1
|
Sen A, Karati D. An insight into thymidylate synthase inhibitor as anticancer agents: an explicative review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03020-y. [PMID: 38446215 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer, a widespread challenge to global health, remains a puzzle of intricate molecular dynamics. This review article delves into the mystery of cancer, with a keen focus on understanding the contributory role of thymidylate synthase (TS) in cancer. TS, a vital enzyme in DNA synthesis and repair, emerges as a significant player in the narrative of cancer development. The conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) is a major step in producing DNA. Numerous malignancies, including those of the breast, colon, lung, and ovary, have been linked to dysregulation of TS activity. Overexpression or mutations of TS lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumorigenesis molecular interactions and signalling pathways involving TS come under scrutiny, revealing the nuanced connections that propel its involvement in cancer progression. Beyond overexpression and mutations, there emerges a subtle layer of regulation that involves microRNAs (miRNAs). These tiny particles attach to the TS messenger RNA, causing translational repression or its degradation, which in turn affects TS activity. Moving towards the therapeutic realm, thymidylate synthase inhibition acts as a promising anti-cancer strategy. Targeting TS with small-molecule inhibitors could provide a novel approach to treat various cancers. By reducing the number of available nucleotides, TS inhibition would slow down or halt cancer cell division, thus depriving the tumor of the building blocks required for its proliferation and growth. The aim is to assess the viability and effectiveness of targeting TS to halt or slow down cancer progression. There is growing evidence that, in comparison to traditional TS inhibitors, few novel antifolate TS inhibitors are effective against a wider variety of neoplasms, such as lung carcinomas. It has been discovered that TS inhibitors increase cancer tissues' sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation, increasing their vulnerability to these treatments. This article aims to provide a comprehensive insight into TS, examining its cellular details, detailing the heterocyclic moieties and molecular foundations, and providing a promising future outlook.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aratrika Sen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipanjan Karati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lockman S, Genung M, Sheikholeslami K, Sher AA, Kroft D, Buist M, Olson CO, Toor B, Rastegar M. Transcriptional Inhibition of the Mecp2 Promoter by MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2 Isoforms Suggests Negative Auto-Regulatory Feedback that can be Moderated by Metformin. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:14. [PMID: 38277073 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The epigenetic factor Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is a nuclear protein that binds methylated DNA molecules (both 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine) and controls gene transcription. MeCP2 is an important transcription factor that acts in a dose-dependent manner in the brain; thus, its optimal expression level in brain cells is important. As such, its deregulated expression, as well as gain- or loss-of-function mutation, lead to impaired neurodevelopment, and compromised structure and function of brain cells, particularly in neurons. Studies from others and us have characterized two well-recognized MeCP2 isoforms: MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2. We have reported that in Daoy medulloblastoma brain cells, MeCP2E2 overexpression leads to MeCP2E1 protein degradation. Whether MeCP2 isoforms regulate the Mecp2 promoter regulatory elements remains unexplored. We previously showed that in Daoy cells, metformin (an anti-diabetic drug) induces MECP2E1 transcripts. However, possible impact of metformin on the Mecp2 promoter activity was not studied. Here, we generated stably transduced Daoy cell reporters to express EGFP driven by the Mecp2 promoter. Transduced cells were sorted into four EGFP-expressing groups (R4-to-R7) with different intensities of EGFP expression. Our results confirm that the Mecp2 promoter is active in Daoy cells, and that overexpression of either isoform inhibits the Mecp2 promoter activity, as detected by flow cytometry and luciferase reporter assays. Interestingly, metformin partially relieved the inhibitory effect of MeCP2E1 on the Mecp2 promoter, detected by flow cytometry. Taken together, our data provide important insight towards the regulation of MeCP2 isoforms at the promoter level, which might have biological relevance to the neurobiology of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandhini Lockman
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Matthew Genung
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kimia Sheikholeslami
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Annan Ali Sher
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Daniel Kroft
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marjorie Buist
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carl O Olson
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Brian Toor
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mteremko D, Chilongola J, Paluch AS, Chacha M. Ensemble-based virtual screening of African natural products to target human thymidylate synthase. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108568. [PMID: 37591123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) is a validated drug target for chemotherapy. A virtual screening experiment was used to prioritize a list of compounds from African Natural Products Databases docked against the orthosteric binding pocket of hTS. Consensus scores of binding affinities from ensemble-based virtual screening, hydrated docking and MM-PBSA calculations ranked compounds NEA4433 and NEA4434 as the best candidates owing to binding affinity scores in the picomolar order, their excellent ADMET profiles and the good stability of the protein-ligand complexes formed. The current study demonstrates the role of water in small molecule binding to hTS in mediating protein-ligand interactions. Similarly, the robust ensemble docking (relaxed scheme complex) ranked NEA4433 and NEA4434 as the best candidates. Furthermore, the best candidates prioritized were shown to strongly interact with the same residues that interacted with hTS substrate and cofactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis Mteremko
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Jaffu Chilongola
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Andrew S Paluch
- Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Musa Chacha
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania; Arusha Technical College, Arusha, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen KW, Sun TY, Wu YD. New Insights into the Cooperativity and Dynamics of Dimeric Enzymes. Chem Rev 2023; 123:9940-9981. [PMID: 37561162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
A survey of protein databases indicates that the majority of enzymes exist in oligomeric forms, with about half of those found in the UniProt database being homodimeric. Understanding why many enzymes are in their dimeric form is imperative. Recent developments in experimental and computational techniques have allowed for a deeper comprehension of the cooperative interactions between the subunits of dimeric enzymes. This review aims to succinctly summarize these recent advancements by providing an overview of experimental and theoretical methods, as well as an understanding of cooperativity in substrate binding and the molecular mechanisms of cooperative catalysis within homodimeric enzymes. Focus is set upon the beneficial effects of dimerization and cooperative catalysis. These advancements not only provide essential case studies and theoretical support for comprehending dimeric enzyme catalysis but also serve as a foundation for designing highly efficient catalysts, such as dimeric organic catalysts. Moreover, these developments have significant implications for drug design, as exemplified by Paxlovid, which was designed for the homodimeric main protease of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Wei Chen
- Lab of Computional Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Tian-Yu Sun
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Yun-Dong Wu
- Lab of Computional Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heydari N, Mahdizadeh M, Jafari SM. The evolving landscape of involvement of DTYMK enzymes in cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:213. [PMID: 37358701 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02086-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells require continuous synthesis of nucleotides for their uncontrolled proliferation. Deoxy thymidylate kinase (DTYMK) belongs to the thymidylate kinase family and is concerned with pyrimidine metabolism. DTYMK catalyzes the ATP-based conversion of deoxy-TMP to deoxy-TDP in both de novo and salvage pathways. Different studies demonstrated that DTYMK was increased in various types of cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, lung cancer, etc. Increased level of DTYMK was associated with poorer survival and prognosis, stage, grade and size of tumor, cell proliferation, colony formation, enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, migration. Some studies were showed that knockdown of DTYMK reduced the signaling pathway of PI3K/AKT and downregulated expression of CART, MAPKAPK2, AKT1 and NRF1. Moreover, some microRNAs could suppress DTYMK expressions. On the other hand based on the TIMER database, the infiltration of macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, B cells, CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell is affected by DTYMK. In the present review, we describe the genomic location, protein structure and isoforms of DTYMK and focus on its role in cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Heydari
