induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha (HIF-1α), N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1). This strongly implies that the cytotoxic effect of tested chelators could be associated with mitophagy induction. Lipinski's rule of five analyses was performed to determine whether the prepared compounds had properties ensuring their bioavailability. In addition, the drug-likeness and drug-score were calculated and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Brogyányi
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 5, 128 53 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Kaplánek
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Kejík
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Božena Hosnedlová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Antonyová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nikita Abramenko
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Veselá
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Martásek
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Vokurka
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 5, 128 53 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Milan Jakubek
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
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14
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Richardson DR, Azad MG, Afroz R, Richardson V, Dharmasivam M. Thiosemicarbazones reprogram pancreatic cancer bidirectional oncogenic signaling between cancer cells and stellate cells to suppress desmoplasia. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1005-1017. [PMID: 35670251 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard treatments have shown dismal activity against pancreatic cancer (PC), due in part to the development of a dense stroma (desmoplasia). This perspective discusses the development of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones that overcomes bidirectional oncogenic signaling between PC cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which is critical for desmoplasia development. This activity is induced by the up-regulation of the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), which inhibits oncogenic signaling via HGF, IGF-1 and Sonic Hedgehog pathway. More recent studies have deciphered additional pathways including those mediated by Wnt and tenascin C that are secreted by PSCs to activate β-catenin and YAP/TAZ signaling in PC cells. Suppression of bidirectional signaling between cell types presents a unique therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
- Department of Pathology & Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - M Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - R Afroz
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - V Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - M Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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15
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Geleta B, Tout FS, Lim SC, Sahni S, Jansson PJ, Apte MV, Richardson DR, Kovačević Ž. Targeting Wnt/tenascin C-mediated cross talk between pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells via activation of the metastasis suppressor NDRG1. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101608. [PMID: 35065073 PMCID: PMC8881656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A major barrier to successful pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment is the surrounding stroma, which secretes growth factors/cytokines that promote PC progression. Wnt and tenascin C (TnC) are key ligands secreted by stromal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) that then act on PC cells in a paracrine manner to activate the oncogenic β-catenin and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways. Therefore, therapies targeting oncogenic Wnt/TnC cross talk between PC cells and PSCs constitute a promising new therapeutic approach for PC treatment. The metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) inhibits tumor progression and metastasis in numerous cancers, including PC. We demonstrate herein that targeting NDRG1 using the clinically trialed anticancer agent di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) inhibited Wnt/TnC-mediated interactions between PC cells and the surrounding PSCs. Mechanistically, NDRG1 and DpC markedly inhibit secretion of Wnt3a and TnC by PSCs, while also attenuating Wnt/β-catenin and YAP/TAZ activation and downstream signaling in PC cells. This antioncogenic activity was mediated by direct inhibition of β-catenin and YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and by increasing the Wnt inhibitor, DKK1. Expression of NDRG1 also inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β secretion by PC cells, a key mechanism by which PC cells activate PSCs. Using an in vivo orthotopic PC mouse model, we show DpC downregulated β-catenin, TnC, and YAP/TAZ, while potently increasing NDRG1 expression in PC tumors. We conclude that NDRG1 and DpC inhibit Wnt/TnC-mediated interactions between PC cells and PSCs. These results further illuminate the antioncogenic mechanism of NDRG1 and the potential of targeting this metastasis suppressor to overcome the oncogenic effects of the PC-PSC interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekesho Geleta
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Faten S Tout
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Syer Choon Lim
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Pancreatic Research Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Žaklina Kovačević
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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16
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Khan AA, Ahmad R, Alanazi AM, Alsaif N, Abdullah M, Wani TA, Bhat MA. Determination of anticancer potential of a novel pharmacologically active thiosemicarbazone derivative in colorectal cancer cell lines. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:815-824. [PMID: 35812146 PMCID: PMC9257852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones have received noteworthy attention due to their numerous pharmacological activities. Various thiosemicarbazone derivatives have been reported to play a key role as potential chemotherapeutic agents for the management of cancer. Herein, we aimed to establish the anticancer efficacy of novel thiosemicarbazone derivative C4 against colon cancer in vitro. The MTT viability assay identified C4 as a promising anticancer compound in a panel of cancer cell lines with the most potent activity against colon cancer cells. Further, anticancer potential of C4 was evaluated against HT-29 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines considering the factors like cell adhesion and migration, oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Our results showed that C4 significantly inhibited the migration and adhesion of colon cancer cells. C4 significantly increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced apoptotic cell death. Cell cycle analysis revealed that C4 interfered in the cell cycle distribution and arrested the cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Consistent with these results C4 also down-regulated the Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 and up-regulated the caspase-3 expression. These findings introduced C4 as the potential anticancer agent against colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azmat Ali Khan
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Amer M. Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawaf Alsaif
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Abdullah
- Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanveer A. Wani
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashooq A. Bhat
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, P.O. Box 2457, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Selyutina OY, Kononova PA, Koshman VE, Shelepova EA, Azad MG, Afroz R, Dharmasivam M, Bernhardt PV, Polyakov NE, Richardson DR. Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1866:130078. [PMID: 34974127 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron (Fe)-induced oxidative stress leads to reactive oxygen species that damage biomembranes, with this mechanism being involved in the activity of some anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. METHODS Herein, we compared the effect of Fe complexes of the ligand, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), or the potential ligand, Emodin, on lipid peroxidation in cell membrane models (micelles and bicelles). These studies were performed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the absence or presence of ascorbate. RESULTS In the absence of ascorbate, Fe(II)/Emodin mixtures incubated with H2O2 demonstrated slight pro-oxidant properties on micelles versus Fe(II) alone, while the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex exhibited marked antioxidant properties. Examining more physiologically relevant phospholipid-containing bicelles, the Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-Dp44mT complexes demonstrated antioxidant activity without ascorbate. Upon adding ascorbate, there was a significant increase in the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles in the presence of unchelated Fe(II) and H2O2. The addition of ascorbate to Fe(III)-Dp44mT substantially increased the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles, with the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex being reduced by ascorbate to the Fe(II) state, explaining the increased reactivity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated ascorbyl radical anion generation after mixing ascorbate and Emodin, with signal intensity being enhanced by H2O2. This finding suggested Emodin semiquinone radical formation that could play a role in its reactivity via ascorbate-driven redox cycling. Examining cultured melanoma cells in vitro, ascorbate at pharmacological levels enhanced the anti-proliferative activity of Dp44mT and Emodin. CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Ascorbate-driven redox cycling of Dp44mT and Emodin promotes their anti-proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Yu Selyutina
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry, Kutateladze St., 18, 630128 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - P A Kononova
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V E Koshman
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E A Shelepova
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - R Afroz
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - M Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - P V Bernhardt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - N E Polyakov
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry, Kutateladze St., 18, 630128 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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18
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Iron chelates in the anticancer therapy. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-021-02001-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIron plays a significant role in the metabolism of cancer cells. In comparison with normal cells, neoplastic ones exhibit enhanced vulnerability to iron. Ferric ions target tumor via the ferroptotic death pathway—a process involving the iron-mediated lipid oxidation. Ferric ion occurs in complex forms in the physiological conditions. Apart from iron, ligands are the other factors to affect the biological activity of the iron complexes. In recent decades the role of iron chelates in targeting the growth of the tumor was extensively examined. The ligand may possess a standalone activity to restrict cancer’s growth. However, a wrong choice of the ligand might lead to the enhanced cancer cell’s growth in in vitro studies. The paper aims to review the role of iron complex compounds in the anticancer therapy both in the experimental and clinical applications. The anticancer properties of the iron complex rely both on the stability constant of the complex and the ligand composition. When the stability constant is high, the properties of the drug are unique. However, when the stability constant remains low, both components—ferric ions and ligands, act separately on the cells. In the paper we show how the difference in complex stability implies the action of ligand and ferric ions in the cancer cell. Iron complexation strategy is an interesting attempt to transport the anticancer Fe2+/3+ ions throughout the cell membrane and release it when the pH of the microenvironment changes. Last part of the paper summarizes the results of clinical trials and in vitro studies of novel iron chelates such as: PRLX 93,936, Ferumoxytol, Talactoferrin, DPC, Triapine, VLX600, Tachypyridine, Ciclopiroxamine, Thiosemicarbazone, Deferoxamine and Deferasirox.
