Improving the affinity of SL0101 for RSK using structure-based design

Therapeutic targeting of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase

The Serine/Threonine protein kinase family, p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK) are downstream effectors of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and are activated in response to tyrosine kinase receptor or G-protein coupled receptor signaling. RSK contains two distinct kinase domains, an N-terminal kinase (NTKD) and a C-terminal kinase (CTKD). The sole function of the CTKD is to aid in the activation of the NTKD, which is responsible for substrate phosphorylation. RSK regulates various homeostatic processes including those involved in transcription, translation and ribosome biogenesis, proliferation and survival, cytoskeleton, nutrient sensing, excitation and inflammation. RSK also acts as a major negative regulator of ERK1/2 signaling. RSK is associated with numerous cancers and has been primarily studied in the context of transformation and metastasis. The development of specific RSK inhibitors as cancer therapeutics has lagged behind that of other members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Importantly, a pan-RSK inhibitor, PMD-026, is currently in phase I/1b clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer. However, there are four members of the RSK family, which have overlapping and distinct functions that can vary in a tissue specific manner. Thus, a problem for transitioning a RSK inhibitor to the clinic may be the necessity to develop isoform specific inhibitors, which will be challenging as the NTKDs are very similar to each other. CTKD inhibitors have limited use as therapeutics as they are not able to inhibit the activity of the NTKD but could be used in the development of proteolysis-targeting chimeras.

P90 ribosomal S6 kinases: A bona fide target for novel targeted anticancer therapies?

The 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family of proteins is a group of highly conserved Ser/Thr kinases. They are downstream effectors of the Ras/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. ERK1/2 activation directly results in the phosphorylation of RSKs, which further, through interaction with a variety of different downstream substrates, activate various signaling events. In this context, they have been shown to mediate diverse cellular processes like cell survival, growth, proliferation, EMT, invasion, and metastasis. Interestingly, increased expression of RSKs has also been demonstrated in various cancers, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer. This review aims to present the most recent advances in the field of RSK signaling that have occurred, such as biological insights, function, and mechanisms associated with carcinogenesis. We additionally present and discuss the recent advances but also the limitations in the development of pharmacological inhibitors of RSKs, in the context of the use of these kinases as putative, more efficient targets for novel anticancer therapeutic approaches.

RSK inhibitors as potential anticancer agents: Discovery, optimization, and challenges

Ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family is a group of serine/threonine kinases, including four isoforms (RSK1/2/3/4). As a downstream effector of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras-MAPK) pathway, RSK participates in many physiological activities such as cell growth, proliferation, and migration, and is intimately involved in tumor occurrence and development. As a result, it is recognized as a potential target for anti-cancer and anti-resistance therapies. There have been several RSK inhibitors discovered or designed in recent decades, but only two have entered clinical trials. Low specificity, low selectivity, and poor pharmacokinetic properties in vivo limit their clinical translation. Published studies performed structure optimization by increasing interaction with RSK, avoiding hydrolysis of pharmacophores, eliminating chirality, adapting to binding site shape, and becoming prodrugs. Besides enhancing efficacy, the focus of further design will move towards selectivity since there are functional differences among RSK isoforms. This review summarized the types of cancers associated with RSK, along with the structural characteristics and optimization process of the reported RSK inhibitors. Furthermore, we addressed the importance of RSK inhibitors' selectivity and discussed future drug development directions. This review is expected to shed light on the emergence of RSK inhibitors with high potency, specificity, and selectivity.

