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Thankan RS, Thomas E, Purushottamachar P, Weber DJ, Njar VCO. Salinization Dramatically Enhance the Anti-Prostate Cancer Efficacies of AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2 Molecular Glue Degraders, Galeterone and VNPP433-3β Which Outperform Docetaxel and Enzalutamide in CRPC CWR22Rv1 Xenograft Mouse Model. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106700. [PMID: 37392559 PMCID: PMC10528634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106700] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Galeterone, 3β-(hydroxy)-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene (Gal, 1) and VNPP433-3β, 3β-(1H-imidazole-1-yl-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene (2) are potent molecular glue degrader modulators of AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2-eIF4E signaling pathways, and are promising Phase 3 and Phase 1 drug candidates, respectively. Because appropriate salts can be utilized to create new chemical entities with enhanced aqueous solubility, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and enhanced in vitro and in vivo efficacies, the monohydrochloride salt of Gal (3) and the mono- and di-hydrochlorides salts of compound 2, compounds 4 and 5, respectively, were synthesized. The salts were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS analyses. Compound 3 displayed enhanced in vitro antiproliferative activity (7.4-fold) against three prostate cancer cell lines but surprisingly decreased plasma exposure in the pharmacokinetics study. The antiproliferative activities of the compound 2 salts (4 and 5) were equivalent to that of compound 2, but their oral pharmacokinetic profiles were significantly enhanced. Finally, and most importantly, oral administration of the parent compounds (1 and 2) and their corresponding salts (3, 4 and 5) caused dose-dependent potent inhibition/regression of aggressive and difficult-to-treat CWR22Rv1 tumor xenografts growth, with no apparent host toxicities and were highly more efficacious than the blockbuster FDA-approved prostate cancer drugs, Enzalutamide (Xtandi) and Docetaxel (Taxotere). Thus, the HCl salts of Gal (3) and VNPP433-3β (4 and 5) are excellent orally bioavailable candidates for clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Retheesh S Thankan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Puranik Purushottamachar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - David J Weber
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Vincent C O Njar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 801 West Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Purushottamachar P, Thomas E, Thankan RS, Rudchenko V, Huang G, Njar VCO. Large-scale synthesis of galeterone and lead next generation galeterone analog VNPP433-3β. Steroids 2022; 185:109062. [PMID: 35690119 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109062] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
VNPP433-3β (compound 2, (3β-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)-17-(1H-benzimidazole-1-yl)-androsta-5,16-diene), a multitarget anticancer agent has emerged as our lead next generation galeterone analogs (NGGA). Here, we describe a large multi-gram (92 g) scale synthesis of compound 2 starting from the commercially available dehydroepiandrosterone-3-acetate (DHEA, 6) via Galeterone (Gal, 1), in 8 steps with a 26% overall yield and 99.5% purity. The overall yield for the synthesis of Gal from DHEA improved from previously reported 47% to 59%. The advantages of this synthesis are as follows: (1) In the first two steps of Scheme 2, the change of solvents and reagents enabled the isolation of compounds 7 and 8 from heptane triturations, as column chromatography was eliminated in both steps. (2) In step 3 (deformylation) the catalyst required was reduced from 50% to 10% (wt/wt) of compound 8 which enable easy purification of compound 9, with modest increased yield. (3) The fourth step to produce Gal (1) was improved by using methanol, eliminating the use of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dichloromethane, solvent which may be a problem as residual solvent contaminant. (4) In the final step 8, the imidazole-ring formation, inexpensive glyoxal (40% aqueous solution) was used in the reaction instead of expensive glyoxal trimer dihydrate. The structure of the target product (2, VNPP433-3β) was established by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Gal and VNPP433-3β exhibit more potent antiproliferative activities against CWR22Rv1 human prostate cancer cells compared to clinical drugs, Abiraterone and Enzalutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puranik Purushottamachar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Retheesh S Thankan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Flavocure Biotech, 701 E. Pratt Street, Suite 2033, Baltimore MD 21202, USA; Isoprene pharmaceuticals, Inc., 875 Hollins Street, Suite 102D, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Vladimir Rudchenko
- Alchem Laboratories Corporation. 13305 Rachael Blvd., Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Guangfei Huang
