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Montero V, Montana M, Carré M, Vanelle P. Quinoxaline derivatives: Recent discoveries and development strategies towards anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116360. [PMID: 38614060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death and a major health problem worldwide. While many effective anticancer agents are available, most drugs currently on the market are not specific, raising issues like the common side effects of chemotherapy. However, recent research hold promises for the development of more efficient and safer anticancer drugs. Quinoxaline and its derivatives are becoming recognized as a novel class of chemotherapeutic agents with activity against different tumors. The present review compiles and discusses studies concerning the therapeutic potential of the anticancer activity of quinoxaline derivatives, covering articles published between January 2018 and January 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Montero
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, CEDEX 05, 13385, Marseille, France; AP-HM, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique et Pharmacovigilance, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille CEDEX 05, 13385, France.
| | - Marc Montana
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, CEDEX 05, 13385, Marseille, France; AP-HM, Oncopharma, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Carré
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Institut Paoli Calmettes - Faculté de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Vanelle
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, Equipe Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, CEDEX 05, 13385, Marseille, France; AP-HM, Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques, Hôpital Conception, Marseille, 13005, France
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Almatroodi SA, Almatroudi A, Alharbi HOA, Khan AA, Rahmani AH. Effects and Mechanisms of Luteolin, a Plant-Based Flavonoid, in the Prevention of Cancers via Modulation of Inflammation and Cell Signaling Molecules. Molecules 2024; 29:1093. [PMID: 38474604 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Luteolin, a flavonoid, is mainly found in various vegetables and fruits, including carrots, cabbages, onions, parsley, apples, broccoli, and peppers. Extensive research in vivo and in vitro has been performed to explore its role in disease prevention and treatment. Moreover, this compound possesses the ability to combat cancer by modulating cell-signaling pathways across various types of cancer. The studies have confirmed that luteolin can inhibit cancer-cell survival and proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, mTOR/PI3K/Akt, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and cell-cycle arrest, and induce apoptosis. Further, scientific evidence describes that this compound plays a vital role in the up/down-regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer therapy. This review aims to outline the anti-cancer mechanisms of this compound and its molecular targets. However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the studies on its safety and efficacy and clinical trials. Therefore, it is essential to conduct more research based on safety, efficacy, and clinical trials to explore the beneficial role of this compound in disease management, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A Almatroodi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hajed Obaid A Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Ali Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Husain Rahmani
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
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Rehan M, Ahmed F, Khan MI, Ansari HR, Shakil S, El-Araby ME, Hosawi S, Saleem M. Computational insights into the stereo-selectivity of catechins for the inhibition of the cancer therapeutic target EGFR kinase. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1231671. [PMID: 38273823 PMCID: PMC10808699 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1231671] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a crucial role in regulating cellular growth and survival, and its dysregulation is implicated in various cancers, making it a prime target for cancer therapy. Natural compounds known as catechins have garnered attention as promising anticancer agents. These compounds exert their anticancer effects through diverse mechanisms, primarily by inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a protein family that includes the notable member EGFR. Catechins, characterized by two chiral centers and stereoisomerism, demonstrate variations in chemical and physical properties due to differences in the spatial orientation of atoms. Although previous studies have explored the membrane fluidity effects and transport across cellular membranes, the stereo-selectivity of catechins concerning EGFR kinase inhibition remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the stereo-selectivity of catechins in inhibiting EGFR kinase, both in its wild-type and in the prevalent L858R mutant. Computational analyses indicated that all stereoisomers, including the extensively studied catechin (-)-EGCG, effectively bound within the ATP-binding site, potentially inhibiting EGFR kinase activity. Notably, gallated catechins emerged as superior EGFR inhibitors to their non-gallated counterparts, revealing intriguing binding trends. The top four stereoisomers exhibiting high dock scores and binding energies with wild-type EGFR comprise (-)-CG (-)-GCG (+)-CG, and (-)-EGCG. To assess dynamic behavior and stability, molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns were conducted for the top-ranked catechin (-)-CG and the widely investigated catechin (-)-EGCG with EGFR kinase. This study enhances our understanding of how the stereoisomeric nature of a drug influences inhibitory potential, providing insights that could guide the selection of specific stereoisomers for improved efficacy inexisting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firoz Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- University of Jeddah Center for Research and Product Development, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hifzur Rahman Ansari
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shazi Shakil
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moustafa E. El-Araby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Saleem
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Division of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, LabCorp Drug Development Inc., Madison, WI, United States
