1
|
Mao T, Chen B, Wei W, Chen G, Liu Z, Wu L, Li X, Pathak JL, Li J. AutoDock and molecular dynamics-based therapeutic potential prediction of flavonoids for primary Sjögren's syndrome. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33860. [PMID: 39027572 PMCID: PMC11255588 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that leads to reduced saliva production, primarily affecting women due to estrogen deficiency. The estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a crucial role in mediating the expression of the aquaporin 5 (AQP5) gene through the estrogen response element-dependent signaling pathway, making ERα a key drug target for pSS. Several flavonoids have been reported to have the potential to treat pSS. This study aimed to screen and compare flavonoids binding to ERα using AutoDock, providing a basis for treating pSS with flavonoids. The estrogenic potential of six representative flavonoids was examined in this study. Molecular docking revealed that the binding energy of all six flavonoids to ERα was less than -5.6 kcal/mol. Apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein were the top three flavonoids with even lower binding energies of -7.8, -8.09, and -8.59 kcal/mol, respectively. Similar to the positive control estradiol, apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein showed hydrogen bond interactions with GLU353, GLY521, and HIS524 at the active site. The results of luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein significantly enhanced the transcription of estrogen receptor element (ERE) in the PGL3/AQP5 promoter. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS for a time scale of 100 ns revealed relatively stable binding of apigenin-ERα, naringenin-ERα, and daidzein-ERα. Mechanistically, homology modeling indicated that GLU353, GLY521, and HIS524 were the key residues of ERα exerting an estrogenic effect. The therapeutic effect of apigenin on dry mouth in pSS models was further validated. In conclusion, these results indicate the estrogenic and pSS therapeutic potential of apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Mao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Bo Chen
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Guiping Chen
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Zhuoyuan Liu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Lihong Wu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Janak L. Pathak
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Jiang Li
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pattanayak P, Nikhitha S, Halder D, Ghosh B, Chatterjee T. Exploring the impact of trifluoromethyl (-CF 3) functional group on the anti-cancer activity of isoxazole-based molecules: design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking analysis. RSC Adv 2024; 14:18856-18870. [PMID: 38873543 PMCID: PMC11167338 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02856b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein we report the design and synthesis of a series of fully-substituted 4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazoles and evaluation of their anti-cancer activities against MCF-7, 4T1 and PC-3 cell lines as a proof of concept study. 4-(Trifluoromethyl)isoxazole is a synthetically challenging class of molecules and very few synthetic methods have been developed so far and all of them suffered from several serious limitations. Recently we developed a novel, metal-free, and general synthetic strategy to access synthetically challenging 4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazoles starting from readily available chalcones using cheap CF3SO2Na as the source of the -CF3 group and multitasking t BuONO as an oxidant as well as the source of N and O and thus we have overcome the limitations of the previous methods. Based on the structure of an isoxazole-based anti-cancer agent, 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(thiophen-2-yl)isoxazole 14, we designed a set of 4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazoles for synthesis and further anti-cancer evaluation. Among various molecules, 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazole 2g (IC50 = 2.63 μM) and 3-(thiophen-2-yl)-5-(4-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazole 5 (IC50 = 3.09 μM) exhibited the best anti-cancer activity against the human breast cancer cell-lines (MCF-7), 2g being the lead molecule among all. Interestingly, 2g is found to be almost 8 times more active compared to its non-trifluoromethylated analogue, i.e., 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(thiophen-2-yl)isoxazole 14 (IC50 = 19.72 μM) which revealed the importance of a 'CF3' moiety in enhancing the anti-cancer activity of 14. Further studies such as apoptosis induction, cell cycle analysis, and nuclear staining revealed an apoptotic cell death mechanism. The in silico molecular docking, induced fit analysis, and ADME studies further supported the effect of a -CF3 moiety on the enhancement of anti-cancer activity of isoxazole-based anti-cancer molecules. Further exploration of the biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of lead 2gin vivo holds significant promise, positioning it as a potential candidate for anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Pattanayak
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), Hyderabad Campus Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad 500078 Telangana India
| | - Sripathi Nikhitha
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), Hyderabad Campus Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad 500078 Telangana India
| | - Debojyoti Halder
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), Hyderabad Campus Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad 500078 Telangana India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), Hyderabad Campus Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad 500078 Telangana India
