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Kaya B, Gholam Azad M, Suleymanoglu M, Harmer JR, Wijesinghe TP, Richardson V, Zhao X, Bernhardt PV, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Isosteric Replacement of Sulfur to Selenium in a Thiosemicarbazone: Promotion of Zn(II) Complex Dissociation and Transmetalation to Augment Anticancer Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12155-12183. [PMID: 38967641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
We implemented isosteric replacement of sulfur to selenium in a novel thiosemicarbazone (PPTP4c4mT) to create a selenosemicarbazone (PPTP4c4mSe) that demonstrates potentiated anticancer efficacy and selectivity. Their design specifically incorporated cyclohexyl and styryl moieties to sterically inhibit the approach of their Fe(III) complexes to the oxy-myoglobin heme plane. Importantly, in contrast to the Fe(III) complexes of the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazones Triapine, COTI-2, and DpC, the Fe(III) complexes of PPTP4c4mT and PPTP4c4mSe did not induce detrimental oxy-myoglobin oxidation. Furthermore, PPTP4c4mSe demonstrated more potent antiproliferative activity than the homologous thiosemicarbazone, PPTP4c4mT, with their selectivity being superior or similar, respectively, to the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazone, COTI-2. An advantageous property of the selenosemicarbazone Zn(II) complexes relative to their thiosemicarbazone analogues was their greater transmetalation to Cu(II) complexes in lysosomes. This latter effect probably promoted their antiproliferative activity. Both ligands down-regulated multiple key receptors that display inter-receptor cooperation that leads to aggressive and resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Mediha Suleymanoglu
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Jeffrey R Harmer
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Tharushi P Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Xiao Zhao
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and 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 University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and 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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Dharmasivam M, Kaya B, Wijesinghe TP, Richardson V, Harmer JR, Gonzalvez MA, Lewis W, Azad MG, Bernhardt PV, Richardson DR. Differential transmetallation of complexes of the anti-cancer thiosemicarbazone, Dp4e4mT: effects on anti-proliferative efficacy, redox activity, oxy-myoglobin and oxy-hemoglobin oxidation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:974-990. [PMID: 38239703 PMCID: PMC10793205 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05723b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The di-2-pyridylthiosemicarbazone (DpT) analogs demonstrate potent and selective anti-proliferative activity against human tumors. The current investigation reports the synthesis and chemical and biological characterization of the Fe(iii), Co(iii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii), Zn(ii), Ga(iii), and Pd(ii) complexes of the promising second generation DpT analog, di-2-pyridylketone-4-ethyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp4e4mT). These studies demonstrate that the Dp4e4mT Co(iii), Ni(ii), and Pd(ii) complexes display distinct biological activity versus those with Cu(ii), Zn(ii), and Ga(iii) regarding anti-proliferative efficacy against cancer cells and a detrimental off-target effect involving oxidation of oxy-myoglobin (oxy-Mb) and oxy-hemoglobin (oxy-Hb). With regards to anti-proliferative activity, the Zn(ii) and Ga(iii) Dp4e4mT complexes demonstrate facile transmetallation with Cu(ii), resulting in efficacy against tumor cells that is strikingly similar to the Dp4e4mT Cu(ii) complex (IC50: 0.003-0.006 μM and 72 h). Relative to the Zn(ii) and Ga(iii) Dp4e4mT complexes, the Dp4e4mT Ni(ii) complex demonstrates kinetically slow transmetallation with Cu(ii) and intermediate anti-proliferative effects (IC50: 0.018-0.076 μM after 72 h). In contrast, the Co(iii) and Pd(ii) complexes demonstrate poor anti-proliferative activity (IC50: 0.262-1.570 μM after 72 h), probably due to a lack of transmetallation with Cu(ii). The poor efficacy of the Dp4e4mT Co(iii), Ni(ii), and Pd(ii) complexes to transmetallate with Fe(iii) markedly suppresses the oxidation of oxy-Mb and oxy-Hb. In contrast, the 2 : 1 Dp4e4mT: Cu(ii), Zn(ii), and Ga(iii) complexes demonstrate facile reactions with Fe(iii), leading to the redox active Dp4e4mT Fe(iii) complex and oxy-Mb and oxy-Hb oxidation. This study demonstrates the key role of differential transmetallation of Dp4e4mT complexes that has therapeutic ramifications for their use as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - Tharushi P Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Harmer
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Miguel A Gonzalvez
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - William Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
- 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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Xu S, Luo W, Zhu M, Zhao L, Gao L, Liang H, Zhang Z, Yang F. Human Serum Albumin-Platinum(II) Agent Nanoparticles Inhibit Tumor Growth Through Multimodal Action Against the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:346-357. [PMID: 38015620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
To overcome the limitations of traditional platinum (Pt)-based drugs and further improve the targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy in vivo, we proposed to design a human serum albumin (HSA)-Pt agent complex nanoparticle (NP) for cancer treatment by multimodal action against the tumor microenvironment. We not only synthesized a series of Pt(II) di-2-pyridone thiosemicarbazone compounds and obtained a Pt(II) agent [Pt(Dp44mT)Cl] with significant anticancer activity but also successfully constructed a novel HSA-Pt(Dp44mT) complex nanoparticle delivery system. The structure of the HSA-Pt(Dp44mT) complex revealed that Pt(Dp44mT)Cl binds to the IIA subdomain of HSA and coordinates with His-242. The HSA-His242-Pt-Dp44mT NPs had an obvious effect on the inhibition of tumor growth, which was superior to that of Dp44mT and Pt(Dp44mT)Cl, and they had almost no toxicity. In addition, the HSA-His242-Pt-Dp44mT NPs were found to kill cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibiting angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihang Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Weicong Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Minghui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Zhenlei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
| | - Feng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P. R. China
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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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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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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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Dharmasivam M, Azad MG, Afroz R, Richardson V, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR. The thiosemicarbazone, DpC, broadly synergizes with multiple anti-cancer therapeutics and demonstrates temperature- and energy-dependent uptake by tumor cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Mathuber M, Hager S, Keppler BK, Heffeter P, Kowol CR. Liposomal formulations of anticancer copper(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:16053-16066. [PMID: 34617075 PMCID: PMC8594434 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02763h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
α-N-Heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones such as triapine and COTI-2 are currently investigated as anticancer therapeutics in clinical trials. However, triapine was widely inactive against solid tumor types. A likely explanation is the short plasma half-life time and fast metabolism. One promising approach to overcome these drawbacks is the encapsulation of the drug into nanoparticles (passive drug-targeting). In a previous work we showed that it was not possible to stably encapsulate free triapine into liposomes. Hence, in this manuscript we present the successful preparation of liposomal formulations of the copper(II) complexes of triapine and COTI-2. To this end, various drug-loading strategies were examined and the resulting liposomes were physico-chemically characterized. Especially for liposomal Cu-triapine, a decent encapsulation efficacy and a slow drug release behavior could be observed. In contrast, for COTI-2 and its copper(II) complex no stable loading could be achieved. Subsequent in vitro studies in different cell lines with liposomal Cu-triapine showed the expected strongly reduced cytotoxicity and DNA damage induction. Also in vivo distinctly higher copper plasma levels and a continuous release could be observed for the liposomal formulation compared to free Cu-triapine. Taken together, the here presented nanoformulation of Cu-triapine is an important step further to increase the plasma half-life time and tumor targeting properties of anticancer thiosemicarbazones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Mathuber
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sonja Hager
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard K Keppler
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8A, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian R Kowol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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9
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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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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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11
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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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12
