Selective inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the multiple myeloma-bone microenvironment

Multi-Niche Human Bone Marrow On-A-Chip for Studying the Interactions of Adoptive CAR-T Cell Therapies with Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of bone marrow plasma cells, is the second-most common hematological malignancy. However, despite immunotherapies like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, relapse is nearly universal. The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment influences how MM cells survive, proliferate, and resist treatment. Yet, it is unclear which BM niches give rise to MM pathophysiology. Here, we present a 3D microvascularized culture system, which models the endosteal and perivascular bone marrow niches, allowing us to study MM-stroma interactions in the BM niche and model responses to therapeutic CAR-T cells. We demonstrated the prolonged survival of cell line-based and patient-derived multiple myeloma cells within our in vitro system and successfully flowed in donor-matched CAR-T cells. We then measured T cell survival, differentiation, and cytotoxicity against MM cells using a variety of analysis techniques. Our MM-on-a-chip system could elucidate the role of the BM microenvironment in MM survival and therapeutic evasion and inform the rational design of next-generation therapeutics.

TEASER

A multiple myeloma model can study why the disease is still challenging to treat despite options that work well in other cancers.

A Hyaluronan and Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 Matrikine: Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 in Multiple Myeloma NF-κB Activation and Drug Resistance

The NF-κB signaling pathway plays key roles in inflammation and the pathogenesis of many solid and hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, a malignancy of the plasma cells. While proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, employed in multiple myeloma treatments may inhibit NF-κB signaling pathways, multiple myeloma cells often become drug resistant in part due to non-cell autonomous mechanism(s) from the multiple myeloma tumor microenvironment. We previously found that fragments of, but not full-length, hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), produced by multiple myeloma bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), activate an atypical bortezomib-resistant NF-κB pathway in multiple myeloma cells. In our current study, we found that multiple myeloma cells promote HAPLN1 expression and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) activity in cocultured BMSCs and MMP2 activity is higher in BMSCs established from multiple myeloma patients' BM aspirates relative to normal equivalents. Moreover, MMP2 cleaves HAPLN1 into forms similar in size to those previously observed in patients with multiple myeloma with progressive disease. Both HAPLN1 and MMP2 in BMSCs were required to enhance NF-κB activation and resistance to bortezomib-induced cell death in cocultured multiple myeloma cells. We propose that MMP2-processing of HAPLN1 produces a matrikine that induces NF-κB activation and promotes bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma cells.

IMPLICATIONS

HAPLN1 and MMP2 produced by BMSCs obtained from patients with multiple myeloma promote NF-κB activity and resistance to bortezomib toxicity in multiple myeloma cells, uncovering their potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets to address bortezomib resistance in patients with multiple myeloma.

Study of matrix metalloproteinase activity in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis

One of the most important pathogenetic mechanisms of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is the violation of immunological tolerance and the development of the autoimmune process, the markers of which are various biologically active substances, in particular, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs play a crucial role in the development of pathological processes in these diseases, contributing­ to matrix degradation due to imbalance between the activity of enzymes and their inhibitors. The aim of the work was to study the activity of key metalloproteinases and the level of α2-macroglobulin in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. The diagnosis of AIT was established based on the study of data on anamnesis, thyroid status, the results of ultrasound of TG, and the presence of antibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH) in blood plasma. Patients were enrolled in 2 groups: group 1 – 74 patients with a manifest form of the disease; group 2 – 96 patients with a subclinical form of the disease. The study of matrix metalloprotein activity in the examined patients showed a statistically significant (P = 0.015) increase in MMP-3 and MMP-7 activity in patients with AIT compared to the corresponding parameters in persons of the control group. Thus, levels of MMP-3 and 7 were in the group of patients, respectively 56 (51.0; 59.0) and 4.6 (4.3; 5.2) ng/ml, in control 23.0 (16.0; 26.0) and 3.6 (3.4; 4.1) ng/ml, respectively.

