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Ahmed AA, Chen S, Roman-Escorza M, Angell R, Oxenford S, McConville M, Barton N, Sunose M, Neidle D, Haider S, Arshad T, Neidle S. Structure-activity relationships for the G-quadruplex-targeting experimental drug QN-302 and two analogues probed with comparative transcriptome profiling and molecular modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3447. [PMID: 38342953 PMCID: PMC10859377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54080-2] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tetrasubstituted naphthalene diimide compound QN-302 binds to G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures. It shows high potency in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and inhibits the transcription of cancer-related genes in these cells and in PDAC animal models. It is currently in Phase 1a clinical evaluation as an anticancer drug. A study of structure-activity relationships of QN-302 and two related analogues (CM03 and SOP1247) is reported here. These have been probed using comparisons of transcriptional profiles from whole-genome RNA-seq analyses, together with molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations. Compounds CM03 and SOP1247 differ by the presence of a methoxy substituent in the latter: these two compounds have closely similar transcriptional profiles. Whereas QN-302 (with an additional benzyl-pyrrolidine group), although also showing down-regulatory effects in the same cancer-related pathways, has effects on distinct genes, for example in the hedgehog pathway. This distinctive pattern of genes affected by QN-302 is hypothesized to contribute to its superior potency compared to CM03 and SOP1247. Its enhanced ability to stabilize G4 structures has been attributed to its benzyl-pyrrolidine substituent fitting into and filling most of the space in a G4 groove compared to the hydrogen atom in CM03 or the methoxy group substituent in SOP1247.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
- Now at Guy's Cancer Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Shuang Chen
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | | - Richard Angell
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
- Now at Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Sally Oxenford
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
- Now at Artios Ltd, Cambridge, CB22 3FH, UK
| | | | | | - Mihiro Sunose
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Dan Neidle
- Tax Policy Associates, London, EC1R 0ET, UK
| | - Shozeb Haider
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Tariq Arshad
- Qualigen Therapeutics Inc, Carlsbad, CA, 92011, USA
| | - Stephen Neidle
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Han ZQ, Wen LN. Application of G-quadruplex targets in gastrointestinal cancers: Advancements, challenges and prospects. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1149-1173. [PMID: 37546556 PMCID: PMC10401460 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i7.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and inflammation are considered to be two enabling characteristics that support cancer development and progression. G-quadruplex structure is a key element that contributes to genomic instability and inflammation. G-quadruplexes were once regarded as simply an obstacle that can block the transcription of oncogenes. A ligand targeting G-quadruplexes was found to have anticancer activity, making G-quadruplexes potential anticancer targets. However, further investigation has revealed that G-quadruplexes are widely distributed throughout the human genome and have many functions, such as regulating DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, translation, epigenetics, and inflammatory response. G-quadruplexes play double regulatory roles in transcription and translation. In this review, we focus on G-quadruplexes as novel targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. We summarize the application basis of G-quadruplexes in gastrointestinal cancers, including their distribution sites, structural characteristics, and physiological functions. We describe the current status of applications for the treatment of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as the associated challenges. Finally, we review the prospective clinical applications of G-quadruplex targets, providing references for targeted treatment strategies in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Qiang Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing 102211, China
| | - Li-Na Wen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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Yousaf M, Fatima D, Amin J, Noureen A, Fatmi MQ. Discovering potential stabilizers for KRAS22RT G-quadruplex DNA: an alternative next generation approach to treat pancreatic cancer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:11957-11968. [PMID: 36729158 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2174188] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is the signature gene responsible for the occurrence of pancreatic cancer, which is a complex, multifactorial and intractable lethal malignancy. Prevention and treatment of the ailment have always been a key motivation behind the search for new therapeutic drug molecules. G-quadruplexes are non-canonical guanine-rich secondary structures, commonly formed at eukaryotic telomeric ends, oncogenic promotors and G-rich regions of the DNA. These G-quadruplexes play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression and maintenance of genome integrity, therefore, they are considered as emerging potential therapeutic drug targets. The present study is concerned with the discovery of a potential stabilizer for KRAS22RT G-quadruplex DNA, located in the NHE region of the promotor, while inhibiting the upregulation of KRAS proto-oncogene, as an alternative approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Various chemical libraries have been virtually screened against the targeted G4 structure and 143 compounds showed promising results. However, molecular dynamic studies, ADME and toxicity analyses predicted that three compounds belonging to the class of tetra-substituted phenanthrolines (i.e., 7i, 7j and 7k) can not only effectively stabilize KRAS22RT G4 structure but also have least toxic effects in the in vivo system. Therefore, it is highly recommended to further investigate their effectiveness and efficacy through experimental analysis in laboratory.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Yousaf
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Dua Fatima
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Javaria Amin
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Noureen
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Ribeiro N, Farinha PF, Pinho JO, Luiz H, Mészáros JP, Galvão AM, Costa Pessoa J, Enyedy ÉA, Reis CP, Correia I, Gaspar MM. Metal Coordination and Biological Screening of a Schiff Base Derived from 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Benzothiazole. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122583. [PMID: 36559078 PMCID: PMC9785144 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Designing new metallodrugs for anticancer therapy is a driving force in the scientific community. Aiming to contribute to this field, we hereby report the development of a Schiff base (H2L) derived from the condensation of 2-carbaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline with 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole and its complexation with transition metal ions. All compounds were characterised by analytical and spectroscopic techniques, which disclosed their structure: [Cu(HL)Cl], [Cu(HL)2], [Ni(HL)(acetate)], [Ni(HL)2], [Ru(HL)Cl(DMSO)], [VO(HL)2] and [Fe(HL)2Cl(H2O)]. Different binding modes were proposed, showing the ligand’s coordination versatility. The ligand proton dissociation constants were determined, and the tested compounds showed high lipophilicity and light sensitivity. The stability of all complexes in aqueous media and their ability to bind to albumin were screened. Based on an antiproliferative in vitro screening, [Ni(HL)(acetate)] and [Ru(HL)Cl(DMSO)] were selected for further studies aiming to investigate their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential towards colon cancer. The complexes displayed IC50 < 21 μM towards murine (CT-26) and human (HCT-116) colon cancer cell lines. Importantly, both complexes exhibited superior antiproliferative properties compared to the clinically approved 5-fluorouracil. [Ni(HL)(acetate)] induced cell cycle arrest in S phase in CT-26 cells. For [Ru(HL)Cl(DMSO)] this effect was observed in both colon cancer cell lines. Additionally, both compounds significantly inhibited cell migration particularly in the human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116. Overall, the therapeutic potential of both metal complexes was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Ribeiro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences and Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. Farinha
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O. Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hugo Luiz
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - János P. Mészáros
- MTA-SZTE Lendület Functional Metal Complexes Research Group, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adelino M. Galvão
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences and Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Costa Pessoa
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences and Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Éva A. Enyedy
- MTA-SZTE Lendület Functional Metal Complexes Research Group, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 7, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Correia
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences and Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (M.M.G.)
