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Hassan RM, Ali IH, El Kerdawy AM, Abo-Elfadl MT, Ghannam IAY. Novel benzenesulfonamides as dual VEGFR2/FGFR1 inhibitors targeting breast cancer: Design, synthesis, anticancer activity and in silico studies. Bioorg Chem 2024; 152:107728. [PMID: 39178704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107728] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
In the current study, a new series of benzenesulfonamides 6a-r was designed and synthesized as dual VEGFR-2 and FGFR1 kinase inhibitors with anti-cancer activity. The 4-trifluoromethyl benzenesulfonamide 6l exhibited the highest dual VEGFR-2/FGFR1 inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.025 and 0.026 µM, respectively. It showed a higher activity than sorafenib and staurosporine by 1.8- and 1.3-fold, respectively. Furthermore, compound 6l was further tested on EGFR and PDGFR-β kinases showing IC50 values of 0.106 and 0.077 µM, respectively. The target compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against NCI-60 panel of cancer cell lines at 10 µM concentration, where compound 6l displayed the highest mean growth inhibition percent % (GI%) of 60.38%. Compounds 6a, 6b, 6e, 6f, 6h-l, and 6n-r revealed promising GI% on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T-47D, and MDA-MB-231), and were subjected to IC50 determination on these cell lines. The tested compounds showed a higher activity on T-47D and MCF-7 cell lines over MDA-MB-231 cell line compared to the used reference standard; sorafenib. Compounds 6e, 6h-j, 6l and 6o revealed IC50 values ≤ 20 µM against T-47D cell line, furthermore, they were found to be non-cytotoxic on Vero normal cell line. Furthermore, the effect of the most active compounds 6i, and 6l in T-47D cells on cell cycle analysis progression, cell apoptosis, and apoptosis markers was investigated. Both compounds arrested cell cycle progression at G1 phase, furthermore, they enhanced early and late apoptosis, as well as necrosis. The capability of compounds 6i, and 6l to induce apoptosis was further confirmed by their ability to raise BAX/BCl-2 ratio and caspase-3 level in the treated cells. Cell migration assay revealed that both compounds 6i and 6l have anti-migratory effects compared to control T-47D cells after 24, and 48 h. Molecular docking studies for compounds 6a-r on VEGFR-2 and FGFR1 binding sites showed that they exhibit an analogous binding mode in both target kinases which agrees with that of type II kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M Hassan
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre (ID: 60014618), P.O. 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Islam H Ali
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud T Abo-Elfadl
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman A Y Ghannam
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Liu G, Chen T, Zhang X, Ma X, Shi H. Small molecule inhibitors targeting the cancers. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e181. [PMID: 36254250 PMCID: PMC9560750 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with traditional therapies, targeted therapy has merits in selectivity, efficacy, and tolerability. Small molecule inhibitors are one of the primary targeted therapies for cancer. Due to their advantages in a wide range of targets, convenient medication, and the ability to penetrate into the central nervous system, many efforts have been devoted to developing more small molecule inhibitors. To date, 88 small molecule inhibitors have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat cancers. Despite remarkable progress, small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment still face many obstacles, such as low response rate, short duration of response, toxicity, biomarkers, and resistance. To better promote the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cancers, we comprehensively reviewed small molecule inhibitors involved in all the approved agents and pivotal drug candidates in clinical trials arranged by the signaling pathways and the classification of small molecule inhibitors. We discussed lessons learned from the development of these agents, the proper strategies to overcome resistance arising from different mechanisms, and combination therapies concerned with small molecule inhibitors. Through our review, we hoped to provide insights and perspectives for the research and development of small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui‐Hong Liu
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xue‐Lei Ma
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hua‐Shan Shi
