Structural insight into inhibitor of apoptosis proteins recognition by a potent divalent smac-mimetic

Design, in silico evaluation, and in vitro verification of new bivalent Smac mimetics with pro-apoptotic activity

Bivalent Smac mimetics have been shown to possess binding affinity and pro-apoptotic activity similar to or more potent than that of native Smac, a protein dimer able to neutralize the anti-apoptotic activity of an inhibitor of caspase enzymes, XIAP, which endows cancer cells with resistance to anticancer drugs. We design five new bivalent Smac mimetics, which are formed by various linkers tethering two diazabicyclic cores being the IAP binding motifs. We built in silico models of the five mimetics by the TwistDock workflow and evaluated their conformational tendency, which suggests that compound 3, whose linker is n-hexylene, possess the highest binding potency among the five. After synthesis of these compounds, their ability in tumour cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction displayed in experiments with SK-OV-3 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines confirms our prediction. Among the five mimetics, compound 3 displays promising pro-apoptotic activity and deserves further optimization.

The Photoperiod Regulates Granulosa Cell Apoptosis through the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 Signaling Pathway in Phodopus sungorus

The photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproduction of mammals by affecting the follicle development, for which the granulosa cells provide nutrition. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were raised under different photoperiods to study the ovarian status and explore the potential mechanism of the follicle development mediated by the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway. Compared with the moderate daylight (MD) group, the short daylight (SD) group exhibited a significant decrease in the ovarian weight and increase in the atretic follicle number and granulosa cell apoptosis, whereas the long daylight (LD) group showed an increase in the ovarian weight, the growing follicle number, and the antral follicle number, but a decrease in the granulosa cell apoptosis. Based on these findings, the key genes of the Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway controlling the granulosa cell apoptosis were studied using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. In the SD group, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration significantly decreased and the Nodal/ALK7/Smad signaling pathways were activated, while the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3)/Akt signaling pathway was inhibited. The BAX expression was significantly increased, while the Bcl-xL expression was significantly decreased, leading to an increase in the caspase-3 activity, the granulosa cell apoptosis, and ovarian degeneration. However, in the LD group, the FSH concentration significantly increased, the Nodal/ALK7/Smad signaling pathway was inhibited, and the PIK3/Akt signaling pathway was activated. Taken together, our results indicate that the photoperiod can regulate the apoptosis of the granulosa cells by regulating the concentration of FSH, activating or inhibiting the Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway, thereby affecting the ovarian function. Our research provides an important theoretical basis for understanding the photoperiod-regulated mechanisms of the mammalian seasonal reproduction.

Structure-based identification of a new IAP-targeting compound that induces cancer cell death inducing NF-κB pathway

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Virtual docking vs type I BIRs of IAPs identified FC2 as a modulator of NF-kB.

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FC2 is active as a single agent with no toxicity in normal cells.

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The cytotoxic activity of FC2 is enhanced by TNF and by the Smac-mimetic SM83.

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FC2 stabilizes XIAP/TAB1 interaction, prolonging the activation of NF-κB.

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are validated onco-targets, as their overexpression correlates with cancer onset, progression, diffusion and chemoresistance. IAPs regulate cell death survival pathways, inflammation, and immunity. Targeting IAPs, by impairing their protein–protein interaction surfaces, can affect events occurring at different stages of cancer development.

To this purpose, we employed a rational virtual screening approach to identify compounds predicted to interfere with the assembly of pro-survival macromolecular complexes. One of the candidates, FC2, was shown to bind in vitro the BIR1 domains of both XIAP and cIAP2. Moreover, we demonstrated that FC2 can induce cancer cell death as a single agent and, more potently, in combination with the Smac-mimetic SM83 or with the cytokine TNF. FC2 determined a prolonged activation of the NF-κB pathway, accompanied to a stabilization of XIAP-TAB1 complex. This candidate molecule represents a valuable lead compound for the development of a new class of IAP-antagonists for cancer treatment.