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Lizunova SA, Tsvetkov VB, Skvortsov DA, Kamzeeva PN, Ivanova OM, Vasilyeva LA, Chistov AA, Belyaev ES, Khrulev AA, Vedekhina TS, Bogomazova AN, Lagarkova MA, Varizhuk AM, Aralov AV. Anticancer activity of G4-targeting phenoxazine derivatives in vitro. Biochimie 2022; 201:43-54. [PMID: 35817132 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
G4-stabilizing ligands are now being considered as anticancer, antiviral and antibacterial agents. Phenoxazine is a promising scaffold for the development of G4 ligands. Here, we profiled two known phenoxazine-based nucleoside analogs and five new nucleoside and non-nucleoside derivatives against G4 targets from telomere repeats and the KIT promoter region. Leading new derivatives exhibited remarkably high G4-stabilizing effects (comparable or superior to the effects of the commonly used selective G4 ligands PDS and NMM) and selectivity toward G4s over duplex (superior to BRACO-19). All phenoxazine-based ligands inhibited cellular metabolic activity. The phenoxazine derivatives were particularly toxic for lung adenocarcinoma cells A549' and human liver cancer cells HepG2 (CC50 of the nucleoside analogues in the nanomolar range), but also affected breast cancer cells MCF7, as well as immortalized fibroblasts VA13 and embryonic kidney cells HEK293t (CC50 in the micromolar range). Importantly, the CC50 values varied mostly in accordance with G4-binding affinities and G4-stabilizing effects, and the phenoxazine derivatives localized in the cell nuclei, which corroborates G4-mediated mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia A Lizunova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Vladimir B Tsvetkov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Str. 8-2, Moscow, 119991, Russia; A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninsky Prospect Str. 29, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitry A Skvortsov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Polina N Kamzeeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Olga M Ivanova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Lilja A Vasilyeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexey A Chistov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Evgeny S Belyaev
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry of the Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Alexei A Khrulev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Vedekhina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; G4_Interact, USERN, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexandra N Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Russia; G4_Interact, USERN, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Andrey V Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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Mendes E, Bahls B, Aljnadi IM, Paulo A. Indoloquinolines as scaffolds for the design of potent G-quadruplex ligands. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 72:128862. [PMID: 35716866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Indoloquinolines are natural alkaloids with known affinity to DNA and antiproliferative activity against bacteria, parasites, and cancer cells. Due to their non-chiral skeleton, their total synthesis is easy to achieve and throughout the years, many derivatives have been studied for their potential as drugs. Herein we review the indoloquinolines and bioisosters that have been designed, synthesised, and evaluated for their selective binding to G-quadruplex nucleic acid structures, as well as the reported effects in cancer cells. The data collected so far strongly suggest that indoloquinolines are good scaffolds for the development of drugs and probes targeting the G-quadruplex structures, but they also show that this scaffold is still underexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon 1649-003, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon 1649-003, Portugal
| | - Israa M Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon 1649-003, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon 1649-003, Portugal.
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Arene Ru(II) Complexes Acted as Potential KRAS G-Quadruplex DNA Stabilizer Induced DNA Damage Mediated Apoptosis to Inhibit Breast Cancer Progress. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103046. [PMID: 35630522 PMCID: PMC9146995 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of arene Ru(II) complexes, [(η6-MeC6H5)Ru(L)Cl]Cl, (L=o-ClPIP, 1; m-ClPIP, 2 and p-ClPIP, 3) (o-ClPIP=2-(2-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; m-ClPIP=2-(3-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; p-ClPIP=2-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) was synthesized and investigated as a potential apoptosis inducer in chemotherapy. Spectroscopy and molecular docking simulations show that 1 exhibits moderated binding affinity to KRAS G-quadruplex DNA by groove mode. Further, in vitro studies reveal that 1 displays inhibitory activity against MCF-7 growth with IC50 = 3.7 ± 0.2 μM. Flow cytometric analysis, comet assay, and immunofluorescence confirm that 1 can induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells and G0/G1 phase arrest through DNA damage. In summary, the prepared arene Ru(II) complexes can be developed as a promising candidate for targeting G-quadruplex structure to induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells via binding and stabilizing KRAS G-quadruplex conformation on oncogene promoter.
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c-Myc Protein Level Affected by Unsymmetrical Bisacridines Influences Apoptosis and Senescence Induced in HCT116 Colorectal and H460 Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063061. [PMID: 35328482 PMCID: PMC8955938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs) are highly active antitumor compounds. They contain in their structure the drugs previously synthesized in our Department: C-1311 and C-1748. UAs exhibit different properties than their monomer components. They do not intercalate to dsDNA but stabilize the G-quadruplex structures, particularly those of the MYC and KRAS genes. Since MYC and KRAS are often mutated and constitutively expressed in cancer cells, they can be used as therapeutic targets. Herein, we investigate whether UAs can affect the expression and protein level of c-Myc and K-Ras in HCT116 and H460 cancer cells, and if so, what are the consequences for the UAs-induced cellular response. UAs did not affect K-Ras, but they strongly influenced the expression and translation of the c-Myc protein, and in H460 cells, they caused its full inhibition. UAs treatment resulted in apoptosis, as confirmed by the morphological changes, the presence of sub-G1 population and active caspase-3, cleaved PARP, annexin-V/PI staining and a decrease in mitochondrial potential. Importantly, apoptosis was induced earlier and to a greater extent in H460 compared to HCT116 cells. Moreover, accelerated senescence occurred only in H460 cells. In conclusion, the strong inhibition of c-Myc by UAs in H460 cells may participate in the final cellular response (apoptosis, senescence).