| | - Tanmay Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), Hyderabad Campus Jawahar Nagar Hyderabad 500078 Telangana India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schaduangrat N, Homdee N, Shoombuatong W. StackER: a novel SMILES-based stacked approach for the accelerated and efficient discovery of ERα and ERβ antagonists. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22994. [PMID: 38151513 PMCID: PMC10752908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50393-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in breast cancer is of great importance in both clinical practice and scientific exploration. However, around 15-30% of those affected do not see benefits from the usual treatments owing to the innate resistance mechanisms, while 30-40% will gain resistance through treatments. In order to address this problem and facilitate community-wide efforts, machine learning (ML)-based approaches are considered one of the most cost-effective and large-scale identification methods. Herein, we propose a new SMILES-based stacked approach, termed StackER, for the accelerated and efficient identification of ERα and ERβ inhibitors. In StackER, we first established an up-to-date dataset consisting of 1,996 and 1,207 compounds for ERα and ERβ, respectively. Using the up-to-date dataset, StackER explored a wide range of different SMILES-based feature descriptors and ML algorithms in order to generate probabilistic features (PFs). Finally, the selected PFs derived from the two-step feature selection strategy were used for the development of an efficient stacked model. Both cross-validation and independent tests showed that StackER surpassed several conventional ML classifiers and the existing method in precisely predicting ERα and ERβ inhibitors. Remarkably, StackER achieved MCC values of 0.829-0.847 and 0.712-0.786 in terms of the cross-validation and independent tests, respectively, which were 5.92-8.29 and 1.59-3.45% higher than the existing method. In addition, StackER was applied to determine useful features for being ERα and ERβ inhibitors and identify FDA-approved drugs as potential ERα inhibitors in efforts to facilitate drug repurposing. This innovative stacked method is anticipated to facilitate community-wide efforts in efficiently narrowing down ER inhibitor screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Nutta Homdee
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Q, Wang L, Jia Y, Yang M, Zhang H, Hu J. Nontargeted Analysis Reveals a Broad Range of Bioactive Pollutants in Drinking Water by Estrogen Receptor Affinity-Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21327-21336. [PMID: 38059695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can cause extensive health issues. However, specific EDCs remain elusive. This work aimed at performing nontargeted identification of estrogen receptor α (ERα)-active compounds using an ERα protein affinity assay combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry in the source and drinking water sampled from major rivers in China. Fifty-one potential ERα-active compounds across 13 categories were identified. For the first time, diisodecyl phenyl phosphate was found to have antiestrogenic activity, and three chemicals (galaxolidone, bensulfuron methyl, and UV234) were plausible ERα ligands. Among the 51 identified compounds, 12 were detected in the aquatic environment for the first time, and the concentration of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, a widely used antioxidant in rubber products, was up to 1469 and 1190 ng/L in source and drinking water, respectively. This study demonstrated the widespread presence of known and unknown ERα estrogenic and antiestrogenic pollutants in the major rivers that serve as key sources of drinking water in China and the low removal efficiency of these chemicals in drinking water treatment plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingting Jia
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianying Hu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bhatia N, Thareja S. Elacestrant: a new FDA-approved SERD for the treatment of breast cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:180. [PMID: 37191763 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Elacestrant (RAD-1901), a selective estrogen receptor degrader, was approved by USFDA on January 27, 2023, for the treatment of breast cancer. It has been developed by Menarini Group under the brand name Orserdu®. Elacestrant showed anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo in ER+ HER2-positive breast cancer models. The present review delebrates the development stages of Elacestrant, with its medicinal chemistry, synthesis, mechanism of action, and pharmacokinetic studies. Clinical data and safety profile has also been discussed, including data from randomized trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu X, Yan W, Wang S, Lu M, Yang H, Chai X, Shi H, Zhang Y, Jia Q. Discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors based on a multi-layer virtual screening strategy. Comput Biol Med 2023; 160:107036. [PMID: 37196455 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107036] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The abnormal enhancement of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has been demonstrated to be closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors, attracting extensive attention as a promising target for cancer therapy. Currently, only limited selective HDAC6 inhibitors have entered clinical trials, making the rapid discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors with safety profiles particularly urgent. In this study, a multi-layer virtual screening workflow was established, and the representative compounds screened were biologically evaluated in combination with enzyme inhibitory and anti-tumor cell proliferation experiments. The experimental results showed that the screened compounds L-25, L-32, L-45 and L-81 exhibited nanomolar inhibitory activity against HDAC6, and exerted a certain degree of anti-proliferative activities against tumor cells, especially the cytotoxicity of L-45 to A375 (IC50 = 11.23 ± 1.27 μM) and the cytotoxicity of L-81 against HCT-116 (IC50 = 12.25 ± 1.13 μM). Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the subtype selective inhibitory activities of the selected compounds were further elucidated using computational approaches, and the hotspot residues on HDAC6 contributing to the ligands' binding were identified. In summary, this study established a multi-layer screening scheme to quickly and effectively screen out hit compounds with enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-tumor cell proliferation, providing novel scaffolds for the subsequent anti-tumor drug design based on HDAC6 target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Wenying Yan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Songsong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ming Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Hao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xu Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - He Shi
