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Ermini E, Brai A, Cini E, Finetti F, Giannini G, Padula D, Paradisi L, Poggialini F, Trabalzini L, Tolu P, Taddei M. A novel bioresponsive self-immolative spacer based on aza-quinone methide reactivity for the controlled release of thiols, phenols, amines, sulfonamides or amides. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6168-6177. [PMID: 38665538 PMCID: PMC11041255 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01576b] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A stimuli-sensitive linker is one of the indispensable components of prodrugs for cancer therapy as it covalently binds the drug and releases it upon external stimulation at the tumour site. Quinone methide elimination has been widely used as the key transformation to release drugs based on their nucleofugacity. The usual approach is to bind the drug to the linker as a carbamate and release it as a free amine after a self-immolative 1,6-elimination. Although this approach is very efficient, it is limited to amines (as carbamates), alcohols or phenols (as carbonates) or other acidic functional groups. We report here a self-immolative spacer capable of directly linking and releasing amines, phenols, thiols, sulfonamides and carboxyamides after a reductive stimulus. The spacer is based on the structure of (5-nitro-2-pyrrolyl)methanol (NPYM-OH), which was used for the direct alkylation of the functional groups mentioned above. The spacer is metabolically stable and has three indispensable sites for bioconjugation: the bioresponsive trigger, the conjugated 1,6 self-immolative system and a third arm suitable for conjugation with a carrier or other modifiers. Release was achieved by selective reduction of the nitro group over Fe/Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in a micellar aqueous environment (H2O/TPGS-750-M), or by NADH mediated nitroreductase activation. A DFT study demonstrates that, during the 1,6 elimination, the transition state formed from 5-aminopyrrole has a lower activation energy compared to other 5-membered heterocycles or p-aminobenzyl derivatives. The NPYM scaffold was validated by late-stage functionalisation of approved drugs such as celecoxib, colchicine, vorinostat or ciprofloxacin. A hypoxia-activated NPYM-based prodrug (HAP) derived from HDAC inhibitor ST7612AA1 was also produced, which was active in cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ermini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Annalaura Brai
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Elena Cini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Federica Finetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Translational Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology Corporate R&D - Alfasigma SpA Via Pontina, km 30400 00071 Pomezia (Roma) Italy
| | - Daniele Padula
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Lucrezia Paradisi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Lorenza Trabalzini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Paola Tolu
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena Via A. Moro 2 53100 Siena Italy
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2
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Saletti M, Paolino M, Venditti J, Bonechi C, Giuliani G, Lamponi S, Tassone G, Boccia A, Botta C, Blancafort L, Poggialini F, Vagaggini C, Cappelli A. A Facile Access to Green Fluorescent Albumin Derivatives. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300862. [PMID: 38369609 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300862] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
A Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adduct (MBHA) derivative bearing a triphenylamine moiety was found to react with human serum albumin (HSA) shifting its emission from the blue to the green-yellow thus leading to green fluorescent albumin (GFA) derivatives and enlarging the platform of probes for aggregation-induced fluorescent-based detection techniques. A possible interaction of MBHA derivative 7 with a lipophilic pocket within the HSA structure was suggested by docking studies. DLS experiments showed that the reaction with HSA induce a conformational change of the protein contributing to the aggregation process of GFA derivatives. The results of investigations on the biological properties suggested that GFA retained the ability of binding drug molecules such as warfarin and diazepam. Finally, cytotoxicity evaluation studies suggested that, although the MBHA derivative 7 at 0.1 μg/mL affected the percentage of cell viability in comparison to the negative control, it cannot be considered cytotoxic, whereas at all the other concentrations≥0.5 μg/mL resulted cytotoxic at different extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Saletti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Paolino
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Jacopo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Bonechi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Germano Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giusy Tassone
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Boccia
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" - SCITEC (CNR), Via A. Corti 12, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Botta
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" - SCITEC (CNR), Via A. Corti 12, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Lluís Blancafort
