Self-immolative polycations as gene delivery vectors and prodrugs targeting polyamine metabolism in cancer.

Polycations are explored as carriers to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids. Polycations are conventionally pharmacological inert with the sole function of delivering therapeutic cargo. This study reports synthesis of a self-immolative polycation (DSS-BEN) based on a polyamine analogue drug N(1),N(11)-bisethylnorspermine (BENSpm). The polycation was designed to function dually as a gene delivery carrier and a prodrug targeting dysregulated polyamine metabolism in cancer. Using a combination of NMR and HPLC, we confirm that the self-immolative polycation undergoes intracellular degradation into the parent drug BENSpm. The released BENSpm depletes cellular levels of spermidine and spermine and upregulates polyamine catabolic enzymes spermine/spermidine N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT) and spermine oxidase (SMO). The synthesized polycations form polyplexes with DNA and facilitate efficient transfection. Taking advantage of the ability of BENSpm to sensitize cancer cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis, we show that DSS-BEN enhances the cell killing activity of TNFα gene therapy. The reported findings validate DSS-BEN as a dual-function delivery system that can deliver a therapeutic gene and improve the outcome of gene therapy as a result of the intracellular degradation of DSS-BEN to BENSpm and the subsequent beneficial effect of BENSpm on dysregulated polyamine metabolism in cancer.

Alternative spermidine biosynthetic route is critical for growth of Campylobacter jejuni and is the dominant polyamine pathway in human gut microbiota.

The availability of fully sequenced bacterial genomes has revealed that many species known to synthesize the polyamine spermidine lack the spermidine biosynthetic enzymes S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and spermidine synthase. We found that such species possess orthologues of the sym-norspermidine biosynthetic enzymes carboxynorspermidine dehydrogenase and carboxynorspermidine decarboxylase. By deleting these genes in the food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, we found that the carboxynorspermidine decarboxylase orthologue is responsible for synthesizing spermidine and not sym-norspermidine in vivo. In polyamine auxotrophic gene deletion strains of C. jejuni, growth is highly compromised but can be restored by exogenous sym-homospermidine and to a lesser extent by sym-norspermidine. The alternative spermidine biosynthetic pathway is present in many bacterial phyla and is the dominant spermidine route in the human gut, stomach, and oral microbiomes, and it appears to have supplanted the S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase/spermidine synthase pathway in the gut microbiota. Approximately half of the gut Firmicutes species appear to be polyamine auxotrophs, but all encode the potABCD spermidine/putrescine transporter. Orthologues encoding carboxyspermidine dehydrogenase and carboxyspermidine decarboxylase are found clustered with an array of diverse putrescine biosynthetic genes in different bacterial genomes, consistent with a role in spermidine, rather than sym-norspermidine biosynthesis. Due to the pervasiveness of ε-proteobacteria in deep sea hydrothermal vents and to the ubiquity of the alternative spermidine biosynthetic pathway in that phylum, the carboxyspermidine route is also dominant in deep sea hydrothermal vents. The carboxyspermidine pathway for polyamine biosynthesis is found in diverse human pathogens, and this alternative spermidine biosynthetic route presents an attractive target for developing novel antimicrobial compounds.

Cyclam-based polymeric copper chelators for gene delivery and potential PET imaging.

A series of reducible polycationic copper chelators (RPCs) based on 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) were synthesized by Michael addition. Molecular weight of the polycations was controlled by reaction stoichiometry and reaction conditions, resulting in polymers with molecular weights ranging from 4400 to 13 800. The cyclam moieties in the polycations retained their ability to form complexes with Cu(II). The presence of disulfide bonds in the polycations resulted in substantially lower cytotoxicity than control 25 kDa poly(ethyleneimine). RPC as well as their complexes with Cu(II) exhibited high transfection activity in vitro. The reported polycationic Cu(II) chelates represent promising nucleic acid delivery vectors with potential for future theranostic applications.

Bioisosteric heterocyclic versions of 7-{[2-(4-phenyl-piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]propylamino}-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol: identification of highly potent and selective agonists for dopamine D3 receptor with potent in vivo activity.

