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Oluwalana D, Adeleye KL, Krutilina RI, Chen H, Playa H, Deng S, Parke DN, Abernathy J, Middleton L, Cullom A, Thalluri B, Ma D, Meibohm B, Miller DD, Seagroves TN, Li W. Biological activity of a stable 6-aryl-2-benzoyl-pyridine colchicine-binding site inhibitor, 60c, in metastatic, triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217011. [PMID: 38849011 PMCID: PMC11290984 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving survival for patients diagnosed with metastatic disease and overcoming chemoresistance remain significant clinical challenges in treating breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by a lack of therapeutically targetable receptors (ER/PR/HER2). TNBC therapy includes a combination of cytotoxic chemotherapies, including microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) like paclitaxel (taxane class) or eribulin (vinca class); however, there are currently no FDA-approved MTAs that bind to the colchicine-binding site. Approximately 70 % of patients who initially respond to paclitaxel will develop taxane resistance (TxR). We previously reported that an orally bioavailable colchicine-binding site inhibitor (CBSI), VERU-111, inhibits TNBC tumor growth and treats pre-established metastatic disease. To further improve the potency and metabolic stability of VERU-111, we created next-generation derivatives of its scaffold, including 60c. RESULTS 60c shows improved in vitro potency compared to VERU-111 for taxane-sensitive and TxR TNBC models, and suppress TxR primary tumor growth without gross toxicity. 60c also suppressed the expansion of axillary lymph node metastases existing prior to treatment. Comparative analysis of excised organs for metastasis between 60c and VERU-111 suggested that 60c has unique anti-metastatic tropism. 60c completely suppressed metastases to the spleen and was more potent to reduce metastatic burden in the leg bones and kidney. In contrast, VERU-111 preferentially inhibited liver metastases and lung metastasis repression was similar. Together, these results position 60c as an additional promising CBSI for TNBC therapy, particularly for patients with TxR disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilola Oluwalana
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Kelli L Adeleye
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Raisa I Krutilina
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Hilaire Playa
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Shanshan Deng
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Deanna N Parke
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - John Abernathy
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Leona Middleton
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Alexandra Cullom
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Bhargavi Thalluri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Dejian Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; Center for Cancer Research, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Tiffany N Seagroves
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; Center for Cancer Research, Memphis, TN 38163, United States.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States; Center for Cancer Research, Memphis, TN 38163, United States.
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Adeleye KL, Li AR, Xie Y, Pochampally S, Hamilton D, Garcia-Godoy F, Miller DD, Li W. Novel Antimitotic Agent SP-1-39 Inhibits Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Dent Res 2024; 103:926-936. [PMID: 39101715 DOI: 10.1177/00220345241261982] [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: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective management of head and neck cancer (HNC) poses a significant challenge in the field of oncology, due to its intricate pathophysiology and limited treatment options. The most common HNC malignancy is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC treatment includes a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While HNSCC is treatable if diagnosed early, this is often not the case and is considered incurable once in its late stages and metastatic disease has developed. Therapies are also limited once resistant disease has occurred. SP-1-39, a novel colchicine-binding site inhibitor (CBSI), has been recently reported for its potential efficacy in a variety of cancer cell lines including breast, melanoma, pancreatic, and prostate. SP-1-39 also shows abilities to overcome paclitaxel resistance in a paclitaxel-resistant prostate cancer xenograft model. To evaluate the potential of SP-1-39 as a new HNSCC treatment option, herein we systematically performed preclinical studies in HNSCC models using SP-1-39 and demonstrated that, in vitro, SP-1-39 inhibits the proliferation of 2 HNSCC cell lines with low nanomolar IC50 values (1.4 to 2.1 nM), induces HNSCC cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, interferes with migration of HNSCC cells, and leads to HNSCC cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In vivo, SP-1-39 suppresses the primary tumor growth of a Detroit 562 subcutaneous xenograft mouse model in 6- to 8-wk-old, male NSG (NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ) mice, with no detectable cytotoxic effects at a low dose of 2.5 mg/kg. This efficacy of SP-1-39 is better when compared with the treatment using a reference chemotherapy drug, paclitaxel at 10 mg/kg. Collectively, these data demonstrate that SP-1-39 is a promising candidate for further development for more efficacious HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Adeleye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - A R Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Y Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - S Pochampally
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - D Hamilton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - F Garcia-Godoy
- Department of Bioscience Research, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - D D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - W Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Jiang F, Yu M, Liang Y, Ding K, Wang Y. Discovery of Novel Diaryl-Substituted Fused Heterocycles Targeting Katanin and Tubulin with Potent Antitumor and Antimultidrug Resistance Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12118-12142. [PMID: 38996194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00878] [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: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Disrupting microtubule dynamics has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, drug resistance remains a challenge hindering the development of microtubule-targeting agents. In this work, a novel class of diaryl substituted fused heterocycles were designed, synthesized, and evaluated, which were demonstrated as effective dual katanin and tubulin regulators with antitumor activity. Following three rounds of stepwise optimization, compound 21b, featuring a 3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine core, displayed excellent targeting capabilities on katanin and tubulin, along with notable antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects. Mechanistic studies revealed that 21b disrupts the microtubule network in tumor cells, leading to G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Importantly, 21b exhibited significant inhibition of tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 and A549/T xenograft tumor models without evident toxicity and side effects. In conclusion, compound 21b presents a novel mechanism for disrupting microtubule dynamics, warranting further investigation as a dual-targeted antitumor agent with potential antimultidrug resistance properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuru Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kuiling Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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Masci D, Naro C, Puxeddu M, Urbani A, Sette C, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Recent Advances in Drug Discovery for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:7513. [PMID: 38005235 PMCID: PMC10672974 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most heterogeneous and aggressive breast cancer subtypes with a high risk of death on recurrence. To date, TNBC is very difficult to treat due to the lack of an effective targeted therapy. However, recent advances in the molecular characterization of TNBC are encouraging the development of novel drugs and therapeutic combinations for its therapeutic management. In the present review, we will provide an overview of the currently available standard therapies and new emerging therapeutic strategies against TNBC, highlighting the promises that newly developed small molecules, repositioned drugs, and combination therapies have of improving treatment efficacy against these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.S.)
