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Zhou Y, Tao L, Qiu J, Xu J, Yang X, Zhang Y, Tian X, Guan X, Cen X, Zhao Y. Tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:132. [PMID: 38763973 PMCID: PMC11102923 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01823-2] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers, the substances which are produced by tumors or the body's responses to tumors during tumorigenesis and progression, have been demonstrated to possess critical and encouraging value in screening and early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, recurrence detection, and therapeutic efficacy monitoring of cancers. Over the past decades, continuous progress has been made in exploring and discovering novel, sensitive, specific, and accurate tumor biomarkers, which has significantly promoted personalized medicine and improved the outcomes of cancer patients, especially advances in molecular biology technologies developed for the detection of tumor biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the discovery and development of tumor biomarkers, including the history of tumor biomarkers, the conventional and innovative technologies used for biomarker discovery and detection, the classification of tumor biomarkers based on tissue origins, and the application of tumor biomarkers in clinical cancer management. In particular, we highlight the recent advancements in biomarker-based anticancer-targeted therapies which are emerging as breakthroughs and promising cancer therapeutic strategies. We also discuss limitations and challenges that need to be addressed and provide insights and perspectives to turn challenges into opportunities in this field. Collectively, the discovery and application of multiple tumor biomarkers emphasized in this review may provide guidance on improved precision medicine, broaden horizons in future research directions, and expedite the clinical classification of cancer patients according to their molecular biomarkers rather than organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Qiu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- School of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinqi Guan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Li J, Gong C, Zhou H, Liu J, Xia X, Ha W, Jiang Y, Liu Q, Xiong H. Kinase Inhibitors and Kinase-Targeted Cancer Therapies: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5489. [PMID: 38791529 PMCID: PMC11122109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105489] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Over 120 small-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) have been approved worldwide for treating various diseases, with nearly 70 FDA approvals specifically for cancer treatment, focusing on targets like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. Kinase-targeted strategies encompass monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives, such as nanobodies and peptides, along with innovative approaches like the use of kinase degraders and protein kinase interaction inhibitors, which have recently demonstrated clinical progress and potential in overcoming resistance. Nevertheless, kinase-targeted strategies encounter significant hurdles, including drug resistance, which greatly impacts the clinical benefits for cancer patients, as well as concerning toxicity when combined with immunotherapy, which restricts the full utilization of current treatment modalities. Despite these challenges, the development of kinase inhibitors remains highly promising. The extensively studied tyrosine kinase family has 70% of its targets in various stages of development, while 30% of the kinase family remains inadequately explored. Computational technologies play a vital role in accelerating the development of novel kinase inhibitors and repurposing existing drugs. Recent FDA-approved SMKIs underscore the importance of blood-brain barrier permeability for long-term patient benefits. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent FDA-approved SMKIs based on their mechanisms of action and targets. We summarize the latest developments in potential new targets and explore emerging kinase inhibition strategies from a clinical perspective. Lastly, we outline current obstacles and future prospects in kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Huihua Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (J.L.)
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Stadler KA, Ortiz-Joya LJ, Singh Sahrawat A, Buhlheller C, Gruber K, Pavkov-Keller T, O'Hagan TB, Guarné A, Pulido S, Marín-Villa M, Zangger K, Gubensäk N. Structural investigation of Trypanosoma cruzi Akt-like kinase as drug target against Chagas disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10039. [PMID: 38693166 PMCID: PMC11063076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59654-8] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, Chagas disease (CD) is the most prevalent poverty-promoting neglected tropical disease. Alarmingly, climate change is accelerating the geographical spreading of CD causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which additionally increases infection rates. Still, CD treatment remains challenging due to a lack of safe and efficient drugs. In this work, we analyze the viability of T. cruzi Akt-like kinase (TcAkt) as drug target against CD including primary structural and functional information about a parasitic Akt protein. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance derived information in combination with Molecular Dynamics simulations offer detailed insights into structural properties of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of TcAkt and its binding to phosphatidylinositol phosphate ligands (PIP). Experimental data combined with Alpha Fold proposes a model for the mechanism of action of TcAkt involving a PIP-induced disruption of the intramolecular interface between the kinase and the PH domain resulting in an open conformation enabling TcAkt kinase activity. Further docking experiments reveal that TcAkt is recognized by human inhibitors PIT-1 and capivasertib, and TcAkt inhibition by UBMC-4 and UBMC-6 is achieved via binding to TcAkt kinase domain. Our in-depth structural analysis of TcAkt reveals potential sites for drug development against CD, located at activity essential regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Stadler
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lesly J Ortiz-Joya
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amit Singh Sahrawat
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Karl Gruber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tea Pavkov-Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Alba Guarné
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sergio Pulido
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- LifeFactors ZF SAS, Rionegro, Colombia
| | - Marcel Marín-Villa
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Klaus Zangger
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Nina Gubensäk
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Pervanidis KA, D'Angelo GD, Weisner J, Brandherm S, Rauh D. Akt Inhibitor Advancements: From Capivasertib Approval to Covalent-Allosteric Promises. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6052-6063. [PMID: 38592948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00075] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Akt kinase is vital in cell growth, survival, metabolism, and migration. Dysregulation of Akt signaling is implicated in cancer and metabolic disorders. In the context of cancer, overactive Akt promotes cell survival and proliferation. This has spurred extensive research into developing Akt inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents to disrupt aberrant Akt signaling. Akt inhibitors are classified into three main types: ATP-competitive, allosteric, and covalent-allosteric inhibitors (CAAIs). ATP-competitive inhibitors compete with ATP for binding to Akt, allosteric inhibitors interact with the Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, and covalent-allosteric inhibitors form covalent bonds, making them more potent and selective. Notably, capivasertib (AZD5363), a potent ATP-competitive Akt inhibitor, received FDA approval in November 2023 for use in combination with the estrogen receptor degrader fulvestrant to treat breast cancer. Challenges remain, including improving selectivity, identifying biomarkers to tailor treatments, and enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Particularly covalent-allosteric inhibitors hold promise for future more effective and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas Alexandros Pervanidis
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Giovanni Danilo D'Angelo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörn Weisner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- KyDo Therapeutics, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sven Brandherm
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- KyDo Therapeutics, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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Luboff AJ, DeRemer DL. Capivasertib: A Novel AKT Inhibitor Approved for Hormone-Receptor-Positive, HER-2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer. Ann Pharmacother 2024:10600280241241531. [PMID: 38566315 DOI: 10.1177/10600280241241531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of capivasertib for the treatment of adults with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with 1 or more PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alterations. DATA SOURCES A literature search was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE databases, published abstracts, and studies from ClinicalTrials.gov between 2003 and February 2024. Keywords included capivasertib, AZD5363, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and breast cancer. DATA EXTRACTION All applicable publications, package inserts, meeting abstracts, and clinical trials with capivasertib were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS Capivasertib is a first-in-class inhibitor of 3 isoforms of AKT (AKT-1, AKT-2, and AKT-3) which is an essential component in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway involved in oncogenesis. In the phase III CAPItello-291 trial, capivasertib in combination with fulvestrant (C+F) demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) (7.3 vs 3.1 months) compared with placebo-fulvestrant (P+F) cohort in AKT-altered pathway patients who had progressed through prior aromatase inhibitor. The most common adverse reactions of any grade reported in the C+F group were diarrhea, cutaneous skin reactions, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON WITH EXISTING DRUGS HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients experience progression following endocrine therapies and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors. Capivasertib is a viable treatment option for patients with PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN activating mutations following progression on endocrine-based regimens in the metastatic setting or recurrence within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION Integration of capivasertib into clinical practice is ongoing; intermittent dosing and favorable toxicity are attractive for future novel combination prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa J Luboff
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David L DeRemer
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Shi M, Li Z, Shen G, Wang T, Li J, Wang M, Liu Z, Zhao F, Ren D, Zhao J. Efficacy and safety of first-line treatment for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: A network meta-analysis. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:81-90. [PMID: 38601487 PMCID: PMC11002666 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) is an aggressive histological subtype with poor prognosis. Several first-line treatments are currently available for mTNBC. This study conducted a network meta-analysis to compare these first-line regimens and to determine the regimen with the best efficacy. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Bases, and minutes of major conferences was performed. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were analyzed via network meta-analysis using the R software (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). The efficacy of the treatment regimens was compared using hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results A total of 29 randomized controlled trials involving 4607 patients were analyzed. The ranking was based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Network meta-analysis results showed that cisplatin combined with nab-paclitaxel or paclitaxel was superior to docetaxel plus capecitabine in terms of PFS and ORR. For programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutation-positive tumors, atezolizumab/pembrolizumab combined with nab-paclitaxel and talazoparib was superior to docetaxel plus capecitabine. No significant difference was observed among the treatments in OS. Neutropenia, diarrhea, and fatigue were common serious adverse events. Conclusion Cisplatin combined with nab-paclitaxel or paclitaxel is the preferred first-line treatment for mTNBC. For PD-L1 and BRCA mutation-positive tumors, atezolizumab/pembrolizumab combined with nab-paclitaxel and talazoparib is an effective treatment option. Neutropenia, diarrhea, and fatigue are frequently occurring serious adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tianzhuo Wang
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
| | - Jinming Li
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
| | - Miaozhou Wang
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
| | - Fuxing Zhao
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
| | - Dengfeng Ren
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
| | - Jiuda Zhao
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai, University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China