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Ihlamur M, Akgul B, Zengin Y, Korkut ŞV, Kelleci K, Abamor EŞ. The mTOR Signaling Pathway and mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer: Next-generation Inhibitors and Approaches. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:478-494. [PMID: 37165594 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230509161645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that plays various roles in cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. mTOR signaling in cancer becomes irregular. Therefore, drugs targeting mTOR have been developed. Although mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and rapamycin rapalogs (everolimus, rapamycin, temsirolimus, deforolimus, etc.) and new generation mTOR inhibitors (Rapalink, Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, etc.) are used in cancer treatments, mTOR resistance mechanisms may inhibit the efficacy of these drugs. Therefore, new inhibition approaches are developed. Although these new inhibition approaches have not been widely investigated in cancer treatment, the use of nanoparticles has been evaluated as a new treatment option in a few types of cancer. This review outlines the functions of mTOR in the cancer process, its resistance mechanisms, and the efficiency of mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it discusses the next-generation mTOR inhibitors and inhibition strategies created using nanoparticles. Since mTOR resistance mechanisms prevent the effects of mTOR inhibitors used in cancer treatments, new inhibition strategies should be developed. Inhibition approaches are created using nanoparticles, and one of them offers a promising treatment option with evidence supporting its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Ihlamur
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Electronics and Automation, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Busra Akgul
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yağmur Zengin
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şenay Vural Korkut
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kübra Kelleci
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Beykoz University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Şefik Abamor
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kumar U, Manivannan HP, Francis AP, Veeraraghavan VP, R G, Sankaran K. Prediction of Novel Natural Small Molecules From Schinus molle as an Inhibitor of PI3K Protein Target in Cancer Cells Using In Silico Screening. Cureus 2023; 15:e50863. [PMID: 38259388 PMCID: PMC10801101 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50863] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer continues to pose a significant challenge in medical research. Phytochemicals derived from plants have emerged as a promising avenue for pioneering drug discovery due to their potential for reduced toxicity. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has gained recognition as a pivotal signaling pathway with implications across multiple facets of cancer initiation and progression. This study focuses on the virtual screening of phytochemicals from Schinus molle, evaluating their potential as inhibitors of PI3K, a crucial target in cancer therapy. Methods and materials The present study involved a comprehensive in silico screening of phytochemicals derived from S. molle. The screening process encompassed various parameters, such as drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, molecular docking, toxicity analysis, bioavailability assessment, and molecular target exploration. The primary objective of this systematic approach was to identify potential lead compounds. The study aimed to provide a detailed understanding of the molecular properties of the phytochemicals and their potential as drug candidates. Results Upon analyzing 18 compounds, two compounds were noteworthy. Beta-spathulene and kaempferol demonstrated significant affinity for PI3K and favorable attributes concerning drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability. Conclusion While our computational investigation lays a promising foundation, it is essential to emphasize that further experimental studies, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, are imperative to validate the action of these lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umesh Kumar
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Hema Priya Manivannan
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Arul Prakash Francis
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Gayathri R
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Kavitha Sankaran
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD) Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Suhail M, AlZahrani WM, Shakil S, Tarique M, Tabrez S, Zughaibi TA, Rehan M. Analysis of some flavonoids for inhibitory mechanism against cancer target phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) using computational tool. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1236173. [PMID: 37900167 PMCID: PMC10612336 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1236173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide over the past few years. Some progress has been made in the development of more effective cancer therapeutics, resulting in improved survival rates. However, the desired outcome in the form of successful treatment is yet to be achieved. There is high demand for the development of innovative, inexpensive, and effective anticancer treatments using natural resources. Natural compounds have been increasingly discovered and used for cancer therapy owing to their high molecular diversity, novel biofunctionality, and minimal side effects. These compounds can be utilized as chemopreventive agents because they can efficiently inhibit cell growth, control cell cycle progression, and block several tumor-promoting signaling pathways. PI3K is an important upstream protein of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway and a well-established cancer therapeutic target. This study aimed to explore the small molecules, natural flavonoids, viz. quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, genistein, wogonin, daidzein, and flavopiridol for PI3Kγ kinase activity inhibition. In this study, the binding pose, interacting residues, molecular interactions, binding energies, and dissociation constants were investigated. Our results showed that these flavonoids bound well with PI3Kγ with adequate binding strength scores and binding energy ranging from (-8.19 to -8.97 Kcal/mol). Among the explored ligands, flavopiridol showed the highest binding energy of -8.97 Kcal/mol, dock score (-44.40), and dissociation constant term, p K d of 6.58 against PI3Kγ. Based on the above results, the stability of the most promising ligand, flavopiridol, against PI3Kγ was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations for 200 ns, confirming the stable flavopiridol and PI3Kγ complex. Our study suggests that among the selected flavonoids specifically flavopiridol may act as potential inhibitors of PI3Kγ and could be a therapeutic alternative to inhibit the PI3Kγ pathway, providing new insights into rational drug discovery research for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Suhail
