1
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Yoon H, Savoy EA, Mesbahi N, Hendricksen AT, March GL, Fulton MD, Backer BS, Berkman CE. A PSMA-targeted doxorubicin small-molecule drug conjugate. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 104:129712. [PMID: 38521177 PMCID: PMC11062396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129712] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
We developed a model small-molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) that employed doxorubicin as a representative chemotherapeutic targeted to the cell membrane biomarker PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) expressed on prostate cancer cells. The strategy capitalized on the clatherin-mediated internalization of PSMA to facilitate the selective uptake and release of doxorubicin in the target cells. The SMDC was prepared and assessed for binding kinetics, plasma stability, cell toxicity, and specificity towards PSMA expressing prostate cancer cell lines. We observed high affinity of the SMDC for PSMA (IC50 5 nM) with irreversible binding, as well as specific effectiveness against PSMA(+) cells. These findings validated the strategy for a small molecule-based approach in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosog Yoon
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Emily A Savoy
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Nooshin Mesbahi
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Aaron T Hendricksen
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Gabrielle L March
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Melody D Fulton
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Brian S Backer
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Clifford E Berkman
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States.
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2
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Savoy EA, Olatunji FP, Mesbahi N, Ballard RK, Lovingier CL, Hendricksen AT, Fulton MD, Berkman CE. PSMA-targeted SMART molecules outfitted with SN38. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 101:129657. [PMID: 38360419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129657] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we report the modular synthesis and evaluation of a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted small molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) carrying the chemotherapeutic agent, SN38. Due to the fluorogenic properties of SN38, payload release kinetics from the platform was observed in buffers representing the pH conditions of systemic circulation and cellular internalization. It was found that this platform is stable with minimal payload release at physiological pH with most rapid payload release observed at pH values representing the endosome complex. We confirmed selective payload release and chemotherapeutic efficacy for PSMA(+) prostate cancer cells over PSMA(-) cells. These results demonstrate that chemotherapeutic agents with limited solubility can be conjugated to a water-soluble targeting and linker platform without attenuating efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Savoy
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Feyisola P Olatunji
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Nooshin Mesbahi
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Ryanne K Ballard
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Christine L Lovingier
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Aaron T Hendricksen
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Melody D Fulton
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States
| | - Clifford E Berkman
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, United States.
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3
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Dhull A, Wei J, Pulukuri AJ, Rani A, Sharma R, Mesbahi N, Yoon H, Savoy EA, Xaivong Vi S, Goody KJ, Berkman CE, Wu BJ, Sharma A. PSMA-targeted dendrimer as an efficient anticancer drug delivery vehicle for prostate cancer. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:5634-5652. [PMID: 38440933 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06520k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Although early-stage treatments exhibit promising 5-year survival rates, the treatment options for advanced stage disease are constrained, with short survival benefits due to the challenges associated with effective and selective drug delivery to PCa cells. Even though targeting Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) has been extensively explored and is clinically employed for imaging and radio-ligand therapy, the clinical success of PSMA-based approaches for targeted delivery of chemotherapies remains elusive. In this study, we combine a generation 4 hydroxy polyamidoamine dendrimer (PD) with irreversible PSMA ligand (CTT1298) to develop a PSMA-targeted nanoplatform (PD-CTT1298) for selective intracellular delivery of potent chemotherapeutics to PCa. PD-CTT1298-Cy5 exhibits a PSMA IC50 in the nanomolar range and demonstrates selective uptake in PSMA (+) PCa cells via PSMA mediated internalization. When systemically administered in a prostate tumor xenograft mouse model, PD-CTT1298-Cy5 selectively targets PSMA (+) tumors with significantly less accumulation in PSMA (-) tumors or upon blocking of the PSMA receptors. Moreover, the dendrimer clears rapidly from the off-target organs limiting systemic side-effects. Further, the conjugation of an anti-cancer agent, cabozantinib to the PSMA-targeted dendrimer translates to a significantly enhanced anti-proliferative activity in vitro compared to the free drug. These findings highlight the potential of PD-CTT1298 nanoplatform as a versatile approach for selective delivery of high payloads of potent chemotherapeutics to PCa, where dose related systemic side-effects are a major concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhav Dhull
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Anunay James Pulukuri
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Anu Rani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Nooshin Mesbahi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Hosog Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Emily A Savoy
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Sylvia Xaivong Vi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Kenneth John Goody
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Clifford E Berkman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Boyang Jason Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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4
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Savoy EA, Olatunji FP, Fulton MD, Kesic BN, Herman JW, Romero O, Maniatopoulos M, Berkman CE. PSMA-targeted small-molecule drug-conjugates with valine-citrulline and phosphoramidate cleavable linkers. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 98:129573. [PMID: 38052377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129573] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we present a modular synthesis and evaluation of two prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) incorporating the potent chemotherapeutic agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). These SMDCs are distinguished by their cleavable linker modules: one utilizing the widely known valine-citrulline linker, susceptible to cleavage by cathepsin B, and the other featuring a novel acid-labile phosphoramidate-based (PhosAm) linker. Both SMDCs maintained nanomolar affinity to PSMA. Furthermore, we confirmed the selective release of the payload and observed chemotherapeutic efficacy specifically within PSMA-positive prostate cancer cells, while maintaining cell viability in PSMA-negative cells. These findings not only validate the efficacy of our approach but also highlight the potential of the innovative pH-responsive PhosAm linker. This study contributes significantly to the field and also paves the way for future advancements in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Savoy
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA
| | - Feyisola P Olatunji
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA
| | - Melody D Fulton
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA
| | - Brittany N Kesic
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA
| | - Jacob W Herman
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA
| | - Oscar Romero
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA
| | | | - Clifford E Berkman
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630, USA.