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Qingzhong Jia
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hörmann N, Kalchschmid C, Grabher P, Grassmayr I, Kapitza P, Kaserer T, Gust R. Development of heterodimeric estrogen receptor alpha antagonists to target simultaneously the ligand and coactivator binding site. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023:e2200638. [PMID: 37173820 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200638] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
One-third of breast cancer patients will develop recurrent cancer within 15 years of endocrine treatment. Notably, tumor growth in a hormone-refractory state still relies on the interaction between estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and upregulated coactivators. Herein, we suggest that simultaneous targeting of the primary ligand binding site (LBS) and the coactivator binding site (CABS) at ERα represents a promising alternative therapeutic strategy to overcome mutation-driven resistance in breast cancer. We synthesized two series of compounds that connect the LBS-binder (E)-3-{4-[8-fluoro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]oxepin-5-yl]phenyl}acrylic acid 8 with the coactivator binding site inhibitors (CBIs) 4,6-bis(isobutyl(methyl)amino)pyrimidine or 3-(5-methoxy-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)propanoic acid via covalent linkage. The most active benzoxepine-pyrimidine conjugate 31 showed strong inhibition of estradiol-induced transactivation (IC50 = 18.2 nM (ERα) and 61.7 nM (ERβ)) in a luciferase reporter gene assay as well as high antiproliferative effects in MCF-7 (IC50 = 65.9 nM) and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7/TamR (IC50 = 88.9 nM) breast cancer cells. All heterodimers exhibited two- to sevenfold higher antagonism at ERα (compared with ERβ) and were superior to the acrylic acid precursor 8 in terms of ER antagonism and antiproliferative activity. It was demonstrated on the example of 31 that the compounds did not influence the ERα content in MCF-7 cells and therefore act as pure antiestrogens without downregulating potency. Possible interactions of the CBI at the receptor surface, which enhanced the biological activities, were evaluated using molecular docking studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Hörmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christina Kalchschmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patricia Grabher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Isabella Grassmayr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paul Kapitza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teresa Kaserer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ronald Gust
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Bioscience Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sobhia ME, Kumar H, Kumari S. Bifunctional robots inducing targeted protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115384. [PMID: 37119667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The gaining importance of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) and PROTACs (PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras) have drawn the scientific community's attention. PROTACs are considered bifunctional robots owing to their avidity for the protein of interest (POI) and E3-ligase, which induce the ubiquitination of POI. These molecules are based on event-driven pharmacology and are applicable in different conditions such as oncology, antiviral, neurodegenerative disease, acne etc., offering tremendous scope to researchers. In this review, primarily, we attempted to compile the recent works available in the literature on PROTACs for various targeted proteins. We summarized the design and development strategies with a focus on molecular information of protein residues and linker design. Rationalization of the ternary complex formation using Artificial Intelligence including machine & deep learning models and traditionally followed computational tools are also included in this study. Moreover, details describing the optimization of PROTACs chemistry and pharmacokinetic properties are added. Advanced PROTAC designs and targeting complex proteins, is summed up to cover the wide spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India.
| | - Harish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Sonia Kumari
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector - 67, S. A. S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, 160062, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rocha-Roa C, Cortes E, Cuesta SA, Mora JR, Paz JL, Flores-Sumoza M, Márquez EA. Study of potential inhibition of the estrogen receptor α by cannabinoids using an in silico approach: Agonist vs antagonist mechanism. Comput Biol Med 2023; 152:106403. [PMID: 36543006 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106403] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the main cancer type with more than 2.2 million cases in 2020, and is the principal cause of death in women; with 685000 deaths in 2020 worldwide. The estrogen receptor is involved at least in 70% of breast cancer diagnoses, and the agonist and antagonist properties of the drug in this receptor play a pivotal role in the control of this illness. This work evaluated the agonist and antagonist mechanisms of 30 cannabinoids by employing molecular docking and dynamic simulations. Compounds with docking scores < -8 kcal/mol were analyzed by molecular dynamic simulation at 300 ns, and relevant insights are given about the protein's structural changes, centered on the helicity in alpha-helices H3, H8, H11, and H12. Cannabicitran was the cannabinoid that presented the best relative binding-free energy (-34.96 kcal/mol), and based on rational modification, we found a new natural-based compound with relative binding-free energy (-44.83 kcal/mol) better than the controls hydroxytamoxifen and acolbifen. Structure modifications that could increase biological activity are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Rocha-Roa
- Biophysics of Tropical Diseases, Max Planck Tandem Group, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, 630004, Colombia.
| | - Eliceo Cortes
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simón Bolivar, Barranquilla, 080002, Colombia.
| | - Sebastián A Cuesta
- Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC), Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Quito, 170901, Ecuador.