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wejdan M. AlZahrani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shazi Shakil
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Tarique
- Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Lu T, Li T, Wu MK, Zheng CC, He XM, Zhu HL, Li L, Man RJ. Molecular simulations required to target novel and potent inhibitors of cancer invasion. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1367-1377. [PMID: 37676052 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2254695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computer-aided drug design (CADD) is a computational approach used to discover, develop, and analyze drugs and active molecules with similar biochemical properties. Molecular simulation technology has significantly accelerated drug research and reduced manufacturing costs. It is an optimized drug discovery method that greatly improves the efficiency of novel drug development processes. AREASCOVERED This review discusses the development of molecular simulations of effective cancer inhibitors and traces the main outcomes of in silico studies by introducing representative categories of six important anticancer targets. The authors provide views on this topic from the perspective of both medicinal chemistry and artificial intelligence, indicating the major challenges and predicting trends. EXPERT OPINION The goal of introducing CADD into cancer treatment is to realize a highly efficient, accurate, and desired approach with a high success rate for identifying potent drug candidates. However, the major challenge is the lack of a sophisticated data-filtering mechanism to verify bottom data from mixed-quality references. Consequently, despite the continuous development of algorithms, computer power, and interface optimization, specific data filtering mechanisms will become an urgent and crucial issue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tong Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning, China
| | - Meng-Ke Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning, China
| | - Chi-Chong Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning, China
| | - Xue-Mei He
- Agro-food Science and Technology Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanning, China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Li
- Agro-food Science and Technology Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanning, China
| | - Ruo-Jun Man
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning, China
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Zhang T, Liu MQ, Xie GS, Wu DM, Luo PW, Liu T, Deng SH, Wang YY, He S, Zhou Y, Zhou J, Xu Y. CC-115 Mediates GSDME-Dependent Pyroptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Through the Akt/Bax Pathway. J Cancer 2023; 14:1350-1361. [PMID: 37283803 PMCID: PMC10240660 DOI: 10.7150/jca.83175] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents remain the first-line treatment for solid tumors, including lung cancer, but chemotherapy resistance is hampering global efforts to treat this disease. CC-115 is a novel antitumoral compound used in phase I clinical trials. However, it is unclear whether CC-115 is effective against lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In the present study, we found that CC-115 induced lytic cell death in A549 and H1650 tumor cells via swelling of cells and formation of large bubbles on the plasma membrane that closely resembled those typical of pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death linked to chemotherapy. We demonstrated that CC-115 exerts antitumor effects in LUAD through gasdermin E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis by acting as a dual inhibitor of DNA-PK and mTOR. CC-115 can inhibit Akt phosphorylation, impairing its inhibitory effect on Bax, thereby inducing pyroptosis via the Bax-mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. CC-115-induced pyroptosis was abrogated by treatment with the Akt activator SC79 or by depletion of Bax. Importantly, CC-115 significantly upregulated the expression of Bax and GSDME-N in a xenograft mouse model, with a reduction in tumor size. Our results revealed that CC-115 suppresses tumor growth by inducing GSDME-mediated pyroptosis through the Akt/Bax-mitochondrial intrinsic pathway, indicating CC-115 as a promising therapeutic agent for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Ming-Quan Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Guang-Su Xie
- Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Dong-Ming Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Peng-Wei Luo
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Teng Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Shi-Hua Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Yuan-Yi Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Shuang He
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Sichuan 610042, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine & The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
- Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610500, China
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AlZahrani WM, AlGhamdi SA, Sohrab SS, Rehan M. Investigating a Library of Flavonoids as Potential Inhibitors of a Cancer Therapeutic Target MEK2 Using in Silico Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054446. [PMID: 36901876 PMCID: PMC10002492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The second leading cause of death in the world is cancer. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) stand out among the different anticancer therapeutic targets. Many MEK1/2 inhibitors are approved and widely used as anticancer drugs. The class of natural compounds known as flavonoids is well-known for their therapeutic potential. In this study, we focus on discovering novel inhibitors of MEK2 from flavonoids using virtual screening, molecular docking analyses, pharmacokinetic prediction, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A library of drug-like flavonoids containing 1289 chemical compounds prepared in-house was screened against the MEK2 allosteric site using molecular docking. The ten highest-scoring compounds based on docking binding affinity (highest score: -11.3 kcal/mol) were selected for further analysis. Lipinski's rule of five was used to test their drug-likeness, followed by ADMET predictions to study their pharmacokinetic properties. The stability of the best-docked flavonoid complex with MEK2 was examined for a 150 ns MD simulation. The proposed flavonoids are suggested as potential inhibitors of MEK2 and drug candidates for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan M. AlZahrani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shareefa A. AlGhamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (S.A.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Sayed S. Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Rehan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (S.A.A.); (M.R.)
