4.7 Article

β-Lactams with antiproliferative and antiapoptotic activity in breast and chemoresistant colon cancer cells

Journal

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Volume 189, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112050

Keywords

Combretastatin A-4; Antiproliferative activity; 1,4-Diaryl-2-azetidinone; Tubulin polymerisation; Cell cycle arrest; Microtubule targeting agent

Funding

  1. King Abdulaziz University (KAU)
  2. Ministry of Higher Education, Saudi Arabia [IRKA1001]
  3. Irish Higher Education Authority's Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI)

Ask authors/readers for more resources

A series of novel 1,4-diaryl-2-azetidinone analogues of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) have been designed, synthesised and evaluated in vitro for antiproliferative activity, antiapoptotic activity and inhibition of tubulin polymerisation. Glucuronidation of CA-4 by uridine 5-diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase enzymes (UGTs) has been identified as a mechanism of resistance in cancer cells. Potential sites of ring B glucuronate conjugation are removed by replacing the B ring meta-hydroxy substituent of selected series of beta-lactams with alternative substituents e.g. F, Cl, Br, I, CH3. The 3-phenyl-beta-lactam 11 and 3-hydroxy-beta-lactam 46 demonstrate improved activity over CA-4 in CA-4 resistant HT-29 colon cancer cells (IC50 = 9 nM and 3 nM respectively compared with IC50 = 4.16 mu M for CA-4), while retaining potency in MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC50 = 17 nM and 22 nM respectively compared with IC50 = for 4 nM for CA-4). Compound 46 binds at the colchicine site of tubulin, and strongly inhibits tubulin assembly at micromolar concentrations comparable to CA-4. In addition, compound 46 induced mitotic arrest at low concentration in both cell lines MCF-7 and HT-29 together with downregulation of expression of antiapoptotic proteins Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and survivin in MCF-7 cells. These novel antiproliferative and antiapoptotic beta-lactams are potentially useful scaffolds in the development of tubulin-targeting agents for the treatment of breast cancers and chemoresistant colon cancers.(C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Repurposing drugs for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: computational design insights into mechanisms of action

Shubhangi Kandwal, Darren Fayne

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on global human life, causing economic crises and health emergencies. In this study, computational drug design technologies were used to repurpose existing drugs as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins. The results may help accelerate drug development against COVID-19 and have significant implications.

JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1-(Diarylmethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles and 1-(Diarylmethyl)-1H-imidazoles as a Novel Class of Anti-Mitotic Agent for Activity in Breast Cancer

Gloria Ana, Patrick M. Kelly, Azizah M. Malebari, Sara Noorani, Seema M. Nathwani, Brendan Twamley, Darren Fayne, Niamh M. O'Boyle, Daniela M. Zisterer, Elisangela Flavia Pimentel, Denise Coutinho Endringer, Mary J. Meegan

Summary: The synthesis and biochemical evaluation of novel compounds designed as hybrids of microtubule targeting benzophenone phenstatin and aromatase inhibitor letrozole were reported. One compound showed potent antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells, inducing G(2)/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing non-tumorigenic cells. These compounds hold promise as potential agents for breast cancer treatment.

PHARMACEUTICALS (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Iron Chelator Desferrioxamine Increases the Efficacy of Bedaquiline in Primary Human Macrophages Infected with BCG

Christina Cahill, Fiona O'Connell, Karl M. Gogan, Donal J. Cox, Sharee A. Basdeo, Jacintha O'Sullivan, Stephen V. Gordon, Joseph Keane, James J. Phelan

Summary: The study found that the iron chelator desferrioxamine, used as an adjunctive treatment to bedaquiline, significantly reduced the bacterial load in human macrophages infected with BCG. Additionally, it increased specific cytokine levels, indicating a potential link between enhanced bactericidal activity and cytokine production with the addition of desferrioxamine.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2021)

Article Oncology

Gold nanoparticles and obese adipose tissue microenvironment in cancer treatment

Noor Essa, Fiona O'Connell, Adriele Prina-Mello, Jacintha O'Sullivan, Simone Marcone

Summary: The relationship between obesity and cancer has been well characterized, but the biological mechanisms in obese cancer patients are still unclear. The obese tumor microenvironment provides additional benefits to tumor cells against anticancer therapies by altering the extracellular matrix composition and immune cell profile, while nanotechnology, particularly gold nanoparticles, is being researched for cancer treatment due to their sensitizing abilities for cancer cells and enhancement of drug delivery.