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Enyedy ÉA, May NV, Pape VFS, Heffeter P, Szakács G, Keppler BK, Kowol CR. Complex formation and cytotoxicity of Triapine derivatives: a comparative solution study on the effect of the chalcogen atom and NH-methylation. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:16887-16902. [PMID: 33185224 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt03465g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
α-N-Heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones are an important class of investigational anticancer drugs. The most prominent representative is 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (Triapine), which has shown promising results in clinical trials and is currently evaluated in phase III. In this study, we investigated the influence of a chalcogen atom exchange from S (Triapine) to O (O-Triapine) and Se (Se-Triapine) and the methylation of the hydrazonic NH moiety (Me-Triapine) on their complexation with Fe(ii), Fe(iii) and Cu(ii) ions and their cytotoxicity. The main aim of this study was to characterize and compare the most feasible chemical forms in solution, their stability and redox properties, as well as to reveal the relationships of the solution speciation and kinetic data with cytotoxic activity. The complex equilibria and redox properties of the complexes were characterized by the combined use of pH-potentiometry, UV-visible spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. These revealed that Se-Triapine forms Cu(ii) complexes with higher, and O-Triapine with lower stability as compared with Triapine. Me-Triapine, which is not able to coordinate via the typical (N,N,S-) donor set, nevertheless coordinates to Cu(ii) with unexpected high stability. The Cu(ii) complexes of Se-Triapine and Me-Triapine can be relatively slowly reduced by glutathione at pH 7.4 (but not by ascorbate), similarly to Cu(ii)-Triapine. In contrast, the Cu(ii)-O-Triapine complex can be reduced by both reducing agents in rapid redox reactions. Se-Triapine and Triapine form high stability complexes with both Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) ions, while O-Triapine has a much stronger preference towards Fe(iii) and Me-Triapine towards Fe(ii). This difference in the iron preference of the ligands seems to have a strong impact on their cytotoxic effects, which was measured in a human uterine sarcoma cell line (MES-SA) and its multidrug-resistant subline (MES-SA/Dx5). The Cu(ii) complexes of these calcogensemicarbazones are moderately toxic, and the highest level of ROS generation was found for the Cu(ii) complex of O-Triapine, which is the most reducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva A Enyedy
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
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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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14
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Alcaraz R, Muñiz P, Cavia M, Palacios Ó, Samper KG, Gil-García R, Jiménez-Pérez A, García-Tojal J, García-Girón C. Thiosemicarbazone-metal complexes exhibiting cytotoxicity in colon cancer cell lines through oxidative stress. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 206:110993. [PMID: 32088593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.110993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer and has a high incidence in developed countries. At present, specific treatments are being required to allow individualized therapy depending on the molecular alteration on which the drug may act. The aim of this project is to evaluate whether HPTSC and HPTSC* thiosemicarbazones (HPTSC = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone and HPTSC* = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde 4N-methylthiosemicarbazone), and their complexes with different transition metal ions as Cu(II), Fe(III) and Co(III), have antitumor activity in colon cancer cells (HT-29 and SW-480), that have different oncogenic characteristics. Cytotoxicity was evaluated and the involvement of oxidative stress in its mechanism of action was analyzed by quantifying the superoxide dismutase activity, redox state by quantification of the thioredoxin levels and reduced/oxidized glutathione rate and biomolecules damage. The apoptotic effect was evaluated by measurements of the levels of caspase 9 and 3 and the index of histones. All the metal-thiosemicarbazones have antitumor activity mediated by oxidative stress. The HPTSC*-Cu was the compound that showed the best antitumor and apoptotic characteristics for the cell line SW480, that is KRAS gene mutated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Alcaraz
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Avd Islas Baleares, 3, 09006 Burgos, Spain.
| | - Pilar Muñiz
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Universidad de Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain.
| | - Mónica Cavia
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Universidad de Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| | - Óscar Palacios
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katia G Samper
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Gil-García
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos García-Girón
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Avd Islas Baleares, 3, 09006 Burgos, Spain
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15
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Selenotriapine – An isostere of the most studied thiosemicarbazone with pronounced pro-apoptotic activity, low toxicity and ability to challenge phenotype reprogramming of 3-D mammary adenocarcinoma tumors. ARAB J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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16
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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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Heffeter P, Pape VFS, Enyedy ÉA, Keppler BK, Szakacs G, Kowol CR. Anticancer Thiosemicarbazones: Chemical Properties, Interaction with Iron Metabolism, and Resistance Development. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 30:1062-1082. [PMID: 29334758 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE During the past decades, thiosemicarbazones were clinically developed for a variety of diseases, including tuberculosis, viral infections, malaria, and cancer. With regard to malignant diseases, the class of α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones, and here especially 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (Triapine), was intensively developed in multiple clinical phase I/II trials. Recent Advances: Very recently, two new derivatives, namely COTI-2 and di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) have entered phase I evaluation. Based on the strong metal-chelating/metal-interacting properties of thiosemicarbazones, interference with the cellular iron (and copper) homeostasis is assumed to play an important role in their biological activity. CRITICAL ISSUES In this review, we summarize and analyze the data on the interaction of (α-N-heterocyclic) thiosemicarbazones with iron, with the special aim of bridging the current knowledge on their mode of action from chemistry to (cell) biology. In addition, we highlight the difference to classical iron(III) chelators such as desferrioxamine (DFO), which are used for the treatment of iron overload. FUTURE DIRECTIONS We want to emphasize that thiosemicarbazones are not solely removing iron from the cells/organism. In contrast, they should be considered as iron-interacting drugs influencing diverse biological pathways in a complex and multi-faceted mode of action. Consequently, in addition to the discussion of physicochemical properties (e.g., complex stability, redox activity), this review contains an overview on the diversity of cellular thiosemicarbazone targets and drug resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Heffeter
- 1 Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Medical University, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria .,2 Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research," Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika F S Pape
- 3 Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary .,4 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva A Enyedy
- 5 Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernhard K Keppler
- 2 Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research," Vienna, Austria .,6 Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Gergely Szakacs
- 1 Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Medical University, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria .,3 Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christian R Kowol
- 2 Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research," Vienna, Austria .,6 Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
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18
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Fe(III), Cu(II) and U(VI) binuclear complexes with a new isothiosemicarbazone ligand: Syntheses, characterization, crystal structures, thermal behavior and theoretical investigations. Inorganica Chim Acta 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Kaya B, Şahin O, Bener M, Ülküseven B. Iron(III) and nickel(II) complexes with S-alkyl (n-C1-6)- thiosemicarbazidato ligands: Synthesis, structural characterization, and antioxidant features. J Mol Struct 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.04.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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20