The TwistDock workflow for evaluation of bivalent Smac mimetics targeting XIAP

Purpose: Mimetics based on Smac, the native inhibitor of XIAP, are promising drug-candidates for the treatment of cancer. Bivalent Smac mimetics inhibit XIAP with even higher potency than monovalent mimetics, but how to optimize the linker that tethers the two monovalent binding motifs remains controversial. Methods: To construct an ensemble of bivalent complex structures for evaluating various linkers, we propose herein a workflow, named TwistDock, consisting of steps of monovalent docking and linker twisting, in which the degrees of freedom are sampled focusing on the rotation of single bonds of the linker. Results: The obtained conformations of bivalent complex distribute randomly in the conformational space with respect to two reaction coordinates introduced by the linker, which are the distance of the two binding motifs and the dihedral angle of the two planes through the linker and each of the binding motifs. Molecular dynamics starting from 10 conformations with the lowest enthalpy of every complex shows that the conformational tendency of the complex participated by compound 9, one of the compounds with the largest binding affinity, is distinct from others. By umbrella sampling of the complex, we find its global minimum of the free energy landscape. The structure shows that the linker favors a compact conformation, and the two BIR domains of XIAP encompass the ligand on the opposite sides. Conclusion: TwistDock can be used in fine-tuning of bivalent ligands targeting XIAP and similar receptors dimerized or oligomerized.

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Current treatment options for advanced and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) enclose radiation and chemo-radiation approaches with or without surgery. While platinum-based chemotherapy regimens currently represent the gold standard in terms of efficacy and are given in the vast majority of cases, new chemotherapy regimens, namely immunotherapy are emerging. However, the response rates and therapy resistance mechanisms for either chemo regimen are hard to predict and remain insufficiently understood. Broad variations of chemo and radiation resistance mechanisms are known to date. This study describes the development of a standardized, high-throughput in vitro assay to assess HNSCC cell line's response to various therapy regimens, and hopefully on primary cells from individual patients as a future tool for personalized tumor therapy. The assay is designed to being integrated into the quality-controlled standard algorithm for HNSCC patients at our tertiary care center; however, this will be subject of future studies. Technical feasibility looks promising for primary cells from tumor biopsies from actual patients. Specimens are then transferred into the laboratory. Biopsies are mechanically separated followed by enzymatic digestion. Cells are then cultured in ultra-low adhesion cell culture vials that promote the reproducible, standardized and spontaneous formation of three-dimensional, spheroid-shaped cell conglomerates. Spheroids are then ready to be exposed to chemo-radiation protocols and immunotherapy protocols as needed. The final cell viability and spheroid size are indicators of therapy susceptibility and therefore could be drawn into consideration in future to assess the patients' likely therapy response. This model could be a valuable, cost-efficient tool towards personalized therapy for head and neck cancer.

The activator of apoptosis Smac-DIABLO acts as a tetramer in solution

Smac-DIABLO in its mature form (20.8 kDa) binds to baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domains of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) releasing their inhibitory effects on caspases, thus promoting cell death. Despite its apparent molecular mass (∼100 kDa), Smac-DIABLO was held to be a dimer in solution, simultaneously targeting two distinct BIR domains. We report an extensive biophysical characterization of the protein alone and in complex with the X-linked IAP (XIAP)-BIR2-BIR3 domains. Our data show that Smac-DIABLO adopts a tetrameric assembly in solution and that the tetramer is able to bind two BIR2-BIR3 pairs of domains. Our small-angle x-ray scattering-based tetrameric model of Smac-DIABLO/BIR2-BIR3 highlights some conformational freedom of the complex that may be related to optimization of IAPs binding.

Small molecule inhibitor of apoptosis proteins antagonists: a patent review

INTRODUCTION

The family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) plays a key role in the suppression of proapoptotic signaling; hence, a small molecule that disrupts the binding of IAPs with their functional partner should restore apoptotic response to proapoptotic stimuli in cells. The continued publication of new patent applications of IAP antagonists over the past 4 years is a testament to the continued interest surrounding the IAP family of proteins.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the IAP antagonist patent literature from 2010 to 2014. Monovalent and bivalent Smac mimetics will be covered as well as two new developments in the field: IAP antagonists coupled to or merged with other targeted agents and new BIR2 selective IAP antagonists.

EXPERT OPINION

In addition to the well-explored scaffolds for monovalent and bivalent Smac-mimetics, some companies have taken more drastic approaches to explore new chemical space - for example, fragment-based approaches and macrocyclic inhibitors. Furthermore, other companies have designed compounds with alternative biological profiles - tethering to known kinase binding structures, trying to target to the mitochondria or introducing selective binding to the BIR2 domain. An overview of the status for the four small molecule IAP antagonists being evaluated in active human clinical trials is also provided.