| | - José R Mora
- Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC), Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Quito, 170901, Ecuador
| | - José L Paz
- Departamento Académico de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, 15081, Peru
| | - Máryury Flores-Sumoza
- Grupo de Investigación en Química y Biología, Departamento de Química y Biología, Universidad del Norte, Km 5 Vía Puerto Colombia 1569, Barranquilla, Atlántico, 081007, Colombia
| | - Edgar A Márquez
- Grupo de Investigación en Química y Biología, Departamento de Química y Biología, Universidad del Norte, Km 5 Vía Puerto Colombia 1569, Barranquilla, Atlántico, 081007, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Y, He E, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Chen S, Wu X, Zeng Y, Leng P. WW domain binding protein 2 (WBP2) as an oncogene in breast cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects-a narrative review. Gland Surg 2022; 11:1984-2002. [PMID: 36654949 PMCID: PMC9841001 DOI: 10.21037/gs-22-716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective WW domain binding protein 2 (WBP2), considered an emerging breast cancer gene, functions as a binding partner for WW domain proteins. The WBP2 gene is involved in mediating the malignant development and clinical drug resistance of breast cancer, but its potential mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of WBP2 in breast cancer, which will help to provide new methods for clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Methods The PubMed database was searched using the terms "WW Domain Binding Protein 2" or "WBP2", "breast cancer" or "breast neoplasms" or "human cancer" from January 1997 through August 2022. Through the screening and evaluation of titles and abstracts, about 120 English articles were included in this study. Key Content and Findings By describing the multiple regulatory functions of WBP2 at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels, and summarizing how WBP2 as a key node crosstalks multiple signaling pathways, we reveal the ability of WBP2 to promote breast cancer malignant progression. In different subtypes of breast cancer, the mechanism of WBP2-mediated drug resistance is related to estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 2 status, and hormones may be an essential factor in WBP2-mediated drug resistance. In addition, we discuss the application prospects of WBP2 in targeted therapy and immunotherapy and propose therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer by jointly targeting WBP2 and its related molecules. This provides a theoretical basis for the innovation of breast cancer targeted drugs. Conclusions WBP2 is a promising target for breast cancer therapy. Nuclear WBP2, as the main functional form of WBP2 after its activation, is a meaningful indicator for the diagnosis and prediction of breast cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Enping He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ya’an People’s Hospital, Ya’an, China
| | - Yitong Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingshuang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Youqing Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Leng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ewert J, Heintze L, Jordà-Redondo M, von Glasenapp JS, Nonell S, Bucher G, Peifer C, Herges R. Photoswitchable Diazocine-Based Estrogen Receptor Agonists: Stabilization of the Active Form inside the Receptor. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15059-15071. [PMID: 35952371 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c03649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photopharmacology is an emerging approach in drug design and pharmacological therapy. Light is used to switch a pharmacophore between a biologically inactive and an active isomer with high spatiotemporal resolution at the site of illness, thus potentially avoiding side effects in neighboring healthy tissue. The most frequently used strategy to design a photoswitchable drug is to replace a suitable functional group in a known bioactive molecule with azobenzene. Our strategy is different in that the photoswitch moiety is closer to the drug's scaffold. Docking studies reveal a very high structural similarity of natural 17β-estradiol and the E isomers of dihydroxy diazocines, but not their Z isomers, respectively. Seven dihydroxy diazocines were synthesized and subjected to a biological estrogen reporter gene assay. Four derivatives exhibit distinct estrogenic activity after irradiation with violet light, which can be shut off with green light. Most remarkably, the photogenerated, active E form of one of the active compounds isomerizes back to the inactive Z form with a half-life of merely several milliseconds in water, but nevertheless is active for more than 3 h in the presence of the estrogen receptor. The results suggest a significant local impact of the ligand-receptor complex toward back-isomerization. Thus, drugs that are active when bound but lose their activity immediately after leaving the receptor could be of great pharmacological value because they strongly increase target specificity. Moreover, the drugs are released into the environment in their inactive form. The latter argument is particularly important for drugs that act as endocrine disruptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ewert
- Otto-Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Linda Heintze
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Simon von Glasenapp
- Otto-Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Santi Nonell
- Institut Químic de Sarrià, Universitat Ramon Llull, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Götz Bucher
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U. K
| | - Christian Peifer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Rainer Herges