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Xu YX, Zeng ML, Yu D, Ren J, Li F, Zheng A, Wang YP, Chen C, Tao ZZ. In vitro assessment of the role of DpC in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7999-8004. [PMID: 29740495 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) and di-2-pyridylketone-4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. The proliferation and apoptosis of HNSCC cells treated with the iron chelators DpC and Dp44mT were detected. The mechanism of DpC-induced apoptosis on HNSCC cells was investigated. The human HNSCC cell lines FaDu, Cal-27 and SCC-9 were cultured in vitro and exposed to gradient concentrations of DpC and Dp44mT. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to detect the viability of FaDu, Cal-27, SCC-9 cells. Double staining with annexin V and propidium iodide was performed for the detection of the proportion of apoptotic FaDu, Cal-27 and SCC-9 cells following treatment. The nuclear damage to Cal-27 cells that were treated with DpC was detected by Hoechst staining. Finally, western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of proteins associated with the DNA damage pathway in Cal-27 cells that were treated with DpC. The CCK-8 assay showed that treatment with DpC and Dp44mT was able to markedly inhibit the viability of FaDu, Cal-27 and SCC-9 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In comparison to Dp44mT, treatment with DpC exhibited a more effective inhibitory effect on the viability of HNSCC cells. The proportion of apoptotic cells detected by flow cytometry increased in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines following DpC and Dp44mT treatment, with the proportion of apoptotic HNSCC cells induced by DpC treatment being significantly higher compared with Dp44mT (P<0.05). The results of Hoechst staining revealed that the nuclei of Cal-27 cells exhibited morphological changes in response to DpC treatment, including karyopyknosis and nuclear fragmentation. The expression of DNA damage-associated proteins, including phosphorylated (p)-serine-protein kinase ATM, p-serine/threonine-protein kinase Chk1 (p-Chk-1), p-serine/threonine-protein kinase ATR (p-ATR), p-Chk-2, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, p-histone H2AX, breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein, p-tumor protein P53, increased with increasing concentration of DpC in Cal-27 cells. Treatment with DpC and Dp44mT markedly inhibited cell viability and increased the apoptotic rates in human HNSCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. DpC exhibited a stronger antitumor effect compared with Dp44mT, potentially inducing the apoptosis of HNSCC cells via the upregulation of DNA damage repair-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Xing Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Man-Li Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ezhou Central Hospital, Ezhou, Hubei 436000, P.R. China
| | - Di Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Anyuan Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Ping Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Zhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ezhou Central Hospital, Ezhou, Hubei 436000, P.R. China.,Research Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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21
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Akam EA, Utterback RD, Marcero JR, Dailey HA, Tomat E. Disulfide-masked iron prochelators: Effects on cell death, proliferation, and hemoglobin production. J Inorg Biochem 2018; 180:186-193. [PMID: 29324291 PMCID: PMC5956897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The iron metabolism of malignant cells, which is altered to ensure higher acquisition and utilization, motivates the investigation of iron chelation strategies in cancer treatment. In a prochelation approach aimed at increasing intracellular specificity, disulfide reduction/activation switches are incorporated on iron-binding scaffolds resulting in intracellularly activated scavengers. Herein, this strategy is applied to several tridentate donor sets including thiosemicarbazones, aroylhydrazones and semicarbazones. The novel prochelator systems are antiproliferative in breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7 and metastatic MDA-MB-231) and do not result in the intracellular generation of oxidative stress. Consistent with iron deprivation, the tested prochelators lead to cell-cycle arrest at the G1/S interface and induction of apoptosis. Notably, although hemoglobin-synthesizing blood cells have the highest iron need in the human body, no significant impact on hemoglobin production was observed in the MEL (murine erythroleukemia) model of differentiating erythroid cells. This study provides new information on the intracellular effects of disulfide-based prochelators and indicates aroylhydrazone (AH1-S)2 as a promising prototype of a new class of antiproliferative prochelator systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Akam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, United States
| | - R D Utterback
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, United States
| | - J R Marcero
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, United States
| | - H A Dailey
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, United States
| | - E Tomat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, United States.
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22
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Fu Y, Liu Y, Wang J, Li C, Zhou S, Yang Y, Zhou P, Lu C, Li C. Calcium release induced by 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone and its copper complex contributes to tumor cell death. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:1662-1670. [PMID: 28112358 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones display significant antitumor activity and their copper complexes also exhibit enhanced biological activities in most situations, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Therefore, investigation of the mechanism involved in the change upon chelation is required to extend our understanding of the effects of thiosemicarbazones. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PCT) and its copper complex (PCT-Cu) on cell proliferation was investigated. The copper chelate exhibited a 3- to 10-fold increase in antitumor activity (with an IC50 <5 µM). The results showed that both PCT and PCT-Cu induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vitro and in vivo, caused cellular DNA fragmentation, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and cell cycle arrest. Western blotting showed that both PCT and PCT-Cu induced apoptosis. Upregulation of GRP78 in HepG2 cells following treatment with the agents indicated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurred. Furthermore calcium release was revealed in this study, suggesting that PCT and PCT-Cu disturbed calcium homeostasis. It was noted that PCT-Cu sensitized thapsigargin‑stimulated calcium release from the ER, which was correlated with the ROS level they induced, implying that the antitumor activity of PCT and PCT-Cu partly stemmed from calcium mobilization, a situation that was reported in few studies. Our findings may significantly contribute to the understanding of the anti‑proliferative effect of the derivatives of thiosemicarbazones along with their antitumor mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Fu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Youxun Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Jiangang Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Cuiping Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Sufeng Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Pingxin Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Chengbiao Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Changzheng Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
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Sestak V, Stariat J, Cermanova J, Potuckova E, Chladek J, Roh J, Bures J, Jansova H, Prusa P, Sterba M, Micuda S, Simunek T, Kalinowski DS, Richardson DR, Kovarikova P. Novel and potent anti-tumor and anti-metastatic di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones demonstrate marked differences in pharmacology between the first and second generation lead agents. Oncotarget 2016; 6:42411-28. [PMID: 26623727 PMCID: PMC4767442 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Di(2-pyridyl)ketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) and di(2-pyridyl)ketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) are novel, highly potent and selective anti-tumor and anti-metastatic drugs. Despite their structural similarity, these agents differ in their efficacy and toxicity in-vivo. Considering this, a comparison of their pharmacokinetic and pharmaco/toxico-dynamic properties was conducted to reveal if these factors are involved in their differential activity. Both compounds were administered to Wistar rats intravenously (2 mg/kg) and their metabolism and disposition were studied using UHPLC-MS/MS. The cytotoxicity of both thiosemicarbazones and their metabolites was also examined using MCF-7, HL-60 and HCT116 tumor cells and 3T3 fibroblasts and H9c2 cardiac myoblasts. Their intracellular iron-binding ability was characterized by the Calcein-AM assay and their iron mobilization efficacy was evaluated. In contrast to DpC, Dp44mT undergoes rapid demethylation in-vivo, which may be related to its markedly faster elimination (T1/2 = 1.7 h for Dp44mT vs. 10.7 h for DpC) and lower exposure. Incubation of these compounds with cancer cells or cardiac myoblasts did not result in any significant metabolism in-vitro. The metabolism of Dp44mT in-vivo resulted in decreased anti-cancer activity and toxicity. In conclusion, marked differences in the pharmacology of Dp44mT and DpC were observed and highlight the favorable pharmacokinetics of DpC for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vit Sestak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stariat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jolana Cermanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Simkova, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Potuckova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Chladek
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Simkova, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Roh
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bures
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Jansova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Prusa
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Sterba
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Simkova, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Micuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Simkova, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Simunek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- 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
| | - Petra Kovarikova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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24