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The Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1 Directly Regulates Androgen Receptor Signaling in Prostate Cancer. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101414. [PMID: 34785213 PMCID: PMC8668986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N-myc-downregulated gene 1 (NDRG1) has potent anticancer effects and inhibits cell growth, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Previous studies suggested that NDRG1 is linked to the androgen signaling network, but this mechanistic relationship is unclear. Considering the crucial role of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer (PCa) progression, here we examined for the first time the effect of NDRG1 on AR expression, activation, and downstream signaling in LNCaP, 22Rv1, and C4-2B PCa cell types. We demonstrate that NDRG1 effectively promotes interaction of AR with the chaperone HSP90, which in turn stabilizes the AR while decreasing its androgen-mediated activation. The expression of NDRG1 suppressed: (1) AR activation, as measured by p-ARSer213 and p-ARSer81; (2) expression of a major AR transcriptional target, prostate-specific antigen (PSA); and (3) AR transcriptional activity, probably via inhibiting the c-Jun-AR interaction by reducing c-Jun phosphorylation (p-c-JunSer63). NDRG1 was also demonstrated to inhibit multiple key molecules involved in androgen-dependent and -independent signaling (namely EGFR, HER2, HER3, PI3K, STAT3, and NF-κB), which promote the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We also identified the cysteine-rich secretory protein/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1 (CAP) domain of NDRG1 as vital for inhibition of AR activity. Examining NDRG1 and p-NDRG1 in PCa patient specimens revealed a significant negative correlation between NDRG1 and PSA levels in prostatectomy patients that went on to develop metastasis. These results highlight a vital role for NDRG1 in androgen signaling and its potential as a key therapeutic target and biomarker in PCa.
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Ribeiro M, Sousa CA, Simões M. Harnessing microbial iron chelators to develop innovative therapeutic agents. J Adv Res 2021; 39:89-101. [PMID: 35777919 PMCID: PMC9263657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial iron chelators as a new route to develop inspiring antimicrobials. Siderophore-mimicking antibiotics as a pathogen-targeted strategy. Effectiveness of iron chelators on antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Iron chelators and the treatment of iron overload diseases. Iron chelators as powerful tools for cancer therapy.
Background Aim of Review Key Scientific Concepts of Review
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21
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Wijesinghe TP, Dharmasivam M, Dai CC, Richardson DR. Innovative therapies for neuroblastoma: The surprisingly potent role of iron chelation in up-regulating metastasis and tumor suppressors and down-regulating the key oncogene, N-myc. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105889. [PMID: 34536548 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an indispensable requirement for essential biological processes in cancer cells. Due to the greater proliferation of neoplastic cells, their demand for iron is considerably higher relative to normal cells, making them highly susceptible to iron depletion. Understanding this sensitive relationship led to research exploring the effect of iron chelation therapy for cancer treatment. The classical iron-binding ligand, desferrioxamine (DFO), has demonstrated effective anti-proliferative activity against many cancer-types, particularly neuroblastoma tumors, and has the surprising activity of down-regulating the potent oncogene, N-myc, which is a major oncogenic driver in neuroblastoma. Even more significant is the ability of DFO to simultaneously up-regulate the potent metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), which plays a plethora of roles in suppressing a variety of oncogenic signaling pathways. However, DFO suffers the disadvantage of demonstrating poor membrane permeability and short plasma half-life, requiring administration by prolonged subcutaneous or intravenous infusions. Considering this, the specifically designed di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone (DpT) series of metal-binding ligands was developed in our laboratory. The lead agent from the first generation DpT series, di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), showed exceptional anti-cancer properties compared to DFO. However, it exhibited cardiotoxicity in mouse models at higher dosages. Therefore, a second generation of agents was developed with the lead compound being di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) that progressed to Phase I clinical trials. Importantly, DpC showed better anti-proliferative activity than Dp44mT and no cardiotoxicity, demonstrating effective anti-cancer activity against neuroblastoma tumors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharushi P Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Charles C Dai
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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Chekmarev J, Azad MG, Richardson DR. The Oncogenic Signaling Disruptor, NDRG1: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092382. [PMID: 34572031 PMCID: PMC8465210 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NDRG1 is an oncogenic signaling disruptor that plays a key role in multiple cancers, including aggressive pancreatic tumors. Recent studies have indicated a role for NDRG1 in the inhibition of multiple tyrosine kinases, including EGFR, c-Met, HER2 and HER3, etc. The mechanism of activity of NDRG1 remains unclear, but to impart some of its functions, NDRG1 binds directly to key effector molecules that play roles in tumor suppression, e.g., MIG6. More recent studies indicate that NDRG1s-inducing drugs, such as novel di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones, not only inhibit tumor growth and metastasis but also fibrous desmoplasia, which leads to chemotherapeutic resistance. The Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (c-Cbl) protein may be regulated by NDRG1, and is a crucial E3 ligase that regulates various protein tyrosine and receptor tyrosine kinases, primarily via ubiquitination. The c-Cbl protein can act as a tumor suppressor by promoting the degradation of receptor tyrosine kinases. In contrast, c-Cbl can also promote tumor development by acting as a docking protein to mediate the oncogenic c-Met/Crk/JNK and PI3K/AKT pathways. This review hypothesizes that NDRG1 could inhibit the oncogenic function of c-Cbl, which may be another mechanism of its tumor-suppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Chekmarev
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.C.); (M.G.A.)
