Phosphoramidate-based peptidomimetic inhibitors of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase

The Rebirth of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors: Moving Beyond the Dogma

The pursuit of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors began in earnest over three decades ago. Initial clinical trials were disappointing, resulting in a negative view of MMPs as therapeutic targets. As a better understanding of MMP biology and inhibitor pharmacokinetic properties emerged, it became clear that initial MMP inhibitor clinical trials were held prematurely. Further complicating matters were problematic conclusions drawn from animal model studies. The most recent generation of MMP inhibitors have desirable selectivities and improved pharmacokinetics, resulting in improved toxicity profiles. Application of selective MMP inhibitors led to the conclusion that MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and MT1-MMP are not involved in musculoskeletal syndrome, a common side effect observed with broad spectrum MMP inhibitors. Specific activities within a single MMP can now be inhibited. Better definition of the roles of MMPs in immunological responses and inflammation will help inform clinic trials, and multiple studies indicate that modulating MMP activity can improve immunotherapy. There is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MMP inhibitor for periodontal disease, and several MMP inhibitors are in clinic trials, targeting a variety of maladies including gastric cancer, diabetic foot ulcers, and multiple sclerosis. It is clearly time to move on from the dogma of viewing MMP inhibition as intractable.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of bifunctional inhibitors of membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP)

Collagen degradation and proMMP-2 activation are major functions of MT1-MMP to promote cancer cell invasion. Since both processes require MT1-MMP homodimerization on the cell surface, herein we propose that the use of bifunctional inhibitors of this enzyme could represent an innovative approach to efficiently reduce tumor growth. A small series of symmetrical dimers derived from previously described monomeric arylsulfonamide hydroxamates was synthesized and tested in vitro on isolated MMPs. A nanomolar MT1-MMP inhibitor, compound 6, was identified and then submitted to cell-based assays on HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. Dimer 6 reduced MT1-MMP-dependent proMMP-2 activation, collagen degradation and collagen invasion in a dose-dependent manner with better results even compared to its monomeric analogue 4. This preliminary study suggests that dimeric MT1-MMP inhibitors might be further developed and exploited as an alternative tool to reduce cancer cell invasion.