Birinapant, a smac-mimetic with improved tolerability for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies

Birinapant (1) is a second-generation bivalent antagonist of IAP proteins that is currently undergoing clinical development for the treatment of cancer. Using a range of assays that evaluated cIAP1 stability and oligomeric state, we demonstrated that 1 stabilized the cIAP1-BUCR (BIR3-UBA-CARD-RING) dimer and promoted autoubiquitylation of cIAP1 in vitro. Smac-mimetic 1-induced loss of cIAPs correlated with inhibition of TNF-mediated NF-κB activation, caspase activation, and tumor cell killing. Many first-generation Smac-mimetics such as compound A (2) were poorly tolerated. Notably, animals that lack functional cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP are not viable, and 2 mimicked features of triple IAP knockout cells in vitro. The improved tolerability of 1 was associated with (i) decreased potency against cIAP2 and affinity for XIAP BIR3 and (ii) decreased ability to inhibit XIAP-dependent signaling pathways. The P2' position of 1 was critical to this differential activity, and this improved tolerability has allowed 1 to proceed into clinical studies.

TRAP1 regulates proliferation, mitochondrial function, and has prognostic significance in NSCLC

The TNF receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial HSP that has been related to drug resistance and protection from apoptosis in colorectal and prostate cancer. Here, the effect of TRAP1 ablation on cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function was determined in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, the prognostic value of TRAP1 was evaluated in patients with NSCLC. These results demonstrate that TRAP1 knockdown reduces cell growth and clonogenic cell survival. Moreover, TRAP1 downregulation impairs mitochondrial functions such as ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential as measured by TMRM (tetramethylrhodamine methylester) uptake, but it does not affect mitochondrial density or mitochondrial morphology. The effect of TRAP1 silencing on apoptosis, analyzed by flow cytometry and immunoblot expression (cleaved PARP, caspase-9, and caspase-3) was cell line and context dependent. Finally, the prognostic potential of TRAP1 expression in NSCLC was ascertained via immunohistochemical analysis which revealed that high TRAP1 expression was associated with increased risk of disease recurrence (univariate analysis, P = 0.008; multivariate analysis, HR: 2.554; 95% confidence interval, 1.085-6.012; P = 0.03). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that TRAP1 impacts the viability of NSCLC cells, and that its expression is prognostic in NSCLC.

IMPLICATIONS

TRAP1 controls NSCLC proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function, and its status has prognostic potential in NSCLC.

Smac mimetics induce inflammation and necrotic tumour cell death by modulating macrophage activity

Smac mimetics (SMs) comprise a class of small molecules that target members of the inhibitor of apoptosis family of pro-survival proteins, whose expression in cancer cells hinders the action of conventional chemotherapeutics. Herein, we describe the activity of SM83, a newly synthesised dimeric SM, in two cancer ascites models: athymic nude mice injected intraperitoneally with IGROV-1 human ovarian carcinoma cells and immunocompetent BALB/c mice injected with murine Meth A sarcoma cells. SM83 rapidly killed ascitic IGROV-1 and Meth A cells in vivo (prolonging mouse survival), but was ineffective against the same cells in vitro. IGROV-1 cells in nude mice were killed within the ascites by a non-apoptotic, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-dependent mechanism. SM83 administration triggered a rapid inflammatory event characterised by host secretion of TNF, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ. This inflammatory response was associated with the reversion of the phenotype of tumour-associated macrophages from a pro-tumoural M2- to a pro-inflammatory M1-like state. SM83 treatment was also associated with a massive recruitment of neutrophils that, however, was not essential for the antitumoural activity of this compound. In BALB/c mice bearing Meth A ascites, SM83 treatment was in some cases curative, and these mice became resistant to a second injection of cancer cells, suggesting that they had developed an adaptive immune response. Altogether, these results indicate that, in vivo, SM83 modulates the immune system within the tumour microenvironment and, through its pro-inflammatory action, leads cancer cells to die by necrosis with the release of high-mobility group box-1. In conclusion, our work provides evidence that SMs could be more therapeutically active than expected by stimulating the immune system.

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) as regulatory factors of hepatic apoptosis

IAPs are a group of regulatory proteins that are structurally related. Their conserved homologues have been identified in various organisms. In human, eight IAP members have been recognized based on baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domains. IAPs are key regulators of apoptosis, cytokinesis and signal transduction. The antiapoptotic property of IAPs depends on their professional role for caspases. IAPs are functionally non-equivalent and regulate effector caspases through distinct mechanisms. IAPs impede apoptotic process via membrane receptor-dependent (extrinsic) cascade and mitochondrial dependent (intrinsic) pathway. IAP-mediated apoptosis affects the progression of liver diseases. Therapeutic options of liver diseases may depend on the understanding toward mechanisms of the IAP-mediated apoptosis.