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Kato C, Iizuka-Ohashi M, Honda M, Konishi E, Yokota I, Boku S, Mizuta N, Morita M, Sakaguchi K, Taguchi T, Watanabe M, Naoi Y. Additional statin treatment enhances the efficacy of HER2 blockade and improves prognosis in Rac1-high/HER2-positive breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167458. [PMID: 39128642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) has improved with the development of anti-HER2 therapies; however, the problem remains that there are still cases where anti-HER2 therapies do not respond well. We found that the expression of SREBF2, a master transcriptional factor in the mevalonate pathway, was correlated with ERBB2 (HER2) expression and a poor prognosis in HER2-positive BC. The target gene expressions of SREBF2 were associated with higher expression of ERBB2 in HER2-positive BC cells. Statins, anti-hypercholesterolemia drugs that inhibit the mevalonate pathway, enhanced the efficacy of HER2-targeting agents with inducing apoptosis in a geranylgeranylation-dependent manner. Mechanistically, statins specifically inhibited membrane localization of Rac1, a target protein of geranylgeranylation, and suppressed the activation of HER2 downstreams AKT and ERK pathways. Consistently, retrospective analysis showed a longer recurrence-free survival in Rac1-high/HER2-positive BC patients treated with HER2-targeting agents with statins than without statins. Our findings thus suggest that Rac1 expression could be used as a biomarker to stratify HER2-positive BC patients that could benefit from dual blockade, i.e., targeting HER2 with inhibition of geranylgeranylation of Rac1 using statins, thereby opening avenues for precision medicine in a new subset of Rac1-high/HER2-positive BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikage Kato
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mahiro Iizuka-Ohashi
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mizuki Honda
- Department of Pathology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eiichi Konishi
- Department of Pathology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Isao Yokota
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shogen Boku
- Cancer Treatment Center, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Midori Morita
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Sakaguchi
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Taguchi
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motoki Watanabe
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Yasuto Naoi
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Bannoura SF, Khan HY, Uddin MH, Mohammad RM, Pasche BC, Azmi AS. Targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factors for novel cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:949-959. [PMID: 38884380 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2368242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulate the activation of small GTPases (G proteins) of the Ras superfamily proteins controlling cellular functions. Ras superfamily proteins act as 'molecular switches' that are turned 'ON' by guanine exchange. There are five major groups of Ras family GTPases: Ras, Ran, Rho, Rab and Arf, with a variety of different GEFs regulating their GTP loading. GEFs have been implicated in various diseases including cancer. This makes GEFs attractive targets to modulate signaling networks controlled by small GTPases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the roles and mechanisms of GEFs in malignancy are outlined. The mechanism of guanine exchange activity by GEFs on a small GTPase is illustrated. Then, some examples of GEFs that are significant in cancer are presented with a discussion on recent progress in therapeutic targeting efforts using a variety of approaches. EXPERT OPINION Recently, GEFs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for novel cancer drug development. Targeting small GTPases is challenging; thus, targeting their activation by GEFs is a promising strategy. Most GEF-targeted drugs are still in preclinical development. A deeper biological understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GEF activity and utilizing advanced technology are necessary to enhance drug discovery for GEFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar F Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Velázquez-Vega LE, Rivera-Robles M, Sánchez-Álvarez AO, Vivas-Mejía PE, Aponte-Reyes M, Cruz-Collazo AM, Grafals-Ruiz N, Dorta-Estremera S, Hernández-O'Farrill E, Vlaar CP, Dharmawardhane S. Efficacy and delivery strategies of the dual Rac/Cdc42 inhibitor MBQ-167 in HER2 overexpressing breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101928. [PMID: 38489873 PMCID: PMC10956050 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab and trastuzumab-based treatments are the standard of care for breast cancer patients who overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). However, patients often develop resistance to trastuzumab via signaling from alternative growth factor receptors that converge to activate guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that in turn activate the Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42. Since Rac and Cdc42 have been implicated in high tumor grade and therapy resistance, inhibiting the activity of Rac and Cdc42 is a rational strategy to overcome HER2-targeted therapy resistance. Therefore, our group developed MBQ-167, a dual Rac/Cdc42 inhibitor with IC50s of 103 nM and 78 nM for Rac and Cdc42, respectively, which is highly effective in reducing cell and tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer cell and mouse models. Herein, we created a trastuzumab resistant variant of the SKBR3 HER2 positive breast cancer cell line and show that Rac activation is a central mechanism in trastuzumab resistance. Next, we tested the potential of targeting MBQ-167 to HER2 overexpressing trastuzumab-resistant cell lines in vitro, and show that MBQ-167, but not trastuzumab, reduces cell viability and induces apoptosis. When MBQ-167 was targeted to mammary fatpad tumors established from HER2 overexpressing cells via immunoliposomes functionalized with trastuzumab, MBQ-167 and MBQ-167-loaded liposomes show equal efficacy in reducing the viability of trastuzumab-resistant cells, inhibiting tumor growth in mouse xenografts, and reducing metastasis to lungs and liver. This study demonstrates the efficacy of MBQ-167 as an alternative therapeutic in HER2 overexpressing cancers, delivered either in free form or in liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Velázquez-Vega
