Spatiotemporal Concurrent Liberation of Cytotoxins from Dual-Prodrug Nanomedicine for Synergistic Antitumor Therapy

Nanomedicine developed to date by means of directly encapsulating cytotoxins suffers from crucial drawbacks, including premature release and detoxification prior to arrival at pharmaceutics targets. To these respects, redox-responsive polymeric prodrugs of platinum (Pt) and camptothecin (CPT), selectively and concomitantly activated in the cytoplasm, were elaborated in manufacture of dual prodrug nanomedicine. Herein, multiple CPTs were conjugated to poly(lysine) (PLys) segments of block copolymeric poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-PLys through the redox responsive disulfide linkage [PEG-PLys(ss-CPT)] followed by reversible conversion of amino groups from PLys into carboxyl groups based on their reaction with cis-aconitic anhydride [PEG-PLys(ss-CPT&CAA)]. On the other hand, Pt(IV) in conjugation with dendritic polyamindoamine [(G3-PAMAM-Pt(IV)] was synthesized for electrostatic complexation with PEG-PLys(ss-CPT&CAA) into dual prodrug nanomedicine. Subsequent investigations proved that the elaborated nanomedicine could sequentially respond to intracellular chemical potentials to overcome a string of predefined biological barriers and facilitate intracellular trafficking. Notably, PEG-PLys(ss-CPT&CAA) capable of responding to the acidic endosomal microenvironment for transformation into endosome-disruptive PEG-PLys(ss-CPT), as well as release of G3-PAMAM-Pt(IV) from nanomedicine, prompted transclocation of therapeutic payloads from endosomes into cytosols. Moreover, concurrent activation and liberation of cytotoxic CPT and Pt(II) owing to their facile responsiveness to the cytoplasmic reducing microenvironment have demonstrated overwhelming cytotoxic potencies. Eventually, systemic administration of the dual prodrug construct exerted potent tumor suppression efficacy in treatment of intractable solid breast adenocarcinoma, as well as an appreciable safety profile. The present study illustrated the first example of nanomedicine with a dual prodrug motif, precisely and concomitantly activated by the same subcellular stimuli before approaching pharmaceutic action targets, thus shedding important implication in development of advanced nanomedicine to seek maximized pharmaceutic outcomes.

D-Ring-Modified Analogues of Luotonin A with Reduced Planarity: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Their Topoisomerase Inhibition-Associated Cytotoxicity

A- and D-ring-modified luotonin-inspired heterocycles have been synthesized and were evaluated for their activity against the viability of four cancer cell lines in vitro, namely, MCF7, HCT116, JURKAT, and NCI-H460. The analysis of results indicated that two of the synthesized derivatives displayed good inhibition against the growth of the human colon cancer HCT116 cell line, with potencies lower than but in the same order of magnitude as camptothecin (CPT). These two luotonin analogues also showed an activity similar to that of the highly potent alkaloid CPT as inhibitors of topoisomerase I and also inhibited topoisomerase II. These results show that complete planarity is not a strict requirement for topoisomerase inhibition by luotonin-related compounds, paving the way to the design of analogues with improved solubility.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of a series of lactone-opened camptothecin derivatives

A series of E-ring lactone-opened camptothecin (CPT) derivatives bearing with terminal aza-heterocyclic groups were synthesized, and their antitumor activity was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Hydroxyl-amide analogues with morpholin-4-yl displayed excellent antitumor activity in vitro and efficient inhibition on tumor xenograph model in nude mice. Ester-amide compounds acted less active in vitro cytotoxicity and lower inhibition activity in vivo. Substitutions at 7- and 10- positions favored the antitumor activity.

Synthesis, Experimental and Density Functional Theory (DFT) Studies on Solubility of Camptothecin Derivatives

Two camptothecin derivatives, 10-cyclohexyl-7-methyl-20(S)-camptothecin and 7-methyl-10-morpholino-20(S)-camptothecin, were synthesized and their differences in solubility were investigated using four chosen solvent systems. Based on our results, 10-cyclohexyl-7-methyl-20(S)-camptothecin exhibited higher solubilities than 7-methyl-10-morpholino-20(S)-camptothecin in polar aprotic solvents. However, these two camptothecin derivatives did not exhibit apparent differences in solubility between 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/95% normal saline co-solvent system and 5% dimethylacetamide (DMAC)/95% normal saline co-solvent system. To rationalize their differences in solubility, we also tried to perform a DFT-B3LYP study to investigate their interaction with one water molecule.

Molecular design and synthesis of self-assembling camptothecin drug amphiphiles

The conjugation of small molecular hydrophobic anticancer drugs onto a short peptide with overall hydrophilicity to create self-assembling drug amphiphiles offers a new prodrug strategy, producing well-defined, discrete nanostructures with a high and quantitative drug loading. Here we show the detailed synthesis procedure and how the molecular structure can influence the synthesis of the self-assembling prodrugs and the physicochemical properties of their assemblies. A series of camptothecin-based drug amphiphiles were synthesized via combined solid- and solution-phase synthetic techniques, and the physicochemical properties of their self-assembled nanostructures were probed using a number of imaging and spectroscopic techniques. We found that the number of incorporated drug molecules strongly influences the rate at which the drug amphiphiles are formed, exerting a steric hindrance toward any additional drugs to be conjugated and necessitating extended reaction time. The choice of peptide sequence was found to affect the solubility of the conjugates and, by extension, the critical aggregation concentration and contour length of the filamentous nanostructures formed. In the design of self-assembling drug amphiphiles, the number of conjugated drug molecules and the choice of peptide sequence have significant effects on the nanostructures formed. These observations may allow the fine-tuning of the physicochemical properties for specific drug delivery applications, ie systemic vs local delivery.