- GSTeP-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.S.)
- GSTeP-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.L.R.)
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5
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Wang S, Malebari AM, Greene TF, Kandwal S, Fayne D, Nathwani SM, Zisterer DM, Twamley B, O'Boyle NM, Meegan MJ. Antiproliferative and Tubulin-Destabilising Effects of 3-(Prop-1-en-2-yl)azetidin-2-Ones and Related Compounds in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1000. [PMID: 37513912 PMCID: PMC10385824 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of novel 3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)azetidin-2-one, 3-allylazetidin-2-one and 3-(buta-1,3-dien-1-yl)azetidin-2-one analogues of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) were designed and synthesised as colchicine-binding site inhibitors (CBSI) in which the ethylene bridge of CA-4 was replaced with a β-lactam (2-azetidinone) scaffold. These compounds, together with related prodrugs, were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity, cell cycle effects and ability to inhibit tubulin assembly. The compounds demonstrated significant in vitro antiproliferative activities in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, particularly for compounds 9h, 9q, 9r, 10p, 10r and 11h, with IC50 values in the range 10-33 nM. These compounds were also potent in the triple-negative breast cancer (TBNC) cell line MDA-MB-231, with IC50 values in the range 23-33 nM, and were comparable with the activity of CA-4. The compounds inhibited the polymerisation of tubulin in vitro, with significant reduction in tubulin polymerization, and were shown to interact at the colchicine-binding site on tubulin. Flow cytometry demonstrated that compound 9q arrested MCF-7 cells in the G2/M phase and resulted in cellular apoptosis. The antimitotic properties of 9q in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were also evaluated, and the effect on the organization of microtubules in the cells after treatment with compound 9q was observed using confocal microscopy. The immunofluorescence results confirm that β-lactam 9q is targeting tubulin and resulted in mitotic catastrophe in MCF-7 cells. In silico molecular docking supports the hypothesis that the compounds interact with the colchicine-binding domain of tubulin. Compound 9q is a novel potent microtubule-destabilising agent with potential as a promising lead compound for the development of new antitumour agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Azizah M Malebari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas F Greene
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shubhangi Kandwal
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Fayne
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seema M Nathwani
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela M Zisterer
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh M O'Boyle
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary J Meegan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
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Peng H, Wang J, Chen J, Peng Y, Wang X, Chen Y, Kaplan DL, Wang Q. Challenges and opportunities in delivering oral peptides and proteins. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1349-1369. [PMID: 37450427 PMCID: PMC10990675 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2237408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid advances in bioengineering enable the use of complex proteins as therapeutic agents to treat diseases. Compared with conventional small molecule drugs, proteins have multiple advantages, including high bioactivity and specificity with low toxicity. Developing oral dosage forms with active proteins is a route to improve patient compliance and significantly reduce production costs. However, the gastrointestinal environment remains a challenge to this delivery path due to enzymatic degradation, low permeability, and weak absorption, leading to reduced delivery efficiency and poor clinical outcomes. AREAS COVERED This review describes the barriers to oral delivery of peptides and complex proteins, current oral delivery strategies utilized and the opportunities and challenges ahead to try and circumvent these barriers. Oral protein drugs on the market and clinical trials provide insights and approaches for advancing delivery strategies. EXPERT OPINION Although most current studies on oral protein delivery rely on in vitro and in vivo animal data, the safety and limitations of the approach in humans remain uncertain. The shortage of clinical data limits the development of new or alternative strategies. Therefore, designing appropriate oral delivery strategies remains a significant challenge and requires new ideas, innovative design strategies and novel model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College, University of Shaoxing, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jiahe Wang
- Department of Humanities, Daqing Branch, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College, University of Shaoxing, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yanbo Peng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Rd, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaoxian Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, University of Shaoxing, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Pochampally S, Hartman KL, Wang R, Wang J, Yun MK, Parmar K, Park H, Meibohm B, White SW, Li W, Miller DD. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Pyrimidine Dihydroquinoxalinone Derivatives as Tubulin Colchicine Site-Binding Agents That Displayed Potent Anticancer Activity Both In Vitro and In Vivo. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:526-545. [PMID: 37082747 PMCID: PMC10111625 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Polymerization of tubulin dimers to form microtubules is one of the key events in cell proliferation. The inhibition of this event has long been recognized as a potential treatment option for various types of cancer. Compound 1e was previously developed by our team as a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization that binds to the colchicine site. To further improve the potency and therapeutic properties of compound 1e, we hypothesized based on the X-ray crystal structure that modification of the pyrimidine dihydroquinoxalinone scaffold with additional hetero-atom (N, O, and S) substituents could allow the resulting new compounds to bind more tightly to the colchicine site and display greater efficacy in cancer therapy. We therefore synthesized a series of new pyrimidine dihydroquinoxalinone derivatives, compounds 10, 12b-c, 12e, 12h, and 12j-l, and evaluated their cytotoxicity and relative ability to inhibit proliferation, resulting in the discovery of new tubulin-polymerization inhibitors. Among these, the most potent new inhibitor was compound 12k, which exhibited high cytotoxic activity in vitro, a longer half-life than the parental compound in liver microsomes (IC50 = 0.2 nM, t 1/2 = >300 min), and significant potency against a wide range of cancer cell lines including those from melanoma and breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. High-resolution X-ray crystal structures of the best compounds in this scaffold series, 12e, 12j, and 12k, confirmed their direct binding to the colchicine site of tubulin and revealed their detailed molecular interactions. Further evaluation of 12k in vivo using a highly taxane-resistant prostate cancer xenograft model, PC-3/TxR, demonstrated the strong tumor growth inhibition at the low dose of 2.5 mg/kg (i.v., twice per week). Collectively, these results strongly support further preclinical evaluations of 12k as a potential candidate for development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyanarayana Pochampally
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kelli L. Hartman
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Mi-Kyung Yun
- Department
of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Keyur Parmar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Hyunseo Park
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Stephen W. White
- Department
of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Duane D. Miller
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
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Deng S, Banerjee S, Chen H, Pochampally S, Wang Y, Yun MK, White SW, Parmar K, Meibohm B, Hartman KL, Wu Z, Miller DD, Li W. SB226, an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, inhibits paclitaxel-resistant melanoma growth and spontaneous metastasis. Cancer Lett 2023; 555:216046. [PMID: 36596380 PMCID: PMC10321023 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Extensive preclinical studies have shown that colchicine-binding site inhibitors (CBSIs) are promising drug candidates for cancer therapy. Although numerous CBSIs were generated and evaluated, but so far the FDA has not approved any of them due to undesired adverse events or insufficient efficacies. We previously reported two very potent CBSIs, the dihydroquinoxalinone compounds 5 m and 5t. In this study, we further optimized the structures of compounds 5 m and 5t and integrated them to generate a new analog, SB226. X-ray crystal structure studies and a tubulin polymerization assay confirmed that SB226 is a CBSI that could disrupt the microtubule dynamics and interfere with microtubule assembly. Biophysical measurements using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy verified the high binding affinity of SB226 to tubulin dimers. The in vitro studies showed that SB226 possessed sub-nanomolar anti-proliferative activities with an average IC50 of 0.76 nM against a panel of cancer cell lines, some of which are paclitaxel-resistant, including melanoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer cells. SB226 inhibited the colony formation and migration of Taxol-resistant A375/TxR cells, and induced their G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. Our subsequent in vivo studies confirmed that 4 mg/kg SB226 strongly inhibited the tumor growth of A375/TxR melanoma xenografts in mice and induced necrosis, anti-angiogenesis, and apoptosis in tumors. Moreover, SB226 treatment significantly inhibited spontaneous axillary lymph node, lung, and liver metastases originating from subcutaneous tumors in mice without any obvious toxicity to the animals' major organs, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of SB226 as a novel anticancer agent for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Souvik Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, United States; Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Satyanarayana Pochampally
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mi-Kyung Yun
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, United States
| | - Stephen W White
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, United States
| | - Keyur Parmar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Kelli L Hartman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Zhongzhi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, United States.
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9
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Replacing the tropolonic methoxyl group of colchicine with methylamino increases tubulin binding affinity with improved therapeutic index and overcomes paclitaxel cross-resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100951. [PMID: 36841134 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Microtubule inhibitors are widely used in first line cancer therapy, though drug resistance often develops and causes treatment failure. Colchicine binds to tubulins and inhibits tumor growth, but is not approved for cancer therapy due to systemic toxicity. In this study, we aim to improve the therapeutic index of colchicine through structural modification. METHODS The methoxyl group of the tropolonic ring in colchicine was replaced with amino groups. The cross-resistance of the derivatives with paclitaxel and vincristine was tested. Antitumor effects of target compounds were tested in vivo in A549 and paclitaxel-resistant A549/T xenografts. The interaction of target compounds with tubulins was measured using biological and chemical methods. RESULTS Methylamino replacement of the tropolonic methoxyl group of colchicine increases, while demethylation loses, selective tubulin binding affinity, G2/M arrest and antiproliferation activity. Methylaminocolchicine is more potent than paclitaxel and vincristine to inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo without showing cross-resistance to paclitaxel. Methylaminocolchicine binds to tubulins in unique patterns and inhibits P-gp with a stable pharmacokinetic profile. CONCLUSION Methylanimo replacement of the tropolonic methoxyl group of colchicine increases antitumor activity with improved therapeutic index. Methylaminocolchicine represents a new type of mitotic inhibitor with the ability of overcoming paclitaxel and vincristine resistance.
