1
|
Kumari S, Sobhia ME. Targeting an Old Foe for Cancer: A Molecular Dynamics Perspective to Unravel the Specific Binding Nature of 2-Methoxy Estradiol to Human β-Tubulin Isotypes. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4121-4133. [PMID: 38706255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Microtubules, composed of α- and β-tubulin subunits are crucial for cell division with their dynamic tissue-specificity which is dictated by expression of isotypes. These isotypes differ in carboxy-terminal tails (CTTs), rich in negatively charged acidic residues in addition to the differences in the composition of active site residues. 2-Methoxy estradiol (2-ME) is the first antimicrotubule agent that showed less affinity toward hemopoietic-specific β1 isotype consequently preventing myelosuppression toxicity. The present study focuses on the MD-directed conformational analysis of 2-ME and estimation of its binding affinity in the colchicine binding pocket of various β-tubulin isotypes combined with the α-tubulin isotype, α1B. AlphaFold 2.0 was used to predict the 3D structure of phylogenetically divergent human β-tubulin isotypes in dimer form with α1B. The dimeric complexes were subjected to induced-fit docking with 2-ME. The statistical analysis of docking showed differences in the binding characteristics of 2-ME with different isotypes. The replicas of atom-based molecular dynamic simulations of the best conformation of 2-ME provided insights into the molecular-level details of its binding pattern across the isotypes. Furthermore, the MM/GBSA analyses revealed the specific binding energy profile of 2-ME in β-tubulin isotypes. It also highlighed, 2-ME exhibits the lowest binding affinity toward the β1 isotype as supported by experimental study. The present study may offer useful information for designing next-generation antimicrotubule agents that are more specific and less toxic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 166062, Punjab, India
| | - Masilamani Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) 166062, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Steinmetz MO, Prota AE. Structure-based discovery and rational design of microtubule-targeting agents. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102845. [PMID: 38805950 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy as antitumor, antifungal, antiparasitic, and herbicidal agents, finding applications in the clinical, veterinary, and agrochemical industry. Recent advances in tubulin and microtubule structural biology have provided powerful tools that pave the way for the rational design of innovative small-molecule MTAs for future basic and applied life science applications. In this mini-review, we present the current status of the tubulin and microtubule structural biology field, the recent impact it had on the discovery and rational design of MTAs, and exciting avenues for future MTA research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel O Steinmetz
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland; University of Basel, Biozentrum, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea E Prota
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lei Y, Zhang R, Cai F. Role of MARK2 in the nervous system and cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:497-506. [PMID: 38302729 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Microtubule-Affinity Regulating Kinase 2 (MARK2), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, phosphorylates microtubule-associated proteins, playing a crucial role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This kinase regulates multiple signaling pathways, including the WNT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM), and NF-κB pathways, potentially linking it to cancer and the nervous system. As a crucial regulator of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the loss of MARK2 inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. MARK2 is involved in the excessive phosphorylation of tau, thus influencing neurodegeneration. Therefore, MARK2 emerges as a promising drug target for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its significance, the development of inhibitors for MARK2 remains limited. In this review, we aim to present detailed information on the structural features of MARK2 and its role in various signaling pathways associated with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we further characterize the therapeutic potential of MARK2 in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, and hope to facilitate basic research on MARK2 and the development of inhibitors targeting MARK2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yining Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
| | - Fei Cai
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hannaford MR, Rusan NM. Positioning centrioles and centrosomes. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202311140. [PMID: 38512059 PMCID: PMC10959756 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202311140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Centrosomes are the primary microtubule organizer in eukaryotic cells. In addition to shaping the intracellular microtubule network and the mitotic spindle, centrosomes are responsible for positioning cilia and flagella. To fulfill these diverse functions, centrosomes must be properly located within cells, which requires that they undergo intracellular transport. Importantly, centrosome mispositioning has been linked to ciliopathies, cancer, and infertility. The mechanisms by which centrosomes migrate are diverse and context dependent. In many cells, centrosomes move via indirect motor transport, whereby centrosomal microtubules engage anchored motor proteins that exert forces on those microtubules, resulting in centrosome movement. However, in some cases, centrosomes move via direct motor transport, whereby the centrosome or centriole functions as cargo that directly binds molecular motors which then walk on stationary microtubules. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of centrosome motility and the consequences of centrosome mispositioning and identify key questions that remain to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Hannaford
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nasser M. Rusan