- Institute of Computational Chemistry and Catalysis and Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, C/M. A. Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022), Università degli Studi di, Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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3
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Cesarini S, Vicenti I, Poggialini F, Filippi S, Mancin E, Fiaschi L, De Marchi E, Giammarino F, Vagaggini C, Bizzarri BM, Saladino R, Dreassi E, Zazzi M, Botta L. Serendipitous Identification of Azine Anticancer Agents Using a Privileged Scaffold Morphing Strategy. Molecules 2024; 29:1452. [PMID: 38611732 PMCID: PMC11013010 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071452] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of privileged scaffolds as a starting point for the construction of libraries of bioactive compounds is a widely used strategy in drug discovery and development. Scaffold decoration, morphing and hopping are additional techniques that enable the modification of the chosen privileged framework and better explore the chemical space around it. In this study, two series of highly functionalized pyrimidine and pyridine derivatives were synthesized using a scaffold morphing approach consisting of triazine compounds obtained previously as antiviral agents. Newly synthesized azines were evaluated against lymphoma, hepatocarcinoma, and colon epithelial carcinoma cells, showing in five cases acceptable to good anticancer activity associated with low cytotoxicity on healthy fibroblasts. Finally, ADME in vitro studies were conducted on the best derivatives of the two series showing good passive permeability and resistance to metabolic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cesarini
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Ilaria Vicenti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (L.F.); (F.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (E.D.)
| | - Silvia Filippi
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Eleonora Mancin
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Lia Fiaschi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (L.F.); (F.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Elisa De Marchi
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Federica Giammarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (L.F.); (F.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (E.D.)
| | - Bruno Mattia Bizzarri
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (E.D.)
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (I.V.); (L.F.); (F.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Biological and Ecological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Via S.C. De Lellis s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (S.C.); (S.F.); (E.M.); (E.D.M.); (B.M.B.); (R.S.)
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4
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Vagaggini C, Petroni D, D'Agostino I, Poggialini F, Cavallini C, Cianciusi A, Salis A, D'Antona L, Francesconi V, Manetti F, Damonte G, Musumeci F, Menichetti L, Dreassi E, Carbone A, Schenone S. Early investigation of a novel SI306 theranostic prodrug for glioblastoma treatment. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22158. [PMID: 38349262 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22158] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Theranostic, combining therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, arises as a successful strategy to improve patient outcomes through personalized medicine. Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase (nRTK) whose involvement in GBM has been extensively demonstrated. Our previous research highlighted the effectiveness of the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine SI306 and its more soluble prodrug CMP1 as Src inhibitors both in in vitro and in vivo GBM models. In this scenario, we decided to develop a theranostic prodrug of SI306, ProSI-DOTA(68 Ga) 1, which was designed to target GBM cells after hydrolysis and follow-up on the disease's progression and improve the therapy's outcome. First, the corresponding nonradioactive prodrug 2 was tested to evaluate its ADME profile and biological activity. It showed good metabolic stability, no inhibition of CYP3A4, suboptimal aqueous solubility, and slight gastrointestinal and blood-brain barrier passive permeability. Compound 2 exhibited a drastic reduction of cell vitality after 72 h on two different GBM cell lines (GL261 and U87MG). Then, 2 was subjected to complexation with the radionuclide Gallium-68 to give ProSI-DOTA(68 Ga) 1. The cellular uptake of 1 was evaluated on GBM cells, highlighting a slight but significant time-dependent uptake. The data obtained from our preliminary studies reflect the physiochemical properties of 1. The use of an alternative route of administration, such as the intranasal route, could overcome the physiochemical limitations and enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of 1, paving the way for its future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Debora Petroni
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavallini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Salis
- DIMES, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia D'Antona
- Medical Genetics Unit, Mater Domini University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Damonte
