Transcriptional regulation of topoisomerase II alpha at confluence and pharmacological modulation of expression by bis-benzimidazole drugs

Effects of N-terminus modified Hx-amides on DNA binding affinity, sequence specificity, cellular uptake, and gene expression

Five X-HxIP (Hx-amides) 6a-e, in which the N-terminus p-anisyl moiety is modified, were designed and synthesised with the purpose of optimising DNA binding, improving cellular uptake/nuclear penetration, and enhancing the modulation of the topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) gene expression. The modifications include a fluorophenyl group and other heterocycles bearing different molecular shapes, size, and polarity. Like their parent compound HxIP 3, all five X-HxIP analogues bind preferentially to their cognate sequence 5'-TACGAT-3', which is found embedded on the 5' flank of the inverted CCAAT box-2 (ICB2) site in the TOP2A gene promoter, and inhibit protein complex binding. Interestingly, the 4-pyridyl analog 6a exhibits greater binding affinity for the target DNA sequence and abolishes the protein:ICB2 interaction in vitro, at a lower concentration, compared to the prototypical compound HxIP 3. Analogues 6b-e, display improved DNA sequence specificity, but reduced binding affinity for the cognate sequence, relative to the unmodified HxIP 3, with polyamides 6b and 6e being the most sequence selective. However, unlike 3 and 6b, 6a was unable to enter cells, access the nucleus and thereby affect TOP2A gene expression in confluent human lung cancer cells. These results show that while DNA binding affinity and sequence selectivity are important, consideration of cellular uptake and concentration in the nucleus are critical when exerting biological activity is the desired outcome. By characterising the DNA binding, cellular uptake and gene regulatory properties of these small molecules, we can elucidate the determinants of the elicited biological activity, which can be impacted by even small structural modifications in the polyamide molecular design.

DNA topoisomerases as additional targets for anticancer monofunctional platinum(ii) complexes

Topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes and important targets for DNA-oriented anticancer drugs. Two mitochondrion-targeted monofunctional platinum(ii) complexes, [Pt(ortho-PPh₃CH₂Py)(NH₃)₂Cl](NO₃)₂ (OPT) and [Pt(para-PPh₃CH₂Py)(NH₃)₂Cl](NO₃)₂ (PPT; PPh₃ = triphenylphosphonium, Py = pyridine), show significant inhibition towards the activity of DNA topoisomerases in addition to their DNA binding and mitochondrial targeting capabilities. OPT exhibits strong cytotoxicity toward the human renal clear cell carcinoma 786-O and the murine prostate cancer RM-1 cell lines. The complex could bind to the minor groove of DNA, as well as DNA topoisomerases I and IIα, thereby acting as an inhibitor of topoisomerase I/IIα and causing DNA damage. The damage was evidenced by the enhanced expression of γ-H2AX, Chk1/2 phosphorylation, p53 and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of PPT on DNA topoisomerases was largely limited to the isolated enzymes. The results demonstrate that the cellular inhibition of the complex towards the DNA topoisomerases positively correlated with its mitochondrial accumulation. Molecular docking provided more detailed structural insights into the interactions of OPT or PPT with DNA and topoisomerase I/IIα. The binding sites of OPT and PPT in topoisomerase-DNA complexes are different from each other. Aside from previously revealed DNA and mitochondrial targets, this study discovered new evidence that DNA topoisomerases may also serve as targets of monofunctional platinum(ii) complexes. For a multispecific platinum complex, strong DNA binding ability does not necessarily lead to potent cytotoxicity as other factors including the cell types, mitochondrial accumulation, and activity of DNA topoisomerases also affect the outcome of DNA damage.

Design, synthesis and ADMET prediction of bis-benzimidazole as anticancer agent

A new series of bis-benzimidazole clubbed with primary amine (3i-iii) and aromatic aldehydes (4i-ix) were design and synthesize with an intention to search an anticancer lead compound under microwave irradiation in good yields. Further, the spectral characterization of synthetic compounds were done with modern instrumental techniques such as FTIR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), MS and elemental analysis. Anticancer activities of synthesized compounds were investigated at National Cancer Institute (NCI) against NCI 60 cell line panel, results showed good to notable anticancer activity. With the help of molinspiration, drug like properties and bioactivity score for drug targets of synthetic compounds were predicted and found to obey the Lipinski's rule, result indicates that the derivatives are orally active molecules. Osiris property explorer was used for the prediction of drug relevant properties and toxicity of synthetic compounds. Pre ADMET and Lazar toxicity was also used to estimate ADME and toxicity of synthetic compounds. Two compounds, 4i [(Z)-2-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) methyl)-1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl) prop-2-en-1-one] and 4iii [(Z)-2-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl) methyl)-1-(1H-benzo [d] imidazol-2-yl)-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one] were exhibited highest drug score and emerged as lead compounds and motivates for further development of more effective and safer compounds.

