1
|
Nocentini A, Di Porzio A, Bonardi A, Bazzicalupi C, Petreni A, Biver T, Bua S, Marzano S, Amato J, Pagano B, Iaccarino N, De Tito S, Amente S, Supuran CT, Randazzo A, Gratteri P. Development of a multi-targeted chemotherapeutic approach based on G-quadruplex stabilisation and carbonic anhydrase inhibition. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2366236. [PMID: 38905127 PMCID: PMC11195807 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2366236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A novel class of compounds designed to hit two anti-tumour targets, G-quadruplex structures and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) IX and XII is proposed. The induction/stabilisation of G-quadruplex structures by small molecules has emerged as an anticancer strategy, disrupting telomere maintenance and reducing oncogene expression. hCAs IX and XII are well-established anti-tumour targets, upregulated in many hypoxic tumours and contributing to metastasis. The ligands reported feature a berberine G-quadruplex stabiliser scaffold connected to a moiety inhibiting hCAs IX and XII. In vitro experiments showed that our compounds selectively stabilise G-quadruplex structures and inhibit hCAs IX and XII. The crystal structure of a telomeric G-quadruplex in complex with one of these ligands was obtained, shedding light on the ligand/target interaction mode. The most promising ligands showed significant cytotoxicity against CA IX-positive HeLa cancer cells in hypoxia, and the ability to stabilise G-quadruplexes within tumour cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Nocentini
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonardi
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Bazzicalupi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Petreni
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Bua
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano De Tito
- Molecular Cell Biology of Autophagy, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Stefano Amente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Gratteri
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bonardi A, Nocentini A, de Luca V, Capasso C, Elkaeed EB, Eldehna WM, Supuran CT. Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Effectively Suppress Cancer Cell Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10006. [PMID: 39337494 PMCID: PMC11432087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810006] [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: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This study proposes a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer management by combining the antitumor effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and inhibition of carbonic anhydrases (CAs; EC 4.2.1.1), specifically isoforms IV, IX, and XII. H2S has demonstrated cytotoxicity against various cancers at high concentrations. The inhibition of tumor-associated CAs leads to lethal intracellular alkalinization and acidification of the extracellular tumor microenvironment and restores tumor responsiveness to the immune system, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The study proposes H2S donor-CA inhibitor (CAI) hybrids for tumor management. These compounds effectively inhibit the target CAs, release H2S consistently, and exhibit potent antitumor effects against MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, and A549 cancer cell lines. Notably, some compounds display high cytotoxicity across all investigated cell lines. Derivative 30 shows a 2-fold increase in cytotoxicity (0.93 ± 0.02 µM) under chemically induced hypoxia in HCT-116 cells. These compounds also disturb the cell cycle, leading to a reduction in cell populations in G0/G1 and S phases, with a notable increase in G2/M and Sub-G1. This disruption is correlated with induced apoptosis, with fold increases of 37.2, 24.5, and 32.9 against HCT-116 cells and 14.2, 13.1, and 19.9 against A549 cells compared to untreated cells. These findings suggest the potential of H2S releaser-CAI hybrids as effective and versatile tools in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bonardi
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Viviana de Luca
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Clemente Capasso
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Canal El Mahmoudia St., Alexandria 21648, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ostapowicz J, Ostrowska K, Golusiński W, Kulcenty K, Suchorska WM. Improving therapeutic strategies for Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from 3D hypoxic cell culture models in treatment response evaluation. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:368-376. [PMID: 39047970 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2024.07.007] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia in the tumor core negatively affects the outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nevertheless, its role in predicting treatment response requires further exploration. Typically, reduced oxygen levels in the tumor core correlate with diminished efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, which are commonly used for HNSCC patients' treatment. Understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of these varied treatment responses in HNSCC is crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes and extending patients' overall survival (OS) rates. Standard monolayer cell culture conditions have major limitations in mimicking tumor physiological features and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures enable the recreation of the in vivo tumor attributes, encompassing oxygen and nutrient gradients, cellular morphology, and intracellular connections. It is vital to use the 3D model in treatment response studies to mimic the tumor microenvironment, as evidenced by the decreased sensitivity of 3D structures to anticancer therapy. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to delineate the utility of the 3D models of hypoxic head and neck tumors in drug screening and treatment response studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ostapowicz
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Kamila Ostrowska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Golusiński
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ronca R, Supuran CT. Carbonic anhydrase IX: An atypical target for innovative therapies in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189120. [PMID: 38801961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189120] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs), are metallo-enzymes implicated in several pathophysiological processes where tissue pH regulation is required. CA IX is a tumor-associated CA isoform induced by hypoxia and involved in the adaptation of tumor cells to acidosis. Indeed, several tumor-driving pathways can induce CA IX expression, and this in turn has been associated to cancer cells invasion and metastatic features as well as to induction of stem-like features, drug resistance and recurrence. After its functional and structural characterization CA IX targeting approaches have been developed to inhibit its activity in neoplastic tissues, and to date this field has seen an incredible acceleration in terms of therapeutic options and biological readouts. Small molecules inhibitors, hybrid/dual targeting drugs, targeting antibodies and adoptive (CAR-T based) cell therapy have been developed at preclinical level, whereas a sulfonamide CA IX inhibitor and an antibody entered Phase Ib/II clinical trials for the treatment and imaging of different solid tumors. Here recent advances on CA IX biology and pharmacology in cancer, and its therapeutic targeting will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Biotecnologie (CIB), Italy.