- DIMES, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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5
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Poggialini F, Vagaggini C, Brai A, Pasqualini C, Carbone A, Musumeci F, Schenone S, Dreassi E. Sweet Cherry Extract as Permeation Enhancer of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Promising Prospective for Future Oral Anticancer Therapies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1527. [PMID: 38004393 PMCID: PMC10674987 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111527] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although patients would rather oral therapies to injections, the gastrointestinal tract's low permeability makes this method limiting for most compounds, including anticancer drugs. Due to their low bioavailability, oral antitumor therapies suffer from significant variability in pharmacokinetics and efficacy. The improvement of their pharmacokinetic profiles can be achieved by a new approach: the use of natural extracts enriched with polyphenolic compounds that act as intestinal permeability enhancers. Here, we propose a safe sweet cherry extract capable of enhancing oral absorption. The extract was characterized by the HPLC-UV/MS method, evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity, safety on the Caco-2 cell line, and as a potential permeation enhancer. The sweet cherry extract showed a high antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH assays were 211.74 and 48.65 µmol of Trolox equivalent/g dried extract, respectively), high content of polyphenols (8.44 mg of gallic acid per gram of dry extract), and anthocyanins (1.80 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent per g of dry extract), reassuring safety profile (cell viability never lower than 98%), and a significant and fully reversible ability to alter the integrity of the Caco-2 monolayer (+81.5% of Lucifer yellow permeability after 2 h). Furthermore, the ability of the sweet cherry extract to improve the permeability (Papp) and modify the efflux ratio (ER) of reference compounds (atenolol, propranolol, and dasatinib) and selected pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives was investigated. The obtained results show a significant increase in apparent permeability across the Caco-2 monolayer (tripled and quadrupled in most cases), and an interesting decrease in efflux ratio when compounds were co-incubated with sweet cherry extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.P.); (C.V.); (A.B.); (C.P.)
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6
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Vagaggini C, Brai A, Bonente D, Lombardi J, Poggialini F, Pasqualini C, Barone V, Nicoletti C, Bertelli E, Dreassi E. Development and validation of derivatization-based LC-MS/MS method for quantification of short-chain fatty acids in human, rat, and mouse plasma. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 235:115599. [PMID: 37536115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115599] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the end products of gut microbial fermentation of dietary fibers and non-digestible polysaccharides, act as a link between the microbiome, immune system, and inflammatory processes. The importance of accurately quantifying SCFAs in plasma has recently emerged to understand their biological role. In this work, a sensitive and reproducible LC-MS/MS method is reported for SCFAs quantification in three different matrices such as human, rat and mouse plasma via derivatization, using as derivatizing agent O-benzylhydroxylamine (O-BHA), coupled with liquid-liquid extraction. First, the instrumental parameters of the mass spectrometer and then the chromatographic conditions were optimized using previously SCFAs derivatives synthetized and used as standards. After that, the best conditions for derivatization and extraction from plasma were studied and a series of determinations were performed on human, rat, and mouse plasma aliquots to validate the overall method (derivatization, extraction, and LC-MS/MS determination). The method showed good performance in terms of recovery (> 80%), precision (RSD <14%), accuracy (RE < ± 10%) and sensitivity (LOQ of 0.01 µM for acetic, butyric, propionic and isobutyric acid) in all plasma samples. The method thus developed and validated was applied to the quantification of major SCFAs in adult and aged mice, germ-free mice and in germ-free recipient mice subjected to fecal transplant from adult and aged donors. Results highlighted how plasma concentrations of SCFAs are correlated with age further highlighting the importance of developing a method that is reliable for the quantification of SCFAs to study their biological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena Italy.
| | - Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena Italy.
| | - Denise Bonente
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Jessica Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena Italy.
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena Italy.
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena Italy.
| | - Virginia Barone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Claudio Nicoletti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; The Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom.
| | - Eugenio Bertelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy (DBCF), University of Siena, 53100 Siena Italy.
