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Liu W, Mossel P, Schwach V, Slart RHJA, Luurtsema G. Cardiac PET Imaging of ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters: Opportunities and Challenges. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1715. [PMID: 38139840 PMCID: PMC10748140 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a broad family of membrane protein complexes that use energy to transport molecules across cells and/or intracellular organelle lipid membranes. Many drugs used to treat cardiac diseases have an affinity for these transporters. Among others, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays an essential role in regulating drug concentrations that reach cardiac tissue and therefore contribute to cardiotoxicity. As a molecular imaging modality, positron emission tomography (PET) has emerged as a viable technique to investigate the function of P-gp in organs and tissues. Using PET imaging to evaluate cardiac P-gp function provides new insights for drug development and improves the precise use of medications. Nevertheless, information in this field is limited. In this review, we aim to examine the current applications of ABC transporter PET imaging and its tracers in the heart, with a specific emphasis on P-gp. Furthermore, the opportunities and challenges in this novel field will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanling Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Pascalle Mossel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Verena Schwach
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands;
| | - Riemer H. J. A. Slart
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.L.); (P.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Photonic Imaging, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Luurtsema
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (W.L.); (P.M.)
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Chen K, Hou J, Huang B, Xiao S, Li X, Sun H, Peng Y. Bromopropylate Imidazoliumyl Substituted Silicon Phthalocyanine for Mitochondria-Targeting, Two-Photon Imaging Guided in Vitro Photodynamic Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:921718. [PMID: 35903336 PMCID: PMC9315426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.921718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximization of phototoxic damage on tumor is essential for effective anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). Highly cancer-cell-organelle-specific delivery of efficient photosensitizers (PSs) in vitro and in vivo is in great demand. In this paper, a novel water-soluble mitochondria targeted cationic bromopropylate imidazoliumyl axially substituted silicon (IV) phthalocyanine (Br-ID-SiPc) is developed to improve PDT efficiency by enhancing the subcellular localization of photosensitizers. Benefiting from the targeting capability of bromopropylate imidazoliumyl, Br-ID-SiPc can selectively accumulate in mitochondria after cellular uptake, this process could be tracked by two-photon imaging. Br-ID-SiPc effectively damaged the circular plasmid DNA of mitochondria and induced HO-8910 cells apoptosis. Our results indicate that Br-ID-SiPc is a potential photosensitizer which can be used as a mitochondria-targeting and two-photon fluorescent imaging molecule for PDT of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuizhi Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jialin Hou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bingcheng Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuanghuang Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xia Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Sun, ; Yiru Peng,
| | - Yiru Peng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Sun, ; Yiru Peng,
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Fialova JL, Raudenska M, Jakubek M, Kejik Z, Martasek P, Babula P, Matkowski A, Filipensky P, Masarik M. Novel Mitochondria-targeted Drugs for Cancer Therapy. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:816-832. [PMID: 33213355 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666201118153242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The search for mitochondria-targeted drugs has dramatically risen over the last decade. Mitochondria are essential organelles serving not only as a powerhouse of the cell but also as a key player in cell proliferation and cell death. Their central role in the energetic metabolism, calcium homeostasis and apoptosis makes them an intriguing field of interest for cancer pharmacology. In cancer cells, many mitochondrial signaling and metabolic pathways are altered. These changes contribute to cancer development and progression. Due to changes in mitochondrial metabolism and changes in membrane potential, cancer cells are more susceptible to mitochondria-targeted therapy. The loss of functional mitochondria leads to the arrest of cancer progression and/or a cancer cell death. Identification of mitochondrial changes specific for tumor growth and progression, rational development of new mitochondria-targeted drugs and research on delivery agents led to the advance of this promising area. This review will highlight the current findings in mitochondrial biology, which are important for cancer initiation, progression and resistance, and discuss approaches of cancer pharmacology with a special focus on the anti-cancer drugs referred to as 'mitocans'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindriska Leischner Fialova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Raudenska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jakubek