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Wang M, Wu Z, Wang J, Weng G, Kang Y, Pan P, Li D, Deng Y, Yao X, Bing Z, Hsieh CY, Hou T. Genetic Algorithm-Based Receptor Ligand: A Genetic Algorithm-Guided Generative Model to Boost the Novelty and Drug-Likeness of Molecules in a Sampling Chemical Space. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:1213-1228. [PMID: 38302422 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01964] [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: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Deep learning-based de novo molecular design has recently gained significant attention. While numerous DL-based generative models have been successfully developed for designing novel compounds, the majority of the generated molecules lack sufficiently novel scaffolds or high drug-like profiles. The aforementioned issues may not be fully captured by commonly used metrics for the assessment of molecular generative models, such as novelty, diversity, and quantitative estimation of the drug-likeness score. To address these limitations, we proposed a genetic algorithm-guided generative model called GARel (genetic algorithm-based receptor-ligand interaction generator), a novel framework for training a DL-based generative model to produce drug-like molecules with novel scaffolds. To efficiently train the GARel model, we utilized dense net to update the parameters based on molecules with novel scaffolds and drug-like features. To demonstrate the capability of the GARel model, we used it to design inhibitors for three targets: AA2AR, EGFR, and SARS-Cov2. The results indicate that GARel-generated molecules feature more diverse and novel scaffolds and possess more desirable physicochemical properties and favorable docking scores. Compared with other generative models, GARel makes significant progress in balancing novelty and drug-likeness, providing a promising direction for the further development of DL-based de novo design methodology with potential impacts on drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
- CarbonSilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Zhengjian Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
- School of Computer Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei ,China
| | - Jike Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
- CarbonSilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Gaoqi Weng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Yu Kang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Peichen Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Yafeng Deng
- CarbonSilicon AI Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhitong Bing
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Chang-Yu Hsieh
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang ,China
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Roskoski R. Properties of FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors: A 2024 update. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107059. [PMID: 38216005 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the dysregulation of protein kinase activity in many diseases including cancer, this enzyme family has become one of the most important drug targets in the 21st century. There are 80 FDA-approved therapeutic agents that target about two dozen different protein kinases and seven of these drugs were approved in 2023. Of the approved drugs, thirteen target protein-serine/threonine protein kinases, four are directed against dual specificity protein kinases (MEK1/2), twenty block nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and 43 inhibit receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. The data indicate that 69 of these drugs are prescribed for the treatment of neoplasms. Six drugs (abrocitinib, baricitinib, deucravacitinib, ritlecitinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib) are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and ulcerative colitis). Of the 80 approved drugs, nearly two dozen are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. The following seven drugs received FDA approval in 2023: capivasertib (HER2-positive breast cancer), fruquintinib (metastatic colorectal cancer), momelotinib (myelofibrosis), pirtobrutinib (mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma), quizartinib (Flt3-mutant acute myelogenous leukemia), repotrectinib (ROS1-positive lung cancer), and ritlecitinib (alopecia areata). All of the FDA-approved drugs are orally effective with the exception of netarsudil, temsirolimus, and trilaciclib. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties of all 80 FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors including the molecular weight, number of hydrogen bond donors/acceptors, polar surface area, potency, solubility, lipophilic efficiency, and ligand efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 221 Haywood Knolls Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791, United States.
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9
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Song X, Cai H, Shi Z, Li Z, Zheng X, Yang K, Gong Q, Gu Z, Hu J, Luo K. Enzyme-Responsive Branched Glycopolymer-Based Nanoassembly for Co-Delivery of Paclitaxel and Akt Inhibitor toward Synergistic Therapy of Gastric Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306230. [PMID: 37953442 PMCID: PMC10787093 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306230] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Combined chemotherapy and targeted therapy holds immense potential in the management of advanced gastric cancer (GC). GC tissues exhibit an elevated expression level of protein kinase B (AKT), which contributes to disease progression and poor chemotherapeutic responsiveness. Inhibition of AKT expression through an AKT inhibitor, capivasertib (CAP), to enhance cytotoxicity of paclitaxel (PTX) toward GC cells is demonstrated in this study. A cathepsin B-responsive polymeric nanoparticle prodrug system is employed for co-delivery of PTX and CAP, resulting in a polymeric nano-drug BPGP@CAP. The release of PTX and CAP is triggered in an environment with overexpressed cathepsin B upon lysosomal uptake of BPGP@CAP. A synergistic therapeutic effect of PTX and CAP on killing GC cells is confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Mechanistic investigations suggested that CAP may inhibit AKT expression, leading to suppression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. Encouragingly, CAP can synergize with PTX to exert potent antitumor effects against GC after they are co-delivered via a polymeric drug delivery system, and this delivery system helped reduce their toxic side effects, which provides an effective therapeutic strategy for treating GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohai Song
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Hao Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic OncologyFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengdu610097China
| | - Zhaochen Shi
- West China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Zhiqian Li
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xiuli Zheng
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Research Unit of PsychoradiologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesChengdu610041China
- Department of RadiologyWest China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan UniversityXiamen361000China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Research Institute for BiomaterialsTech Institute for Advanced MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringNJTech‐BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical TechnologySuqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation CenterJiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function CompositesNanjing Tech UniversityNanjing211816China
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Kui Luo
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterDepartment of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular NetworkLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Research Unit of PsychoradiologyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesChengdu610041China
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10
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Detarya M, Mahalapbutr P, Waenphimai O, Kidoikhammouan S, Janeklang S, Sawanyawisuth K, Vaeteewoottacharn K, Seubwai W, Saengboonmee C, Thothaisong T, Pabuprapap W, Suksamrarn A, Wongkham S. Induction of apoptotic cell death of cholangiocarcinoma cells by tiliacorinine from Tiliacora triandra: A mechanistic insight. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130486. [PMID: 37813201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130486] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) exhibits poor response to the present chemotherapeutic agents and frequently develops drug resistance. Finding novel anticancer drugs might enhance patient outcomes. Tiliacorinine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from the Thai medicinal plant Tiliacora triandra, effectively induced apoptosis of human CCA cell lines and inhibited tumor growth in mice. Here, we elucidate further the molecular mechanisms underlining the cytotoxicity of tiliacorinine and its implication in overcoming gemcitabine-resistance of CCA cells. METHODS Cytotoxicity of tiliacorinine against CCA cell lines was assessed using MTT assay. The molecular signaling was determined using Western blot analysis. Molecular docking simulations were applied to predict the binding affinity and orientation of tiliacorinine to the possible binding site(s) of the target proteins. RESULTS Tiliacorinine induced apoptotic cell death of CCA cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Tiliacorinine significantly suppressed the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL and XIAP; activated apoptotic machinery proteins, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP; and decreased the levels of pAkt and pSTAT3. EGF/EGFR activation model and molecular docking simulations revealed EGFR, Akt, and STAT3 as potent targets of tiliacorinine. Molecular docking simulations indicated a strong binding affinity of tiliacorinine to the ATP-binding pockets of EGFR, PI3K, Akt, JAK2, and SH2 domain of STAT3. Tiliacorinine could synergize with gemcitabine and restore the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine against gemcitabine-resistant CCA cells. CONCLUSION Tiliacorinine effectively induced apoptosis via binding and blocking the actions of EGFR, Akt, and STAT3. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Tiliacorinine is a novel multi-kinase inhibitor and possibly a potent anti-cancer agent, in cancers with high activation of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marutpong Detarya
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Orawan Waenphimai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Somkid Janeklang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kanlayanee Sawanyawisuth
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wunchana Seubwai
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Charupong Saengboonmee
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Teerawut Thothaisong
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wachirachai Pabuprapap
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apichart Suksamrarn
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sopit Wongkham
- Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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11
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Koleda O, Prane K, Suna E. Electrochemical Synthesis of Unnatural Amino Acids via Anodic Decarboxylation of N-Acetylamino Malonic Acid Derivatives. Org Lett 2023; 25:7958-7962. [PMID: 37758233 PMCID: PMC10644390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c02687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Broad application of α,α-disubstituted cyclic amino acid derivatives in medicinal chemistry urges for analogue design with improved pharmacokinetic properties. Herein, we disclose an electrochemical approach toward unnatural THF- and THP-containing amino acid derivatives that relies on anodic decarboxylation-intramolecular etherification of inexpensive and readily available N-acetylamino malonic acid monoesters under Hofer-Moest reaction conditions. The decarboxylative cyclization proceeds under constant current conditions in an undivided cell in an aqueous medium without any added base. A successful bioisosteric replacement of the 1-aminocyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid subunit by the THP-containing amino acid scaffold in cathepsin K inhibitor balicatib helped to reduce lipophilicity while retaining low nanomolar enzyme inhibitory potency and comparable microsomal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesja Koleda
- Latvian
Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
- University
of Latvia, Department of Chemistry, Jelgavas 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Katrina Prane
- Latvian
Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Edgars Suna
- Latvian
Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
- University
of Latvia, Department of Chemistry, Jelgavas 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
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12
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Masci D, Naro C, Puxeddu M, Urbani A, Sette C, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Recent Advances in Drug Discovery for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:7513. [PMID: 38005235 PMCID: PMC10672974 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227513] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most heterogeneous and aggressive breast cancer subtypes with a high risk of death on recurrence. To date, TNBC is very difficult to treat due to the lack of an effective targeted therapy. However, recent advances in the molecular characterization of TNBC are encouraging the development of novel drugs and therapeutic combinations for its therapeutic management. In the present review, we will provide an overview of the currently available standard therapies and new emerging therapeutic strategies against TNBC, highlighting the promises that newly developed small molecules, repositioned drugs, and combination therapies have of improving treatment efficacy against these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.S.)
