Bishomoisoprenoid triazole bisphosphonates as inhibitors of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase

α-Amino bisphosphonate triazoles serve as GGDPS inhibitors

Depletion of cellular levels of geranylgeranyl diphosphate by inhibition of the enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) is a potential strategy for disruption of protein transport by limiting the geranylgeranylation of the Rab proteins that regulate intracellular trafficking. As such, there is interest in the development of GGDPS inhibitors for the treatment of malignancies characterized by abnormal protein production, including multiple myeloma. Our previous work has explored the structure-function relationship of a series of isoprenoid triazole bisphosphonate-based GGDPS inhibitors, with modifications having impact on enzymatic, cellular and in vivo activities. We have synthesized a new series of α-amino bisphosphonates to understand the impact of modifying the alpha position with a moiety that is potentially linkable to other agents. Bioassays evaluating the enzymatic and cellular activities of these compounds demonstrate that incorporation of the α-amino group affords compounds with GGDPS inhibitory activity which is modulated by isoprenoid tail chain length and olefin stereochemistry. These studies provide further insight into the complexity of the structure-function relationship and will enable future efforts focused on tumor-specific drug delivery.

Structural Insight into Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase (GGDPS) for Cancer Therapy

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS), the source of the isoprenoid donor in protein geranylgeranylation reactions, has become an attractive target for anticancer therapy due to the reliance of cancers on geranylgeranylated proteins. Current GGDPS inhibitor development focuses on optimizing the drug-target enzyme interactions of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate-based drugs. To advance GGDPS inhibitor development, understanding the enzyme structure, active site, and ligand/product interactions is essential. Here we provide a comprehensive structure-focused review of GGDPS. We reviewed available yeast and human GGDPS structures and then used AlphaFold modeling to complete unsolved structural aspects of these models. We delineate the elements of higher-order structure formation, product-substrate binding, the electrostatic surface, and small-molecule inhibitor binding. With the rise of structure-based drug design, the information provided here will serve as a valuable tool for rationally optimizing inhibitor selectivity and effectiveness.

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase: Role in human health, disease and potential therapeutic target

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS), an enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, is responsible for the production of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). GGPP serves as a substrate for the post-translational modification (geranylgeranylation) of proteins, including those belonging to the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. These proteins play key roles in signalling pathways, cytoskeletal regulation and intracellular transport, and in the absence of the prenylation modification, cannot properly localise and function. Aberrant expression of GGDPS has been implicated in various human pathologies, including liver disease, type 2 diabetes, pulmonary disease and malignancy. Thus, this enzyme is of particular interest from a therapeutic perspective. Here, we review the physiological function of GGDPS as well as its role in pathophysiological processes. We discuss the current GGDPS inhibitors under development and the therapeutic implications of targeting this enzyme.

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitor and proteasome inhibitor combination therapy in multiple myeloma

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable malignancy, despite the advent of therapies such as proteosome inhibitors (PIs) that disrupt protein homeostasis and induce ER stress. We have pursued inhibition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) as a novel mechanism by which to target protein homeostasis in MM cells. GGDPS inhibitors (GGSI) disrupt Rab geranylgeranylation, which in turn results in perturbation of Rab-mediated protein trafficking, leading to accumulation of intracellular monoclonal protein, induction of ER stress and apoptosis. Our lead GGSI, RAM2061, has demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and in vivo efficacy. Here we sought to evaluate if combination therapy with GGSI and PI would result in enhanced disruption of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and increase anti-MM efficacy.

Methods

MTT assays were conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of combining RAM2061 with bortezomib in human MM cells. The effects of RAM2061 and/or PI (bortezomib or carfilzomib) on markers of UPR and apoptosis were evaluated by a combination of immunoblot (ATF4, IRE1, p-eIF2a, cleaved caspases and PARP), RT-PCR (ATF4, ATF6, CHOP, PERK, IRE1) and flow cytometry (Annexin-V). Induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) was assessed by immunoblot (HMGB1 release) and flow cytometry (calreticulin translocation). Cell assays were performed using both concurrent and sequential incubation with PIs. To evaluate the in vivo activity of GGSI/PI, a flank xenograft using MM.1S cells was performed.

