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Picón DF, Skouta R. Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Squalene Synthase: Deciphering Its Biochemical Mechanism, Disease Implications, and Intriguing Ties to Ferroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3731. [PMID: 37509391 PMCID: PMC10378455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for various diseases, including cancers, owing to its pivotal role in the mevalonate pathway and the antioxidant properties of squalene. Primarily, SQS orchestrates the head-to-head condensation reaction, catalyzing the fusion of two farnesyl pyrophosphate molecules, leading to the formation of squalene, which has been depicted as a highly effective oxygen-scavenging agent in in vitro studies. Recent studies have depicted this isoprenoid as a protective layer against ferroptosis due to its potential regulation of lipid peroxidation, as well as its protection against oxidative damage. Therefore, beyond its fundamental function, recent investigations have unveiled additional roles for SQS as a regulator of lipid peroxidation and programmed cell death pathways, such as ferroptosis-a type of cell death characterized by elevated levels of lipid peroxide, one of the forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular iron concentration. Notably, thorough explorations have shed light on the distinctive features that set SQS apart from other members within the isoprenoid synthase superfamily. Its unique biochemical structure, intricately intertwined with its reaction mechanism, has garnered significant attention. Moreover, considerable evidence substantiates the significance of SQS in various disease contexts, and its intriguing association with ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation. The objective of this report is to analyze the existing literature comprehensively, corroborating these findings, and provide an up-to-date perspective on the current understanding of SQS as a prospective therapeutic target, as well as its intricate relationship with ferroptosis. This review aims to consolidate the knowledge surrounding SQS, thereby contributing to the broader comprehension of its potential implications in disease management and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachid Skouta
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Ha NT, Lee CH. Roles of Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase 1 in Tumour and Tumour Microenvironments. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112352. [PMID: 33113804 PMCID: PMC7693003 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1, squalene synthase), a membrane-associated enzyme, synthesizes squalene via condensation of two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate. Accumulating evidence has noted that FDFT1 plays a critical role in cancer, particularly in metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation, and invasion. Based on these advances in our knowledge, FDFT1 could be a potential target for cancer treatment. This review focuses on the contribution of FDFT1 to the hallmarks of cancer, and further, we discuss the applicability of FDFT1 as a cancer prognostic marker and target for anticancer therapy.
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Park J, Matralis AN, Berghuis AM, Tsantrizos YS. Human isoprenoid synthase enzymes as therapeutic targets. Front Chem 2014; 2:50. [PMID: 25101260 PMCID: PMC4106277 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the complex biochemical network known as the mevalonate pathway is responsible for the biosynthesis of all isoprenoids, which consists of a vast array of metabolites that are vital for proper cellular functions. Two key isoprenoids, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) are responsible for the post-translational prenylation of small GTP-binding proteins, and serve as the biosynthetic precursors to numerous other biomolecules. The down-stream metabolite of FPP and GGPP is squalene, the precursor to steroids, bile acids, lipoproteins, and vitamin D. In the past, interest in prenyl synthase inhibitors focused mainly on the role of the FPP in lytic bone diseases. More recently pre-clinical and clinical studies have strongly implicated high levels of protein prenylation in a plethora of human diseases, including non-skeletal cancers, the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we focus mainly on the potential therapeutic value of down-regulating the biosynthesis of FPP, GGPP, and squalene. We summarize the most recent drug discovery efforts and the structural data available that support the current on-going studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeok Park
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Albert M Berghuis
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Youla S Tsantrizos
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Chemistry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ghosn MW, Wolf C. Stereocontrolled Photodimerization with Congested 1,8-Bis(4′-anilino)naphthalene Templates. J Org Chem 2010; 75:6653-9. [DOI: 10.1021/jo101547w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marwan W. Ghosn
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057
| | - Christian Wolf
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057
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Jiang H, Nielsen JB, Nielsen M, Jørgensen KA. Organocatalysed Asymmetric β-Amination and Multicomponentsyn-Selective Diamination of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes. Chemistry 2007; 13:9068-75. [PMID: 17694530 DOI: 10.1002/chem.200700696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An easy and affordable route for obtaining chiral beta-aminated- and alpha,beta-diaminated aldehydes, 1,3-aminoalcohols, and related compounds by using organocatalysis is presented. The chiral secondary amine (S)-2-[bis(3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl)trimethylsilanyloxymethyl]pyrrolidine is used as the catalyst to activate alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, which allows succinimide to add in a 1,4-regio- and stereoselective fashion thereby forming N-protected 1,3-aminoaldehydes in good yields and enantioselectivities. This is followed by two easy transformations giving rise to optically active 1,3-aminoalcohols, a common motif in many biologically active compounds, for example, fibrinogen receptor antagonists. Furthermore, optically active alpha,beta-syn-diaminated aldehydes were obtained by the addition of diethyl azodicarboxylate in a one-pot reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jiang
- Danish National Research Foundation: Center for Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Ishihara T, Kakuta H, Moritani H, Ugawa T, Yanagisawa I. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel propylamine derivatives as orally active squalene synthase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2005; 12:5899-908. [PMID: 15498666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2004.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2004] [Revised: 08/19/2004] [Accepted: 08/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase inhibitors are potentially superior hypolipidemic agents. We synthesized novel propylamine derivatives, as well as evaluated their ability to inhibit squalene synthase and their lipid-lowering effects in rats. 1-Allyl-2-[3-(benzylamino)propoxy]-9H-carbazole (YM-75440) demonstrated potent inhibition of the enzyme derived from HepG2 cells with an IC(50) value of 63 nM. It significantly reduced both plasma total cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels following oral dosing to rats with a reduced tendency to elevate plasma transaminase levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Ishihara
- Institute for Drug Discovery Research, Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Chemistry Laboratories, 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan.