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Krutilina RI, Hartman KL, Oluwalana D, Playa HC, Parke DN, Chen H, Miller DD, Li W, Seagroves TN. Sabizabulin, a Potent Orally Bioavailable Colchicine Binding Site Agent, Suppresses HER2+ Breast Cancer and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5336. [PMID: 36358755 PMCID: PMC9658816 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
HER2+ breast cancer accounts for 15% of all breast cancer cases. Current frontline therapy for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer relies on targeted antibodies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab, combined with microtubule inhibitors in the taxane class (paclitaxel or docetaxel). It is well known that the clinical efficacy of taxanes is limited by the development of chemoresistance and hematological and neurotoxicities. The colchicine-binding site inhibitors (CBSIs) are a class of promising alternative agents to taxane therapy. Sabizabulin (formerly known as VERU-111) is a potent CBSI that overcomes P-gp-mediated taxane resistance, is orally bioavailable, and inhibits tumor growth and distant metastasis in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein, we demonstrate the efficacy of sabizabulin in HER2+ breast cancer. In vitro, sabizabulin inhibits the proliferation of HER2+ breast cancer cell lines with low nanomolar IC50 values, inhibits clonogenicity, and induces apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, sabizabulin inhibits breast tumor growth in the BT474 (ER+/PR+/HER2+) xenograft model and a HER2+ (ER-/PR-) metastatic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, HCI-12. We demonstrate that sabizabulin is a promising alternative agent to target tubulin in HER2+ breast cancer with similar anti-metastatic efficacy to paclitaxel, but with the advantage of oral bioavailability and lower toxicity than taxanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa I. Krutilina
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Kelli L. Hartman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Damilola Oluwalana
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Hilaire C. Playa
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Deanna N. Parke
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Duane D. Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Tiffany N. Seagroves
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
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11
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Malebari AM, Duffy Morales G, Twamley B, Fayne D, Khan MF, McLoughlin EC, O’Boyle NM, Zisterer DM, Meegan MJ. Synthesis, Characterisation and Mechanism of Action of Anticancer 3-Fluoroazetidin-2-ones. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091044. [PMID: 36145265 PMCID: PMC9501633 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The stilbene combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) is a potent microtubule-disrupting agent interacting at the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. In the present work, the synthesis, characterisation and mechanism of action of a series of 3-fluoro and 3,3-difluoro substituted β-lactams as analogues of the tubulin-targeting agent CA-4 are described. The synthesis was achieved by a convenient microwave-assisted Reformatsky reaction and is the first report of 3-fluoro and 3,3-difluoro β-lactams as CA-4 analogues. The β-lactam compounds 3-fluoro-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxy phenyl)azetidin-2-one 32 and 3-fluoro-4-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-one) 33 exhibited potent activity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.075 µM and 0.095 µM, respectively, and demonstrated low toxicity in non-cancerous cells. Compound 32 also demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity at nanomolar concentrations in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line Hs578T (IC50 0.033 μM), together with potency in the invasive isogenic subclone Hs578Ts(i)8 (IC50 = 0.065 μM), while 33 was also effective in MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50 0.620 μM). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that 33 inhibited tubulin polymerisation, induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, and induced a downregulation in the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and survivin with corresponding upregulation in the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax. In silico studies indicated the interaction of the compounds with the colchicine-binding site, demonstrating the potential for further developing novel cancer therapeutics as microtubule-targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizah M. Malebari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gabriela Duffy Morales
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan Twamley
- School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Fayne
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mohemmed Faraz Khan
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eavan C. McLoughlin
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh M. O’Boyle
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela M. Zisterer
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary J. Meegan
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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12
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Song J, Guan YF, Liu WB, Song CH, Tian XY, Zhu T, Fu XJ, Qi YQ, Zhang SY. Discovery of novel coumarin-indole derivatives as tubulin polymerization inhibitors with potent anti-gastric cancer activities. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114467. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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13
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Deng S, Krutilina RI, Hartman KL, Chen H, Parke DN, Wang R, Mahmud F, Ma D, Lukka PB, Meibohm B, Seagroves TN, Miller DD, Li W. Colchicine-Binding Site Agent CH-2-77 as a Potent Tubulin Inhibitor Suppressing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1103-1114. [PMID: 35499388 PMCID: PMC9256790 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive type of breast cancer. Unlike other subtypes of breast cancer, TNBC lacks hormone and growth factor receptor targets. Colchicine-binding site inhibitors (CBSI) targeting tubulin have been recognized as attractive agents for cancer therapy, but there are no CBSI drugs currently FDA approved. CH-2-77 has been reported to have potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cells in vitro and efficacious antitumor effects on melanoma xenografts, yet, its anticancer activity specifically against TNBC is unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that CH-2-77 inhibits the proliferation of both paclitaxel-sensitive and paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cells with an average IC50 of 3 nmol/L. CH-2-77 also efficiently disrupts the microtubule assembly, inhibits the migration and invasion of TNBC cells, and induces G2-M cell-cycle arrest. The increased number of apoptotic cells and the pattern of expression of apoptosis-related proteins in treated MDA-MB-231 cells suggest that CH-2-77 induces cell apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In vivo, CH-2-77 shows acceptable overall pharmacokinetics and strongly suppresses the growth of orthotopic MDA-MB-231 xenografts without gross cumulative toxicities when administered 5 times a week. The in vivo efficacy of CH-2-77 (20 mg/kg) is comparable with that of CA4P (28 mg/kg), a CBSI that went through clinical trials. Importantly, CH-2-77 prevents lung metastasis originating from the mammary fat pad in a dose-dependent manner. Our data demonstrate that CH-2-77 is a promising new generation of tubulin inhibitors that inhibit the growth and metastasis of TNBC, and it is worthy of further development as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Raisa I Krutilina