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3735-7549
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Babak MV, Ahn D. Modulation of Intracellular Copper Levels as the Mechanism of Action of Anticancer Copper Complexes: Clinical Relevance. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080852. [PMID: 34440056 PMCID: PMC8389626 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is a vital element required for cellular growth and development; however, even slight changes in its homeostasis might lead to severe toxicity and deleterious medical conditions. Cancer patients are typically associated with higher Cu content in serum and tumor tissues, indicating increased demand of cancer cells for this micronutrient. Cu is known to readily cycle between the +1 and +2 oxidation state in biological systems. The mechanism of action of Cu complexes is typically based on their redox activity and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to deadly oxidative stress. However, there are a number of other biomolecular mechanisms beyond ROS generation that contribute to the activity of anticancer Cu drug candidates. In this review, we discuss how interfering with intracellular Cu balance via either diet modification or addition of inorganic Cu supplements or Cu-modulating compounds affects tumor development, progression, and sensitivity to treatment modalities. We aim to provide the rationale for the use of Cu-depleting and Cu-overloading conditions to generate the best possible patient outcome with minimal toxicity. We also discuss the advantages of the use of pre-formed Cu complexes, such as Cu-(bis)thiosemicarbazones or Cu-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones, in comparison with the in situ formed Cu complexes with metal-binding ligands. In this review, we summarize available clinical and mechanistic data on clinically relevant anticancer drug candidates, including Cu supplements, Cu chelators, Cu ionophores, and Cu complexes.
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Geleta B, Park KC, Jansson PJ, Sahni S, Maleki S, Xu Z, Murakami T, Pajic M, Apte MV, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Breaking the cycle: Targeting of NDRG1 to inhibit bi-directional oncogenic cross-talk between pancreatic cancer and stroma. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21347. [PMID: 33484481 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002279r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is characterized by dense stroma that hinders treatment efficacy, with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) being a major contributor to this stromal barrier and PaCa progression. Activated PSCs release hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) that induce PaCa proliferation, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. We demonstrate for the first time that the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), is a potent inhibitor of the PaCa-PSC cross-talk, leading to inhibition of HGF and IGF-1 signaling. NDRG1 also potently reduced the key driver of PaCa metastasis, namely GLI1, leading to reduced PSC-mediated cell migration. The novel clinically trialed anticancer agent, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), which upregulates NDRG1, potently de-sensitized PaCa cells to ligands secreted by activated PSCs. DpC and NDRG1 also inhibited the PaCa-mediated activation of PSCs via inhibition of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling. In vivo, DpC markedly reduced PaCa tumor growth and metastasis more avidly than the standard chemotherapy for this disease, gemcitabine. Uniquely, DpC was selectively cytotoxic against PaCa cells, while "re-programming" PSCs to an inactive state, decreasing collagen deposition and desmoplasia. Thus, targeting NDRG1 can effectively break the oncogenic cycle of PaCa-PSC bi-directional cross-talk to overcome PaCa desmoplasia and improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekesho Geleta
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Drug Resistance Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Japan
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Dong L, Dong J, Xiang M, Lei P, Li Z, Zhang F, Sun X, Niu D, Bai L, Lan K. NDRG1 facilitates lytic replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus by maintaining the stability of the KSHV helicase. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009645. [PMID: 34077484 PMCID: PMC8202935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The presumed DNA helicase encoded by ORF44 of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) plays a crucial role in unwinding viral double-stranded DNA and initiating DNA replication during lytic reactivation. However, the regulatory mechanism of KSHV ORF44 has not been fully elucidated. In a previous study, we identified that N-Myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), a host scaffold protein, facilitates viral genome replication by interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the latent viral protein latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) during viral latency. In the present study, we further demonstrated that NDRG1 can interact with KSHV ORF44 during viral lytic replication. We also found that the mRNA and protein levels of NDRG1 were significantly increased by KSHV ORF50-encoded replication and transcription activator (RTA). Remarkably, knockdown of NDRG1 greatly decreased the protein level of ORF44 and impaired viral lytic replication. Interestingly, NDRG1 enhanced the stability of ORF44 and inhibited its ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation by reducing the polyubiquitination of the lysine residues at positions 79 and 368 in ORF44. In summary, NDRG1 is a novel binding partner of ORF44 and facilitates viral lytic replication by maintaining the stability of ORF44. This study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying KSHV lytic replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiazhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zixian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Danping Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (LB); (KL)
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (LB); (KL)
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Pitucha M, Korga-Plewko A, Czylkowska A, Rogalewicz B, Drozd M, Iwan M, Kubik J, Humeniuk E, Adamczuk G, Karczmarzyk Z, Fornal E, Wysocki W, Bartnik P. Influence of Complexation of Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives with Cu (II) Ions on Their Antitumor Activity against Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063104. [PMID: 33803618 PMCID: PMC8002893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of thiosemicarbazone derivatives was prepared and their anti-tumor activity in vitro was tested. The X-ray investigation performed for compounds T2, T3 and T5 confirmed the synthesis pathway and assumed molecular structures of analyzed thiosemicarbazones. The conformational preferences of the thiosemicarbazone system were characterized using theoretical calculations by AM1 method. Selected compounds were converted into complexes of Cu (II) ions. The effect of complexing on anti-tumor activity has been investigated. The copper(II) complexes, with Schiff bases T1, T10, T12, T13, and T16 have been synthesized and characterized by chemical and elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and TGA method. Thermal properties of coordination compounds were studied using TG-DTG techniques under dry air atmosphere. G361, A375, and SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cells and BJ human normal fibroblast cells were treated with tested compounds and their cytotoxicity was evaluated with MTT test. The compounds with the most promising anti-tumour activity were then selected and their cytotoxicity was verified with cell cycle analysis and apoptosis/necrosis detection. Additionally, DNA damages in the form of a basic sites presence and the expression of oxidative stress and DNA damage response genes were evaluated. The obtained results indicate that complexation of thiosemicarbazone derivatives with Cu (II) ions improves their antitumor activity against melanoma cells. The observed cytotoxic effect is associated with DNA damage and G2/M phase of cell cycle arrest as well as disorders of the antioxidant enzymes expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Pitucha
- Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-448-7240
| | - Agnieszka Korga-Plewko
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.K.); (E.H.); (G.A.)
| | - Agnieszka Czylkowska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (A.C.); (B.R.)
| | - Bartłomiej Rogalewicz
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (A.C.); (B.R.)
| | - Monika Drozd
- Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Iwan
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Kubik
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.K.); (E.H.); (G.A.)
| | - Ewelina Humeniuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.K.); (E.H.); (G.A.)
| | - Grzegorz Adamczuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.-P.); (J.K.); (E.H.); (G.A.)
| | - Zbigniew Karczmarzyk
- Faculty of Science, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 3 Maja 54, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland; (Z.K.); (W.W.); (P.B.)
| | - Emilia Fornal
- Chair and Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Waldemar Wysocki
- Faculty of Science, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 3 Maja 54, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland; (Z.K.); (W.W.); (P.B.)
| | - Paulina Bartnik
- Faculty of Science, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 3 Maja 54, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland; (Z.K.); (W.W.); (P.B.)