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, University of Florence, Florence 50019, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu N, Zheng Q, Zhang Y, Wang H, Zhang Z, He L, Wei C, Xia H, Liu Y, Wang X. Hypoxia differently regulates the proportion of ALDH hi cells in lung squamous carcinoma H520 and adenocarcinoma A549 cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:1419-1428. [PMID: 38736300 PMCID: PMC11194122 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15328] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a specific subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability of self-renewal, infinite proliferation, multidifferentiation and tumorigenicity, and play critical roles in cancer progression and treatment resistance. CSCs are tightly regulated by the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia; however, how hypoxia regulates CSCs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. METHODS The proportion of ALDHhi cells was examined using the Aldefluor assay. Tankyrase inhibitor XAV939 and siRNA were used to inhibit β-catenin while pcDNA3-β-catenin (S33Y) plasmid enhanced the expression of β-catenin. Western blot was administered for protein detection. The mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS We found that hypoxia led to an increase in the proportion of ALDHhi cells in lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) H520 cells, while causing a decrease in the ALDHhi cell proportion in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) A549 cells. Similarly, β-catenin expression was upregulated in H520 cells but downregulated in A549 cells upon exposure to hypoxia. Mechanically, the proportion of ALDHhi cells in both cell lines was decreased by β-catenin inhibitor or siRNA knockdown, whereas increased after β-catenin overexpression. Furthermore, hypoxia treatment suppressed E-cadherin expression in H520 cells and enhanced N-cadherin and β-catenin expression, while this effect was completely opposite in A549 cells. CONCLUSION The hypoxia-EMT-β-catenin axis functions as an important regulator for the proportion of CSCs in NSCLC and could potentially be explored as therapeutic targets in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Qi Zheng
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Huimin Wang
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of OncologyYantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Long He
- Department of OncologyThe Third Hospital of JinanJinanChina
| | - Chenxi Wei
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Handai Xia
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yanguo Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiuwen Wang
- Department of Medical OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Filograna A, De Tito S, Monte ML, Oliva R, Bruzzese F, Roca MS, Zannetti A, Greco A, Spano D, Ayala I, Liberti A, Petraccone L, Dathan N, Catara G, Schembri L, Colanzi A, Budillon A, Beccari AR, Del Vecchio P, Luini A, Corda D, Valente C. Identification and characterization of a new potent inhibitor targeting CtBP1/BARS in melanoma cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:137. [PMID: 38711119 PMCID: PMC11071220 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The C-terminal-binding protein 1/brefeldin A ADP-ribosylation substrate (CtBP1/BARS) acts both as an oncogenic transcriptional co-repressor and as a fission inducing protein required for membrane trafficking and Golgi complex partitioning during mitosis, hence for mitotic entry. CtBP1/BARS overexpression, in multiple cancers, has pro-tumorigenic functions regulating gene networks associated with "cancer hallmarks" and malignant behavior including: increased cell survival, proliferation, migration/invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Structurally, CtBP1/BARS belongs to the hydroxyacid-dehydrogenase family and possesses a NAD(H)-binding Rossmann fold, which, depending on ligands bound, controls the oligomerization of CtBP1/BARS and, in turn, its cellular functions. Here, we proposed to target the CtBP1/BARS Rossmann fold with small molecules as selective inhibitors of mitotic entry and pro-tumoral transcriptional activities. METHODS Structured-based screening of drug databases at different development stages was applied to discover novel ligands targeting the Rossmann fold. Among these identified ligands, N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-{[(4-nitrophenyl)carbamoyl]amino}benzenesulfonamide, called Comp.11, was selected for further analysis. Fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal calorimetry, computational modelling and site-directed mutagenesis were employed to define the binding of Comp.11 to the Rossmann fold. Effects of Comp.11 on the oligomerization state, protein partners binding and pro-tumoral activities were evaluated by size-exclusion chromatography, pull-down, membrane transport and mitotic entry assays, Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, motility/invasion, and colony assays in A375MM and B16F10 melanoma cell lines. Effects of Comp.11 on tumor growth in vivo were analyzed in mouse tumor model. RESULTS We identify Comp.11 as a new, potent and selective inhibitor of CtBP1/BARS (but not CtBP2). Comp.11 directly binds to the CtBP1/BARS Rossmann fold affecting the oligomerization state of the protein (unlike other known CtBPs inhibitors), which, in turn, hinders interactions with relevant partners, resulting in the inhibition of both CtBP1/BARS cellular functions: i) membrane fission, with block of mitotic entry and cellular secretion; and ii) transcriptional pro-tumoral effects with significantly hampered proliferation, EMT, migration/invasion, and colony-forming capabilities. The combination of these effects impairs melanoma tumor growth in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies a potent and selective inhibitor of CtBP1/BARS active in cellular and melanoma animal models revealing new opportunities to study the role of CtBP1/BARS in tumor biology and to develop novel melanoma treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Filograna
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano De Tito
- Molecular Cell Biology of Autophagy, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK. The Study Has Been Previously Performed at IEOS-CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Lo Monte