- GSTeP-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.S.)
- GSTeP-Organoids Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.L.R.)
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (G.L.R.)
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13
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Stuart DD, Guzman-Perez A, Brooijmans N, Jackson EL, Kryukov GV, Friedman AA, Hoos A. Precision Oncology Comes of Age: Designing Best-in-Class Small Molecules by Integrating Two Decades of Advances in Chemistry, Target Biology, and Data Science. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2131-2149. [PMID: 37712571 PMCID: PMC10551669 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0280] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule drugs have enabled the practice of precision oncology for genetically defined patient populations since the first approval of imatinib in 2001. Scientific and technology advances over this 20-year period have driven the evolution of cancer biology, medicinal chemistry, and data science. Collectively, these advances provide tools to more consistently design best-in-class small-molecule drugs against known, previously undruggable, and novel cancer targets. The integration of these tools and their customization in the hands of skilled drug hunters will be necessary to enable the discovery of transformational therapies for patients across a wider spectrum of cancers. SIGNIFICANCE Target-centric small-molecule drug discovery necessitates the consideration of multiple approaches to identify chemical matter that can be optimized into drug candidates. To do this successfully and consistently, drug hunters require a comprehensive toolbox to avoid following the "law of instrument" or Maslow's hammer concept where only one tool is applied regardless of the requirements of the task. Combining our ever-increasing understanding of cancer and cancer targets with the technological advances in drug discovery described below will accelerate the next generation of small-molecule drugs in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Axel Hoos
- Scorpion Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts
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14
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Muthyalaiah YS, Arockiasamy S, P A A. Exploring the molecular interactions and binding affinity of resveratrol and calcitriol with RAGE and its intracellular proteins and kinases involved in colorectal cancer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-24. [PMID: 37732363 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2258993] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is progressively increasing in young population due to dietary and lifestyle pattern. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), one of the dietary compounds, form complex aggregates with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids distorting their structure and function. AGE's pro-tumorigenic role is mediated through the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) triggering an array of signaling pathways. The current study aimed to target AGE-RAGE axis signaling proteins and kinases at multiple levels with calcitriol (CAL) and trans-resveratrol (RES) through in silico analysis using molecular docking (MD), molecular dynamic simulation(MDS), MM-PBSA analysis, and in vitro study. In silico analysis of CAL and RES showed significant binding affinity toward RAGE and its signaling proteins such as NF-kB, PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and PKC compared to its reference inhibitors through better hydrogen, hydrophobic, pi-pi stacking interactions. MD and MDS studies have revealed stable and compact protein-ligand complexes. Binding free energies of protein-ligand complex were estimated using MM/PBSA analysis thatprovided an assessment of overall interacting free energies of complexes and revealed the presence of low binding energy within the active site. Furthermore, in the in vitro study, methylglyoxal (MG), an AGE-precursor showed a proliferative effect on HCT116, however, CAL and RES showed an inhibitory effect against MG induced effect with an IC50 value of 51 nM and 110 µM respectively. Thus, the study suggests the possible target binding sites of AGE-RAGE signaling proteins and kinases with CAL and RES, thereby exploiting it for developing CAL with RES as adjuvant therapy along with chemo drug for CRC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Sangeeta Muthyalaiah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Sumathy Arockiasamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Abhinand P A
- Department of Bioinformatics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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15
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Primavera E, Palazzotti D, Barreca ML, Astolfi A. Computer-Aided Identification of Kinase-Targeted Small Molecules for Cancer: A Review on AKT Protein. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:993. [PMID: 37513905 PMCID: PMC10384952 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070993] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AKT (also known as PKB) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a pivotal regulatory role in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Dysregulation of AKT activity, especially its hyperactivation, is closely associated with the development of various human cancers and resistance to chemotherapy. Over the years, a wide array of AKT inhibitors has been discovered through experimental and computational approaches. In this regard, herein we present a comprehensive overview of AKT inhibitors identified using computer-assisted drug design methodologies (including docking-based and pharmacophore-based virtual screening, machine learning, and quantitative structure-activity relationships) and successfully validated small molecules endowed with anticancer activity. Thus, this review provides valuable insights to support scientists focused on AKT inhibition for cancer treatment and suggests untapped directions for future computer-aided drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Primavera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Deborah Palazzotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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16
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Amiran MR, Taghdir M, Joozdani FA. Molecular insights into the behavior of the allosteric and ATP-competitive inhibitors in interaction with AKT1 protein: A molecular dynamics study. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124853. [PMID: 37172698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124853] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
AKT1 is a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a key role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Two significant classes of AKT1 inhibitors (allosteric and ATP-competitive) are used in clinical development, and both of them could be effective in specific conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of several different inhibitors on two conformations of the AKT1 by computational approach. We studied the effects of four inhibitors, including MK-2206, Miransertib, Herbacetin, and Shogaol, on the inactive conformation of AKT1 protein and the effects of four inhibitors, Capivasertib, AT7867, Quercetin, and Oridonin molecules on the active conformation of AKT1 protein. The results of simulations showed that each inhibitor creates a stable complex with AKT1 protein, although AKT1/Shogaol and AKT1/AT7867 complexes showed less stability than other complexes. Based on RMSF calculations, the fluctuation of residues in the mentioned complexes is higher than in other complexes. As compared to other complexes in either of its two conformations, MK-2206 has a stronger binding free energy affinity in the inactive conformation, -203.446 kJ/mol. MM-PBSA calculations showed that the van der Waals interactions contribute more than the electrostatic interactions to the binding energy of inhibitors to AKT1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Amiran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran
| | - Majid Taghdir
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran.