Imidazoles as potential anticancer agents

Cancer is a black spot on the face of humanity in this era of science and technology. Presently, several classes of anticancer drugs are available in the market, but issues such as toxicity, low efficacy and solubility have decreased the overall therapeutic indices. Thus, the search for new promising anticancer agents continues, and the battle against cancer is far from over. Imidazole is an aromatic diazole and alkaloid with anticancer properties. There is considerable interest among scientists in developing imidazoles as safe alternatives to anticancer chemotherapy. The present article describes the structural, chemical, and biological features of imidazoles. Several classes of imidazoles as anticancer agents based on their mode of action have been critically discussed. A careful observation has been made into pharmacologically active imidazoles with better or equal therapeutic effects compared to well-known imidazole-based anticancer drugs, which are available on the market. A brief discussion of the toxicities of imidazoles has been made. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of imidazole based anticancer drug development are conferred.

Benzimidazole Scaffold as Anticancer Agent: Synthetic Approaches and Structure-Activity Relationship

Cancer, also known as malignant neoplasm, is a dreadful disease which involves abnormal cell growth having the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Benzimidazole is an organic compound that is heterocyclic and aromatic in nature. It is a bicyclic compound formed by the fusion of the benzene and imidazole ring systems. It is an important pharmacophore and a privileged structure in medicinal chemistry. According to the World Health Organisation (2015 survey), one in six deaths is due to cancer around the globe, accounting for 8.8 million deaths of which 70% of the cases were from low- and middle-income countries. In the efforts to develop suitable anticancer drugs, medicinal chemists have focussed on benzimidazole derivatives. This review article covers the current development of benzimidazole-based anticancer agents along with the synthetic approaches and structure-activity relationships (SAR).

Modulation of topoisomerase IIα expression and chemosensitivity through targeted inhibition of NF-Y:DNA binding by a diamino p-anisyl-benzimidazole (Hx) polyamide

BACKGROUND

Sequence specific polyamide HxIP 1, targeted to the inverted CCAAT Box 2 (ICB2) on the topoisomerase IIα (topo IIα) promoter can inhibit NF-Y binding, re-induce gene expression and increase sensitivity to etoposide. To enhance biological activity, diamino-containing derivatives (HxI*P 2 and HxIP* 3) were synthesised incorporating an alkyl amino group at the N1-heterocyclic position of the imidazole/pyrrole.

METHODS

DNase I footprinting was used to evaluate DNA binding of the diamino Hx-polyamides, and their ability to disrupt the NF-Y:ICB2 interaction assessed using EMSAs. Topo IIα mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein (Immunoblotting) levels were measured following 18h polyamide treatment of confluent A549 cells. γH2AX was used as a marker for etoposide-induced DNA damage after pre-treatment with HxIP* 3 and cell viability was measured using Cell-Titer Glo®.

RESULTS

Introduction of the N1-alkyl amino group reduced selectivity for the target sequence 5'-TACGAT-3' on the topo IIα promoter, but increased DNA binding affinity. Confocal microscopy revealed both fluorescent diamino polyamides localised in the nucleus, yet HxI*P 2 was unable to disrupt the NF-Y:ICB2 interaction and showed no effect against the downregulation of topo IIα. In contrast, inhibition of NF-Y binding by HxIP* 3 stimulated dose-dependent (0.1-2μM) re-induction of topo IIα and potentiated cytotoxicity of topo II poisons by enhancing DNA damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyamide functionalisation at the N1-position offers a design strategy to improve drug-like properties. Dicationic HxIP* 3 increased topo IIα expression and chemosensitivity to topo II-targeting agents.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Pharmacological modulation of topo IIα expression has the potential to enhance cellular sensitivity to clinically-used anticancer therapeutics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Factor Y in Development and Disease, edited by Prof. Roberto Mantovani.