Prominent roles of ribosomal S6 kinase 4 (RSK4) in cancer

RSK4 refers to one Ser/Thr protein kinase functioning downstream pertaining to the signaling channel of protein kinase (MAPK) stimulated by Ras/mitogen. RSK4 can regulate numerous substrates impacting cells' surviving state, growing processes and proliferating process. Thus, dysregulated RSK4 active state display a relationship to several carcinoma categories, covering breast carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, glioma, colorectal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, leukemia, endometrial carcinoma, and kidney carcinoma. Whether RSK4 is a tumor suppressor gene or one oncogene remains controversial. No specific inhibiting elements for RSK4 have been found. This review briefs the existing information regarding RSK4 activating process, the function and mechanism of RSK4 in different tumors, and the research progress and limitations of existing RSK inhibitors. RSK4 may be a potential target of molecular therapy medicine in the future.

2, 4, 5-Trideoxyhexopyranosides Derivatives of 4'- Demethylepipodophyllotoxin: De novo Synthesis and Anticancer Activity

BACKGROUND

Podophyllotoxin is a natural lignan which possesses anticancer and antiviral activities. Etoposide and teniposide are semisynthetic glycoside derivatives of podophyllotoxin and are increasingly used in cancer medicine.

OBJECTIVE

The present work was aimed to design and synthesize a series of 2, 4, 5-trideoxyhexopyranosides derivatives of 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin as novel anticancer agents.

METHODS

A divergent de novo synthesis of 2, 4, 5-trideoxyhexopyranosides derivatives of 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin has been established via palladium-catalyzed glycosylation. The abilities of synthesized glycosides to inhibit the growth of A549, HepG2, SH-SY5Y, KB/VCR and HeLa cancer cells were investigated by MTT assay. Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle with propidium iodide DNA staining was employed to observe the effect of compound 5b on cancer cell cycle.

RESULTS

Twelve D and L monosaccharides derivatives 5a-5l have been efficiently synthesized in three steps from various pyranone building blocks employing de novo glycosylation strategy. D-monosaccharide 5b showed highest cytotoxicity on five cancer cell lines with the IC50 values from 0.9 to 6.7 mM. It caused HepG2 cycle arrest at G2/M phase in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

The present work leads to the development of novel 2, 4, 5-trideoxyhexopyranosides derivatives of 4'- demethylepipodophyllotoxin. The biological results suggested that the replacement of the glucosyl moiety of etoposide with 2, 4, 5-trideoxyhexopyranosyl is favorable to their cytotoxicity. D-monosaccharide 5b caused HepG2 cycle arrest at G2/M phase in a concentration-dependent manner.

Carbohydrates: Potential Sweet Tools Against Cancer

:

Cancer, one of the most devastating degenerative diseases nowadays, is one of the main targets in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical industry. Due to the significant increase in the incidence of cancer within world population, together with the complexity of such disease, featured with a multifactorial nature, access to new drugs targeting different biological targets connected to cancer is highly necessary.

:

Among the vast arsenal of compounds exhibiting antitumor activities, this review will cover the use of carbohydrate derivatives as privileged scaffolds. Their hydrophilic nature, together with their capacity of establishing selective interactions with biological receptors located on cell surface, involved in cell-to-cell communication processes, has allowed the development of an ample number of new templates useful in cancer treatment.

:

Their intrinsic water solubility has allowed their use as of pro-drug carriers for accessing more efficiently the pharmaceutical targets. The preparation of glycoconjugates in which the carbohydrate is tethered to a pharmacophore has also allowed a better permeation of the drug through cellular membranes, in which selective interactions with the carbohydrate motifs are involved. In this context, the design of multivalent structures (e.g. gold nanoparticles) has been demonstrated to enhance crucial interactions with biological receptors like lectins, glycoproteins that can be involved in cancer progression.

:

Moreover, the modification of the carbohydrate structural motif, by incorporation of metal complexes, or by replacing their endocyclic oxygen, or carbon atoms with heteroatoms has led to new antitumor agents.

:

Such diversity of sugar-based templates with relevant antitumor activity will be covered in this review.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4'-Substituted Kaempfer-3-ols

The synthesis of two series of five kaempfer-3-ols was described. The first set all have a C-3 hydroxyl group and the second has a carboxymethoxy ether at the C-3 position. Both series have variable substitution at the C-4' position (i.e., OH, Cl, F, H, OMe). Both kaempferols and carboxymethoxy ethers were evaluated for their ability to inhibit ribosomal s6 kinase (RSK) activity and cancer cell proliferation.