Design, synthesis and potent cytotoxic activity of novel 7-(N-[(substituted-sulfonyl)piperazinyl]-methyl)-camptothecin derivatives

In an effort to discover potent camptothecin-derived antitumor agents, novel camptothecin analogues with sulfonylpiperazinyl motifs at position-7 were designed and synthesized. They were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity with the sulforhodamine-B (SRB) method in five types of human tumor cell lines, A-549, MDA-MB-231, KB, KB-VIN and MCF-7. With IC50 values in the low μM to nM level, most of the new analogues showed greater cytotoxicity activity than the reference compounds irinotecan and topotecan. Furthermore, compounds 12l (IC50, 1.2nM) and 12k (IC50, 20.2nM) displayed the highest cytotoxicity against the multidrug-resistant (MDR) KB-VIN cell line and merit further development as preclinical drug candidates for treating cancer, including MDR phenotype. Our study suggested that integration of sulfonylpiperazinyl motifs into position-7 of camptothecin is an effective strategy for discovering new potent cytotoxic camptothecin derivatives.

Preliminary study of mechanism of action of SN38 derivatives. Physicochemical data, evidence of interaction and alkylation of DNA octamer d(GCGATCGC)2

The synthesis of water-soluble SN38 derivatives is presented, and their stability in solutions used during drug development studies has been investigated. A preliminary study of mechanism of action of 9-aminomethyl SN38 is presented. Using NMR techniques, the interaction of the oligomer d(GCGATCGC)₂ is studied, showing that the terminal GC base pairs are the main site of interaction. Using pulsed field gradient spin echo and mass spectroscopy, evidence of a spontaneous alkylation reaction of the DNA oligomer with SN38 derivatives is presented. A proposed mechanism of reaction is suggested. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Photolabile Self-Immolative DNA-Drug Nanostructures

It is often desirable to simultaneously target different cellular pathways to improve the overall efficacy of a drug or to circumvent drug resistance in therapeutic treatments. Nucleic acid therapy has been considered attractive for such combination therapies due to its possible synergistic effects with traditional chemotherapy, especially for targets that do not yet have small molecule inhibitors. However, the co-delivery of nucleic acids and chemotherapeutics typically involves the use of inherently cytotoxic/immunogenic, polycationic carrier systems, for which the benefit is often overshadowed by adverse side effects. Herein, we detail the construction and characterization of a DNA-drug nanostructure that consists almost entirely of payload molecules. Upon triggering with light, the nanostructure collapses via an irreversible, self-immolative process and releases free oligonucleotides, drug molecules, and small molecule fragments. We demonstrate that the nanostructures can be used as a dual-delivery agent in vitro without a carrier system and that the released model drug (camptothecin, CPT) exhibits similar levels of cytotoxicity as unmodified drugs toward cancer cells.

Design, synthesis, cytotoxic activity and molecular docking studies of new 20(S)-sulfonylamidine camptothecin derivatives

In an ongoing investigation of 20-sulfonylamidine derivatives (9, YQL-9a) of camptothecin (1) as potential anticancer agents directly and selectively inhibiting topoisomerase (Topo) I, the sulfonylamidine pharmacophore was held constant, and a camptothecin derivatives with various substitution patterns were synthesized. The new compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against three human tumor cell lines, A-549, KB, and multidrug resistant (MDR) KB subline (KBvin). Several analogs showed comparable or superior antiproliferative activity compared to the clinically prescribed 1 and irinotecan (3). Significantly, the 20-sulfonylamidine derivatives exhibited comparable cytotoxicity against KBvin, while 1 and 3 were less active against this cell line. Among them, compound 15c displayed much better cytotoxic activity than the controls 1, 3, and 9. Novel key structural features related to the antiproliferative activities were identified by structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis. In a molecular docking model, compounds 9 and 15c interacted with Topo I-DNA through a different binding mode from 1 and 3. The sulfonylamidine side chains of 9 and 15c could likely form direct hydrogen bonds with Topo I, while hydrophobic interaction with Topo I and π-π stacking with double strand DNA were also confirmed as binding driving forces. The results from docking models were consistent with the SAR conclusions. The introduction of bulky substituents at the 20-position contributed to the altered binding mode of the compound by allowing them to form new interactions with Topo I residues. The information obtained in this study will be helpful for the design of new derivatives of 1 with most promising anticancer activity.

Supramolecular Crafting of Self-Assembling Camptothecin Prodrugs with Enhanced Efficacy against Primary Cancer Cells

Chemical modification of small molecule hydrophobic drugs is a clinically proven strategy to devise prodrugs with enhanced treatment efficacy. While this prodrug strategy improves the parent drug's water solubility and pharmacokinetic profile, it typically compromises the drug's potency against cancer cells due to the retarded drug release rate and reduced cellular uptake efficiency. Here we report on the supramolecular design of self-assembling prodrugs (SAPD) with much improved water solubility while maintaining high potency against cancer cells. We found that camptothecin (CPT) prodrugs created by conjugating two CPT molecules onto a hydrophilic segment can associate into filamentous nanostructures in water. Our results suggest that these SAPD exhibit much greater efficacy against primary brain cancer cells relative to that of irinotecan, a clinically used CPT prodrug. We believe these findings open a new avenue for rational design of supramolecular prodrugs for cancer treatment.