Results

Isobologram analysis of cytotoxicity data revealed that sequential treatment of bortezomib with RAM2061 has a synergistic effect in MM cells, while concurrent treatment was primarily additive or mildly antagonistic. The effect of PIs on augmenting RAM2061-induced upregulation of UPR and apoptotic markers was dependent on timing of the PI exposure. Combination treatment with RAM2061 and bortezomib enhanced activation of ICD pathway markers. Lastly, combination treatment slowed MM tumor growth and lengthened survival in a MM xenograft model without evidence of off-target toxicity.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that GGSI/PI treatment can potentiate activation of the UPR and apoptotic pathway, as well as induce upregulation of markers associated with the ICD pathway. Collectively, these findings lay the groundwork for future clinical studies evaluating combination GGSI and PI therapy in patients with MM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-022-00261-6.

Impact of α-modifications on the activity of triazole bisphosphonates as geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitors

Agents that inhibit the enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) have anti-cancer activity and our prior studies have investigated the structure-function relationship for a family of isoprenoid triazole bisphosphonates as GGDPS inhibitors. To further explore this structure-function relationship, a series of novel α-modified triazole phosphonates was prepared and evaluated for activity as GGDPS inhibitors in enzyme and cell-based assays. These studies revealed flexibility at the α position of the bisphosphonate derivatives with respect to being able to accommodate a variety of substituents without significantly affecting potency compared to the parent unsubstituted inhibitor. However, the monophosphonate derivatives lacked activity. These studies further our understanding of the structure-function relationship of the triazole-based GGDPS inhibitors and lay the foundation for future studies evaluating the impact of α-modifications on in vivo activity.

Synthesis and preliminary anticancer evaluation of new triazole bisphosphonate-based isoprenoid biosynthesis inhibitors

The synthesis of a new set of triazole bisphosphonates 8a-d and 9a-d presenting an alkyl or phenyl substituent at the C-4 or C-5 position of the triazole ring is described. These compounds have been evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against MIA PaCa-2 (pancreas), MDA-MB-231 (breast) and A549 (lung) human tumor cell lines. 4-hexyl- and 4-octyltriazole bisphosphonates 8b-c both displayed remarkable antiproliferative activities with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range (0.75-2.4 μM) and were approximately 4 to 12-fold more potent than zoledronate. Moreover, compound 8b inhibits geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate biosynthesis in MIA PaCa-2 cells which ultimately led to tumor cells death.

Amides as bioisosteres of triazole-based geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitors

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) inhibitors are of potential therapeutic interest as a consequence of their activity against the bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma. A series of bisphosphonates linked to an isoprenoid tail through an amide linkage has been prepared and tested for the ability to inhibit GGDPS in enzyme and cell-based assays. The amides were designed as analogues to triazole-based GGDPS inhibitors. Several of the new compounds show GGDPS inhibitory activity in both enzyme and cell assays, with potency dependent on chain length and olefin stereochemistry.

CuAAC-ensembled 1,2,3-triazole-linked isosteres as pharmacophores in drug discovery: review

The review lays emphasis on the significance of 1,2,3-triazoles synthesized via CuAAC reaction having potential to act as anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tuberculosis, anti-diabetic, and anti-Alzheimer drugs. The importance of click chemistry is due to its 'quicker' methodology that has the capability to create complex and efficient drugs with high yield and purity from simple and cheap starting materials. The activity of different triazolyl compounds was compiled considering MIC, IC50, and EC50 values against different species of microbes. In addition to this, the anti-oxidant property of triazolyl compounds have also been reviewed and discussed.