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Novel Thiosemicarbazones Sensitize Pediatric Solid Tumor Cell-Types to Conventional Chemotherapeutics through Multiple Molecular Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123781. [PMID: 33334021 PMCID: PMC7765366 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Combination of chemotherapeutics for the treatment of childhood cancer can lead to the use of lower cytotoxic drug doses and better therapeutic tolerability (i.e., lower side effects) for patients. We discovered novel molecular targets of two lead thiosemicarbazone agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone class. These molecular targets include: cyclooxygenase, the DNA repair protein, O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase, mismatch repair proteins, and topoisomerase 2α. This research also identifies promising synergistic interactions of these thiosemicarbazones particularly with the standard chemotherapeutic, celecoxib. Abstract Combining low-dose chemotherapies is a strategy for designing less toxic and more potent childhood cancer treatments. We examined the effects of combining the novel thiosemicarbazones, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), or its analog, di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), with the standard chemotherapies, celecoxib (CX), etoposide (ETO), or temozolomide (TMZ). These combinations were analyzed for synergism to inhibit proliferation of three pediatric tumor cell-types, namely osteosarcoma (Saos-2), medulloblastoma (Daoy) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y). In terms of mechanistic dissection, this study discovered novel thiosemicarbazone targets not previously identified and which are important for considering possible drug combinations. In this case, DpC and Dp44mT caused: (1) up-regulation of a major protein target of CX, namely cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); (2) down-regulation of the DNA repair protein, O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which is known to affect TMZ resistance; (3) down-regulation of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, MSH2 and MSH6, in Daoy and SH-SY5Y cells; and (4) down-regulation in all three cell-types of the MMR repair protein, MLH1, and also topoisomerase 2α (Topo2α), the latter of which is an ETO target. While thiosemicarbazones up-regulate the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, in adult cancers, it is demonstrated herein for the first time that they induce NDRG1 in all three pediatric tumor cell-types, validating its role as a potential target. In fact, siRNA studies indicated that NDRG1 was responsible for MGMT down-regulation that may prevent TMZ resistance. Examining the effects of combining thiosemicarbazones with CX, ETO, or TMZ, the most promising synergism was obtained using CX. Of interest, a positive relationship was observed between NDRG1 expression of the cell-type and the synergistic activity observed in the combination of thiosemicarbazones and CX. These studies identify novel thiosemicarbazone targets relevant to childhood cancer combination chemotherapy.
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Ferroptotic damage promotes pancreatic tumorigenesis through a TMEM173/STING-dependent DNA sensor pathway. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6339. [PMID: 33311482 PMCID: PMC7732843 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a more recently recognized form of cell death that relies on iron-mediated oxidative damage. Here, we evaluate the impact of high-iron diets or depletion of Gpx4, an antioxidant enzyme reported as an important ferroptosis suppressor, in the pancreas of mice with cerulean- or L-arginine-induced pancreatitis, and in an oncogenic Kras murine model of spontaneous pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We find that either high-iron diets or Gpx4 depletion promotes 8-OHG release and thus activates the TMEM173/STING-dependent DNA sensor pathway, which results in macrophage infiltration and activation during Kras-driven PDAC in mice. Consequently, the administration of liproxstatin-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor), clophosome-mediated macrophage depletion, or pharmacological and genetic inhibition of the 8-OHG-TMEM173 pathway suppresses Kras-driven pancreatic tumorigenesis in mice. GPX4 is also a prognostic marker in patients with PDAC. These findings provide pathological and mechanistic insights into ferroptotic damage in PDAC tumorigenesis in mice.
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Lobana TS, Kaushal M, Bala R, Nim L, Paul K, Arora DS, Bhatia A, Arora S, Jasinski JP. Di-2-pyridylketone-N1-substituted thiosemicarbazone derivatives of copper(II): Biosafe antimicrobial potential and high anticancer activity against immortalized L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 212:111205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Anti-metastatic action of an N 4-aryl substituted thiosemicarbazone on advanced triple negative breast cancer. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05161. [PMID: 33072918 PMCID: PMC7548444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Advanced triple negative breast cancer (ATNBC) is defined by a lack of expression of hormones receptors as well as HER2/neu and its high probability of visceral metastasis. This pathology is associated with a poor prognosis. Previously, we found that T2, an N4-arylsubstituted thiosemicarbazone (N4-TSC), had cytotoxic effect on human breast cancer cells lines. Hence, in this study, we investigated the anti-metastasic action of T2 on ATNBC. Methods In order to deepen T2 action mode on ATNBC, we first confirmed T2 cytotoxicity on a panel of TNBC cells and then continued studying T2 effects in vitro an in vivo on the syngeneic 4T1 mouse model. Results We found that T2 had a cytotoxic effect comparable to chemotherapeutics used in present treatment schemes for ATNBC. T2 treatment not only induced apoptosis, but it also down-modulated 4T1 invasive and metastatic-associated capacities, such as clonogenicity, migration and metallo-proteases activity. Moreover, this agent reduced the number of 4T1 cancer stem cells. Finally, T2 treatment induced a more differentiated cell phenotype and the overexpression of the metastasis suppressor gene NDRG-1. In vivo assays showed that T2 reduced tumor burden, down modulated local tumor invasion and significantly reduced the number of lung metastases in the 4T1 advanced TNBC murine model, while the compound did not exhibit intolerable toxicity. Conclusion This study provided evidence that T2 not only exerted an anti-tumor activity but it also showed anti-invasive and anti-metastatic actions on ATNBC in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that T2 could be considered as a promising therapy that deserves further analysis.
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Park KC, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. The Role of Extracellular Proteases in Tumor Progression and the Development of Innovative Metal Ion Chelators that Inhibit their Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6805. [PMID: 32948029 PMCID: PMC7555822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The crucial role of extracellular proteases in cancer progression is well-known, especially in relation to the promotion of cell invasion through extracellular matrix remodeling. This also occurs by the ability of extracellular proteases to induce the shedding of transmembrane proteins at the plasma membrane surface or within extracellular vesicles. This process results in the regulation of key signaling pathways by the modulation of kinases, e.g., the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Considering their regulatory roles in cancer, therapeutics targeting various extracellular proteases have been discovered. These include the metal-binding agents di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) and di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), which increase c-MET degradation by multiple mechanisms. Both the direct and indirect inhibition of protease expression and activity can be achieved through metal ion depletion. Considering direct mechanisms, chelators can bind zinc(II) that plays a catalytic role in enzyme activity. In terms of indirect mechanisms, Dp44mT and DpC potently suppress the expression of the kallikrein-related peptidase-a prostate-specific antigen-in prostate cancer cells. The mechanism of this activity involves promotion of the degradation of the androgen receptor. Additional suppressive mechanisms of Dp44mT and DpC on matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) relate to their ability to up-regulate the metastasis suppressors N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) and NDRG2, which down-regulate MMPs that are crucial for cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (K.C.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (K.C.P.); (M.D.)
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (K.C.P.); (M.D.)