Design and synthesis of novel PEG-conjugated 20(S)-camptothecin sulfonylamidine derivatives with potent in vitro antitumor activity via Cu-catalyzed three-component reaction

In our continuing search for camptothecin (CPT)-derived antitumor drugs, novel structurally diverse PEG-based 20(S)-CPT sulfonylamidine derivatives were designed, synthesized via a Cu-multicomponent reaction (MCR), and evaluated for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A-549, MDA-MB-231, KB, and KBvin). All of the derivatives showed promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against the tested tumor cell lines, and were more potent than irinotecan. Significantly, these derivatives exhibited comparable cytotoxicity against KBvin, while irinotecan was less active against this cell line. With a concise efficient synthesis and potent cytotoxic profiles, especially significant activity towards KBvin, these compounds merit further development as a new generation of CPT-derived PEG-conjugated drug candidates.

Polylactide conjugates of camptothecin with different drug release abilities

Camptothecin-polylactide conjugates (CMPT-PLA) were synthesized by covalent incorporation of CMPT into PLA of different microstructure, i.e., atactic PLA and atactic-block-isotactically enriched PLA (P_m = 0.79) via urethane bonds. The kinetic release of CPMT from CMPT-PLA conjugates, tested in vitro under different conditions, is possible in both cases and notably, strongly dependent on PLA microstructure. It shows that release properties of drug-PLA conjugates can be tailored by controlled design of the PLA microstructure, and allow in the case of CMPT-PLA conjugates for the development of highly controlled biodegradable CMPT systems—important delivery systems for anti-cancer agents.

Synthesis and biological activity of some bile acid-based camptothecin analogues

In an effort to decrease the toxicity of camptothecin (CPT) and improve selectivity for hepatoma and colon cancer cells, bile acid groups were introduced into the CPT 20 or 10 positions, resulting in the preparation of sixteen novel CPT-bile acid analogues. The compounds in which a bile acid group was introduced at the 20-hydroxyl group of CPT showed better cytotoxic selectivity for human hepatoma and colon cancer cells than for human breast cancer cells. Fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated that one compound (E2) entered human hepatoma cells more effectively than it did human breast cancer cells. Compound G4 exhibited the best anti-tumour activity in vivo. These results suggested that introduction of a bile acid group at the 20-position of CPT could decrease toxicity in vivo and improve selectivity for hepatoma cells.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of novel 20-O-linked homocamptothecin ester derivatives as potent topoisomerase I inhibitors

In an attempt to improve the antitumor activity of homocamptothecins (hCPTs), a series of novel 20-O-linked hCPT ester derivatives were first designed and synthesized based on a synthetic route, by which hCPTs are acylated with different substituted phenoxyacetic acid ester derivatives. Most of the derivatives were assayed for in vitro cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines KB, KB/VCR, A549, HCT-8, Bel7402, and A2780, and most of the assayed compounds exhibited good antiproliferative activity on these tumor cell lines especially on KB.

Synthesis and antitumor activity evaluation of a novel series of camptothecin analogs

A series of novel 10-substituted camptothecin analogs (3-10) with a carbamate linker were synthesized, and their biological activities were evaluated. The amino acid-linked carbamate derivatives (8-10) of the camptothecin-type natural product not only possessed good to excellent inhibitory activity against three human tumor cell lines K562, HepG2, and HT-29, but also showed significantly less cytotoxicity against normal human cell HEK293 (half maximal inhibiting concentration >10 μM). The selectivity of compound 9 toward tumor cells relative to normal cells is at least 250 times better than that of camptothecin. The preliminary testing result indicated that the solubility of these compounds was also improved compared to that of 10-hydroxy camptothecin.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new homocamptothecin analogs

In order to increase the stability of E-ring of homocamptothecins, the electron-withdrawing group -OH or -OAc was induced to α position of ring-E lactone. Ten new homocamptothecin analogs were synthesized. Most compounds showed potent in vitro anticancer activity and potent Topo I inhibition, which was equal or superior to that of CPT, SN-38 and 10-HCPT. The stability studies of this series also displayed significant improvement of the stability.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 7-acyl homocamptothecins as Topoisomerase I inhibitors

A series of novel 7-acyl derivatives of homocamptothecin (hCPT) were designed and synthesized with the purpose to improve antitumor activity of hCPT, via Minisci free-radical reaction from 10-methoxyhomocamptothecin. All the compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines (A549, MDA-MB-435 and HCT116). For MDA-MB-435 cell line, compounds, 6a, 6b, 6k and all of 7-alkylcabonyl homocamptothecin derivatives showed higher in vitro inhibitory activities than topotecan (TPT). Furthermore, compounds 6d, 6e, and 6k showed highly potent inhibitory activities with the IC50 values from less than 1 nM to 2.2 nM. In Topoisomerase I (Topo I)-induced DNA cleavage assay, compounds 6a, 6d, and 6k, as compared to CPT, revealed higher Topo I inhibitory activity.

The structure-activity relationships of A-ring-substituted aromathecin topoisomerase I inhibitors strongly support a camptothecin-like binding mode

Aromathecins are inhibitors of human topoisomerase I (Top1). These compounds are composites of several heteroaromatic systems, namely the camptothecins and indenoisoquinolines, and they possess notable Top1 inhibition and cytotoxicity when substituted at position 14. The SAR of these compounds overlaps with indenoisoquinolines, suggesting that they may intercalate into the Top1-DNA complex similarly. Nonetheless, the proposed binding mode for aromathecins is purely hypothetical, as an X-ray structure is unavailable. In the present communication, we have synthesized eight novel series of A-ring-substituted (positions 1-3) aromathecins, through a simple, modular route, as part of a comprehensive SAR study. Certain groups (such as 2,3-ethylenedioxy) moderately improve Top1 inhibition, and, often, antiproliferative activity, whereas other groups (2,3-dimethoxy and 3-substituents) attenuate bioactivity. Strikingly, these trends are very similar to those previously observed for the A-ring of camptothecins, and this considerable SAR overlap lends further support (in the absence of crystallographic data) to the hypothesis that aromathecins bind in the Top1 cleavage complex as interfacial inhibitors in a 'camptothecin-like' pose.