Nuclear Localization and Gene Expression Modulation by a Fluorescent Sequence-Selective p-Anisyl-benzimidazolecarboxamido Imidazole-Pyrrole Polyamide

Synthetic pyrrole (P)-imidazole (I) containing polyamides can target predetermined DNA sequences and modulate gene expression by interfering with transcription factor binding. We have previously shown that rationally designed polyamides targeting the inverted CCAAT box 2 (ICB2) of the topoisomerase IIα (topo IIα) promoter can inhibit binding of transcription factor NF-Y, re-inducing expression of the enzyme in confluent cells. Here, the A/T recognizing fluorophore, p-anisylbenzimidazolecarboxamido (Hx) was incorporated into the hybrid polyamide HxIP, which fluoresces upon binding to DNA, providing an intrinsic probe to monitor cellular uptake. HxIP targets the 5'-TACGAT-3' sequence of the 5' flank of ICB2 with high affinity and sequence specificity, eliciting an ICB2-selective inhibition/displacement of NF-Y. HxIP is readily taken up by NIH3T3 and A549 cells, and detected in the nucleus within minutes. Exposure to the polyamide at confluence resulted in a dose-dependent upregulation of topo IIα expression and enhanced formation of etoposide-induced DNA strand breaks.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-benzimidazole hybrids as inhibitors of both tubulin polymerization and PI3K/Akt pathway

A series of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-benzimidazole hybrids (5a–aa) were prepared and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of sixty human tumor cell lines. Among them compounds 5d and 5l showed significant cytotoxic activity with GI50 values ranging from 1.06 to 14.9 μM and 0.43 to 7.73 μM, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that these compounds arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced cell death by apoptosis. The tubulin polymerization assay (IC50 of 5d is 3.25 μM and 5l is 1.71 μM) and immunofluorescence analysis showed that these compounds effectively inhibited the microtubule assembly in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Further, the apoptotic effects of compounds were confirmed by Hoechst staining, mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, ROS generation, caspase 9 activation and DNA fragmentation analysis. After treatment with these compounds for 48 h, p-PTEN and p-AKT levels were markedly decreased. Moreover, these compounds did not significantly inhibit the normal human embryonic kidney cells, HEK-293. The molecular docking simulations predicted the binding interactions of 5d and 5l with colchicine binding site of the tubulin, which is in compliance with the antiproliferative activity data.

Nitric oxide inhibition, antioxidant, and antitumour activities of novel copper(ii) bis-benzimidazole diamide nanocoordination complexes

Antitumor effect illustrated by changes in body weight. In control mice, body weight increased to 11.5 g but when treated withC3, body weight difference as compared to the control decreased by 4.7 g and decreased to 2.2 g and 0.6 g withC1andC2, respectively.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzimidazole-linked 1,2,3-triazole congeners as agents

Background

Benzimidazoles and triazoles are useful structures for research and development of new pharmaceutical molecules and have received much attention in the last decade because of their highly potent medicinal activities.

Findings

A simple and efficient synthesis of triazole was carried out by treatment of 2-(4-azidophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (6) with different types of terminal alkynes in t-BuOH/H₂O, sodium ascorbate, and Zn(OTf)₂, screened for cytotoxicity assay and achieved good results. A series of new benzimidazole-linked 1,2,3-triazole (8a-i) congeners were synthesized through cyclization of terminal alkynes and azide. These synthesized congeners 8a-i were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines. These benzimidazole-linked 1,2,3-triazole derivatives have shown promising activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.1 to 43 μM. Among them, the compounds (8a, 8b, 8c, and 8e) showed comparable cytotoxicity with adriamycin control drug.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we have developed a simple, convenient, and an efficient convergent approach for the synthesis of benzimidazole-linked 1,2,3-triazole congeners as agents.

Graphical Abstract

The therapeutic journey of benzimidazoles: a review

Presence of benzimidazole nucleus in numerous categories of therapeutic agents such as antimicrobials, antivirals, antiparasites, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, proton pump inhibitors, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, immunomodulators, hormone modulators, CNS stimulants as well as depressants, lipid level modulators, antidiabetics, etc. has made it an indispensable anchor for development of new therapeutic agents. Varied substitutents around the benzimidazole nucleus have provided a wide spectrum of biological activities. Importance of this nucleus in some activities like, Angiotensin I (AT(1)) receptor antagonism and proton-pump inhibition is reviewed separately in literature. Even some very short reviews on biological importance of this nucleus are also known in literature. However, owing to fast development of new drugs possessing benzimidazole nucleus many research reports are generated in short span of time. So, there is a need to couple the latest information with the earlier information to understand the current status of benzimidazole nucleus in medicinal chemistry research. In the present review, various derivatives of benzimidazole with different pharmacological activities are described on the basis of substitution pattern around the nucleus with an aim to help medicinal chemists for developing an SAR on benzimidazole derived compounds for each activity. This discussion will further help in the development of novel benzimidazole compounds.