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Deshpande A, Brants J, Wasylyk C, van Hooij O, Verhaegh GW, Maas P, Schalken JA, Wasylyk B. TTLL12 has a potential oncogenic activity, suppression of ligation of nitrotyrosine to the C-terminus of detyrosinated α-tubulin, that can be overcome by molecules identified by screening a compound library. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296960. [PMID: 38394155 PMCID: PMC10889654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tubulin tyrosine ligase 12 (TTLL12) is a promising target for therapeutic intervention since it has been implicated in tumour progression, the innate immune response to viral infection, ciliogenesis and abnormal cell division. It is the most mysterious of a fourteen-member TTL/TTLL family, since, although it is the topmost conserved in evolution, it does not have predicted enzymatic activities. TTLL12 seems to act as a pseudo-enzyme that modulates various processes indirectly. Given the need to target its functions, we initially set out to identify a property of TTLL12 that could be used to develop a reliable high-throughput screening assay. We discovered that TTLL12 suppresses the cell toxicity of nitrotyrosine (3-nitrotyrosine) and its ligation to the C-terminus of detyrosinated α-tubulin (abbreviated to ligated-nitrotyrosine). Nitrotyrosine is produced by oxidative stress and is associated with cancer progression. Ligation of nitrotyrosine has been postulated to be a check-point induced by excessive cell stress. We found that the cytotoxicities of nitrotyrosine and tubulin poisons are independent of one another, suggesting that drugs that increase nitrotyrosination could be complementary to current tubulin-directed therapeutics. TTLL12 suppression of nitrotyrosination of α-tubulin was used to develop a robust cell-based ELISA assay that detects increased nitrotyrosination in cells that overexpress TTLL12 We adapted it to a high throughput format and used it to screen a 10,000 molecule World Biological Diversity SETTM collection of low-molecular weight molecules. Two molecules were identified that robustly activate nitrotyrosine ligation at 1 μM concentration. This is the pioneer screen for molecules that modulate nitrotyrosination of α-tubulin. The molecules from the screen will be useful for the study of TTLL12, as well as leads for the development of drugs to treat cancer and other pathologies that involve nitrotyrosination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Deshpande
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Jan Brants
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Christine Wasylyk
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| | - Onno van Hooij
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald W. Verhaegh
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Maas
- Specs, Bleiswijkseweg, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
| | - Jack A. Schalken
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bohdan Wasylyk
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, IGBMC UMR 7104- UMR-S 1258, F-67400 Illkirch, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Park SJ, Song IH, Yeom GS, Nimse SB. The microtubule cytoskeleton: A validated target for the development of 2-Aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives as potential anticancer agents. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116106. [PMID: 38181711 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116106] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, a series of 2-Aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives were developed to target intra- and extracellular microtubule networks. Compounds O-7 and O-10 showed impressive anti-proliferative activity across various tested cell lines, demonstrating selectivity indexes of 151.7 and 61.9, respectively. O-7 achieved an IC50 value of 0.236 ± 0.096 μM, while O-10 showed an IC50 value of 0.622 ± 0.13 μM against A549 cell lines. The induction of early-stage apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner further underscored the potential of O-7 and O-10 as effective anti-proliferative agents. O-7 and O-10 exhibited substantial inhibition of wound closure, with wound closure percentages decreasing from 23% at 0 μM to 0.43% and 2.62% at 20 μM, respectively. Colony formation reduction rates were impressive, with O-7 at 74.2% and O-10 at 81.2%. These results indicate that the O-7 and O-10 can impede cancer cell migration and have a high potential to curtail colony formation. The mode of action investigations for O-7 and O-10 revealed that O-7 could inhibit in vitro tubulin polymerization and disrupt the intracellular microtubule cytoskeleton. This disruption led to cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, indicating that O-7 exerts its anticancer activity through microtubule destabilization. However, O-10 shows a different mode of action than O-7 and requires further investigation. Overall, our study showcases the potential of the synthesized benzimidazole derivatives as novel and selective anticancer agents, motivating further exploration of their pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su Jeong Park
- Institute of Applied Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200702, South Korea
| | - In-Ho Song
- Institute of Applied Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200702, South Korea
| | - Gyu Seong Yeom
- Institute of Applied Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200702, South Korea
| | - Satish Balasaheb Nimse
- Institute of Applied Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200702, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Podolak M, Holota S, Deyak Y, Dziduch K, Dudchak R, Wujec M, Bielawski K, Lesyk R, Bielawska A. Tubulin inhibitors. Selected scaffolds and main trends in the design of novel anticancer and antiparasitic agents. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107076. [PMID: 38163424 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107076] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Design of tubulin inhibitors as anticancer drugs dynamically developed over the past 20 years. The modern arsenal of potential tubulin-targeting anticancer agents is represented by small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. Moreover, targeting tubulin has been a successful strategy in the development of antiparasitic drugs. In the present review, an overall picture of the research and development of potential tubulin-targeting agents using small molecules between 2018 and 2023 is provided. The data about some most often used and prospective chemotypes of small molecules (privileged heterocycles, moieties of natural molecules) and synthetic methodologies (analogue-based, fragment-based drug design, molecular hybridization) applied for the design of novel agents with an impact on the tubulin system are summarized. The design and prospects of multi-target agents with an impact on the tubulin system were also highlighted. Reported in the review data contribute to the "structure-activity" profile of tubulin-targeting small molecules as anticancer and antiparasitic agents and will be useful for the application by medicinal chemists in further exploration, design, improvement, and optimization of this class of molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Podolak
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Serhii Holota
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Yaroslava Deyak
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; Department of Pharmaceutical Disciplines, Uzhhorod National University, Narodna Square 3, 88000 Uzhhorod, Ukraine
| | - Katarzyna Dziduch
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Rostyslav Dudchak
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Monika Wujec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bielawski
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Roman Lesyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine.