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mahsa Mahdizadeh
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Seyyed Mehdi Jafari
- Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dasari M, Pelly SC, Geng J, Gold HB, Pribut N, Sharma SK, D’Erasmo MP, Bartsch PW, Sun C, Toti K, Arnold RS, Petros JA, Xu L, Jiang Y, Miller EJ, Liotta DC. Discovery of 5'-Substituted 5-Fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine Monophosphate Analogs: A Novel Class of Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:702-709. [PMID: 37200809 PMCID: PMC10186355 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil and 5-fluorouracil-based prodrugs have been used clinically for decades to treat cancer. Their anticancer effects are most prominently ascribed to inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TS) by metabolite 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-monophosphate (FdUMP). However, 5-fluorouracil and FdUMP are subject to numerous unfavorable metabolic events that can drive undesired systemic toxicity. Our previous research on antiviral nucleotides suggested that substitution at the nucleoside 5'-carbon imposes conformational restrictions on the corresponding nucleoside monophosphates, rendering them poor substrates for productive intracellular conversion to viral polymerase-inhibiting triphosphate metabolites. Accordingly, we hypothesized that 5'-substituted analogs of FdUMP, which is uniquely active at the monophosphate stage, would inhibit TS while preventing undesirable metabolism. Free energy perturbation-derived relative binding energy calculations suggested that 5'(R)-CH3 and 5'(S)-CF3 FdUMP analogs would maintain TS potency. Herein, we report our computational design strategy, synthesis of 5'-substituted FdUMP analogs, and pharmacological assessment of TS inhibitory activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Dasari
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Stephen C. Pelly
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jiafeng Geng
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hannah B. Gold
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Nicole Pribut
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Savita K. Sharma
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Michael P. D’Erasmo
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Perry W. Bartsch
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Carrie Sun
- Department
of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Kiran Toti
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Rebecca S. Arnold
- Department
of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Winship
Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - John A. Petros
- Department
of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Winship
Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Lingjie Xu
- Junrui
Biotechnology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Junrui
Biotechnology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Eric J. Miller
- Winship
Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory
University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Dennis C. Liotta
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University College of
Arts and Sciences, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Winship
Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kumar A, Novak J, Singh AK, Singh H, Thareja S, Pathak P, Grishina M, Verma A, Kumar P. Virtual screening, structure based pharmacophore mapping, and molecular simulation studies of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines as selective thymidylate synthase inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14197-14211. [PMID: 37154748 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2208205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo synthesis of 2'-deoxythymidine-5'-monophosphate. dUMP (pyrimidine) and folate binding site hTS inhibitors showed resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we have performed virtual screening of the pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine database, followed by binding free energy calculations, and pharmacophore mapping to design novel pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives to stabilize inactive confirmation of hTS. A library of 42 molecules was designed. Based on the molecular docking studies, four ligands (T36, T39, T40, and T13) were identified to have better interactions and docking scores with the catalytic sites [dUMP (pyrimidine) and folate binding sites] of hTS protein than standard drug, raltitrexed. To validate efficacy of the designed molecules, we performed molecular dynamics simulation studies at 1000 ns with principal component analysis and binding free energy calculations on the hTS protein, also drug likeness properties of all hits were in acceptable range. Compounds T36, T39, T40, and T13 interacted with the catalytic amino acid (Cys195), an essential amino acid for anticancer activity. The designed molecules stabilized the inactive conformation of hTS, resulting in the inhibition of hTS. The designed compounds will undergo synthesis and biological evaluation, which may yield selective, less toxic, and highly potent hTS inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India
| | - Jurica Novak
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cyber security, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Scientific and Educational Center 'Biomedical Technologies' School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Ankit Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India
| | - Harshwardhan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India
| | - Prateek Pathak
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Maria Grishina
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Olajide M, Abdul-Hammed M, Bello IA, Adedotun IO, Afolabi TI. Identification of potential inhibitors of thymidylate synthase (TS) (PDB ID: 6QXH) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF–κB) (PDB ID: 1A3Q) from Capsicum annuum (bell pepper) towards the development of new therapeutic drugs against colorectal cancer (CRC). Physical Sciences Reviews 2023. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2022-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most deadly cancer globally. Drug resistance and attendant side effects make the available standard anti-colorectal cancer drugs against target receptors inefficient. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants are safer, cheaper, effective, and heal diseases from the cellular level. This study is aimed at identifying potential inhibitors of thymidylate synthase (TS) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF–κB) target receptors from Capsicum annuum towards the development of new therapeutic drugs against colorectal cancer via in silico approach. One hundred and fifty (150) ligands previously reported from Capsicum annuum were downloaded from the PubChem database and were subjected to chemo-informatics analyses such as ADMET, drug-likeness, oral bioavailability, bioactivity, and PASS prediction to ascertain their therapeutic and safety profile before docking. The ligands that passed the analyses were docked against TS and NF–κB in duplicate using a creditable docking tool (PyRx). Raltitrexed and emetine were used as the standard drug inhibitors for TS and NF–κB, respectively. The results obtained from this study showed that feruloyl-beta-D-glucose (8.45 kcal/mol), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (−8.40 kcal/mol), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (−7.89 kcal/mol), feruloyl hexoside (−7.40 kcal/mol), O-glucopyranoside (−7.55 kcal/mol), and quercetin (−7.00 kcal/mol) shared the same binding pocket with TS while feruloyl-beta-D-glucose (−7.00 kcal/mol), chlorogenic acid (−6.90 kcal/mol), 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (−6.90 kcal/mol) and feruloyl hexoside (−6.50 kcal/mol) shared the same pocket with NF–κB. These compounds were selected as best hits due to their excellent inhibitory efficiency and chemoinformatic profiles. Thus, the compounds may function as prospective lead compounds for developing a new anti-colorectal cancer drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monsurat Olajide
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Along Ogbomoso Ilorin Expressway, Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology , Ogbomoso , Oyo , 210214 , Nigeria
- Computational Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Ogbomoso , Oyo State , Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Sciences , Crescent University Abeokuta , Abeokuta , Ogun State , Nigeria
| | - Misbaudeen Abdul-Hammed
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Along Ogbomoso Ilorin Expressway, Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology , Ogbomoso , Oyo , 210214 , Nigeria
- Computational Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Ogbomoso , Oyo State , Nigeria
| | - Isah Adewale Bello
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Along Ogbomoso Ilorin Expressway, Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology , Ogbomoso , Oyo , 210214 , Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Olaide Adedotun
- Computational Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Ogbomoso , Oyo State , Nigeria
| | - Tolulope Irapada Afolabi