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Parsa FG, Nobili S, Karimpour M, Aghdaei HA, Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad E, Mini E. Fanconi Anemia Pathway in Colorectal Cancer: A Novel Opportunity for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030396. [PMID: 35330396 PMCID: PMC8950345 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and has the second highest mortality rate globally. Thanks to the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, several novel candidate genes have been proposed for CRC susceptibility. Germline biallelic mutations in one or more of the 22 currently recognized Fanconi anemia (FA) genes have been associated with Fanconi anemia disease, while germline monoallelic mutations, somatic mutations, or the promoter hypermethylation of some FANC genes increases the risk of cancer development, including CRC. The FA pathway is a substantial part of the DNA damage response system that participates in the repair of DNA inter-strand crosslinks through homologous recombination (HR) and protects genome stability via replication fork stabilization, respectively. Recent studies revealed associations between FA gene/protein tumor expression levels (i.e., FANC genes) and CRC progression and drug resistance. Moreover, the FA pathway represents a potential target in the CRC treatment. In fact, FANC gene characteristics may contribute to chemosensitize tumor cells to DNA crosslinking agents such as oxaliplatin and cisplatin besides exploiting the synthetic lethal approach for selective targeting of tumor cells. Hence, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the function of the FA pathway in DNA repair and genomic integrity with a focus on the FANC genes as potential predisposition factors to CRC. We then introduce recent literature that highlights the importance of FANC genes in CRC as promising prognostic and predictive biomarkers for disease management and treatment. Finally, we represent a brief overview of the current knowledge around the FANC genes as synthetic lethal therapeutic targets for precision cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ghorbani Parsa
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17413, Iran; (F.G.P.); (H.A.A.)
| | - Stefania Nobili
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. D’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mina Karimpour
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-154, Iran;
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17413, Iran; (F.G.P.); (H.A.A.)
| | - Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19857-17413, Iran
- Correspondence: (E.N.-M.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- DENOTHE Excellence Center, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.N.-M.); (E.M.)
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Mendes E, Aljnadi IM, Bahls B, Victor BL, Paulo A. Major Achievements in the Design of Quadruplex-Interactive Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030300. [PMID: 35337098 PMCID: PMC8953082 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic small molecules that can recognize and bind to G-quadruplex and i-Motif nucleic acids have great potential as selective drugs or as tools in drug target discovery programs, or even in the development of nanodevices for medical diagnosis. Hundreds of quadruplex-interactive small molecules have been reported, and the challenges in their design vary with the intended application. Herein, we survey the major achievements on the therapeutic potential of such quadruplex ligands, their mode of binding, effects upon interaction with quadruplexes, and consider the opportunities and challenges for their exploitation in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Israa M. Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bruno L. Victor
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Structured Waters Mediate Small Molecule Binding to G-Quadruplex Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010007. [PMID: 35056064 PMCID: PMC8781208 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of G-quadruplexes in human cancers is increasingly well-defined. Accordingly, G-quadruplexes can be suitable drug targets and many small molecules have been identified to date as G-quadruplex binders, some using computer-based design methods and co-crystal structures. The role of bound water molecules in the crystal structures of G-quadruplex-small molecule complexes has been analyzed in this study, focusing on the water arrangements in several G-quadruplex ligand complexes. One is the complex between the tetrasubstituted naphthalene diimide compound MM41 and a human intramolecular telomeric DNA G-quadruplex, and the others are in substituted acridine bimolecular G-quadruplex complexes. Bridging water molecules form most of the hydrogen-bond contacts between ligands and DNA in the parallel G-quadruplex structures examined here. Clusters of structured water molecules play essential roles in mediating between ligand side chain groups/chromophore core and G-quadruplex. These clusters tend to be conserved between complex and native G-quadruplex structures, suggesting that they more generally serve as platforms for ligand binding, and should be taken into account in docking and in silico studies.
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13
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Lauria A, La Monica G, Bono A, Martorana A. Quinoline anticancer agents active on DNA and DNA-interacting proteins: From classical to emerging therapeutic targets. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113555. [PMID: 34052677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Quinoline is one of the most important and versatile nitrogen heterocycles embodied in several biologically active molecules. Within the numerous quinolines developed as antiproliferative agents, this review is focused on compounds interfering with DNA structure or with proteins/enzymes involved in the regulation of double helix functional processes. In this light, a special focus is given to the quinoline compounds, acting with classical/well-known mechanisms of action (DNA intercalators or Topoisomerase inhibitors). In particular, the quinoline drugs amsacrine and camptothecin (CPT) have been studied as key lead compounds for the development of new agents with improved PK and tolerability properties. Moreover, notable attention has been paid to the quinoline molecules, which are able to interfere with emerging targets involved in cancer progression, as G-quadruplexes or the epigenetic ones (e.g.: histone deacetylase, DNA and histones methyltransferase). The antiproliferative and the enzymatic inhibition data of the reviewed compounds have been analyzed. Furthermore, concerning the SAR (structure-activity relationship) aspects, the most recurrent ligand-protein interactions are summarized, underling the structural requirements for each kind of mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele La Monica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Bono
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
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14
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An allomaltol derivative triggers distinct death pathways in luminal a and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes. Bioorg Chem 2020; 105:104403. [PMID: 33166845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women that shows a predisposition to metastasize to the distant organs. Kojic acid is a natural fungal metabolite exhibiting various biological activities. Compounds derived from kojic acid have been extensively studied and proved to demonstrate anti-neoplastic features on different cancer types. In the present study, allomaltol-structural analog of kojic acid and its seven derivatives including four novel compounds, have been synthesized, characterized and their possible impact on breast cancer cell viability was investigated. It was discovered that compound 5, bearing 3,4-dichlorobenzyl piperazine moiety, could decrease the viability of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines distinctively. To ascertain the death mechanism, cells were subjected to different tests following the application of IC50 concentration of compound 5. Data obtained from lactate dehydrogenase activity and gene expression assays pointed out that necrosis had taken place predominantly in MDA-MB-231. On the other hand, in MCF-7 cells, the p53 apoptotic pathway was activated by overexpression of the pro-apoptotic TP53 and Bax genes and suppression of the anti-apoptotic Mdm-2 and Bcl-2 genes. Furthermore, Bax/Blc-2 ratio was escalated by 3.5 fold in the study group compared to the control. Compound 5 did not provoke drug resistance in MCF-7 cells since the Mdr-1 gene expression, drug efflux, and H2O2 content remained unaltered. As for MDA-MB-231 cells, only a 1.4 fold increase in the Mdr-1 gene expression was detected. These results indicate the advantage of the allomaltol derivative over the chemotherapeutic agents conventionally used for breast cancer treatment that can be highly toxic and mostly lead to drug resistance. Thus, this specific allomaltol derivative offers an alternative therapeutic approach for breast cancer which needs further investigation.