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moreira J, Silva PMA, Castro E, Saraiva L, Pinto M, Bousbaa H, Cidade H. BP-M345 as a Basis for the Discovery of New Diarylpentanoids with Promising Antimitotic Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1691. [PMID: 38338967 PMCID: PMC10855865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031691] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the diarylpentanoid BP-M345 (5) has been identified as a potent in vitro growth inhibitor of cancer cells, with a GI50 value between 0.17 and 0.45 µM, showing low toxicity in non-tumor cells. BP-M345 (5) promotes mitotic arrest by interfering with mitotic spindle assembly, leading to apoptotic cell death. Following on from our previous work, we designed and synthesized a library of BP-M345 (5) analogs and evaluated the cell growth inhibitory activity of three human cancer cell lines within this library in order to perform structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and to obtain compounds with improved antimitotic effects. Four compounds (7, 9, 13, and 16) were active, and the growth inhibition effects of compounds 7, 13, and 16 were associated with a pronounced arrest in mitosis. These compounds exhibited a similar or even higher mitotic index than BP-M345 (5), with compound 13 displaying the highest antimitotic activity, associated with the interference with mitotic spindle dynamics, inducing spindle collapse and, consequently, prolonged mitotic arrest, culminating in massive cancer cell death by apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Moreira
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (M.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M. A. Silva
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.M.A.S.); (E.C.)
- 1H-TOXRUN—One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Eliseba Castro
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.M.A.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Lucília Saraiva
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Madalena Pinto
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (M.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Hassan Bousbaa
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.M.A.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Honorina Cidade
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (J.M.); (M.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mazzoccoli C, Crispo F, Laurenzana I, Pietrafesa M, Sisinni L, Lerose R, Telesca D, Milella MR, Liu T, Della Sala G, Sebastiani J, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Biological evaluation of [4-(4-aminophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl](3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone as potential antineoplastic agent in 2D and 3D breast cancer models. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300354. [PMID: 37603378 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300354] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Targeting tubulin polymerization and depolymerization represents a promising approach to treat solid tumors. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of a structurally novel tubulin inhibitor, [4-(4-aminophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl](3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (ARDAP), in two- and three-dimensional MCF-7 breast cancer models. At sub-cytotoxic concentrations, ARDAP showed a marked decrease in cell proliferation, colony formation, and ATP intracellular content in MCF-7 cells, by acting through a cytostatic mechanism. Additionally, drug exposure caused blockage of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In 3D cell culture, ARDAP negatively affected tumor spheroid growth, with inhibition of spheroid formation and reduction of ATP concentration levels. Notably, ARDAP exposure promoted the differentiation of MCF-7 cells by inducing: (i) expression decrease of Oct4 and Sox2 stemness markers, both in 2D and 3D models, and (ii) downregulation of the stem cell surface marker CD133 in 2D cell cultures. Interestingly, treated MCF7 cells displayed a major sensitivity to cytotoxic effects of the conventional chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. In addition, although exhibiting growth inhibitory effects against breast cancer cells, ARDAP showed insignificant harm to MCF10A healthy cells. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of ARDAP to emerge as a new chemotherapeutic agent or adjuvant compound in chemotherapeutic treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Mazzoccoli
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Fabiana Crispo
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laurenzana
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | | | - Lorenza Sisinni
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosa Lerose
- Hospital Pharmacy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Donatella Telesca
- Hospital Pharmacy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Maria R Milella
- Hospital Pharmacy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gerardo Della Sala
- Department of Eco-Sustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Jessica Sebastiani