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Guo ZL, Richardson DR, Kalinowski DS, Kovacevic Z, Tan-Un KC, Chan GCF. The novel thiosemicarbazone, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), inhibits neuroblastoma growth in vitro and in vivo via multiple mechanisms. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:98. [PMID: 27678372 PMCID: PMC5039880 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma is a relatively common and highly belligerent childhood tumor with poor prognosis by current therapeutic approaches. A novel anti-cancer agent of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone series, namely di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), demonstrates promising anti-tumor activity. Recently, a second-generation analogue, namely di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), has entered multi-center clinical trials for the treatment of advanced and resistant tumors. The current aim was to examine if these novel agents were effective against aggressive neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo and to assess their mechanism of action. Methods Neuroblastoma cancer cells as well as immortalized normal cells were used to assess the efficacy and selectivity of DpC in vitro. An orthotopic SK-N-LP/Luciferase xenograft model was used in nude mice to assess the efficacy of DpC in vivo. Apoptosis in tumors was confirmed by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and H&E staining. Results DpC demonstrated more potent cytotoxicity than Dp44mT against neuroblastoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DpC significantly increased levels of phosphorylated JNK, neuroglobin, cytoglobin, and cleaved caspase 3 and 9, while decreasing IkBα levels in vitro. The contribution of JNK, NF-ĸB, and caspase signaling/activity to the anti-tumor activity of DpC was verified by selective inhibitors of these pathways. After 3 weeks of treatment, tumor growth in mice was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by DpC (4 mg/kg/day) given intravenously and the agent was well tolerated. Xenograft tissues showed significantly higher expression of neuroglobin, cytoglobin, caspase 3, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels and a slight decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10). Conclusions DpC was found to be highly potent against neuroblastoma, demonstrating its potential as a novel therapeutic for this disease. The ability of DpC to increase TNFα in tumors could also promote the endogenous immune response to mediate enhanced cancer cell apoptosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0330-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Ling Guo
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,School of Stomatology, Hainan Medical University, Hainan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kian Cheng Tan-Un
- School of Professional and Continuing Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Stacy AE, Palanimuthu D, Bernhardt PV, Kalinowski DS, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR. Structure-Activity Relationships of Di-2-pyridylketone, 2-Benzoylpyridine, and 2-Acetylpyridine Thiosemicarbazones for Overcoming Pgp-Mediated Drug Resistance. J Med Chem 2016; 59:8601-20. [PMID: 27524608 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein (Pgp) represents a significant impediment to successful cancer treatment. The compound, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), has been shown to induce greater cytotoxicity against resistant cells than their nonresistant counterparts. Herein, the structure-activity relationships of selected thiosemicarbazones are explored and the novel mechanism underlying their ability to overcome resistance is further elucidated. Only thiosemicarbazones with electron-withdrawing substituents at the imine carbon mediated Pgp-dependent potentiated cytotoxicity, which was reversed by Pgp inhibition. Treatment of resistant cells with these thiosemicarbazones resulted in Pgp-dependent lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) that relied on copper (Cu) chelation, reactive oxygen species generation, and increased relative lipophilicity. Hence, this study is the first to demonstrate the structural requirements of these thiosemicarbazones necessary to overcome MDR. We also demonstrate the mechanism that enables the targeting of resistant tumors, whereby thiosemicarbazones "hijack" lysosomal Pgp and form redox-active Cu complexes that mediate LMP and potentiate cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Stacy
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06), Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Duraippandi Palanimuthu
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06), Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06), Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06), Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06), Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Park KC, Fouani L, Jansson PJ, Wooi D, Sahni S, Lane DJR, Palanimuthu D, Lok HC, Kovačević Z, Huang MLH, Kalinowski DS, Richardson DR. Copper and conquer: copper complexes of di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones as novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Metallomics 2016; 8:874-86. [PMID: 27334916 DOI: 10.1039/c6mt00105j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace metal required by organisms to perform a number of important biological processes. Copper readily cycles between its reduced Cu(i) and oxidised Cu(ii) states, which makes it redox active in biological systems. This redox-cycling propensity is vital for copper to act as a catalytic co-factor in enzymes. While copper is essential for normal physiology, enhanced copper levels in tumours leads to cancer progression. In particular, the stimulatory effect of copper on angiogenesis has been established in the last several decades. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that copper affects tumour growth and promotes metastasis. Based on the effects of copper on cancer progression, chelators that bind copper have been developed as anti-cancer agents. In fact, a novel class of thiosemicarbazone compounds, namely the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones that bind copper, have shown great promise in terms of their anti-cancer activity. These agents have a unique mechanism of action, in which they form redox-active complexes with copper in the lysosomes of cancer cells. Furthermore, these agents are able to overcome P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated multi-drug resistance (MDR) and act as potent anti-oncogenic agents through their ability to up-regulate the metastasis suppressor protein, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1). This review provides an overview of the metabolism and regulation of copper in normal physiology, followed by a discussion of the dysregulation of copper homeostasis in cancer and the effects of copper on cancer progression. Finally, recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of anti-cancer agents targeting copper are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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27
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Stacy AE, Palanimuthu D, Bernhardt PV, Kalinowski DS, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR. Zinc(II)-Thiosemicarbazone Complexes Are Localized to the Lysosomal Compartment Where They Transmetallate with Copper Ions to Induce Cytotoxicity. J Med Chem 2016; 59:4965-84. [PMID: 27023111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone (DpT) and 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (ApT) series show potent antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo, we synthesized their fluorescent zinc(II) complexes to assess their intracellular distribution. The Zn(II) complexes generally showed significantly greater cytotoxicity than the thiosemicarbazones alone in several tumor cell-types. Notably, specific structure-activity relationships demonstrated the importance of the di-2-pyridyl pharmacophore in their activity. Confocal fluorescence imaging and live cell microscopy showed that the Zn(II) complex of our lead compound, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), which is scheduled to enter clinical trials, was localized to lysosomes. Under lysosomal conditions, the Zn(II) complexes were shown to transmetallate with copper ions, leading to redox-active copper complexes that induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cytotoxicity. This is the first study to demonstrate direct lysosomal targeting of our novel Zn(II)-thiosemicarbazone complexes that mediate their activity via transmetalation with copper ions and LMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Stacy
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Blackburn Building (D06), Level 5, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Duraippandi Palanimuthu
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Blackburn Building (D06), Level 5, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Blackburn Building (D06), Level 5, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Blackburn Building (D06), Level 5, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Blackburn Building (D06), Level 5, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Recent advances in the identification of Tat-mediated transactivation inhibitors: progressing toward a functional cure of HIV. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:421-42. [PMID: 26933891 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.16.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The current anti-HIV combination therapy does not eradicate the virus that persists mainly in quiescent infected CD4(+) T cells as a latent integrated provirus that resumes after therapy interruption. The Tat-mediated transactivation (TMT) is a critical step in the HIV replication cycle that could give the opportunity to reduce the size of latent reservoirs. More than two decades of research led to the identification of various TMT inhibitors. While none of them met the criteria to reach the market, the search for a suitable TMT inhibitor is still actively pursued. Really promising compounds, including one in a Phase III clinical trial, have been recently identified, thus warranting an update.