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
| | - Kelli L. Hartman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Deanna N. Parke
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Foyez Mahmud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Dejian Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Pradeep B. Lukka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Tiffany N. Seagroves
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
| | - Duane D. Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN38163, United States
- Corresponding Author: Wei Li, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Room 561, Memphis, TN 38163. Phone: 901-448-7532; Fax: 901-448-6828;
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14
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Markowski MC, Tutrone R, Pieczonka C, Barnette KG, Getzenberg RH, Rodriguez D, Steiner MS, Saltzstein DR, Eisenberger MA, Antonarakis ES. A Phase Ib/II Study of Sabizabulin, a Novel Oral Cytoskeleton Disruptor, in Men with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer with Progression on an Androgen Receptor-targeting Agent. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2789-2795. [PMID: 35416959 PMCID: PMC9774054 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sabizabulin, an oral cytoskeleton disruptor, was tested in a phase Ib/II clinical study in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS The phase Ib portion utilized a 3+3 design with escalating daily oral doses of 4.5-81 mg and increasing schedule in 39 patients with mCRPC treated with one or more androgen receptor-targeting agents. Prior taxane chemotherapy was allowed. The phase II portion tested a daily dose of 63 mg in 41 patients with no prior chemotherapy. Efficacy was assessed using PCWG3 and RECIST 1.1 criteria. RESULTS The MTD was not defined in the phase Ib and the recommended phase II dose was set at 63 mg/day. The most common adverse events (>10% frequency) at the 63 mg oral daily dosing (combined phase Ib/II data) were predominantly grade 1-2 events. Grade ≥3 events included diarrhea (7.4%), fatigue (5.6%), and alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase elevations (5.6% and 3.7%, respectively). Neurotoxicity and neutropenia were not observed. Preliminary efficacy data in patients treated with ≥1 continuous cycle of 63 mg or higher included objective response rate in 6 of 29 (20.7%) patients with measurable disease (1 complete, 5 partial) and 14 of 48 (29.2%) patients had PSA declines. The Kaplan-Meier median radiographic progression-free survival was estimated to be 11.4 months (n = 55). Durable responses lasting >2.75 years were observed. CONCLUSIONS This clinical trial demonstrated that chronic oral daily dosing of sabizabulin has a favorable safety profile with preliminary antitumor activity. These data support the ongoing phase III VERACITY trial of sabizabulin in men with mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Markowski
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ronald Tutrone
- Chesapeake Urology Research Associates, Towson, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario A. Eisenberger
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emmanuel S. Antonarakis
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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15
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Zuo Q, Park NH, Lee JK, Madak Erdogan Z. Liver Metastatic Breast Cancer: Epidemiology, Dietary Interventions, and Related Metabolism. Nutrients 2022; 14:2376. [PMID: 35745105 PMCID: PMC9228756 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The median overall survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer is only 2-3 years, and for patients with untreated liver metastasis, it is as short as 4-8 months. Improving the survival of women with breast cancer requires more effective anti-cancer strategies, especially for metastatic disease. Nutrients can influence tumor microenvironments, and cancer metabolism can be manipulated via a dietary modification to enhance anti-cancer strategies. Yet, there are no standard evidence-based recommendations for diet therapies before or during cancer treatment, and few studies provide definitive data that certain diets can mediate tumor progression or therapeutic effectiveness in human cancer. This review focuses on metastatic breast cancer, in particular liver metastatic forms, and recent studies on the impact of diets on disease progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Zuo
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (Q.Z.); (N.H.P.)
| | - Nicole Hwajin Park
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (Q.Z.); (N.H.P.)
| | - Jenna Kathryn Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA;
| | - Zeynep Madak Erdogan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (Q.Z.); (N.H.P.)
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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16
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Maliekal TT, Dharmapal D, Sengupta S. Tubulin Isotypes: Emerging Roles in Defining Cancer Stem Cell Niche. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876278. [PMID: 35693789 PMCID: PMC9179084 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the role of microtubule dynamics in cancer progression is well-established, the roles of tubulin isotypes, their cargos and their specific function in the induction and sustenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) were poorly explored. But emerging reports urge to focus on the transport function of tubulin isotypes in defining orchestrated expression of functionally critical molecules in establishing a stem cell niche, which is the key for CSC regulation. In this review, we summarize the role of specific tubulin isotypes in the transport of functional molecules that regulate metabolic reprogramming, which leads to the induction of CSCs and immune evasion. Recently, the surface expression of GLUT1 and GRP78 as well as voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) permeability, regulated by specific isotypes of β-tubulins have been shown to impart CSC properties to cancer cells, by implementing a metabolic reprogramming. Moreover, βIVb tubulin is shown to be critical in modulating EphrinB1signaling to sustain CSCs in oral carcinoma. These tubulin-interacting molecules, Ephrins, GLUT1 and GRP78, are also important regulators of immune evasion, by evoking PD-L1 mediated T-cell suppression. Thus, the recent advances in the field implicate that tubulins play a role in the controlled transport of molecules involved in CSC niche. The indication of tubulin isotypes in the regulation of CSCs offers a strategy to specifically target those tubulin isotypes to eliminate CSCs, rather than the general inhibition of microtubules, which usually leads to therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Thomas Maliekal
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
- *Correspondence: Tessy Thomas Maliekal, ; Suparna Sengupta,
| | - Dhrishya Dharmapal
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- University of Kerala, Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Suparna Sengupta
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