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, CZ-121 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Kejik
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, CZ-121 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Martasek
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, CZ-121 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Matkowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Wroclaw Medical University, 50556 Borowska 211, Poland
| | - Petr Filipensky
- Department of Urology, St. Anne's Faculty Hospital, CZ-65691 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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4
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Wang H, Fang B, Peng B, Wang L, Xue Y, Bai H, Lu S, Voelcker NH, Li L, Fu L, Huang W. Recent Advances in Chemical Biology of Mitochondria Targeting. Front Chem 2021; 9:683220. [PMID: 34012953 PMCID: PMC8126688 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.683220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are vital subcellular organelles that generate most cellular chemical energy, regulate cell metabolism and maintain cell function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is directly linked to numerous diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, thyroid squamous disease, cancer and septicemia. Thus, the design of specific mitochondria-targeting molecules and the realization of real-time acquisition of mitochondrial activity are powerful tools in the study and treatment of mitochondria dysfunction in related diseases. Recent advances in mitochondria-targeting agents have led to several important mitochondria chemical probes that offer the opportunity for selective targeting molecules, novel biological applications and therapeutic strategies. This review details the structural and physiological functional characteristics of mitochondria, and comprehensively summarizes and classifies mitochondria-targeting agents. In addition, their pros and cons and their related chemical biological applications are discussed. Finally, the potential biomedical applications of these agents are briefly prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bin Fang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Limin Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yufei Xue
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hua Bai
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shenci Lu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Nicolas H. Voelcker
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi’an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) and Xi’an Institute of Biomedical Materials & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), Nanjing, China
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Catalán M, Olmedo I, Faúndez J, Jara JA. Medicinal Chemistry Targeting Mitochondria: From New Vehicles and Pharmacophore Groups to Old Drugs with Mitochondrial Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8684. [PMID: 33217901 PMCID: PMC7698797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in tumor cell mitochondria as a pharmacological target has been rekindled in recent years. This attention is due in part to new publications documenting heterogenous characteristics of solid tumors, including anoxic and hypoxic zones that foster cellular populations with differentiating metabolic characteristics. These populations include tumor-initiating or cancer stem cells, which have a strong capacity to adapt to reduced oxygen availability, switching rapidly between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation as sources of energy and metabolites. Additionally, this cell subpopulation shows high chemo- and radioresistance and a high capacity for tumor repopulation. Interestingly, it has been shown that inhibiting mitochondrial function in tumor cells affects glycolysis pathways, cell bioenergy, and cell viability. Therefore, mitochondrial inhibition may be a viable strategy for eradicating cancer stem cells. In this context, medicinal chemistry research over the last decade has synthesized and characterized "vehicles" capable of transporting novel or existing pharmacophores to mitochondrial tumor cells, based on mechanisms that exploit the physicochemical properties of the vehicles and the inherent properties of the mitochondria. The pharmacophores, some of which have been isolated from plants and others, which were synthesized in the lab, are diverse in chemical nature. Some of these molecules are active, while others are prodrugs that have been evaluated alone or linked to mitochondria-targeted agents. Finally, researchers have recently described drugs with well-proven safety and efficacy that may exert a mitochondria-specific inhibitory effect in tumor cells through noncanonical mechanisms. The effectiveness of these molecules may be improved by linking them to mitochondrial carrier molecules. These promising pharmacological agents should be evaluated alone and in combination with classic chemotherapeutic drugs in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Catalán
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Ivonne Olmedo
- Physiopathology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Jennifer Faúndez
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Olivos 943, Santiago 8380544, Chile;
| | - José A. Jara