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29
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Wangpu X, Lu J, Xi R, Yue F, Sahni S, Park KC, Menezes S, Huang MLH, Zheng M, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Targeting the Metastasis Suppressor, N-Myc Downstream Regulated Gene-1, with Novel Di-2-Pyridylketone Thiosemicarbazones: Suppression of Tumor Cell Migration and Cell-Collagen Adhesion by Inhibiting Focal Adhesion Kinase/Paxillin Signaling. Mol Pharmacol 2016; 89:521-40. [PMID: 26895766 DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex process that is regulated by multiple signaling pathways, with the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/paxillin pathway playing a major role in the formation of focal adhesions and cell motility. N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) is a potent metastasis suppressor in many solid tumor types, including prostate and colon cancer. Considering the antimetastatic effect of NDRG1 and the crucial involvement of the FAK/paxillin pathway in cellular migration and cell-matrix adhesion, we assessed the effects of NDRG1 on this important oncogenic pathway. In the present study, NDRG1 overexpression and silencing models of HT29 colon cancer and DU145 prostate cancer cells were used to examine the activation of FAK/paxillin signaling and the formation of focal adhesions. The expression of NDRG1 resulted in a marked and significant decrease in the activating phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin, whereas silencing of NDRG1 resulted in an opposite effect. The expression of NDRG1 also inhibited the formation of focal adhesions as well as cell migration and cell-collagen adhesion. Incubation of cells with novel thiosemicarbazones, namely di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone and di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone, that upregulate NDRG1 also resulted in decreased phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin. The ability of these thiosemicarbazones to inhibit cell migration and metastasis could be mediated, at least in part, through the FAK/paxillin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongzhi Wangpu
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Jiaoyang Lu
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Ruxing Xi
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Fei Yue
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Sharleen Menezes
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Michael L H Huang
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Minhua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (X.W., J.L., F.Y., M.Z.); Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (X.W., R.X., S.S., K.C.P., S.M., M.L.H.H., Z.K., D.R.R.); and Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China (R.X.)
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Redox cycling metals: Pedaling their roles in metabolism and their use in the development of novel therapeutics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:727-48. [PMID: 26844773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Essential metals, such as iron and copper, play a critical role in a plethora of cellular processes including cell growth and proliferation. However, concomitantly, excess of these metal ions in the body can have deleterious effects due to their ability to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, the human body has evolved a very well-orchestrated metabolic system that keeps tight control on the levels of these metal ions. Considering their very high proliferation rate, cancer cells require a high abundance of these metals compared to their normal counterparts. Interestingly, new anti-cancer agents that take advantage of the sensitivity of cancer cells to metal sequestration and their susceptibility to ROS have been developed. These ligands can avidly bind metal ions to form redox active metal complexes, which lead to generation of cytotoxic ROS. Furthermore, these agents also act as potent metastasis suppressors due to their ability to up-regulate the metastasis suppressor gene, N-myc downstream regulated gene 1. This review discusses the importance of iron and copper in the metabolism and progression of cancer, how they can be exploited to target tumors and the clinical translation of novel anti-cancer chemotherapeutics.
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Roads to melanoma: Key pathways and emerging players in melanoma progression and oncogenic signaling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:770-84. [PMID: 26844774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma has markedly increased worldwide during the past several decades in the Caucasian population and is responsible for 80% of skin cancer deaths. Considering that metastatic melanoma is almost completely resistant to most current therapies and is linked with a poor patient prognosis, it is crucial to further investigate potential molecular targets. Major cell-autonomous drivers in the pathogenesis of this disease include the classical MAPK (i.e., RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK), WNT, and PI3K signaling pathways. These pathways play a major role in defining the progression of melanoma, and some have been the subject of recent pharmacological strategies to treat this belligerent disease. This review describes the latest advances in the understanding of melanoma progression and the major molecular pathways involved. In addition, we discuss the roles of emerging molecular players that are involved in melanoma pathogenesis, including the functional role of the melanoma tumor antigen, p97/MFI2 (melanotransferrin).
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Al-Eisawi Z, Stefani C, Jansson PJ, Arvind A, Sharpe PC, Basha MT, Iskander GM, Kumar N, Kovacevic Z, Lane DJR, Sahni S, Bernhardt PV, Richardson DR, Kalinowski DS. Novel Mechanism of Cytotoxicity for the Selective Selenosemicarbazone, 2-Acetylpyridine 4,4-Dimethyl-3-selenosemicarbazone (Ap44mSe): Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization. J Med Chem 2016; 59:294-312. [PMID: 26645570 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Selenosemicarbazones show marked antitumor activity. However, their mechanism of action remains unknown. We examined the medicinal chemistry of the selenosemicarbazone, 2-acetylpyridine 4,4-dimethyl-3-selenosemicarbazone (Ap44mSe), and its iron and copper complexes to elucidate its mechanisms of action. Ap44mSe demonstrated a pronounced improvement in selectivity toward neoplastic relative to normal cells compared to its parent thiosemicarbazone. It also effectively depleted cellular Fe, resulting in transferrin receptor-1 up-regulation, ferritin down-regulation, and increased expression of the potent metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1. Significantly, Ap44mSe limited deleterious methemoglobin formation, highlighting its usefulness in overcoming toxicities of clinically relevant thiosemicarbazones. Furthermore, Cu-Ap44mSe mediated intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, which was attenuated by the antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or Cu sequestration. Notably, Ap44mSe forms redox active Cu complexes that target the lysosome to induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization. This investigation highlights novel structure-activity relationships for future chemotherapeutic design and underlines the potential of Ap44mSe as a selective anticancer/antimetastatic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab Al-Eisawi
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Christian Stefani
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Akanksha Arvind
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Philip C Sharpe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Maram T Basha
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - George M Iskander
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Naresh Kumar
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales , Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Darius J R Lane
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney , Sydney, Level 5, Blackburn Building (D06)New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Fischer B, Kryeziu K, Kallus S, Heffeter P, Berger W, Kowol CR, Keppler BK. Nanoformulations of anticancer thiosemicarbazones to reduce methemoglobin formation and improve anticancer activity. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra07659a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Triapine and two derivatives were encapsulated into polymeric nanoparticles as well as liposomes. The most stable formulation showed strongly reduced methemoglobin formation and improved anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Fischer
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- University of Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
| | - Kushtrim Kryeziu
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Medical University Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
| | - Sebastian Kallus
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- University of Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Medical University Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”
| | - Walter Berger
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Medical University Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”
| | - Christian R. Kowol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- University of Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”
| | - Bernhard K. Keppler
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- University of Vienna
- 1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”
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Dumoga S, Dey N, Kaur A, Singh S, Mishra AK, Kakkar D. Novel biotin-functionalized lipidic nanocarriers for encapsulating BpT and Bp4eT iron chelators: evaluation of potential anti-tumour efficacy by in vitro, in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies in A549 mice models. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra03079c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This work proposes a novel strategy for delivery of iron chelators to the tumour cells which is exemplified in A549 mice models by using lipidic nanocarriers and introducing biotin based targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Dumoga
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- Timarpur
- Delhi-110054
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Delhi
| | - Namit Dey
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- Timarpur
- Delhi-110054
| | - Anivind Kaur
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- Timarpur
