1
|
Zhou Z, Sun Y, Pang J, Long YQ. Advances in the Delivery, Activation and Therapeutics Applications of Bioorthogonal Prodrugs. Med Res Rev 2025; 45:887-908. [PMID: 39692238 DOI: 10.1002/med.22095] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024]
Abstract
Traditional prodrug strategies have been leveraged to overcome many inherent drawbacks of active native drugs in the drug research and development. However, endogenous stimuli such as specific microenvironment or enzymes are relied on to achieve the prodrug activation, resulting in unintended drug release and systemic toxicity. Alternatively, bioorthogonal cleavage reaction-enabled bioorthogonal prodrugs activation via exogenous triggers has emerged as a valuable approach, featuring spatiotemporally controlled drug release. Such bioorthogonal prodrug strategies would ensure targeted drug delivery and/or in situ generation, further circumventing systemic toxicity or premature elimination of active drugs. In recent years, metal-free bioorthogonal cleavage reactions with fast kinetics have boomed in the bioorthogonal prodrug design. Meanwhile, transition-metal-catalyzed and photocatalytic deprotection reactions have also been developed to trigger prodrug activation in biological systems. Besides traditional small molecule prodrugs, gasotransmitters have been successfully delivered to specific organelles or cells via bioorthogonal reactions, and nanosystems have been devised into bioorthogonal triggers as well. Herein, we present an overview of the latest advances in these bioorthogonally-uncaged prodrugs, focused on the delivery, activation and therapeutics applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuanjun Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Pang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ya-Qiu Long
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rahm M, Keppel P, Šlachtová V, Dzijak R, Dračínský M, Bellová S, Reyes-Gutiérrez PE, Štěpánová S, Raffler J, Tloušťová E, Mertlíková-Kaiserová H, Mikula H, Vrabel M. Sulfonated Hydroxyaryl-Tetrazines with Increased pK a for Accelerated Bioorthogonal Click-to-Release Reactions in Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2025; 64:e202411713. [PMID: 39298292 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202411713] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal reactions that enable switching molecular functions by breaking chemical bonds have gained prominence, with the tetrazine-mediated cleavage of trans-cyclooctene caged compounds (click-to-release) being particularly noteworthy for its high versatility, biocompatibility, and fast reaction rates. Despite several recent advances, the development of highly reactive tetrazines enabling quantitative elimination from trans-cyclooctene linkers remains challenging. In this study, we present the synthesis and application of sulfo-tetrazines, a class of derivatives featuring phenolic hydroxyl groups with increased acidity constants (pKa). This unique property leads to accelerated elimination and complete release of the caged molecules within minutes. Moreover, the inclusion of sulfonate groups provides a valuable synthetic handle, enabling further derivatization into sulfonamides, modified with diverse substituents. Significantly, we demonstrate the utility of sulfo-tetrazines in efficiently activating fluorogenic compounds and prodrugs in living cells, offering exciting prospects for their application in bioorthogonal chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Rahm
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Technická 5, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Keppel
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Šlachtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Rastislav Dzijak
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Dračínský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Bellová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Paul E Reyes-Gutiérrez
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sille Štěpánová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jakob Raffler
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Tloušťová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Mertlíková-Kaiserová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hannes Mikula
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Milan Vrabel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Zhang T, Wu D, He C, Weng H, Zheng T, Liu J, Yao H, Chen J, Ren Y, Zhu Z, Xu J, Xu S. Palladium-Mediated Bioorthogonal System for Prodrug Activation of N-Benzylbenzamide-Containing Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:19905-19924. [PMID: 39484713 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal cleavage reactions have been developed as an intriguing strategy to enhance the safety of chemotherapeutics. Aiming to reduce the toxicity and improve the targeted release properties of the colchicine binding site inhibitors (CBSIs) based on previous work, a series of biologically inert prodrugs were further designed and synthesized through a bioorthogonal prodrug strategy. The therapeutic effects of prodrugs could be "turned-on" once combined with palladium resins. Particularly, prodrug 2b was 68.3-fold less cytotoxic compared to the parent compound, while its cytotoxicity was recovered in situ in the presence of palladium resins. Mechanism studies confirmed that 2b inhibited cell growth in the same manner as CBSIs. More importantly, in vivo efficacy studies demonstrated the efficient activation of 2b by palladium resins, resulting in significant inhibition of tumor growth (63.2%). These results suggest that prodrug 2b with improved safety and targeted release property catalyzed by a Pd-mediated bioorthogonal cleavage reaction deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Tong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Di Wu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Chen He
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Haoxiang Weng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Tiandong Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Hong Yao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Jichao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yansong Ren