- Computational Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry , Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science , Ogbomoso , Oyo State , Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bonin JP, Sapienza PJ, Lee AL. Dynamic allostery in substrate binding by human thymidylate synthase. eLife 2022; 11:79915. [PMID: 36200982 PMCID: PMC9536839 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) is essential for DNA replication and therefore a therapeutic target for cancer. Effective targeting requires knowledge of the mechanism(s) of regulation of this 72 kDa homodimeric enzyme. Here, we investigate the mechanism of binding cooperativity of the nucleotide substrate. We have employed exquisitely sensitive methyl-based CPMG and CEST NMR experiments enabling us to identify residues undergoing bifurcated linear 3-state exchange, including concerted switching between active and inactive conformations in the apo enzyme. The inactive state is populated to only ~1.3%, indicating that conformational selection contributes negligibly to the cooperativity. Instead, methyl rotation axis order parameters, determined by 2H transverse relaxation rates, suggest that rigidification of the enzyme upon substrate binding is responsible for the entropically-driven cooperativity. Lack of the rigidification in product binding and substrate binding to an N-terminally truncated enzyme, both non-cooperative, support this idea. In addition, the lack of this rigidification in the N-terminal truncation indicates that interactions between the flexible N-terminus and the rest of the protein, which are perturbed by substrate binding, play a significant role in the cooperativity—a novel mechanism of dynamic allostery. Together, these findings yield a rare depth of insight into the substrate binding cooperativity of an essential enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey P Bonin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina
| | - Paul J Sapienza
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina
| | - Andrew L Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cevik M, Namal E, Sener ND, Koksal UI, Cagatay P, Deliorman G, Ciftci C, Karaalp A, Susleyici B. Investigation of DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms on 5-fluorouracil related toxicities in colorectal cancer. Per Med 2022; 19:435-444. [PMID: 35880438 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2021-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the association of DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) related toxicities and patient survival. Materials & methods: A total of 103 colorectal cancer patients prescribed 5-FU were included in the study. Genotyping was conducted for several DPYD, MTHFR and TYMS polymorphisms using a microarray analyzer. Results: DPYD 496A>G polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with 5-FU related grade 0-2, but not severe toxicities (p = 0.02). Furthermore, patients with DPYD 85TC and CC genotypes had longer progression and overall survival times compared to TT genotypes in our study group (log rank = 6.60, p = 0.01 and log rank = 4.40, p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: According to our results, DPYD 496AG and GG genotypes might be protective against severe adverse events compared to the AA genotype. Another DPYD polymorphism, 85T>C, may be useful in colorectal cancer prognosis. Further studies for both polymorphisms should be conducted in larger populations to achieve accurate results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehtap Cevik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Marmara University Faculty of Arts and Science, Istanbul, 34722, Turkey
| | - Esat Namal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Demiroglu Bilim University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, 34394, Turkey
| | - Nur Dinc Sener
- Department of Medical Oncology, Demiroglu Bilim University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, 34394, Turkey
| | | | - Penbe Cagatay
- Department of Medical Services & Technics, Vocational School of Health Service, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, 34320, Turkey
| | - Gokce Deliorman
- Department of Software Engineering, Beykoz University Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Istanbul, 34810, Turkey
| | - Cavlan Ciftci
- Department of Cardiology, Demiroglu Bilim University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, 34394, Turkey
| | - Atila Karaalp
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, 34854, Turkey
| | - Belgin Susleyici
- Department of Molecular Biology, Marmara University Faculty of Arts and Science, Istanbul, 34722, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Klinhom-On N, Seubwai W, Sawanyawisuth K, Obchoei S, Mahalapbutr P, Wongkham S. FOXM1 inhibitor, Siomycin A, synergizes and restores 5-FU cytotoxicity in human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines via targeting thymidylate synthase. Life Sci 2021; 286:120072. [PMID: 34688691 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor, has been used as the first-line chemotherapeutic drug for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The side effects and drug resistance have developed the limits of the clinical application of 5-FU in CCA treatment. Upregulation of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and TS were shown to play a significant role in 5-FU resistance. In this study, the effect of Siomycin A (SioA), a FOXM1 inhibitor, on enhancing 5-FU cytotoxicity and reversing 5-FU resistance in CCA cell lines were demonstrated. MAIN METHODS Human CCA cell lines, KKU-100 and KKU-213A were used. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay. Expression of FOXM1 and TS proteins were determined using Western blotting. FOXM1 mRNA expression was quantitated using real-time PCR. The combination and dose reduction (DRI) were analyzed according to the Chou and Talalay method. KEY FINDING Single drug treatment of 5-FU and SioA effectively inhibited CCA cell growth in dose and time dependent fashions. The two CCA cell lines had different responses to 5-FU but exhibited similar sensitivity to SioA. FOXM1 and TS expression were increased in the 5-FU treated cells but were suppressed in the SioA treated cells. A direct binding of SioA, to TS and 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate as an inactive ternary complex was simulated. The combined treatment of 5-FU with SioA showed a synergistic effect with a high DRI and restored 5-FU sensitivity in the 5-FU resistant cells. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting FOXM1 using SioA in combination with 5-FU might be a strategy to overcome the 5-FU resistance in CCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathakan Klinhom-On
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand
| | - Wunchana Seubwai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand; Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand
| | - Kanlayanee Sawanyawisuth
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand; Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sumalee Obchoei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, 90110, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sopit Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand; Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pozzi C, Santucci M, Marverti G, D'Arca D, Tagliazucchi L, Ferrari S, Gozzi G, Losi L, Tassone G, Mangani S, Ponterini G, Costi MP. Structural Bases for the Synergistic Inhibition of Human Thymidylate Synthase and Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth by Drug Combinations. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2061. [PMID: 33923290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Drug combinations may help overcome drug resistance, a relevant cause of failure of ovarian cancer therapy. However, designing successful combinations requires a lengthy preclinical validation process. We have analyzed combinations of 5-fluorouracil and raltitrexed, two anticancer drugs that target thymidylate synthase, a key enzyme for the nucleotide synthesis. We have observed administration sequence specific and synergistic combined effects of the two drugs against cisplatin sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cells. However, the focus of this work was to show that a high stability of the complex of the enzyme with the two drugs, as highlighted by X-ray crystallography, and synergistic inhibition of the enzyme represent indicators, if not prerequisites, for this drug combination to be synergistically active against sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cells. We thus propose that structural and mechanistic information acquired during the preclinical research can help predict a successful therapeutic application of a drug combination. Abstract Combining drugs represent an approach to efficiently prevent and overcome drug resistance and to reduce toxicity; yet it is a highly challenging task, particularly if combinations of inhibitors of the same enzyme target are considered. To show that crystallographic and inhibition kinetic information can provide indicators of cancer cell growth inhibition by combinations of two anti-human thymidylate synthase (hTS) drugs, we obtained the X-ray crystal structure of the hTS:raltitrexed:5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) complex. Its analysis showed a ternary complex with both molecules strongly bound inside the enzyme catalytic cavity. The synergistic inhibition of hTS and its mechanistic rationale were consistent with the structural analysis. When administered in combination to A2780 and A2780/CP ovarian cancer cells, the two drugs inhibited ovarian cancer cell growth additively/synergistically. Together, these results support the idea that X-ray crystallography can provide structural indicators for designing combinations of hTS (or any other target)-directed drugs to accelerate preclinical research for therapeutic application.