CANCER LETTERS (2022)

Article Medicine, Research & Experimental

A novel aryl-guanidinium derivative, VP79s, targets the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway, downregulates myeloid cell leukaemia-1 and exhibits preclinical activity against multiple myeloma

Rebecca Amet, Viola Previtali, Helene B. Mihigo, Emily Sheridan, Sarah Brophy, Nadhim Kamil Hante, Maria Jose Santos-Martinez, Patrick J. Hayden, Paul Browne, Isabel Rozas, Anthony M. McElligott, Daniela M. Zisterer

Summary: VP79s is a novel guanidinium-based compound that exhibits cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma cells. It inhibits the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and downregulates MCL-1 expression, resulting in selective anti-tumor activity.

LIFE SCIENCES (2022)

Article Oncology

The Omentum in Obesity-Associated Cancer: A Hindrance to Effective Natural Killer Cell Migration towards Tumour Which Can Be Overcome by CX3CR1 Antagonism

Eimear Mylod, Fiona O'Connell, Noel E. Donlon, Christine Butler, John V. Reynolds, Joanne Lysaght, Melissa J. Conroy

Summary: Esophagogastric adenocarcinomas (OAC) are obesity-associated malignancies with severe immune dysregulation. Previously, it has been shown that natural killer (NK) cells migrate preferentially to OAC omentum, where they undergo phenotypic and functional alterations and apoptosis. The CX3CR1:fractalkine (CX3CL1) pathway has been identified as pivotal in their recruitment to the omentum. This study investigates the impact of exposure to the soluble microenvironment of OAC omentum, particularly fractalkine and IL-15, on NK cell homing capacity towards esophageal tumors. The results reveal that exposure to omental adipose tissue conditioned media (ACM) diminishes NK cell migration towards OAC tumor tissue conditioned media (TCM), but this migration can be rescued with the CX3CR1 antagonist E6130. Furthermore, it is shown that fractalkine has opposing effects on NK cell migration towards TCM, whether used alone or in combination with IL-15, and inhibits IL-15-mediated stimulation of death receptor ligand expression. Interestingly, treatment with fractalkine and/or IL-15 does not significantly affect NK cell adhesion to MAdCAM-1, despite changes in integrin alpha 4 beta 7 expression. This study provides additional evidence for the therapeutic potential of CX3CR1 antagonism in rescuing NK cells from the adverse effects of the omentum and fractalkine, thereby limiting their dysfunction.

CANCERS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of 3-Chloroazetidin-2-ones with Antimitotic Activity: Heterocyclic Bridged Analogues of Combretastatin A-4

Azizah M. Malebari, Shu Wang, Thomas F. Greene, Niamh M. O'Boyle, Darren Fayne, Mohemmed Faraz Khan, Seema M. Nathwani, Brendan Twamley, Thomas McCabe, Daniela M. Zisterer, Mary J. Meegan

Summary: The novel 3-chloro-2-azetidinones show potent antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells and exhibit similar cellular effects as Combretastatin A-4. The compounds act by inhibiting tubulin polymerization and inducing late-phase cell cycle arrest.