Benzimidazole clubbed with triazolo-thiadiazoles and triazolo-thiadiazines: new anticancer agents

Two series of Benzimidazole clubbed with triazolo-thiadiazoles (5a-q, 5r, 5s and 5x-a(1)) and triazolo-thiadiazines (5t-w) were synthesized with an aim to produce promising anticancer agents. In vitro anticancer activities of synthesized compounds were investigated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) against NCI 60 cell line panel; results showed good to remarkable broad-spectrum anticancer activity. Among them, the compound 5h (NCS: 760452, 1-(1H-benzo [d] imidazol-2-yl)-3-(6-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-3-yl) propan-1-one) exhibited significant growth inhibition with GI50 values ranging from 0.20 to 2.58 μM and found superior selectivity for the leukemia cell lines and further screened at 10-fold dilutions of five different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM). The 5h may possibly be used as lead compound for developing new anticancer agents.

Insight into eukaryotic topoisomerase II-inhibiting fused heterocyclic compounds in human cancer cell lines by molecular docking

Etoposide is effective as an anti-tumour drug by inhibiting eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase II via establishing a covalent complex with DNA. Unfortunately, its wide therapeutic application is often hindered by multidrug resistance (MDR), low water solubility and toxicity. In our previous study, new derivatives of benzoxazoles, benzimidazoles and related fused heterocyclic compounds, which exhibited significant eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity, were synthesized and exhibited better inhibitory activity compared with the drug etoposide itself. To expose the binding interactions between the eukaryotic topoisomerase II and the active heterocyclic compounds, docking studies were performed, using the software Discovery Studio 2.1, based on the crystal structure of the Topo IIA-bound G-segment DNA (PDB ID: 2RGR). The research was conducted on a selected set of 31 fused heterocyclic compounds with variation in structure and activity. The structural analyses indicate coordinate and hydrogen bonding interactions, van der Waals interactions and hydrophobic interactions between ligands and the protein, as Topo IIA-bound G-segment DNA are responsible for the preference of inhibition and potency. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the compounds 1a, 1c, 3b, 3c, 3e and 4a are significant anti-tumour drug candidates that should be further studied.

Targeting the ICB2 site of the topoisomerase IIalpha promoter with a formamido-pyrrole-imidazole-pyrrole H-pin polyamide

The synthesis, DNA binding characteristics and biological activity of an N-formamido pyrrole- and imidazole-containing H-pin polyamide (f-PIP H-pin, 2) designed to selectively target the ICB2 site on the topoIIalpha promoter, is reported herein. Thermal denaturation, circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance and DNase I footprinting studies demonstrated that 2 maintained the selectivity of the unlinked parent monomer f-PIP (1) and with a slight enhancement in binding affinity (K(eq)=5 x 10(5)M(-1)) to the cognate site (5'-TACGAT-3'). H-pin 2 also exhibited comparable ability to inhibit NF-Y binding to 1, as demonstrated by gel shift studies. However, in stark contrast to monomer 1, the H-pin did not affect the up-regulation of topoisomerase IIalpha (topoIIalpha) in cells (Western blot), suggesting that the H-pin does not enter the nucleus. This study is the first to the authors' knowledge that reports such a markedly different cellular response between two compounds of almost identical binding characteristics.

A 96-well DNase I footprinting screen for drug-DNA interactions

The established protocol for DNase I footprinting has been modified to allow multiple parallel reactions to be rapidly performed in 96-well microtitre plates. By scrutinizing every aspect of the traditional method and making appropriate modifications it has been possible to considerably reduce the time, risk of sample loss and complexity of footprinting, whilst dramatically increasing the yield of data (30-fold). A semi-automated analysis system has also been developed to present footprinting data as an estimate of the binding affinity of each tested compound to any base pair in the assessed DNA sequence, giving an intuitive ‘one compound–one line’ scheme. Here, we demonstrate the screening capabilities of the 96-well assay and the subsequent data analysis using a series of six pyrrolobenzodiazepine-polypyrrole compounds and human Topoisomerase II alpha promoter DNA. The dramatic increase in throughput, quantified data and decreased handling time allow, for the first time, DNase I footprinting to be used as a screening tool to assess DNA-binding agents.

Synthesis and inhibitory activity of new benzimidazole derivatives against Burkitt's lymphoma promotion

As a continuation to our previous work concerning antitumor benzimidazoles, we have synthesized series of new derivatives of 2-(1-benzyl-2-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-5-ylimino)-3-(substituted)-thiazolidin-4-one (6a-e), 3-(2-methyl-1H-benzimidazol-5-yl)-2-substituted-thiazolidin-4-one (9a-f) and we have studied their inhibitory activity against the Epstein-Barr virus-early antigen (EBV-EA) activation introduced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Compound 6d was found to be significantly active and compounds 5a and 6e were also active.