Collapse
|
13
|
Bonin JP, Lee AL. Backbone and ILVM methyl resonance assignments of human thymidylate synthase in apo and substrate bound forms. Biomol NMR Assign 2021; 15:197-202. [PMID: 33486616 PMCID: PMC7979492 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-021-10006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) is a 72 kDa homodimeric enzyme responsible for the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP), making it the sole source of de novo dTMP in human cells. As a result, hTS is an attractive anti-cancer therapeutic target. Additionally, hTS is known to possess a number of interesting biophysical features, including adoption of active and inactive conformations, positively cooperative substrate binding, half-the-sites activity, and interacting with its own mRNA. The physical mechanisms underlying these properties, and how they may be leveraged to guide therapeutic development, are yet to be fully explored. Here, as a preface to detailed NMR characterization, we present backbone amide and ILVM methyl resonance assignments for hTS in apo and dUMP bound forms. In addition, we present backbone amide resonance assignments for hTS bound to a substrate analog and the native cofactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey P Bonin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Andrew L Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao LN, Björklund M, Caldez MJ, Zheng J, Kaldis P. Therapeutic targeting of the mitochondrial one-carbon pathway: perspectives, pitfalls, and potential. Oncogene 2021; 40:2339-2354. [PMID: 33664451 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01695-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most of the drugs currently prescribed for cancer treatment are riddled with substantial side effects. In order to develop more effective and specific strategies to treat cancer, it is of importance to understand the biology of drug targets, particularly the newly emerging ones. A comprehensive evaluation of these targets will benefit drug development with increased likelihood for success in clinical trials. The folate-mediated one-carbon (1C) metabolism pathway has drawn renewed attention as it is often hyperactivated in cancer and inhibition of this pathway displays promise in developing anticancer treatment with fewer side effects. Here, we systematically review individual enzymes in the 1C pathway and their compartmentalization to mitochondria and cytosol. Based on these insight, we conclude that (1) except the known 1C targets (DHFR, GART, and TYMS), MTHFD2 emerges as good drug target, especially for treating hematopoietic cancers such as CLL, AML, and T-cell lymphoma; (2) SHMT2 and MTHFD1L are potential drug targets; and (3) MTHFD2L and ALDH1L2 should not be considered as drug targets. We highlight MTHFD2 as an excellent therapeutic target and SHMT2 as a complementary target based on structural/biochemical considerations and up-to-date inhibitor development, which underscores the perspectives of their therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Na Zhao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Björklund
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Haining, Zhejiang, PR China.,2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matias J Caldez
- Laboratory of Host Defense, The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Information Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Philipp Kaldis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Panchal V, Kumar S, Hossain SN, Vasudevan D. Structure analysis of thymidylate synthase from white spot syndrome virus reveals WSSV-specific structural elements. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 167:1168-1175. [PMID: 33197475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the causative agent of white spot disease (WSD) severely affecting crustacean life forms, is highly contagious and forms the principal cause of massive economic losses in the shrimp aquaculture industry. Previous studies have demonstrated thymidylate synthase as a successful anti-cancer therapeutic drug target, leading to various anti-cancer drugs. The differential utilization of nucleotide precursors between white spot syndrome virus and shrimp encouraged us to analyze WSSV-thymidylate synthase (wTS). Here, we report the crystal structures of wTS in its apo-form and as a ternary complex with deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) and methotrexate at a resolution of 2.35 Å and 2.6 Å, respectively. wTS possesses a fold characteristic to known thymidylate synthase (TS) structures. Like other TS structures, the apo-form of wTS displays an open conformation, whereas the wTS ternary complex attains a closed conformation. While the C-terminal loop maintains a typical distance from methotrexate, the Sγ atom of the catalytic Cys is positioned farther from the C6 atom of dUMP. Altogether, we report the first TS structure from a crustacean virus and highlight its distinction from shrimp and other TS structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Panchal
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Moreno LM, Quiroga J, Abonia R, Lauria A, Martorana A, Insuasty H, Insuasty B. Synthesis, biological evaluation, and in silico studies of novel chalcone- and pyrazoline-based 1,3,5-triazines as potential anticancer agents. RSC Adv 2020; 10:34114-34129. [PMID: 35519030 PMCID: PMC9056798 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra06799g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel series of triazin-chalcones (7,8)a-g and triazin-N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)pyrazolines (9,10)a-g were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity against nine different cancer strains. Triazine ketones 5 and 6 were synthesized from the cyanuric chloride 1 by using stepwise nucleophilic substitution of the chlorine atom. These ketones were subsequently subjected to a Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction with aromatic aldehydes affording chalcones (7,8)a-g. Then, N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)pyrazolines (9,10)a-g were obtained by cyclocondensation reactions of the respective chalcones (7,8)a-g with 3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine. Among all the evaluated compounds, chalcones 7d,g and 8g exhibited more potent in vitro anticancer activity, with outstanding GI50 values ranging from 0.422 to 14.9 μM and LC50 values ranging from 5.08 μM to >100 μM. In silico studies, for both ligand- and structure-based, were executed to explore the inhibitory nature of chalcones and triazine derivatives. The results suggested that the evaluated compounds could act as modulators of the human thymidylate synthase enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leydi M Moreno
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
| | - Jairo Quiroga
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
- Center for Bioinformatics and Photonics-CIBioFI A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Abonia
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
- Center for Bioinformatics and Photonics-CIBioFI A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
| | - Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF", Università di Palermo Viale delle Scienze Ed. 17 I-90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF", Università di Palermo Viale delle Scienze Ed. 17 I-90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Henry Insuasty
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad de Nariño A.A. 1175 Pasto Colombia
| | - Braulio Insuasty
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
- Center for Bioinformatics and Photonics-CIBioFI A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ruiz VG, Czyzyk DJ, Kumar VP, Jorgensen WL, Anderson KS. Targeting the TS dimer interface in bifunctional Cryptosporidium hominis TS-DHFR from parasitic protozoa: Virtual screening identifies novel TS allosteric inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127292. [PMID: 32631514 PMCID: PMC7376443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective therapies are lacking to treat gastrointestinal infections caused by the genus Cryptosporidium, which can be fatal in the immunocompromised. One target of interest is Cryptosporidium hominis (C. hominis) thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase (ChTS-DHFR), a bifunctional enzyme necessary for DNA biosynthesis. Targeting the TS-TS dimer interface is a novel strategy previously used to identify inhibitors against the related bifunctional enzyme in Toxoplasma gondii. In the present study, we target the ChTS dimer interface through homology modeling and high-throughput virtual screening to identifying allosteric, ChTS-specific inhibitors. Our work led to the discovery of methylenedioxyphenyl-aminophenoxypropanol analogues which inhibit ChTS activity in a manner that is both dose-dependent and influenced by the conformation of the enzyme. Preliminary results presented here include an analysis of structure activity relationships and a ChTS-apo crystal structure of ChTS-DHFR supporting the continued development of inhibitors that stabilize a novel pocket formed in the open conformation of ChTS-TS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor G Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Daniel J Czyzyk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Vidya P Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, PO Box 208107, New Haven, CT 06520-8107, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - William L Jorgensen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, PO Box 208107, New Haven, CT 06520-8107, USA
