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Qin X, Xu W, Hu J, Dong Y, Ding R, Huang S, Zhao Z, Chang H, Wang X, Dong S. Structure-activity relationship study of Pseudellone C as anti-glioma agents by targeting TNF/TNFR signaling pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 278:116799. [PMID: 39213937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116799] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Glioma, a common primary brain tumor, is highly infiltrative and invasive, often leading to drug resistance and recurrence. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents is urgently needed. Pseudellone C is a novel marine triindole alkaloid. Screening of its antiproliferative activity against 55 cell lines revealed its anti-CNS cancer potential. A total of 42 derivatives of Pseudellone C were designed and synthesized, and their inhibitory activities against two human glioma cell lines (U-87MG and LN-229) were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Ten derivatives exhibited potent antiproliferative activity with IC50 values below 10 μmol, which are 18- to 39- fold more potent than Pseudellone C. Among these, derivative 4o demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability. Mechanistic studies revealed that 4o induces apoptosis primarily by activating the downstream caspase 3 cascade via the TNF/TNFR pathway. Structure-activity relationship correlations were systematically analyzed, and a pharmacophore model for further rational design was constructed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Weifeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yong Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Renbo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Shuheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhendong Zhao
- Analytical & Testing Center, Center for Advanced Studies in Precision Instruments, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Hainan Academy of Inspection and Testing, Haikou 570311, China
| | - Xiaokun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Deng H, Liu H, Yang G, Wang D, Luo Y, Li C, Qi Z, Liu Z, Wang P, Jia Y, Gao Y, Ding Y. ACT001 inhibited CD133 transcription by targeting and inducing Olig2 ubiquitination degradation. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:19. [PMID: 36990974 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most lethal malignancies with high aggressive and poor prognosis. Until now, the five-year survival rate has not been improved which brings serious challenge to human health. Lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) serve as the root of cancer occurrence, progression, recurrence, and drug resistance. Therefore, effective anti-cancer agents and molecular mechanisms which could specifically eliminate LCSCs are urgently needed for drug design. In this article, we discovered Olig2 was overexpressed in clinical lung cancer tissues and acted as a transcription factor to regulate cancer stemness by regulating CD133 gene transcription. The results suggested Olig2 could be a promising target in anti-LCSCs therapy and new drugs targeted Olig2 may exhibit excellent clinical results. Furthermore, we verified ACT001, a guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone in phase II clinical trial with excellent glioma remission, inhibited cancer stemness by directly binding to Olig2 protein, inducing Olig2 ubiquitination degradation and inhibiting CD133 gene transcription. All these results suggested that Olig2 could be an excellent druggable target in anti-LCSCs therapy and lay a foundation for the further application of ACT001 in the treatment of lung cancer in clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiting Deng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Liu
- Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyue Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Luo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenchang Qi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingtang Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Third Central Hospital affiliated to Nankai University, Nankai University, 83 Jintang Road, Tianjin, 300170, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yahui Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin, 300353, People's Republic of China.
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Dogra A, Kumar J. Biosynthesis of anticancer phytochemical compounds and their chemistry. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1136779. [PMID: 36969868 PMCID: PMC10034375 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a severe health issue, and cancer cases are rising yearly. New anticancer drugs have been developed as our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind diverse solid tumors, and metastatic malignancies have increased. Plant-derived phytochemical compounds target different oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, protein channels, immune cells, protein channels, and pumps, which have attracted much attention for treating cancer in preclinical studies. Despite the anticancer capabilities of these phytochemical compounds, systemic toxicity, medication resistance, and limited absorption remain more significant obstacles in clinical trials. Therefore, drug combinations of new phytochemical compounds, phytonanomedicine, semi-synthetic, and synthetic analogs should be considered to supplement the existing cancer therapies. It is also crucial to consider different strategies for increased production of phytochemical bioactive substances. The primary goal of this review is to highlight several bioactive anticancer phytochemical compounds found in plants, preclinical research, their synthetic and semi-synthetic analogs, and clinical trials. Additionally, biotechnological and metabolic engineering strategies are explored to enhance the production of bioactive phytochemical compounds. Ligands and their interactions with their putative targets are also explored through molecular docking studies. Therefore, emphasis is given to gathering comprehensive data regarding modern biotechnology, metabolic engineering, molecular biology, and in silico tools.
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Cheikh IA, El-Baba C, Youssef A, Saliba NA, Ghantous A, Darwiche N. Lessons learned from the discovery and development of the sesquiterpene lactones in cancer therapy and prevention. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1377-1405. [PMID: 36373806 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2147920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are one of the most diverse bioactive secondary metabolites found in plants and exhibit a broad range of therapeutic properties . SLs have been showing promising potential in cancer clinical trials, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer potential are being uncovered. Recent evidence also points to a potential utility of SLs in cancer prevention. AREAS COVERED This work evaluates SLs with promising anticancer potential based on cell, animal, and clinical models: Artemisinin, micheliolide, thapsigargin dehydrocostuslactone, arglabin, parthenolide, costunolide, deoxyelephantopin, alantolactone, isoalantolactone, atractylenolide 1, and xanthatin as well as their synthetic derivatives. We highlight actionable molecular targets and biological mechanisms underlying the anticancer therapeutic properties of SLs. This is complemented by a unique assessment of SL mechanisms of action that can be exploited in cancer prevention. We also provide insights into structure-activity and pharmacokinetic properties of SLs and their potential use in combination therapies. EXPERT OPINION We extract seven major lessons learned and present evidence-based solutions that can circumvent some scientific limitations or logistic impediments in SL anticancer research. SLs continue to be at the forefront of cancer drug discovery and are worth a joint interdisciplinary effort in order to leverage their potential in cancer therapy and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa A Cheikh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chirine El-Baba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Youssef
- Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najat A Saliba
- Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Nadine Darwiche
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Dürr L, Reinhardt JK, Dobrzyński M, Hell T, Smieško M, Pertz O, Hamburger M, Garo E. A Dimerosesquiterpene and Sesquiterpene Lactones from Artemisia argyi Inhibiting Oncogenic PI3K/AKT Signaling in Melanoma Cells. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:2557-2569. [PMID: 36351173 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A library of more than 2500 plant extracts was screened for activity on oncogenic signaling in melanoma cells. The ethyl acetate extract from the aerial parts of Artemisia argyi displayed pronounced inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Active compounds were tracked with the aid of HPLC-based activity profiling, and altogether 21 active compounds were isolated, including one novel dimerosequiterpenoid (1), one new disesquiterpenoid (2), three new guaianolides (3-5), 12 known sesquiterpenoids (6-17), and four known flavonoids (19-22). A new eudesmanolide derivative (13b) was isolated as an artifact formed by methanolysis. Compound 1 is the first adduct comprising a sesquiterpene lactone and a methyl jasmonate moiety. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 3-18 were established by comparison of their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The absolute configuration for 2 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Guaianolide 8 was the most potent sesquiterpene lactone, inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway with an IC50 value of 8.9 ± 0.9 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dürr
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob K Reinhardt
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Dobrzyński
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Hell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Smieško
- Division of Computational Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Pertz
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Garo
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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