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Gössnitzer E, Punkenhofer A, Amon A, Favre B. Novel high energy intermediate analogues with triazasterol-related structures as inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis. III. Synthesis and antifungal activity of N4-alkyl-1,6,7,11b-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[4,3-a]isoquinolin-4-amine salts. Eur J Pharm Sci 2003; 19:151-64. [PMID: 12791418 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-0987(03)00086-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A series of N4-alkyl-1,6,7,11b-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[4,3-a]isoquinolinamine hydroiodides with triazasterol-related structures was designed and synthesized to mimic, as stable analogues, native high energy intermediates (HEI) of ergosterol biosynthesis. The title compounds can be regarded as 8,13,15-triaza-13,17-secosteroids with aromatic ring A bearing the positive charge in the guanidinium moiety. Hence, these compounds present structural similarities with corresponding carbocationic intermediates occurring during the enzyme catalyzed transformation of squalene into ergosterol. The N4-alkylaminopyrimidoisoquinolinium salts were prepared by reaction of respective S-methylthiotetrahydropyrimidoisoquinoline hydroiodides with octylamine, and appropriately methyl-branched alkyl- and alkenylamines. In order to prepare (3R)-6-isopropyl-3-methyl-6-hepten-1-amine several synthetic routes were investigated. The structures of all reported compounds were proved and completely assigned on the basis of homo- and heteronuclear correlated 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests of the title compounds with a standard panel of eight pathogenic fungi revealed especially against the used dermatophytes and yeasts with MICs in the range of 1-32 microg/ml moderate to good antimycotic effects. Depending on the nature of the N4-alkyl substituents structure-activity relationships were found with a maximum of antifungal efficacy of the N4-3,7-dimethyloctylaminopyrimidoisoquinolinium iodide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Gössnitzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Schubertstrasse 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
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Hiyoshi H, Yanagimachi M, Ito M, Yasuda N, Okada T, Ikuta H, Shinmyo D, Tanaka K, Kurusu N, Yoshida I, Abe S, Saeki T, Tanaka H. Squalene synthase inhibitors suppress triglyceride biosynthesis through the farnesol pathway in rat hepatocytes. J Lipid Res 2003; 44:128-35. [PMID: 12518031 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m200316-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that squalene synthase (SQS) inhibitors reduce plasma triglyceride through an LDL receptor-independent mechanism in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits (Hiyoshi et al. 2001. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 431: 345-352). The present study deals with the mechanism of the inhibition of triglyceride biosynthesis by the SQS inhibitors ER-27856 and RPR-107393 in rat primary cultured hepatocytes. Atorvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, had no effect on triglyceride biosynthesis, but reversed the inhibitory effect of the SQS inhibitors. A squalene epoxidase inhibitor, NB-598, affected neither triglyceride biosynthesis nor its inhibition by ER-27856 and RPR-107393. The reduction of triglyceride biosynthesis by ER-27856 and RPR-107393 was potentiated by mevalonolactone supplementation. Treatment of hepatocytes with farnesol and its derivatives reduced triglyceride biosynthesis. In addition, we found that ER-27856 and RPR-107393 significantly reduced the incorporation of [1-(14)C]acetic acid into oleic acid, but not the incorporation of [1-(14)C]oleic acid into triglyceride. Though ER-27856 and RPR-107393 increased mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation, the inhibition of beta-oxidation by RS-etomoxir had little effect on their inhibition of triglyceride biosynthesis. These results suggest that SQS inhibitors reduce triglyceride biosynthesis by suppressing fatty acid biosynthesis via an increase in intracellular farnesol and its derivatives.
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Szabo CM, Matsumura Y, Fukura S, Martin MB, Sanders JM, Sengupta S, Cieslak JA, Loftus TC, Lea CR, Lee HJ, Koohang A, Coates RM, Sagami H, Oldfield E. Inhibition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase by bisphosphonates and diphosphates: a potential route to new bone antiresorption and antiparasitic agents. J Med Chem 2002; 45:2185-96. [PMID: 12014956 DOI: 10.1021/jm010412y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the inhibition of a human recombinant geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPSase) by 23 bisphosphonates and six azaprenyl diphosphates. The IC50 values range from 140 nM to 690 microM. None of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates that inhibit farnesyl diphosphate synthase were effective in inhibiting the GGPPSase enzyme. Using three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship/comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) methods, we find a good correlation between experimental and predicted activity: R2 = 0.938, R(cv)2 = 0.900, R(bs)2 = 0.938, and F-test = 86.8. To test the predictive utility of the CoMFA approach, we used three training sets of 25 compounds each to generate models to predict three test sets of three compounds. The rms pIC50 error for the nine predictions was 0.39. We also investigated the pharmacophore of these GGPPSase inhibitors using the Catalyst method. The results demonstrated that Catalyst predicted the pIC50 values for the nine test set compounds with an rms error of 0.28 (R2 between experimental and predicted activity of 0.948).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Szabo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Brown RC, Keily J, Karim R. Solid-phase synthesis of γ-lactams, γ-lactones and cyclobutane derivatives from common resin-bound intermediates. Tetrahedron Lett 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0040-4039(00)00359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Shen W, Garvey DS, Cohen J, Stein H, Rosenberg SH. Cyclopentanedi- and tricarboxylic acids as squalene synthase inhibitors: syntheses and evaluation. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 1998; 8:891-6. [PMID: 9871507 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(98)00143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Based on earlier lead squalene synthase inhibitor A-87049 (3) and zaragozic acids, a series of cyclopentanedi- and tricarboxylic acids were synthesized and evaluated against the enzyme. Some exhibited good potency and SAR revealed the importance of conformation and substitution pattern of these synthetic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Shen
- Pharmaceutical Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA
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