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Lu J, Jiang G, Wu Y, Antony S, Meitzler JL, Juhasz A, Liu H, Roy K, Makhlouf H, Chuaqui R, Butcher D, Konaté MM, Doroshow JH. NADPH oxidase 1 is highly expressed in human large and small bowel cancers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233208. [PMID: 32428030 PMCID: PMC7237001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To facilitate functional investigation of the role of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) and associated reactive oxygen species in cancer cell signaling, we report herein the development and characterization of a novel mouse monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the C-terminal region of the NOX1 protein. The antibody was validated in stable NOX1 overexpression and knockout systems, and demonstrates wide applicability for Western blot analysis, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry. We employed our NOX1 antibody to characterize NOX1 expression in a panel of 30 human colorectal cancer cell lines, and correlated protein expression with NOX1 mRNA expression and superoxide production in a subset of these cells. Although a significant correlation between oncogenic RAS status and NOX1 mRNA levels could not be demonstrated in colon cancer cell lines, RAS mutational status did correlate with NOX1 expression in human colon cancer surgical specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis of a comprehensive set of tissue microarrays comprising over 1,200 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue cores from human epithelial tumors and inflammatory disease confirmed that NOX1 is overexpressed in human colon and small intestinal adenocarcinomas, as well as adenomatous polyps, compared to adjacent, uninvolved intestinal mucosae. In contradistinction to prior studies, we did not find evidence of NOX1 overexpression at the protein level in tumors versus histologically normal tissues in prostate, lung, ovarian, or breast carcinomas. This study constitutes the most comprehensive histopathological characterization of NOX1 to date in cellular models of colon cancer and in normal and malignant human tissues using a thoroughly evaluated monoclonal antibody. It also further establishes NOX1 as a clinically relevant therapeutic target in colorectal and small intestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamo Lu
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Guojian Jiang
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yongzhong Wu
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Smitha Antony
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Meitzler
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Agnes Juhasz
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Han Liu
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Krishnendu Roy
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hala Makhlouf
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rodrigo Chuaqui
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Donna Butcher
- Pathology/Histotechnology Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mariam M. Konaté
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James H. Doroshow
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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16
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Chen YF, Lee AS, Chen WY, Lin CH, Kuo CL, Chung JG. Partitioned Extracts of Bauhinia championii Induce G 0/G 1 Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 48:719-736. [PMID: 32349516 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x20500366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Bauhinia championii (Benth.) is one of the commonly used herbs in Taiwan. The stem of this plant has been used to treat epigastria pain and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the antitumor activities of this herb have never been reported. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of anticancer activity of the extracts from B. championii (BC). BC was fractionated with a series of organic solvents, including n-hexane (H), ethyl acetate (EA), 1-butanol (B), and water (W). We first investigated the effects of BC-H, BC-EA, BC-B and BC-W partitioned fraction on cell viability. In HCT 116 colon cancer cell lines, BC-EA showed the highest inhibition of cell viability and changed the morphology of cells. With dose- and time-dependent manners, BC-EA inhibited the proliferation of HCT 116 cells by inducing apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest of cell cycle. To determine the underlying mechanisms, down-regulated CDK2, Cyclin D, and Cyclin E and up-regulated p16, p21, and p53 may account for the cell cycle arrest, while the apoptotic effect of BC-EA may attribute to increased intracellular Ca2+, loss of mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm), increase of Bax, Bak, puma, and AIF, and decrease of Bcl-2. Furthermore, the inactivation of Ras signaling pathway by BC-EA also contributed to its apoptotic effect on HCT 116. Our study demonstrates that BC-EA not only inhibits cell growth but also induces apoptosis through inhibiting Ras signal pathway and increasing p53 expression levels. We suggest that BC-EA may be a new dietary supplement and a useful tool to search for therapeutic candidates against colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fang Chen
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - An-Sheng Lee
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Lin
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Lin Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
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17
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Arslan E, Aksoy T, Gürsu RU, Dursun N, Çakar E, Çermik TF. The Prognostic Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT and KRAS Mutation in Colorectal Cancers. Mol Imaging Radionucl Ther 2020; 29:17-24. [PMID: 32079384 PMCID: PMC7057728 DOI: 10.4274/mirt.galenos.2019.33866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Prognostic effect of KRAS mutation and side of tumor in colorectal cancer is a highly controversial subject. Therefore, we evaluated the association between FDG uptake pattern in 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging and KRAS mutation and tumor localization in patients with a diagnosis of colon cancer and assessed the effects of these three factors on prognosis and survival. Methods Eighty-three patients with colorectal cancer were retrospectively included in this study. 18F-FDG PET/CT study was performed for pretreatment staging. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor and survival data of patients were compared between groups. KRAS mutations were detected with the help of real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction technique through genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor tissue blocks. Tumor lesions with potential KRAS mutations were classified as mutant KRAS and wild type. Results Twenty five patients were female while 58 were male. The mean age of the patients was 59.8±11.3 years. Mean follow-up was 35.5±18.9 months. Primary tumor was localized in the left colon in 83.1% of patients and in the right colon in 16.9%. KRAS mutation was detected in 54.2% (n=45) of patients. Mean SUVmax of patients with primary tumor was estimated to be 21.1±9.1 (range= 6.0-47.5). Mean tumor SUVmax of patients with a KRAS mutation (24.0±9.0) was found to be significantly higher than those without KRAS mutation (17.7±8.2) (p=0.001). Mean survival was significantly shorter in patients with locoregional nodal metastasis than in patients without locoregional nodal metastasis as well as in patients with distant nodal metastasis than in patients without distant nodal metastasis and in patients with organ metastasis in initial PET/CT than in patients without organ metastasis. Also, mean survival was nearly statistically-significantly shorter in patients with tumors located in left colon (34.2±19.4) than in right colon (43.2±14.6) (p=0.059). However, we found no significant impact of KRAS mutation on survival. Conclusion In our study, we found that tumor localization had no significant effect on prognosis in patients with colon cancer. On the other hand, FDG uptake was observed to be higher in the presence of KRAS mutation and it was concluded that coexistence of KRAS mutation with higher SUVmax is a negative prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Arslan
- University of Health and Sciences, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Tamer Aksoy
- University of Health and Sciences, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Rıza Umar Gürsu
- University of Health and Sciences, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Medical Oncology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nevra Dursun
- University of Health and Sciences, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Pathology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ekrem Çakar
- University of Health and Sciences, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Surgery, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Tevfik Fikret Çermik
- University of Health and Sciences, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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18
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Zwergel C, Fioravanti R, Stazi G, Sarno F, Battistelli C, Romanelli A, Nebbioso A, Mendes E, Paulo A, Strippoli R, Tripodi M, Pechalrieu D, Arimondo PB, De Luca T, Del Bufalo D, Trisciuoglio D, Altucci L, Valente S, Mai A. Novel Quinoline Compounds Active in Cancer Cells through Coupled DNA Methyltransferase Inhibition and Degradation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E447. [PMID: 32075099 PMCID: PMC7073229 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) play a relevant role in epigenetic control of cancer cell survival and proliferation. Since only two DNMT inhibitors (azacitidine and decitabine) have been approved to date for the treatment of hematological malignancies, the development of novel potent and specific inhibitors is urgent. Here we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of compounds acting at the same time as DNMTs (mainly DNMT3A) inhibitors and degraders. Tested against leukemic and solid cancer cell lines, 2a-c and 4a-c (the last only for leukemias) displayed up to submicromolar antiproliferative activities. In HCT116 cells, such compounds induced EGFP gene expression in a promoter demethylation assay, confirming their demethylating activity in cells. In the same cell line, 2b and 4c chosen as representative samples induced DNMT1 and -3A protein degradation, suggesting for these compounds a double mechanism of DNMT3A inhibition and DNMT protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.Z.); (R.F.); (G.S.); (A.R.)
