N-(2-methyl-indol-1H-5-yl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide: A novel reversible antimitotic agent inhibiting cancer cell motility

A series of compounds containing the sulfonamide scaffold were synthesized and screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against a representative panel of human cancer cell lines, leading to the identification of N-(2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (8e) as a compound showing a remarkable activity across the panel, with IC50 values in the nanomolar-to-low micromolar range. Cell cycle distribution analysis revealed that 8e promoted a severe G2/M arrest, which was followed by cellular senescence as indicated by the detection of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) in 8e-treated cells. Prolonged 8e treatment also led to the onset of apoptosis, in correlation with the detection of increased Caspase 3/7 activities. Despite increasing γ-H2A.X levels, a well-established readout for DNA double-strand breaks, in vitro DNA binding studies with 8e did not support interaction with DNA. In agreement with this, 8e failed to activate the cellular DNA damage checkpoint. Importantly, tubulin staining showed that 8e promoted a severe disorganization of microtubules and mitotic spindle formation was not detected in 8e-treated cells. Accordingly, 8e inhibited tubulin polymerization in vitro in a dose-dependent manner and was also able to robustly inhibit cancer cell motility. Docking analysis revealed a compatible interaction with the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. Remarkably, these cellular effects were reversible since disruption of treatment resulted in the reorganization of microtubules, cell cycle re-entry and loss of senescent markers. Collectively, our data suggest that this compound may be a promising new anticancer agent capable of both reducing cancer cell growth and motility.

Combined inhibition of AKT/mTOR and MDM2 enhances Glioblastoma Multiforme cell apoptosis and differentiation of cancer stem cells

The poor prognosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is due to a high resistance to conventional treatments and to the presence of a subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs). Combination therapies targeting survival/self-renewal signals of GBM and GSCs are emerging as useful tools to improve GBM treatment. In this context, the hyperactivated AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin (AKT/mTOR) and the inhibited wild-type p53 appear to be good candidates. Herein, the interaction between these pathways was investigated, using the novel AKT/mTOR inhibitor FC85 and ISA27, which re-activates p53 functionality by blocking its endogenous inhibitor murine double minute 2 homologue (MDM2). In GBM cells, FC85 efficiently inhibited AKT/mTOR signalling and reactivated p53 functionality, triggering cellular apoptosis. The combined therapy with ISA27 produced a synergic effect on the inhibition of cell viability and on the reactivation of p53 pathway. Most importantly, FC85 and ISA27 blocked proliferation and promoted the differentiation of GSCs. The simultaneous use of these compounds significantly enhanced GSC differentiation/apoptosis. These findings suggest that FC85 actively enhances the downstream p53 signalling and that a combination strategy aimed at inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway and re-activating p53 signalling is potentially effective in GBM and in GSCs.