| | - Farzane Abasi Joozdani
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran
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17
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U NKP, K JV, K M. Complexation behaviour of piceatannol ligand with Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) metal ions: a combined DFT and deep learning investigation. Struct Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-023-02153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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18
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Petsri K, Yokoya M, Racha S, Thongsom S, Thepthanee C, Innets B, Ei ZZ, Hotta D, Zou H, Chanvorachote P. Novel Synthetic Derivative of Renieramycin T Right-Half Analog Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Cancer Stem Cells via Targeting the Akt Signal in Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065345. [PMID: 36982418 PMCID: PMC10049402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Akt is a key regulatory protein of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is responsible for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Targeting Akt is beneficial for the development of cancer drugs. renieramycin T (RT) has been reported to have Mcl-1 targeting activity, and the study of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) demonstrated that cyanide and the benzene ring are essential for its effects. In this study, novel derivatives of the RT right-half analog with cyanide and the modified ring were synthesized to further investigate the SARs for improving the anticancer effects of RT analogs and evaluate CSC-suppressing activity through Akt inhibition. Among the five derivatives, a compound with a substituted thiazole structure (DH_25) exerts the most potent anticancer activity in lung cancer cells. It has the ability to induce apoptosis, which is accompanied by an increase in PARP cleavage, a decrease in Bcl-2, and a diminishment of Mcl-1, suggesting that residual Mcl-1 inhibitory effects exist even after modifying the benzene ring to thiazole. Furthermore, DH_25 is found to induce CSC death, as well as a decrease in CSC marker CD133, CSC transcription factor Nanog, and CSC-related oncoprotein c-Myc. Notably, an upstream member of these proteins, Akt and p-Akt, are also downregulated, indicating that Akt can be a potential target of action. Computational molecular docking showing a high-affinity interaction between DH_25 and an Akt at the allosteric binding site supports that DH_25 can bind and inhibit Akt. This study has revealed a novel SAR and CSC inhibitory effect of DH_25 via Akt inhibition, which may encourage further development of RT compounds for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrakod Petsri
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Masashi Yokoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Satapat Racha
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Program in Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sunisa Thongsom
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chorpaka Thepthanee
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Bhurichaya Innets
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Zin Zin Ei
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Daiki Hotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Hongbin Zou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2-2188-344
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19
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Shaw AL, Parson MAH, Truebestein L, Jenkins ML, Leonard TA, Burke JE. ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors induce differential conformational changes at the autoinhibitory interface of Akt1. Structure 2023; 31:343-354.e3. [PMID: 36758543 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Akt is a master regulator of pro-growth signaling in the cell. Akt is activated by phosphoinositides that disrupt the autoinhibitory interface between the kinase and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and then is phosphorylated at T308 and S473. Akt hyperactivation is oncogenic, which has spurred development of potent and selective inhibitors as therapeutics. Using hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), we interrogated the conformational changes upon binding Akt ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors. We compared inhibitors against three different states of Akt1. The allosteric inhibitor caused substantive conformational changes and restricts membrane binding. ATP-competitive inhibitors caused extensive allosteric conformational changes, altering the autoinhibitory interface and leading to increased membrane binding, suggesting that the PH domain is more accessible for membrane binding. This work provides unique insight into the autoinhibitory conformation of the PH and kinase domain and conformational changes induced by Akt inhibitors and has important implications for the design of Akt targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria L Shaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Matthew A H Parson
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Linda Truebestein
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Meredith L Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Thomas A Leonard
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - John E Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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20
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Sayed HM, Ahmed AS, Khallaf IS, Qayed WS, Mohammed AF, Farghaly HSM, Asem A. Phytochemical investigation, molecular docking studies and DFT calculations on the antidiabetic and cytotoxic activities of Gmelina philippensis CHAM. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115938. [PMID: 36410572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gmelina philippensis CHAM is an ornamental plant that is distributed in South Asia and warm regions of the Mediterranean area. The plant is traditionally applied in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the cytotoxic and the antidiabetic activities of the ethanolic extract of G. philippensis aerial parts. To isolate the metabolite(s) responsible for these activities and to elucidate the mechanism of action by molecular docking study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Compounds (1-11) were isolated using various chromatographic techniques and their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analysis. The cytotoxic effect was tested using viability test and MTT assay. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibitory activity of the ethanolic extracts and compounds against α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Modeling and docking simulations were performed using Molecular Operating Environment software and the crystal structure of protein kinases CDK2, (1PYE) and AKT1 (4GV1), in addition to α-glucosidase (3TOP) and α-amylase (2QV4). RESULTS Compounds 2, 3 and 8 were isolated for the first time from the plant and identified as: gmelinol (2), apigenin (3) and tyrosol (8). While β-sitosterol-3-O- β-D-glucopyranoside (4) vicenin-II (7), rhoifolin (9), isorhoifolin (11) were isolated for the first time from the genus, along with and the new iridoid 6-O-α-L-(2″-O-benzoyl-4″-O-trans-p-methoxycinnamoyl)rhamnopyranosyl-1α- β-D-glucopyranoside catalpolgenin (6). In addition, to the previously reported compounds: mixture of β -sitosterol and stigmasterol (1), and 6- O- α-L-(2″,3″,4″-tri-O -benzoyl)rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (5) and 6-O-α-L-(2″-O-trans-p-methoxycinnamoyl)rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (10). The cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cell lines for compounds 2, 5, 7, 9 and 11 was conducted using cisplatin as a standard. Gmelinol (2) exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 cell lines with IC 50 value of 3.6 ± 0.1 μg/ml which is more potent than the standard cisplatin IC 50 = 8.7 ± 0.9 μg/ml. Molecular modeling of 2 against diverse targets of protein kinases suggested that CDK-2 and AKT-1 could be the dual probable kinase targets for its cytotoxic action. Compound 2 showed α-amylase inhibition activity with IC 50 value of 60.9 (μg/ml) while, compounds 5 showed strong α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC 50 values of 41.7 (μg/ml) compared to acarbose with IC 50 value of 34.7, 30.6 (μg/ml). Molecular docking of compounds 2 and 5 on α-glucosidase (3TOP) and α-amylase (2QV4) enzymes revealed high binding affinity and active site interactions comparable to native ligand acarbose. CONCLUSION The ethanolic extract of G. philippensis CHAM aerial parts is effective against HepG-2 cell lines, α-amylase and α-glucocidase activities. Biologically guided isolation indicated that compounds 2 and 5 are responsible for these activities. These results were supported by DMF calculations that detected the molecular areas responsible for protein interactions shown via docking studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa M Sayed
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Amany S Ahmed
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy, Sphinx University, New Assiut 10, Egypt
| | - Iman Sa Khallaf
- Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shibin Elkom, 32511, Egypt.
| | - Wesam S Qayed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Anber F Mohammed
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hanan S M Farghaly
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Ayman Asem
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
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21
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Stehle J, Weisner J, Eichhorn L, Rauh D, Drescher M. Insights into the Conformational Plasticity of the Protein Kinase Akt1 by Multi-Lateral Dipolar Spectroscopy. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203959. [PMID: 36795969 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203959] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt1 is part of the PI3 K/Akt pathway and plays a key role in the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Here, we analyzed the elasticity between the two domains of the kinase Akt1, connected by a flexible linker, recording a wide variety of distance restraints by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We studied full length Akt1 and the influence of the cancer-associated mutation E17K. The conformational landscape in the presence of different modulators, like different types of inhibitors and membranes was presented, revealing a tuned flexibility between the two domains, dependent on the bound molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Stehle
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jörn Weisner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Straße 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Leanne Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Straße 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Malte Drescher
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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22
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Abd Emoniem N, Mukhtar RM, Ghaboosh H, Elshamly EM, Mohamed MA, Elsaman T, Alzain AA. Turning down PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway by natural products: an in silico multi-target approach. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 34:163-182. [PMID: 36853097 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2023.2181392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a significant target for cancer drug discovery. Many efforts have focused on discovering new inhibitors against key kinase proteins involved in this pathway for cancer treatment. PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors, such as PKI-179, have been reported to be more effective than agents that act only on a single protein target. The present computational study aimed to discover triple target inhibitors against PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins. Accordingly, the PI3K protein bound with the ligand was used as input for e-pharmacophore modelling to generate the pharmacophore hypothesis and then screened for a library of 270,540 natural products from the Zinc database resulting in 57,220 compounds that matched the hypothesis. These compounds were then docked into the active site of PI3K, resulting in 292 compounds with better docking scores than the co-crystallized ligand. These compounds were re-docked into AKT and mTOR proteins. Besides, MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, MD simulations, and ADMET prediction were carried out, leading to 5 potential triple-target inhibitors namely, ZINC000014644152, ZINC000014760695, ZINC000014644839, ZINC000095099451, and ZINC000005998557. In conclusion, these inhibitors may be possible leads for inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and they may be further evaluated in vitro and clinically as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abd Emoniem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - R M Mukhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - H Ghaboosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - E M Elshamly
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Hochschule Anhalt, Köthen, Germany
| | - M A Mohamed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - T Elsaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - A A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
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23
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Mejía-Rodríguez R, Romero-Trejo D, González RO, Segovia J. Combined treatments with AZD5363, AZD8542, curcumin or resveratrol induce death of human glioblastoma cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT and SHH signaling pathways. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 33:101430. [PMID: 36714540 PMCID: PMC9876780 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very aggressive tumor that presents vascularization, necrosis and is resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Current treatments are not effective eradicating GBM, thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies against GBM. AZD5363, AZD8542, curcumin and resveratrol, are widely studied for the treatment of cancer and in the present study we explored the effects of the administration of combined treatments with AZD5363, AZD8542, curcumin or resveratrol on human GBM cells. We found that the combined treatments with AZD5363+AZD8542+Curcumin and AZD8542+Curcumin+Resveratrol inhibit the PI3K/AKT and SHH survival pathways by decreasing the activity of AKT, the reduction of the expression of SMO, pP70S6k, pS6k, GLI1, p21 and p27, and the activation of caspase-3 as a marker of apoptosis. These results provide evidence that the combined treatments AZD5363+AZD8542+Curcumin and AZD8542+Curcumin+Resveratrol have the potential to be an interesting option against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalinda Mejía-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico
| | - Daniel Romero-Trejo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico
| | - Rosa O. González
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa (UAM-I), Mexico
| | - José Segovia
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico,Corresponding author. Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Av. IPN # 2508, 07300, Mexico.