PHARMACEUTICALS (2021)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Design and synthesis of multifunctional microtubule targeting agents endowed with dual pro-apoptotic and anti-autophagic efficacy

Giuseppe Campiani, Tuhina Khan, Cristina Ulivieri, Leopoldo Staiano, Chiara Papulino, Stefania Magnano, Seema Nathwani, Anna Ramunno, Daniel Lucena-Agell, Nicola Relitti, Stefano Federico, Luca Pozzetti, Gabriele Carullo, Alice Casagni, Simone Brogi, Francesca Vanni, Paola Galatello, Magda Ghanim, Niamh McCabe, Stefania Lamponi, Massimo Valoti, Ola Ibrahim, Jeffrey O'Sullivan, Richard Turkington, Vincent P. Kelly, Ruben VanWemmel, J. Fernando Diaz, Sandra Gemma, Daniela Zisterer, Lucia Altucci, Antonella De Matteis, Stefania Butini, Rosaria Benedetti

Summary: Autophagy, a crucial mechanism for maintaining organismal homeostasis, has become a focus in cancer therapy. In this study, new multifunctional agents with both pro-apoptotic and autophagy-inhibiting effects were designed and their therapeutic potential was demonstrated through experiments.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Oncology

PD-1 and TIGIT blockade differentially affect tumour cell survival under hypoxia and glucose deprived conditions in oesophageal adenocarcinoma; implications for overcoming resistance to PD-1 blockade in hypoxic tumours

Maria Davern, Marie-Claire Fitzgerald, Croi E. Buckley, Aisling B. Heeran, Noel E. Donlon, Jason McGrath, Fiona O' Connell, Malvika R. Deshpande, Conall Hayes, Jamie MacDonald, Andrew D. Sheppard, John Reynolds, Stephen G. Maher, Niamh Lynam-Lennon, Brona Murphy, Joanne Lysaght

Summary: Recent studies have shown that immune checkpoint receptors are expressed on OAC cells and may provide a survival advantage. PD-1 and TIGIT signaling in OAC cells play a role in either promoting or inhibiting cell survival, especially under conditions of nutrient-deprivation and hypoxia. The study found that glucose-deprivation and hypoxia can upregulate PD-1 and TIGIT expression on OAC cells, and blocking PD-1 or TIGIT can have different effects on cell proliferation and survival under different conditions.

TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY (2022)

Article Oncology

Identification of Src as a Therapeutic Target in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma through Functional Genomic and High-Throughput Drug Screening Approaches

Niamh H. McCabe, Leanne Stevenson, Enya Scanlon, Rosalie Douglas, Susanna Kennedy, Oliver Keminer, Bjoern Windshuegel, Daniela Zisterer, Richard D. Kennedy, Jaine K. Blayney, Richard C. Turkington

Summary: Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), a common cancer with poor prognosis, is often resistant to chemotherapy. This study identified targeting Src as a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in OAC cells, providing new insights for developing therapeutic approaches.

CANCERS (2022)

Article Biochemical Research Methods

Mapping of Protein Binding Sites using clustering algorithms-Development of a pharmacophore based drug discovery tool

Jessica Braun, Darren Fayne

Summary: A method using the K-means clustering algorithm to derive pharmacophore models of the binding site from fragment flooded X-ray protein structures was developed and validated by comparing with X-ray ligand structure-derived pharmacophores.

JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR GRAPHICS & MODELLING (2022)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Synthesis, Characterisation and Mechanism of Action of Anticancer 3-Fluoroazetidin-2-ones

Azizah M. Malebari, Gabriela Duffy Morales, Brendan Twamley, Darren Fayne, Mohemmed Faraz Khan, Eavan C. McLoughlin, Niamh M. O'Boyle, Daniela M. Zisterer, Mary J. Meegan

Summary: This study describes the synthesis, characterization, and mechanism of action of a series of 3-fluoro and 3,3-difluoro substituted beta-lactams as analogues of the tubulin-targeting agent CA-4. These compounds showed potent activity in breast cancer cells and low toxicity in non-cancerous cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that these compounds inhibit tubulin polymerization and induce apoptosis, making them potential candidates for the development of novel cancer therapeutics.

PHARMACEUTICALS (2022)

Article Oncology

The role of the Nrf2/GSH antioxidant system in cisplatin resistance in malignant rhabdoid tumours

Patricia Hannon Barroeta, Maureen J. O'Sullivan, Daniela M. Zisterer

Summary: Malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT), a rare and aggressive childhood malignancy, is highly resistant to chemotherapy. This study investigates the role of the antioxidant defense system involving glutathione (GSH) and Nrf2 in MRT cells' response to cisplatin treatment. Results suggest that targeting the Nrf2/GSH antioxidant system may be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance in rhabdoid tumours.

JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (2023)

Review Virology

Genetic conservation across SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins-Insights into possible targets for treatment of future viral outbreaks

Shubhangi Kandwal, Darren Fayne

Summary: The majority of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic development work has been focused on targeting spike protein, viral polymerase, and proteases. However, these proteins are prone to mutation and drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to target other viral proteins, such as NSPs, and the conserved residues of these proteins.

VIROLOGY (2023)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Antiproliferative and Tubulin-Destabilising Effects of 3-(Prop-1-en-2-yl)azetidin-2-Ones and Related Compounds in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Shu Wang, Azizah M. Malebari, Thomas F. Greene, Shubhangi Kandwal, Darren Fayne, Seema M. Nathwani, Daniela M. Zisterer, Brendan Twamley, Niamh M. O'Boyle, Mary J. Meegan

Summary: A series of novel analogues of combretastatin A-4 were designed and synthesised as colchicine-binding site inhibitors. These compounds showed significant antiproliferative activities in breast cancer cells and inhibited tubulin assembly. Compound 9q was found to target tubulin, resulting in cellular apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe in MCF-7 cells. In silico molecular docking supported the interaction between the compounds and the colchicine-binding domain of tubulin. Compound 9q has potential as a lead compound for the development of new antitumour agents.

PHARMACEUTICALS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Highly potent dual-targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) peptides: A promising broad-spectrum therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Shuang Mei, Su Jiang, Yuting Wang, Han Jing, Peng Yang, Miao-Miao Niu, Jindong Li, Kai Yuan, Yan Zhang

Summary: This study identifies a dual-targeting peptide, AP-1, that effectively inhibits variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 without impairing host cell viability. The findings suggest that AP-1 could be a promising broad-spectrum agent for treating emerging VOCs of SARS-CoV-2.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Discovery of proteolysis-targeting chimera targeting undruggable proteins using a covalent ligand screening approach

Hyeonjun Lee, Ju Yeon Lee, Hyunsoo Jang, Hye Young Cho, Minhee Kang, Sang Hyun Bae, Suin Kim, Eunji Kim, Jaebong Jang, Jin Young Kim, Young Ho Jeon

Summary: By using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, we identified new chemical moieties that bind to the target sites of the protein of interest, allowing for reversible binding and protein degradation. This method has the potential to expand the application of PROTAC technology.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

A pro-death autophagy-based nanoplatform for enhancing antitumour efficacy with improved immune responses

Yingying Li, Xiyou Du, Xinru Kong, Yuelin Fang, Zhijing He, Dongzhu Liu, Hang Wu, Jianbo Ji, Xiaoye Yang, Lei Ye, Guangxi Zhai

Summary: This study proposes a novel nanoplatform based on the autophagy cascade to overcome the obstacles in chemo-immunotherapy. The platform combines chemotherapy and starvation therapy to initiate pro-death autophagy and enhance antigen presentation, while also remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the study discovers a new therapeutic direction for the respiration inhibitor 3-bromopyruvic acid (3BP) in cancer treatment. Overall, this study offers an opportunity to improve antitumor efficacy and boost immune responses.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

A novel scaffold long-acting selective estrogen receptor antagonist and degrader with superior preclinical profile against ER plus breast cancer

Bingsi Wang, Mingxu Ma, Yusen Dai, Pengfei Yu, Liang Ye, Wenyan Wang, Chunjie Sha, Huijie Yang, Yingjie Yang, Yunjing Zhu, Lin Dong, Shujuan Wei, Linlin Wang, Jingwei Tian, Hongbo Wang

Summary: Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, and drug resistance remains a clinical challenge. In this study, a novel compound, G-5b, was developed with potent antagonistic and degradation activities comparable to the current drug fulvestrant. G-5b also showed improved stability and solubility. Mechanistically, G-5b engages the proteasome pathway to degrade ER, inhibiting the ER signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In animal models, G-5b exhibited superior pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties. Overall, G-5b is a promising long-acting SERD worthy of further investigation and optimization.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