Intercepting the synthesis of triazine dendrimers with nucleophilic pharmacophores: a general strategy toward drug delivery vehicles

The camptothecin ester of isonipecotic acid is installed on a triazine dendrimer intermediate obtained through an iterative, scalable route to ultimately yield cationic and PEGylated targets with activities in cell culture comparable to free drug.

[Drug discovery based on classic natural products]

We think the strategy of classic natural product-based drug discovery will be an effective way for us to develop new drugs with independent intellectual property. The strategy includes: to study the molecular mechanism of action of classic natural product with chemical genetics and chemical biology approaches firstly; then establish the proper in vitro bioassay or bioassay system based on its molecular mechanism for their pharmacodynamic evaluation; finally, study their structure-activity, structure-toxicity and structure-ADME properties with medicinal chemistry.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of aromatic camptothecin esters

Twenty-eight new aromatic esters of camptothecins 2-29 were prepared in yields of 5 to 96% by straight acylation of camptothecin (1a) and 9-nitrocamptothecin (1b) with various aromatic acids as acylating agents. All of these esters were tested against 14 different human cancer cell lines. The antitumor activity of these compounds was related to the nature of the substituting groups of their side aromatic chains. In general, esters with strong electron-withdrawing groups on their side aromatic chains were active; esters with halogen-substituted side aromatic chains were slightly active; and esters without any substituting groups on their side aromatic chains were practically inactive. The IC50 studies showed that the majority of these esters were not as potent as their parental compounds 1a and 1b; whereas, the potencies of esters 6 and 25 were exceptionally high, much higher than the commercial camptothecin analogues and comparable to (or slightly more potent than) their parental compounds.

Synthesis and molecular structure of ethyl [N-tosyl-(R)-prolyloxy]-2(S)-[4-cyano-8,8-ethylenedioxy-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroindolizin-3-yl] acetate, a key intermediate in the total synthesis of (20S)-camptothecins

The synthesis of optically active [N-tosyl-(R)-prolyloxy]-2(S)-[4-cyano-8,8-ethylenedioxy-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroindolizin-3-yl] acetate (4a), a key intermediate for the total asymmetric synthesis of 20(S)-camptothecin anticancer drugs, is described. Its structure was characterized by 2D-NMR techniques and the absolute configuration was further confirmed for the first time by X-ray crystal structure analysis.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide-camptothecin conjugates inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells

The effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide-camptothecin (VIP-CPT) conjugates were investigated on breast cancer cells and cells transfected with VIP receptors (R). (Ala(2,8,9,19,24.25.27), Nle(17), Lys(28))VIP, (A-NL-K)VIP, was synthesized and Lys(28) was coupled to a linker, N-methyl-amino-ethyl-glycine, L2, which formed a carbamate bond with CPT. The resulting (A-NL-K)VIP-L2-CPT was cytotoxic for MCF7 breast cancer cells, which have VPAC(1)-R, with IC(50) values of 380 and 90 nM using the MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively. (A-NL-K)VIP, (A-NL-K)VIP-L2 and (A-NL-K)VIP-L2-CPT inhibited specific binding of (125)I-VIP to 3T3 cells transfected with VPAC(1)-R with IC(50) values of 1.9, 56 and 126 nM, respectively. In contrast, (A-NL-K)VIP, (A-NL-K)VIP-L2 and (A-NL-K)VIP-L2-CPT inhibited specific binding of (125)I-Ro25-1553 to 3T3 cells transfected with VPAC(2)-R with IC(50) values of 3.9, 3162 and 2690 nM, respectively. (A-NL-K)VIP, (A-NL-K)VIP-L2 and (A-NL-K)VIP-L2-CPT caused increased cAMP after addition to MCF7 cells. (125)I-(A-NL-K)VIP-L2-CPT was internalized by MCF7 cells at 37 degrees C but not 4 degrees C. These results indicate that (A-NL-K)VIP-L2-CPT is a VPAC(1)-R agonist which is cytotoxic for breast cancer cells.

Synthesis of the parent and substituted tetracyclic ABCD ring cores of camptothecins via 1-(3-aryl-2-propynyl)- 1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-2-pyridinecarbonitriles

A new synthetic pathway to the parent and substituted ABCD ring cores of the camptothecin family of alkaloids was developed. The N-alkylation of 1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-2-pyridinecarbonitrile (2) with 3-bromo-1-phenylpropyne provided 3a using Curran's protocol. Treatment of 3a with a catalytic amount of DBU (5 mol %) at 110 degrees C for 12 h produced indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9(11H)-one (6a), the parent ABCD ring core of camptothecin, in essentially quantitative yield.