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Huang J, Chen L, Wu J, Ai D, Zhang JQ, Chen TG, Wang L. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Treatment of Human Diseases: Current Status, Trends, and Solutions. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16033-16061. [PMID: 36503229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is one of the most important intracellular pathways involved in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and survival. Therefore, this route is a prospective biological target for treating various human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and diabetes. An increasing number of clinical studies emphasize the necessity of developing novel molecules targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This review focuses on recent advances in ATP-competitive inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors, covalent inhibitors, and proteolysis-targeting chimeras against the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and highlights possible solutions for overcoming the toxicities and acquired drug resistance of currently available drugs. We also provide recommendations for the future design and development of promising drugs targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindi Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liye Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiangxia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daiqiao Ai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ji-Quan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Tie-Gen Chen
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 109, Building C, SSIP Healthcare and Medicine Demonstration Zone, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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25
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Chanvijit S, Phuagkhaopong S, Mahalapbutr P, Klaewkla M, Chavasiri W, Wonganan P. Allyl ether of mansonone G as a potential anticancer agent for colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19668. [PMID: 36385303 PMCID: PMC9668903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mansonone G (MG), a 1,2-naphthoquinone isolated from the heartwood of Mansonia gagei Drumm, exhibited several pharmacological activities such as anti-bacterial, anti-estrogenic and anti-adipogenic effect. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of MG and its derivatives as well as determined the mechanism(s) underlying the cytotoxic activity of the most potent MG derivative on two CRC cell lines, HCT-116 cells carrying p53 wild-type and HT-29 cells carrying p53 mutant. We found that MG and its derivatives could inhibit viability of HCT-116 and HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Of all semi-synthetic derivatives of MG, allyl ether mansonone G (MG7) was the most potent cytotoxic agent toward cancer cells and less toxic to normal cells. MG7 could induce ROS generation which was associated with cytotoxicity and apoptosis in both HCT-116 and HT-29 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that MG7 downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins in both CRC cell lines and upregulated the expression of BAK protein in HT-29 cells. Moreover, MG7 inhibited AKT signaling pathway in both CRC cell lines and modulated ERK1/2 signaling pathway by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HCT-116 cells and activating ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HT-29 cells. Molecular docking revealed that MG7 could bind to the ATP-binding pocket of AKT and ERK1 via hydrophobic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savinee Chanvijit
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Interdisciplinary Program in Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Suttinee Phuagkhaopong
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- grid.9786.00000 0004 0470 0856Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand
| | - Methus Klaewkla
- Future Health Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., Bangkok, 10170 Thailand
| | - Warinthorn Chavasiri
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Piyanuch Wonganan
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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26
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Yu X, Xu J, Cahuzac KM, Xie L, Shen Y, Chen X, Liu J, Parsons RE, Jin J. Novel Allosteric Inhibitor-Derived AKT Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) Enable Potent and Selective AKT Degradation in KRAS/BRAF Mutant Cells. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14237-14260. [PMID: 36197750 PMCID: PMC9613624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01454] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AKT is an important target for cancer therapeutics. Significant advancements have been made in developing ATP-competitive and allosteric AKT inhibitors. Recently, several AKT proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) derived from ATP-competitive AKT inhibitors have been reported, including MS21. While MS21 potently degraded AKT and inhibited the growth in tumor cells harboring PI3K/PTEN pathway mutation, it was largely ineffective in degrading AKT in KRAS/BRAF mutated cells as a single agent. To overcome the AKT degradation resistance in KRAS/BRAF mutated cells, we developed novel AKT PROTACs derived from an AKT allosteric inhibitor, including degrader 62 (MS15). 62 displayed potent and selective AKT degradation activity and potent antiproliferative activity in KRAS/BRAF mutated cancer cells, in addition to PI3K/PTEN mutated cancer cells. Furthermore, 62 was bioavailable in mice through intraperitoneal administration. Overall, 62 is a valuable chemical tool to degrade AKT in cells harboring KRAS/BRAF mutation and expands the tool box for pharmacologically modulating AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufen Yu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kaitlyn M. Cahuzac
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Ling Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
| | - Yudao Shen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Ramon E. Parsons
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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27
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Astolfi A, Milano F, Palazzotti D, Brea J, Pismataro MC, Morlando M, Tabarrini O, Loza MI, Massari S, Martelli MP, Barreca ML. From Serendipity to Rational Identification of the 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3- d]pyrimidin-4(3 H)-one Core as a New Chemotype of AKT1 Inhibitors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2295. [PMID: 36365115 PMCID: PMC9698716 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy whose prognosis is globally poor. In more than 60% of AML patients, the PI3K/AKTs/mTOR signaling pathway is aberrantly activated because of oncogenic driver alterations and further enhanced by chemotherapy as a mechanism of drug resistance. Against this backdrop, very recently we have started a multidisciplinary research project focused on AKT1 as a pharmacological target to identify novel anti-AML agents. Indeed, the serendipitous finding of the in-house compound T187 as an AKT1 inhibitor has paved the way to the rational identification of new active small molecules, among which T126 has emerged as the most interesting compound with IC50 = 1.99 ± 0.11 μM, ligand efficiency of 0.35, and a clear effect at low micromolar concentrations on growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in AML cells. The collected results together with preliminary SAR data strongly indicate that the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivative T126 is worthy of future biological experiments and medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at developing a novel chemical class of AKT1 inhibitors as anti-AML agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Milano
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Deborah Palazzotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jose Brea
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Chiara Pismataro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Morlando
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Isabel Loza
- CIMUS Research Center, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Martelli
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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28
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Toson B, Fortes IS, Roesler R, Andrade SF. Targeting Akt/PKB in pediatric tumors: A review from preclinical to clinical trials. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106403. [PMID: 35987481 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a major player in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and its modulation impacts multiple cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and survival. Several abnormalities in this pathway have been documented over the years, and these alterations were shown to have great implications in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, multiple Akt inhibitors have been developed and tested in adult tumors, and some of them are currently undergoing phase I, II, and III clinical trials for distinct cancers that arise during adulthood. Despite that, the impact of these inhibitors is still not fully understood in pediatric tumors, and Akt-specific targeting seems to be a promising approach to treat children affected by cancers. This review summarizes recent available evidence of Akt inhibitors in pediatric cancers, from both preclinical and clinical studies. In short, we demonstrate the impact that Akt inhibition provides in tumorigenesis, and we suggest targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, alone or in combination with other inhibitors, is a feasible tool to achieve better outcomes in pediatric tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Toson
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Fortes
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil.
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29
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Zhu CL, Luo X, Tian T, Rao Z, Wang H, Zhou Z, Mi T, Chen D, Xu Y, Wu Y, Che J, Zhou Y, Li J, Dong X. Structure-based rational design enables efficient discovery of a new selective and potent AKT PROTAC degrader. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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30
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Li Y, Liu S, Wang J, Rui X, Tian H, Li C, Guo C. In Silico Studies of Piperidine Derivatives as Protein Kinase B Inhibitors
through 3D-QSAR, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180818666211207105516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Protein kinase B (Akt) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that drives the diverse
physiological process. Akt is a promising therapeutic target, which involves cancer cell growth, survival,
proliferation and metabolism.
Objective:
The study aims to design highly active Akt inhibitors, and to elucidate the structural requirements
for their biological activity, we analyzed the key binding features and summarized the structural
determinants for their bioactivities.
Methods:
A series of piperidine derivatives have been investigated employing three-dimensional quantitative
structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.
Results:
The statistics of the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model (Q2=0.631, R2=0.951)
and the comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) model (Q2=0.663, R2=0.966) indicated
that our 3D-QSAR model was accurate and reliable. Besides, the stability of receptor-ligand interactions
under physiological conditions was then evaluated by molecular dynamics simulation, in agreement
with the molecular docking results.
Conclusion:
Our study provided valuable insights for the discovery of potent Akt inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology,
Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology,
Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology,
Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Rui
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
| | - Haobo Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
| | - Chenshuo Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology,
Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, P.R. China
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Adnan M, Jairajpuri DS, Chaddha M, Khan MS, Yadav DK, Mohammad T, Elasbali AM, Abu Al-Soud W, Hussain Alharethi S, Hassan MI. Discovering Tuberosin and Villosol as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of AKT1 for Therapeutic Targeting of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071083. [PMID: 35887580 PMCID: PMC9322152 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major cause of death in developing countries because of high tobacco consumption. RAC-alpha serine-threonine kinase (AKT1) is considered as an attractive drug target because its prolonged activation and overexpression are associated with cancer progression and metastasis. In addition, several AKT1 inhibitors are being developed to control OSCC and other associated forms of cancers. We performed a screening of the IMPPAT (Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics) database to discover promising AKT1 inhibitors which pass through various important filters such as ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties, physicochemical properties, PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) filters, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) analysis, and specific interactions with AKT1. Molecules bearing admirable binding affinity and specificity towards AKT1 were selected for further analysis. Initially, we identified 30 natural compounds bearing appreciable affinity and specific interaction with AKT1. Finally, tuberosin and villosol were selected as potent and selective AKT1 inhibitors. To obtain deeper insights into binding mechanism and selectivity, we performed an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and principal component analysis (PCA). We observed that both tuberosin and villosol strongly bind to AKT1, and their complexes were stable throughout the simulation trajectories. Our in-depth structure analysis suggested that tuberosin and villosol could be further exploited in the therapeutic targeting of OSCC and other cancers after further clinical validations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Deeba Shamim Jairajpuri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain;
| | - Muskan Chaddha
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21924, Korea
- Correspondence: (D.K.Y.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.C.); (T.M.)
| | - Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Waleed Abu Al-Soud
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia;
- Health Sciences Research Unit, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Hussain Alharethi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Arts and Science, Najran University, Najran 66252, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.C.); (T.M.)
- Correspondence: (D.K.Y.); (M.I.H.)