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Michael Rivera-Robles
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Pablo E Vivas-Mejía
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico; University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Ailed M Cruz-Collazo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Nilmary Grafals-Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Stephanie Dorta-Estremera
- University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Eliud Hernández-O'Farrill
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cornelis P Vlaar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico; University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Tripathi S, Gupta E, Galande S. Statins as anti-tumor agents: A paradigm for repurposed drugs. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2078. [PMID: 38711272 PMCID: PMC11074523 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2078] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins, frequently prescribed medications, work by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) in the mevalonate pathway to reduce cholesterol levels. Due to their multifaceted benefits, statins are being adapted for use as cost-efficient, safe and effective anti-cancer treatments. Several studies have shown that specific types of cancer are responsive to statin medications since they rely on the mevalonate pathway for their growth and survival. RECENT FINDINGS Statin are a class of drugs known for their potent inhibition of cholesterol production and are typically prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in repurposing statins for the treatment of malignant neoplastic diseases, often in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mechanism behind statin treatment includes targeting apoptosis through the BCL2 signaling pathway, regulating the cell cycle via the p53-YAP axis, and imparting epigenetic modulations by altering methylation patterns on CpG islands and histone acetylation by downregulating DNMTs and HDACs respectively. Notably, some studies have suggested a potential chemo-preventive effect, as decreased occurrence of tumor relapse and enhanced survival rate were reported in patients undergoing long-term statin therapy. However, the definitive endorsement of statin usage in cancer therapy hinges on population based clinical studies with larger patient cohorts and extended follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS The potential of anti-cancer properties of statins seems to reach beyond their influence on cholesterol production. Further investigations are necessary to uncover their effects on cancer promoting signaling pathways. Given their distinct attributes, statins might emerge as promising contenders in the fight against tumorigenesis, as they appear to enhance the efficacy and address the limitations of conventional cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Tripathi
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & EpigeneticsIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchPuneIndia
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & EpigeneticsIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchPuneIndia
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology & EpigeneticsIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchPuneIndia
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Life SciencesShiv Nadar Institution of EminenceGautam Buddha NagarIndia
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Hemsing AL, Førde JL, Reikvam H, Herfindal L. The Rac1-inhibitor EHop-016 attenuates AML cell migration and enhances the efficacy of daunorubicin in MOLM-13 transplanted zebrafish larvae. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101876. [PMID: 38185059 PMCID: PMC10818244 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a GTPase implicated in cell migration and homing of hematopoietic cells to the hematopoietic niche, and is commonly overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This can lead to quiescence of leukemic blasts in the niche and reduced response to therapy. We investigated the Rac1 inhibitor EHop-016 on AML by assessing its effects on MOLM-13 cells in vitro and in zebrafish larvae, regarding cell motility and therapeutic potential in combination with daunorubicin (DNR). In vitro assessment of proliferation and viability was by measurement of 3H-thymidine incorporation and detection of Annexin V/PI positive cells. Cell motility was evaluated by measurement of migration in a transwell system. Fluorescently stained MOLM-13 cells were injected into zebrafish larvae, and individual cells followed by confocal microscopy. Cell accumulation in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) was studied using a 12-hour timelapse, while in vivo efficacy of DNR, EHop-016 or a combination was investigated over 24 h. The in vitro results showed that EHop-016 acted synergistically in combination with DNR in reducing the viability of MOLM-13 cells (Bliss synergy score above 10 %). Non-toxic concentrations of EHop-016 reduced cell migration. These findings were reproduced in zebrafish larvae: larvae receiving both DNR and EHop-016 had significantly reduced tumor burden compared to the untreated control or single treatments. The accumulation of MOLM-13 cells in the CHT was reduced in larvae receiving EHop-016 treatment. Our findings demonstrate that targeting Rac1 in AML holds promise as a complementary treatment to established chemotherapy and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Lodvir Hemsing
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, pb 1400, Bergen 5021, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Jan-Lukas Førde
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, pb 1400, Bergen 5021, Norway; Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Håkon Reikvam
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, pb 1400, Bergen 5021, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 87, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Lars Herfindal
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 87, Bergen 5021, Norway.