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.S.); (A.N.); (L.A.)
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.Z.); (R.F.); (G.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.Z.); (R.F.); (G.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Federica Sarno
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.S.); (A.N.); (L.A.)
| | - Cecilia Battistelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy (R.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Annalisa Romanelli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.Z.); (R.F.); (G.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.S.); (A.N.); (L.A.)
| | - Eduarda Mendes
- Research Institute for Medicines, Medicinal Chemistry Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649 003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Research Institute for Medicines, Medicinal Chemistry Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649 003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy (R.S.); (M.T.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy (R.S.); (M.T.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dany Pechalrieu
- ETaC CNRS FRE3600, LMBE, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France; (D.P.); (P.B.A.)
| | - Paola B. Arimondo
- ETaC CNRS FRE3600, LMBE, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France; (D.P.); (P.B.A.)
- Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Institute Pasteur, CNRS UMR3523, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris, France
| | - Teresa De Luca
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (T.D.L.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (T.D.L.); (D.D.B.)
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (T.D.L.); (D.D.B.)
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), Via Degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.S.); (A.N.); (L.A.)
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.Z.); (R.F.); (G.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.Z.); (R.F.); (G.S.); (A.R.)
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19
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Caterino M, D'Aria F, Kustov AV, Belykh DV, Khudyaeva IS, Starseva OM, Berezin DB, Pylina YI, Usacheva T, Amato J, Giancola C. Selective binding of a bioactive porphyrin-based photosensitizer to the G-quadruplex from the KRAS oncogene promoter. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 145:244-251. [PMID: 31870869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The G-quadruplex-forming sequence within the KRAS proto-oncogene P1 promoter is a promising target for anticancer therapy. Porphyrin derivatives are among the most rewarding G-quadruplex binders. They can also behave as photosensitizers. METHODS Three water-soluble, positively charged porphyrin-like compounds were synthesized and tested for their interaction with the KRAS G-quadruplex by circular dichroism, fluorescence, and molecular docking calculations. For a comparison of ligands binding affinity and selectivity, TMPyP4 was taken as a reference. RESULTS One out of the three tested compounds proved biological activity and selectivity for G-quadruplex over duplex DNA. It also showed to discriminate between different G-quadruplex topologies, with a preference for the parallel over antiparallel conformation. Molecular docking studies suggested a preferential binding to the 3'-end of the KRAS G-quadruplex driven through π-π stacking interactions. Biological assays also revealed a good photodynamic-induced cytotoxicity on HeLa cells. CONCLUSIONS The reported results show that these porphyrin-like compounds could actually give the basis for the development of G-quadruplex ligands with effective photodynamic-induced cytotoxicity on cancer cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The possibility of obtaining photosensitizers with improved physico-chemical features and able to selectively target G-quadruplexes is a very interesting perspective to develop new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caterino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica D'Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrey V Kustov
- Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Ivanovo, Russian Federation; Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology, Institute of Macroheterocyclic Compounds, Ivanovo, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitrii V Belykh
- Institute of Chemistry of Komi Science Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Irina S Khudyaeva
- Institute of Chemistry of Komi Science Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Olga M Starseva
- Institute of Chemistry of Komi Science Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitriy B Berezin
- Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology, Institute of Macroheterocyclic Compounds, Ivanovo, Russian Federation
| | - Yana I Pylina
- Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana Usacheva
- Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology, Department of General Chemical Technology, Ivanovo, Russian Federation
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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20
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Wu HZ, Xiao JQ, Xiao SS, Cheng Y. KRAS: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2081-2097. [PMID: 31486755 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190905164144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The developments of many cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, which makes KRAS a high-priority therapeutic target. Scientists have not successfully developed drugs that target KRAS, although efforts have been made last three decades. In this review, we highlight the emerging experimental strategies of impairing KRAS membrane localization and the direct targeting of KRAS. We also conclude the combinatorial therapies and RNA interference technology for the treatment of KRAS mutant cancers. Moreover, the virtual screening approach to discover novel KRAS inhibitors and synthetic lethality interactors of KRAS are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhou Wu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xiao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Song-Shu Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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21
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Catalano R, Moraca F, Amato J, Cristofari C, Rigo R, Via LD, Rocca R, Lupia A, Maruca A, Costa G, Catalanotti B, Artese A, Pagano B, Randazzo A, Sissi C, Novellino E, Alcaro S. Targeting multiple G-quadruplex–forming DNA sequences: Design, biophysical and biological evaluations of indolo-naphthyridine scaffold derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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22
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Calabrese DR, Zlotkowski K, Alden S, Hewitt WM, Connelly CM, Wilson RM, Gaikwad S, Chen L, Guha R, Thomas CJ, Mock BA, Schneekloth JS. Characterization of clinically used oral antiseptics as quadruplex-binding ligands. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:2722-2732. [PMID: 29481610 PMCID: PMC5888870 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to characterize the nucleic acid-binding properties of drugs and druglike small molecules are crucial to understanding the behavior of these compounds in cellular systems. Here, we use a Small Molecule Microarray (SMM) profiling approach to identify the preferential interaction between chlorhexidine, a widely used oral antiseptic, and the G-quadruplex (G4) structure in the KRAS oncogene promoter. The interaction of chlorhexidine and related drugs to the KRAS G4 is evaluated using multiple biophysical methods, including thermal melt, fluorescence titration and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Chlorhexidine has a specific low micromolar binding interaction with the G4, while related drugs have weaker and/or less specific interactions. Through NMR experiments and docking studies, we propose a plausible binding mode driven by both aromatic stacking and groove binding interactions. Additionally, cancer cell lines harbouring oncogenic mutations in the KRAS gene exhibit increased sensitivity to chlorhexidine. Treatment of breast cancer cells with chlorhexidine decreases KRAS protein levels, while a KRAS gene transiently expressed by a promoter lacking a G4 is not affected. This work confirms that known ligands bind broadly to G4 structures, while other drugs and druglike compounds can have more selective interactions that may be biologically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Calabrese
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Katherine Zlotkowski
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Stephanie Alden
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - William M Hewitt