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7
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Maresca L, Crivaro E, Migliorini F, Anichini G, Giammona A, Pepe S, Poggialini F, Vagaggini C, Giannini G, Sestini S, Borgognoni L, Lapucci A, Dreassi E, Taddei M, Manetti F, Petricci E, Stecca B. Targeting GLI1 and GLI2 with small molecule inhibitors to suppress GLI-dependent transcription and tumor growth. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106858. [PMID: 37473878 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106858] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (HH) signaling in cancer is the result of genetic alterations of upstream pathway components (canonical) or other oncogenic mechanisms (noncanonical), that ultimately concur to activate the zinc-finger transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2. Therefore, inhibition of GLI activity is a good therapeutic option to suppress both canonical and noncanonical activation of the HH pathway. However, only a few GLI inhibitors are available, and none of them have the profile required for clinical development due to poor metabolic stability and aqueous solubility, and high hydrophobicity. Two promising quinoline inhibitors of GLI were selected by virtual screening and subjected to hit-to-lead optimization, thus leading to the identification of the 4-methoxy-8-hydroxyquinoline derivative JC19. This molecule impaired GLI1 and GLI2 activities in several cellular models interfering with the binding of GLI1 and GLI2 to DNA. JC19 suppressed cancer cell proliferation by enhancing apoptosis, inducing a strong anti-tumor response in several cancer cell lines in vitro. Specificity towards GLI1 and GLI2 was demonstrated by lower activity of JC19 in GLI1- or GLI2-depleted cancer cells. JC19 showed excellent metabolic stability and high passive permeability. Notably, JC19 inhibited GLI1-dependent melanoma xenograft growth in vivo, with no evidence of toxic effects in mice. These results highlight the potential of JC19 as a novel anti-cancer agent targeting GLI1 and GLI2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Maresca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Enrica Crivaro
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy; Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Migliorini
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Anichini
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giammona
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Pepe
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Serena Sestini
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Borgognoni
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy.
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8
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Campanella B, Poggialini F, Legnaioli S, Cocciaro B, Lorenzetti G, Raneri S, Palleschi V. Commentary: Comments on: "Accuracy improvement of quantitative analysis for major elements in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using single-sample calibration" by Rui Yuan et al. [Anal. Chim. Acta 1064 (2019) 11-16]. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1259:341180. [PMID: 37100475 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B Campanella
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - F Poggialini
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - S Legnaioli
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - B Cocciaro
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - G Lorenzetti
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - S Raneri
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - V Palleschi
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
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9
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Brai A, Poggialini F, Pasqualini C, Trivisani CI, Vagaggini C, Dreassi E. Progress towards Adjuvant Development: Focus on Antiviral Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9225. [PMID: 37298177 PMCID: PMC10253057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119225] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, vaccines have been extraordinary resources to prevent pathogen diffusion and cancer. Even if they can be formed by a single antigen, the addition of one or more adjuvants represents the key to enhance the response of the immune signal to the antigen, thus accelerating and increasing the duration and the potency of the protective effect. Their use is of particular importance for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or immunocompromised people. Despite their importance, only in the last forty years has the search for novel adjuvants increased, with the discovery of novel classes of immune potentiators and immunomodulators. Due to the complexity of the cascades involved in immune signal activation, their mechanism of action remains poorly understood, even if significant discovery has been recently made thanks to recombinant technology and metabolomics. This review focuses on the classes of adjuvants under research, recent mechanism of action studies, as well as nanodelivery systems and novel classes of adjuvants that can be chemically manipulated to create novel small molecule adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Immacolata Trivisani
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
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10