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Ma C, Wu J, Wang L, Ji X, Wu Y, Miao L, Chen D, Zhang L, Wu Y, Feng H, Tang Y, Zhou Q, Pei J, Yang X, Xu D, You Q, Xie Y. Discovery of Clinical Candidate NTQ1062 as a Potent and Bioavailable Akt Inhibitor for the Treatment of Human Tumors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8144-8168. [PMID: 35679512 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Akt has emerged as an exciting target in oncology due to its critical roles in proliferation, survival, metabolism, metastasis, and invasion in tumor cells. Herein, we describe the discovery and optimization of a series of ATP-competitive Akt inhibitors that possess new chemical scaffolds and exhibit potent enzymatic activities and improved in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles. Remarkably, NTQ1062 (compound 22b) exhibited potent antitumor efficacies in vitro and in vivo, which was accomplished through the optimization of the hinge binder region and the linkage. Subsequent studies of NTQ1062 demonstrated that it possesses good oral pharmacokinetic characteristics and dose-dependent pharmacodynamic effects on downstream biomarkers. In addition, NTQ1062 exhibits a robust antitumor efficacy in xenograft models in which the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway was activated. Based on its ideal druglike properties, NTQ1062 is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of advanced solid tumors (CTR20211999).
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyou Ma
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Jian Wu
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | | | - Xiaojun Ji
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Yebin Wu
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Lei Miao
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Donghui Chen
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Youzhi Wu
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Haiwei Feng
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Ying Tang
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Qiuhua Zhou
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Pei
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | - Xule Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, P. R. China
| | | | - Yuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Wang M, Hsieh CY, Wang J, Wang D, Weng G, Shen C, Yao X, Bing Z, Li H, Cao D, Hou T. RELATION: A Deep Generative Model for Structure-Based De Novo Drug Design. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9478-9492. [PMID: 35713420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Deep learning (DL)-based de novo molecular design has recently gained considerable traction. Many DL-based generative models have been successfully developed to design novel molecules, but most of them are ligand-centric and the role of the 3D geometries of target binding pockets in molecular generation has not been well-exploited. Here, we proposed a new 3D-based generative model called RELATION. In the RELATION model, the BiTL algorithm was specifically designed to extract and transfer the desired geometric features of the protein-ligand complexes to a latent space for generation. The pharmacophore conditioning and docking-based Bayesian sampling were applied to efficiently navigate the vast chemical space for the design of molecules with desired geometric properties and pharmacophore features. As a proof of concept, the RELATION model was used to design inhibitors for two targets, AKT1 and CDK2. The calculation results demonstrated that the RELATION model could efficiently generate novel molecules with favorable binding affinity and pharmacophore features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Chang-Yu Hsieh
- Tencent, Tencent Quantum Lab, Shenzhen 518057, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jike Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Gaoqi Weng
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Chao Shen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa 999078, Macau, P. R. China
| | - Zhitong Bing
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Dongsheng Cao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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Lange F, Venus J, Shams Esfand Abady D, Porath K, Einsle A, Sellmann T, Neubert V, Reichart G, Linnebacher M, Köhling R, Kirschstein T. Galvanotactic Migration of Glioblastoma and Brain Metastases Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040580. [PMID: 35455071 PMCID: PMC9027426 DOI: 10.3390/life12040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Galvanotaxis, the migration along direct current electrical fields, may contribute to the invasion of brain cancer cells in the tumor-surrounding tissue. We hypothesized that pharmacological perturbation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway prevent galvanotactic migration. In our study, patient-derived glioblastoma and brain metastases cells were exposed to direct current electrical field conditions. Velocity and direction of migration were estimated. To determine the effects of EGF receptor antagonist afatinib and AKT inhibitor capivasertib, assays of cell proliferation, apoptosis and immunoblot analyses were performed. Both inhibitors attenuated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. We found that most of the glioblastoma cells migrated preferentially in an anodal direction, while brain metastases cells were unaffected by direct current stimulations. Afatinib presented only a mild attenuation of galvanotaxis. In contrast, capivasertib abolished the migration of glioblastoma cells without genetic alterations in the PI3K/AKT pathway, but not in cells harboring PTEN mutation. In these cells, an increase in the activation of ERK1/2 may in part substitute the inhibition of the AKT pathway. Overall, our data demonstrate that glioblastoma cells migrate in the electrical field and the PI3K/AKT pathway was found to be highly involved in galvanotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falko Lange
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Jakob Venus
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Daria Shams Esfand Abady
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Katrin Porath
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Anne Einsle
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Tina Sellmann
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Valentin Neubert
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Gesine Reichart
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Michael Linnebacher
- Molecular Oncology and Immunotherapy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Rüdiger Köhling
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Timo Kirschstein
- Oscar-Langendorff-Institute of Physiology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.V.); (D.S.E.A.); (K.P.); (A.E.); (T.S.); (V.N.); (G.R.); (R.K.); (T.K.)
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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Drug Discovery of Plausible Lead Natural Compounds That Target the Insulin Signaling Pathway: Bioinformatics Approaches. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2832889. [PMID: 35356248 PMCID: PMC8958086 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2832889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The growing smooth talk in the field of natural compounds is due to the ancient and current interest in herbal medicine and their potentially positive effects on health. Dozens of antidiabetic natural compounds were reported and tested in vivo, in silico, and in vitro. The role of these natural compounds, their actions on the insulin signaling pathway, and the stimulation of the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) insulin-responsive translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) are all crucial in the treatment of diabetes and insulin resistance. In this review, we collected and summarized a group of available in vivo and in vitro studies which targeted isolated phytochemicals with possible antidiabetic activity. Moreover, the in silico docking of natural compounds with some of the insulin signaling cascade key proteins is also summarized based on the current literature. In this review, hundreds of recent studies on pure natural compounds that alleviate type II diabetes mellitus (type II DM) were revised. We focused on natural compounds that could potentially regulate blood glucose and stimulate GLUT4 translocation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. On attempt to point out potential new natural antidiabetic compounds, this review also focuses on natural ingredients that were shown to interact with proteins in the insulin signaling pathway in silico, regardless of their in vitro/in vivo antidiabetic activity. We invite interested researchers to test these compounds as potential novel type II DM drugs and explore their therapeutic mechanisms.
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Aslan A, Gok O, Beyaz S, Uslu H, Erman F, Erman O, Baspinar S. Ellagic acid inhibits proinflammatory intermediary manufacture by suppressing NF-κB/Akt, VEGF and activating Nrf-2/Caspase-3 signaling pathways in rat testicular damage: a new way for testicular damage cure and in silico approach. Toxicol Mech Methods 2022; 32:463-476. [PMID: 35236242 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2046668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ellagic acid (EA) has protective effect on testicular damage and this natural compound decreases oxidative damage. The present study aims to examine the preventive effect of ellagic acid (EA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced testicular tissue damage in rats. In testicular tissue, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cysteine aspartic proteases (caspase-3) and protein kinase B (Akt) synthesis levels were analyzed by western blot method, reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Glutathione (GSH) level and catalase (CAT) by spectrophotometer. As a result, in comparison with the CCl4 group, caspase-3 and Nrf-2 protein synthesis levels increased in EA + CCl4 group, however, VEGF, Bcl-2, NF-κB, TNF-α and Akt protein synthesis levels decreased, EA application raised GSH levels and CAT activity, reduced MDA levels. In this study, in silico tools were applied to confirm the activity of EA against the cancer with macromolecules such as the above mentioned transcription factors. EA, turned out to show significant activity similarly to some cocrystal ligands, particularly against cancer. These results points out that EA can be used as a testicular damage cure drug in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Aslan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Gok
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Seda Beyaz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Harun Uslu
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Fazilet Erman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Orhan Erman
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Serpil Baspinar
- Department of Medical Imaging, Health Services Vocational High School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Yu X, Xu J, Shen Y, Cahuzac KM, Park KS, Dale B, Liu J, Parsons RE, Jin J. Discovery of Potent, Selective, and In Vivo Efficacious AKT Kinase Protein Degraders via Structure-Activity Relationship Studies. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3644-3666. [PMID: 35119851 PMCID: PMC8900464 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported a potent, selective, and in vivo efficacious AKT degrader, MS21, which is a von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) based on the AKT inhibitor AZD5363. However, no structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies that resulted in this discovery have been reported. Herein, we present our SAR studies that led to the discovery of MS21, another VHL-recruiting AKT degrader, MS143 (compound 20) with similar potency as MS21, and a novel cereblon (CRBN)-recruiting PROTAC, MS5033 (compound 35). Compounds 20 and 35 induced rapid and robust AKT degradation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Compound 20 suppressed cell growth more effectively than AZD5363 in multiple cancer cell lines. Furthermore, 20 and 35 displayed good plasma exposure levels in mice and are suitable for in vivo efficacy studies. Lastly, compound 20 effectively suppressed tumor growth in vivo in a xenograft model without apparent toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yudao Shen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kaitlyn M. Cahuzac
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kwang-su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Brandon Dale
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jing Liu
- Corresponding Authors: Jing Liu – Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; , Ramon E. Parsons – Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; , Jian Jin – Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States;
| | - Ramon E. Parsons
- Corresponding Authors: Jing Liu – Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; , Ramon E. Parsons – Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; , Jian Jin – Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States;
| | - Jian Jin
- Corresponding Authors: Jing Liu – Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; , Ramon E. Parsons – Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; , Jian Jin – Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States;