Modulation of topoisomerase IIalpha expression by a DNA sequence-specific polyamide

Topoisomerase IIalpha (topo IIalpha) is an important target for several chemotherapeutic agents, including etoposide and doxorubicin. Confluent cells express low levels of topo IIalpha and are resistant to etoposide treatment. Repression of transcription in confluent cells is mediated by binding of the transcription factor NF-Y to inverted CCAAT motifs within the topo IIalpha promoter. To block the repressive binding of NF-Y, a polyamide (JH-37) was designed to bind to the flanking regions of selected CCAAT sites within the topo IIalpha promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting assays showed occupancy of the inverted CCAAT sites by JH-37. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed in vivo inhibition of NF-Y binding to the topo IIalpha promoter. Following incubation of confluent NIH3T3 cells with JH-37, increased expression of topo IIalpha mRNA and protein was detectable. This correlated both with increased DNA double-strand breaks as shown by comet assay and decreased cell viability following exposure to etoposide. Polyamides can modulate gene expression and chemosensitivity of cancer cells.

Binding of f-PIP, a pyrrole- and imidazole-containing triamide, to the inverted CCAAT box-2 of the topoisomerase IIα promoter and modulation of gene expression in cells

An N-formamido pyrrole- and imidazole-containing triamide (f-PIP) has been shown by DNase I footprinting, SPR, and CD studies to bind as a stacked dimer to its cognate sequences: 5'-TACGAT-3' (5'-flank of the inverted CCAAT box-2 of the human topoisomerase IIalpha promoter) and 5'-ATCGAT-3'. A gel shift experiment provided evidence for f-PIP to inhibit protein-DNA interaction at the ICB2 site. Western blot studies showed that expression of the topoisomerase IIalpha gene in confluent NIH 3T3 cells was induced by treatment with f-PIP. The results suggested that the triamide was able to enter the nucleus, interacted with the target site within ICB2, inhibited NF-Y binding, and activated gene expression.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of 1-substituted-2-methyl-5-nitrobenzimidazoles

Different substituents were introduced in position 1 of 2-methyl-5(6)-nitro-1H-benzimidazole (2) in order to obtain different side chains having different heterocyclic compounds, for example, thiadiazoles (5-7), tetrazoles (8, 9a, b), triazoles (11-13), thiazoles (14a-e), triazines (10, 16, 17), and imidazoles (18a-c). The antitumor effect of compounds 1, 2, 2a, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9a, 10, 13, 14a, 15, 16, and 18c was studied against breast cancer (MCF7) and compounds 2 [IC(50)=4.52 microg] and 7 [IC(50)=8.29 microg] were found to be active.

Synthesis and Evaluation of an Intercalator-Polyamide Hairpin Designed to Target the Inverted CCAAT Box 2 in the Topoisomerase IIα Promoter

The synthesis and DNA-binding properties of a novel naphthalimide-polyamide hairpin (3) designed to target the inverted CCAAT box 2 (ICB2) site on the topoisomerase IIalpha (topoIIalpha) promoter are described. The polyamide component of 3 was derived from the minor-groove binder, 2, and tailored to bind to the 5'-TTGGT sequence found in and flanking ICB2. The propensity of mitonafide 4 to intercalate between G-C base pairs was exploited by the incorporation of a naphthalimide moiety at the N terminus of 2. Hybrid 3 targeted 5'-CGATTGGT and covered eight contiguous base pairs, which included the underlined ICB2 site. DNase I footprinting analysis with the topoIIalpha promoter sequence demonstrated that 3 bound selectively to the ICB2 and ICB3 sites. Thermal-denaturation studies confirmed these results, and the highest degree of stabilization was found for ICB2 and -3 in preference to ICB1 (4.1, 4.6, and 0.6 degrees C, respectively). CD studies confirmed minor-groove binding and suggested a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Emission-titration experiments established intercalative binding. Surface plasmon resonance results showed strong binding to ICB2 (2.5x10(7) M(-1)) with no observable binding to ICB1. Furthermore, the binding constant of 3 to ICB2 was larger than that of the parent polyamide 2. The increased binding affinity was primarily due to a reduction in the dissociation-rate constant of the polyamide-DNA complex, which can be attributed to the N-terminal naphthalimide moiety. In addition, the binding site of 3 was larger than that of 2, which innately improved sequence selectivity. We conclude that the polyamide-naphthalimide 3 selectively binds to the ICB2 site by simultaneous intercalation and minor-groove binding, and warrants further investigation as a model compound for the regulation of topoIIalpha gene expression.

Osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis associated with androgen action in bone: requirement of increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio

Both the number and the activity of osteoblasts are critical for normal bone growth and maintenance. Although a potential role for estrogen in protection of bone mass through inhibition of osteoblast apoptosis has been proposed, a function for androgen is much less clear. The aim of this study was to establish a direct role for androgen to influence osteoblast apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. AR-MC3T3-E1 cells, with androgen receptor (AR) overexpression controlled by the type I collagen promoter, were treated with the non-aromatizable androgen 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Apoptosis was assessed by three different techniques including DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Transactivation of AR by DHT enhanced apoptosis while 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) treatment reduced apoptosis in both proliferating preosteoblasts and mature osteocyte-like cells. To explore mechanism, the apoptosis regulators Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic) and Bax (proapoptotic) were evaluated. Western analysis revealed that DHT decreased Bcl-2 resulting in a significantly increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Regulation of Bcl-2 was post-transcriptional since bcl-2 mRNA levels were unaffected by DHT treatment. Furthermore, ubiquitination of Bcl-2 was increased and serine phosphorylation was reduced, consistent with inhibition of MAP kinase signaling by DHT. Increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was essential since either Bcl-2 overexpression or Bax downregulation by RNA interference (RNAi) partially abrogated or reversed DHT-enhanced osteoblastic apoptosis. In order to establish physiologic significance in vivo, AR-transgenic mice with AR overexpression in the osteoblast lineage and thus enhanced androgen sensitivity were characterized. In male AR-transgenic mice, increased osteoblast apoptosis was observed in vivo even in association with new bone formation. Thus, although estrogen can be antiapoptotic, androgen stimulates osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis through an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio even in anabolic settings. These results identify a new mechanism for androgen regulation of osteoblast activity distinct from estrogen, and suggest that enhanced apoptosis can be associated with anabolic stimulation of new bone growth. Androgens thus play a distinct role in skeletal homeostasis.

An in vitro study of Hoechst 33342 redistribution and its effects on cell viability

Although Hoechst 33342 (H342) is frequently used to label donor cells in cell transplantation research, it has been noted that it might secondarily label the host cells. Furthermore, its potential toxicity leading to cell death has been described. We studied the time course of H342 redistribution from the primary labeled rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSC) into the non-labeled rBMSC population over 7 days in culture; we evaluated the nuclear H342 fluorescence intensity as a possible criterion for distinguishing the primary from the secondary labeled cells, and determined the viability of rBMSC after an overnight incubation in 1 microg/mL of H342. H342 labeled >50% of the initially non-labeled cells within the first 6 hours and almost 90% within a week. Nuclear fluorescence intensity was a reliable criterion for distinguishing primary and secondary labeled cells within the first 24 hours, but less so at later time points. The percentage of either apoptotic or necrotic cells did not rise acutely after the overnight incubation in 1 microg/mL of H342. Although a 12-hour incubation of rBMSC in 1 microg/mL of H342 did not cause acute cell death, H342 rapidly and extensively redistributed into non-labeled cells, which makes H342 a relatively unsuitable marker for cell transplantation research.

Sequence specific recognition of DNA by tailor-made hairpin conjugates of achiral seco-cyclopropaneindoline-2-benzofurancarboxamide and pyrrole–imidazole polyamides

Hairpin conjugates of achiral seco-cyclopropaneindoline-2-benzofurancarboxamide (achiral seco-CI-Bf) and three diamides (ImPy 1, PyIm 2, and PyPy 3, where Py is pyrrole, and Im is imidazole), linked by a gamma-aminobutyrate group, were synthesized. The sequence-specific covalent alkylation of the achiral CI moiety with adenine-N3 in the minor groove was ascertained by thermally induced DNA cleavage experiments. The results provide evidence that hairpin conjugates of achiral seco-CI-Bf-gamma-polyamides could be tailored to target specific DNA sequences according to a set of general rules: the achiral CI moiety selectively reacts with adenine-N3, a stacked pair of imidazole/benzofuran prefers a G/C base pair, and a pyrrole/benzofuran prefers an A/T or T/A base pair. Models for the binding of hairpin conjugates 1-3 with sequences 5'-TCA(888)G-3', 5'-CAA(857)C-3', and 5'-TTA(843)C-3' are proposed.