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bruzzese
- Animal Facility Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, 80145, Italy
| | - Adelaide Greco
- Interdepartmental Service Center of Veterinary Radiology, University of Naples Federico II, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Spano
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Inmaculada Ayala
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Liberti
- National Research Council (CNR), Piazzale Aldo Moro, 700185, Rome, Italy
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Nina Dathan
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Catara
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Schembri
- National Research Council (CNR), Piazzale Aldo Moro, 700185, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino Colanzi
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Luini
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Corda
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmen Valente
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore"(IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Present address: Dompé Farmaceutici S.P.A, L'Aquila, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sato K, Miura K, Tamori S, Akimoto K. Identification of a Gene Expression Signature to Predict the Risk of Early Recurrence and the Degree of Immune Cell Infiltration in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:316-326. [PMID: 38670590 PMCID: PMC11059597 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20450] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a high rate of recurrence within 3 years of diagnosis and a high rate of death within 5 years compared to other subtypes. The number of clinical trials investigating various new agents and combination therapies has recently increased; however, current strategies benefit only a minority of patients. This study aimed to identify specific genes that predict patients at high risk of recurrence and the immune status of the tumor microenvironment at an early stage, thereby providing insight into potential therapeutic targets to improve clinical outcomes in TNBC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the prognostic significance of microarray mRNA expression of 20,603 genes in 233 TNBC patients from the METABRIC dataset and further validated the results using RNA-seq mRNA expression data in 143 TNBC patients from the GSE96058 dataset. RESULTS Eighteen differentially expressed genes (AKNA, ARHGAP30, CA9, CD3D, CD3G, CD6, CXCR6, CYSLTR1, DOCK10, ENO1, FLT3LG, IFNG, IL2RB, LPXN, PRKCB, PVRIG, RASSF5, and STAT4) identified in both datasets were found to be reliable biomarkers for predicting TNBC recurrence and progression. Notably, the genes whose low expression was associated with increased risk of recurrence and death were immune-related genes, with significant differences in levels of immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment between high- and low- expression groups. CONCLUSION Genes reported herein may be effective biomarkers to identify TNBC patients who will and will not benefit from immunotherapy and may be particularly important genes for developing future treatment strategies, including immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Sato
- Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan;
| | - Kentaro Miura
- Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shoma Tamori
- Department of Medicinal and Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazunori Akimoto
- Department of Medicinal and Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Supuran CT. Drug interactions of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and activators. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:143-155. [PMID: 38450431 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2328152] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) have been established drug targets for decades, with their inhibitors and activators possessing relevant pharmacological activity and applications in various fields. At least 11 sulfonamides/sulfamates are clinically used as diuretics, antiglaucoma, antiepileptic, or antiobesity agents and one derivative, SLC-0111, is in clinical trials as antitumor/antimetastatic agent. The activators were less investigated with no clinically used agent. AREAS COVERED Drug interactions between CA inhibitors/activators and various other agents are reviewed in publications from the period March 2020 - January 2024. EXPERT OPINION Drug interactions involving these agents revealed several interesting findings. Acetazolamide plus loop diuretics is highy effective in acute decompensated heart failure, whereas ocular diseases such as X-linked retinoschisis and macular edema were treated by acetazolamide plus bevacizumab or topical NSAIDs. Potent anti-infective effects of acetazolamide and other CAIs, alone or in combination with other agents were demonstrated for the management of Neisseria gonorrhoea, vancomycin resistant enterococci, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Trichinella spiralis, and Cryptococcus neoformans infections. Topiramate, in combination with phentermine is incresingly used for the management of obesity, whereas zonisamide plus levodopa is highly effective for Parkinson's disease. Acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide, and SLC-0111 showed synergistic antitumor/antimetastatic action in combination with many other antitumor drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao K, Wang X, Jin Y, Zhu X, Zhou T, Yu Y, Ji X, Chang Y, Luo J, Ni X, Guo Y, Yu D. LncRNA ZNF674-AS1 drives cell growth and inhibits cisplatin-induced pyroptosis via up-regulating CA9 in neuroblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:5. [PMID: 38177154 PMCID: PMC10766958 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06394-8] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a challenging pediatric extracranial solid tumor characterized by a poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy. Identifying targets to enhance chemotherapy sensitivity in NB is of utmost importance. Increasing evidence implicates long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cancer, but their functional roles remain largely unexplored. Here, we analyzed our RNA sequencing data and identified the upregulated lncRNA ZNF674-AS1 in chemotherapy non-responsive NB patients. Elevated