- Delhi-110054
| | | | - Anil K. Mishra
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- Timarpur
- Delhi-110054
| | - Dipti Kakkar
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences
- Timarpur
- Delhi-110054
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Basha MT, Bordini J, Richardson DR, Martinez M, Bernhardt PV. Kinetico-mechanistic studies on methemoglobin generation by biologically active thiosemicarbazone iron(III) complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2015; 162:326-333. [PMID: 27079328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The oxidation of human oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) to methemoglobin (metHb) is an undesirable side effect identified in some promising thiosemicarbazone anti-cancer drugs. This is attributable to oxidation reactions driven by FeIII complexes of these drugs formed in vivo. In this work the FeIII complexes of selected 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazones (HBpT), 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazones (HApT), and the clinically trialled thiosemicarbazone, Triapine® (3-amino-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, H3-AP), have been studied. This was achieved by time-resolved UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and the sequential oxidation of the α- and β-chains of HbO2 at distinctly different rates has been identified. A key structural element, namely a terminal -NH2 group on the thiosemicarbazone moiety, was found to be an important common feature of the most active HbO2 oxidising complexes that were investigated. Therefore, these studies indicate that an unsubstituted -NH2 moiety at the terminus of the thiosemicarbazone group should be avoided in the design of future compounds from this class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram T Basha
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Jeane Bordini
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Manuel Martinez
- Departament de Química Inorgànica, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
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Lin H, Yu X, Eng OS, Buckley B, Kong ANT, Bertino JR, Carpizo DR, Gounder MK. A sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry bioanalytical assay for a novel anticancer candidate--ZMC1. Biomed Chromatogr 2015; 29:1708-14. [PMID: 25944179 PMCID: PMC5481844 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
ZMC1 {azetidinecarbothioic acid, [1-(2-pyridinyl) ethylidene] hydrazide} is a lead compound being developed as one of the first mutant p53 targeted anti-cancer drugs. Establishing a precise quantitative method is an integral component of this development. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive LC/MS/MS assay suitable for assessing purity, stability and preclinical pharmacokinetic studies of ZMC1. Acetonitrile protein precipitation extraction was chosen for plasma sample preparation with satisfactory recovery (84.2-92.8%) for ZMC1. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Xterra C18 column (50 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm) using a gradient elution with mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. ZMC1 and internal standard 2-amino-6-bromobenzothiazole were identified using selected-ion monitoring mode at m/z 235.2/178.2 and m/z 231.0/150.0 at retention times of 5.2 and 6.3 min, respectively. The method was validated with a linearity range of 3.9-500.0 ng/mL in human plasma and showed acceptable reproducibility with intra- and interday precisions <5.9 and 10.5%, and accuracy within ±5.4% of nominal values. This analytical method together with basic stability data in plasma and plasma binding experiments provides a reliable protocol for the study of ZMC1 pharmacokinetics. This will greatly facilitate the pre-clinical development of this novel anti-cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Lin
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Xin Yu
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Oliver S. Eng
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Chemical Analytical Core Laboratory, EOSHI, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ah-Ng Tony Kong
- Ernest-Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Joseph R. Bertino
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Darren R. Carpizo
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Murugesan K. Gounder
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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37
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Pelivan K, Miklos W, van Schoonhoven S, Koellensperger G, Gille L, Berger W, Heffeter P, Kowol CR, Keppler BK. Differences in protein binding and excretion of Triapine and its Fe(III) complex. J Inorg Biochem 2015; 160:61-9. [PMID: 26507768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Triapine has been investigated as anticancer drug in multiple clinical phase I/II trials. Although promising anti-leukemic activity was observed, Triapine was ineffective against solid tumors. The reasons are currently widely unknown. The biological activity of Triapine is strongly connected to its iron complex (Fe-Triapine) which is pharmacologically not investigated. Here, novel analytical tools for Triapine and Fe-Triapine were developed and applied for cell extracts and body fluids of treated mice. Triapine and its iron complex showed a completely different behavior: for Triapine, low protein binding was observed in contrast to fast protein adduct formation of Fe-Triapine. Notably, both drugs were rapidly cleared from the body (serum half-life time <1h). Remarkably, in contrast to Triapine, where (in accordance to clinical data) basically no renal excretion was found, the iron complex was effectively excreted via urine. Moreover, no Fe-Triapine was detected in serum or cytosolic extracts after Triapine treatment. Taken together, our study will help to further understand the biological behavior of Triapine and its Fe-complex and allow the development of novel thiosemicarbazones with pronounced activity against solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Pelivan
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Miklos
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sushilla van Schoonhoven
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunda Koellensperger
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lars Gille
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Platform "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Platform "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christian R Kowol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Platform "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bernhard K Keppler
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Platform "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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38
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Bal-Demirci T, Şahin M, Kondakçı E, Özyürek M, Ülküseven B, Apak R. Synthesis and antioxidant activities of transition metal complexes based 3-hydroxysalicylaldehyde-S-methylthiosemicarbazone. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2015; 138:866-872. [PMID: 25467658 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.10.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The nickel(II), iron(III), oxovanadium(IV) complexes of the 3-hydroxysalicylidene-S-methyl-thiosemicarbazone (L) were obtained from the 3-hydroxysalicyldehyde-S-methylthiosemicarbazone with the R1-substituted-salicylaldehyde (R1: H, 3-OH) in the presence of Ni(II), Fe(III), VO(IV) as template ion. The ligand and its complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, electronic, UV/Vis., (1)HNMR, EPR and IR studies. The free ligand and its metal complexes have been tested for in vitro antioxidant capacity by reduction of copper(II) neocuproine (Cu(II)-Nc) using the CUPRAC method. The ligand exhibited more potent in vitro antioxidant capacity than its complexes. The obtained trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of the iron(III) complex (TEACCUPRAC=3.27) was higher than those of other complexes. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the free ligand and its complexes were determined by in vitro methods measuring the scavenging activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radical (OH), superoxide anion radical (O2(-)), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), showing that especially the V(IV) and Fe(III) complexes had significant scavenging activity for ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tülay Bal-Demirci
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Section, Istanbul University, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Musa Şahin
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Section, Istanbul University, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esin Kondakçı
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Section, Istanbul University, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Özyürek
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Section, Istanbul University, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahri Ülküseven
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Section, Istanbul University, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reşat Apak
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Section, Istanbul University, 34320 Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
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Gutierrez E, Richardson DR, Jansson PJ. The anticancer agent di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) overcomes prosurvival autophagy by two mechanisms: persistent induction of autophagosome synthesis and impairment of lysosomal integrity. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:33568-89. [PMID: 25301941 PMCID: PMC4246109 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.599480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy functions as a survival mechanism during cellular stress and contributes to resistance against anticancer agents. The selective antitumor and antimetastatic chelator di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) causes lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cell death. Considering the integral role of lysosomes in autophagy and cell death, it was important to assess the effect of Dp44mT on autophagy to further understand its mechanism of action. Notably, Dp44mT affected autophagy by two mechanisms. First, concurrent with its antiproliferative activity, Dp44mT increased the expression of the classical autophagic marker LC3-II as a result of induced autophagosome synthesis. Second, this effect was supplemented by a reduction in autophagosome degradation as shown by the accumulation of the autophagic substrate and receptor p62. Conversely, the classical iron chelator desferrioxamine induced autophagosome accumulation only by inhibiting autophagosome degradation. The formation of redox-active iron or copper Dp44mT complexes was critical for its dual effect on autophagy. The cytoprotective antioxidant N-acetylcysteine inhibited Dp44mT-induced autophagosome synthesis and p62 accumulation. Importantly, Dp44mT inhibited autophagosome degradation via lysosomal disruption. This effect prevented the fusion of lysosomes with autophagosomes to form autolysosomes, which is crucial for the completion of the autophagic process. The antiproliferative activity of Dp44mT was suppressed by Beclin1 and ATG5 silencing, indicating the role of persistent autophagosome synthesis in Dp44mT-induced cell death. These studies demonstrate that Dp44mT can overcome the prosurvival activity of autophagy in cancer cells by utilizing this process to potentiate cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Gutierrez