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences (ICOD), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Olivos 943, Santiago 8380544, Chile;
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Monteiro JP, Oliveira PJ, Jurado AS. Mitochondrial membrane lipid remodeling in pathophysiology: a new target for diet and therapeutic interventions. Prog Lipid Res 2013; 52:513-28. [PMID: 23827885 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are arbiters in the fragile balance between cell life and death. These organelles present an intricate membrane system, with a peculiar lipid composition and displaying transverse as well as lateral asymmetry. Some lipids are synthesized inside mitochondria, while others have to be imported or acquired in the form of precursors. Here, we review different processes, including external interventions (e.g., diet) and a range of biological events (apoptosis, disease and aging), which may result in alterations of mitochondrial membrane lipid content. Cardiolipin, the mitochondria lipid trademark, whose biosynthetic pathway is highly regulated, will deserve special attention in this review. The modulation of mitochondrial membrane lipid composition, especially by diet, as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of some pathologies will be also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Monteiro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
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Pacilli A, Calienni M, Margarucci S, D'Apolito M, Petillo O, Rocchi L, Pasquinelli G, Nicolai R, Koverech A, Calvani M, Peluso G, Montanaro L. Carnitine-acyltransferase system inhibition, cancer cell death, and prevention of myc-induced lymphomagenesis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013; 105:489-98. [PMID: 23486551 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djt030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolic alterations of cancer cells represent an opportunity for developing selective antineoplastic treatments. We investigated the therapeutic potential of ST1326, an inhibitor of carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A), the rate-limiting enzyme for fatty acid (FA) import into mitochondria. METHODS ST1326 was tested on in vitro and in vivo models of Burkitt's lymphoma, in which c-myc, which drives cellular demand for FA metabolism, is highly overexpressed. We performed assays to evaluate the effect of ST1326 on proliferation, FA oxidation, and FA mitochondrial channeling in Raji cells. The therapeutic efficacy of ST1326 was tested by treating Eµ-myc mice (control: n = 29; treatment: n = 24 per group), an established model of c-myc-mediated lymphomagenesis. Experiments were performed on spleen-derived c-myc-overexpressing B cells to clarify the role of c-myc in conferring sensitivity to ST1326. Survival was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analyses. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS ST1326 blocked both long- and short-chain FA oxidation and showed a strong cytotoxic effect on Burkitt's lymphoma cells (on Raji cells at 72 hours: half maximal inhibitory concentration = 8.6 μM). ST1326 treatment induced massive cytoplasmic lipid accumulation, impairment of proper mitochondrial FA channeling, and reduced availability of cytosolic acetyl coenzyme A, a fundamental substrate for de novo lipogenesis. Moreover, treatment with ST1326 in Eµ-myc transgenic mice prevented tumor formation (P = .01), by selectively impairing the growth of spleen-derived primary B cells overexpressing c-myc (wild-type cells + ST1326 vs. Eµ-myc cells + ST1326: 99.75% vs. 57.5%, difference = 42.25, 95% confidence interval of difference = 14% to 70%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that it is possible to tackle c-myc-driven tumorigenesis by altering lipid metabolism and exploiting the neoplastic cell addiction to FA oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Pacilli
- Dipartimento di Patologia Sperimentale, Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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Ferreira JAB, Sánchez-Coronilla A, Togashi DM, Ferreira H, Ascenso JR, Costa SMB. Electrophilic reactivity of tetrabromorhodamine 123 is bromine induced: convergent interpretation through complementary molecular descriptors. J Phys Chem A 2012; 116:11938-45. [PMID: 23134615 DOI: 10.1021/jp307461m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nucleophilic addition of water and of methanol to 3,6-diamino-2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-9-[2-(methoxycarbonyl) phenyl]-9H-xanthen-9-ylium, 4BrR123, yields respectively 2-(3,6-diamino-2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-9-hydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-yl)xanthyl benzoate, HO4BrR123 and 2-(3,6-diamino-2,4,5,7-tetrabromo-9-methoxy-9H-xanthen-9-yl)xanthyl benzoate, MeO4BrR123. The novel experimental results are addressed theoretically. The linear free energy relationship, LFER, second-order perturbation theory analysis of the natural bond orbital, NBO, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules, QTAIM, lead to the same conclusion: the electron-withdrawing effect of bonded Br atoms in 4BrR123 extremely enhances the molecular electrophilicity, as compared to 3,6-diamino-9-[2-(methoxycarbonyl) phenyl]-9H-xanthen-9-ylium, R123. The reactivity of these diaminoxanthylium cations is discussed in the context of local and global softness in extended conjugated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A B Ferreira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Portugal.