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Balestri LI, Trivisani CI, Orofino F, Fiorucci D, Truglio GI, D’Agostino I, Poggialini F, Botta L, Docquier JD, Dreassi E. Discovery and Optimization of a Novel Macrocyclic Amidinourea Series Active as Acidic Mammalian Chitinase Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:417-424. [PMID: 37077400 PMCID: PMC10107916 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00472] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Our research group has been involved for a long time in the development of macrocyclic amidinoureas (MCAs) as antifungal agents. The mechanistic investigation drove us to perform an in silico target fishing study, which allowed the identification of chitinases as one of their putative targets, with 1a showing a submicromolar inhibition of Trichoderma viride chitinase. In this work, we investigated the possibility to further inhibit the corresponding human enzymes, acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) and chitotriosidase (CHIT1), involved in several chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Thus, we first validated the inhibitory activity of 1a against AMCase and CHIT1 and then designed and synthesized new derivatives aimed at improving the potency and selectivity against AMCase. Among them, compound 3f emerged for its activity profile along with its promising in vitro ADME properties. We also gained a good understanding of the key interactions with the target enzyme through in silico studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesco Orofino
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Fiorucci
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ivana Truglio
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria D’Agostino
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Lead
Discovery Siena s.r.l., Via Vittorio Alfieri 31, I-53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy
- Department
of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University
of Tuscia, Largo Università s.n.c., I-01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jean-Denis Docquier
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie Mediche, University of
Siena, Viale Bracci 16, I-53100, Siena, Italy
- Laboratoire
de Bactériologie Moléculaire, Centre d’Ingénierie
des Protéines, UR-InBioS, University
of Liège, Allée
du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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11
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Di Maria S, Picarazzi F, Mori M, Cianciusi A, Carbone A, Crespan E, Perini C, Sabetta S, Deplano S, Poggialini F, Molinari A, Aronne R, Maccioni E, Maga G, Angelucci A, Schenone S, Musumeci F, Dreassi E. Novel pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as dual Src/Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors: Synthesis and biological evaluation for chronic myeloid leukemia treatment. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106071. [PMID: 35932498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106071] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase (TK) is the molecular hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Src is another TK kinase whose involvement in CML was widely demonstrated. Small molecules active as dual Src/Bcr-Abl inhibitors emerged as effective targeted therapies for CML and a few compounds are currently in clinical use. In this study, we applied a target-oriented approach to identify a family of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as dual Src/Bcr-Abl inhibitors as anti-leukemia agents. Considering the high homology between Src and Bcr-Abl, in-house Src inhibitors 8a-l and new analogue compounds 9a-n were screened as dual Src/Bcr-Abl inhibitors. The antiproliferative activity on K562 CML cells and the ADME profile were determined for the most promising compounds. Molecular modeling studies elucidated the binding mode of the inhibitors into the Bcr-Abl (wt) catalytic pocket. Compounds 8j and 8k showed nanomolar activities in enzymatic and cellular assays, together with favorable ADME properties, emerging as promising candidates for CML therapy. Finally, derivatives 9j and 9k, emerging as valuable inhibitors of the most aggressive Bcr-Abl mutation, T315I, constitute a good starting point in the search for compounds able to treat drug-resistant forms of CML. Overall, this study allowed us to identify more potent compounds than those previously reported by the group, marking a step forward in searching for new antileukemic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Di Maria
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Picarazzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Annarita Cianciusi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emmanuele Crespan
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGM), IGM-CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Perini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGM), IGM-CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Samantha Sabetta
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Serenella Deplano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Blocco A-Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. 8 km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessio Molinari
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Aronne
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Blocco A-Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. 8 km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maga
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGM), IGM-CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Adriano Angelucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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12
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Brai A, Trivisani CI, Poggialini F, Pasqualini C, Vagaggini C, Dreassi E. DEAD-Box Helicase DDX3X as a Host Target against Emerging Viruses: New Insights for Medicinal Chemical Approaches. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10195-10216. [PMID: 35899912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00755] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, globalization, global warming, and population aging have contributed to the spread of emerging viruses, such as coronaviruses (COVs), West Nile (WNV), Dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV). The number of reported infections is increasing, and considering the high viral mutation rate, it is conceivable that it will increase significantly in the coming years. The risk caused by viruses is now more evident due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need to find new broad-spectrum antiviral agents able to tackle the present pandemic and future epidemics. DDX3X helicase is a host factor required for viral replication. Selective inhibitors have been identified and developed into broad-spectrum antivirals active against emerging pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and most importantly against drug-resistant strains. This perspective describes the inhibitors identified in the last years, highlighting their therapeutic potential as innovative broad-spectrum antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena Italy
| | | | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena Italy
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena Italy
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena Italy
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13
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Poggialini F, Campanella B, Legnaioli S, Pagnotta S, Raneri S, Palleschi V. Improvement of the performances of a commercial hand-held laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy instrument for steel analysis using multiple artificial neural networks. Rev Sci Instrum 2020; 91:073111. [PMID: 32752860 DOI: 10.1063/5.0012669] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we present a study on the optimization of the analytical performance of a commercial hand-held laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy instrument for steel analysis. We show how the performances of the instrument can be substantially improved using a non-linear calibration approach based on a set of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), one optimized for the determination of the major elements of the alloy, and the others specialized for the analysis of minor components. Tests of the instrument on steel samples used for instrument internal calibration demonstrate a comparable accuracy with the results of the ANNs, while the latter are considerably more accurate when unknown samples, not used for calibration/training, are tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Poggialini
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, Area della Ricerca del CNR, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - B Campanella
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, Area della Ricerca del CNR, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - S Legnaioli
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, Area della Ricerca del CNR, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - S Pagnotta
- Earth Science Department, University of Pisa, Via S. Maria, 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - S Raneri
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, Area della Ricerca del CNR, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - V Palleschi
- Applied and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, Area della Ricerca del CNR, Via G. Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Borgini M, Zamperini C, Poggialini F, Ferrante L, Summa V, Botta M, Fabio RD. Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Nitric Oxide-Donor Largazole Prodrugs. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:846-851. [PMID: 32435394 PMCID: PMC7236235 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00643] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The marine natural product Largazole is the most potent Class I HDAC inhibitor identified to date. Since its discovery, many research groups have been attracted by the structural complexity and the peculiar anticancer activity, due to its capability to discriminate between tumor cells and normal cells. Herein, we discuss the synthesis and the in vitro biological profile of hybrid analogues of Largazole, as dual HDAC inhibitor and nitric oxide (NO) donors, potentially useful as anticancer agents. In particular, the metabolic stability of the modified thioester moiety of Largazole, bearing the NO-donor function/s, the in vitro release of NO, and the antiproliferative activity in tumor cell lines are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Borgini
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Claudio Zamperini
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Lead
Discovery Siena S.r.l., Castelnuovo Berardenga, 53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Summa
- IRBM
Science Park, Via Pontina Km 30.600, 00070 Pomezia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Lead
Discovery Siena S.r.l., Castelnuovo Berardenga, 53019 Siena, Italy
- Biotechnology
College of Science and Technology, Temple
University, BioLife Science
Building, Suite 333, 1900 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Romano Di Fabio
- Promidis, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milano, Italy
- IRBM
Science Park, Via Pontina Km 30.600, 00070 Pomezia, Italy
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15
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Humbert N, Kovalenko L, Saladini F, Giannini A, Pires M, Botzanowski T, Cherenok S, Boudier C, Sharma KK, Real E, Zaporozhets OA, Cianférani S, Seguin-Devaux C, Poggialini F, Botta M, Zazzi M, Kalchenko VI, Mori M, Mély Y. (Thia)calixarenephosphonic Acids as Potent Inhibitors of the Nucleic Acid Chaperone Activity of the HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein with a New Binding Mode and Multitarget Antiviral Activity. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:687-702. [PMID: 32045204 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NC) is a highly conserved protein that plays key roles in HIV-1 replication through its nucleic acid chaperone properties mediated by its two zinc fingers and basic residues. NC is a promising target for antiviral therapy, particularly to control viral strains resistant to currently available drugs. Since calixarenes with antiviral properties have been described, we explored the ability of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic or sulfonic acids to inhibit NC chaperone properties and exhibit antiviral activity. By using fluorescence-based assays, we selected four calixarenes inhibiting NC chaperone activity with submicromolar IC50 values. These compounds were further shown by mass spectrometry, isothermal titration calorimetry, and fluorescence anisotropy to bind NC with no zinc ejection and to compete with nucleic acids for the binding to NC. Molecular dynamic simulations further indicated that these compounds interact via their phosphonate or sulfonate groups with the basic surface of NC but not with the hydrophobic plateau at the top of the folded fingers. Cellular studies showed that the most soluble compound CIP201 inhibited the infectivity of wild-type and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains at low micromolar concentrations, primarily targeting the early steps of HIV-1 replication. Moreover, CIP201 was also found to inhibit the flipping and polymerization activity of reverse transcriptase. Calixarenes thus form a class of noncovalent NC inhibitors, endowed with a new binding mode and multitarget antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Humbert