The affinity of RSK for cylitol analogues of SL0101 is critically dependent on the B-ring C-4'-hydroxy

Five cyclitol analogues of SL0101 with variable substitution at the C-4' position (i.e., OH, Cl, F, H, OMe) were synthesized. The series of analogues were evaluated for their ability to inhibit p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) activity. The study demonstrated the importance of the B-ring C-4' hydroxy group for RSK1/2 inhibition.

Regioselective Synthesis of a C-4'' Carbamate,C-6'' n-Pr Substituted Cyclitol Analogue of SL0101

An asymmetric synthesis of two analogues of SL0101 (1) has been achieved. The effort is aimed at the discovery of inhibitors of the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) with improved bioavailability. The route relies upon the use of the Taylor catalyst to regioselectively install C-3″ acetyl or carbamate functionality. This study led to the identification of a third-generation analogue of SL0101 with a C-4″ n-Pr-carbamate and a C-3″ acetate with improved RSK inhibitory activity.

Divergent de novo synthesis of 2,4,5-trideoxyhexopyranosides derivatives of podophyllotoxin as anticancer agents

Aim: Identification of new anticancer glycosidic derivatives of podophyllotoxin. Methods: 14 podophyllotoxin D- and L-monosaccharides have been synthesized in three steps employing de novo glycosylation strategy, and their abilities to inhibit the growth of HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7, A549 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were investigated by MTT assay. Molecular docking study of compound 5j with tubulin was performed. Immunofluorescence was applied for detecting the inhibitory effect of 5j on tubulin polymerization. Results & conclusion: Most of synthesized compounds showed strong cytotoxicity activity against five cancer cell lines. Compound 5j possessed the highest cytotoxicity with the IC50 values from 41.6 to 95.2 nM, and could concentration-dependently inhibit polymerization of the microtubule cytoskeleton of MCF-7 cells. Molecular docking disclosed that sugar moiety-dedicated hydrogen bond endowed 5j a higher binding affinity for tubulin.

Stereoselective Synthesis and Evaluation of C6″-Substituted 5a-Carbasugar Analogues of SL0101 as Inhibitors of RSK1/2

A convergent synthesis of 5a-carbasugar analogues of the n-Pr-variant of SL0101 is described. The analogues were synthesized in an effort to find compounds with potent in vivo efficacy in the inhibition of p90 ribosomal s6 kinase (RSK1/2). The synthesis derived the desired C-4 L-rhamnose stereochemistry from quinic acid and used a highly selective cuprate addition, NaBH₄ reduction, Mitsunobu inversion, and alkene dihydroxylation to install the remaining stereochemistry. A Pd-catalyzed cyclitolization stereoselectively installed the aglycon at the anomeric position. The analogues were evaluated as RSK1/2 inhibitors and found to have 3- to 6-fold improved activity.

Development of a RSK Inhibitor as a Novel Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is an incurable disease and identification of novel therapeutic opportunities is vital. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) frequently metastasizes and high levels of activated p90RSK (RSK), a downstream MEK-ERK1/2 effector, are found in TNBC. We demonstrate, using direct pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of RSK1/2, that these kinases contribute to the TNBC metastatic process in vivo Kinase profiling showed that RSK1 and RSK2 are the predominant kinases targeted by the new inhibitor, which is based on the natural product SL0101. Further evidence for selectivity was provided by the observations that silencing RSK1 and RSK2 eliminated the ability of the analogue to further inhibit survival or proliferation of a TNBC cell line. In vivo, the new derivative was as effective as the FDA-approved MEK inhibitor trametinib in reducing the establishment of metastatic foci. Importantly, inhibition of RSK1/2 did not result in activation of AKT, which is known to limit the efficacy of MEK inhibitors in the clinic. Our results demonstrate that RSK is a major contributor to the TNBC metastatic program and provide preclinical proof-of-concept for the efficacy of the novel SL0101 analogue in vivo Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2598-608. ©2016 AACR.