ZNF674-AS1 expression is associated with poor prognosis and high-risk NB. Importantly, targeting ZNF674-AS1 expression in NB cells suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Further functional studies have revealed that ZNF674-AS1 constrains cisplatin sensitivity by suppressing pyroptosis and promoting cell proliferation. Moreover, ZNF674-AS1 primarily relies on CA9 to fulfill its functions on cisplatin resistance. High CA9 levels were associated with high-risk NB and predicted poor patient outcomes. Mechanistically, ZNF674-AS1 directly interacted with the RNA binding protein IGF2BP3 to enhance the stability of CA9 mRNA by binding with CA9 transcript, leading to elevated CA9 expression. As a novel regulator of CA9, IGF2BP3 positively upregulated CA9 expression. Together, these results expand our understanding of the cancer-associated function of lncRNAs, highlighting the ZNF674-AS1/IGF2BP3/CA9 axis as a constituting regulatory mode in NB tumor growth and cisplatin resistance. These insights reveal the pivotal role of ZNF674-AS1 inhibition in recovering cisplatin sensitivity, thus providing potential therapeutic targets for NB treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunming Zhao
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yaqiong Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health (NCCH), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yongbo Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health (NCCH), Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoying Ji
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yan Chang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health (NCCH), Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Luo
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health (NCCH), Beijing, China.
| | - Yongli Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health (NCCH), Beijing, China.
| | - Dianke Yu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, 266071, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Trawally M, Demir-Yazıcı K, Angeli A, Kaya K, Akdemir A, Supuran CT, Güzel-Akdemir Ö. Thiosemicarbazone-benzenesulfonamide Derivatives as Human Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitors: Synthesis, Characterization, and In silico Studies. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:649-667. [PMID: 38367264 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206290722240125112447] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are widespread metalloenzymes with the core function of catalyzing the interconversion of CO2 and HCO3 -. Targeting these enzymes using selective inhibitors has emerged as a promising approach for the development of novel therapeutic agents against multiple diseases. METHODS A series of novel thiosemicarbazone-containing derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and tested for their inhibitory activity against pharmaceutically important human CA I (hCA I), II (hCA II), IX (hCA IX), and XII (hCA XII) using the single tail approach. RESULTS The compounds generally inhibited the isoenzymes at low nanomolar concentrations, with compound 6b having Ki values of 7.16, 0.31, 92.5, and 375 nM against hCA I, II, IX and XII, respectively. Compound 6e exhibited Ki values of 27.6, 0.34, 872, and 94.5 nM against hCA I, II, IX and XII, respectively. CONCLUSION To rationalize the inhibition data, molecular docking studies were conducted, providing insight into the binding mechanisms, molecular interactions, and selectivity of the compounds towards the isoenzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Trawally
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Kübra Demir-Yazıcı
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Kerem Kaya
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Atilla Akdemir
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Özlen Güzel-Akdemir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luo J, Huang Y, Wu J, Dai L, Dong M, Cheng B. A novel hypoxia-associated gene signature for prognosis prediction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:864. [PMID: 37964257 PMCID: PMC10647095 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03489-8] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of head and neck, which seriously threatens human life and health. However, the mechanism of hypoxia-associated genes (HAGs) in HNSCC remains unelucidated. This study aims to establish a hypoxia-associated gene signature and the nomogram for predicting the prognosis of patients with HNSCC. METHODS Previous literature reports provided a list of HAGs. The TCGA database provided genetic and clinical information on HNSCC patients. First, a hypoxia-associated gene risk model was constructed for predicting overall survival (OS) in HNSCC patients and externally validated in four GEO datasets (GSE27020, GSE41613, GSE42743, and GSE117973). Then, immune status and metabolic pathways were analyzed. A nomogram was constructed and assessed the predictive value. Finally, experimental validation of the core genes was performed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS A HNSCC prognostic model was constructed based on 8 HAGs. This risk model was validated in four external datasets and exhibited high predictive value in various clinical subgroups. Significant differences in immune cell infiltration levels and metabolic pathways were found between high and low risk subgroups. The nomogram was highly accurate for predicting OS in HNSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The 8 hypoxia-associated gene signature can serve as novel independent prognostic indicators in HNSCC patients. The nomogram combining the risk score and clinical stage enhanced predictive performance in predicting OS compared to the risk model and clinical characteristics alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Luo
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuejiao Huang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, No. 98 Chengxiang Road, Youjiang District, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Jiahe Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Dai
- Department of Stomatology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, No. 215 Zhongshan Road, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Mingyou Dong
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, No. 98 Chengxiang Road, Youjiang District, Baise, 533000, China.