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Colleen M Connelly
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Robert M Wilson
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Snehal Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-4258, USA
| | - Lu Chen
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rajarshi Guha
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Beverly A Mock
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-4258, USA
| | - John S Schneekloth
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
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23
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Mishra SK, Shankar U, Jain N, Sikri K, Tyagi JS, Sharma TK, Mergny JL, Kumar A. Characterization of G-Quadruplex Motifs in espB, espK, and cyp51 Genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as Potential Drug Targets. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:698-706. [PMID: 31128421 PMCID: PMC6531831 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex structure forming motifs are among the most studied evolutionarily conserved drug targets that are present throughout the genome of different organisms and susceptible to influencing various biological processes. Here we report highly conserved potential G-quadruplex motifs (PGQs) in three essential genes (espK, espB, and cyp51) among 160 strains of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. Products of these genes are involved in pathways that are responsible for virulence determination of bacteria inside the host cell and its survival by maintaining membrane fluidity. The espK and espB genes are essential players that prevent the formation of mature phagolysosome and antigen presentation by host macrophages. The cyp51 is another PGQ-possessing gene involved in sterol biosynthesis pathway and membrane formation. In the present study, we revealed the formation of stable intramolecular parallel G-quadruplex structures by Mycobacterium PGQs using a combination of techniques (NMR, circular dichroism [CD], and gel electrophoresis). Next, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and CD melting analysis demonstrated that a well-known G-quadruplex ligand, TMPyP4, binds to and stabilizes these PGQ motifs. Finally, polymerase inhibition and qRT-PCR assays highlight the biological relevance of PGQ-possessing genes in this pathogen and demonstrate that G-quadruplexes are potential drug targets for the development of effective anti-tuberculosis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodh Kumar Mishra
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Uma Shankar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Neha Jain
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Kriti Sikri
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Jaya Sivaswami Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Sharma
- Centre for Bio-design and Diagnostics, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India.
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24
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Tan LTH, Chan KG, Pusparajah P, Yin WF, Khan TM, Lee LH, Goh BH. Mangrove derived Streptomyces sp. MUM265 as a potential source of antioxidant and anticolon-cancer agents. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:38. [PMID: 30760201 PMCID: PMC6375222 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1409-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with a commensurately high mortality rate. The search for novel antioxidants and specific anticancer agents which may inhibit, delay or reverse the development of colon cancer is thus an area of great interest; Streptomyces bacteria have been demonstrated to be a source of such agents. Results The extract from Streptomyces sp. MUM265— a strain which was isolated and identified from Kuala Selangor mangrove forest, Selangor, Malaysia— was analyzed and found to exhibit antioxidant properties as demonstrated via metal-chelating ability as well as superoxide anion, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. This study also showed that MUM265 extract demonstrated cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells as evidenced by the reduced cell viability of Caco-2 cell line. Treatment with MUM265 extract induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and accumulation of subG1 cells in cell cycle analysis, suggesting that MUM265 exerted apoptosis-inducing effects on Caco-2 cells. Conclusion These findings indicate that mangrove derived Streptomyces sp. MUM265 represents a valuable bioresource of bioactive compounds for the future development of chemopreventive agents, with particular promise suggested for treatment of colon cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-019-1409-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loh Teng-Hern Tan
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.,Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.,Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery (NBDD) Research Group, Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- International Genome Centre, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China. .,Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Priyia Pusparajah
- Medical Health and Translational Research Group, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Wai-Fong Yin
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tahir Mehmood Khan
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China.,Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.,Medical Health and Translational Research Group, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery (NBDD) Research Group, Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. .,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Lahore, Pakistan. .,Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. .,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Lahore, Pakistan. .,Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
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25
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Saeed O, Lopez-Beltran A, Fisher KW, Scarpelli M, Montironi R, Cimadamore A, Massari F, Santoni M, Cheng L. RAS genes in colorectal carcinoma: pathogenesis, testing guidelines and treatment implications. J Clin Pathol 2018; 72:135-139. [PMID: 30425122 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The RAS family is among the most commonly mutated genes in all human malignancies including colon cancer. In normal cells, RAS proteins act as a link in the intracellular signal transduction initiated by binding of growth factors to cell membrane receptors mediating cell survival. RAS isoproteins have great morphological similarities, but despite that, they are thought to have different functions in different tissues. RAS mutations, as supported by several studies including animal models, have a role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. The detection of RAS mutations in patients with colorectal carcinoma, specifically KRAS and NRAS, has significant clinical implications. It is currently recommended that patients with colon cancer who are considered for antiepidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies, get RAS mutation testing since only those with wildtype-RAS genes benefit from such treatment. Despite decades of research, there is currently no effective and safe treatment that directly targets RAS-mutated neoplasms. Multiple therapeutic approaches directed against RAS mutations are currently experimental, including a promising immunotherapy study using T-cells in patients with metastatic colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Saeed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | | | - Kurt W Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Marina Scarpelli
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
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26
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Calabrese DR, Chen X, Leon EC, Gaikwad SM, Phyo Z, Hewitt WM, Alden S, Hilimire TA, He F, Michalowski AM, Simmons JK, Saunders LB, Zhang S, Connors D, Walters KJ, Mock BA, Schneekloth JS. Chemical and structural studies provide a mechanistic basis for recognition of the MYC G-quadruplex. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4229. [PMID: 30315240 PMCID: PMC6185959 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical DNA structures that frequently occur in the promoter regions of oncogenes, such as MYC, and regulate gene expression. Although G4s are attractive therapeutic targets, ligands capable of discriminating between different G4 structures are rare. Here, we describe DC-34, a small molecule that potently downregulates MYC transcription in cancer cells by a G4-dependent mechanism. Inhibition by DC-34 is significantly greater for MYC than other G4-driven genes. We use chemical, biophysical, biological, and structural studies to demonstrate a molecular rationale for the recognition of the MYC G4. We solve the structure of the MYC G4 in complex with DC-34 by NMR spectroscopy and illustrate specific contacts responsible for affinity and selectivity. Modification of DC-34 reveals features required for G4 affinity, biological activity, and validates the derived NMR structure. This work advances the design of quadruplex-interacting small molecules to control gene expression in therapeutic areas such as cancer. Targeting noncoding nucleic acids with small molecules represents an important and significant challenge in chemical biology and drug discovery. Here the authors characterize DC-34, a small molecule that exhibits selective binding to specific G4 structures, and provide a structural basis for its selectivity