- From the Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- From the Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- From the Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and antimicrobial activity of copper(II) complexes with a thiosemicarbazone derived from 3-formyl-6-methylchromone. Polyhedron 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2014.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Phenyl-1-Pyridin-2yl-ethanone-based iron chelators increase IκB-α expression, modulate CDK2 and CDK9 activities, and inhibit HIV-1 transcription. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6558-71. [PMID: 25155598 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02918-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 transcription is activated by the Tat protein, which recruits CDK9/cyclin T1 to the HIV-1 promoter. CDK9 is phosphorylated by CDK2, which facilitates formation of the high-molecular-weight positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) complex. We previously showed that chelation of intracellular iron inhibits CDK2 and CDK9 activities and suppresses HIV-1 transcription, but the mechanism of the inhibition was not understood. In the present study, we tested a set of novel iron chelators for the ability to inhibit HIV-1 transcription and elucidated their mechanism of action. Novel phenyl-1-pyridin-2yl-ethanone (PPY)-based iron chelators were synthesized and examined for their effects on cellular iron, HIV-1 inhibition, and cytotoxicity. Activities of CDK2 and CDK9, expression of CDK9-dependent and CDK2-inhibitory mRNAs, NF-κB expression, and HIV-1- and NF-κB-dependent transcription were determined. PPY-based iron chelators significantly inhibited HIV-1, with minimal cytotoxicity, in cultured and primary cells chronically or acutely infected with HIV-1 subtype B, but they had less of an effect on HIV-1 subtype C. Iron chelators upregulated the expression of IκB-α, with increased accumulation of cytoplasmic NF-κB. The iron chelators inhibited CDK2 activity and reduced the amount of CDK9/cyclin T1 in the large P-TEFb complex. Iron chelators reduced HIV-1 Gag and Env mRNA synthesis but had no effect on HIV-1 reverse transcription. In addition, iron chelators moderately inhibited basal HIV-1 transcription, equally affecting HIV-1 and Sp1- or NF-κB-driven transcription. By virtue of their involvement in targeting several key steps in HIV-1 transcription, these novel iron chelators have the potential for the development of new therapeutics for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
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Potuckova E, Jansova H, Machacek M, Vavrova A, Haskova P, Tichotova L, Richardson V, Kalinowski DS, Richardson DR, Simunek T. Quantitative analysis of the anti-proliferative activity of combinations of selected iron-chelating agents and clinically used anti-neoplastic drugs. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88754. [PMID: 24586383 PMCID: PMC3930662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that several chelators possess marked potential as potent anti-neoplastic drugs and as agents that can ameliorate some of the adverse effects associated with standard chemotherapy. Anti-cancer treatment employs combinations of several drugs that have different mechanisms of action. However, data regarding the potential interactions between iron chelators and established chemotherapeutics are lacking. Using estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells, we explored the combined anti-proliferative potential of four iron chelators, namely: desferrioxamine (DFO), salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (SIH), (E)-N'-[1-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)ethyliden] isonicotinoyl hydrazone (NHAPI), and di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), plus six selected anti-neoplastic drugs. These six agents are used for breast cancer treatment and include: paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, methotrexate, tamoxifen and 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (an active metabolite of cyclophosphamide). Our quantitative chelator-drug analyses were designed according to the Chou-Talalay method for drug combination assessment. All combinations of these agents yielded concentration-dependent, anti-proliferative effects. The hydrophilic siderophore, DFO, imposed antagonism when used in combination with all six anti-tumor agents and this antagonistic effect increased with increasing dose. Conversely, synergistic interactions were observed with combinations of the lipophilic chelators, NHAPI or Dp44mT, with doxorubicin and also the combinations of SIH, NHAPI or Dp44mT with tamoxifen. The combination of Dp44mT with anti-neoplastic agents was further enhanced following formation of its redox-active iron and especially copper complexes. The most potent combinations of Dp44mT and NHAPI with tamoxifen were confirmed as synergistic using another estrogen receptor-expressing breast cancer cell line, T47D, but not estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the synergy of NHAPI and tamoxifen was confirmed using MCF-7 cells by electrical impedance data, a mitochondrial inner membrane potential assay and cell cycle analyses. This is the first systematic investigation to quantitatively assess interactions between Fe chelators and standard chemotherapies using breast cancer cells. These studies are vital for their future clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliska Potuckova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Jansova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Machacek
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Vavrova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Haskova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Tichotova
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Bosch Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danuta S. Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Bosch Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Bosch Institute and Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail: (TS); (DRR)
| | - Tomas Simunek
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (TS); (DRR)
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Lane DJR, Mills TM, Shafie NH, Merlot AM, Saleh Moussa R, Kalinowski DS, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Expanding horizons in iron chelation and the treatment of cancer: role of iron in the regulation of ER stress and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1845:166-81. [PMID: 24472573 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health issue and, despite recent advances, effective clinical management remains elusive due to intra-tumoural heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Iron is a trace element integral to a multitude of metabolic processes, including DNA synthesis and energy transduction. Due to their generally heightened proliferative potential, cancer cells have a greater metabolic demand for iron than normal cells. As such, iron metabolism represents an important "Achilles' heel" for cancer that can be targeted by ligands that bind and sequester intracellular iron. Indeed, novel thiosemicarbazone chelators that act by a "double punch" mechanism to both bind intracellular iron and promote redox cycling reactions demonstrate marked potency and selectivity in vitro and in vivo against a range of tumours. The general mechanisms by which iron chelators selectively target tumour cells through the sequestration of intracellular iron fall into the following categories: (1) inhibition of cellular iron uptake/promotion of iron mobilisation; (2) inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase, the rate-limiting, iron-containing enzyme for DNA synthesis; (3) induction of cell cycle arrest; (4) promotion of localised and cytotoxic reactive oxygen species production by copper and iron complexes of thiosemicarbazones (e.g., Triapine(®) and Dp44mT); and (5) induction of metastasis and tumour suppressors (e.g., NDRG1 and p53, respectively). Emerging evidence indicates that chelators can further undermine the cancer phenotype via inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition that is critical for metastasis and by modulating ER stress. This review explores the "expanding horizons" for iron chelators in selectively targeting cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius J R Lane
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Thomas M Mills
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Nurul H Shafie
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Angelica M Merlot
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Rayan Saleh Moussa
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Danuta S Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Basha MT, Rodríguez C, Richardson DR, Martínez M, Bernhardt PV. Kinetic studies on the oxidation of oxyhemoglobin by biologically active iron thiosemicarbazone complexes: relevance to iron-chelator-induced methemoglobinemia. J Biol Inorg Chem 2013; 19:349-57. [PMID: 24317633 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-013-1070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin has been found to be facilitated by low molecular weight iron(III) thiosemicarbazone complexes. This deleterious reaction, which produces hemoglobin protein units unable to bind dioxygen and occurs during the administration of iron chelators such as the well-known 3-aminopyridine-2-pyridinecarbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP; Triapine), has been observed in the reaction with Fe(III) complexes of some members of the 3-AP structurally-related thiosemicarbazone ligands derived from di-2-pyridyl ketone (HDpxxT series). We have studied the kinetics of this oxidation reaction in vitro using human hemoglobin and found that the reaction proceeds with two distinct time-resolved steps. These have been associated with sequential oxidation of the two different oxyheme cofactors in the α and β protein chains. Unexpected steric and hydrogen-bonding effects on the Fe(III) complexes appear to be the responsible for the observed differences in the reaction rate across the series of HDpxxT ligand complexes used in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram T Basha