Bacterial Expression, Purification and In Vitro Phosphorylation of Full-Length Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 (RSK2)

Ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK) play important roles in cell signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Each of the four RSK isoforms (RSK1-4) is a single polypeptide chain containing two kinase domains connected by a linker sequence with regulatory phosphorylation sites. Here, we demonstrate that full-length RSK2-which is implicated in several types of cancer, and which is linked to the genetic Coffin-Lowry syndrome-can be overexpressed with high yields in Escherichia coli as a fusion with maltose binding protein (MBP), and can be purified to homogeneity after proteolytic removal of MBP by affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. The purified protein can be fully activated in vitro by phosphorylation with protein kinases ERK2 and PDK1. Compared to full-length RSK2 purified from insect host cells, the bacterially expressed and phosphorylated murine RSK2 shows the same levels of catalytic activity after phosphorylation, and sensitivity to inhibition by RSK-specific inhibitor SL0101. Interestingly, we detect low levels of phosphorylation in the nascent RSK2 on Ser386, owing to autocatalysis by the C-terminal domain, independent of ERK. This observation has implications for in vivo signaling, as it suggests that full activation of RSK2 by PDK1 alone is possible, circumventing at least in some cases the requirement for ERK.

Ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) modulators: a patent review

INTRODUCTION

The p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK) are a family of Ser/Thr protein kinases that are downstream effectors of MEK1/2-ERK1/2. Increased RSK activation is implicated in the etiology of multiple pathologies, including numerous types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, liver and lung fibrosis, and infections.

AREAS COVERED

The review summarizes the patent and scientific literature on small molecule modulators of RSK and their potential use as therapeutics. The patents were identified using World Intellectual Property Organization and United States Patent and Trademark Office databases. The compounds described are predominantly RSK inhibitors, but a RSK activator is also described. The majority of the inhibitors are not RSK-specific.

EXPERT OPINION

Based on the overwhelming evidence that RSK is involved in a number of diseases that have high mortalities it seems surprising that there are no RSK modulators that have pharmacokinetic properties suitable for in vivo use. MEK1/2 inhibitors are in the clinic, but the efficacy of these compounds appears to be limited by their side effects. We hypothesize that targeting the downstream effectors of MEK1/2, like RSK, are an untapped source of drug targets and that they will generate less side effects than MEK1/2 inhibitors because they regulate fewer effectors.

Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship Study of 5a-Carbasugar Analogues of SL0101

The Ser/Thr protein kinase, RSK, is associated with oncogenesis, and therefore, there are ongoing efforts to develop RSK inhibitors that are suitable for use in vivo. SL0101 is a natural product that demonstrates selectivity for RSK inhibition. However, SL0101 has a short biological half-life in vivo. To address this issue we designed a set of eight cyclitol analogues, which should be resistant to acid catalyzed anomeric bond hydrolysis. The analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to selectively inhibit RSK in vitro and in cell-based assays. All the analogues were prepared using a stereodivergent palladium-catalyzed glycosylation/cyclitolization for installing the aglycon. The l-cyclitol analogues were found to inhibit RSK2 in in vitro kinase activity with a similar efficacy to that of SL0101, however, the analogues were not specific for RSK in cell-based assays. In contrast, the d-isomers showed no RSK inhibitory activity in in vitro kinase assay.

De novo synthesis and biological evaluation of C6″-substituted C4″-amide analogues of SL0101

In an effort to improve upon the in vivo half-life of the known ribosomal s6 kinase (RSK) inhibitor SL0101, C4″-amide/C6″-alkyl substituted analogues of SL0101 were synthesized and evaluated in cell-based assays. The analogues were prepared using a de novo asymmetric synthetic approach, which featured Pd-π-allylic catalyzed glycosylation for the introduction of a C4″-azido group. Surprisingly replacement of the C4″-acetate with a C4″-amide resulted in analogues that were no longer specific for RSK in cell-based assays.