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Nunes Azevedo FF, Freitas de Sousa FJ, Santos de Oliveira FL, Vieira Carletti J, Zanatta G. Binding site hotspot map of PI3Kα and mTOR in the presence of selective and dual ATP-competitive inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1085-1097. [PMID: 34913837 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2016487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolism, growth and survival. PI3Kα hyperactivation impairs downstream signaling, including mTOR regulation, and are linked to poor prognosis and refractory cancer treatment. To support multi-target drug discovery, we took advantage from existing PI3Kα and mTOR crystallographic structures to map similarities and differences in their ATP-binding pockets in the presence of selective or dual inhibitors. Molecular dynamics and MM/PBSA calculations were employed to study the binding profile and identify the relative contribution of binding site residues. Our analysis showed that while varying parameters of solute and solvent dielectric constant interfered in the absolute binding free energy, it had no effect in the relative per residue contribution. In all complexes, the most important interactions were observed within 3-3.5 Å from inhibitors, responding for ∼75-100% of the total calculated interaction energy. While closest residues are essential for the strength of the binding of all ligands, more distant residues seem to have a larger impact on the binding of the dual inhibitor, as observed for PI3Kα residues Phe934, Lys802 and Asp805 and, mTOR residues Leu2192, Phe2358, Leu2354, Lys2187 and Tyr2225. A detailed description of individual residue contribution in the presence of selective or dual inhibitors is provided as an effort to improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling multi-target inhibition. This work provides key information to support further studies seeking the rational design of potent PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors for cancer treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Geancarlo Zanatta
- Postgraduate Programme in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry at Federal, University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.,Department of Physics at Federal, University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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11
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Suhail M, Rehan M, Tarique M, Tabrez S, Husain A, Zughaibi TA. Targeting a transcription factor NF-κB by green tea catechins using in silico and in vitro studies in pancreatic cancer. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1078642. [PMID: 36712528 PMCID: PMC9874859 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1078642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease and a major public health problem globally. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) has been identified as a therapeutic target in several cancers and plays an important role in inflammatory responses. Many phytochemicals, including catechins, have been reported in the scientific literature with efficient anticancer potential and minimal side effects. This study aims to gain insights into the inhibitory mechanism of catechin derivatives epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) using in silico and in vitro studies especially considering NF-κB targeting. We explored the binding pose, interacting residues and molecular interactions for catechin derivatives with NF-κB. Docking analysis showed that the catechin derivatives acted as covalent inhibitors with the p65 subunit of NF-κB and interacted with other residues through non-bonding interactions and hydrogen bonds. Further, we validated the effect of EGCG on NF-κB activity in pancreatic cancer cell lines MIAPaCa-2 and SU 86.86. Our in vitro data showed EGCG effectively reduced cell growth and proliferation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited NF-κB activity in the studied cell lines. In addition, EGCG repressed the expression of NF-κB target genes including MMP9, MMP2, cMyc, and BCL-2. Thus, targeting NF-κB with EGCG could be a potential therapeutic alternative for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Suhail
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Mohd Suhail ✉
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Tarique
- Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Husain
- Innovation and Incubation Centre for Entrepreneurship (IICE), IISER Bhopal, Bhopal, India
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Rehan M, Zargar UR, Sheikh IA, Alharthy SA, Almashjary MN, Abuzenadah AM, Beg MA. Potential Disruption of Systemic Hormone Transport by Tobacco Alkaloids Using Computational Approaches. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10120727. [PMID: 36548560 PMCID: PMC9784225 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco/nicotine is one of the most toxic and addictive substances and continues to pose a significant threat to global public health. The harmful effects of smoking/nicotine affect every system in the human body. Nicotine has been associated with effects on endocrine homeostasis in humans such as the imbalance of gonadal steroid hormones, adrenal corticosteroid hormones, and thyroid hormones. The present study was conducted to characterize the structural binding interactions of nicotine and its three important metabolites, cotinine, trans-3'-hydroxycotinine, and 5'-hydroxycotinine, against circulatory hormone carrier proteins, i.e., sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG). Nicotine and its metabolites formed nonbonded contacts and/or hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues of the carrier proteins. For SHBG, Phe-67 and Met-139 were the most important amino acid residues for nicotine ligand binding showing the maximum number of interactions and maximum loss in ASA. For CBG, Trp-371 and Asn-264 were the most important amino acid residues, and for TBG, Ser-23, Leu-269, Lys-270, Asn-273, and Arg-381 were the most important amino acid residues. Most of the amino acid residues of carrier proteins interacting with nicotine ligands showed a commonality with the interacting residues for the native ligands of the proteins. Taken together, the results suggested that nicotine and its three metabolites competed with native ligands for binding to their carrier proteins. Thus, nicotine and its three metabolites may potentially interfere with the binding of testosterone, estradiol, cortisol, progesterone, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine to their carrier proteins and result in the disbalance of their transport and homeostasis in the blood circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ummer R. Zargar