- Alchem Laboratories Corporation. 13305 Rachael Blvd., Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Vincent C O Njar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Isoprene pharmaceuticals, Inc., 875 Hollins Street, Suite 102D, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Thomas E, Thankan RS, Purushottamachar P, Huang W, Kane MA, Zhang Y, Ambulos NP, Weber DJ, Njar VCO. Novel AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2 Degrader, VNPP433-3β: Molecular Mechanisms of Action and Efficacy in AR-Overexpressing Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Cells 2022; 11:2699. [PMID: 36078112 PMCID: PMC9454942 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) relies in part on AR-signaling for disease development and progression. Earlier, we developed drug candidate galeterone, which advanced through phase 2-clinical trials in treating castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Subsequently, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated next-generation galeterone-analogs including VNPP433-3β which is potently efficacious against pre-clinical models of PCa. This study describes the mechanism of action of VNPP433-3β that promotes degradation of full-length AR (fAR) and its splice variant AR-V7 besides depleting MNK1/2 in in vitro and in vivo CRPC models that stably overexpresses fAR. VNPP433-3β directly engages AR within the cell and promotes proteasomal degradation of fAR and its splice variant AR-V7 by enhancing the interaction of AR with E3 ligases MDM2/CHIP but disrupting AR-HSP90 binding. Next, VNPP433-3β decreases phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and abates binding of eIF4E and eIF4G to 5' cap of mRNA by depleting MNK1/2 with consequent depletion of phosphorylated eIF4E. Finally, RNA-seq demonstrates modulation of multiple pathways that synergistically contribute to PCa inhibition. Therefore, VNPP433-3β exerts its antitumor effect by imposing 1) transcriptional regulation of AR and AR-responsive oncogenes 2) translational regulation by disrupting mRNA-5'cap-dependent translation initiation, 3) reducing AR half-life through enhanced proteasomal degradation in vitro and AR-overexpressing tumor xenografts in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Retheesh S. Thankan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Flavocure Biotech, 701 E. Pratt St, Ste 2033, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- Isoprene Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 801 W Baltimore Street, Suite 502J, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Puranik Purushottamachar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Maureen A. Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Yuji Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Maryland, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nicholas P. Ambulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Marlene Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - David J. Weber
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Vincent C. O. Njar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Thomas E, Thankan RS, Purushottamachar P, Huang W, Kane MA, Zhang Y, Ambulos N, Weber DJ, Njar VCO. Transcriptome profiling reveals that VNPP433-3β, the lead next-generation galeterone analog inhibits prostate cancer stem cells by downregulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stem cell markers. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:643-654. [PMID: 35512605 PMCID: PMC9322274 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) virtually present in all tumors albeit in small numbers are primarily responsible for driving cancer progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer in men worldwide, and castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a major challenge despite the tremendous advancements in medicine. Currently, none of the available treatment options are effective in treating CRPC. We earlier reported that VNPP433-3β, the lead next-generation galeterone analog is effective in treating preclinical in vivo models of CRPC. In this study using RNA-seq, cytological, and biochemical methods, we report that VNPP433-3β inhibits prostate CSCs by targeting key pathways critical to stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. VNPP433-3β inhibits CSCs in PCa, presumably by degrading the androgen receptor (AR) thereby decreasing the AR-mediated transcription of several stem cell markers including BMI1 and KLF4. Transcriptome analyses by RNA-seq, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrate that VNPP433-3β inhibits transcription of several genes and functional pathways critical to the prostate CSCs thereby inhibiting CSCs in PCa besides targeting the bulk of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Retheesh S Thankan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Isoprene Pharmaceuticals Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Flavocure Biotech, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Puranik Purushottamachar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuji Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas Ambulos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David J Weber
- The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vincent C O Njar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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