- Otto-Diels-Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tecalco-Cruz AC, Ramírez-Jarquín JO, Macías-Silva M, Sosa-Garrocho M, López-Camarillo C. Novel Breast Cancer Treatment by Targeting Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Stability Using Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) Technology. Breast Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.36255/exon-publications-breast-cancer-protacs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
13
|
Ejaz I, Javed MA, Jan MS, Ikram M, Sadiq A, Ahmad S, Rashid U. Rational design, synthesis, antiproliferative activity against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 cells, estrogen receptors binding affinity, and computational study of indenopyrimidine-2,5-dione analogs for the treatment of breast cancer. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 64:128668. [PMID: 35276362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Based on the structural architecture of estrogen receptors (ER) agonists/antagonists, we rationally designed and synthesized indenopyrimidine-2,5-dione analogs as a starting point of current research targeting estrogen receptors. These analogs were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against breast cancer MCF-7 (ER+), MDA-MB-231 (ER-) and non-cancerous HEK-293 cells using MTT assay. Compounds with high antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells were found devoid of cytotoxicity against HEK-293 cells. Competitive binding assay of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ showed that diethanolamine derivative of 4-trifluoromethyl phenyl derivative 30 displayed 77.5-fold strong binding affinity towards ERα (IC50 = 0.004 μM) as compared to ERβ (IC50 = 0.31 μM). The calculated RBA value of compound 30 indicated that it has greater affinity with ER than estradiol. By docking studies, we demonstrated that high binding affinity with ERα is due to binding orientation and interaction of CF3 with a number of key amino acid residues present in the active site of ERα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Ejaz
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, 22060 Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aamir Javed
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, 22060 Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Ikram
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, 22060 Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Sadiq
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18000 Dir (L), KP, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18000 Dir (L), KP, Pakistan
| | - Umer Rashid
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, 22060 Abbottabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Human Estrogen Receptor Alpha Antagonists, Part 3: 3-D Pharmacophore and 3-D QSAR Guided Brefeldin A Hit-to-Lead Optimization toward New Breast Cancer Suppressants. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092823. [PMID: 35566172 PMCID: PMC9101642 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an important biological target mediating 17β-estradiol driven breast cancer (BC) development. Aiming to develop innovative drugs against BC, either wild-type or mutated ligand-ERα complexes were used as source data to build structure-based 3-D pharmacophore and 3-D QSAR models, afterward used as tools for the virtual screening of National Cancer Institute datasets and hit-to-lead optimization. The procedure identified Brefeldin A (BFA) as hit, then structurally optimized toward twelve new derivatives whose anticancer activity was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Compounds as SERMs showed picomolar to low nanomolar potencies against ERα and were then investigated as antiproliferative agents against BC cell lines, as stimulators of p53 expression, as well as BC cell cycle arrest agents. Most active leads were finally profiled upon administration to female Wistar rats with pre-induced BC, after which 3DPQ-12, 3DPQ-3, 3DPQ-9, 3DPQ-4, 3DPQ-2, and 3DPQ-1 represent potential candidates for BC therapy.
Collapse
|
15
|
Estrogenic Action in Stress-Induced Neuroendocrine Regulation of Energy Homeostasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050879. [PMID: 35269500 PMCID: PMC8909319 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are among important contributing factors to many sex differences in neuroendocrine regulation of energy homeostasis induced by stress. Research in this field is warranted since chronic stress-related psychiatric and metabolic disturbances continue to be top health concerns, and sex differences are witnessed in these aspects. For example, chronic stress disrupts energy homeostasis, leading to negative consequences in the regulation of emotion and metabolism. Females are known to be more vulnerable to the psychological consequences of stress, such as depression and anxiety, whereas males are more vulnerable to the metabolic consequences of stress. Sex differences that exist in the susceptibility to various stress-induced disorders have led researchers to hypothesize that gonadal hormones are regulatory factors that should be considered in stress studies. Further, estrogens are heavily recognized for their protective effects on metabolic dysregulation, such as anti-obesogenic and glucose-sensing effects. Perturbations to energy homeostasis using laboratory rodents, such as physiological stress or over-/under- feeding dietary regimen prevalent in today’s society, offer hints to the underlying mechanisms of estrogenic actions. Metabolic effects of estrogens primarily work through estrogen receptor α (ERα), which is differentially expressed between the sexes in hypothalamic nuclei regulating energy metabolism and in extrahypothalamic limbic regions that are not typically associated with energy homeostasis. In this review, we discuss estrogenic actions implicated in stress-induced sex-distinct metabolic disorders.