Understanding topoisomerase I and II in terms of QSAR

A variety of antitumor agents currently used in chemotherapy or evaluated in clinical trials are known to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I or II. We have developed sixteen quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) for different sets of compounds that are camptothecin analogs, 1,4-naphthoquinones, unsaturated acids, benzimidazoles, quinolones, and miscellaneous fused heterocycles to understand chemical-biological interactions governing their inhibitory activities toward topoisomerase I and II.

Synthesis of C8-linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine–benzimidazole conjugates with remarkable DNA-binding affinity

Two types of benzimidazoles have been synthesized and linked to DC-81 at C8-position through different alkyl chain spacers. These PBD conjugates have exhibited remarkable DNA-binding affinity, and a representative compound shows promising in vitro anticancer activity.

Some fused heterocyclic compounds as eukaryotic topoisomerase II inhibitors

Our previously synthesized 37 compounds, which are 2,5,6-substituted benzoxazole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, and oxazolo(4,5-b)pyridine derivatives, were tested for their eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity in cell free system and 28 were found to inhibit the topoisomerase II at an initial concentration of 100 microg/ml. After further testing at a lower range of concentrations, 12 derivatives, which were considered as positive topoisomerase inhibitors, exhibited IC50 values between 11.4 and 46.8 microM. Etoposide was used as the standard reference drug to compare the inhibitor activity. Among these compounds, 2-phenoxymethylbenzothiazole (3f), 6-nitro-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)benzoxazole (1a), 5-methylcarboxylate-2-phenylthiomethylbenzimidazole (3c), and 6-methyl-2-(2-nitrophenyl)benzoxazole (1c) were found to be more active than the reference drug etoposide. Present results point out that, besides the very well-known bi- and ter-benzimidazoles, compounds with single bicycle fused ring systems in their structure such as benzimidazole, benzoxazole, benzothiazole, and/or oxazolopyridine derivatives also exhibit significant topoisomerase II inhibitory activity.

Clastogenic effects of the fasciolicide drug fasinex on river buffalo lymphocyte cultures in vitro

Fasinex (triclabendazole) has been reported to be an active fasciolocidal agent used in humans and in farm animals. The clastogenic effects of fasinex were tested in lymphocyte cultures of the river buffalo at three final concentrations: 25, 50 and 100 microg/ml. Chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and micronucleus formation are the three cytogenetic parameters used in this study. The results demonstrated that the number of cells with different types of chromosomal aberrations, including chromatid breaks and gaps, isochromatid breaks and gaps and polyploidy, was increased significantly in cultures treated with different doses of fasinex compared to the control. This increase was dose-dependent where there was a positive correlation between increased drug concentration and induction of chromosomal aberrations. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and the formation of micronuclei in all lymphocyte cultures treated with different doses of fasinex were increased significantly compared to the control; these increases were also dose-dependent. In conclusion, the three cytogenetic parameters used to evaluate the effect of fasinex revealed that the drug has a strong clastogenic effect on river buffalo lymphocytes in vitro.

ICBP90 belongs to a new family of proteins with an expression that is deregulated in cancer cells

ICBP90 (Inverted CCAAT box Binding Protein of 90 kDa) is a recently identified nuclear protein that binds to one of the inverted CCAAT boxes of the topoisomerase IIalpha (TopoIIalpha) gene promoter. Here, we show that ICBP90 shares structural homology with several other proteins, including Np95, the human and mouse NIRF, suggesting the emergence of a new family of nuclear proteins. Towards elucidating the functions of this family, we analysed the expression of ICBP90 in various cancer or noncancer cell lines and in normal or breast carcinoma tissues. We found that cancer cell lines express higher levels of ICBP90 and TopoIIalpha than noncancer cell lines. By using cell-cycle phase-blocking drugs, we show that in primary cultured human lung fibroblasts, ICBP90 expression peaks at late G1 and during G2/M phases. In contrast, cancer cell lines such as HeLa, Jurkat and A549 show constant ICBP90 expression throughout the entire cell cycle. The effect of overexpression of E2F-1 is more efficient on ICBP90 and TopoIIalpha expression in noncancer cells (IMR90, WI38) than in cancer cells (U2OS, SaOs). Together, these results show that ICBP90 expression is altered in cancer cell lines and is upregulated by E2F-1 overexpression with an efficiency depending on the cancer status of the cell line.