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Walcourt A, Kurantsin-Mills J, Kwagyan J, Adenuga BB, Kalinowski DS, Lovejoy DB, Lane DJR, Richardson DR. Anti-plasmodial activity of aroylhydrazone and thiosemicarbazone iron chelators: effect on erythrocyte membrane integrity, parasite development and the intracellular labile iron pool. J Inorg Biochem 2013; 129:43-51. [PMID: 24028863 PMCID: PMC3838870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Iron chelators inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, in culture and in animal and human studies. We previously reported the anti-plasmodial activity of the chelators, 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (311), 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylaldehyde 4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (N4mT), and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylaldehyde 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (N4pT). In fact, these ligands showed greater growth inhibition of chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (7G8) strains of P. falciparum in culture compared to desferrioxamine (DFO). The present study examined the effects of 311, N4mT and N4pT on erythrocyte membrane integrity and asexual parasite development. While the characteristic biconcave disk shape of the erythrocytes was unaffected, the chelators caused very slight hemolysis at IC50 values that inhibited parasite growth. The chelators 311, N4mT and N4pT affected all stages of the intra-erythrocytic development cycle (IDC) of P. falciparum in culture. However, while these ligands primarily affected the ring-stage, DFO inhibited primarily trophozoite and schizont-stages. Ring, trophozoite and schizont-stages of the IDC were inhibited by significantly lower concentrations of 311, N4mT, and N4pT (IC50=4.45±1.70, 10.30±4.40, and 3.64±2.00μM, respectively) than DFO (IC50=23.43±3.40μM). Complexation of 311, N4mT and N4pT with iron reduced their anti-plasmodial activity. Estimation of the intracellular labile iron pool (LIP) in erythrocytes showed that the chelation efficacy of 311, N4mT and N4pT corresponded to their anti-plasmodial activities, suggesting that the LIP may be a potential source of non-heme iron for parasite metabolism within the erythrocyte. This study has implications for malaria chemotherapy that specifically disrupts parasite iron utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asikiya Walcourt
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059
| | - Joseph Kurantsin-Mills
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059
- Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20037
| | - John Kwagyan
- Design, Biostatistics & Population Studies, Center for Clinical & Translation Science and Department of Community and Family Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC,20059
| | | | - Danuta S. Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
| | - David B. Lovejoy
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
| | - Darius J. R. Lane
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Blackburn Building (D06), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
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Myers JM, Cheng Q, Antholine WE, Kalyanaraman B, Filipovska A, Arnér ESJ, Myers CR. Redox activation of Fe(III)-thiosemicarbazones and Fe(III)-bleomycin by thioredoxin reductase: specificity of enzymatic redox centers and analysis of reactive species formation by ESR spin trapping. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 60:183-94. [PMID: 23485585 PMCID: PMC3654041 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazones such as Triapine (Tp) and Dp44mT are tridentate iron (Fe) chelators that have well-documented antineoplastic activity. Although Fe-thiosemicarbazones can undergo redox cycling to generate reactive species that may have important roles in their cytotoxicity, there is only limited insight into specific cellular agents that can rapidly reduce Fe(III)-thiosemicarbazones and thereby promote their redox activity. Here we report that thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) and glutathione reductase (GR) have this activity and that there is considerable specificity to the interactions between specific redox centers in these enzymes and various Fe(III) complexes. Site-directed variants of TrxR1 demonstrate that the selenocysteine (Sec) of the enzyme is not required, whereas the C59 residue and the flavin have important roles. Although TrxR1 and GR have analogous C59/flavin motifs, TrxR is considerably faster than GR. For both enzymes, Fe(III)(Tp)2 is reduced faster than Fe(III)(Dp44mT)2. This reduction promotes redox cycling and the generation of hydroxyl radical (HO) in a peroxide-dependent manner, even with low-micromolar levels of Fe(Tp)2. TrxR also reduces Fe(III)-bleomycin and this activity is Sec-dependent. TrxR cannot reduce Fe(III)-EDTA at significant rates. Our findings are the first to demonstrate pro-oxidant reductive activation of Fe(III)-based antitumor thiosemicarbazones by interactions with specific enzyme species. The marked elevation of TrxR1 in many tumors could contribute to the selective tumor toxicity of these drugs by enhancing the redox activation of Fe(III)-thiosemicarbazones and the generation of reactive oxygen species such as HO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Chang TM, Tomat E. Disulfide/thiol switches in thiosemicarbazone ligands for redox-directed iron chelation. Dalton Trans 2013; 42:7846-9. [PMID: 23591852 DOI: 10.1039/c3dt50824b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A disulfide bond is incorporated in the scaffold of thiosemicarbazone iron chelators as a reduction/activation switch. Following reduction, thiol-containing ligands stabilize iron ions in their trivalent oxidation state. The antiproliferative activity of the new chelating systems is assessed in human cancer cell lines and in normal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuhen M Chang
- University of Arizona, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721-0041, USA
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Stefani C, Jansson PJ, Gutierrez E, Bernhardt PV, Richardson DR, Kalinowski DS. Alkyl substituted 2'-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone chelators with potent and selective anti-neoplastic activity: novel ligands that limit methemoglobin formation. J Med Chem 2012; 56:357-70. [PMID: 23276209 DOI: 10.1021/jm301691s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Thiosemicarbazone chelators, including the 2'-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazones (BpT) class, show marked potential as anticancer agents. Importantly, 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP) has been investigated in >20 phase I and II clinical trials. However, side effects associated with 3-AP administration include methemoglobinemia. Considering this problem, novel BpT analogues were designed bearing hydrophobic, electron-donating substituents at the para position of the phenyl group (RBpT). Their Fe(III/II) redox potentials were all within the range accessible to cellular oxidants and reductants, suggesting they can redox cycle. These RBpT ligands exhibited potent and selective antiproliferative activity, which was comparable or exceeded their BpT counterparts. Major findings include that methemoglobin formation mediated by the lipophilic t-BuBpT series was significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) decreased in comparison to 3-AP in intact red blood cells and were generally comparable to the control. These data indicate the t-BuBpT ligands may minimize methemoglobinemia, which is a marked advantage over 3-AP and other potent thiosemicarbazones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Stefani
- Iron Metabolism and Chelation Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Stariat J, Kovaříková P, Kučera R, Klimeš J, Kalinowski DS, Richardson DR, Ketola RA. Identification of in vitro metabolites of the novel anti-tumor thiosemicarbazone, DpC, using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6562-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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50
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Lovejoy DB, Sharp DM, Seebacher N, Obeidy P, Prichard T, Stefani C, Basha MT, Sharpe PC, Jansson PJ, Kalinowski DS, Bernhardt PV, Richardson DR. Novel second-generation di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones show synergism with standard chemotherapeutics and demonstrate potent activity against lung cancer xenografts after oral and intravenous administration in vivo. J Med Chem 2012; 55:7230-44. [PMID: 22861499 DOI: 10.1021/jm300768u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We developed a series of second-generation di-2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone (DpT) and 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (BpT) ligands to improve the efficacy and safety profile of these potential antitumor agents. Two novel DpT analogues, Dp4e4mT and DpC, exhibited pronounced and selective activity against human lung cancer xenografts in vivo via the intravenous and oral routes. Importantly, these analogues did not induce the cardiotoxicity observed at high nonoptimal doses of the first-generation DpT analogue, Dp44mT. The Cu(II) complexes of these ligands exhibited potent antiproliferative activity having redox potentials in a range accessible to biological reductants. The activity of the copper complexes of Dp4e4mT and DpC against lung cancer cells was synergistic in combination with gemcitabine or cisplatin. It was demonstrated by EPR spectroscopy that dimeric copper compounds of the type [CuLCl](2), identified crystallographically, dissociate in solution to give monomeric 1:1 Cu:ligand complexes. These monomers represent the biologically active form of the complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Lovejoy
- Iron Metabolism and Chelation Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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