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Supuran CT. Targeting carbonic anhydrases for the management of hypoxic metastatic tumors. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:701-720. [PMID: 37545058 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2245971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several isoforms of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) are connected with tumorigenesis. Hypoxic tumors overexpress CA IX and XII as a consequence of HIF activation cascade, being involved in pH regulation, metabolism, and metastases formation. Other isoforms (CA I, II, III, IV) were also reported to be present in some tumors. AREAS COVERED Some CA isoforms are biomarkers for disease progression or response to therapy. Inhibitors, antibodies, and other procedures for targeting these enzymes for the treatment of tumors/metastases are discussed. Sulfonamides and coumarins represent the most investigated classes of inhibitors, but carboxylates, selenium, and tellurium-containing inhibitors were also investigated. Hybrid drugs of CA inhibitors with other antitumor agents for multitargeted therapy were reported. EXPERT OPINION Targeting CAs present in solid or hematological tumors with selective, targeted inhibitors is a validated approach, which has been consolidated in the last years. A host of new preclinical data and several clinical trials of antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors are ongoing, which connected with the large number of new chemotypes/procedures discovered to be effective, may lead to a breakthrough in this therapeutic area. The scientific/patent literature has been searched for on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Espacenet, and PatentGuru, from 2018 to 2023.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao X, Ni S, Song Y, Hu K. Intranasal delivery of Borneol/R8dGR peptide modified PLGA nanoparticles co-loaded with curcumin and cisplatin alleviate hypoxia in pediatric brainstem glioma which improves the synergistic therapy. J Control Release 2023; 362:121-137. [PMID: 37633362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.048] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin (cis) is a first-line chemotherapeutic used for the treatment of intractable pediatric brainstem glioma (PBSG). Its therapeutic effect in PBSG is, however, critically challenged by the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor and the presence of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Herein, we report on the intranasal administration of borneol (Bo)/R8dGR peptide modified PLGA based nanoparticles (NP) co-loaded with curcumin and cisplatin (cur/cis). We observed that borneol modification improved the brain penetration of the nanoparticles by reduction of the expression of ZO-1 and occludin in nasal mucosa, while the R8dGR peptide modification allowed the targeting of the NP through the binding on integrin αvβ3 receptors which are present on PBSG cells. Following intranasal administration, BoR-cur/cis-NP attenuated hypoxia in the PBSG microenvironment and reduced angiogenesis, which prolonged survival of GL261-bearing PBSG mice. Therefore, intranasal administration of BoR-cur/cis-NP, which deeply penetrate PBSG, is an encouraging strategy to attenuate hypoxia which potentiates the efficacy of cisplatin in the treatment of PBSG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Shuting Ni
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yangjie Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Kaili Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gao Q, Zhan Y, Sun L, Zhu W. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Tumor Drug Resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2141-2154. [PMID: 37477773 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10593-3] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Although there has been some progress in the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs, drug resistance remains challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewing and differentiate into cancer tissues with tumor heterogeneity. CSCs are associated with the progression of breast, colon, and lung cancers. Hence, recent studies have focused on the role of CSCs in resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Increasing evidence suggests that CSCs interact with components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as vascular and immune cells, as well as various cytokines, and are regulated by multiple signaling pathways, thereby promoting drug resistance in various cancers. Therefore, it is important to clarify the mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between CSCs and the TME for the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzhi Gao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Yixiang Zhan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
He J, Chen J, Shen J. Selamectin increases cisplatin sensitivity by inhibiting cisplatin-resistant genes expression and autophagy in uveal melanoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 661:75-81. [PMID: 37087801 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance is the main reason for uveal melanoma (UM) treatment failure. Thus, developing strategy that increasing cisplatin sensitivity is needed. In this study, we performed drug repositioning analysis with the Connectivity Map database using a panel of previously identified cisplatin sensitivity-associated genes and cisplatin resistance-associated genes as the signature and obtained the antiparasitic drug selamectin. We demonstrated that the selamectin and cisplatin combination showed a synergistic effect on inhibiting UM cell growth. Experiments in tumor-bearing nude mice further showed that selamectin and cisplatin have synergistic effects in reducing tumor growth. Previous studies have linked increased autophagy with tumor resistance to chemotherapy. We found that selamectin inhibited the expression of the autophagy-related gene ATG9B, thus reducing autophagy. The cisplatin resistance-associated genes PDGFRB, DUSP1, MAST1 and IL11 were significantly downregulated in UM cells treated with selamectin. In summary, our study shows that selamectin enhanced the sensitivity of UM to cisplatin, through the mechanism of inhibiting cisplatin resistance-associated gene expression and autophagy. These findings may provide a new strategy for the treatment of UM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, National Facility for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Shibei Hospital of Jing'an District, Shanghai, 2000443, China
| | - Jili Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Shibei Hospital of Jing'an District, Shanghai, 2000443, China.