In the current report, we extend the SAR study on our hybrid structure 7-{[2-(4-phenyl-piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]propylamino}-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol further to include heterocyclic bioisosteric analogues. Binding assays were carried out with HEK-293 cells expressing either D2 or D3 receptors with tritiated spiperone to evaluate inhibition constants (Ki). Functional activity of selected compounds in stimulating GTPgammaS binding was assessed with CHO cells expressing human D2 receptors and AtT-20 cells expressing human D3 receptors. The highest binding affinity and selectivity for D3 receptors were exhibited by (-)-34 (Ki=0.92 nM and D2/D3=253). In the functional GTPgammaS binding assay, (-)-34 exhibited full agonist activity with picomolar affinity for D3 receptor with high selectivity (EC50=0.08 nM and D2/D3=248). In the in vivo rotational study, (-)-34 exhibited potent rotational activity in 6-OH-DA unilaterally lesioned rats with long duration of action, which indicates its potential application in neuroprotective treatment of Parkinson's disease.

The role of autophagy in the death of L1210 leukemia cells initiated by the new antitumor agents, XK469 and SH80.

The phenoxypropionic acid derivative 2-{4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid (XK469) and an analogue termed 2-{4-[(7-bromo-2-quinalinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid (SH80) can eradicate malignant cell types resistant to many common antitumor agents. Colony formation assays indicated that a 24 h exposure of L1210 cells to XK469 or SH80 inhibited clonogenic growth with CI(90) values of 10 and 13 micromol/L, respectively. This effect was associated with G(2)-M arrest and the absence of any detectable markers of apoptosis (i.e., plasma membrane blebbing, procaspase 3 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and formation of condensed chromatin). Drug-treated cells increased in size and eventually exhibited the characteristics of autophagy (i.e., appearance of autophagosomes and conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-I to 3-II). The absence of apoptosis was not related to an inhibition of the apoptotic program. Cultures treated with XK469 or SH80 readily underwent apoptosis upon exposure to the Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L) antagonist ethyl 2-amino-6-bromo-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate. Continued incubation of drug-treated cells led to a reciprocal loss of large autophagic cells and the appearance of smaller cells that could not be stained with Höechst dye HO33342, had a chaotic morphology, were trypan blue-permeable, and lacked mitochondrial membrane potential. L1210 cells cotreated with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin, or having reduced Atg7 protein content, underwent G(2)-M arrest, but not autophagy, following XK469 treatment. Hence, the therapeutic actions of XK469/SH80 with L1210 cultures reflect both the initiation of a cell cycle arrest as well as the initiation of autophagy.

Further structural exploration of trisubstituted asymmetric pyran derivatives (2S,4R,5R)-2-benzhydryl-5-benzylamino-tetrahydropyran-4-ol and their corresponding disubstituted (3S,6S) pyran derivatives: a proposed pharmacophore model for high-affinity interaction with the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters.

In our previous report, we described a novel series of asymmetric pyran derivatives (2S,4R,5R)-2-benzhydryl-5-benzylamino-tetrahydropyran-4-ol and their enantiomers as blockers of monoamine transporters in the brain. In this report, we describe the further exploration of this series of molecules by incorporating functional groups in the molecular template, which should promote the formation of H bonds with the transporters. In addition, a new synthetic scheme for the asymmetric synthesis of disubstituted cis-(6-benzhydryl-tetrahydro-pyran-3-yl)-benzylamine analogues and their biological characterization is reported. All synthesized derivatives were tested for their affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the brain by measuring their potency in inhibiting the uptake of [(3)H]DA, [(3)H]5-HT, and [(3)H]NE, respectively. The compounds were also tested for their binding potency at the DAT by their ability to inhibit binding of [(3)H]WIN 35, 428. The results indicated that the presence of functional groups, such as -OH, -NH(2), and the bioisosteric 5-substituted indole moiety in both di and trisubstituted compounds, significantly increased their potencies for the SERT and NET, especially for the NET. Among the trisubstituted compounds, (-)-4b exhibited the highest potency for the NET and the SERT (K(i) of 2.13 and 15.3 nM, respectively) and was a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Compound (-)-4a exhibited the highest selectivity for the NET. Among the disubstituted compounds, a number of compounds, such as (-)-9a, (+)-9b, (-)-9b, and (+)-9d, exhibited significant low-nanomolar potencies for the SERT and the NET. Interestingly, compound (-)-9d exhibited appreciable potencies at all three transporters. On the basis of our present and past findings, we propose a qualitative model for the interaction of these compounds with monoamine transporters, which will be refined further in the future.