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Park KC, Paluncic J, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Pharmacological targeting and the diverse functions of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, in cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 157:154-175. [PMID: 31132412 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) is a potent metastasis suppressor that is regulated by hypoxia, metal ions including iron, the free radical nitric oxide (NO.), and various stress stimuli. This intriguing molecule exhibits diverse functions in cancer, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and angiogenesis by modulation of a plethora of oncogenes via cellular signaling. Thus, pharmacological targeting of NDRG1 signaling in cancer is a promising therapeutic strategy. Of note, novel anti-tumor agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone series, which exert the "double punch" mechanism by binding metal ions to form redox-active complexes, have been demonstrated to markedly up-regulate NDRG1 expression in cancer cells. This review describes the mechanisms underlying NDRG1 modulation by the thiosemicarbazones and the diverse effects NDRG1 exerts in cancer. As a major induction mechanism, iron depletion appears critical, with NO. also inducing NDRG1 through its ability to bind iron and generate dinitrosyl-dithiol iron complexes, which are then effluxed from cells. Apart from its potent anti-metastatic role, several studies have reported a pro-oncogenic role of NDRG1 in a number of cancer-types. Hence, it has been suggested that NDRG1 plays pleiotropic roles depending on the cancer-type. The molecular mechanism(s) underlying NDRG1 pleiotropy remain elusive, but are linked to differential regulation of WNT signaling and potentially differential interaction with the tumor suppressor, PTEN. This review discusses NDRG1 induction mechanisms by metal ions and NO. and both the anti- and possible pro-oncogenic functions of NDRG1 in multiple cancer-types and compares the opposite effects this protein exerts on cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jasmina Paluncic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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33
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Lim SC, Jansson PJ, Assinder SJ, Maleki S, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Unique targeting of androgen-dependent and -independent AR signaling in prostate cancer to overcome androgen resistance. FASEB J 2020; 34:11511-11528. [PMID: 32713076 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903167r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a major driver of prostate cancer (PCa) and a key therapeutic target for AR inhibitors (ie, Enzalutamide). However, Enzalutamide only inhibits androgen-dependent AR signaling, enabling intrinsic AR activation via androgen-independent pathways, leading to aggressive castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). We investigated the ability of novel anti-cancer agents, Dp44mT and DpC, to overcome androgen resistance. The effect of Dp44mT and DpC on androgen-dependent and independent AR signaling was assessed in androgen-dependent and -independent PCa cells using 2D- and 3D-tissue culture. The clinically trialed DpC was then examined in vivo and compared to Enzalutamide. These agents uniquely promote AR proteasomal degradation and inhibit AR transcription in PCa cells via the upregulation of c-Jun, potently reducing the AR target, prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These agents also inhibited the activation of key molecules in both androgen-dependent and independent AR signaling (ie, EGFR, MAPK, PI3K), which promote CRPC. The clinically trialed DpC also significantly inhibited PCa tumor growth, AR, and PSA expression in vivo, being more potent than Enzalutamide. DpC is a promising candidate for a unique, structurally distinct generation of AR inhibitors that simultaneously target both androgen-dependent and independent arms of AR signaling. No other therapies exhibit such comprehensive and potent AR suppression, which is critical for overcoming the development of androgen resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syer C Lim
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen J Assinder
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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34
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Yang Y, Tian Z, Zhao X, Li Y, Duan S. A novel antitumor dithiocarbamate compound inhibits the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway and induces apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:877-883. [PMID: 32566015 PMCID: PMC7285826 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dithiocarbamate has been reported to possess a potent antitumor efficacy against several types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, only a few studies have investigated its inhibitory effect on esophageal cancer. Dipyridylhydrazone dithiocarbamate (DpdtC) is a novel dithiocarbamate derivative that was recently designed, synthesized and evaluated in our previous study. In the present study, the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by DpdtC were measured using the CCK-8 and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining assays, respectively. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway and apoptosis related protein levels were examined by western blotting. In vivo effect of DpdtC was evaluated in nude mice bearing KYSE-450 ×enograft tumors. The aims of the present study were to further evaluate the antitumor effects of DpdtC on esophageal cancer cells (KYSE-150 and KYSE-450 cells), and to investigate its potential mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. It was found that DpdtC significantly inhibited KYSE-150 and KYSE-450 cell proliferation by regulating the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis. In addition, this effect was further identified in vivo; DpdtC inhibited the growth of the KYSE-450 esophageal cancer xenografts by regulating the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, DpdtC did not affect the body weight in mice. Collectively, the present results suggested that DpdtC may be a promising antitumor drug candidate for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China.,Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China
| | - Ziyin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China
| | - Xinghua Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China
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35
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Bae DH, Lane DJR, Siafakas AR, Sutak R, Paluncic J, Huang MLH, Jansson PJ, Rahmanto YS, Richardson DR. Acireductone dioxygenase 1 (ADI1) is regulated by cellular iron by a mechanism involving the iron chaperone, PCBP1, with PCBP2 acting as a potential co-chaperone. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165844. [PMID: 32480040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The iron-containing protein, acireductone dioxygenase 1 (ADI1), is a dioxygenase important for polyamine synthesis and proliferation. Using differential proteomics, the studies herein demonstrated that ADI1 was significantly down-regulated by cellular iron depletion. This is important, since ADI1 contains a non-heme, iron-binding site critical for its activity. Examination of multiple human cell-types demonstrated a significant decrease in ADI1 mRNA and protein after incubation with iron chelators. The decrease in ADI1 after iron depletion was reversible upon incubation of cells with the iron salt, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC). A significant decrease in ADI1 mRNA levels was observed after 14 h of iron depletion. In contrast, the chelator-mediated reduction in ADI1 protein occurred earlier after 10 h of iron depletion, suggesting additional post-transcriptional regulation. The proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, prevented the iron chelator-mediated decrease in ADI1 expression, while the lysosomotropic agent, chloroquine, had no effect. These results suggest an iron-dependent, proteasome-mediated, degradation mechanism. Poly r(C)-binding protein (PCBPs) 1 and 2 act as iron delivery chaperones to other iron-containing dioxygenases and were shown herein for the first time to be regulated by iron levels. Silencing of PCBP1, but not PCBP2, led to loss of ADI1 expression. Confocal microscopy co-localization studies and proximity ligation assays both demonstrated decreased interaction of ADI1 with PCBP1 and PCBP2 under conditions of iron depletion using DFO. These data indicate PCBP1 and PCBP2 interact with ADI1, but only PCBP1 plays a role in ADI1 expression. In fact, PCBP2 appeared to play an accessory role, being involved as a potential co-chaperone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hun Bae
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Darius J R Lane
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Aritee R Siafakas
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Robert Sutak
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; BIOCEV - Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jasmina Paluncic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael L H Huang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Yohan Suryo Rahmanto