| | - Jianfeng Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, National Facility for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Han R, Li J, Hony J, Xiao Z, wang J, Yao M, Liang S, Lu L. CAXII inhibitors: Potential sensitizers for immune checkpoint inhibitors in HCC treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1052657. [PMID: 37006233 PMCID: PMC10061011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1052657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy with a lack of effective treatments particularly for the disease at an advanced stage. Even though immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made great progress in the treatment of HCC, durable and ideal clinical benefits still cannot be achieved in plenty of patients with HCC. Therefore, novel and refined ICI-based combination therapies are still needed to enhance the therapeutic effect. The latest study has reported that the carbonic anhydrase XII inhibitor (CAXIIi), a novel type of anticancer drug, can modify the tumor immunosuppression microenvironment by affecting hypoxic/acidic metabolism and alter the functions of monocytes and macrophages by regulating the expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CCL8). These observations shine a light on improving programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy in combination with CAXIIis. This mini-review aims to ignite enthusiasm to explore the potential application of CAXIIis in combination with immunotherapy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Rui Han, ; Lingeng Lu,
| | - Jiayin Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Hony
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghui wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Man Yao
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Rui Han, ; Lingeng Lu,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sarnella A, Ferrara Y, Albanese S, Omodei D, Cerchia L, De Simone G, Supuran CT, Zannetti A. Inhibition of Bone Marrow-Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Induced Carbonic Anhydrase IX Potentiates Chemotherapy Efficacy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020298. [PMID: 36672233 PMCID: PMC9857137 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy represents the main systemic treatment used for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, although many of them develop drug resistance. The hypoxic TME is the crucial driver in the onset of insensitivity to chemotherapy. In this research, we elucidated the role played by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in reducing cisplatin effects in TNBC. BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells, grown under hypoxic conditions in the presence of conditioned medium obtained from BM-MSCs (CM-MSCs), showed a strong cisplatin insensitivity and increased expression levels of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX). Therefore, we inhibited CM-MSC-induced CA IX by SLC-0111 to potentiate chemotherapy efficacy in TNBC cells. Our results showed that CM-MSCs under hypoxic conditions caused an increase in the ability of TNBC cells to form vascular structures, migrate and invade Matrigel. Cell treatment with cisplatin plus SLC-0111 was able to block these mechanisms, as well as the signaling pathways underlying them, such as p-AKT, p-ERK, CD44, MMP-2, vimentin, β-catenin, and N-cadherin, more effectively than treatment with single agents. In addition, a significant enhancement of apoptosis assessed by annexin V, caspase-3 expression and activity was also shown. Taken together, our results demonstrated the possibility, through CA IX inhibition, of returning TNBC cells to a more chemosensitive state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ylenia Ferrara
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Sandra Albanese
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Omodei
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-220-3431
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oudah KH, Mahmoud WR, Awadallah FM, Taher AT, Abbas SES, Allam HA, Vullo D, Supuran CT. Design and synthesis of some new benzoylthioureido benzenesulfonamide derivatives and their analogues as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:12-23. [PMID: 36305274 PMCID: PMC9621292 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2132485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The present investigation reports the design and synthesis of three series of benzoylthioureido derivatives bearing either benzenesulfonamide 7a–f, benzoic acid 8a–f or ethylbenzoate 9a–f moieties. The synthesised compounds were screened for their carbonic anhydrase inhibitory activity (CAI) against four isoforms hCA I, II, IX, and XII. Compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7f exhibited a potent inhibitory activity towards hCAI (Kis = 58.20, 56.30, 33.00, and 43.00 nM), respectively compared to acetazolamide (AAZ) and SLC-0111 (Kis = 250.00 and 5080.00 nM). Compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, 7e, and 7f elicited selectivity over h CA II (Kis = 2.50, 2.10, 56.60,39.60 and 39.00 nM) respectively, relative to AAZ and SLC-0111(Kis = 12.10 and 960.00 nM). Also, compounds 7c, 7f, and 9e displayed selectivity against the tumour-associated isoform hCA IX (Kis = 31.20, 30.00 and 29.00 nM) respectively, compared to AAZ and SLC-0111 (Kis = 25.70 and 45.00 nM). Additionally, compounds 8a and 8f revealed a moderate to superior selectivity towards hCAXII (Kis = 17.00 and 11.00 nM) relative to AAZ and SLC-0111(Kis = 5.70 and 45.00 nM). Molecular docking and ADME prediction studies were performed on the most active compounds to shed light on their interaction with the hot spots of the active site of CA isoforms, in addition to prediction of their pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khulood H. Oudah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Walaa R. Mahmoud