Albumin-Binding Prodrugs of Camptothecin and Doxorubicin with an Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu-Linker That Are Cleaved by Cathepsin B: Synthesis and Antitumor Efficacy

We have recently validated a macromolecular prodrug strategy for improved cancer chemotherapy based on two features: (a) rapid and selective binding of thiol-reactive prodrugs to the cysteine-34 position of endogenous albumin and (b) acid-sensitive promoted or enzymatic release of the drug at the tumor site [Kratz, F., Warnecke, A., Scheuemann, K., Stockmar, C., Schwab, J., Lazar, P., Druckes, P., Esser, N., Drevs, J., Rognan, D., Bissantz, C., Hinderling, C., Folkers, G., Fichtner, I., and Unger, C. (2002) J. Med. Chem. 45, 5523-33]. In the present work, we developed water-soluble camptothecin (CPT) and doxorubicin (DOXO) prodrugs that incorporate the peptide linker Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu that serves as a substrate for the tumor-associated protease, cathepsin B, which is overexpressed in several solid tumors. Consequently, two albumin-binding prodrugs were synthesized [EMC-Arg-Arg-Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu-Ala-CPT (1) and EMC-Arg-Arg-Ala-Leu-Ala-Leu-DOXO (2) (EMC = 6-maleimidocaproic acid)]. Both prodrugs exhibited excellent water-solubility and bound rapidly and selectively to the cysteine-34 position of endogenous albumin. Further in vitro studies showed that the albumin-bound form of the prodrugs was cleaved specifically by cathepsin B as well as in human tumor homogenates. Major cleavage products were CPT-peptide derivatives and CPT for the CPT prodrug and H-Leu-Ala-Leu-DOXO, H-Leu-DOXO, and DOXO for the doxorubicin prodrug. In vivo, 1 was superior to free camptothecin in an HT-29 human colon xenograft model; the antitumor efficacy of prodrug 2 was comparable to that of free doxorubicin in the M-3366 mamma carcinoma xenograft model at equimolar doses.

Highly Efficient and Mild Cascade Reactions Triggered by Bis(triphenyl)oxodiphosphonium Trifluoromethanesulfonate and a Concise Total Synthesis of Camptothecin

A mild and efficient cascade methodology is reported to construct variously substituted indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9(11H)-ones. Efficiently triggered by bis(triphenyl)oxodiphosphonium trifluoromethanesulfonate under mild conditions, this cascade achieved significant enhancements in chemical yields. Utilizing this highly efficient domino reaction followed by a Sharpless dihydroxylation, an eight-step total synthesis of camptothecin was accomplished from a known pyridine derivative in direct fashion with an overall yield of 47% and 95% ee.

10-Hydroxycamptothecin loaded nanoparticles: preparation and antitumor activity in mice

10-Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) loaded nanoparticles made from poly(caprolactone-co-lactide)-b-PEG-b-poly(caprolactone-co-lactide) (PCLLA-PEG-PCLLA) block copolymer, were prepared by a novel two-step nanoprecipitation method using an interior-chemistry strategy. The satisfactory drug loading content (>13%) as well as high encapsulation efficiency (>85%) was achieved. Cytotoxicity test indicated that the HCPT-loaded nanoparticles had enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity compared to free drug. Progressively, in vivo antitumor activity and HCPT biodistribution in sarcoma-180 (S-180) bearing mice after intravenous injection of the HCPT-loaded nanoparticles show that HCPT-loaded nanoparticles exhibited superior in vivo antitumor effect and remarkably different biodistribution than the commercially available HCPT injection.

Soluble camptothecin derivatives prepared by click cycloaddition chemistry on functional aliphatic polyesters

Aliphatic polyesters are of interest as biomaterials and drug-delivery vehicles, as their ability to degrade under physiological conditions provides a mechanism for both drug release and clearance of the polymer from the body. Presented here is the synthesis of a polyester-drug graft copolymer conjugate, enabled by click cycloaddition of azide-functionalized camptothecin derivatives with alkyne-functionalized aliphatic polyesters. Further grafting of residual alkyne groups with azide-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) gave a water-soluble polyester-camptothecin conjugate. Control over PEGylation and drug loading, inherent to the graft copolymer design, opens versatile routes to new materials with potential utility in polymer therapeutics.

Development of novel oxygen-independent photosensitizers

We proposed a strategy of photooxidizer-reduction activated alkylator (P-A) hybrid molecule to develop novel oxygen-independent photosensitizers. Two prototypes of such photosensitizers camptothecin-indolequinone (CPT-IQ) and camptothecin-nitrofuryl (CPT-NF) was designed and prepared. A mechanism of photo-induced oxidation and alkylation of 2'-deoxyguanosine by CPT-IQ was investigated. CPT-NF was confirmed to effectively induce DNA cleavage via 365-nm UV irradiation both under normaxia and hypoxia.

Microwave expedited synthesis of 5-aminocamptothecin analogs: Inhibitors of hypoxia inducible factor HIF-1α

A series of 5-aminosubstituted camptothecin analogs were prepared from the corresponding 5-hydroxycamptothecin using microwave irradiation. The analogs were assayed for ability to inhibit the action of hypoxia inducible factors (HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha). The 5-fluoroethyl analog showed potent inhibitory activity and is now the focus of ongoing pathway analysis and potential as an antiproliferative agent.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel 10-substituted camptothecin analogues

In an attempt to improve the antitumor activity and decrease the cytotoxicity of camptothecin, 18 new 10-substituted camptothecin derivatives were prepared. The cytotoxicity in vitro on cancer cell lines and antitumor activity in vivo, and inhibitory properties of topoisomerase I of these derivatives were evaluated. Most of these derivatives possessed lower cytotoxicities than CPT, and the compounds 13, 21, 22, 23, and 24 showed similar topoisomerase I inhibitory activity to CPT. Analogues 13 exhibited the best antitumor activity in vivo among all derivatives we prepared.