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Abdulaziz O, Khan FR, Alharthi NS, Alhuthali HM, Hazazi A, Alzahrani HA, Gharib AF, Alsalmi OA, Hawsawi NM, Alhazmi AY. Computational insights into overcoming resistance mechanisms in targeted therapies for advanced breast cancer: focus on EGFR and HER2 co-inhibition. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38234016 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2301766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, the formation of a heterodimer involving both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has been explored as a potential therapeutic mechanism to inhibit the progression of breast cancer. Virtual screening using molecular docking resulted in the three hit compounds (ZINC08382411, ZINC08382438, and ZINC08382292) with minimum binding scores and commonly binding to both receptors. Further, MD simulation analysis of these complexes illustrated the high stability of these compounds with EGFR and HER2. RMSD showed that ZINC08382411 displayed the most stable RMSD of 2 - 3 Å when bound to both receptors, suggesting to have strong compatibility with the active site of the receptor. Hydrogen bond analysis showed that ZINC08382411 forms the maximum number of H-bonds (2 to 3) in both EGFR and HER2 bound complexes, with the highest occupancy of 62% and 79%, respectively. Binding free energy calculation showed that ZINC08382411 possesses maximum affinity towards both the receptors with ΔGbind = -129.628 and -164.063 kJ/mol, respectively. This approach recognizes the significance of EGFR and HER2 in breast cancer development and aims to disrupt their collaborative signaling, which is known to promote the antagonistic behavior of cancer cells. By focusing on this EGFR/HER2 heterodimer, the study offers a promising avenue for identifying a potential candidate (ZINC08382411) that may inhibit breast cancer cell growth and potentially improve patient outcomes. The study's findings may contribute to the ongoing efforts to advance breast cancer treatment strategies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Abdulaziz
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Farhan R Khan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science,College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahed S Alharthi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayaa M Alhuthali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Hazazi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind A Alzahrani
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Applied of Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal F Gharib
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ohud A Alsalmi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahed M Hawsawi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulfattah Y Alhazmi
- Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Yasmeen N, Ahmad Chaudhary A, K Niraj RR, Lakhawat SS, Sharma PK, Kumar V. Screening of phytochemicals from Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn as potential anti-breast cancer compounds targeting EGFR: an in-silico approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-43. [PMID: 38141177 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women around the world. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK) of the ErbB/HER family. It is essential for triggering the cellular signaling cascades that control cell growth and survival. However, perturbations in EGFR signaling lead to cancer development and progression. Hence, EGFR is regarded as a prominent therapeutic target for breast cancer. Therefore, in the current investigation, EGFR was targeted with phytochemicals from Clerodendrum inerme (L.) Gaertn (C. inerme). A total of 121 phytochemicals identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were screened against EGFR through molecular docking, ADMET analyses (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity), PASS predictions, and molecular dynamics simulation, which revealed three potential hit compounds with CIDs 10586 [i.e. alpha-bisabolol (-6.4 kcal/mol)], 550281 [i.e. 2,(4,4-Trimethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-5a-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene) (-6.5 kcal/mol)], and 161271 [i.e. salvigenin (-7.4 kcal/mol)]. The FDA-approved drug gefitinib was used to compare the inhibitory effects of the phytochemicals. The top selected compounds exhibited good ADMET properties and obeyed Lipinski's rule of five (ROF). The molecular docking analysis showed that salvigenin was the best among the three compounds and formed bonds with the key residue Met 793. Furthermore, the molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MMGBSA) calculations, molecular dynamics simulation, and normal mode analysis validated the binding affinity of the compounds and also revealed the strong stability and compactness of phytochemicals at the docked site. Additionally, DFT and DOS analyses were done to study the reactivity of the compounds and to further validate the selected phytochemicals. These results suggest that the identified phytochemicals possess high inhibitory potential against the target EGFR and can treat breast cancer. However, further in vitro and in vivo investigations are warranted towards the development of these constituents into novel anti-cancer drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrath Yasmeen