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abdellatif KR, Belal A, El-saadi MT, Amin NH, Said EG, Hemeda LR. Design, synthesis, molecular docking and antiproliferative activity of some novel benzothiazole derivatives targeting EGFR/HER2 and TS. Bioorg Chem 2020; 101:103976. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
19
|
Li XY, Wang DP, Lu GQ, Liu KL, Zhang TJ, Li S, Mohamed O K, Xue WH, Qian XH, Meng FH. Development of a novel thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor capable of up-regulating P53 expression and inhibiting angiogenesis in NSCLC. J Adv Res 2020; 26:95-110. [PMID: 33133686 PMCID: PMC7584679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The development of a new type of Thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor that could inhibit cancer cells' proliferation and anti-angiogenesis is of great significance for cancer's clinical treatment. Objectives Our research hopes to develop a TS inhibitor that is more effective than the current first-line clinical treatment of pemetrexed (PTX) and provide a new reference for the clinical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods We obtained a series of novel TS inhibitors by chemical synthesis. Moreover, TS assay and molecular docking to verify the target compound's inhibitory mode. Use MTT assay, colony-forming assay, flow cytometry, and western blot to verify the compound's inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation and its mechanism; and explore the compound’s effect on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Further, explore the hit compound's anti-cancer ability through the xenograft tumor model and the orthotopic cancer murine model. Results A series of N-(3-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl) phenyl)-2,4-dihydroxypyrimidine-5-sulfamide derivatives were synthesized as TS inhibitors for the first time. All target compounds significantly inhibited hTS enzyme activity and demonstrated significant antitumor activity against five cancer cell lines. Notably, 7f had a high selectivity index (SI) and unique inhibitory effects on eight NSCLC cells. In-depth research indicated that 7f could induce apoptosis by the mitochondrial pathway in A549 and PC-9 cells through the upregulation of wild-type P53 protein expression. Additionally, 7f was shown to inhibit angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In vivo studies, compared to PTX, 7f significantly inhibited tumor growth in A549 cell xenografts and had a higher therapeutic index (TGI). Moreover, 7f could prolong the survival of the orthotopic lung cancer murine model more effectively than PTX. Conclusion The anti-angiogenic effect of 7f provides a new reference for the development of TS inhibitors and the clinical treatment of NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yang Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - De-Pu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Guo-Qing Lu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Kai-Li Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Ting-Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Shuai Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Kamara Mohamed O
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wen-Han Xue
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Xin-Hua Qian
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Fan-Hao Meng
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gaurav K, Adhikary T, Satpati P. dUMP/F-dUMP Binding to Thymidylate Synthase: Human Versus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ACS Omega 2020; 5:17182-17192. [PMID: 32715203 PMCID: PMC7376888 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase is an enzyme that catalyzes deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) synthesis from substrate deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP). Thymidylate synthase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbThyX) is structurally distinct from its human analogue human thymidylate synthase (hThyA), thus drawing attention as an attractive drug target for combating tuberculosis. Fluorodeoxyuridylate (F-dUMP) is a successful inhibitor of both MtbThyX and hThyA, thus limited by poor selectivity. Understanding the dynamics and energetics associated with substrate/inhibitor binding to thymidylate synthase in atomic details remains a fundamental unsolved problem, which is necessary for a new selective inhibitor design. Structural studies of MtbThyX and hThyA bound substrate/inhibitor complexes not only revealed the extensive specific interaction network between protein and ligands but also opened up the possibility of directly computing the energetics of the substrate versus inhibitor recognition. Using experimentally determined structures as a template, we report extensive computer simulations (∼4.5 μs) that allow us to quantitatively estimate ligand selectivity (dUMP vs F-dUMP) by MtbThyX and hThyA. We show that MtbThyX prefers deprotonated dUMP (enolate form) as the substrate, whereas hThyA binds to the keto form of dUMP. Computed energetics clearly show that MtbThyX is less selective between dUMP and F-dUMP, favoring the latter, relative to hThyA. The simulations reveal the role of tyrosine at position 135 (Y135) of hThyA in amplifying the selectivity. The protonation state of the pyrimidine base of the ligand (i.e., keto or enolate) seems to have no role in MtbThyX ligand selectivity. A molecular gate (consists of Y108, K165, H203, and a water molecule) restricts water accessibility and offers a desolvated dry ligand-binding pocket for MtbThyX. The ligand-binding pocket of hThyA is relatively wet and exposed to bulk water.
Collapse
|
21
|
Maj P, Mori M, Sobich J, Markowicz J, Uram Ł, Zieliński Z, Quaglio D, Calcaterra A, Cau Y, Botta B, Rode W. Alvaxanthone, a Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitor with Nematocidal and Tumoricidal Activities. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122894. [PMID: 32586022 PMCID: PMC7356228 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aim to identify novel inhibitors of parasitic nematode thymidylate synthase (TS), we screened in silico an in-house library of natural compounds, taking advantage of a model of nematode TS three-dimensional (3D) structure and choosing candidate compounds potentially capable of enzyme binding/inhibition. Selected compounds were tested as (i) inhibitors of the reaction catalyzed by TSs of different species, (ii) agents toxic to a nematode parasite model (C. elegans grown in vitro), (iii) inhibitors of normal human cell growth, and (iv) antitumor agents affecting human tumor cells grown in vitro. The results pointed to alvaxanthone as a relatively strong TS inhibitor that causes C. elegans population growth reduction with nematocidal potency similar to the anthelmintic drug mebendazole. Alvaxanthone also demonstrated an antiproliferative effect in tumor cells, associated with a selective toxicity against mitochondria observed in cancer cells compared to normal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Maj
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.M.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (Y.C.)
| | - Justyna Sobich
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.M.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Joanna Markowicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańców Warszawy Ave, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (J.M.); (Ł.U.)
| | - Łukasz Uram
- Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszów University of Technology, 6 Powstańców Warszawy Ave, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (J.M.); (Ł.U.)
| | - Zbigniew Zieliński
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.M.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.Q.); (A.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.Q.); (A.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Ylenia Cau
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.M.); (Y.C.)
