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Walby GD, Gu Q, Yang H, Martin SF. Structure-Affinity relationships of novel σ 2R/TMEM97 ligands. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107191. [PMID: 38432153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The sigma 2 receptor (σ2R), which was recently identified as the transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97), is increasingly attracting interest as a possible therapeutic target for indications in neuroscience. Toward identifying novel modulators of σ2R/TMEM97, we prepared a collection of benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine ligands related to the known bioactive norbenzomorphans DKR-1677, FEM-1689, and EES-1686 and determined their Ki values for σ2R/TMEM97 and the sigma 1 receptor (σ1R). The σ2R/TMEM97 binding affinities and selectivities relative to σ1R of these new benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine analogs are lower, often significantly lower, than their respective norbenzomorphan counterparts, suggesting the spatial orientation of pharmacophoric substituents is critical for binding to the two proteins. The benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine congeners of DKR-1677 and FEM-1689 tend to be weakly selective for σ2R/TMEM97 versus σ1R, whereas EES-1686 derivatives exhibit the greatest selectivity, suggesting the size and/or nature of the substituent on the nitrogen atom of the scaffold may be important for selectivity. Computational docking studies were performed for the 1S,5R-and 1R,5S-enantiomers of DKR-1677, FEM-1689, and EES-1686 and their benzoxazocine, benzomorphan, and methanobenzazepine counterparts. These computations predict that the protonated amino group of each ligand forms a highly conserved salt bridge and a H-bonding interaction with Asp29 as well as a cation-π interaction with Tyr150 of σ2R/TMEM97. These electrostatic interactions are major driving forces for binding to σ2R/TMEM97 and are similar, though not identical, for each ligand. Other interactions within the well-defined binding pocket also tend to be comparable, but there are some major differences in how the hydrophobic aryl groups of various ligands interact with the protein surface external to the binding pocket. Overall, these studies show that the orientations of aryl and N-substituents on the norbenzomorphan and related scaffolds are important determinants of binding affinity of σ2R/TMEM97 ligands, and small changes can have significant effects upon binding profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant D Walby
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Qi Gu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Hongfen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Stephen F Martin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
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Kopecka J, Barbanente A, Vitone D, Arnesano F, Margiotta N, Berchialla P, Niso M, Riganti C, Abate C. Cytotoxic pathways activated by multifunctional thiosemicarbazones targeting sigma-2 receptors in breast and lung carcinoma cells. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1588-1596. [PMID: 37796435 PMCID: PMC10661773 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00531-y] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multifunctional thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) able to bind sigma receptors and chelate metals are considered as a promising avenue for the treatment of pancreatic cancer due to the encouraging results obtained on in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we assessed the biochemical mechanism of these TSCs also on lung (A549) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells. METHODS The density of sigma-2 receptors in normal (BEAS-2B and MCF10A) and in lung and breast (A549 and MCF7) cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. In these cells, cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and activation of ER- and mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways (by spectrofluorimetric assays to measure Caspases 3/7/9; qRT-PCR detection of GRP78, ATF6, IRE1, PERK; MitoSOX, DCFDA-AM and JC-1 staining), induced by the TSCs FA4, MLP44, PS3 and ACThio1, were evaluated. RESULTS FA4 and PS3 exerted more potent cytotoxicity than MLP44 and ACThio1 in all cancer cell lines, where the density of sigma-2 receptors was higher than in normal cells. Remarkably, FA4 promoted ER- and mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways in both cell models, whereas the other TSCs had variable, cell-dependent effects on the activation of the two proapoptotic pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that FA4 is a promising compound that deserves to be further studied for lung and breast cancer treatment. However, the other multifunctional TSCs also hold promise for the development of therapies towards a personalized medicine approach. Indeed, the presence of the sigma-2 receptor-targeting moiety would lead to a more specific tumor delivery embracing the characteristics of individual tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barbanente
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele Vitone
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Arnesano
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Margiotta
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, via Santena5/bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Cristallografia, Via Amendola, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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Sorbi C, Belluti S, Atene CG, Marocchi F, Linciano P, Roy N, Paradiso E, Casarini L, Ronsisvalle S, Zanocco-Marani T, Brasili L, Lanfrancone L, Imbriano C, Di Rocco G, Franchini S. BS148 Reduces the Aggressiveness of Metastatic Melanoma via Sigma-2 Receptor Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119684. [PMID: 37298633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of advanced-stage melanoma is clinically challenging, mainly because of its resistance to the currently available therapies. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative therapeutic strategies. The sigma-2 receptor (S2R) is overexpressed in proliferating tumor cells and represents a promising vulnerability to target. Indeed, we have recently identified a potent S2R modulator (BS148) that is effective in melanoma. To elucidate its mechanism of action, we designed and synthesized a BS148 fluorescent probe that enters SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells as assessed using confocal microscopy analysis. We show that S2R knockdown significantly reduces the anti-proliferative effect induced by BS148 administration, indicating the engagement of S2R in BS148-mediated cytotoxicity. Interestingly, BS148 treatment showed similar molecular effects to S2R RNA interference-mediated knockdown. We demonstrate that BS148 administration activates the endoplasmic reticulum stress response through the upregulation of protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) genes, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Furthermore, we show that BS148 treatment downregulates genes related to the cholesterol pathway and activates the MAPK signaling pathway. Finally, we translate our results into patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells, proving that BS148 treatment reduces melanoma cell viability and migration. These results demonstrate that BS148 is able to inhibit metastatic melanoma cell proliferation and migration through its interaction with the S2R and confirm its role as a promising target to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sorbi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Belluti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Giacinto Atene