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zoroddu S, Sanna L, Bordoni V, Lyu W, Murineddu G, Pinna GA, Forcales SV, Sala A, Kelvin DJ, Bagella L. RNAseq Analysis of Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Chalcogen Analogues Reveals Anti-Tubulin Properties on Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11263. [PMID: 37511023 PMCID: PMC10379353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives are among the most studied anticancer drugs. Previous studies have analyzed the action of different 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives and their effects on cancer cells. This study investigated the characterization of two new compounds named 6 and 14 on HeLa and PC-3 cancer cell lines. Based on the previously obtained IC50, cell cycle effects were monitored by flow cytometry. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes, followed by functional annotation using gene ontology (GO), KEGG signaling pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. The tubulin polymerization assay was used to analyze the interaction of both compounds with tubulin. The results showed that 6 and 14 strongly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells by arresting them in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Transcriptome analysis showed that exposure of HeLa and PC-3 cells to the compounds caused a marked reprograming of gene expression. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched throughout the cell cycle and cancer-related biological processes. Furthermore, PPI network, hub gene, and CMap analyses revealed that compounds 14 and 6 shared target genes with established microtubule inhibitors, indicating points of similarity between the two molecules and microtubule inhibitors in terms of the mechanism of action. They were also able to influence the polymerization process of tubulin, suggesting the potential of these new compounds to be used as efficient chemotherapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zoroddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Luca Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Bordoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Weidong Lyu
- Division of Immunology, International Institute of Infection and Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, China
| | - Gabriele Murineddu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gerard A Pinna
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sonia Vanina Forcales
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Health Science Campus of Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Carrer de la Feixa Llarga, s/n, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arturo Sala
- Centre for Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine (CIRTM), Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University, London UB8 3PH, UK
| | - David J Kelvin
- Division of Immunology, International Institute of Infection and Immunity, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Luigi Bagella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/b, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Centre for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Montecinos F, Sackett DL. Structural Changes, Biological Consequences, and Repurposing of Colchicine Site Ligands. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050834. [PMID: 37238704 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) bind to one of several distinct sites in the tubulin dimer, the subunit of microtubules. The binding affinities of MTAs may vary by several orders of magnitude, even for MTAs that specifically bind to a particular site. The first drug binding site discovered in tubulin was the colchicine binding site (CBS), which has been known since the discovery of the tubulin protein. Although highly conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution, tubulins show diversity in their sequences between tubulin orthologs (inter-species sequence differences) and paralogs (intraspecies differences, such as tubulin isotypes). The CBS is promiscuous and binds to a broad range of structurally distinct molecules that can vary in size, shape, and affinity. This site remains a popular target for the development of new drugs to treat human diseases (including cancer) and parasitic infections in plants and animals. Despite the rich knowledge about the diversity of tubulin sequences and the structurally distinct molecules that bind to the CBS, a pattern has yet to be found to predict the affinity of new molecules that bind to the CBS. In this commentary, we briefly discuss the literature evidencing the coexistence of the varying binding affinities for drugs that bind to the CBS of tubulins from different species and within species. We also comment on the structural data that aim to explain the experimental differences observed in colchicine binding to the CBS of β-tubulin class VI (TUBB1) compared to other isotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Montecinos
- Protein Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dan L Sackett
- Division of Basic and Translational Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Turrini E, Maffei F, Fimognari C. Effect of the Marine Polyketide Plocabulin on Tumor Progression. Mar Drugs 2022; 21:md21010038. [PMID: 36662211 PMCID: PMC9860935 DOI: 10.3390/md21010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges represent one of the richest sources of natural marine compounds with anticancer potential. Plocabulin (PM060184), a polyketide originally isolated from the sponge Lithoplocamia lithistoides, elicits its main anticancer properties binding tubulin, which still represents one of the most important targets for anticancer drugs. Plocabulin showed potent antitumor activity, in both in vitro and in vivo models of different types of cancers, mediated not only by its antitubulin activity, but also by its ability to block endothelial cell migration and invasion. The objective of this review is to offer a description of plocabulin's mechanisms of action, with special emphasis on the antiangiogenic signals and the latest progress on its development as an anticancer agent.
Collapse
|