RSK promotes prostate cancer progression in bone through ING3, CKAP2, and PTK6-mediated cell survival

Prostate cancer has a proclivity to metastasize to bone. The mechanism by which prostate cancer cells are able to survive and progress in the bone microenvironment is not clear. Identification of molecules that play critical roles in the progression of prostate cancer in bone will provide essential targets for therapy. Ribosomal S6 protein kinases (RSK) have been shown to mediate many cellular functions critical for cancer progression. Whether RSK plays a role in the progression of prostate cancer in bone is unknown. IHC analysis of human prostate cancer specimens showed increased phosphorylation of RSK in the nucleus of prostate cancer cells in a significant fraction of human prostate cancer bone metastasis specimens, compared with the primary site or lymph node metastasis. Expression of constitutively active myristylated RSK in C4-2B4 cells (C4-2B4/RSK) increased their survival and anchorage-independent growth compared with C4-2B4/vector cells. Using an orthotopic bone injection model, it was determined that injecting C4-2B4/RSK cells into mouse femurs enhanced their progression in bone compared with control cells. In PC3-mm2 cells, knockdown of RSK1 (RPS6KA1), the predominant RSK isoform, but not RSK2 (RPS6KA2) alone, decreased anchorage-independent growth in vitro and reduced tumor progression in bone and tumor-induced bone remodeling in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that RSK regulates anchorage-independent growth through transcriptional regulation of factors that modulate cell survival, including ING3, CKAP2, and PTK6. Together, these data provide strong evidence that RSK is an important driver in prostate cancer progression in bone.

IMPLICATIONS

RSK, an important driver in prostate cancer progression in bone, has promising potential as a therapeutic target for prostate cancer bone metastasis.

Kaempferol, a potential cytostatic and cure for inflammatory disorders

Kaempferol (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one) is a flavonoid found in many edible plants (e.g., tea, broccoli, cabbage, kale, beans, endive, leek, tomato, strawberries, and grapes) and in plants or botanical products commonly used in traditional medicine (e.g., Ginkgo biloba, Tilia spp, Equisetum spp, Moringa oleifera, Sophora japonica and propolis). Its anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in various disease models, including those for encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma, and carcinogenesis. Moreover, kaempferol act as a scavenger of free radicals and superoxide radicals as well as preserve the activity of various anti-oxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase. The anticancer effect of this flavonoid is mediated through different modes of action, including anti-proliferation, apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and anti-metastasis/anti-angiogenesis activities. In addition, kaempferol was found to exhibit its anticancer activity through the modulation of multiple molecular targets including p53 and STAT3, through the activation of caspases, and through the generation of ROS. The anti-tumor effects of kaempferol have also been investigated in tumor-bearing mice. The combination of kaempferol and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs produces a greater therapeutic effect than the latter, as well as reduces the toxicity of the latter. In this review, we summarize the anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of kaempferol with a focus on its molecular targets and the possible use of this flavonoid for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Total synthesis of tetrahydrolipstatin and stereoisomers via a highly regio- and diastereoselective carbonylation of epoxyhomoallylic alcohols

A concise enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydrolipstatin (THL) and seven stereoisomers has been achieved. The synthesis of THL was accomplished in 10 steps and 31% overall yield from an achiral ynone. Key to the success of the approach is the use of a bimetallic [Lewis acid](+)[Co(CO)4](-) catalyst for a late-stage regioselective carbonylation of an enantiomerically pure cis-epoxide to a trans-β-lactone. The success of this route to THL and its stereoisomers also demonstrated the practicality of the carbonylation catalyst for complex molecule synthesis as well as its functional group compatibility.