Some new bi- and ter-benzimidazole derivatives as topoisomerase I inhibitors

The discovery of DNA topoisomerases has added a new dimension to the study of anticancer drugs. In the last years detailed investigation of bi- and ter-benzimidazole derivatives revealed that these compounds are a new class of topoisomerase I inhibitors that poisons mammalian topoisomerase I. In this context a survey about topoisomerase I poisoning activity and cytotoxicity of bi- and ter-benzimidazoles is given. Moreover some recent results about new derivatives, some structure-activity relationships and comparison of activity of various functional groups are discussed.

DR1-like element in human topoisomerase IIalpha gene involved in enhancement of etoposide-induced apoptosis by PPARgamma ligand

OBJECTIVE

The nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands may enhance the etoposide-induced apoptosis by modulating the topoisomerase (Topo) IIalpha expression through binding to direct repeat 1 (DR1)-like element.

METHODS

To investigate the effect of etoposide-induced apoptosis by PPARgamma ligands, leukemia cell lines were treated with troglitazone and 15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) in the presence of etoposide and studied about various biological responses.

RESULTS

We found the enhancement of etoposide-induced apoptosis by PPARgamma ligands in several leukemia cell lines, which was dependent on the expression of PPARgamma and specific for TopoIIalpha inhibitor. We also observed the increased expression of TopoIIalpha protein by 15d-PGJ2 in Jurkat and HUVEC cells, which might lead to the increased sensitivity to etoposide. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 enhanced the promoter activity of human TopoIIalpha promoter construct with a DR1-like site by sevenfold when expressed with PPARgamma and RXRalpha. The mutation of DR1-like site decreased the promoter activity, although the direct binding between DR1-like site and PPARgamma/RXRalpha heterodimer was not demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the induction of TopoIIalpha expression by PPARgamma ligands via DR1-like site is an important mechanism for the enhancement of etoposide-induced apoptosis and a DR1-like site in TopoIIalpha promoter is involved in transcriptional regulation dependent on PPARgamma ligands and PPARgamma/RXRalpha heterodimer.

Characterization of the human topoisomerase IIbeta (TOP2B) promoter activity: essential roles of the nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y)- and specificity protein-1 (Sp1)-binding sites

Eukaryotic topoisomerase II (topo II) catalyses topological genomic changes essential for chromosome segregation, chromatin reorganization, DNA replication and transcription. Mammalian topo II exists as two isoforms, designated alpha and beta. Human topo IIalpha is an important cancer drug target, and an established determinant of drug sensitivity and resistance. Human topo IIbeta is also the target of anticancer drugs but its role in drug resistance is less clear. The two human topo II proteins are encoded by the TOP2A and TOP2B genes, respectively, which despite their highly conserved structural organization, are subject to distinctly different modes of regulation. In the present study, we have cloned and characterized the human TOP2B promoter containing a 1.3 kb fragment of the 5'-flanking and untranslated region (-1067 to +193). We found that the promoter activity of this TOP2B fragment was constant throughout the cell cycle, in contrast to the activity of the proximal promoter of TOP2A which was low in resting cells and enhanced during proliferation. Analyses of 5'-serially and internally deleted luciferase reporter constructs revealed that 80% of the TOP2B promoter activity could be attributed to the region between -533 and -481. Mutational analyses of putative regulatory elements indicated that two inverted CCAAT boxes (ICBs) within this region were essential for TOP2B promoter activity and gel mobility-shift assays indicated these sites bound the transcription factor nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y). Co-transfection experiments using a dominant-negative form of subunit A of NF-Y suggested that TOP2B promoter activity required direct interaction of NF-Y with the ICBs. In addition, a specificity protein-1 (Sp1)-binding GC box located just upstream of the ICBs was shown to contribute to TOP2B promoter activity in a synergistic manner with the ICBs. Our results suggest that the binding sites for NF-Y and Sp1 are critical for TOP2B transcription.

Synthesis, DNA-binding activity and cytotoxicity of carbamate derivatives of Hoechst 33258 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells

A series of carbamate derivatives of Hoechst 33258 was prepared as potential anticancer agents. These new compounds (1-4) were readily prepared in good yields by addition of chloroethyl, bromoethyl, chloropropyl or 4-(chloromethyl)phenyl isocyanates to Hoechst 33258. Their cytotoxic activity was evaluated on human breast cancer MCF-7. Compounds 1-4 were more cytotoxic than Hoechst 33258. In particular derivative 4, the most active of the series, is up to 3 times more potent than Hoechst 33258. The DNA-binding ability of these compounds was evaluated by an ultrafiltration method using calf thymus DNA. These data show that in broad terms the cytotoxic potency of 1-4 in cultured breast cancer MCF-7 cells increases, in accord with their increases in DNA affinity, as shown by the binding constant values.