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Jinyi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
| | - Shengtao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, P.R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou 215132, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yao Y, Chen Y, Zhou C, Zhang Q, He X, Dong K, Yang C, Chu B, Qian Z. Bioorthogonal chemistry-based prodrug strategies for enhanced biosafety in tumor treatments: current progress and challenges. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:10818-10834. [PMID: 39352785 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb01413h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health challenge, and while chemotherapy remains a widely used treatment, its non-specific toxicity and broad distribution can lead to systemic side effects and limit its effectiveness against tumors. Therefore, the development of safer chemotherapy alternatives is crucial. Prodrugs hold great promise, as they remain inactive until they reach the cancer site, where they are selectively activated by enzymes or specific factors, thereby reducing side effects and improving targeting. However, subtle differences in the microenvironments between tumors and normal tissue may still result in unintended cytotoxicity. Bioorthogonal reactions, known for their selectivity and precision without interfering with natural biochemical processes, are gaining attention. When combined with prodrug strategies, these reactions offer the potential to create highly effective chemotherapy drugs. This review examines the safety and efficacy of prodrug strategies utilizing various bioorthogonal reactions in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongchao Yao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Center (PMTRC), West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Quanzhi Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xun He
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Kai Dong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Chengli Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Bingyang Chu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang W, Zhu J, Ren J, Qu X. Smart Bioorthogonal Nanozymes: From Rational Design to Appropriate Bioapplications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2405318. [PMID: 39149782 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal chemistry has provided an elaborate arsenal to manipulate native biological processes in living systems. As the great advancement of nanotechnology in recent years, bioorthogonal nanozymes are innovated to tackle the challenges that emerged in practical biomedical applications. Bioorthogonal nanozymes are uniquely positioned owing to their advantages of high customizability and tunability, as well as good adaptability to biological systems, which bring exciting opportunities for biomedical applications. More intriguingly, the great advancement in nanotechnology offers an exciting opportunity for innovating bioorthogonal catalytic materials. In this comprehensive review, the significant progresses of bioorthogonal nanozymes are discussed with both spatiotemporal controllability and high performance in living systems, and highlight their design principles and recent rapid applications. The remaining challenges and future perspectives are then outlined along this thriving field. It is expected that this review will inspire and promote the design of novel bioorthogonal nanozymes, and facilitate their clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Zhang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130022, P. R. China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang P, Zhang L, Wang Z, Cheng Q, Wu W, Li J, Liang G, Narain R. Acid-Responsive Polymer Micelles for Targeted Delivery and Bioorthogonal Activation of Prodrug through Ru Catalyst in Tumor Cells. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5834-5846. [PMID: 39191734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal reactions present a promising strategy for minimizing off-target toxicity in cancer chemotherapy, yet a dependable nanoplatform is urgently required. Here, we have fabricated an acid-responsive polymer micelle for the specific delivery and activation of the prodrug within tumor cells through Ru catalyst-mediated bioorthogonal reactions. The decomposition of micelles, triggered by the cleavage of the hydrazone bond in the acidic lysosomal environment, facilitated the concurrent release of Alloc-DOX and the Ru catalyst within the cells. Subsequently, the uncaging process of Alloc-DOX was demonstrated to be induced by the high levels of glutathione within tumor cells. Notably, the limited glutathione inside normal cells prevented the conversion of Alloc-DOX into active DOX, thereby minimizing the toxicity toward normal cells. In tumor-bearing mice, this nanoplatform exhibited enhanced efficacy in tumor suppression while minimizing off-target toxicity. Our study provides an innovative approach for in situ drug activation that combines safety and effectiveness in cancer chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Leitao Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Qiuli Cheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Wenlan Wu
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Junbo Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang 471023, P. R. China
| | - Ravin Narain