Novel benzimidazole phosphonates as potential inhibitors of protein prenylation

Benzimidazole carboxyphosphonates and bisphosphonates have been prepared and evaluated for their activity as inhibitors of protein prenylation or isoprenoid biosynthesis. The nature of the phosphonate head group was found to dictate enzyme specificity. The lead carboxyphosphonate inhibits geranylgeranyl transferase II while its corresponding bisphosphonate analogue potently inhibits farnesyl diphosphate synthase. The most active inhibitors effectively disrupted protein prenylation in human multiple myeloma cells.

Secondary Products from Intramolecular Cycloadditions of Azidoalkyl Enol Ethers and Azidoalkyl Vinyl Bromides: 1-Azadienes, Their Reactions with Diphenylketene, and Radical Cyclizations To Form Bi- and Tricyclic Lactams

Azidoalkyl enol ethers undergo intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to generate stable triazolines; in contrast, the cycloadducts formed by heating analogous azidoalkyl vinyl bromides are unstable with respect to elimination of N₂ and HBr, affording 1-azadienes (2-alkenyl cyclic imines). These primary products may be isolated or treated directly with diphenylketene to produce bi- and tricyclic 3,4-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-ones; similar ring systems may also be produced from the azadienes by N-acylation and radical cyclization.

In Vivo Evaluation of Isoprenoid Triazole Bisphosphonate Inhibitors of Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase: Impact of Olefin Stereochemistry on Toxicity and Biodistribution

The enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) synthesizes the 20-carbon isoprenoid geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, which is used in geranylgeranylation reactions. We have demonstrated that GGDPS inhibitors in multiple myeloma (MM) cells disrupt Rab geranylgeranylation, leading to inhibition of monoclonal protein trafficking, induction of the unfolded protein response pathway (UPR), and apoptosis. We have previously reported preclinical studies with the GGDPS inhibitor VSW1198, which is a mixture of homogeranyl/homoneryl triazole bisphosphonates. Additional structure-function efforts have led to development of the α-methylated derivatives RAM2093 (homogeranyl) and RAM2061 (homoneryl). As little is known regarding the impact of olefin stereochemistry on drug properties in vivo, we pursued additional preclinical evaluation of RAM2093 and RAM2061. In MM cell lines, both isomers induce activation of UPR/apoptotic markers in a concentration-dependent manner and with similar potency. Single-dose testing in CD-1 mice identified a maximum tolerated i.v. dose of 0.5 mg/kg for RAM2061 and 0.3 mg/kg for RAM2093. Liver toxicity was the primary barrier to dose escalation for both compounds. Disruption of geranylgeranylation in vivo was confirmed after multidose administration of either compound. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed plasma terminal half-lives of 29.2 ± 6 (RAM2061) and 22.1 ± 4 hours (RAM2093). Relative to RAM2061, RAM2093 levels were significantly higher in liver tissue but not in other tissues. Using MM.1S flank xenografts, we observed a significant reduction in tumor growth in mice treated with RAM2061 relative to controls. Collectively, these studies reveal olefin stereochemistry-dependent effects on GGDPS inhibitor biodistribution and confirm the in vivo efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: These studies reveal olefin stereochemistry-dependent effects on the in vivo properties of two novel triazole bisphosphonate inhibitors of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of this class of inhibitors for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Probing the Ligand-Binding Pocket of BTN3A1

Small-molecule phosphoantigens such as (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate stimulate human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells after binding to the intracellular B30.2 domain of the immune receptor butyrophilin 3 isoform A1 (BTN3A1). To understand the ligand-target interaction in greater detail, we performed molecular docking. Based on the docking results, we synthesized the novel ligand (E)-(7-hydroxy-6-methylhept-5-en-1-yl)phosphonate and mutated proposed binding site residues. We evaluated the impact on butyrophilin binding of existing and novel ligands using a newly developed high-throughput fluorescence polarization assay. We also evaluated the ability of the compounds to stimulate proliferation and interferon-γ production of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Mutation of H381 fully blocked ligand binding, whereas mutations to charged surface residues impacted diphosphate interactions. Monophosphonate analogs bind similarly to BTN3A1, although they differ in their antigenicity, demonstrating that binding and efficacy are not linearly correlated. These results further define the structure-activity relationships underlying BTN3A1 ligand binding and antigenicity and support further structure-guided drug design.