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Calabrese
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Elena C Leon
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Snehal M Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Zaw Phyo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William M Hewitt
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Stephanie Alden
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Thomas A Hilimire
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Fahu He
- Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | | | - John K Simmons
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lindsey B Saunders
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Shuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Connors
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kylie J Walters
- Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - Beverly A Mock
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - John S Schneekloth
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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27
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Marquevielle J, Kumar MVV, Mergny JL, Salgado GF. 1H, 13C, and 15N chemical shift assignments of a G-quadruplex forming sequence within the KRAS proto-oncogene promoter region. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2018; 12:123-127. [PMID: 29189986 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-017-9793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Single stranded guanine rich DNA (or RNA) sequences adopt noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4). Functionally, quadruplexes control gene transcription and regulate activities such as replication, gene recombination or alternative splicing. Hence they are potential targets for cancer, neuronal, and viral related diseases. KRAS is one of the most mutated oncogenes in the genome of cancer cells and contains a nuclease hypersensitive element (NHE) sequence capable of forming G-quadruplexes via its six runs of guanines. In our work, we are interested in the NMR structure of the major G4 scaffold formed in the KRAS NHE region with a mutated sequence of 22 residues. Here, we report 1H, 13C and 15N chemical shift assignments the G4 formed within KRAS22RT sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Marquevielle
- ARNA Laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology (IECB), Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212 - CNRS UMR 5320, 2, rue Robert Escarpit, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - M V Vasantha Kumar
- ARNA Laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology (IECB), Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212 - CNRS UMR 5320, 2, rue Robert Escarpit, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- ARNA Laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology (IECB), Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212 - CNRS UMR 5320, 2, rue Robert Escarpit, 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- ARNA Laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology (IECB), Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212 - CNRS UMR 5320, 2, rue Robert Escarpit, 33607, Pessac, France.
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28
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Porru M, Pompili L, Caruso C, Biroccio A, Leonetti C. Targeting KRAS in metastatic colorectal cancer: current strategies and emerging opportunities. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018. [PMID: 29534749 PMCID: PMC5850913 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0719-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Developing drugs that target KRAS, the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer, has not been successful despite much concerted efforts dedicated towards it in the last thirty years. Considering the key role this driver oncogene plays, the pharmacological drugging of KRAS remains a key challenge for cancer research. In this review, we highlight the emerging experimental strategies for blocking KRAS function and signaling and its direct targeting. We also report on the results in this field of research produced by our group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Porru
- UOSD SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pompili
- UOSD SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- UOSD SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Mariz IFA, Pinto S, Lavrado J, Paulo A, Martinho JMG, Maçôas EMS. Cryptolepine and quindoline: understanding their photophysics. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:10255-10263. [PMID: 28265616 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp00455a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Quindoline (QUIND, indolo[3,2-b]quinoline) and cryptolepine (CRYPT, 5-methyl-10H-indolo[3,2-b]quinoline) together with their corresponding derivatives have been studied for decades due to their important biological activity against diseases like malaria. The biological activity of drugs is routinely investigated using fluorescence based methods. However, recent reports show that the photophysics of CRYPT and its analogues is not yet understood. Herein, the photophysics of CRYPT and QUIND is studied in aqueous solutions at different pH values and in both protic and aprotic solvents of different polarities. CRYPT and QUIND are shown to exist in different prototropic forms depending on pH and solvent polarity. CRYPT is found to be more sensitive to the solvent nature. Both compounds are shown to have two-photon stimulated emission. Their two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-sections were measured in the 710-960 nm range. The TPA cross-section is relatively low but allows for the observation of both compounds in HEK 293 T cells, where CRYPT is found mostly in the nucleus and QUIND accumulates in the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês F A Mariz
- Centro de Química-Física Molecular (CQFM) and Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1,1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
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30
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Kerkour A, Marquevielle J, Ivashchenko S, Yatsunyk LA, Mergny JL, Salgado GF. High-resolution three-dimensional NMR structure of the KRAS proto-oncogene promoter reveals key features of a G-quadruplex involved in transcriptional regulation. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:8082-8091. [PMID: 28330874 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.781906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical base pairing within guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences can produce G-quartets, whose stacking leads to the formation of a G-quadruplex (G4). G4s can coexist with canonical duplex DNA in the human genome and have been suggested to suppress gene transcription, and much attention has therefore focused on studying G4s in promotor regions of disease-related genes. For example, the human KRAS proto-oncogene contains a nuclease-hypersensitive element located upstream of the major transcription start site. The KRAS nuclease-hypersensitive element (NHE) region contains a G-rich element (22RT; 5'-AGGGCGGTGTGGGAATAGGGAA-3') and encompasses a Myc-associated zinc finger-binding site that regulates KRAS transcription. The NEH region therefore has been proposed as a target for new drugs that control KRAS transcription, which requires detailed knowledge of the NHE structure. In this study, we report a high-resolution NMR structure of the G-rich element within the KRAS NHE. We found that the G-rich element forms a parallel structure with three G-quartets connected by a four-nucleotide loop and two short one-nucleotide double-chain reversal loops. In addition, a thymine bulge is found between G8 and G9. The loops of different lengths and the presence of a bulge between the G-quartets are structural elements that potentially can be targeted by small chemical ligands that would further stabilize the structure and interfere or block transcriptional regulators such as Myc-associated zinc finger from accessing their binding sites on the KRAS promoter. In conclusion, our work suggests a possible new route for the development of anticancer agents that could suppress KRAS expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaziz Kerkour