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Z, Jiang T, Yuan X, Li B, Wu C, Li Y, Huang Y, Xie X, Pan W, Ping Y. Controlled bioorthogonal activation of Bromodomain-containing protein 4 degrader by co-delivery of PROTAC and Pd-catalyst for tumor-specific therapy. J Control Release 2024; 374:441-453. [PMID: 39179113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The precise and safe treatment of bioorthogonal prodrug system is hindered by separate administration of prodrug and its activator, which often results in poor therapeutic effects and severe side effects. To address above issues, we herein construct a single bioorthogonal-activated co-delivery system for simultaneous PROTAC prodrug (proPROTAC) delivery and controlled, site-specific activation for tumor-specific treatment. In this co-delivery system (termed AuPLs), prodrug (proPROTAC) and water-soluble Pd-catalyst are first encapsulated by gold nanocubes (AuNCs), which are further coated with a layer of phase-change material (lauric acid/stearic acid, LA/SA). Below 39 °C, the solid state of LA/SA prevents the activation of Pd-mediated bioorthogonal reaction due to the solidification of Pd-catalyst and proPROTAC. Nevertheless, once over 42 °C, the phase change of LA/SA into liquid state, enabled by the photothermal effect of AuNCs, triggers the simultaneous release of proPROTAC and Pd-catalyst and initiates the in situ bioorthogonal reaction for proPROTAC activation. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, the systemic administration of AuPLs results in the accumulation in tumor region, where the photothermal effect activates and controls the tumor-specific bioorthogonal reaction to degrade BRD4 protein, leading to anti-tumor effects with minimized side effects. Overall, the co-delivery proPROTAC and Pd-catalyst and controlled activation by photothermal effects provide a precise way for biorthogonal-based anticancer prodrugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyao Li
- School of Basic Medicine/State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants/Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Taibai Jiang
- Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Xu Yuan
- School of Basic Medicine/State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants/Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - Chongzhi Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yecheng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yong Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - Xin Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - Weidong Pan
- School of Basic Medicine/State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants/Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Unnikrishnan VB, Sabatino V, Amorim F, Estrada MF, Navo CD, Jimenez-Oses G, Fior R, Bernardes GJL. Gold(III)-Induced Amide Bond Cleavage In Vivo: A Dual Release Strategy via π-Acid Mediated Allyl Substitution. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:23240-23251. [PMID: 39113488 PMCID: PMC11345771 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Selective cleavage of amide bonds holds prominent significance by facilitating precise manipulation of biomolecules, with implications spanning from basic research to therapeutic interventions. However, achieving selective cleavage of amide bonds via mild synthetic chemistry routes poses a critical challenge. Here, we report a novel amide bond-cleavage reaction triggered by Na[AuCl4] in mild aqueous conditions, where a crucial cyclization step leads to the formation of a 5-membered ring intermediate that rapidly hydrolyses to release the free amine in high yields. Notably, the reaction exhibits remarkable site-specificity to cleave peptide bonds at the C-terminus of allyl-glycine. The strategic introduction of a leaving group at the allyl position facilitated a dual-release approach through π-acid catalyzed substitution. This reaction was employed for the targeted release of the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E in combination with an antibody-drug conjugate in cancer cells. Finally, Au-mediated prodrug activation was shown in a colorectal zebrafish xenograft model, leading to a significant increase in apoptosis and tumor shrinkage. Our findings reveal a novel metal-based cleavable reaction expanding the utility of Au complexes beyond catalysis to encompass bond-cleavage reactions for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V. B. Unnikrishnan
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Valerio Sabatino
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Filipa Amorim
- Champalimaud
Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa 1400-038, Portugal
| | - Marta F. Estrada
- Champalimaud
Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa 1400-038, Portugal
| | - Claudio D. Navo
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGune), Building 800, Derio 48160, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Jimenez-Oses
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGune), Building 800, Derio 48160, Spain
- Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Sciencep, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Rita Fior
- Champalimaud
Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa 1400-038, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dal Forno GM, Latocheski E, Navo CD, Albuquerque BL, St John AL, Avenier F, Jiménez-Osés G, Domingos JB. Interplay of chloride levels and palladium(ii)-catalyzed O-deallenylation bioorthogonal uncaging reactions. Chem Sci 2024; 15:4458-4465. [PMID: 38516072 PMCID: PMC10952092 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06408e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The palladium-mediated uncaging reaction of allene substrates remains a promising yet often overlooked strategy in the realm of bioorthogonal chemistry. This method exhibits high kinetic rates, rivaling those of the widely employed allylic and propargylic protecting groups. In this study, we investigate into the mechanistic aspects of the C-O bond-cleavage deallenylation reaction, examining how chloride levels influence the kinetics when triggered by Pd(ii) complexes. Focusing on the deallenylation of 1,2-allenyl protected 4-methylumbelliferone promoted by Allyl2Pd2Cl2, our findings reveal that reaction rates are higher in environments with lower chloride concentrations, mirroring intracellular conditions, compared to elevated chloride concentrations typical of extracellular conditions. Through kinetic and spectroscopic experiments, combined with DFT calculations, we uncover a detailed mechanism that identifies AllylPd(H2O)2 as the predominant active species. These insights provide the basis for the design of π-allylpalladium catalysts suited for selective uncaging within specific cellular environments, potentially enhancing targeted therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gean M Dal Forno