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; Centre for Cancer Cell Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Shakya B, Yadav PN. Thiosemicarbazones as Potent Anticancer Agents and their Modes of Action. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:638-661. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666191029130310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) are a class of Schiff bases usually obtained by the condensation of thiosemicarbazide with a suitable aldehyde or ketone. TSCs have been the focus of chemists and biologists due to their wide range of pharmacological effects. One of the promising areas in which these excellent metal chelators are being developed is their use against cancer. TSCs have a wide clinical antitumor spectrum with efficacy in various tumor types such as leukemia, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer. To obtain better activity, different series of TSCs have been developed by modifying the heteroaromatic system in their molecules. These compounds possessed significant antineoplastic activity when the carbonyl attachment of the side chain was located at a position α to the ring nitrogen atom, whereas attachment of the side chain β or γ to the heterocyclic N atom resulted in inactive antitumor agents. In addition, replacement of the heterocyclic ring N with C also resulted in a biologically inactive compound suggesting that a conjugated N,N,S-tridentate donor set is essential for the biological activities of thiosemicarbazones. Several possible mechanisms have been implemented for the anticancer activity of thiosemicarbazones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhushan Shakya
- Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Paras Nath Yadav
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Menezes SV, Fouani L, Huang MLH, Geleta B, Maleki S, Richardson A, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. The metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, attenuates oncogenic TGF-β and NF-κB signaling to enhance membrane E-cadherin expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2020; 40:805-818. [PMID: 30561520 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), plays multifaceted roles in inhibiting oncogenic signaling and can suppress the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key step in metastasis. In this investigation, NDRG1 inhibited the oncogenic effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells, promoting expression and co-localization of E-cadherin and β-catenin at the cell membrane. A similar effect of NDRG1 at supporting E-cadherin and β-catenin co-localization at the cell membrane was also demonstrated for HT-29 colon and CFPAC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The increase in E-cadherin in PANC-1 cells in response to NDRG1 was mediated by the reduction of three transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, namely SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1. To dissect the mechanisms how NDRG1 inhibits nuclear SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1, we assessed involvement of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, as its aberrant activation contributes to the EMT. Interestingly, NDRG1 comprehensively inhibited oncogenic NF-κB signaling at multiple sites in this pathway, suppressing NEMO, Iĸĸα and IĸBα expression, as well as reducing the activating phosphorylation of Iĸĸα/β and IĸBα. NDRG1 also reduced the levels, nuclear co-localization and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p65. Further, Iĸĸα, which integrates NF-κB and TGF-β signaling to upregulate ZEB1, SNAIL and SLUG, was identified as an NDRG1 target. Considering this, therapies targeting NDRG1 could be a new strategy to inhibit metastasis, and as such, we examined novel anticancer agents, namely di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones, which upregulate NDRG1. These agents downregulated SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1 in vitro and in vivo using a PANC-1 tumor xenograft model, demonstrating their marked potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharleen V Menezes
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leyla Fouani
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael L H Huang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bekesho Geleta
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Down-regulation of Bcl2 and Survivin, and up-regulation of Bax involved in copper (II) phenylthiosemicarbazone complex-induced apoptosis in leukemia stem-like KG1a cells. Process Biochem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Parsa FG, Feizi MAH, Safaralizadeh R, Hosseini-Yazdi SA, Mahdavi M. Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induction in K562 and KG1a leukemia cells by a water-soluble copper(II) thiosemicarbazone complex. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:383-394. [PMID: 32274578 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) and their metal complexes exhibit pronounced and selective cytotoxic potential against a broad span of cancers. Here, we assessed the anti-cancer activity of a water-soluble copper(II) complex of thiosemicarbazone (Cu-TSC) against two cancer cell lines of human leukemia. Our analysis revealed that Cu-TSC treatment results in a time and dose-dependent growth inhibition in K562 and KG1a cells while sparing normal human fibroblast (HFF2) cells. The IC50 values for the Cu-TSC treatment were measured to be 21.7 ± 1.5 µM and 50.25 ± 2.5 µM for K562 and KG1a cells, respectively. Cell cycle analysis indicated that Cu-TSC induces the accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 fraction as well as the reversible arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M phases in K562 and KG1a cells, respectively. Furthermore, the occurrence of apoptosis as the prime mode of cell death was verified through apoptotic body formation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and caspase-3 activation. Additionally, the real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that Cu-TSC triggers apoptosis in both cell lines via the upregulation of caspases-8, -9, and the changing of Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Finally, flow cytometric analysis confirmed that Cu-TSC treatment causes the enhancement of reactive oxygen species formation in both K562 and KG1a cells. Altogether, these findings suggest that Cu-TSC is a promising inducer of apoptosis in leukemia cells and carries potential as an anti-cancer compound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Majid Mahdavi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
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40
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Brown RAM, Richardson KL, Kabir TD, Trinder D, Ganss R, Leedman PJ. Altered Iron Metabolism and Impact in Cancer Biology, Metastasis, and Immunology. Front Oncol 2020; 10:476. [PMID: 32328462 PMCID: PMC7160331 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a complex role in cancer biology. Iron metabolism must be tightly controlled within cells. Whilst fundamental to many cellular processes and required for cell survival, excess labile iron is toxic to cells. Increased iron metabolism is associated with malignant transformation, cancer progression, drug resistance and immune evasion. Depleting intracellular iron stores, either with the use of iron chelating agents or mimicking endogenous regulation mechanisms, such as microRNAs, present attractive therapeutic opportunities, some of which are currently under clinical investigation. Alternatively, iron overload can result in a form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis, which can be activated in cancer cells presenting an alternative anti-cancer strategy. This review focuses on alterations in iron metabolism that enable cancer cells to meet metabolic demands required during different stages of tumorigenesis in relation to metastasis and immune response. The strength of current evidence is considered, gaps in knowledge are highlighted and controversies relating to the role of iron and therapeutic targeting potential are discussed. The key question we address within this review is whether iron modulation represents a useful approach for treating metastatic disease and whether it could be employed in combination with existing targeted drugs and immune-based therapies to enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki A. M. Brown
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kirsty L. Richardson
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tasnuva D. Kabir
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Debbie Trinder
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ruth Ganss
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Peter J. Leedman
- Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Maqbool SN, Lim SC, Park KC, Hanif R, Richardson DR, Jansson PJ, Kovacevic Z. Overcoming tamoxifen resistance in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer using the novel thiosemicarbazone anti-cancer agent, DpC. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2365-2380. [PMID: 31975484 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, with resistance to current therapeutic strategies, including tamoxifen, causing major clinical challenges and leading to more aggressive and metastatic disease. To address this, novel strategies that can inhibit the mechanisms responsible for tamoxifen resistance need to be assessed. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effect of the novel, clinically-trialled, thiosemicarbazone anti-cancer agent, DpC, and its potential as a combination therapy with the clinically used estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, tamoxifen, using both tamoxifen-resistant and -sensitive, human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) in 2D and 3D cell-culture. Synergy was assessed using the Chou-Talalay method. The molecular and anti-proliferative effects of these agents and their combination was examined via Western blot, immunofluorescence and colony formation assays. KEY RESULTS Combinations of tamoxifen with DpC were highly synergistic, leading to potent inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation, and ER-α transcriptional activity. The combination also more efficiently reduced major molecular drivers of proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant cells, including c-Myc, cyclin D1, and p-AKT, while up-regulating the cell cycle inhibitor, p27, and inhibiting oncogenic phosphorylation of ER-α at Ser167. Assessing these effects using 3D cell culture further confirmed the greater effects of DpC combined with tamoxifen in reducing ER-α expression, and that of the proliferation marker, Ki-67, in both tamoxifen-sensitive and -resistant MCF-7 spheroids. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These studies demonstrate that the synergistic combination of DpC with tamoxifen could be a promising new therapeutic strategy to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus N Maqbool