Kinetics and mechanisms of activation of alpha-amino acid ester prodrugs of camptothecins

The alpha-amino acid ester prodrugs of the antitumor agent camptothecin and a more potent, lipophilic silatecan analogue, DB-67, have been shown by NMR spectroscopy and quantitative kinetic analyses to undergo quantitative conversion to their pharmacologically active lactones via a nonenzymatic mechanism that at pH 7.4 is favored over direct hydrolysis. The alternate pathway involves the reversible intramolecular nucleophilic amine attack at the camptothecin E-ring carbonyl to generate a lactam (I) followed by a second intramolecular reaction to produce a bicyclic hemiortho ester (I'). The intermediates were isolated and shown to exist in an apparent equilibrium dominated by the hemiortho ester in DMSO using NMR spectroscopy. The conversion of prodrugs of camptothecin or DB-67 containing either alpha-NH(2) or alpha-NHCH(3) and their corresponding hemiortho esters were monitored versus time in aqueous buffer (pH 3.0 and 7.4) at 37 degrees C, and the kinetic data were fit to a model based on the proposed mechanism. The results indicated that while the prodrugs are relatively stable at pH 3, facile lactone release occurs from both the prodrugs and their corresponding hemiortho ester intermediates under physiological conditions (pH 7.4). The glycinate esters and their hemiortho esters were found to be more cytotoxic than the N-methylglycinates or their corresponding hemiortho ester intermediates in vitro using a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-435S), consistent with their more rapid conversion to active lactone. The pH dependence of the nonenzymatic pathway for conversion of these alpha-amino acid ester prodrugs suggests that they may be useful for tumor-targeting via liposomes, as they can be stabilized in an acidic environment in the core of liposomes and readily convert to the active lactone following their intratumoral release.

Practical Formal Total Syntheses of the Homocamptothecin Derivative and Anticancer Agent Diflomotecan via Asymmetric Acetate Aldol Additions to Pyridine Ketone Substrates

Two practical, efficient, and scalable asymmetric routes to DE ring fragment 7, a key building block in the synthesis of the homocamptothecin derivative diflomotecan 4, are described. The "acetal route" starts from 2-chloro-4-cyanopyridine 8 and represents an enantioselective and optimized modification of the original racemic discovery chemistry synthesis. The inefficient optical resolution procedure was replaced by an efficient asymmetric acetate aldol addition (dr 87:13) to a ketone substrate as the key step generating the (R)-configured quaternary stereocenter with high stereoselectivity. 7 was finally obtained in 8.9% overall yield (er 99.95:0.05) over nine steps, avoiding chromatographic purifications and comparing favorably with the initial procedure. In the related "amide route" starting from 2-chloroisonicotinic acid 41, a secondary amide directing group was used to facilitate the ortho lithiation of the pyridine 3-position. The key step of this protocol again consists of a practical asymmetric acetate aldol addition (dr = 87:13). The DE ring building block 7 was thus obtained in 11.1% overall yield (er > 99.95:0.05) over nine steps requiring only one chromatographic purification.

Synthesis and activity of a folate peptide camptothecin prodrug

A folate receptor targeted camptothecin prodrug was synthesized using a hydrophilic peptide spacer linked to folate via a releasable disulfide carbonate linker. The conjugate was found to possess high affinity for folate receptor-expressing cells and inhibited cell proliferation in human KB cells with an IC(50) of 10nM. Activity of the prodrug was completely blocked by excess folic acid, demonstrating receptor-mediated uptake.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Polyamine Analogues of Camptothecin

A number of derivatives of camptothecin with a polyamine chain linked to position 7 of camptothecin via an amino, imino, or oxyiminomethyl group were synthesized and tested for their biological activity. All compounds showed marked growth inhibitory activity against the H460 human lung carcinoma cell line. In particular, the iminomethyl derivatives where the amino groups of the chain were protected with Boc groups exhibited a high potency, with IC50 values of approximately 10(-8) M. The pattern of DNA cleavage in vitro and the persistence of the cleavable ternary complex drug-DNA-topoisomerase I observed with polyamine conjugates containing free amino groups support a contribution of specific drug interaction with DNA as a determinant of activity. Modeling of compound 7c in the complex with topoisomerase 1 and DNA is consistent with this hypothesis. The lack of a specific correlation between stabilization of the cleavable complex and growth inhibition likely reflects multiple factors including the cellular pharmacokinetic behavior related to the variable lipophilicity of the conjugate, and the nature and linkage of the polyamine moiety.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 10,11-Methylenedioxy-14-azacamptothecin

[reaction: see text] 10,11-Methylenedioxy-14-azacamptothecin, a potent analogue of the antitumor agent camptothecin (CPT), has been prepared via a key condensation between AB and DE ring precursors. The biological testing of this compound validated a strategy for modulation of the off-rate of camptothecin analogues from the topoisomerase-DNA-CPT ternary complex via structural modification.

Review Camptothecin: Current Perspectives

The review provides a detailed discussion of recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of camptothecin, a potent antitumor agent that targets topoisomerase I. Thousands of CPT derivatives have been synthesized. Two of them, Topotecan and Irinotecan, are commercially approved for use in clinic as antitumor agents while more are still in clinic trials. This review summarizes the current status of the modern synthetic approaches to CPT, the mechanism of action of CPT, the structure-activity relationship(SAR), a number of novel CPT analogs and their biologic activity. There is a systematic evaluation of A-, B- and E-ring- modified camptothecins reported recently.

Synthesis and biological assays of E-ring analogs of camptothecin and homocamptothecin

Analogs of the anti-tumor agent camptothecin with both closed E-rings (lactone and ether) and open E-rings (reduced acid, hydrazide, and protected Weinreb amide) have been prepared and tested in topoisomerase and cellular assays. The results provide insights into the structural features of the camptothecin E-ring that affect biological activity.