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5
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Yang X, Nao SC, Lin C, Kong L, Wang J, Ko CN, Liu J, Ma DL, Leung CH, Wang W. A cell-impermeable luminogenic probe for near-infrared imaging of prostate-specific membrane antigen in prostate cancer microenvironments. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115659. [PMID: 37499288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging probes are a promising tool for the diagnosis and image-guided surgery of prostate cancer (PCa). However, PSMA-specific luminescence probes for PCa detection and heterogeneity studies with high imaging contrast are lacking. Here, we report the first near-infrared (NIR) iridium(III) complex for the wash-free and specific imaging of PSMA in PCa cells and spheroids. The conjugation of a PSMA inhibitor, Lys-urea-Glu, to an iridium(III) complex synergizes the PSMA-specific affinity and biocompatibility of the inhibitor with the desirable photophysical properties of the iridium(III) complex, including NIR emission (670 nm), high photostability and a large Stokes shift. The cellular impermeability of the probe along with its strong binding affinity to PSMA enhances its specificity for PSMA, enabling the washing-free luminescent imaging of membrane PSMA with lower cytotoxicity. The probe was successfully applied for selectively visualizing PSMA-expressing cells and for the imaging of PSMA in a multicellular PCa model with good imaging penetration, indicating its potential use in complicated and heterogeneous tumor microenvironments. Furthermore, the probe showed good imaging performance in the PCa-bearing tumor mice via targeting PSMA in vivo. This work provides a novel strategy for the development of highly sensitive and specific NIR probes for PSMA in biological systems in vitro, which is of great significance for the precise diagnosis of PCa and for elucidating PCa heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xifang Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Chongqing Technology Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Sang-Cuo Nao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Chuankai Lin
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 86 Hongqi Road, Ganzhou, China; Chongqing Technology Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Lingtan Kong
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Chongqing Technology Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Chongqing Technology Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Chung-Nga Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinbiao Liu
- School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, 86 Hongqi Road, Ganzhou, China.
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau; Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau; MoE Frontiers Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau.
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China; Chongqing Technology Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 400000, China.
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6
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Olatunji FP, Pun M, Herman JW, Romero O, Maniatopoulos M, Latoche JD, Parise RA, Guo J, Beumer JH, Anderson CJ, Berkman CE. Modular Smart Molecules for PSMA-Targeted Chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1701-1709. [PMID: 35999662 PMCID: PMC9842478 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
New targeted chemotherapeutics are urgently needed to minimize off-target toxicity and reduce the high-mortality rate associated with metastatic prostate cancer. Herein, we report on the modular synthesis, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of two small-molecule-drug conjugates (SMDC) targeted to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) incorporating either: (i) a cathepsin-B-cleavable valine-citrulline (Val-Cit), or (ii) an acid-cleavable phosphoramidate linker. Crucial components used in the design of the conjugates include: (i) CTT1298, a nanomolar affinity ligand that binds irreversibly to PSMA and has proven in past studies to rapidly internalize and shuttle payloads into PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells, (ii) MMAE, a known potent cytotoxic payload, and (iii) an albumin-binder, proven to improve residence time of drug conjugates. At dose of 0.8 mg/kg (∼250 nmol/kg), the two SMDCs showed significant efficacy in a PSMA(+) PC3-PIP mouse model of human prostate cancer compared with controls, without inducing systemic toxicity. Though localization of the SMDCs was observed in tissues apart from the tumor, release of MMAE was observed predominantly in tumor tissue, at levels that were 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than non-target tissues. Furthermore, SMDC2, which incorporated a novel pH-responsive phosporamidate linker, demonstrated significantly improved efficacy over SMDC1 that has a Val-Cit linker, with a 100% survival over 90 days and 4 out of 8 mice showing complete tumor growth inhibition after 6 weekly doses of 0.8 mg/kg (244 nmol/kg). Our findings demonstrate the potential of irreversible PSMA inhibitors combined with pH-responsive linkers as a way to specifically deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to prostate cancer tumors with minimal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Pun
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630,Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211,Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Jacob W. Herman
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630
| | - Oscar Romero
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630
| | | | - Joseph D. Latoche
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Robert A. Parise
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Jianxia Guo
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Jan H. Beumer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15261.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Carolyn J. Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211,Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211,Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Clifford E. Berkman
- Washington State University, Department of Chemistry, Pullman, WA 99164-4630
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