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Rohlena J, Dong LF, Ralph SJ, Neuzil J. Anticancer drugs targeting the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Antioxid Redox Signal 2011; 15:2951-74. [PMID: 21777145 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.3990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Mitochondria are emerging as highly intriguing organelles showing promise but that are yet to be fully exploited as targets for anticancer drugs. RECENT ADVANCES A group of compounds that induce mitochondrial destabilization, thereby affecting the physiology of cancer cells, has been defined and termed 'mitocans.' Based on their mode of action of targeting in and around mitochondria, we have placed these agents into several groups including hexokinase inhibitors, compounds targeting Bcl-2 family proteins, thiol redox inhibitors, VDAC/ANT targeting drugs, electron transport chain-targeting drugs, lipophilic cations targeting the inner membrane, agents affecting the tricarboxylic acid cycle, drugs targeting mtDNA, and agents targeting other presently unknown sites. CRITICAL ISSUES Mitocans have a potential to prove highly efficient in suppressing various malignant diseases in a selective manner. They include compounds that are currently in clinical trial and offer substantial promise to become clinically applied drugs. Here we update and redefine the individual classes of mitocans, providing examples of the various members of these groups with a particular focus on agents targeting the electron transport chain, and indicate their potential application in clinical practice. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Even though reactive oxygen species induction is important for the anticancer activity of many mitocans, the precise sequence of events preceding and following this pivotal event are not yet fully clarified, and warrant further investigation. This is imperative for effective deployment of these compounds in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Rohlena
- Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
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Wang F, Ogasawara MA, Huang P. Small mitochondria-targeting molecules as anti-cancer agents. Mol Aspects Med 2009; 31:75-92. [PMID: 19995573 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in mitochondrial structure and functions have long been observed in cancer cells. Targeting mitochondria as a cancer therapeutic strategy has gained momentum in the recent years. The signaling pathways that govern mitochondrial function, apoptosis and molecules that affect mitochondrial integrity and cell viability have been important topics of the recent review in the literature. In this article, we first briefly summarize the rationale and biological basis for developing mitochondrial-targeted compounds as potential anti-cancer agents, and then provide key examples of small molecules that either directly impact mitochondria or functionally affect the metabolic alterations in cancer cells with mitochondrial dysfunction. The main focus is on the small molecular weight compounds with potential applications in cancer treatment. We also summarize information on the drug developmental stages of the key mitochondria-targeted compounds and their clinical trial status. The advantages and potential shortcomings of targeting the mitochondria for cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Neuzil J, Dong LF, Ramanathapuram L, Hahn T, Chladova M, Wang XF, Zobalova R, Prochazka L, Gold M, Freeman R, Turanek J, Akporiaye ET, Dyason JC, Ralph SJ. Vitamin E analogues as a novel group of mitocans: anti-cancer agents that act by targeting mitochondria. Mol Aspects Med 2007; 28:607-45. [PMID: 17499351 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria have recently emerged as new and promising targets for cancer prevention and therapy. One of the reasons for this is that mitochondria are instrumental to many types of cell death and often lie downstream from the initial actions of anti-cancer drugs. Unlike the tumour suppressor gene encoding p53 that is notoriously prone to inactivating mutations but whose function is essential for induction of apoptosis by DNA-targeting agents (such as doxorubicin or 5-fluorouracil), mitochondria present targets that are not so compromised by genetic mutation and whose targeting overcomes problems with mutations of upstream targets such as p53. We have recently proposed a novel class of anti-cancer agents, mitocans that exert their anti-cancer activity by destabilising mitochondria, promoting the selective induction of apoptotic death in tumour cells. In this communication, we review recent findings on mitocans and propose a common basis for their mode of action in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. We use as an example the analogues of vitamin E that are proving to be cancer cell-specific and may soon be developed into efficient anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Neuzil
- Apoptosis Research Group, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia.
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