- Department of Zoology, Government Degree College, Anantnag 192101, Kashmir, India
| | - Ishfaq A. Sheikh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saif A. Alharthy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Toxicology and Forensic Sciences Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Animal House Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed N. Almashjary
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Animal House Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Hematology Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel M. Abuzenadah
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd A. Beg
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Ma E, Jin L, Qian C, Feng C, Zhao Z, Tian H, Yang D. Bioinformatics-Guided Identification of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium as a Functional Food Ingredient with Anti-Inflammatory Potential. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175435. [PMID: 36080202 PMCID: PMC9457579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) is one of the most commonly used food supplements and folk medicines worldwide, and possesses cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory protective effects partially through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The unique aromatic flavor and mild side effects make CRP a promising candidate for the development of anti-inflammatory functional food. However, recent studies show that the crude alcoholic extract and some isolated compounds of CRP show compromised anti-inflammatory activity, which became the main factor hindering its further development. To identify the bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory potential, and improve the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract, a bioinformatics-guided extraction protocol was employed in this study. The potential bioactive candidates were identified by combing network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, principal components analysis, k-means clustering, and in vitro testing of reference compounds. Our results demonstrated that 66 compounds in CRP could be grouped into four clusters according to their docking score profile against 24 receptors, while the cluster containing flavonoids and phenols might possess a more promising anti-inflammatory function. In addition, in vitro anti-inflammatory tests of the seven reference compounds demonstrated that hesperitin, naringenin, and gardenin B, which were grouped into a cluster containing flavonoids and phenols, significantly decreased LPS-induced NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 production of macrophages. While the compounds outside of that cluster, such as neohesperidin, naringin, hesperidin, and sinensetin showed little effect on alleviating LPS-induced NO and proinflammatory cytokine production. Based on the chemical properties of selected compounds, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) was selected as the solvent for extraction, because of its promising solubility of flavonoids and phenols. Furthermore, the ethanol alcoholic extract was used as a reference. The chemical profiling of EtOAc and crude alcoholic extract by HPLC/MS/MS also demonstrated the decreased abundance of flavonoid glycosides in EtOAc extract but increased abundance of phenols, phenolic acid, and aglycones. In accordance with the prediction, the EtOAc extract of CRP, but not the crude alcoholic extract, significantly decreased the NO, IL-6, and TNF-α production. Taken together, the results suggested selective extraction of phenols and flavonoids rich extract was able to increase the anti-inflammatory potential of CRP partially because of the synergistic effects between flavonoids, phenols, and enriched polymethoxyflavones. Our study might pave the road for the development of ethyl acetate extract of CRP as a novel functional food with anti-inflammatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enyao Ma
- Guangdong Hanchao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510163, China
| | - Lu Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Chunguo Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chong Feng
- Guangzhou Caizhilin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510360, China
| | - Zhimin Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongru Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Depo Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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14