- University of Kerala, Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- *Correspondence: Tessy Thomas Maliekal, ; Suparna Sengupta,
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Liao M, Qin R, Huang W, Zhu HP, Peng F, Han B, Liu B. Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with small-molecule compounds in triple-negative breast cancer: a revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:44. [PMID: 35414025 PMCID: PMC9006445 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of human breast cancer with one of the worst prognoses, with no targeted therapeutic strategies currently available. Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), has been widely reported to have numerous links to the progression and therapy of many types of human cancer. Of note, RCD can be divided into numerous different subroutines, including autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and anoikis. More recently, targeting the subroutines of RCD with small-molecule compounds has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy, which has rapidly progressed in the treatment of TNBC. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of the above-mentioned seven major RCD subroutines related to TNBC and the latest progress of small-molecule compounds targeting different RCD subroutines. Moreover, we further discuss the combined strategies of one drug (e.g., narciclasine) or more drugs (e.g., torin-1 combined with chloroquine) to achieve the therapeutic potential on TNBC by regulating RCD subroutines. More importantly, we demonstrate several small-molecule compounds (e.g., ONC201 and NCT03733119) by targeting the subroutines of RCD in TNBC clinical trials. Taken together, these findings will provide a clue on illuminating more actionable low-hanging-fruit druggable targets and candidate small-molecule drugs for potential RCD-related TNBC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.,Antibiotics Research and Re-Evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Lohan-Codeço M, Barambo-Wagner ML, Nasciutti LE, Ribeiro Pinto LF, Meireles Da Costa N, Palumbo A. Molecular mechanisms associated with chemoresistance in esophageal cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:116. [PMID: 35113247 PMCID: PMC11073146 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most incident and lethal tumors worldwide. Although surgical resection is an important approach in EC treatment, late diagnosis, metastasis and recurrence after surgery have led to the management of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies over the past few decades. In this scenario, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CISP), and more recently paclitaxel (PTX) and carboplatin (CBP), have been traditionally used in EC treatment. However, chemoresistance to these agents along EC therapeutic management represents the main obstacle to successfully treat this malignancy. In this sense, despite the fact that most of chemotherapy drugs were discovered several decades ago, in many cases, including EC, they still represent the most affordable and widely employed treatment approach for these tumors. Therefore, this review summarizes the main mechanisms through which the response to the most widely chemotherapeutic agents used in EC treatment is impaired, such as drug metabolism, apoptosis resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs), cell cycle, autophagy, energetic metabolism deregulation, tumor microenvironment and epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Lohan-Codeço
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria Luísa Barambo-Wagner
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eurico Nasciutti
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luis Felipe Ribeiro Pinto
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Meireles Da Costa
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Palumbo
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
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19
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Banerjee S, Mahmud F, Deng S, Ma L, Yun MK, Fakayode SO, Arnst KE, Yang L, Chen H, Wu Z, Lukka PB, Parmar K, Meibohm B, White SW, Wang Y, Li W, Miller DD. X-ray Crystallography-Guided Design, Antitumor Efficacy, and QSAR Analysis of Metabolically Stable Cyclopenta-Pyrimidinyl Dihydroquinoxalinone as a Potent Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13072-13095. [PMID: 34406768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that interact with the colchicine binding site in tubulin have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in treating cancers. We report the design, syntheses, and antitumor efficacies of new analogues of pyridopyrimidine and hydroquinoxalinone compounds with improved drug-like characteristics. Eight analogues, 5j, 5k, 5l, 5m, 5n, 5r, 5t, and 5u, showed significant improvement in metabolic stability and demonstrated strong antiproliferative potency in a panel of human cancer cell lines, including melanoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer. We report crystal structures of tubulin in complex with five representative compounds, 5j, 5k, 5l, 5m, and 5t, providing direct confirmation for their binding to the colchicine site in tubulin. A quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of the synthesized analogues showed strong ability to predict potency. In vivo, 5m (4 mg/kg) and 5t (5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth as well as melanoma spontaneous metastasis into the lung and liver against a highly paclitaxel-resistant A375/TxR xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States.,Department of Physical Sciences, College of STEM, University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913, United States
| | - Foyez Mahmud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Lingling Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mi-Kyung Yun
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Sayo O Fakayode
- Department of Physical Sciences, College of STEM, University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913, United States
| | - Kinsie E Arnst
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Zhongzhi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Pradeep B Lukka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Keyur Parmar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Stephen W White
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
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20
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βIII-tubulin overexpression in cancer: Causes, consequences, and potential therapies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188607. [PMID: 34364992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Class III β-tubulin (βIII-tubulin) is frequently overexpressed in human tumors and is associated with resistance to microtubule-targeting agents, tumor aggressiveness, and poor patient outcome. Understanding the mechanisms regulating βIII-tubulin expression and the varied functions βIII-tubulin may have in different cancers is vital to assess the prognostic value of this protein and to develop strategies to enhance therapeutic benefits in βIII-tubulin overexpressing tumors. Here we gather all the available evidence regarding the clinical implications of βIII-tubulin overexpression in cancer, describe factors that regulate βIII-tubulin expression, and discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying βIII-tubulin-mediated resistance to microtubule-targeting agents and tumor aggressiveness. Finally, we provide an overview of emerging therapeutic strategies to target tumors that overexpress βIII-tubulin.