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38
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Mureddu LG, Vuister GW. Fragment-Based Drug Discovery by NMR. Where Are the Successes and Where can It Be Improved? Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:834453. [PMID: 35252355 PMCID: PMC8895297 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.834453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last century, the definitions of pharmaceutical drug and drug discovery have changed considerably. Evolving from an almost exclusively serendipitous approach, drug discovery nowadays involves several distinct, yet sometimes interconnected stages aimed at obtaining molecules able to interact with a defined biomolecular target, and triggering a suitable biological response. At each of the stages, a wide range of techniques are typically employed to obtain the results required to move the project into the next stage. High Throughput Screening (HTS) and Fragment Based Drug Design (FBDD) are the two main approaches used to identify drug-like candidates in the early stages of drug discovery. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has many applications in FBDD and is used extensively in industry as well as in academia. In this manuscript, we discuss the paths of both successful and unsuccessful molecules where NMR had a crucial part in their development. We specifically focus on the techniques used and describe strengths and weaknesses of each stage by examining several case studies. More precisely, we examine the development history from the primary screening to the final lead optimisation of AZD3839 interacting with BACE-1, ABT-199 interacting with BCL2/XL and S64315 interacting with MCL-1. Based on these studies, we derive observations and conclusions regarding the FBDD process by NMR and discuss its potential improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geerten W. Vuister
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Beyaz S, Aslan A, Gok O, Uslu H, Agca CA, Ozercan IH. In vivo, in vitro and in silico anticancer investigation of fullerene C 60 on DMBA induced breast cancer in rats. Life Sci 2022; 291:120281. [PMID: 34982963 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to determine the protective and therapeutic effect of fullerene C60 nanoparticle on DMBA-induced breast cancer in rats. MAIN METHODS In vitro cell viability was determined by the WST-1 test. In vivo analysis was performed in female Wistar Albino rats. The expression of caspase-3, Bcl-2, Nrf-2, NF-κB, TNF-α, COX-2, p53, IL-6, IL-1α ve p38α (MAPK) proteins were assessed by western blotting. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase activity (CAT), total protein levels and DNA damage were investigated. In addition, tissues were evaluated by histopathologically. In in silico analysis, the binding affinities of the fullerene C60 nanoparticle to transcription factors such as caspase-3, Bcl-2, Nrf-2, NF-κB, TNF-α, COX-2, VEGF and Akt were demonstrated by molecular docking. KEY FINDINGS Treatment of MCF-7 cells at various concentrations of fullerene C60 (0.1 to 100 mg/ml) inhibited cell viability in a dose dependent manner. Fullerene C60 treated rats exhibited considerable increase in the level of caspase-3 while decrease in the level of pro-survival protein Bcl-2. Bcl-2, NF-κB, TNF-α, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1α and p38α (MAPK) protein expression levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased in the C60 + DMBA groups compared to the DMBA group. It was observed that caspase-3, Nrf-2 and p53 protein expression levels, glutathione (GSH) level, catalase activities (CAT) and total protein levels increased significantly which was further confirmed through the resulting DNA fragmentation. SIGNIFICANCE In silico assays, fullerene C60 has been observed to have similar affinity to some crystal ligands, especially against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Beyaz
- Firat University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Aslan
- Firat University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Elazig, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Gok
- Firat University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Harun Uslu
- Firat University, Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Can Ali Agca
- Bingol University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bingol, Turkey
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Pradubyat N, Giannoudis A, Elmetwali T, Mahalapbutr P, Palmieri C, Mitrpant C, Ketchart W. 1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate from Alpinia galanga Represses Proliferation and Invasion, and Induces Apoptosis via HER2-signaling in Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:163-178. [PMID: 33445186 DOI: 10.1055/a-1307-3997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients have a good prognosis, but 30% of these patients will experience recurrence due to the development of resistance through various signaling pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the mode of anticancer effects of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate, which is isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga in estrogen receptor positive (MCF7) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressed (MCF7/HER2), and endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF7/LCC2 and MCF7/LCC9). 1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate showed antiproliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion and had higher potency in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressed cell lines. This was associated with down-regulation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, pERK1/2, pAKT, estrogen receptor coactivator, cyclin D1, and MYC proto-oncogene while in vivo and significant reduction in the tumor mass of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate-treated zebrafish-engrafted breast cancer groups. The anti-invasive effects of 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate were confirmed in vitro by the matrigel invasion assay and with down-regulation of C - X-C chemokine receptor type 4, urokinase plasminogen activator, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 genes. The down-regulation of urokinase plasminogen activator and fibroblast growth factor 2 proteins was also validated by molecular docking analysis. Moreover, 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate-treated cells exhibited lower expression levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins in addition to enhanced stress-activated kinases/c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase cleavage, indicating apoptotic cell induction by 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate. Moreover, 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate had higher potency in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressed cell lines regarding its inhibition on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, pAKT, pERK1/2, PSer118, and PSer167-ERα proteins. Our findings suggest 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate mediates its anti-cancer effects via human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalinee Pradubyat
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain
- Overcoming cancer drug resistance research unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Athina Giannoudis
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain
| | - Taha Elmetwali
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Carlo Palmieri
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain
| | - Chalermchai Mitrpant
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wannarasmi Ketchart
- Overcoming cancer drug resistance research unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Grüninger PK, Uhl F, Herzog H, Gentile G, Andrade-Martinez M, Schmidt T, Han K, Morgens DW, Bassik MC, Cleary ML, Gorka O, Zeiser R, Groß O, Duque-Afonso J. Functional characterization of the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapy in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1751-1760. [PMID: 35794338 PMCID: PMC9663301 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias (B-ALL) are characterized by the activation of signaling pathways, which are involved in survival and proliferation of leukemia cells. Using an unbiased shRNA library screen enriched for targeting signaling pathways, we identified MTOR as the key gene on which human B-ALL E2A-PBX1+ RCH-ACV cells are dependent. Using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we investigated whether B-ALL cells depend on MTOR upstream signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT and the complexes MTORC1 or MTORC2 for proliferation and survival in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the combined inhibition of MTOR and AKT shows a synergistic effect on decreased cell proliferation in B-ALL with different karyotypes. Hence, B-ALL cells were more dependent on MTORC2 rather than MTORC1 complex in genetic assays. Using cell metabolomics, we identified changes in mitochondrial fuel oxidation after shRNA-mediated knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of MTOR. Dependence of the cells on fatty acid metabolism for their energy production was increased upon inhibition of MTOR and associated upstream signaling pathways, disclosing a possible target for a combination therapy. In conclusion, B-ALL are dependent on the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway and the combination of specific small molecules targeting this pathway appears to be promising for the treatment of B-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K. Grüninger
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Uhl
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heike Herzog
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gaia Gentile
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marta Andrade-Martinez
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kyuho Han
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - David W. Morgens
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michael C. Bassik
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michael L. Cleary
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Oliver Gorka
- grid.5963.9Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Groß
- grid.5963.9Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Yu X, Xu J, Xie L, Wang L, Shen Y, Cahuzac KM, Chen X, Liu J, Parsons RE, Jin J. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Potent, Selective, and Bioavailable AKT Kinase Degraders. J Med Chem 2021; 64:18054-18081. [PMID: 34855399 PMCID: PMC8819633 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT functions as a critical node of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR) signaling pathway. Aberrant activation and overexpression of AKT are strongly correlated with numerous human cancers. To date, only two AKT degraders with no structure-activity relationship (SAR) results have been reported. Through extensive SAR studies on various linkers, E3 ligase ligands, and AKT binding moieties, we identified two novel and potent AKT proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders: von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting degrader 13 (MS98) and cereblon (CRBN)-recruiting degrader 25 (MS170). These two compounds selectively induced robust AKT protein degradation, inhibited downstream signaling, and suppressed cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, these two degraders exhibited good plasma exposure levels in mice through intraperitoneal injection. Overall, our comprehensive SAR studies led to the discovery of degraders 13 and 25, which are potentially useful chemical tools to investigate biological and pathogenic functions of AKT in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ling Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yudao Shen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kaitlyn M. Cahuzac
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Ramon E. Parsons
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States; Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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Xu J, Yu X, Martin TC, Bansal A, Cheung K, Lubin A, Stratikopoulos E, Cahuzac KM, Wang L, Xie L, Zhou R, Shen Y, Wu X, Yao S, Qiao R, Poulikakos PI, Chen X, Liu J, Jin J, Parsons R. AKT Degradation Selectively Inhibits the Growth of PI3K/PTEN Pathway-Mutant Cancers with Wild-Type KRAS and BRAF by Destabilizing Aurora Kinase B. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:3064-3089. [PMID: 34301793 PMCID: PMC9056008 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using a panel of cancer cell lines, we characterized a novel degrader of AKT, MS21. In mutant PI3K-PTEN pathway cell lines, AKT degradation was superior to AKT kinase inhibition for reducing cell growth and sustaining lower signaling over many days. AKT degradation, but not kinase inhibition, profoundly lowered Aurora kinase B (AURKB) protein, which is known to be essential for cell division, and induced G2-M arrest and hyperploidy. PI3K activated AKT phosphorylation of AURKB on threonine 73, which protected it from proteasome degradation. A mutant of AURKB (T73E) that mimics phosphorylation and blocks degradation rescued cells from growth inhibition. Degrader-resistant lines were associated with low AKT phosphorylation, wild-type PI3K/PTEN status, and mutation of KRAS/BRAF. Pan-cancer analysis identified that 19% of cases have PI3K-PTEN pathway mutation without RAS pathway mutation, suggesting that these patients with cancer could benefit from AKT degrader therapy that leads to loss of AURKB. SIGNIFICANCE MS21 depletes cells of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and a newly identified AKT substrate, AURKB, to inhibit tumor growth in mice. MS21 is superior to prior agents that target PI3K and AKT due to its ability to selectively target active, pAKT and sustain repression of signaling to deplete AURKB. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xufen Yu