- From the Université Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS, ARNA laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, U1212, UMR 5320, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33000 Pessac, France and
| | - Julien Marquevielle
- From the Université Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS, ARNA laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, U1212, UMR 5320, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33000 Pessac, France and
| | - Stefaniia Ivashchenko
- From the Université Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS, ARNA laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, U1212, UMR 5320, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33000 Pessac, France and
| | - Liliya A Yatsunyk
- From the Université Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS, ARNA laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, U1212, UMR 5320, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33000 Pessac, France and.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- From the Université Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS, ARNA laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, U1212, UMR 5320, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33000 Pessac, France and
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- From the Université Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS, ARNA laboratory, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, U1212, UMR 5320, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, 33000 Pessac, France and
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31
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Pharmacological strategies to target oncogenic KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer. Pharmacol Res 2017; 117:370-376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Fernandes AR, Baptista PV. Gene Silencing Using Multifunctionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1530:319-336. [PMID: 28150211 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6646-2_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctionalized gold nanobeacons (Au-nanobeacon) combine, in a single and unique platform, targeting, detection and silencing providing an effective impact in clinics boosting cancer theranostics. Here, we describe a nano-integrated platform based on Au-nanobeacons able to detect and inhibit gene expression specifically in cancer cells. The surfaces of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are functionalized with targeting peptides to enhance tumor cell recognition and uptake, and with fluorescently labeled antisense DNA hairpin oligonucleotides to detect AuNPs. These oligonucleotides, upon recognition and hybridization to the target, open their structure resulting in separating apart the dye and the quencher allowing the fluorophore to emit light and to monitor the intracellular interactions of AuNPs with the target and the specific silencing of gene expression. This strategy allows inhibiting KRAS gene expression in colorectal carcinoma cell lines with no relevant toxicity for healthy fibroblasts. Importantly, this nano-integrated platform can be easily adapted to hybridize with any specific target thus providing real benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Fernandes
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro V Baptista
- UCIBIO, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
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Critical role of hnRNP A1 in activating KRAS transcription in pancreatic cancer cells: A molecular mechanism involving G4 DNA. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1389-1398. [PMID: 27888145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most mutated genes in human cancer. Its crucial role in the tumourigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been widely demonstrated. As this deadly cancer does not sufficiently respond to conventional chemotherapies, it is important to increase our knowledge of pancreatic cancer biology, in particular how oncogenic KRAS is regulated. The promoter of KRAS contains a GA-element composed of runs of guanines that fold into a G4 structure. This unusual DNA conformation is recognized by several nuclear proteins, including MAZ and hnRNP A1. Recent data have revealed that KRAS is interconnected to ILK and hnRNP A1 in a circuitry that enables pancreatic cancer cells to maintain an aggressive phenotype. The present review illustrates recent advances on how KRAS is regulated in pancreatic cancer cells, focusing on the formation of G4 structures in the KRAS promoter and their interaction with hnRNP A1. The newly discovered KRAS-ILK-hnRNP A1 regulatory loop is discussed, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target for PDAC-specific molecules. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
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Cogoi S, Xodo LE. G4 DNA in ras genes and its potential in cancer therapy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:663-74. [PMID: 26855080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is now well established that in the human genome the canonical double helix coexists with folded G-quadruplex structures that are known to have important biological functions. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on quadruplex formation in the promoters of the ras genes that are mutated in about 30% of all human cancers. We describe the nuclear proteins that recognize these unusual DNA structures and discuss their function in transcription. We also examine the formation of G-quadruplexes in the 5'-untranslated region of the ras transcripts and conclude this review by reporting strategies that use either ras G-quadruplexes or proteins recognizing the ras G-quadruplexes as targets of anticancer small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Cogoi
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Luigi E Xodo
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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González-Sarrías A, Núñez-Sánchez MÁ, Tomé-Carneiro J, Tomás-Barberán FA, García-Conesa MT, Espín JC. Comprehensive characterization of the effects of ellagic acid and urolithins on colorectal cancer and key-associated molecular hallmarks: MicroRNA cell specific induction of CDKN1A (p21) as a common mechanism involved. Mol Nutr Food Res 2015; 60:701-16. [PMID: 26634414 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201500780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Ellagitannins, ellagic acid, and the colonic metabolites urolithins (Uros) exhibit anticancer effects against colon cells, but a comprehensive molecular analysis has not been done. Herein, we used a panel of cell lines to first time evaluate the antiproliferative properties and accompanying molecular responses of two ellagitannin metabolites mixtures mimicking the situation in vivo and of each individual metabolite. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of related genes and microRNAs (miRs) in a panel of nonmalignant and malignant colon cell lines. Regardless of the composition, the mixed metabolites similarly inhibited proliferation, induced cycle arrest, and apoptosis. All the metabolites contributed to these effects, but Uro-A, isourolithin A, Uro-C, and Uro-D were more potent than Uro-B and ellagic acid. Despite molecular differences between the cell lines, we discerned relevant changes in key cancer markers and corroborated the induction of CDKN1A (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A gene (p21, Cip1); encoding p21) as a common step underlying the anticancer properties of Uros. Interestingly, cell-unique downregulation of miR-224 or upregulation of miR-215 was found associated with CDKN1A induction. CONCLUSION Physiologically relevant mixtures of Uros exert anticancer effects against colon cancer cells via a common CDKN1A upregulatory mechanism. Other associated molecular responses are however heterogeneous and mostly cell-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio González-Sarrías
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Núñez-Sánchez
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joao Tomé-Carneiro
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A Tomás-Barberán
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Teresa García-Conesa
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Espín
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
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