Collapse
|
16
|
Estrogen Receptors-Mediated Apoptosis in Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031242. [PMID: 35163166 PMCID: PMC8835409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that estrogen stimulates growth and inhibits apoptosis through estrogen receptor(ER)-mediated mechanisms in many cancer cell types. Interestingly, there is strong evidence that estrogens can also induce apoptosis, activating different ER isoforms in cancer cells. It has been observed that E2/ERα complex activates multiple pathways involved in both cell cycle progression and apoptotic cascade prevention, while E2/ERβ complex in many cases directs the cells to apoptosis. However, the exact mechanism of estrogen-induced tumor regression is not completely known. Nevertheless, ERs expression levels of specific splice variants and their cellular localization differentially affect outcome of estrogen-dependent tumors. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of current knowledge on ERs-mediated apoptosis that occurs in main hormone dependent-cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of ER-mediated cell death will be useful for the development of specific ligands capable of triggering apoptosis to counteract estrogen-dependent tumor growth.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang C, Wu J, Chen Q, Tan H, Huang F, Guo J, Zhang X, Yu H, Shi W. Allosteric binding on nuclear receptors: Insights on screening of non-competitive endocrine-disrupting chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 159:107009. [PMID: 34883459 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can compete with endogenous hormones and bind to the orthosteric site of nuclear receptors (NRs), affecting normal endocrine system function and causing severe symptoms. Recently, a series of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been discovered to bind to the allosteric sites of NRs and induce similar effects. However, it remains unclear how diverse EDCs work in this new way. Therefore, we have systematically summarized the allosteric sites and underlying mechanisms based on existing studies, mainly regarding drugs belonging to the PPCP class. Advanced methods, classified as structural biology, biochemistry and computational simulation, together with their advantages and hurdles for allosteric site recognition and mechanism insight have also been described. Furthermore, we have highlighted two available strategies for virtual screening of numerous EDCs, relying on the structural features of allosteric sites and lead compounds, respectively. We aim to provide reliable theoretical and technical support for a broader view of various allosteric interactions between EDCs and NRs, and to drive high-throughput and accurate screening of potential EDCs with non-competitive effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinqiu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoyue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu YS, Chen CR, Yeh YT, Lin HH, Peng YH, Lin YL. 7,7″-Dimethoxyagastisflavone Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokine Release and Inflammatory Cell Recruitment through Modulating ERα Signaling. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121778. [PMID: 34944595 PMCID: PMC8698781 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121778] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute systemic inflammatory diseases, including sepsis, usually result in cytokine disorder and multiple-organ failure. 7,7″-Dimethoxyagastisflavone (DMGF), a biflavonoid isolated from the needles of Taxus x media var. Hicksii, has previously been evaluated for its antiproliferative and antineoplastic effects in cancer cells. In this study, the effects of DMGF on the cytokine production and cell migration of inflammatory macrophages were investigated. The inhibition of cytokine and chemokine production by DMGF in LPS-treated macrophages was analyzed by a multiplex cytokine assay. Then, the integrin molecules used for cell adhesion and regulators of actin polymerization were observed by RT-PCR and recorded using confocal imaging. The DMGF interaction with estrogen receptor α (ERα) was modeled structurally by molecular docking and validated by an ERα reporter assay. DMGF inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in LPS-induced macrophages. DMGF also inhibited inflammatory macrophage migration by downregulating the gene and protein expression of adhesion molecules (LFA-1 and VLA4) and regulators of actin assembly (Cdc42-Rac1 pathway). DMGF might interact with the ligand-binding domain of ERα and downregulate its transcriptional activity. These results indicated that DMGF effectively inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of inflammatory cells through downregulating ERα signaling.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tecalco-Cruz AC, Zepeda-Cervantes J, Ramírez-Jarquín JO, Rojas-Ochoa A. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras and their implications in breast cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:496-510. [PMID: 36046115 PMCID: PMC9400758 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous neoplasm of the mammary tissue, causing the deaths of a large number of women worldwide. Nearly 70% and 20% of BC cases are estrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+), respectively; therefore, ER and HER2 targeted therapies have been employed in BC treatment. However, resistance to these therapies has been reported, indicating a need for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are new, promising therapeutic tools designed with a bimodular structure: one module allows specific binding to target proteins, and the other module allows efficient degradation of these target proteins. In this paper, PROTACs and their potential in controlling the progression of ERα and HER2+ BC are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angeles C. Tecalco-Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), CDMX, Mexico City 03100, Mexico
| | - Jesús Zepeda-Cervantes
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Josué O. Ramírez-Jarquín
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CDMX, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Altwegg KA, Vadlamudi RK. Role of estrogen receptor coregulators in endocrine resistant breast cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:385-400. [PMID: 34528025 PMCID: PMC8439438 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00052] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most ubiquitous cancer in women. Approximately 70–80% of BC diagnoses are positive for estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (ERα). The steroid hormone estrogen [17β-estradiol (E2)] plays a vital role both in the initiation and progression of BC. The E2-ERα mediated actions involve genomic signaling and non-genomic signaling. The specificity and magnitude of ERα signaling are mediated by interactions between ERα and several coregulator proteins called coactivators or corepressors. Alterations in the levels of coregulators are common during BC progression and they enhance ligand-dependent and ligand-independent ERα signaling which drives BC growth, progression, and endocrine therapy resistance. Many ERα coregulator proteins function as scaffolding proteins and some have intrinsic or associated enzymatic activities, thus the targeting of coregulators for blocking BC progression is a challenging task. Emerging data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that targeting coregulators to inhibit BC progression to therapy resistance is feasible. This review explores the current state of ERα coregulator signaling and the utility of targeting the ERα coregulator axis in treating advanced BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A Altwegg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schaduangrat N, Malik AA, Nantasenamat C. ERpred: a web server for the prediction of subtype-specific estrogen receptor antagonists. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11716. [PMID: 34285834 PMCID: PMC8274494 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) are responsible for breast cancer metastasis through their involvement of clinical outcomes. Estradiol and hormone replacement therapy targets both ERs, but this often leads to an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancers as well as thromboembolism. A major challenge is posed for the development of compounds possessing ER subtype specificity. Herein, we present a large-scale classification structure-activity relationship (CSAR) study of inhibitors from the ChEMBL database which consisted of an initial set of 11,618 compounds for ERα and 7,810 compounds for ERβ. The IC50 was selected as the bioactivity unit for further investigation and after the data curation process, this led to a final data set of 1,593 and 1,281 compounds for ERα and ERβ, respectively. We employed the random forest (RF) algorithm for model building and of the 12 fingerprint types, models built using the PubChem fingerprint was the most robust (Ac of 94.65% and 92.25% and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 89% and 76% for ERα and ERβ, respectively) and therefore selected for feature interpretation. Results indicated the importance of features pertaining to aromatic rings, nitrogen-containing functional groups and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Finally, the model was deployed as the publicly available web server called ERpred at http://codes.bio/erpred where users can submit SMILES notation as the input query for prediction of the bioactivity against ERα and ERβ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aijaz Ahmad Malik
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanin Nantasenamat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kriegel M, Wiederanders HJ, Alkhashrom S, Eichler J, Muller YA. A PROSS-designed extensively mutated estrogen receptor α variant displays enhanced thermal stability while retaining native allosteric regulation and structure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10509. [PMID: 34006920 PMCID: PMC8131754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89785-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein stability limitations often hamper the exploration of proteins as drug targets. Here, we show that the application of PROSS server algorithms to the ligand-binding domain of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERα) enabled the development of variant ERPRS* that comprises 24 amino acid substitutions and exhibits multiple improved characteristics. The protein displays enhanced production rates in E. coli, crystallizes readily and its thermal stability is increased significantly by 23 °C. hERα is a nuclear receptor (NR) family member. In NRs, protein function is allosterically regulated by its interplay with small molecule effectors and the interaction with coregulatory proteins. The in-depth characterization of ERPRS* shows that these cooperative effects are fully preserved despite that 10% of all residues were substituted. Crystal structures reveal several salient features, i.e. the introduction of a tyrosine corner in a helix-loop-helix segment and the formation of a novel surface salt bridge network possibly explaining the enhanced thermal stability. ERPRS* shows that prior successes in computational approaches for stabilizing proteins can be extended to proteins with complex allosteric regulatory behaviors as present in NRs. Since NRs including hERα are implicated in multiple diseases, our ERPRS* variant shows significant promise for facilitating the development of novel hERα modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Kriegel
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna J Wiederanders
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sewar Alkhashrom
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jutta Eichler
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yves A Muller
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang Z, Ma Z, Shen Z. Selective degradation of the estrogen receptor in the treatment of cancers. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 209:105848. [PMID: 33610801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor subtype α (ERα) plays key roles in breast cancers, and has been a target for endocrine therapy for a long time. Unfortunately, long-term treatment by Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) could cause drug resistance and also would increase the risk for uterine cancer. Therefore, novel anti-breast cancer drugs based on different mechanisms of action have received significant attention, especially through the strategies of selective degradation of ER. In this article, the latest research progress of selective targeting ER for degradation, including Selective ER Downregulators (SERDs), Proteolysis Targeting Chimaeras (PROTACs) and other techniques, was reviewed, and the applications and problems to be solved were prospected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zunyuan Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Ma
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengrong Shen
- Institute of Materia Medica, Hangzhou Medical College, 310013 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
PyPLIF HIPPOS-Assisted Prediction of Molecular Determinants of Ligand Binding to Receptors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092452. [PMID: 33922338 PMCID: PMC8122758 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092452] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of molecular determinants of receptor-ligand binding could significantly increase the quality of structure-based virtual screening protocols. In turn, drug design process, especially the fragment-based approaches, could benefit from the knowledge. Retrospective virtual screening campaigns by employing AutoDock Vina followed by protein-ligand interaction fingerprinting (PLIF) identification by using recently published PyPLIF HIPPOS were the main techniques used here. The ligands and decoys datasets from the enhanced version of the database of useful decoys (DUDE) targeting human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were employed in this research since the mutation data are available and could be used to retrospectively verify the prediction. The results show that the method presented in this article could pinpoint some retrospectively verified molecular determinants. The method is therefore suggested to be employed as a routine in drug design and discovery.