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tiphaine C. Martin
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ankita Bansal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kakit Cheung
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Abigail Lubin
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Elias Stratikopoulos
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M. Cahuzac
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ling Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Royce Zhou
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yudao Shen
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xuewei Wu
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Shen Yao
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ruifang Qiao
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Poulikos I. Poulikakos
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ramon Parsons
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Volarić J, Szymanski W, Simeth NA, Feringa BL. Molecular photoswitches in aqueous environments. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12377-12449. [PMID: 34590636 PMCID: PMC8591629 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00547a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Volarić
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Garcia N, Del Pozo V, Yohe ME, Goodwin CM, Shackleford TJ, Wang L, Baxi K, Chen Y, Rogojina AT, Zimmerman SM, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Ignatius MS, Wood KC, Houghton PJ, Vaseva AV. Vertical Inhibition of the RAF-MEK-ERK Cascade Induces Myogenic Differentiation, Apoptosis and Tumor Regression in H/NRAS Q61X-mutant Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 21:170-183. [PMID: 34737198 PMCID: PMC8742779 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS signaling is an attractive target for fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS). Our study validates the role of the ERK MAPK effector pathway in mediating RAS dependency in a panel of H/NRASQ61X-mutant RMS cells and correlates in vivo efficacy of the MEK inhibitor trametinib with pharmacodynamics of ERK activity. A screen is used to identify trametinib-sensitizing targets and combinations are evaluated in cells and tumor xenografts. We find that the ERK MAPK pathway is central to H/NRASQ61X-dependency in RMS cells, however there is poor in vivo response to clinically relevant exposures with trametinib, which correlates with inefficient suppression of ERK activity. CRISPR screening points to vertical inhibition of the RAF-MEK-ERK cascade by co-suppression of MEK and either CRAF or ERK. CRAF is central to rebound pathway activation following MEK or ERK inhibition. Concurrent CRAF suppression and MEK or ERK inhibition, or concurrent pan-RAF and MEK/ERK inhibition (pan-RAFi + MEKi/ERKi), or concurrent MEK and ERK inhibition (MEKi + ERKi) all synergistically block ERK activity and induce myogenic differentiation and apoptosis. In vivo assessment of pan-RAFi + ERKi or MEKi + ERKi potently suppress growth of H/NRASQ61X RMS tumor xenografts, with pan-RAFi + ERKi being more effective and better tolerated. We conclude that CRAF reactivation limits the activity of single agent MEK/ERK inhibitors in FN-RMS. Vertical targeting of the RAF-MEK-ERK cascade, and particularly co-targeting of CRAF and MEK or ERK, or the combination of pan-RAF inhibitors with MEK or ERK inhibitors, have synergistic activity and potently suppress H/NRASQ61X-mutant RMS tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Craig M Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Long Wang
- Cancer Therapy & Research Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Kunal Baxi
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UTHSCSA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | | | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program and Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute
| | | | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University
| | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
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46
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Wang Z, Ran T, Xu F, Wen C, Song S, Zhou Y, Chen H, Lu X. Deep learning-driven scaffold hopping in the discovery of Akt kinase inhibitors. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:10588-10591. [PMID: 34560776 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc03392a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Scaffold hopping has been widely used in drug discovery and is a topic of high interest. Here a deep conditional transformer neural network, SyntaLinker, was applied for the scaffold hopping of a phase III clinical Akt inhibitor, AZD5363. A number of novel scaffolds were generated and compound 1a as a proof-of-concept was synthesized and validated by biochemical assay. Further structure-based optimization of 1a led to a novel Akt inhibitor with high potency (Akt1 IC50 = 88 nM) and in vitro antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuqin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Ting Ran
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Fang Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Chang Wen
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Shukai Song
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Hongming Chen
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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47
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Bunescu A, Abdelhamid Y, Gaunt MJ. Multicomponent alkene azidoarylation by anion-mediated dual catalysis. Nature 2021; 598:597-603. [PMID: 34517408 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Molecules that contain the β-arylethylamine motif have applications in the modulation of pain, treatment of neurological disorders and management of opioid addiction, among others, making it a privileged scaffold in drug discovery1,2. De novo methods for their assembly are reliant on transformations that convert a small class of feedstocks into the target compounds via time-consuming multistep syntheses3-5. Synthetic invention can drive the investigation of the chemical space around this scaffold to further expand its capabilities in biology6-9. Here we report the development of a dual catalysis platform that enables a multicomponent coupling of alkenes, aryl electrophiles and a simple nitrogen nucleophile, providing single-step access to synthetically versatile and functionally diverse β-arylethylamines. Driven by visible light, two discrete copper catalysts orchestrate aryl-radical formation and azido-group transfer, which underpin an alkene azidoarylation process. The process shows broad scope in alkene and aryl components and an azide anion performs a multifaceted role both as a nitrogen source and in mediating the redox-neutral dual catalysis via inner-sphere electron transfer10,11. The synthetic capabilities of this anion-mediated alkene functionalization process are likely to be of use in a variety of pharmaceutically relevant and wider synthetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Bunescu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yusra Abdelhamid
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew J Gaunt
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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48
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Sakach E, O'Regan R, Meisel J, Li X. Molecular Classification of Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the Emergence of Targeted Therapies. Clin Breast Cancer 2021; 21:509-520. [PMID: 34629314 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents 15% to 20% of all primary breast cancers and is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. There has been rapid progress in targeted therapy and biomarker development to identify the optimal treatments for TNBC. To update recent developments, this article comprehensively reviews molecular classification and biomarkers of TNBC and targeted therapy developments in immunotherapy, PARP and AKT pathway inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates and androgen receptor blockade. The treatment of TNBC has dramatically evolved beyond basic cytotoxic chemotherapy into an expanding domain of targeted therapies tailored to the heterogeneity of this complex and aggressive disease. Progress will continue through the sustained and devoted efforts of our investigators and the patients who dedicatedly enroll in clinical trials. Through a daring persistence to challenge the status quo we now have the opportunity to offer our patients with TNBC a new sense of hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sakach
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ruth O'Regan
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Jane Meisel
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xiaoxian Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
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49
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Cellular model system to dissect the isoform-selectivity of Akt inhibitors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5297. [PMID: 34489430 PMCID: PMC8421423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase Akt plays a pivotal role in cellular processes. However, its isoforms' distinct functions have not been resolved to date, mainly due to the lack of suitable biochemical and cellular tools. Against this background, we present the development of an isoform-dependent Ba/F3 model system to translate biochemical results on isoform specificity to the cellular level. Our cellular model system complemented by protein X-ray crystallography and structure-based ligand design results in covalent-allosteric Akt inhibitors with unique selectivity profiles. In a first proof-of-concept, the developed molecules allow studies on isoform-selective effects of Akt inhibition in cancer cells. Thus, this study will pave the way to resolve isoform-selective roles in health and disease and foster the development of next-generation therapeutics with superior on-target properties.
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50
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Li S, Zhao C, Zhang G, Xu Q, Liu Q, Zhao W, James Chou C, Zhang Y. Development of selective HDAC6 inhibitors with in vitro and in vivo anti-multiple myeloma activity. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105278. [PMID: 34474303 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders. Herein a novel series of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based HDAC inhibitors were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated, among which compounds 7a, 12a1, and 16a1 exhibited potent inhibitory activities and selectivities against HDAC6. Notably, compared with the well-known HDAC6 inhibitor Tubastatin A, our pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based HDAC6 inhibitors showed superior in vitro antiproliferative activity against human multiple myeloma cell lines RPMI 8226, U266 and MM.1S, while maintaining the low cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and two normal cell lines. The HDAC6 selective inhibition of one representative compound 12a1 in RPMI 8226 cells was confirmed by western blot analysis. Although pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine is a privileged structure in many kinase inhibitors, compound 12a1 showed negligible inhibition against several kinases including JAK family members and Akt1, indicating its acceptable off-target profile. Besides, compound 12a1 exhibited desirable metabolic stability in mouse liver microsome. The in vivo anti-multiple myeloma potency of 12a1, alone and in combination with bortezomib, was demonstrated in a RPMI 8226 xenograft model.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Development
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Histone Deacetylase 6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Histone Deacetylase 6/metabolism
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/chemistry
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Microsomes, Liver/chemistry
- Microsomes, Liver/metabolism
- Molecular Structure
- Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/metabolism
- Multiple Myeloma/pathology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunda Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Chunlong Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Guozhen Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Qifu Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - C James Chou
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, United States
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, PR China.
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