Novel polymeric prodrug with multivalent components for cancer therapy

We designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro and in vivo a novel targeted anticancer polymeric prodrug containing multiple copies of tumor targeting moiety [synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) peptide, analog of LHRH] and anticancer drug (camptothecin). One, two, or three molecules of the targeting peptide and anticancer drug were covalently conjugated with bis(2-carboxyethyl) polyethylene glycol polymer using citric acid as a multivalent spacer. We showed that LHRH peptide was bound to extracellular receptors and localized in plasma membrane of cancer cells. The designed tumor-targeted prodrug increased the solubility of anticancer drug and offered cytoplasmic and/or nuclear delivery of drug to cancer cells expressing LHRH receptors. The multicomponent prodrug containing three copies of the targeting peptide and drug was almost 100 times more cytotoxic and substantially had enhanced antitumor activity compared with the analogous nontargeted prodrug and prodrugs containing one or two copies of active components.

Novel, efficient total synthesis of natural 20(S)-camptothecin

Enantiopure 20(S)-camptothecin has been prepared from a known hydroxypyridone through a novel approach that involves a Claisen rearrangement, an asymmetric nucleophilic ethylation, a Heck coupling and a Friedländer condensation as the key transformations.

Transport Mechanism-Based Drug Molecular Design: Novel Camptothecin Analogues to Circumvent ABCG2-associated Drug Resistance of Human Tumor Cells

Acquired and intrinsic drug resistance in cancer is the major obstacle to long-term, sustained patient response to chemotherapy. Irinotecan (CPT-11) is a widely-used potent antitumor drug that inhibits mammalian DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I). However, overexpression of ABCG2 (BCRP/MXR/ABCP) reportedly confers cancer cells resistance to SN-38, the active form of CPT-11. To circumvent the ABCG2-associated drug resistance, we have synthesized and characterized a total of fourteen new camptothecin (CPT) analogues with respect to both the inhibition of Topo I and the substrate specificity of ABCG2. While the lactone E ring is a prerequisite for anticancer activity, modifications of the A or B rings do not significantly affect Topo I inhibition activity. In this context, we have synthesized new CPT analogues with different substitutions at positions 10 or 11 of the A ring. All of the tested CPT analogues strongly inhibited the Topo I activity in a cell-free system. Accordingly, we have examined ATP-dependent transport of those CPT analogues by using plasma membrane vesicles prepared from ABCG2-overexpressing cells. Based on the substrate specificity of ABCG2 thus evaluated, it is strongly suggested that CPT analogues with a hydroxyl group at position 10 or 11 of the A ring are good substrates for ABCG2 and therefore effectively extruded from cancer cells. Thus, hydrogen bond formation is considered to be involved in substrate recognition and/or transport processes of ABCG2. The present study provides a practical approach to discover new CPT-based drugs for the chemotherapy of drug-resistant human cancer.

Practical formal total synthesis of (rac)- and (S)-camptothecin

A practical, efficient and scalable formal total synthesis of (rac)- and (S)-camptothecin is described, which proceeds via the known DE ring building blocks 19 and (S)-19, respectively. The racemic synthesis starts from diethyl oxalate and uses straightforward carbonyl chemistry in order to generate the pyridone ring system. 19 was formed in 8.4% overall yield over 9 linear steps avoiding any chromatographic purification. The asymmetric version of this approach encompassed a diastereoselective Grignard addition to the enantiomerically pure alpha-ketoester 30 in order to generate the (S)-configured quaternary stereocenter. The auxiliary could be recycled in high yield and was successfully reused multiple times. The final steps paralleled the racemic approach. (S)-19 was thus prepared in 9.4% overall yield (er = 95 : 5) over 10 steps.

[Synthesis of camptothecin glycosides by phase transfer-catalysis and its inhibitory activity against topo I]

AIM

To find new anticancer drug based on the structure of 10-hydroxy camptothecin.

METHODS

Six camptothecin glycosides (7-12) were synthesized by phase transfer catalysis. The structures of all compounds synthesized were determined by 1H NMR, IR and MS. Their antitumor activity was evaluated on cancer cells in vitro, and inhibitory activity against Topo I was evaluated by molecular biologic method.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The result indicated that the yield of camptothecin glycosides by phase transfer catalysis is much higher than by the method from literature, camptothecin glycosides have much lower cytotoxicities on cancer cell in vitro, but have better inhibitory activity of topo I.

[Synthesis and spectral characterization of 10-hydroxycamptothecin]

10-hydroxycamptothecin was synthesized from camptothecin through oxidation and photo-activation. Grouping and optimizing the reaction conditions were as follows: in the oxidation condition: the reaction time 4 h, the reaction temperature 75 degrees C, the amount of H2O2 48 mL(w(H2O2) = 30%), the amount of HAc 350 mL(based on 0.01 mol CPT); in the photochemical reaction: the solvents V(1,4-dioxane): V(acetonitrile): V(H2O) = 6:2:1, bronsted acid catalyst 98% H2SO4. Purified by silica gel column, the total yield of HCPT is 49.9%, with 99.5% purity, m.p. 272-273 degrees C. The molecular structure of the title compound has been characterized by elemental analysis (EA), mass spectroscopy (MS), infrared spectrscopy(IR), and ID and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR), and the main infrared absorption peaks and nuclear magnetic spectral bands of this conpound were assigned. The mass spectral fragmentations of the product's important fragment ions were elucidated. The result provides useful information for preparing the new derivatives of camptothecin.