HDAC specificity and kinase off-targeting by purine-benzohydroxamate anti-hematological tumor agents

Karoline B. Waitman, Larissa C. de Almeida, Marina C. Primi, Jorge A. E. G. Carlos, Claudia Ruiz, Thales Kronenberger, Stefan Laufer, Marcia Ines Goettert, Antti Poso, Sandra V. Vassiliades, Vinicius A. M. de Souza, Monica F. Z. J. Toledo, Neuza M. A. Hassimotto, Michael D. Cameron, Thomas D. Bannister, Leticia Costa-Lotufo, Joa o A. Machado-Neto, Mauricio T. Tavares, Roberto Parise-Filho

Summary: A series of hybrid inhibitors combining pharmacophores of known kinase inhibitors and benzohydroxamate HDAC inhibitors were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity and pharmacokinetic properties. Compounds 4d-f exhibited promising cytotoxicity against hematological cells and moderate activity against solid tumor models. Compound 4d showed potent inhibition of multiple kinase targets and had stable interactions with HDAC and members of the JAK family. These compounds showed selective cytotoxicity with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Unexpected rearrangement of ivermectin in the synthesis of new derivatives with trypanocidal and antiplasmodial activities

Michal Sulik, Diana Fontinha, Dietmar Steverding, Szymon Sobczak, Michal Antoszczak, Miguel Prudencio, Adam Huczynski

Summary: This study describes the synthesis of the first-in-class ivermectin derivatives obtained through derivatization of the C13 position, along with the unexpected rearrangement of the macrolide ring. These derivatives show potential for antiparasitic activity and are important for the development of new antiparasitic agents.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Novel ligustilide derivatives target quorum sensing system LasR/LasB and relieve inflammatory response against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Jun Liu, Qiu-Xian Chen, Wen-Fu Wu, Dong Wang, Si -Yu Zhao, Jia-Hao Li, Yi-Qun Chang, Shao-Gao Zeng, Jia-Yi Hu, Yu-Jie Li, Jia-Xin Du, Shu-Meng Jiao, Hai-Chuan Xiao, Qiang Zhang, Jun Xu, Jian-Fu Zhao, Hai -Bo Zhou, Yong-Heng Wang, Jian Zou, Ping-Hua Sun

Summary: A new anti-infective drug strategy has been discovered to attenuate virulence and modulate inflammation caused by drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Compound 5f inhibits biofilm formation, macrophage migration, and inflammatory response induced by P. aeruginosa, showing potential as a novel candidate against drug-resistant infections.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Design and synthesis of pterostilbene derivatives bearing triazole moiety that might treat DSS-induced colitis in mice through modulation of NF-KB/ MAPK signaling pathways

Liuzeng Chen, Ke Wang, Lingyun Wang, Wei Wang, Lifan Wang, Jia Li, Xiaohan Liu, Mengya Wang, Banfeng Ruan

Summary: In this study, a series of novel anti-inflammatory compounds were designed and synthesized based on the natural product pterostilbene skeleton. Among them, compound 8 showed the highest activity and exhibited its effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines by blocking the NF-KB/MAPK signaling pathway. Compound 8 also demonstrated a good relieving effect on acute colitis in mice and showed good safety in acute toxicity experiments.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)

Article Chemistry, Medicinal

Discovery of 4-(N-dithiobenzyl piperazine)-1,8-naphthalimide as a potent multi-target antitumor agent with good efficacy, limited toxicity, and low resistance

Si-Min Liang, Gui-Bin Liang, Hui-Ling Wang, Hong Jiang, Xian-Li Ma, Jian-Hua Wei, Ri-Zhen Huang, Ye Zhang

Summary: A series of novel multi-target antitumor agents were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Some compounds exhibited significant antitumor activity and one compound showed excellent efficacy, limited toxicity, and low resistance. Further mechanism studies revealed that the compound exerted antitumor effects through multiple pathways.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (2024)