Collapse
|
25
|
Lu AS, Rouhimoghadam M, Arnatt C, Filardo EJ, Salem AK. Proteolytic Targeting Chimeras with Specificity for Plasma Membrane and Intracellular Estrogen Receptors. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1455-1469. [PMID: 33600191 PMCID: PMC9671096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Decisions regarding the assignment of hormonal therapy for breast cancer are based solely upon the presence of nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) in biopsied tumor tissue. This is despite the fact that the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is linked to advanced breast cancer and is required for breast cancer stem cell survival, an observation that suggests that effective endocrine therapy should also target this receptor. Here, two ER/GPER-targeting proteolytic chimeras (UI-EP001 and UI-EP002) are described that effectively degrade ERα, ERβ, and GPER. These chimeras form high-affinity interactions with GPER and ER with binding dissociation constants of ∼30 nM and 10-20 nM, respectively. Plasma membrane and intracellular GPER and nuclear ER were degraded by UI-EP001 and UI-EP002, but not by a partial proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC) lacking its estrogen-targeting domain. Pretreatment of cells with the proteasomal inhibitor, MG132, blocked UI-EP001 and UI-EP002 proteolysis, while the lysosomotrophic inhibitor, chloroquine, had no effect. The off-target activity was not observed against recombinant β1-adrenergic receptor or CXCR4. Target specificity was further demonstrated in human MCF-7 cells where both drugs effectively degraded ERα, ERβ, and GPER, sparing the progesterone receptor (PR). UI-EP001 and UI-EP002 induced cytotoxicity and G2/M cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 breast cancer and human SKBR3 (ERα-ERβ-GPER+) breast cancer cells but not human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that do not express functional GPER/ER. These results suggest that it is possible to develop a receptor-based strategy of antiestrogen treatment for breast cancer that targets both plasma membrane and intracellular estrogen receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh S. Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
| | - Milad Rouhimoghadam
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA 52242
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA 52242
| | - Christopher Arnatt
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA 63104
| | - Edward J. Filardo
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA 52242
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA 52242
| | - Aliasger K. Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA 52242
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA 52242
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Karadayi FZ, Yaman M, Kisla MM, Konu O, Ates-Alagoz Z. Design, synthesis, anticancer activity, molecular docking and ADME studies of novel methylsulfonyl indole-benzimidazoles in comparison with ethylsulfonyl counterparts. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj01019k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Specific sidechain modifications on the indole-benzimidazole scaffold play fundamental roles for determining molecule's affinity against ERα and its anti-cancer activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Murat Yaman
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
- Bilkent University
- Ankara
- Turkey
| | - Mehmet Murat Kisla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ankara University
- Ankara
- Turkey
| | - Ozlen Konu
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
- Bilkent University
- Ankara
- Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
| | - Zeynep Ates-Alagoz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Ankara University
- Ankara
- Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Integration of Molecular Docking and In Vitro Studies: A Powerful Approach for Drug Discovery in Breast Cancer. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10196981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Molecular docking in the pharmaceutical industry is a powerful in silico approach for discovering novel therapies for unmet medical needs predicting drug–target interactions. It not only provides binding affinity between drugs and targets at the atomic level, but also elucidates the fundamental pharmacological properties of specific drugs. The purpose of this review was to illustrate newer and emergent uses of docking when combined with in vitro techniques for drug discovery in metastatic breast cancer. We grouped the selected articles into five main categories; namely, systematic repositioning of drugs, natural drugs, new synthesized molecules, combinations of drugs, and drug latentiation. We focused on new promising drugs that have a good affinity with their targets, thus inducing a favorable biological response. This review suggests that the integration of molecular docking and in vitro studies can accelerate cancer drug discovery showing a good consistency of the results between the two approaches.
Collapse
|
28
|
Ishigami-Yuasa M, Kagechika H. Chemical Screening of Nuclear Receptor Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5512. [PMID: 32752136 PMCID: PMC7432305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-inducible transcriptional factors that control multiple biological phenomena, including proliferation, differentiation, reproduction, metabolism, and the maintenance of homeostasis. Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily have marked structural and functional similarities, and their domain functionalities and regulatory mechanisms have been well studied. Various modulators of nuclear receptors, including agonists and antagonists, have been developed as tools for elucidating nuclear receptor functions and also as drug candidates or lead compounds. Many assay systems are currently available to evaluate the modulation of nuclear receptor functions, and are useful as screening tools in the discovery and development of new modulators. In this review, we cover the chemical screening methods for nuclear receptor modulators, focusing on assay methods and chemical libraries for screening. We include some recent examples of the discovery of nuclear receptor modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroyuki Kagechika
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|