Total and semisynthesis and in vitro studies of both enantiomers of 20-fluorocamptothecin

Both enantiomers of 20-fluorocamptothecin and the racemate have been prepared by total synthesis. The (R)-enantiomer is essentially inactive in a topoisomerase-I/DNA assay, while the (S)-enantiomer is much less active than (20S)-camptothecin. The lactone ring of 20-fluorocamptothecin hydrolyzes more rapidly than that of camptothecin in PBS. The results provide insight into the role of the 20-hydroxy group in the binding of camptothecin to topoisomerase-I and DNA.

Novel fluoro-substituted camptothecins: in vivo antitumor activity, reduced gastrointestinal toxicity and pharmacokinetic characterization

PURPOSE

The novel fluoro-substituted camptothecin analog, BMS-286309, and its prodrug, BMS-422461, were evaluated for their pharmacologic, toxicologic, metabolic and pharmacokinetic developmental potential.

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo assays were used to assess the compounds for topoisomerase I activity, antitumor activity, gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, and pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

BMS-286309-induced topoisomerase I-mediated DNA breaks in vitro and was similar in potency to camptothecin. Both BMS-286309 and -422461 were comparable to irinotecan regarding preclinical antitumor activity assessed in mice bearing distal site murine and human tumors. BMS-422461 was also found to be orally active. Both analogs were >100-fold more potent in vivo than irinotecan and both were superior to irinotecan with respect to toxicological assessment of GI injury in mice. The generation of parent compound from BMS-422461 was qualitatively similar in mouse, rat and human blood and liver S9 fractions. The percentage of BMS-286309 remaining as the active lactone form at equilibrium was comparable in mouse and human plasma. The pharmacokinetic profile in rat blood demonstrated that BMS-422461 was rapidly cleaved to BMS-286309.

CONCLUSIONS

The favorable in vivo metabolic activation of BMS-422461, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of BMS-286309, suggest that the good efficacy of BMS-422461 is derived from robust in vivo release of BMS-286309 in rodents and the likelihood that this biotransformation will be preserved in humans. The comparable antitumor activity of BMS-422461 to irinotecan, as well as reduced preclinical GI toxicity, make this novel camptothecin analog attractive for clinical development.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of the hexacyclic camptothecin derivatives

A series of hexacyclic camptothecin derivatives were synthesized to test for antitumor activity as topoisomerase I inhibitor. The strategy of synthesis was used for the formation of additional furan and dihydrofuran rings fused with 9- and 10-positions of camptothecin. All of the hexacyclic camptothecins were assayed for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines, HL60, BEL-7402, HCT-116, and HeLa, and showed very impressive cytotoxicity activity in vitro. Enzyme activity of the hexacyclic camptothecins was evaluated, being equal or superior to that of SN-38. The stability of four compounds was assessed in human plasma. Two of these compounds were chosen to test for antitumor activity in vivo against Sarcoma-180. The results suggested that additional furan and dihydrofuran rings could improve the antitumor activity in vitro and vivo, though the stability of the lactone ring did not increase.

Synthesis and evaluation of a DHA and 10-hydroxycamptothecin conjugate

We have synthesized a conjugate of cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexenoic acid (DHA) and 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), DHA-HCPT. The antitumor activity of DHA-HCPT was evaluated in vitro against L1210 leukemia cells and in experimental animal tumor models including L1210 leukemia, Lewis lung carcinoma, and colon 38 adenocarcinoma. DHA-HCPT showed a greatly improved antitumor efficacy compared to HCPT.

Radiosynthesis of carbon-11-labeled camptothecin derivatives as potential positron emission tomography tracers for imaging of topoisomerase I in cancers

Four carbon-11-labeled camptothecin derivatives, 9-[11C]methoxy-20(S)-camptothecin ([11C]5), 10-[11C]methoxy-20(S)-camptothecin ([11C]7), 9-nitro-10-[11C]methoxy-20(S)-camptothecin ([11C]9), and 9-[([11C]trimethylamino)methyl]-10-hydroxy-20(S)-camptothecin ([11C]11), have been synthesized as potential positron emission tomography tracers for imaging of topoisomerase I in cancers.

Fluorescence detection combined with either HPLC or HPTLC for pharmaceutical quality control in a hospital chemotherapy production unit: Application to camptothecin derivatives

In order to achieve the analytical assessment of the manufactured batches of chemotherapy preparations, post-production quality control has been developed. The common use of camptothecin derivatives (i.e. irinotecan (CPT-11) and topotecan (TPT)) as part of protocols in Institut Gustave Roussy (IGR) has led to develop an efficient analytical method that could assess an increasing number of samples with high throughput, good specificity and practicality. Due to the difference of concentration between batches containing irinotecan or topotecan, HPLC and HPTLC both combined with fluorescence detection were investigated. Those two techniques made identity, purity and quantitation assays possible. The chromatographic conditions that were chosen allowed identification of each drug through their rate of flow (Rf), 0.10 and 0.35, or their retention time (tR), 2 and 7 min for topotecan and irinotecan, respectively. A calibration curve was plotted for each molecule and validated by three quality controls (high, medium and low). Coefficients of variation of repeatability (CVr) and intermediate precision (CVi) were determined for both methods. Considering their values and the concentration ranges (from 100 to 500 mg/L for HPTLC and from 0.1 to 1 mg/L for HPLC), it was decided to perform analysis using HPTLC for irinotecan preparations and HPLC for topotecan preparations. These inferences seemed appropriate regarding the number of preparations to be assayed.