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Mao B, Zhang Q, Ma L, Zhao DS, Zhao P, Yan P. Overview of Research into mTOR Inhibitors. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165295. [PMID: 36014530 PMCID: PMC9413691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinase (PIKK) family. The kinase exists in the forms of two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, and it participates in cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. The kinase activity is closely related to the occurrence and development of multiple human diseases. Inhibitors of mTOR block critical pathways to produce antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and other effects, and they have been applied to research in cancer, inflammation, central nervous system diseases and viral infections. Existing mTOR inhibitors are commonly divided into mTOR allosteric inhibitors, ATP-competitive inhibitors and dual binding site inhibitors, according to their sites of action. In addition, there exist several dual-target mTOR inhibitors that target PI3K, histone deacetylases (HDAC) or ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad-3 related (ATR) kinases. This review focuses on the structure of mTOR protein and related signaling pathways as well as the structure and characteristics of various mTOR inhibitors. Non-rapalog allosteric inhibitors will open new directions for the development of new therapeutics specifically targeting mTORC1. The applications of ATP-competitive inhibitors in central nervous system diseases, viral infections and inflammation have laid the foundation for expanding the indications of mTOR inhibitors. Both dual-binding site inhibitors and dual-target inhibitors are beneficial in overcoming mTOR inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Mao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Correspondence: (B.M.); (P.Z.); (P.Y.)
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Li Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Pan Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Correspondence: (B.M.); (P.Z.); (P.Y.)
| | - Peizheng Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
- Correspondence: (B.M.); (P.Z.); (P.Y.)
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15
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Temaj G, Saha S, Dragusha S, Ejupi V, Buttari B, Profumo E, Beqa L, Saso L. Ribosomopathies and cancer: pharmacological implications. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:729-746. [PMID: 35787725 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2098110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ribosome is a ribonucleoprotein organelle responsible for protein synthesis, and its biogenesis is a highly coordinated process that involves many macromolecular components. Any acquired or inherited impairment in ribosome biogenesis or ribosomopathies is associated with the development of different cancers and rare genetic diseases. Interference with multiple steps of protein synthesis has been shown to promote tumor cell death. AREAS COVERED We discuss the current insights about impaired ribosome biogenesis and their secondary consequences on protein synthesis, transcriptional and translational responses, proteotoxic stress, and other metabolic pathways associated with cancer and rare diseases. Studies investigating the modulation of different therapeutic chemical entities targeting cancer in in vitro and in vivo models have also been detailed. EXPERT OPINION Despite the association between inherited mutations affecting ribosome biogenesis and cancer biology, the development of therapeutics targeting the essential cellular machinery has only started to emerge. New chemical entities should be designed to modulate different checkpoints (translating oncoproteins, dysregulation of specific ribosome-assembly machinery, ribosomal stress, and rewiring ribosomal functions). Although safe and effective therapies are lacking, consideration should also be given to using existing drugs alone or in combination for long-term safety, with known risks for feasibility in clinical trials and synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarmistha Saha
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valon Ejupi
- College UBT, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Profumo
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Lule Beqa
- College UBT, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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16
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Wu X, Xu Y, Liang Q, Yang X, Huang J, Wang J, Zhang H, Shi J. Recent Advances in Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors for Tumour Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875372. [PMID: 35614940 PMCID: PMC9124774 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway is a viable target for cancer treatment and can be used to treat various malignant tumours, including follicular lymphoma and breast cancer. Both enzymes, PI3K and mTOR, are critical in this pathway. Hence, in recent years, an array of inhibitors targeting these two targets have been studied, showing dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition compared with single targeting small molecule inhibitors. Inhibitors not only inhibit cell proliferation but also promote cell apoptosis. These inhibitors show high potency and little drug resistance even at low doses, suggesting that PI3K/mTOR inhibitors are promising cancer drugs. Herein, we summarised the recent research of PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors—for example, structure-activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and clinical practice, and briefly commented on them. Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbo Wu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihua Xu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Liang
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinwei Yang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianli Huang
- First Clinical College of Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- First Clinical College of Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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17
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Asad M, Arshad MN, Asiri AM, Musthafa T.N. M, Khan SA, Rehan M, Oves M. Synthesis of N-Methylspiropyrrolidine Hybrids for Their Structural Characterization, Biological and Molecular Docking Studies. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2045330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asad
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Arshad
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Asiri
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Musthafa T.N.