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fadi M. Awadallah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Azza T. Taher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University(O6U), Giza, Egypt
| | - Safinaz E.-S Abbas
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Daniela Vullo
- Department NEUROFARBA – Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical section, University of Firenze, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Department NEUROFARBA – Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical section, University of Firenze, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liguori F, Carradori S, Ronca R, Rezzola S, Filiberti S, Carta F, Turati M, Supuran CT. Benzenesulfonamides with different rigidity-conferring linkers as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: an insight into the antiproliferative effect on glioblastoma, pancreatic, and breast cancer cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:1857-1869. [PMID: 35768159 PMCID: PMC9246135 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2091557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the chemotypes studied for selective inhibition of tumour-associated carbonic anhydrases (CAs), SLC-0111, a ureido-bearing benzenesulfonamide CA IX inhibitor, displayed promising antiproliferative effects in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, being in Phase Ib/II clinical development. To explore the structural characteristics required for better discrimination of less conserved regions of the enzyme, we investigate the incorporation of the urea linker into an imidazolidin-2-one cycle, a modification already explored previously for obtaining CA inhibitors. This new library of compounds inhibited potently four different hCAs in the nanomolar range with a different isoform selectivity profile compared to the lead SLC-0111. Several representative CA IX inhibitors were tested for their efficacy to inhibit the proliferation of glioblastoma, pancreatic, and breast cancer cells expressing CA IX, in hypoxic conditions. Unlike previous literature data on SLC-149, a structurally related sulphonamide to compounds investigated here, our data reveal that these derivatives possess promising anti-proliferative effects, comparable to those of SLC-0111.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Filiberti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Turati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abdel-Mohsen HT, Omar MA, Petreni A, Supuran CT. Novel 2-substituted thioquinazoline-benzenesulfonamide derivatives as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors with potential anticancer activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200180. [PMID: 36056903 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of 2-thioquinazoline-benzenesulfonamide hybrids were designed as carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors. The design approach relies on molecular hybridization between the benzenesulfonamide scaffold as a Zn2+ binding group and 2-substituted thioquinazolines as a tail. Assaying the thioquinazoline-benzenesulfonamide conjugates against four different CA isoforms revealed that compounds 12f and 12p are the most potent derivatives. They exhibit Ki = 0.09 and 0.05 µM on CA II, 0.32 and 0.47 µM on CA IX, and 0.58 and 0.46 µM on CA XII, respectively. In addition, 12p demonstrated high selectivity for CA II over CA I with selectivity index (SI) = 92, and slightly higher specificity for CA II over CA IX and CA XII with SI = 9.40 and 9.20, respectively. The synthesized compounds were screened for their cytotoxic activity at 10 µM concentration and derivatives 12o, 12n, and 12f turned out to be the most potent ones from the synthesized series; they exhibit mean growth inhibition % values of 89.38%, 58.75%, and 54.71%, respectively, while 12p demonstrated moderate activity against the NCI cancer cell lines, with mean growth inhibition % = 29.62%. The analysis of the MCF-7 cell cycle after treatment with 5.0 µM of 12f displayed that it arrests the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Molecular docking simulation of the thioquinazoline-benzenesulfonamide hybrids in the CA II active site rationalized the potent activity to the settlement of the sulfonamide moiety at the depth of the CA II active site and its stabilization by performing the important interactions with the Zn2+ ion as well as with the key amino acids Thr199 and/or Thr200, while the thioquinazoline moiety with different (un)substituted phenyl tails is stabilized by the formation of various hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with the surrounding amino acids in the binding site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heba T Abdel-Mohsen
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Omar
- Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Andrea Petreni