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21
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Albadari N, Deng S, Chen H, Zhao G, Yue J, Zhang S, Miller DD, Wu Z, Li W. Synthesis and biological evaluation of selective survivin inhibitors derived from the MX-106 hydroxyquinoline scaffold. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113719. [PMID: 34371464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The survivin (BIRC5) expression is very low in normal differentiated adult tissues, but it is one of the most widely upregulated genes in tumor cells. The overexpression of survivin in many cancer types has been positively correlated with resistance to chemotherapy, tumor metastasis, and poor patient survival. Survivin is considered to be a cancer specific biomarker and serves as a potential cancer drug target. In this report, we describe the design and syntheses of a series of novel selective survivin inhibitors based on the hydroxyquinoline scaffold from our previously reported lead compound MX-106. The best compound identified in this study is compound 12b. In vitro, 12b inhibited cancer cell proliferation with an average IC50 value of 1.4 μM, using a panel of melanoma, breast, and ovarian cancer cell lines. The metabolic stability of 12b improved over MX-106 by 1.7-fold (88 vs 51 min in human microsomes). Western blot analyses demonstrated that treatments with 12b selectively decreased survivin protein levels, but negligibly affected other closely related members in the IAP family proteins, and strongly induced cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo, compound 12b effectively inhibited melanoma tumor growth when tested using a human A375 melanoma xenograft model. Further evaluation using an aggressive, orthotopic ovarian cancer mouse model showed that 12b was highly efficacious in suppressing both primary tumor growth in ovaries and tumor metastasis to multiple peritoneal organs. Collectively, results in this study strongly suggest that the hydroxyquinoline scaffold, represented by 12b and our earlier lead compound MX-106, has abilities to selectively target survivin and is promising for further preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najah Albadari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Guannan Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Junming Yue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Sicheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Zhongzhi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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22
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Ren Y, Wang Y, Li G, Zhang Z, Ma L, Cheng B, Chen J. Discovery of Novel Benzimidazole and Indazole Analogues as Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors with Potent Anticancer Activities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4498-4515. [PMID: 33788562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Novel indazole and benzimidazole analogues were designed and synthesized as tubulin inhibitors with potent antiproliferative activities. Among them, compound 12b exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells with an average IC50 value of 50 nM, slightly better than colchicine. 12b exhibited nearly equal potency against both, a paclitaxel-resistant cancer cell line (A2780/T, IC50 = 9.7 nM) and the corresponding parental cell line (A2780S, IC50 = 6.2 nM), thus effectively overcoming paclitaxel resistance in vitro. The crystal structure of 12b in complex with tubulin was solved to 2.45 Å resolution by X-ray crystallography, and its direct binding was confirmed to the colchicine site. Furthermore, 12b displayed significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in a melanoma tumor model with tumor growth inhibition rates of 78.70% (15 mg/kg) and 84.32% (30 mg/kg). Collectively, this work shows that 12b is a promising lead compound deserving further investigation as a potential anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichang Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Precision Medicine Research Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Zherong Zhang
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Lingling Ma
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Precision Medicine Research Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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23
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Cui H, Wang Q, Miller DD, Li W. The Tubulin Inhibitor VERU-111 in Combination With Vemurafenib Provides an Effective Treatment of Vemurafenib-Resistant A375 Melanoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:637098. [PMID: 33841154 PMCID: PMC8027488 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.637098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers having a five-year survival rate around 15–20%. An overactivated MAPK/AKT pathway is well-established in BRAF mutant melanoma. Vemurafenib (Vem) was the first FDA-approved BRAF inhibitor and gained great clinical success in treating late-stage melanoma. However, most patients develop acquired resistance to Vem within 6–9 months. Therefore, developing a new treatment strategy to overcome Vem-resistance is highly significant. Our previous study reported that the combination of a tubulin inhibitor ABI-274 with Vem showed a significant synergistic effect to sensitize Vem-resistant melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we unveiled that VERU-111, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of α and β tubulin that is under clinical development, is highly potent against Vem-resistant melanoma cells. The combination of Vem and VERU-111 resulted in a dramatically enhanced inhibitory effect on cancer cells in vitro and Vem-resistant melanoma tumor growth in vivo compared with single-agent treatment. Further molecular signaling analyses demonstrated that in addition to ERK/AKT pathway, Skp2 E3 ligase also plays a critical role in Vem-resistant mechanisms. Knockout of Skp2 diminished oncogene AKT expression and contributed to the synergistic inhibitory effect of Vem and VERU-111. Our results indicate a treatment combination of VERU-111 and Vem holds a great promise to overcome Vem-resistance for melanoma patients harboring BRAF (V600E) mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinghui Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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24
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Vincristine upregulates PD-L1 and increases the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:691-701. [PMID: 33389078 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some chemotherapy drugs have immunomodulatory effects on specific tumors. The potential of vincristine (VCR) in the R-CHOP regimen to act as both a chemotherapeutic and an immunomodulatory agent via PD-L1 in tumor cells remains unclear. METHODS In vitro screening VCR showed that the IC50 value of VCR in the DLBCL cell lines was approximately 2 nM. Western blotting and q-PCR were used to detect the expression of PD-L1. The effect of VCR combined with PD-L1 mAb was tested in a co-culture system of LY-OCI-3 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in DLBCL xenograft mouse model. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of T lymphocyte subsets. The effect of the STAT3 inhibitor nifuroxazide on VCR-induced PD-L1 expression was tested in LY-OCI-3 and SU-DHL-4 cells. RESULTS VCR upregulated PD-L1 protein and mRNA expression in various DLBCL cell lines. PD-L1 Ab combined with VCR significantly increased the proportion of CD8 + Granzyme B + , INF-γ + or TNF-α + CD3 + T cells. VCR + PD-L1 Ab inhibited tumor growth more effectively than VCR monotherapy, whereas PD-L1 Ab alone had no significant effect. Survival time did not differ significantly between the PD-L1 Ab group and the control group, whereas it was significantly longer in the VCR monotherapy and combination groups which showed more longer survival compared with the former. Nifuroxazide downregulated p-STAT3 and PD-L1 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS VCR upregulated PD-L1 expression in DLBCL cells partially by promoting the p-STAT3; VCR combined with PD-L1 Ab activated effector T cells and increased the antitumor immune response in vitro and in vivo.