MT2-MMP is differentially expressed in multiple myeloma cells and mediates their growth and progression

OBJECTIVE

Membrane type-matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) are known as key regulators of cancer progression/metastasis. However, their roles in the growth and progression of multiple myeloma (MM) have not been yet elucidated.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The expression of 6 MT-MMPs in MM, B cell lines, and normal peripheral blood (PB) cells were measured by RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. B lymphocytes, CD19^-/CD138^-, and CD19^-/CD138⁺ cells, known as malignant plasma cells (MPC), were sorted from bone marrow (BM) aspirations of 10 MM patients, and MT2-MMP expression was examined in these cells using qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Moreover, the expression of MT2-MMP in BM biopsies from 13 normal individuals and 14 MM patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. MT2-MMP was also knocked down in U266 cells using siRNA technology and the adhesion, invasion, migration abilities, and cell proliferation were determined and compared with scrambled ones in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

RESULTS

Our results showed that MT2-MMP expression is significantly higher in MM cell lines and MPC cells than B cell lines and other PB- or BM-derived cells. MT2-MMP is expressed in BM biopsies from all 14 patients with MM, and 67.85% ± 32.38 of BM cells were positive for MT2-MMP. In contrast, only 0.38 ± 0.76 of BM biopsies from normal individuals were positive for MT2-MMP. Importantly, MT2-MMP was expressed in all the patients' BM biopsies at the diagnosis, but not in the remission phase. MT2-MMP siRNA significantly decreased adhesion, invasion, migration, and 3D cell proliferation of U266 cells. Moreover, in the xenographic model, MT2-MMP siRNA prevented the growth and development of plasmacytoma. Taken together, these data demonstrate that MT2-MMP is strongly expressed in MM cells and plays important role in the growth and progression of these cells, suggesting that MT2-MMP is an appropriate biomarker in diagnosis and therapeutic interventions of MM.

Poor bone matrix quality: What can be done about it?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Bone's ability to withstand load resisting fracture and adapting to it highly depends on the quality of its matrix and its regulators. This review focuses on the contribution of bone quality to fracture resistance and possible therapeutic targets for skeletal fragility in aging and disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The highly organized, hierarchical composite structure of bone extracellular matrix together with its (re)modeling mechanisms and microdamage dynamics determines its stiffness, strength, and toughness. Aging and disease affect the biological processes regulating bone quality, thus resulting in defective extracellular matrix and bone fragility. Targeted therapies are being developed to restore bone's mechanical integrity. However, their current limitations include low tissue selectivity and adverse side effects. Biological and mechanical insights into the mechanisms controlling bone quality, together with advances in drug delivery and studies in animal models, will accelerate the development and translation to clinical application of effective targeted-therapeutics for bone fragility.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Inspired Therapeutic Strategies for Bone Diseases

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), as a family of zinc-containing enzymes, show the function of decomposing Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and participate in the physiological processes of cell migration, growth, inflammation, and metabolism. Clinical and experimental studies have indicated that MMPs play an essential role in tissue injury and repair as well as tumor diagnosis, metastasis, and prognosis. An increasing number of researchers have paid attention to their functions and mechanisms in bone health and diseases. The present review focuses on MMPs-inspired therapeutic strategies for the treatment of bone-related diseases. We introduce the role of MMPs in bone diseases, highlight the MMPs-inspired therapeutic options, and posit MMPs as a trigger for smart cell/drug delivery.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Inhibitors for Modulation of Osteoclastogenesis: Enhancement of Solubility and Stability

Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) activity has been correlated to breast cancer bone metastasis. It has been proposed that MMP-13 contributes to bone metastasis through the promotion of osteoclastogenesis. To explore the mechanisms of MMP-13 action, we previously described a highly efficacious and selective MMP-13 inhibitor, RF036. Unfortunately, further pursuit of RF036 as a probe of MMP-13 in vitro and in vivo activities was not practical due to the limited solubility and stability of the inhibitor. Our new study has explored replacing the RF036 backbone sulfur atom and terminal methyl group to create inhibitors with more favorable pharmacokinetic properties. One compound, designated inhibitor 3, in which the backbone sulfur and terminal methyl group of RF036 were replaced by nitrogen and oxetane, respectively, had comparable activity, selectivity, and membrane permeability to RF036, while exhibiting greatly enhanced solubility and stability. Inhibitor 3 effectively inhibited MMP-13-mediated osteoclastogenesis but spared collagenolysis, and thus represents a next-generation MMP-13 probe applicable for in vivo studies of breast cancer metastasis.

Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease: Implication of MicroRNAs in Its Molecular Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematological malignancy arising from terminally differentiated plasma cells. In the majority of cases, symptomatic disease is characterized by the presence of bone disease. Multiple myeloma bone disease (MMBD) is a result of an imbalance in the bone-remodeling process that leads to increased osteoclast activity and decreased osteoblast activity. The molecular background of MMBD appears intriguingly complex, as several signaling pathways and cell-to-cell interactions are implicated in the pathophysiology of MMBD. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the expression of their target mRNAs. Numerous miRNAs have been witnessed to be involved in cancer and hematological malignancies and their role has been characterized either as oncogenic or oncosuppressive. Recently, scientific research turned towards miRNAs as regulators of MMBD. Scientific data support that miRNAs finely regulate the majority of the signaling pathways implicated in MMBD. In this review, we provide concise information regarding the molecular pathways with a significant role in MMBD and the miRNAs implicated in their regulation. Moreover, we discuss their utility as molecular biomarkers and highlight the putative usage of miRNAs as novel molecular targets for targeted therapy in MMBD.

(2-Aminobenzothiazole)-Methyl-1,1-Bisphosphonic Acids: Targeting Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Inhibition to the Bone

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of secreted and membrane-bound enzymes, of which 24 isoforms are known in humans. These enzymes degrade the proteins of the extracellular matrix and play a role of utmost importance in the physiological remodeling of all tissues. However, certain MMPs, such as MMP-2, -9, and -13, can be overexpressed in pathological states, including cancer and metastasis. Consequently, the development of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) has been explored for a long time as a strategy to prevent and hinder metastatic growth, but the important side effects linked to promiscuous inhibition of MMPs prevented the clinical use of MMPIs. Therefore, several strategies were proposed to improve the therapeutic profile of this pharmaceutical class, including improved selectivity toward specific MMP isoforms and targeting of specific organs and tissues. Combining both approaches, we conducted the synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of a series of (2-aminobenzothiazole)-methyl-1,1-bisphosphonic acids active as selective inhibitors of MMP-13 via in vitro and in silico studies, which could prove useful for the treatment of bone metastases thanks to the bone-targeting capabilities granted by the bisphosphonic acid group.

Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages by MMP2-Sensitive Apoptotic Body-Mimicking Nanoparticles

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a major player in the tumor microenvironment, were recently recognized as a potential therapeutic target. To date, very few anticancer drugs or drug-delivery systems were designed to target the TAMs. Inspired by the "eat me" signal, phosphatidylserine (PS), mediated phagocytic clearance of apoptotic bodies, in this study, the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2)-sensitive PS-modified nanoparticles were developed. In the design, the PS is externalized to the nanoparticles' surface only when the nanoparticles reach the MMP2-overexpressing tumor site, allowing for the TAM-specific phagocytosis. The nanoparticles' excellent macrophage/TAM selectivity was observed in various biological models, including various cell lines, coculture cells, coculture cell spheroids, zebrafish, and tumor-bearing mice. The nanoparticles' TAM specificity remarkably enhanced the TAM depletion capability of the loaded model drug, dasatinib, resulting in the improved anticancer activity. The MMP2-sensitive apoptotic body-mimicking nanoparticles might be a promising delivery tool for TAM-centered cancer diagnoses and treatments.

Myeloma cells self-promote migration by regulating TAB1-driven TIMP-1 expression in mesenchymal stem cells

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an intractable hematological malignancy characterized by abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) and increased osteolytic lesions. Within the BM niche, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed to contribute to functionally important MM-MSC interactions. However, despite various studies on MM pathology, the impact of MM on MSCs during the early stages of malignancy has not been adequately addressed. We previously identified tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) as a cytokine that is modulated in vivo within the MM BM niche, and highlighted its potential relevance in MM. Given the role of TIMP-1 in preventing migration of breast cancer cells, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between MSC-secreted TIMP-1 and MM progression. Here, we examined the effect of MSC-derived TIMP-1 on MM cell migration, and found that TIMP-1 secreted by human MSCs play a role in preventing migration of MM cells by reducing the levels of MM cell-derived MMP-9. We also investigated how MM cells regulate expression of TIMP-1 in MSCs. Using a knockdown approach in MSCs, we implicated TGF-B activated kinase 1 binding protein 1 (TAB1) as an upstream effector of TIMP-1 that was downregulated in the presence of MM cells, which resulted in reduced TIMP-1 secretion. Overall, our findings uncover how MSCs in the MM BM niche are modulated to promote MM progression, and unravel a previously unreported role of the TAB1-TIMP-1 axis in the context of the MM BM niche.