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Atta-ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syer C Lim
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rumeza Hanif
- Atta-ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Park KC, Geleta B, Leck LYW, Paluncic J, Chiang S, Jansson PJ, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Thiosemicarbazones suppress expression of the c-Met oncogene by mechanisms involving lysosomal degradation and intracellular shedding. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:481-503. [PMID: 31744884 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the role of proto-oncogene c-Met (c-Met) in oncogenesis, we examined the effects of the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), and two NDRG1-inducing thiosemicarbazone-based agents, Dp44mT and DpC, on c-Met expression in DU145 and Huh7 cells. NDRG1 silencing without Dp44mT and DpC up-regulated c-Met expression, demonstrating that NDRG1 modulates c-Met levels. Dp44mT and DpC up-regulated NDRG1 by an iron-dependent mechanism and decreased c-Met levels, c-Met phosphorylation, and phosphorylation of its downstream effector, GRB2-associated binding protein 1 (GAB1). However, incubation with Dp44mT and DpC after NDRG1 silencing or silencing of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6), decreased c-Met and its phosphorylation, suggesting NDRG1- and MIG6-independent mechanism(s). Lysosomal inhibitors rescued the Dp44mT- and DpC-mediated c-Met down-regulation in DU145 cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that lysosomotropic agents and the thiosemicarbazones significantly increased co-localization between c-Met and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2). Moreover, generation of c-Met C-terminal fragment (CTF) and its intracellular domain (ICD) suggested metalloprotease-mediated cleavage. In fact, Dp44mT increased c-Met CTF while decreasing the ICD. Dp44mT and a γ-secretase inhibitor increased cellular c-Met CTF levels, suggesting that Dp44mT induces c-Met CTF levels by increasing metalloprotease activity. The broad metalloprotease inhibitors, EDTA and batimastat, partially prevented Dp44mT-mediated down-regulation of c-Met. In contrast, the ADAM inhibitor, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 (TIMP-3), had no such effect, suggesting c-Met cleavage by another metalloprotease. Notably, Dp44mT did not induce extracellular c-Met shedding that could decrease c-Met levels. In summary, the thiosemicarbazones Dp44mT and DpC effectively inhibit oncogenic c-Met through lysosomal degradation and metalloprotease-mediated cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Bekesho Geleta
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Lionel Yi Wen Leck
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jasmina Paluncic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Shannon Chiang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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43
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Habibi A, Sadat Shandiz SA, Salehzadeh A, Moradi-Shoeili Z. Novel pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone conjugated magnetite nanoparticulates (MNPs) promote apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells. J Biol Inorg Chem 2019; 25:13-22. [PMID: 31630253 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-019-01728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study highlights the apoptotic activity of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticulates functionalized by glutamic acid and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PTSC) toward human lung epithelial carcinoma A549 cell line. To this aim, the Fe3O4 nanoparticulates were prepared using co-precipitation method. Then, the glutamic acid and Fe3O4 nanoparticulates were conjugated to each other. The product was further functionalized with bio-reactive PTSC moiety. In addition, the synthesized Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulates were characterized by physico-chemical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and zeta potential analysis. The effects of in vitro cell viability in Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulate indicated the anti-proliferative properties in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 135.6 µM/mL). The high selectivity for tumor cells and far below of activity in HEK293 non-tumorigenic cells is considered as an important feature for this complex (SI, 3.48). Based on the results, PTSC failed to reveal any activity against A549 cells alone. However, Fe3O4 nanoparticulates had some effects in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer cell. Furthermore, Bax and Bcl-2 gene expressions were quantified by real-time PCR method. The expression of Bax increased 1.62-fold, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased 0.76-fold at 135.6 µM/mL concentration of Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC compared to untreated A549 cells. Furthermore, the Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulate-inducing apoptosis properties were evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining, Caspase-3 activation assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. The results of the present study suggest that Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulates exhibit effective anti-cancer activity against lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Habibi
- Department of Biology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Ali Salehzadeh
- Department of Biology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zeinab Moradi-Shoeili
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, P.O. Box 41335-1914, Rasht, Iran
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Anjum R, Palanimuthu D, Kalinowski DS, Lewis W, Park KC, Kovacevic Z, Khan IU, Richardson DR. Synthesis, Characterization, and in Vitro Anticancer Activity of Copper and Zinc Bis(Thiosemicarbazone) Complexes. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:13709-13723. [PMID: 31339305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A series of eight bis(thiosemicarbazone) ligands and 16 of their respective copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes containing a combination of hydrogen, methyl, pyridyl, phenyl, and/or ethyl substituents at the diimine position of the ligand backbone were synthesized and characterized. The objective of this study was to identify the structure-activity relationships within a series of analogues with different substituents at the diimine position of the backbone and at the terminal N atom. The Cu(II) complexes Cu(GTSM2), Cu(GTSCM), Cu(PyTSM2), Cu(EMTSM2) and Cu(PGTSM2) demonstrated a distorted square planar geometry, while the Zn(II) complexes Zn(ATSM2)(DMSO), Zn(PyTSM2)(DMSO), and Zn(PGTSM2)(H2O) formed a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the Cu(II) complexes display quasi-reversible electrochemistry. Of the agents, Cu(II) glyoxal bis(4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone) [Cu(GTSM2)] and Cu(II) diacetyl bis(4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone) [Cu(ATSM2)] demonstrated the greatest antiproliferative activity against tumor cells. Substitutions at the diimine position and at the terminal N atom with hydrophobic moieties markedly decreased their antiproliferative activity. Complexation of the bis(thiosemicarbazones) with Zn(II) generally decreased their antiproliferative activity, suggesting the Zn(II) complex did not act as a chaperone to deliver the ligand intracellularly, in contrast to similar bis(thiosemicarbazone) cobalt(III) complexes [King et al. Inorg. Chem. 2017, 56, 6609-6623]. However, five of the eight bis(thiosemicarbazone) Cu(II) complexes maintained or increased their antiproliferative activity, relative to the ligand alone, and a mechanism of Cu-induced oxidative stress is suggested. Surprisingly, relative to normoxic growth conditions, hypoxia that is found in the tumor microenvironment decreased the antiproliferative efficacy of most bis(thiosemicarbazones) and their copper complexes. This was independent of the potential hypoxia-selectivity mediated by Cu(II/I) redox potentials. These results provide structure-activity relationships useful for the rational design of bis(thiosemicarbazone) anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukhsana Anjum
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia
| | - Duraippandi Palanimuthu
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia
| | - William Lewis
- School of Chemistry , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia
| | - Irfan Ullah Khan
- Division of Cyclotron and Allied Radiopharmaceutics , INMOL Cancer Hospital , New Campus Road , Lahore 54600 , Pakistan
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses , Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , 65 Tsurumai , Showa-ku , Nagoya 466-8550 , Japan
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45
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Antholine WE, Myers CR. Concentration of Fe(3+)-Triapine in BEAS-2B Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123062. [PMID: 31234559 PMCID: PMC6627071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method was used to determine the concentration of the antitumor agent Triapine in BEAS-2B cells when Triapine was bound to iron (Fe). Knowledge of the concentration of Fe-Triapine in tumor cells may be useful to adjust the administration of the drug or to adjust iron uptake in tumor cells. An EPR spectrum is obtained for Fe(3+)-Triapine, Fe(3+)(Tp)2+, in BEAS-2B cells after addition of Fe(3+)(Tp)2+. Detection of the low spin signal for Fe(3+)(Tp)2+ shows that the Fe(3+)(Tp)2+ complex is intact in these cells. It is proposed that Triapine acquires iron from transferrin in cells including tumor cells. Here, it is shown that iron from purified Fe-transferrin is transferred to Triapine after the addition of ascorbate. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the EPR method has been used to determine the concentration of an iron antitumor agent in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Antholine