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Anis Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Vikram Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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Shalayel MHF, Al-Mazaideh GM, Alanezi AA, Almuqati AF, Alotaibi M. Diosgenin and Monohydroxy Spirostanol from Prunus amygdalus var amara Seeds as Potential Suppressors of EGFR and HER2 Tyrosine Kinases: A Computational Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050704. [PMID: 37242487 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050704] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to be leading cause of death globally, with nearly 7 million deaths per year. Despite significant progress in cancer research and treatment, there remain several challenges to overcome, including drug resistance, the presence of cancer stem cells, and high interstitial fluid pressure in tumors. To tackle these challenges, targeted therapy, specifically targeting HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) as well as EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), is considered a promising approach in cancer treatment. In recent years, phytocompounds have gained recognition as a potential source of chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents in tumor cancer treatment. Phytocompounds are compounds derived from medicinal plants that have the potential to treat and prevent cancer. This study aimed to investigate phytocompounds from Prunus amygdalus var amara seeds as inhibitors against EGFR and HER2 enzymes using in silico methods. In this study, fourteen phytocompounds were isolated from Prunus amygdalus var amara seeds and subjected to molecular docking studies to determine their ability to bind to EGFR and HER2 enzymes. The results showed that diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol exhibited binding energies comparable to those of the reference drugs, tak-285, and lapatinib. Furthermore, the drug-likeness and ADMET predictions, performed using the admetSAR 2.0 web-server tool, suggested that diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol have similar safety and ADMET properties as the reference drugs. To get deeper insight into the structural steadiness and flexibility of the complexes formed between these compounds and theEGFR and HER2 proteins, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for 100 ns. The results showed that the hit phytocompounds did not significantly affect the stability of the EGFR and HER2 proteins and were able to form stable interactions with the catalytic binding sites of the proteins. Additionally, the MM-PBSA analysis revealed that the binding free energy estimates for diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol is comparable to the reference drug, lapatinib. This study provides evidence that diosgenin and monohydroxy spirostanol may have the potential to act as dual suppressors of EGFR and HER2. Additional in vivo and in vitro research are needed to certify these results and assess their efficacy and safety as cancer therapy agents. The experimental data reported and these results are in agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Helmy Faris Shalayel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghassab M Al-Mazaideh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkareem A Alanezi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf F Almuqati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshal Alotaibi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 31991, Saudi Arabia
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Medina JI, Cruz-Collazo A, Maldonado MDM, Matos Gascot T, Borrero-Garcia LD, Cooke M, Kazanietz MG, Hernandez O'Farril E, Vlaar CP, Dharmawardhane S. Characterization of Novel Derivatives of MBQ-167, an inhibitor of the GTP-binding proteins Rac/Cdc42. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1711-1726. [PMID: 36861094 PMCID: PMC9970268 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rac and Cdc42, are homologous GTPases that regulate cell migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression; thus, representing key targets for metastasis therapy. We previously reported on the efficacy of MBQ-167, which blocks both Rac1 and Cdc42 in breast cancer cells and mouse models of metastasis. To identify compounds with increased activity, a panel of MBQ-167 derivatives was synthesized, maintaining its 9-ethyl-3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-9H-carbazole core. Similar to MBQ-167, MBQ-168 and EHop-097, inhibit activation of Rac and Rac1B splice variant and breast cancer cell viability, and induce apoptosis. MBQ-167 and MBQ-168 inhibit Rac and Cdc42 by interfering with guanine nucleotide binding, and MBQ-168 is a more effective inhibitor of PAK (1,2,3) activation. EHop-097 acts via a different mechanism by inhibiting the interaction of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Vav with Rac. MBQ-168 and EHop-097 inhibit metastatic breast cancer cell migration, and MBQ-168 promotes loss of cancer cell polarity to result in disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and detachment from the substratum. In lung cancer cells, MBQ-168 is more effective than MBQ-167 or EHop-097 at reducing ruffle formation in response to EGF. Comparable to MBQ-167, MBQ-168 significantly inhibits HER2+ tumor growth and metastasis to lung, liver, and spleen. Both MBQ-167 and MBQ-168 inhibit the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 3A4, 2C9, and 2C19. However, MBQ-168 is ~10X less potent than MBQ-167 at inhibiting CYP3A4, thus demonstrating its utility in relevant combination therapies. In conclusion, the MBQ-167 derivatives MBQ-168 and EHop-097 are additional promising anti metastatic cancer compounds with similar and distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia I. Medina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Ailed Cruz-Collazo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Maria del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Tatiana Matos Gascot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marcelo G. Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eliud Hernandez O'Farril