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.Q.); (A.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Wojciech Rode
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (P.M.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-608-351-155; Fax: +48-22-822-5342
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pathania S, Khan MI, Kumar A, Gupta AK, Rani K, Ramesh Parashar T, Jayaram J, Ranjan Mishra P, Srivastava A, Mathur S, Hari S, Hariprasad G. Proteomics of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Early Breast Cancer for Identification of Thymidylate Synthase as a Potential Biomarker to Flag Metastasis: A Preliminary Study. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:4841-4854. [PMID: 32606973 PMCID: PMC7320752 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s255684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women across the world. Some of the patients who present in the early stage of disease are affected by metastasis to the axillary group of lymph nodes. The first among this group that is affected is called as sentinel lymph node, and its diagnosis is crucial for the staging of cancer thereby dictating the type of surgical therapy. Therefore, the sentinel lymph node status provides the most relevant information to the surgeon and patient prognosis. The expanded utilization of breast conservation surgery has declined the morbidity associated with mastectomy and axillary lymph node surgery. Recent interest is, therefore, centered on techniques that allow accurate assessment of the sentinel lymph node metastasis. A current procedure such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) that is used to assess axillary lymph node metastasis is neither specific nor sensitive, and besides, it is time-consuming. Objective To compare the protein profiles between metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes to identify a biomarker that can flag lymph node metastasis. Materials and Methods Women with early breast cancer were screened using mammography imaging and recruited to the study. Surgical resection was done to remove the breast tissue, and sentinel lymph node was identified using fluorescein and methylene blue tracer. Lymph node was sliced, and one set was sent for histopathology, which was considered the gold standard to assess the metastatic status of the lymph node. One set of slices was taken for proteomic experiments. Proteins were labelled with fluorescent cyanine tags and were subjected to difference gel electrophoresis experiment. Differentially expressed spots that had at least a twofold relative ratio and consistent pattern across three sets of biological replicate experiments were marked. Gel spots were trypsin digested and identified on mass spectrometry machine. Validation study was done by Western blot experiment on the same set of samples. Results Thymidylate synthase has a twofold higher expression in the metastatic sentinel lymph nodes as compared to non-metastatic lymph nodes in early breast cancer patients. Conclusion Differential in gel expression proteomics is an ideal platform for the identification of potential protein biomarker candidates that can differentiate metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes in early breast cancer. The identification of thymidylate synthase offers a scope to develop an on-table diagnostic kit to assess the status of sentinel lymph nodes during mastectomy procedure to guide surgical management of axillary lymph nodes in early breast cancer. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/cwaN4SoFgZk
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Pathania
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mohd Imran Khan
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Komal Rani
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Tanvi Ramesh Parashar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Jnaneshwari Jayaram
- Department of Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Piyush Ranjan Mishra
- Department of Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Anurag Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sandeep Mathur
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Smriti Hari
- Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Gururao Hariprasad
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Qi C, Gao H, Li S, Zong H, Hao H, Zhang L. A Case-Control Study on the Correlation Between Thymidylate Synthase Gene Polymorphisms and Raltitrexed Treatment Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:156-164. [PMID: 32101052 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2019.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To study the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the thymidylate synthase (TYMS) gene for their value in predicting the efficacy of raltitrexed treatment combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We conducted a genotypic analysis of the TYMS SNPs rs2790, rs8423, rs502396, rs699517, and rs1004474 in150 HCC patients who were subjected to raltitrexed treatment combined with TACE (study group) and another 150 HCC patients who were treated with doxorubicin combined with TACE (control group). After 1 year of follow-up and interventional therapy, the relationship between the TYMS SNPs and survival rate, and the prognosis for survival were analyzed. Results: After interventional therapy, the response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the study group were 52.67% and 87.33%, respectively; whereas the RR and DCR of the control group were 54.67% and 84.67%, respectively. No significant differences were detected by comparison of the RRs (p = 0.728) and DCRs (p = 0.506) between the two groups. The HCC patients' TYMS SNPs rs2790, rs8423, rs502396, rs699517, and rs1004474 were associated with the efficacy and prognosis of the raltitrexed-combined TACE intervention (p < 0.05) yet showed no correlation to the efficacy and prognosis of doxorubicin-combined TACE interventional therapy (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SNPs of the TYMS genes (rs2790, rs8423, rs502396, rs699517, and rs1004474) are associated with the efficacy and prognosis of raltitrexed treatment in HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhou Qi
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Hongfei Gao
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Shankai Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Huanbo Zong
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Hongjun Hao
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Linyi City Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
After the first seed concept introduced in the 18th century, different disciplines have attributed different names to dual-functional molecules depending on their application, including bioconjugates, bifunctional compounds, multitargeting molecules, chimeras, hybrids, engineered compounds. However, these engineered constructs share a general structure: a first component that targets a specific cell and a second component that exerts the pharmacological activity. A stable or cleavable linker connects the two modules of a chimera. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in the rapidly expanding field of chimeric molecules leveraging chemical biology concepts. This Perspective is focused on bifunctional compounds in which one component is a lead compound or a drug. In detail, we discuss chemical features of chimeric molecules and their use for targeted delivery and for target engagement studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Darci J Trader
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Annalisa Tait
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria P Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yao L, Zhou L, Deng Y, Zheng Y, Yang P, Wang M, Dong S, Hao Q, Xu P, Li N, Wu Y, Zhai Z, Lyu L, Dai Z. Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms In TYMS And Glioma Risk In Chinese Patients: A Case-Control Study. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:8241-8247. [PMID: 31632074 PMCID: PMC6790345 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s221204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) polymorphisms are reported to be related to susceptibility to some cancers. However, no study exists on TYMS polymorphisms and glioma risk. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between two common TYMS gene variants (rs1059394 C>T, rs2847153 G>A) and glioma susceptibility. Methods This case-control study included 605 patients and 1300 cancer-free individuals. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom Mass-ARRAY. We determined odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the correlations. Results The analysis revealed that rs1059394 TT and CT+TT genotype had significantly low glioma risk (TT to CC: OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.52–0.97, P = 0.03; CT+TT to CC: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–0.99, P = 0.04). However, no significant difference was found between rs2847153 and glioma risk in any genetic model (P﹥0.05). In high-grade gliomas, the GA and GA+AA genotypes of rs2847153 made the majority of genotypes, compared with GG genotype (GA to GG: OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.39–2.91, P < 0.001; GA+AA to GG: OR = 1.78, 95% CI =1.25–2.54, P < 0.001). Moreover, online expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis indicated that these two polymorphisms may alter TYMS gene expression in transformed fibroblast cells. Conclusion Our study provides evidence of the effect of TYMS rs1059394 on the susceptibility of glioma. In high-grade gliomas, compared with GG genotype, the GA and GA+AA genotypes of rs2847153 comprise a larger proportion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Linghui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujiao Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengtao Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Dong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Hao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Lyu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, People's Republic of China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Amin LH, Shawer TZ, El-naggar AM, El-sehrawi HM. Design, synthesis, anticancer evaluation and docking studies of new pyrimidine derivatives as potent thymidylate synthase inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2019; 91:103159. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