- Laboratory of Biomimetic Catalysis (LaCBio), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Campus Trindade Florianópolis 88040-900 SC Brazil
| | - Eloah Latocheski
- Laboratory of Biomimetic Catalysis (LaCBio), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Campus Trindade Florianópolis 88040-900 SC Brazil
| | - Claudio D Navo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC BioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160 Spain
| | - Brunno L Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Biomimetic Catalysis (LaCBio), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Campus Trindade Florianópolis 88040-900 SC Brazil
| | - Albert L St John
- Laboratory of Biomimetic Catalysis (LaCBio), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Campus Trindade Florianópolis 88040-900 SC Brazil
| | - Frédéric Avenier
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux d'Orsay (UMR 8182), Université Paris Saclay 9140 Orsay Cedex France
| | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Osés
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC BioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 800, Derio 48160 Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science 48013 Bilbao Spain
| | - Josiel B Domingos
- Laboratory of Biomimetic Catalysis (LaCBio), Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Campus Trindade Florianópolis 88040-900 SC Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Barbosa BMG, Sfyaki A, Rafael S, José-Duran F, Pous J, Sánchez-Zarzalejo C, Perez-Lopez C, Vilanova M, Cigler M, Gay M, Vilaseca M, Winter GE, Riera A, Mayor-Ruiz C. Discovery and Mechanistic Elucidation of NQO1-Bioactivatable Small Molecules That Overcome Resistance to Degraders. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316730. [PMID: 38153885 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316730] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Degraders hold the promise to efficiently inactivate previously intractable disease-relevant targets. Unlike traditional inhibitors, degraders act substoichiometrically and rely on the hijacked proteolysis machinery, which can also act as an entry point for resistance. To fully harness the potential of targeted protein degradation, it is crucial to comprehend resistance mechanisms and formulate effective strategies to overcome them. We conducted a chemical screening to identify synthetic lethal vulnerabilities of cancer cells that exhibit widespread resistance to degraders. Comparative profiling followed by tailored optimization delivered the small molecule RBS-10, which shows preferential cytotoxicity against cells pan-resistant to degraders. Multiomics deconvolution of the mechanism of action revealed that RBS-10 acts as a prodrug bioactivated by the oxidoreductase enzyme NQO1, which is highly overexpressed in our resistance models. Collectively, our work informs on NQO1 as an actionable vulnerability to overcome resistance to degraders and as a biomarker to selectively exploit bioactivatable prodrugs in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara M G Barbosa
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aikaterini Sfyaki
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Rafael
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran José-Duran
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Pous
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Sánchez-Zarzalejo
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Perez-Lopez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Vilanova
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marko Cigler
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (CeMM), 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marina Gay
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Vilaseca
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Georg E Winter
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (CeMM), 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antoni Riera
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Secció Química Orgànica, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mayor-Ruiz
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), the, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao W, Chen Y, Hu N, Long D, Cao Y. The uses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an in vivo model for toxicological studies: A review based on bibliometrics. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116023. [PMID: 38290311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
An in vivo model is necessary for toxicology. This review analyzed the uses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in toxicology based on bibliometrics. Totally 56,816 publications about zebrafish from 2002 to 2023 were found in Web of Science Core Collection, with Toxicology as the top 6 among all disciplines. Accordingly, the bibliometric map reveals that "toxicity" has become a hot keyword. It further reveals that the most common exposure types include acute, chronic, and combined exposure. The toxicological effects include behavioral, intestinal, cardiovascular, hepatic, endocrine toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive and transgenerational toxicity. The mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and dysbiosis of gut microbiota. The toxicants commonly evaluated by using zebrafish model include nanomaterials, arsenic, metals, bisphenol, and dioxin. Overall, zebrafish provide a unique and well-accepted model to investigate the toxicological effects and mechanisms. We also discussed the possible ways to address some of the limitations of zebrafish model, such as the combination of human organoids to avoid species differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weichao Zhao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Yuna Chen
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Nan Hu
- Key Discipline Laboratory for National Defense for Biotechnology in Uranium Mining and Hydrometallurgy, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
| | - Dingxin Long
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
| | - Yi Cao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|