- Hematology Section, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Marocchi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Ronsisvalle
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Tommaso Zanocco-Marani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Brasili
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Luisa Lanfrancone
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Carol Imbriano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Rocco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Franchini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Abatematteo FS, Majellaro M, Montsch B, Prieto-Díaz R, Niso M, Contino M, Stefanachi A, Riganti C, Mangiatordi GF, Delre P, Heffeter P, Sotelo E, Abate C. Development of Fluorescent 4-[4-(3 H-Spiro[isobenzofuran-1,4'-piperidin]-1'-yl)butyl]indolyl Derivatives as High-Affinity Probes to Enable the Study of σ Receptors via Fluorescence-Based Techniques. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3798-3817. [PMID: 36919956 PMCID: PMC10041534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Sigma (σ) receptor subtypes, σ1 and σ2, are targets of wide pharmaceutical interest. The σ2 receptor holds promise for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics against cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms activated by the σ2 receptor. To contribute to the exploitation of its therapeutic potential, we developed novel specific fluorescent ligands. Indole derivatives bearing the N-butyl-3H-spiro[isobenzofuran-1,4'-piperidine] portion were functionalized with fluorescent tags. Nanomolar-affinity fluorescent σ ligands, spanning from green to red to near-infrared emission, were obtained. Compounds 19 (σ pan affinity) and 29 (σ2 selective), which displayed the best compromise between pharmacodynamic and photophysical properties, were investigated in flow cytometry, confocal, and live cell microscopy, demonstrating their specificity for the σ2 receptor. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first red-emitting fluorescent σ2 ligands, validated as powerful tools for the study of σ2 receptors via fluorescence-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Majellaro
- Centro Singular Investigación Quimica Biologica e Materiales Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Quimica Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bianca Montsch
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rubén Prieto-Díaz
- Centro Singular Investigación Quimica Biologica e Materiales Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Quimica Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Via Orabona, 4, 79125 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Angela Stefanachi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Via Orabona, 4, 79125 Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Delre
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Cristallografia, Via Amendola, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- Centro Singular Investigación Quimica Biologica e Materiales Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Quimica Orgánica, Facultade de Farmacia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Via Orabona, 4, 79125 Bari, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Cristallografia, Via Amendola, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Fallica AN, Ciaffaglione V, Modica MN, Pittalà V, Salerno L, Amata E, Marrazzo A, Romeo G, Intagliata S. Structure-activity relationships of mixed σ1R/σ2R ligands with antiproliferative and anticancer effects. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117032. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Mao D, Zhang X, Wang Z, Xu G, Zhang Y. TMEM97 is transcriptionally activated by YY1 and promotes colorectal cancer progression via the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1535-1546. [PMID: 35907137 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97) is a conserved integral membrane protein highly expressed in various human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), and it exhibits pro-tumor roles in breast cancer, gastric cancer, and glioma. However, whether TMEM97 participates in CRC progression is not fully understood. The expression of mRNA and protein was evaluated by real-time qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescent, and immunohistochemical staining. TMEM97 functions in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. The roles of TMEM97 in CRC cells in vivo was investigated using a subcutaneous xenograft model. The transcriptional regulation of TMEM97 was explored by luciferase reporter and ChIP assays. The silencing of TMEM97 inhibited migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and led to suppressed growth and enhanced apoptosis in CRC cells and xenografts, whereas overexpression of TMEM97 displayed opposite effects. Mechanistically, TMEM97 knockdown caused a reduction of the proliferating marker PCNA and an increase of pro-apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase 8/3/7 and cleaved PARP) in CRC cells. TMEM97 also positively regulated the β-catenin signaling pathway in CRC cells and xenografts by modulating the phosphorylated-GSK-3β and active (non-phospho) β-catenin levels. Interestingly, YY1, a well-recognized oncogenic transcription factor, was identified to bind to the TMEM97 promoter and enhance its transcriptional activity, and silencing of TMEM97 abolished YY1-mediated pro-tumor effects on CRC cells. Our results suggest that TMEM97 is transcriptionally activated by YY1 and promotes CRC progression via the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing that TMEM97 might be a novel therapeutic target for preventing CRC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Mao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, The Fifth Section of Renmin Street, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, The Fifth Section of Renmin Street, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhaoping Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, The Fifth Section of Renmin Street, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guannan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, The Fifth Section of Renmin Street, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 2, The Fifth Section of Renmin Street, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China.
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