Bisphosphonate Inhibitors of Mammalian Glycolytic Aldolase

The glycolytic enzyme aldolase is an emerging drug target in diseases such as cancer and protozoan infections which are dependent on a hyperglycolytic phenotype to synthesize adenosine 5'-triphosphate and metabolic precursors for biomass production. To date, structural information for the enzyme in complex with phosphate-derived inhibitors has been lacking. Thus, we determined the crystal structure of mammalian aldolase in complex with naphthalene 2,6-bisphosphate (1) that served as a template for the design of bisphosphonate-based inhibitors, namely, 2-phosphate-naphthalene 6-bisphosphonate (2), 2-naphthol 6-bisphosphonate (3), and 1-phosphate-benzene 4-bisphosphonate (4). All inhibitors targeted the active site, and the most promising lead, 2, exhibited slow-binding inhibition with an overall inhibition constant of ∼38 nM. Compound 2 inhibited proliferation of HeLa cancer cells, whereas HEK293 cells expressing a normal phenotype were not inhibited. The crystal structures delineated the essential features of high-affinity phosphate-derived inhibitors and provide a template for the development of inhibitors with prophylaxis potential.

Unraveling the Prenylation-Cancer Paradox in Multiple Myeloma with Novel Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate Synthase (GGPPS) Inhibitors

Post-translational prenylation of the small GTP-binding proteins (GTPases) is vital to a plethora of biological processes, including cellular proliferation. We have identified a new class of thienopyrimidine-based bisphosphonate (ThP-BP) inhibitors of the human geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (hGGPPS) that block protein prenylation in multiple myeloma (MM) cells leading to cellular apoptosis. These inhibitors are also effective in blocking the proliferation of other types of cancer cells. We confirmed intracellular target engagement, demonstrated the mechanism of action leading to apoptosis, and determined a direct correlation between apoptosis and intracellular inhibition of hGGPPS. Administration of a ThP-BP inhibitor to a MM mouse model confirmed in vivo downregulation of Rap1A geranylgeranylation and reduction of monoclonal immunoglobulins (M-protein, a biomarker of disease burden) in the serum. These results provide the first proof-of-principle that hGGPPS is a valuable therapeutic target in oncology and more specifically for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

α-Methylation enhances the potency of isoprenoid triazole bisphosphonates as geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitors

Disruption of protein geranylgeranylation via inhibition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) represents a novel therapeutic strategy for a variety of malignancies, especially those characterized by excessive protein secretion such as multiple myeloma. Our work has demonstrated that some isoprenoid triazole bisphosphonates are potent and selective inhibitors of GGDPS. Here we present the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of isoprenoid triazoles modified by incorporation of a methyl group at the α-carbon. These studies reveal that incorporation of an α-methyl substituent enhances the potency of these compounds as GGDPS inhibitors, and, in the case of the homogeranyl/homoneryl series, abrogates the effects of olefin stereochemistry on inhibitory activity. The incorporation of the methyl group allowed preparation of a POM-prodrug, which displayed a 10-fold increase in cellular activity compared to the corresponding salt. These studies form the basis for future preclinical studies investigating the anti-myeloma activity of these novel α-methyl triazole bisphosphonates.

Recent Advances in the Development of Mammalian Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase Inhibitors

The enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) catalyzes the synthesis of the 20-carbon isoprenoid geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). GGPP is the isoprenoid donor for protein geranylgeranylation reactions catalyzed by the enzymes geranylgeranyl transferase (GGTase) I and II. Inhibitors of GGDPS result in diminution of protein geranylgeranylation through depletion of cellular GGPP levels, and there has been interest in GGDPS inhibitors as potential anti-cancer agents. Here we discuss recent advances in the development of GGDPS inhibitors, including insights gained by structure-function relationships, and review the preclinical data that support the continued development of this novel class of drugs.