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Lesia Kovalenko
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
- Department of Chemistry, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Francesco Saladini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, viale Mario Bracci no. 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessia Giannini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, viale Mario Bracci no. 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Manuel Pires
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Thomas Botzanowski
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, IPHC UMR 7178 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sergiy Cherenok
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Murmanska str. 5, Kyiv 02660, Ukraine
| | - Christian Boudier
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Kamal K. Sharma
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Eleonore Real
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Olga A. Zaporozhets
- Department of Chemistry, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, IPHC UMR 7178 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Carole Seguin-Devaux
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022 Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022 Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zazzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, viale Mario Bracci no. 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Vitaly I. Kalchenko
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Murmanska str. 5, Kyiv 02660, Ukraine
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022 Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
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16
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Orofino F, Truglio GI, Fiorucci D, D'Agostino I, Borgini M, Poggialini F, Zamperini C, Dreassi E, Maccari L, Torelli R, Martini C, Bernabei M, Meis JF, Khandelwal NK, Prasad R, Sanguinetti M, Bugli F, Botta M. In vitro characterization, ADME analysis, and histological and toxicological evaluation of BM1, a macrocyclic amidinourea active against azole-resistant Candida strains. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2019; 55:105865. [PMID: 31866465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2019.105865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida species are one of the most common causes of nosocomial bloodstream infections among the opportunistic fungi. Extensive use of antifungal agents, most of which were launched on the market more than 20 years ago, led to the selection of drug-resistant or even multidrug-resistant fungi. We recently described a novel class of antifungal macrocyclic compounds with an amidinourea moiety that is highly active against azole-resistant Candida strains. OBJECTIVE A compound from this family, BM1, was investigated in terms of in vitro activity against various Candida species, including C. auris isolates, interaction with the ABC transporter, CDR6, and in vivo distribution and safety. METHODS In vitro assays (CYP inhibition, microsomal stability, permeability, spot assays) were used to collect chemical and biological data; animal models (rat) paired with LC-MS analysis were utilised to evaluate in vivo toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and distribution. RESULTS The current research shows BM1 has a low in vivo toxicity profile, affinity for the renal system in rats, and good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). BM1 also has potent activity against azole-resistant fungal strains, including C. auris isolates and CDR6-overexpressing strains. CONCLUSIONS The results confirmed low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against several Candida species, including preliminary data vs. C. auris. BM1 has good ADME and biochemical characteristics, is suitable and safe for daily administration and is particularly indicated for renal infections. These data indicate BM1 and its derivatives form a novel, promising antifungal class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Orofino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppina I Truglio
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Fiorucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Borgini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Claudio Zamperini
- Lead Discovery Siena s.r.l., Via Vittorio Alfieri 31, I-53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Maccari
- Lead Discovery Siena s.r.l., Via Vittorio Alfieri 31, I-53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torelli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Martini
- Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Bernabei
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University, Gurgaon 122413, Haryana, India
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bugli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy; Lead Discovery Siena s.r.l., Via Vittorio Alfieri 31, I-53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, BioLife Science Building, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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