Prostate cancer-derived MMP-3 controls intrinsic cell growth and extrinsic angiogenesis

Bone metastatic prostate cancer significantly impacts patient quality of life and overall survival, and despite available therapies, it is presently incurable with an unmet need for improved treatment options. As mediators of tumor progression, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade extracellular matrix components and regulate growth factor and cytokine bioactivity. Depending on tissue context, MMPs can either promote or inhibit tumorigenesis. Therefore, it is essential to study individual MMPs in specific cancer contexts and microenvironments to support the design and application of selective MMP inhibitors. Here we report that tumor-derived MMP-3 contributes to bone metastatic prostate cancer progression via intrinsic and extrinsic routes. MMP-3 ablation in prostate cancer cell lines significantly reduced in vitro growth combined with lowered AKT and ERK phosphorylation and total VEGFR1 and FGFR3 protein levels. In vivo, MMP-3 ablated tumors grew at a slower rate and were significantly less vascularized. Quantitative PCR analyses of wild type and MMP-3 silenced prostate cancer cells also demonstrate downregulation of a wide array of angiogenic factors. The extrinsic role for MMP-3 in angiogenesis was supported by in vitro endothelial tube formation assays where the lack of MMP-3 in prostate cancer conditioned media resulted in slower rates of tube formation. Taken together, our results suggest that tumor-derived MMP-3 contributes to prostate cancer growth in bone. These data indicate that selective inhibition of MMP-3 and/or targeting MMP generated products could be efficacious for the treatment of prostate to bone metastases.

Bone-Seeking Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Skeletal Malignancy

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes involved at different stages of cancer progression and metastasis. We previously identified a novel class of bisphosphonic inhibitors, selective for MMPs crucial for bone remodeling, such as MMP-2. Due to the increasing relevance of specific MMPs at various stages of tumor malignancy, we focused on improving potency towards certain isoforms. Here, we tackled MMP-9 because of its confirmed role in tumor invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immuno-response, making it an ideal target for cancer therapy. Using a computational analysis, we designed and characterized potent MMP-2/MMP-9 inhibitors. This is a promising approach to develop and clinically translate inhibitors that could be used in combination with standard care therapy for the treatment of skeletal malignancies.

Metastasis Organotropism: Redefining the Congenial Soil

Metastasis is the most devastating stage of cancer progression and causes the majority of cancer-related deaths. Clinical observations suggest that most cancers metastasize to specific organs, a process known as "organotropism." Elucidating the underlying mechanisms may help identify targets and treatment strategies to benefit patients. This review summarizes recent findings on tumor-intrinsic properties and their interaction with unique features of host organs, which together determine organ-specific metastatic behaviors. Emerging insights related to the roles of metabolic changes, the immune landscapes of target organs, and variation in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions open avenues for future studies of metastasis organotropism.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Tetrahydro-β-carboline Derivatives as Selective Sub-Nanomolar Gelatinase Inhibitors

Targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a pursued strategy for treating several pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and cancer. Herein, a series of novel tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives with outstanding inhibitory activity toward MMPs are present. In particular, compounds 9 f, 9 g, 9 h and 9 i show sub-nanomolar IC₅₀ values. Interestingly, compounds 9 g and 9 i also provide remarkable selectivity toward gelatinases; IC₅₀ =0.15 nm for both toward MMP-2 and IC₅₀ =0.63 and 0.58 nm, respectively, toward MMP-9. Molecular docking simulations, performed by employing quantum mechanics based partial charges, shed light on the rationale behind binding involving specific interactions with key residues of S1' and S3' domains. Taken together, these studies indicate that tetrahydro-β-carboline represents a promising scaffold for the design of novel inhibitors able to target MMPs and selectively bias gelatinases, over the desirable range of the pharmacokinetics spectrum.