- Research & Postgraduate Department of Chemistry, MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad (Affiliated to University of Calicut), Kerala, India
| | - Salman A. Khan
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Physical Sciences Section, School of Sciences, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Oves
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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18
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AlZahrani WM, AlGhamdi SA, Zughaibi TA, Rehan M. Exploring the Natural Compounds in Flavonoids for Their Potential Inhibition of Cancer Therapeutic Target MEK1 Using Computational Methods. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:195. [PMID: 35215307 PMCID: PMC8876294 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation and survival. MAPKs' protein kinases MEK1/2 serve as important targets in drug designing against cancer. The natural compounds' flavonoids are known for their anticancer activity. This study aims to explore flavonoids for their inhibition ability, targeting MEK1 using virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET prediction, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Flavonoids (n = 1289) were virtually screened using molecular docking and have revealed possible inhibitors of MEK1. The top five scoring flavonoids based on binding affinity (highest score for MEK1 is -10.8 kcal/mol) have been selected for further protein-ligand interaction analysis. Lipinski's rule (drug-likeness) and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity predictions were followed to find a good balance of potency. The selected flavonoids of MEK1 have been refined with 30 (ns) molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The five selected flavonoids are strongly suggested to be promising potent inhibitors for drug development as anticancer therapeutics of the therapeutic target MEK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan M. AlZahrani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shareefa A. AlGhamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22252, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Popescu VB, Kanhaiya K, Năstac DI, Czeizler E, Petre I. Network controllability solutions for computational drug repurposing using genetic algorithms. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1437. [PMID: 35082323 PMCID: PMC8791995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Control theory has seen recently impactful applications in network science, especially in connections with applications in network medicine. A key topic of research is that of finding minimal external interventions that offer control over the dynamics of a given network, a problem known as network controllability. We propose in this article a new solution for this problem based on genetic algorithms. We tailor our solution for applications in computational drug repurposing, seeking to maximize its use of FDA-approved drug targets in a given disease-specific protein-protein interaction network. We demonstrate our algorithm on several cancer networks and on several random networks with their edges distributed according to the Erdős-Rényi, the Scale-Free, and the Small World properties. Overall, we show that our new algorithm is more efficient in identifying relevant drug targets in a disease network, advancing the computational solutions needed for new therapeutic and drug repurposing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dumitru Iulian Năstac
- POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, 061071, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugen Czeizler
- Computer Science, Åbo Akademi University, 20500, Turku, Finland
- National Institute for Research and Development in Biological Sciences, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ion Petre
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
- National Institute for Research and Development in Biological Sciences, 060031, Bucharest, Romania.
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20
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Wang Y, Tortorella M. Molecular design of dual inhibitors of PI3K and potential molecular target of cancer for its treatment: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114039. [PMID: 34894440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling network is a key event in many human cancers and therefore enormous efforts have been made in the development of PI3K inhibitors. However, due to intrinsic and acquired resistance as well as poor drug tolerance, limited therapeutic efficacy has been achieved with these agents. In view of the fact that PI3K inhibitors can show synergistic antitumor effects with other cancer agents, namely mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors, dual inhibition of both targets by a single-molecule is regarded as a promising complementary or alternative therapeutic strategy to overcome the drawbacks of just PI3K monotherapy. In this review, we discuss the theoretical foundation for designing PI3K-based dual-target inhibitors and summarize the structure-activity relationships and clinical progress of these dual-binding agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanze Wang
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510530, PR China.
| | - Micky Tortorella
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
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21
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Computational Insights into the Interaction between Cytoadherence Receptor gC1qR and the DBLβ12 Domain of a Plasmodium falciparum PfEMP1 Ligand. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090993. [PMID: 34575142 PMCID: PMC8471399 DOI: 10.3390/life11090993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human receptor gC1qR is a 32 kD protein that mediates the cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) to human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) and platelets. The cytoadherence of IEs to gC1qR has been associated with severe malaria symptoms. The cytoadherence to gC1qR is mediated by the Duffy binding-like β12 (DBLβ12) domain of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), PFD0020c. Here, we report the structural insights into the binding of the DBLβ12 domain of PfEMP1 with the human receptor gC1qR using computational methods. A molecular model of the DBLβ12 domain was generated and used for protein-protein docking with the host receptor gC1qR. The protein-protein docking revealed that the DBLβ12 asymmetrically interacts with two subunits of the gC1qR trimer at the solution face of gC1qR. A total of 21 amino acid residues of DBLβ12 interact with 26 amino acid residues in the gC1qR trimer through 99 nonbonding interactions and 4 hydrogen bonds. Comparative analysis of binding sites on the DBL domain fold for the two receptors gC1qR and ICAM1 showed that the two sites are distinct. This is the first study that provides structural insights into DBLβ12 binding with its receptor gC1qR and may help in designing novel antisevere malaria interventions.