27
|
Bonin JP, Sapienza PJ, Wilkerson E, Goldfarb D, Wang L, Herring L, Chen X, Major MB, Lee AL. Positive Cooperativity in Substrate Binding by Human Thymidylate Synthase. Biophys J 2019; 117:1074-84. [PMID: 31500803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS) catalyzes the production of the nucleotide dTMP from deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP), making the enzyme necessary for DNA replication and consequently a target for cancer therapeutics. TSs are homodimers with active sites separated by ∼30 Å. Reports of half-the-sites activity in TSs from multiple species demonstrate the presence of allosteric communication between the active sites of this enzyme. A simple explanation for the negative allosteric regulation occurring in half-the-sites activity would be that the two substrates bind with negative cooperativity. However, previous work on Escherichia coli TS revealed that dUMP substrate binds without cooperativity. To gain further insight into TS allosteric function, binding cooperativity in human TS is examined here. Isothermal titration calorimetry and two-dimensional lineshape analysis of NMR titration spectra are used to characterize the thermodynamics of dUMP binding, with a focus on quantification of cooperativity between the two substrate binding events. We find that human TS binds dUMP with ∼9-fold entropically driven positive cooperativity (ρITC = 9 ± 1, ρNMR = 7 ± 1), in contrast to the apparent strong negative cooperativity reported previously. Our work further demonstrates the necessity of globally fitting isotherms collected under various conditions, as well as accurate determination of binding competent protein concentration, for calorimetric characterization of homotropic cooperative binding. Notably, an initial curvature of the isotherm is found to be indicative of positively cooperative binding. Two-dimensional lineshape analysis NMR is also found to be an informative tool for quantifying binding cooperativity, particularly in cases in which bound intermediates yield unique resonances.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sapienza PJ, Popov KI, Mowrey DD, Falk BT, Dokholyan NV, Lee AL. Inter-Active Site Communication Mediated by the Dimer Interface β-Sheet in the Half-the-Sites Enzyme, Thymidylate Synthase. Biochemistry 2019; 58:3302-3313. [PMID: 31283187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a dimeric enzyme conserved in all life forms that exhibits the allosteric feature of half-the-sites activity. Neither the reason for nor the mechanism of this phenomenon is understood. We used a combined nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamics approach to study a stable intermediate preceding hydride transfer, which is the rate-limiting and half-the-sites step. In NMR titrations with ligands leading to this intermediate, we measured chemical shifts of the apoenzyme (lig0), the saturated holoenzyme (lig2), and the typically elusive singly bound (lig1) states. Approximately 40 amides showed quartet patterns providing direct NMR evidence of coupling between the active site and probes >30 Å away in the distal subunit. Quartet peak patterns have symmetrical character, indicating reciprocity in communicating the first and second binding events to the distal protomer. Quartets include key catalytic residues and map to the dimer interface β-sheet, which also represents the shortest path between the two active sites. Simulations corroborate the coupling observed in solution in that there is excellent overlap between quartet residues and main-chain atoms having intersubunit cross-correlated motions. Simulations identify five hot spot residues, three of which lie at the kink in the unique β-bulge abutting the active sites on either end of the sheet. Interstrand cross-correlated motions become more organized and pronounced as the enzyme progresses from lig0 to lig1 and ultimately lig2. Coupling in the apparently symmetrical complex has implications for half-the-sites reactivity and potentially resolves the paradox of inequivalent TS active sites despite the vast majority of X-ray structures appearing to be symmetrical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Sapienza
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy , The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599-7355 , United States
| | - Konstantin I Popov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine , The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| | - David D Mowrey
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine , The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| | - Bradley T Falk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine , The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Penn State College of Medicine , Hershey , Pennsylvania 17033 , United States.,Department of Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania 16801 , United States
| | - Andrew L Lee
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy , The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599-7355 , United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine , The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina 27599 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Laali KK, Zwarycz AT, Bunge SD, Borosky GL, Nukaya M, Kennedy GD. Deuterated Curcuminoids: Synthesis, Structures, Computational/Docking and Comparative Cell Viability Assays against Colorectal Cancer. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1173-1184. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K. Laali
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of North Florida 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
| | - Angela T. Zwarycz
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of North Florida 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville FL 32224 USA
| | - Scott D. Bunge
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryKent State University Kent OH 44242 USA
| | - Gabriela L. Borosky
- INFIQCCONICET and Departamento de Química Teórica y ComputacionalFacultad de Ciencias QuímicasUniversidad Nacional de Córdoba Ciudad Universitaria Córdoba 5000 Argentina
| | - Manabu Nukaya
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Alabama–Birmingham School of Medicine Birmingham AL 35294-0016 USA
| | - Gregory D. Kennedy
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Alabama–Birmingham School of Medicine Birmingham AL 35294-0016 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pozzi C, Lopresti L, Tassone G, Mangani S. Targeting Methyltransferases in Human Pathogenic Bacteria: Insights into Thymidylate Synthase (TS) and Flavin-Dependent TS (FDTS). Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24081638. [PMID: 31027295 PMCID: PMC6514825 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In cells, thymidylate synthases provide the only de novo source of 2′-deoxythymidine-5′-monophosphate (dTMP), required for DNA synthesis. The activity of these enzymes is pivotal for cell survival and proliferation. Two main families of thymidylate synthases have been identified in bacteria, folate-dependent thymidylate synthase (TS) and flavin-dependent TS (FDTS). TS and FDTS are highly divergent enzymes, characterized by exclusive catalytic mechanisms, involving different sets of cofactors. TS and FDTS mechanisms of action have been recently revised, providing new perspectives for the development of antibacterial drugs targeting these enzymes. Nonetheless, some catalytic details still remain elusive. For bacterial TSs, half-site reactivity is still an open debate and the recent evidences are somehow controversial. Furthermore, different behaviors have been identified among bacterial TSs, compromising the definition of common mechanisms. Moreover, the redox reaction responsible for the regeneration of reduced flavin in FDTSs is not completely clarified. This review describes the recent advances in the structural and functional characterization of bacterial TSs and FDTSs and the current understanding of their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the recent progresses in the development of inhibitors targeting TS and FDTS in human pathogenic bacteria are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy⁻Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Lopresti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy⁻Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy⁻Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy⁻Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pozzi C, Ferrari S, Luciani R, Costi MP, Mangani S. Structural and Functional Characterization of the Human Thymidylate Synthase (hTS) Interface Variant R175C, New Perspectives for the Development of hTS Inhibitors. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071362. [PMID: 30959951 PMCID: PMC6479699 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) is pivotal for cell survival and proliferation, indeed it provides the only synthetic source of dTMP, required for DNA biosynthesis. hTS represents a validated target for anticancer chemotherapy. However, active site-targeting drugs towards hTS have limitations connected to the onset of resistance. Thus, new strategies have to be applied to effectively target hTS without inducing resistance in cancer cells. Here, we report the generation and the functional and structural characterization of a new hTS interface variant in which Arg175 is replaced by a cysteine. Arg175 is located at the interface of the hTS obligate homodimer and protrudes inside the active site of the partner subunit, in which it provides a fundamental contribution for substrate binding. Indeed, the R175C variant results catalytically inactive. The introduction of a cysteine at the dimer interface is functional for development of new hTS inhibitors through innovative strategies, such as the tethering approach. Structural analysis, performed through X-ray crystallography, has revealed that a cofactor derivative is entrapped inside the catalytic cavity of the hTS R175C variant. The peculiar binding mode of the cofactor analogue suggests new clues exploitable for the design of new hTS inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pozzi C, Lopresti L, Santucci M, Costi MP, Mangani S. Evidence of Destabilization of the Human Thymidylate Synthase (hTS) Dimeric Structure Induced by the Interface Mutation Q62R. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9040134. [PMID: 30987202 PMCID: PMC6523895 DOI: 10.3390/biom9040134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In human cells, thymidylate synthase (TS) provides the only source of 2′-deoxythymidyne-5′-monophosphate (dTMP), which is required for DNA biosynthesis. Because of its pivotal role, human TS (hTS) represents a validated target for anticancer chemotherapy. Nonetheless, the efficacy of drugs blocking the hTS active site has limitations due to the onset of resistance in cancer cells, requiring the identification of new strategies to effectively inhibit this enzyme. Human TS works as an obligate homodimer, making the inter-subunit interface an attractive targetable area. Here, we report the design and investigation of a new hTS variant, in which Gln62, located at the dimer interface, has been replaced by arginine in order to destabilize the enzyme quaternary assembly. The hTS Q62R variant has been characterized though kinetic assay, thermal denaturation analysis and X-ray crystallography. Our results provide evidence that hTS Q62R has a reduced melting temperature. The effective destabilization of the TS quaternary structure is also confirmed by structural analysis, showing that the introduced mutation induces a slight aperture of the hTS dimer. The generation of hTS variants having a more accessible interface area can facilitate the screening of interface-targeting molecules, providing key information for the rational design of innovative hTS interface inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy-Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Lopresti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy-Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy-Department of Excellence 2018-2020, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pozzi C, Ferrari S, Luciani R, Tassone G, Costi MP, Mangani S. Structural Comparison of Enterococcus faecalis and Human Thymidylate Synthase Complexes with the Substrate dUMP and Its Analogue FdUMP Provides Hints about Enzyme Conformational Variabilities. Molecules 2019; 24:E1257. [PMID: 30935102 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS) is an enzyme of paramount importance as it provides the only de novo source of deoxy-thymidine monophosphate (dTMP). dTMP, essential for DNA synthesis, is produced by the TS-catalyzed reductive methylation of 2′-deoxyuridine-5′-monophosphate (dUMP) using N5,N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (mTHF) as a cofactor. TS is ubiquitous and a validated drug target. TS enzymes from different organisms differ in sequence and structure, but are all obligate homodimers. The structural and mechanistic differences between the human and bacterial enzymes are exploitable to obtain selective inhibitors of bacterial TSs that can enrich the currently available therapeutic tools against bacterial infections. Enterococcus faecalis is a pathogen fully dependent on TS for dTMP synthesis. In this study, we present four new crystal structures of Enterococcus faecalis and human TSs in complex with either the substrate dUMP or the inhibitor FdUMP. The results provide new clues about the half-site reactivity of Enterococcus faecalis TS and the mechanisms underlying the conformational changes occurring in the two enzymes. We also identify relevant differences in cofactor and inhibitor binding between Enterococcus faecalis and human TS that can guide the design of selective inhibitors against bacterial TSs.
Collapse
|
34
|
Xie D, Wang L, Xiao Q, Wu X, Zhang L, Yang Q, Wang L. New Insight into the Octamer of TYMS Stabilized by Intermolecular Cys43-Disulfide. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1393. [PMID: 29735940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is an essential enzyme for the de novo synthesis of deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) and has been a primary target for cancer chemotherapy. Although the physical structure of TYMS and the molecular mechanisms of TYMS catalyzing the conversion of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to dTMP have been the subject of thorough studies, its oligomeric structure remains unclear. Here, we show that human TYMS not only exists in dimer form but also as an octamer by intermolecular Cys43-disulfide formation. We optimized the expression conditions of recombinant human TYMS using the Escherichia coli system. Using high-performance liquid chromatography⁻tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC⁻MS/MS), we have shown that purified TYMS has catalytic activity for producing dTMP. In the absence of reductant β-mercaptoethanol, SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed that the size of the TYMS protein is about 35 kDa, 70 kDa, and 280 kDa. When the Cys43 was mutated to Gly, the band of ~280 kDa and the peak of the octamer disappeared. Therefore, TYMS was determined to form an octamer, depending on the presence of Cys43-disulfide. By measuring steady-state parameters for the monomer, dimer, and octamer, we found the kcat of the octamer was increased slightly more than the monomer. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that the octamer in the active state might have a potential influence on the design of new drug targets.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ferrari S, Severi L, Pozzi C, Quotadamo A, Ponterini G, Losi L, Marverti G, Costi MP. Human Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors Halting Ovarian Cancer Growth. Vitam Horm 2018; 107:473-513. [PMID: 29544641 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) has an important role in DNA biosynthesis, thus it is essential for cell survival. TS is involved in the folate pathways, specifically in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Structure and functions are intimately correlated, account for cellular activity and, in a broader view, with in vivo mechanisms. hTS is a target for anticancer agents, some of which are clinical drugs. The understanding of the detailed mechanism of TS inhibition by currently used drugs and of the interaction with the mechanism of action of other anticancer agents can suggest new perspective of TS inhibition able to improve the anticancer effect and to overcome drug resistance. TS-targeting drugs in therapy today are inhibitors that bind at the active site and that mostly resemble the substrates. Nonsubstrate analogs offer an opportunity for allosteric binding and novel mode of inhibition in the cancer cells. This chapter illustrates the relationship among the large number of hTS actions at molecular and clinical levels, its role as a target for ovarian cancer therapy, in particular in cases of overexpression of hTS and other folate proteins such as those induced by platinum drug treatments, and address the potential combination of TS inhibitors with other suitable anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leda Severi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Losi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|