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25
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Mahmud F, Deng S, Chen H, Miller DD, Li W. Orally available tubulin inhibitor VERU-111 enhances antitumor efficacy in paclitaxel-resistant lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 495:76-88. [PMID: 32920198 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer associated mortality. Chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel, are important treatment options but drug resistance often develops upon prolonged use. We report here the preclinical evaluation of a new orally available tubulin inhibitor, VERU-111, which can overcome several ABC-transporters mediated multi-drug resistance associated with taxane treatment. In vitro, VERU-111 prevents cell proliferation, invasion, migration and colony formation in both paclitaxel-sensitive and paclitaxel-resistant A549 lung cancer cells. VERU-111 effectively inhibits tubulin polymerization, arrests cells in G2/M phase, and induces cancer cell apoptosis. Further evaluation of various apoptotic proteins revealed that treatment of VERU-111 increases the expression of cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase-3 and p-histone H3 proteins. In vivo, orally administered VERU-111 in a paclitaxel-sensitive A549 xenograft model strongly inhibits tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner and is equally potent with paclitaxel. When tested in a highly paclitaxel-resistant A549/TxR tumor model, VERU-111 is as effective as the parental A549 model in significantly reducing the tumor volume, whereas paclitaxel is essentially ineffective. Collectively, this study showed that VERU-111 is a promising new generation of anti-tubulin agent for the treatment of taxane-resistant lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foyez Mahmud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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26
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Yu J, Jin T, Zhang T. Suppression of Long Non-Coding RNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) Potentiates Cell Apoptosis and Drug Sensitivity to Taxanes and Adriamycin in Breast Cancer. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e922672. [PMID: 32623440 PMCID: PMC7357251 DOI: 10.12659/msm.922672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is expressed highly in various types of tumors. Moreover, the tumor-initiating role of MALAT1 has been probed in the context of breast cancer. This study was set to investigate the regulatory role of MALAT1 on the chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells to taxanes (Tax) and adriamycin (Adr). MATERIAL AND METHODS Following the measurement of MALAT1 expression in patients with breast cancer by means of qRT-PCR, the connection between the MALAT1 expression pattern and the prognosis of breast cancer patients as well as the molecular typing of breast cancer patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Next, the analysis between the expression of MALAT1 and the clinical symptoms of breast cancer patients was carried out. Subsequently, we generated taxane-resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Tax) and purchased Adr-resistant MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Adr). Finally, the proliferation, apoptosis and drug resistance of resistant and parental cells were evaluated after transfection of silencing MALAT1 into these cells. RESULTS MALAT1 was highly expressed in the breast cancer tissues. Moreover, patients with relative overexpression of MALAT1 had worse prognosis. MALAT1 expression was remarkably promoted in MCF-7/Tax and MCF-7/Adr cells, whose sensitivity to Tax and Adr was enhanced following MALAT1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS MALAT1 was elevated in breast cancer tissues and MCF-7-resistant cells, relative to corresponding controls and downregulation of MALAT1 inhibited the growth and chemoresistance of breast cancer cells to Tax and Adr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Department of General Surgery I, Zhuji Central Hospital, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Taobo Jin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhuji People’s Hospital, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tianya Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Zhuji People’s Hospital, Zhuji, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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27
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Xu H, Wang L, Shi B, Hu L, Gan C, Wang Y, Xiang Z, Wang X, Sheng J. Caffeine inhibits the anticancer activity of paclitaxel via down-regulation of α-tubulin acetylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110441. [PMID: 32580047 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a xanthine alkaloid found in a number of dietary products consumed worldwide, such as coffee, tea, and soft beverages, and is known to act as a modifying agent for cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs. Studies have shown that caffeine reduces the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and inhibits paclitaxel-induced apoptosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether caffeine inhibits the antitumor activity of paclitaxel via down-regulation of α-tubulin acetylation. In vitro studies, involving MTT assay, wound-healing assay, cell apoptosis assay, and western blotting analysis of A549 and HeLa cells, were performed. A549 and HeLa cell-based xenografts were established, and western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were performed for in vivo studies. The results showed that caffeine promoted the growth of cancer cells treated with paclitaxel. Additionally, caffeine enhanced migration ability, inhibited apoptosis, and decreased the acetylation of α-tubulin in paclitaxel-treated cancer cells. Furthermore, caffeine decreased the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on tumor growth through down-regulation of α-tubulin acetylation in vivo. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that caffeine inhibits the anticancer activity of paclitaxel via down-regulation of α-tubulin acetylation, suggesting that patients receiving treatment with taxanes, such as paclitaxel, should avoid consuming caffeinated beverages or foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Litian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Boya Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Lihong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Chunxia Gan
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zemin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Xuanjun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; College of Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Jun Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Pu-er Tea Science, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China.
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