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22
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Rehan M, Ahmed F, Howladar SM, Refai MY, Baeissa HM, Zughaibi TA, Kedwa KM, Jamal MS. A Computational Approach Identified Andrographolide as a Potential Drug for Suppressing COVID-19-Induced Cytokine Storm. Front Immunol 2021; 12:648250. [PMID: 34248936 PMCID: PMC8264290 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.648250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The newly identified betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative pathogen of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) that killed more than 3.5 million people till now. The cytokine storm induced in severe COVID-19 patients causes hyper-inflammation, is the primary reason for respiratory and multi-organ failure and fatality. This work uses a rational computational strategy to identify the existing drug molecules to target host pathways to reduce the cytokine storm. RESULTS We used a "host response signature network" consist of 36 genes induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated with cytokine storm. In order to attenuate the cytokine storm, potential drug molecules were searched against "host response signature network". Our study identified that drug molecule andrographolide, naturally present in a medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, has the potential to bind with crucial proteins to block the TNF-induced NFkB1 signaling pathway responsible for cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. The molecular docking method showed the binding of andrographolide with TNF and covalent binding with NFkB1 proteins of the TNF signaling pathway. CONCLUSION We used a rational computational approach to repurpose existing drugs targeting host immunomodulating pathways. Our study suggests that andrographolide could bind with TNF and NFkB1 proteins, block TNF-induced cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, and warrant further experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firoz Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- University of Jeddah Center for Research and Product Development, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad M. Howladar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Y. Refai
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- University of Jeddah Center for Research and Product Development, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanadi M. Baeissa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Asad M, Arshad MN, Asiri AM, Khan SA, Rehan M, Oves M. Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking and Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Spiropyrrolidine Derivatives. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2021.1936083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asad
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Arshad
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Asiri
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salman A. Khan
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Physical Sciences Section, School of Sciences, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Oves
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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24
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Rehan M, Ahmad E, Beg MA. Structural binding perspectives of a major tobacco alkaloid, nicotine, and its metabolite cotinine with sex-steroid nuclear receptors. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 40:1410-1420. [PMID: 32346888 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Globally, more than a billion people smoke tobacco making it one of the biggest public health problems and a leading risk factor for global deaths. Nicotine, the main alkaloid in tobacco, has been shown to be associated with fertility problems in men and women. The adverse effects of tobacco/nicotine on reproduction have been attributed to deleterious effects on gametes, steroidogenic imbalance, and competitive inhibition of steroid receptors. The present study reports the sex-steroid receptor disrupting potential of nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine against the estrogen receptor-α (ERα), ERβ, androgen receptor (AR), and progesterone receptor (PR). Both ligands bound in the ligand-binding pockets of ERα, ERβ, AR and PR and formed important hydrophobic interactions with different amino-acid residues of receptors. Most of the residues of ERα, ERβ, AR and PR interacting with nicotine and cotinine were common with those of native/bound ligands of the receptors. Interacting amino acids most important for binding of nicotine and cotinine with each receptor were identified by loss in accessible surface area. Amino acids Leucine-346, Leucine-384 and Phenylalanine-404 for ERα; Methionine-336, Phenylalanine-356 and Leucine-298 for ERβ; and Leucine-704 and Leucine-718, respectively for AR and PR, were the most important residues for binding with nicotine and cotinine. Among the four receptors, based on the number of interactions, nicotine and cotinine had greater potential to interfere in the signaling of ERβ. In conclusion, the results suggested that nicotine and cotinine bind and interact with sex-steroid nuclear receptors and have potential to interfere in the steroid hormone signaling resulting in reproductive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Alinagar Colony, Focus Institute, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Mohd A Beg
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Lin J, Wang P, Zhang Z, Xue G, Zha D, Wang J, Xu X, Li Z. Facile synthesis and anti-proliferative activity evaluation of quinoxaline derivatives. SYNTHETIC COMMUN 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00397911.2020.1714054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zemin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guozhen Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Daijun Zha
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiuzhi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhulai Li
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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