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Lidsky ME, Wang Z, Lu M, Liu A, Hsu SD, McCall SJ, Sheng Z, Granek JA, Owzar K, Anderson KS, Wood KC. Leveraging patient derived models of FGFR2 fusion positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to identify synergistic therapies. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:75. [PMID: 36274097 PMCID: PMC9588766 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains a deadly malignancy lacking systemic therapies for advanced disease. Recent advancements include selective FGFR1-3 inhibitors for the 15% of ICC patients harboring fusions, although survival is limited by poor response and resistance. Herein we report generation of a patient-derived FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC model system consisting of a cell line, organoid, and xenograft, which have undergone complete histologic, genomic, and phenotypic characterization, including testing standard-of-care systemic therapies. Using these FGFR2 fusion-positive ICC models, we conducted an unbiased high-throughput small molecule screen to prioritize combination strategies with FGFR inhibition, from which HDAC inhibition together with pemigatinib was validated in vitro and in vivo as a synergistic therapy for ICC. Additionally, we demonstrate broad utility of the FGFR/HDAC combination for other FGFR fusion-positive solid tumors. These data are directly translatable and justify early phase trials to establish dosing, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of this synergistic combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Lidsky
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Zechen Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annie Liu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - S David Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shannon J McCall
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zhecheng Sheng
- Department of Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joshua A Granek
- Department of Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kouros Owzar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Patient Selection Approaches in FGFR Inhibitor Trials-Many Paths to the Same End? Cells 2022; 11:cells11193180. [PMID: 36231142 PMCID: PMC9563413 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling have been investigated in various human cancer diseases. Recently, the first compounds received FDA approval in biomarker-selected patient populations. Different approaches and technologies have been applied in clinical trials, ranging from protein (immunohistochemistry) to mRNA expression (e.g., RNA in situ hybridization) and to detection of various DNA alterations (e.g., copy number variations, mutations, gene fusions). We review, here, the advantages and limitations of the different technologies and discuss the importance of tissue and disease context in identifying the best predictive biomarker for FGFR targeting therapies.
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Lee J, Choi SR, Cho KH. Network Dynamics Caused by Genomic Alteration Determine the Therapeutic Response to FGFR Inhibitors for Lung Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091197. [PMID: 36139037 PMCID: PMC9496101 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, FGFR inhibitors have been highlighted as promising targeted drugs due to the high prevalence of FGFR1 amplification in cancer patients. Although various potential biomarkers for FGFR inhibitors have been suggested, their functional effects have been shown to be limited due to the complexity of the cancer signaling network and the heterogenous genomic conditions of patients. To overcome such limitations, we have reconstructed a lung cancer network model by integrating a cell line genomic database and analyzing the model in order to understand the underlying mechanism of heterogeneous drug responses. Here, we identify novel genomic context-specific candidates that can increase the efficacy of FGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, we suggest optimal targets that can induce more effective therapeutic responses than that of FGFR inhibitors in each of the FGFR-resistant lung cancer cells through computational simulations at a system level. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of differential responses to FGFR inhibitors for optimal therapeutic strategies in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kwang-Hyun Cho
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-350-4325; Fax: +82-42-350-4310
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Recent progress on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities for tumor therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:89. [PMID: 35799213 PMCID: PMC9263050 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are a family of receptor protein tyrosine kinases that play an important role in the regulation of tumor-induced angiogenesis. Currently, VEGFR inhibitors have been widely used in the treatment of various tumors. However, current VEGFR inhibitors are limited to a certain extent due to limited clinical efficacy and potential toxicity, which hinder their clinical application. Thus, the development of new strategies to improve the clinical outcomes and minimize the toxic effects of VEGFR inhibitors is required. Given the synergistic effect of VEGFR and other therapies in tumor development and progression, VEGFR dual-target inhibitors are becoming an attractive approach due to their favorable pharmacodynamics, low toxicity, and anti-resistant effects. This perspective provides an overview of the development of VEGFR dual-target inhibitors from multiple aspects, including rational target combinations, drug discovery strategies, structure–activity relationships and future directions.
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