- Department NEUROFARBA-Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department NEUROFARBA-Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pontecorvi V, Mori M, Picarazzi F, Zara S, Carradori S, Cataldi A, Angeli A, Berrino E, Chimenti P, Ciogli A, Secci D, Guglielmi P, Supuran CT. Novel Insights on Human Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Based on Coumalic Acid: Design, Synthesis, Molecular Modeling Investigation, and Biological Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7950. [PMID: 35887299 PMCID: PMC9324074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms IX and XII are overexpressed in solid hypoxic tumors, and they are considered as prognostic tools and therapeutic targets for cancer. Based on a molecular simplification of the well-known coumarin scaffold, we developed a new series of derivatives of the pyran-2-one core. The new compounds are endowed with potent and selective inhibitory activity against the tumor-related hCA isoforms IX and XII, in the low nanomolar range, whereas they are inactive against the two cytosolic off-targets hCA I and II. The compounds exhibiting the best hCA inhibition were further investigated against the breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7) in hypoxic conditions, evaluating their ability to eventually synergize with doxorubicin. The compounds' biocompatibility on healthy cells was also tested and confirmed on Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs). Furthermore, the possible binding mode of all compounds to the active site of the tumor-associated human CA IX was investigated by computational techniques which predicted the binding conformations and the persistency of binding poses within the active site of the enzyme, furnishing relevant data for the design of tight binding inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Pontecorvi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (E.B.); (P.C.); (A.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesca Picarazzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Susi Zara
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.Z.); (S.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.Z.); (S.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.Z.); (S.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Angeli
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Florence, Italy;
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Berrino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (E.B.); (P.C.); (A.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Paola Chimenti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (E.B.); (P.C.); (A.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Alessia Ciogli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (E.B.); (P.C.); (A.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Daniela Secci
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (E.B.); (P.C.); (A.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Paolo Guglielmi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (E.B.); (P.C.); (A.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Squaramide-Tethered Sulfonamides and Coumarins: Synthesis, Inhibition of Tumor-Associated CAs IX and XII and Docking Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147685. [PMID: 35887037 PMCID: PMC9318203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are attractive targets for the development of new anticancer therapies; in particular, CAs IX and XII isoforms are overexpressed in numerous tumors. (2) Methods: following the tail approach, we have appended a hydrophobic aromatic tail to a pharmacophore responsible for the CA inhibition (aryl sulfonamide, coumarin). As a linker, we have used squaramides, featured with strong hydrogen bond acceptor and donor capacities. (3) Results: Starting from easily accessible dimethyl squarate, the title compounds were successfully obtained as crystalline solids, avoiding the use of chromatographic purifications. Interesting and valuable SARs could be obtained upon modification of the length of the hydrocarbon chain, position of the sulfonamido moiety, distance of the aryl sulfonamide scaffold to the squaramide, stereoelectronic effects on the aromatic ring, as well as the number and type of substituents on C-3 and C-4 positions of the coumarin. (4) Conclusions: For sulfonamides, the best profile was achieved for the m-substituted derivative 11 (Ki = 29.4, 9.15 nM, CA IX and XII, respectively), with improved selectivity compared to acetazolamide, a standard drug. Coumarin derivatives afforded an outstanding selectivity (Ki > 10,000 nM for CA I, II); the lead compound (16c) was a strong CA IX and XII inhibitor (Ki = 19.2, 7.23 nM, respectively). Docking simulations revealed the key ligand-enzyme interactions.
Collapse
|
23
|
Cancer Therapeutic Targeting of Hypoxia Induced Carbonic Anhydrase IX: From Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143297. [PMID: 35884358 PMCID: PMC9322110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor hypoxia remains a significant problem in the effective treatment of most cancers. Tumor cells within hypoxic niches tend to be largely resistant to most therapeutic modalities, and adaptation of the cells within the hypoxic microenvironment imparts the cells with aggressive, invasive behavior. Thus, a major goal of successful cancer therapy should be the eradication of hypoxic tumor cells. Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) is an exquisitely hypoxia induced protein, selectively expressed on hypoxic tumor cells, and thus has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic target. In this Commentary, we discuss the current status of targeting CAIX, and future strategies for effective, durable cancer treatment. Abstract Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a major metabolic effector of tumor hypoxia and regulates intra- and extracellular pH and acidosis. Significant advances have been made recently in the development of therapeutic targeting of CAIX. These approaches include antibody-based immunotherapy, as well as use of antibodies to deliver toxic and radioactive payloads. In addition, a large number of small molecule inhibitors which inhibit the enzymatic activity of CAIX have been described. In this commentary, we highlight the current status of strategies targeting CAIX in both the pre-clinical and clinical space, and discuss future perspectives that leverage inhibition of CAIX in combination with additional targeted therapies to enable effective, durable approaches for cancer therapy.
Collapse
|