Targeting ACSS2 with a Transition-State Mimetic Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth

Acetyl-CoA is a vitally important and versatile metabolite used for many cellular processes including fatty acid synthesis, ATP production, and protein acetylation. Recent studies have shown that cancer cells upregulate acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2), an enzyme that converts acetate to acetyl-CoA, in response to stresses such as low nutrient availability and hypoxia. Stressed cancer cells use ACSS2 as a means to exploit acetate as an alternative nutrient source. Genetic depletion of ACSS2 in tumors inhibits the growth of a wide variety of cancers. However, there are no studies on the use of an ACSS2 inhibitor to block tumor growth. In this study, we synthesized a small-molecule inhibitor that acts as a transition-state mimetic to block ACSS2 activity in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacologic inhibition of ACSS2 as a single agent impaired breast tumor growth. Collectively, our findings suggest that targeting ACSS2 may be an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that targeting acetate metabolism through ACSS2 inhibitors has the potential to safely and effectively treat a wide range of patients with cancer.

Ion trap MS(n) genealogical mapping-approaches for structure elucidation of novel products of consecutive fragmentations of morphinans

The analysis of data within multi-generational, genealogical, electrospray ionization/MS(n) fragmentation maps is discussed in reference to the structure elucidation of morphinans, an important class of pharmacological compounds. Various general approaches to separate and understand observed processes are discussed. These include: (1) Simple synthetic schemes incorporating deuterium and (13)C into morphinans to study later-generation, O-methyl group migration; (2) labeling to understand 'intense' signals for even-electron to odd-electron ion 'switching' events; (3) gas phase 'synthesis' of proposed MS(3) ions via an independent route, using chemical ionization (CI) MS/MS of naphthalenes and analysis via a bench-top El/Cl ion trap; (4) a useful synthetic paradigm for generating proposed carbonium ion structures at MS(4) via electrospray ionization (ESI) of easily synthesized amines; (5) the analysis of an oxidation product and correlation of MS(n) data of a switched, odd-electron species with electron ionization and low-pressure, low-energy charge exchange data; and (6) a new way of summarizing MS(n) data. Copyright -Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Detailed characterization of antisense DNA oligonucleotides

We have developed methods for verification of the structures of novel, chemically synthesized oligonucleotides having alternating methylphosphonate/phosphodiester internucleotide linkages. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was used to measure the molecular masses of full-length oligonucleotides, failure synthesis products, and degradation products formed by enzymatic and chemical means. These measurements provide detailed structural information, including molecular mass, length, base composition, complete nucleotide sequence, and confirmation of the sugar moieties and internucleotide linkages.

Dedifferentiated chondrocytes reexpress the differentiated collagen phenotype when cultured in agarose gels

The differentiated phenotype of rabbit articular chondrocytes consists primarily of type II collagen and cartilage-specific proteoglycan. During serial monolayer culture this phenotype is lost and replaced by a complex collagen phenotype consisting predominately of type I collagen and a low level of proteoglycan synthesis. Such dedifferentiated chondrocytes reexpress the differentiated phenotype during suspension culture in firm gels of 0.5% low Tm agarose. Approximately 80% of the cells survive this transition from the flattened morphology of anchorage-dependent culture to the spherical morphology of anchorage-independent culture and then deposit characteristic proteoglycan matrix domains. The rates of proteoglycan and collagen synthesis return to those of primary chondrocytes. Using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of intact collagen chains and two-dimensional cyanogen bromide peptide mapping, we demonstrated a complete return to the differentiated collagen phenotype. These results emphasize the primary role of cell shape in the modulation of the chondrocyte phenotype and demonstrate a reversible system for the study of gene expression.