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Charles R Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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46
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de Siqueira LRP, de Moraes Gomes PAT, de Lima Ferreira LP, de Melo Rêgo MJB, Leite ACL. Multi-target compounds acting in cancer progression: Focus on thiosemicarbazone, thiazole and thiazolidinone analogues. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 170:237-260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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47
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Merlot AM, Porter GM, Sahni S, Lim EG, Peres P, Richardson DR. The metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, differentially modulates the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:2094-2110. [PMID: 30981813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), is a stress response protein that is involved in the inhibition of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. Initial studies have linked NDRG1 and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Considering this, we extensively examined the mechanism by which NDRG1 regulates the ER stress response in pancreatic and colon cancer cells. We also examined the anti-cancer agent, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), which induces NDRG1 expression and causes ER stress. The expression of NDRG1 was demonstrated to regulate the three main arms of the ER stress response by: (1) increasing the expression of three major ER chaperones, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), calreticulin, and calnexin; (2) suppressing the protein kinase, RNA-activated (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK); (3) inhibiting the inositol-requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α) arm; and (4) increasing the cleavage of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). An important finding was that NDRG1 enhances the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity of Dp44mT. This increased efficacy could be related to the following effects in the presence of Dp44mT and NDRG1, namely: markedly increased activation of the PERK target, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α); the maintenance of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression; high cytosolic Ca+2 that increases the sensitivity of cells to apoptosis via activation of the calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) signaling cascade; and increased pro-apoptotic C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) expression. Collectively, this investigation dissects the molecular mechanisms through which NDRG1 manipulates the ER stress response and its ability to potentiate the activity of the potent anti-cancer agent, Dp44mT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Merlot
- Cancer Targets and Therapeutics Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research (C25), Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2031, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - G M Porter
- Cancer Targets and Therapeutics Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research (C25), Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2031, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - S Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - E G Lim
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - P Peres
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - D R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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48
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Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz A, Malarz K, Rejmund M, Polanski J, Musiol R. Anticancer activity of the thiosemicarbazones that are based on di-2-pyridine ketone and quinoline moiety. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 171:180-194. [PMID: 30921758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones (TSC) are a subclass of iron-chelating agents that are believed to have an anticancer activity. The high potential for the application of this compound class can be illustrated by a fact that three TSC have entered clinical trials. The ability to chelate metal ions results in several biochemical changes in the cellular metabolism and growth. An important factor that determines the antitumor activity of TSC is a level of iron regulatory proteins and the antioxidant potential that is specific for each type of cancer cell. However, despite the increasing interest in TSC, their mechanism of anticancer activity is still unclear. For a more effective and rational design, it is crucial to determine and describe the abovementioned issues. In this report, we describe a series of new TSC that are designed on the four main structural scaffolds. The anticancer activity of these compounds was evaluated against a panel of cancer cell lines including colon and breast cancers and gliomas. Special attention was paid to the metal-dependent proteins. The impact of the tested TSC on the cell cycle and redox homeostasis was also determined. These results confirm a p53-independent mechanism of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz
- A. Chelkowski Institute of Physics and Silesian Center for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Silesia, Chorzow, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Malarz
- A. Chelkowski Institute of Physics and Silesian Center for Education and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Silesia, Chorzow, Poland
| | - Marta Rejmund
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Robert Musiol
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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49
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Merlot AM, Kalinowski DS, Kovacevic Z, Jansson PJ, Sahni S, Huang MLH, Lane DJ, Lok H, Richardson DR. Exploiting Cancer Metal Metabolism using Anti-Cancer Metal- Binding Agents. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:302-322. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170705120809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metals are vital cellular elements necessary for multiple indispensable biological processes of living organisms, including energy transduction and cell proliferation. Interestingly, alterations in metal levels and also changes in the expression of proteins involved in metal metabolism have been demonstrated in a variety of cancers. Considering this and the important role of metals for cell growth, the development of drugs that sequester metals has become an attractive target for the development of novel anti-cancer agents. Interest in this field has surged with the design and development of new generations of chelators of the thiosemicarbazone class. These ligands have shown potent anticancer and anti-metastatic activity in vitro and in vivo. Due to their efficacy and safe toxicological assessment, some of these agents have recently entered multi-center clinical trials as therapeutics for advanced and resistant tumors. This review highlights the role and changes in homeostasis of metals in cancer and emphasizes the pre-clinical development and clinical assessment of metal ion-binding agents, namely, thiosemicarbazones, as antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica M. Merlot
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Danuta S. Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael L.-H. Huang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Darius J.R. Lane
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Hiu Lok
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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50
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Jansová H, Šimůnek T. Cardioprotective Potential of Iron Chelators and Prochelators. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:288-301. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170920155439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart is a particularly sensitive organ to iron overload and cardiomyopathy due to the excessive cardiac iron deposition causes most deaths in disorders such as beta-thalassemia major. Free or loosely bound iron ions readily cycle between ferrous and ferric states and catalyze Haber-Weiss reaction that yields highly reactive and toxic hydroxyl radicals. Treatment with iron chelators (desferrioxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox) substantially improved cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in iron overloaded patients. Furthermore, iron chelators have been studied in various cardiovascular disorders with known or presumed oxidative stress roles (e.g., ischemia/reperfusion injury) also in patients with normal body iron contents. The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of these chelators are critical for effective therapy. For example, the widely clinically used but hydrophilic chelator desferrioxamine suffers from poor plasma membrane permeability, which means that high and clinically unachievable concentrations/doses must be employed to obtain cardioprotection. Therefore, small-molecular and lipophilic chelators with oral availability are more suitable for this purpose, particularly in states without systemic iron overload. Apart from agents that are already used in clinical practice, aroylhydrazone iron chelators, namely salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (SIH), have provided promising results. However, the use of classical iron-chelating agents is associated with a risk of toxicity due to indiscriminate iron depletion. Recent studies have therefore focused on "masked" prochelators that have little or no affinity for iron until site-specific activation by reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Jansová
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáś Šimůnek
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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