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MBQ Pharma, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cornelis P. Vlaar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MBQ Pharma, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MBQ Pharma, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Corresponding Author: Suranganie Dharmawardhane, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067. Phone: 787-758-2525, ext. 1623; E-mail:
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Bailly C, Beignet J, Loirand G, Sauzeau V. Rac1 as a therapeutic anticancer target: Promises and limitations. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115180. [PMID: 35853497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of GTPases are increasingly considered for the treatment of multiple human pathologies. The GTPase Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) plays major roles in vital cellular processes, notably in the control cell motility and dynamic, the regulation of oxidative stress, and in inflammatory and immune surveillance. As such, Rac1 is viewed as a potential target to combat cancers but also diverse inflammatory, metabolic, neurodegenerative, respiratory, cardiovascular, viral, and parasitic diseases. Potent and selective Rac1 inhibitors have been identified and designed, such as compounds GYS32661 and MBQ-167 both in preclinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. The pleiotropic roles and ubiquitous expression of the protein can be viewed as limitations for anticancer approaches. However, the frequent overexpression and/or hyperactivation of the Rac1 in difficult-to-treat chemoresistant cancers, make Rac1 an attractive target in oncology. The key roles of Rac1 in multiple cellular pathways, together with its major implications in carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation and metastasis, support the development of small molecule inhibitors. The challenge is high and the difficulty shall not be underestimated, but the target is innovative and promising in combination with chemo- and/or immuno-therapy. Opportunities and challenges associated with the targeting of Rac1 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille (Wasquehal), 59290, France.
| | - Julien Beignet
- SATT Ouest Valorisation, 30 boulevard Vincent Gâche, CS 70211, 44202 Nantes cedex, France
| | - Gervaise Loirand
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Sauzeau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
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Rac1 as a Target to Treat Dysfunctions and Cancer of the Bladder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061357. [PMID: 35740379 PMCID: PMC9219850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder pathologies, very common in the aged population, have a considerable negative impact on quality of life. Novel targets are needed to design drugs and combinations to treat diseases such as overactive bladder and bladder cancers. A promising new target is the ubiquitous Rho GTPase Rac1, frequently dysregulated and overexpressed in bladder pathologies. We have analyzed the roles of Rac1 in different bladder pathologies, including bacterial infections, diabetes-induced bladder dysfunctions and bladder cancers. The contribution of the Rac1 protein to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells and their metastasis has been analyzed. Small molecules selectively targeting Rac1 have been discovered or designed, and two of them—NSC23766 and EHT 1864—have revealed activities against bladder cancer. Their mode of interaction with Rac1, at the GTP binding site or the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) interaction site, is discussed. Our analysis underlines the possibility of targeting Rac1 with small molecules with the objective to combat bladder dysfunctions and to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms. Finally, the interest of a Rac1 inhibitor to treat advanced chemoresistance prostate cancer, while reducing the risk of associated bladder dysfunction, is discussed. There is hope for a better management of bladder pathologies via Rac1-targeted approaches.
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Chen Y, Du F, Tang L, Xu J, Zhao Y, Wu X, Li M, Shen J, Wen Q, Cho CH, Xiao Z. Carboranes as unique pharmacophores in antitumor medicinal chemistry. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:400-416. [PMID: 35141397 PMCID: PMC8807988 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Carborane is a carbon-boron molecular cluster that can be viewed as a 3D analog of benzene. It features special physical and chemical properties, and thus has the potential to serve as a new type of pharmacophore for drug design and discovery. Based on the relative positions of two cage carbons, icosahedral closo-carboranes can be classified into three isomers, ortho-carborane (o-carborane, 1,2-C2B10H12), meta-carborane (m-carborane, 1,7-C2B10H12), and para-carborane (p-carborane, 1,12-C2B10H12), and all of them can be deboronated to generate their nido- forms. Cage compound carborane and its derivatives have been demonstrated as useful chemical entities in antitumor medicinal chemistry. The applications of carboranes and their derivatives in the field of antitumor research mainly include boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), as BNCT/photodynamic therapy dual sensitizers, and as anticancer ligands. This review summarizes the research progress on carboranes achieved up to October 2021, with particular emphasis on signaling transduction pathways, chemical structures, and mechanistic considerations of using carboranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liyao Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jinrun Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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