Development of functional poly(amido amine) CXCR4 antagonists with the ability to mobilize leukocytes and deliver nucleic acids.

CXCR4 chemokine receptor plays a crucial role in metastatic spread of multiple types of cancer. The present study reports on synthesis of functional polymers based on newly synthesized CXCR4-inhibiting monomers. The resultant linear polymeric CXCR4 antagonists (PCX) show improved ability to inhibit CXCR4 when compared with the monomers. The CXCR4 antagonism provides PCX with the ability to mobilize leukocytes from bone marrow to peripheral blood and to inhibit cancer cell invasion. Due to their cationic nature, PCX can form polyplexes with DNA and mediate efficient transfection. The reported findings validate PCX as promising dual-function polymeric drugs that can deliver therapeutic nucleic acids and improve cancer therapy by simultaneously inhibiting CXCR4 chemokine receptor.

II. Synthesis and biological evaluation of some bioisosteres and congeners of the antitumor agent, 2-(4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy)propionic acid (XK469).

XK469 (1) is among the most highly and broadly active antitumor agents to have been evaluated in our laboratories. Subsequent developmental studies led to the entry of (R)-(+) 1 (NSC 698215) into phase 1 clinical trials (NIH UO1-CA62487). The antitumor mechanism of action of 1 remains to be elucidated, which has prompted a sustained effort to elaborate a pharmacophoric pattern of 1. The present study focused on a strategy of synthesis and biological evaluation of topologically based, bioisosteric replacements of the quinoxaline moiety in the lead compound (1) by quinazoline (4a-d), 1,2,4-benzotriazine (12a-18b), and quinoline (21a-g) ring systems. The synthetic approach to each of the bioisosteres of 1 utilized the methodology developed in previous work (see Hazeldine, S. T.; Polin, L.; Kushner, J.; Paluch, J.; White, K.; Edelstein, M.; Palomino, E.; Corbett, T. H.; Horwitz, J. P. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Analogues of the Antitumor Agent 2-(4-[(7-Chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy)propionic acid (XK469). J. Med. Chem. 2001, 44, 1758-1776.), which is extended to the procurement of the benzoxazole (23a,b), benzthiazole (23c,d), pyridine (25a,b), and pyrazine (27) congeners of 1. Only quinoline analogues, bearing a 7-halo (21a,b,d,e) or a 7-methoxy substituent (21g), showed antitumor activities (Br > Cl > CH(3)O > F approximately I), at levels comparable to or greater than the range of activities manifested by 1 and corresponding analogues. At high individual dosages, the (S)-(-) enantiomers of 1 and 21b,d all produce a reversible slowing of nerve-conduction velocity in the mice, the onset of which is characterized by a distinctive dysfunction of the hind legs, causing uncoordinated movements. The condition resolves within 5-10 min. However, at higher dosages, which approach a lethal level, the behavior extended to the front legs, lasting from 20 min to 1 h. By contrast, the (R)-(+) forms of these same agents did not induce the phenomenon of slowing of nerve-conduction velocity.

Low molecular weight amidoximes that act as potent inhibitors of lysine-specific demethylase 1.

The recently discovered enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) plays an important role in the epigenetic control of gene expression, and aberrant gene silencing secondary to LSD1 dysregulation is thought to contribute to the development of cancer. We reported that (bis)guanidines, (bis)biguanides, and their urea- and thiourea isosteres are potent inhibitors of LSD1 and induce the re-expression of aberrantly silenced tumor suppressor genes in tumor cells in vitro. We now report a series of small molecule amidoximes that are moderate inhibitors of recombinant LSD1 but that produce dramatic changes in methylation at the histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) chromatin mark, a specific target of LSD1, in Calu-6 lung carcinoma cells. In addition, these analogues increase cellular levels of secreted frizzle-related protein (SFRP) 2, H-cadherin (HCAD), and the transcription factor GATA4. These compounds represent leads for an important new series of drug-like epigenetic modulators with the potential for use as antitumor agents.

Polyamine-based small molecule epigenetic modulators.

Chromatin remodelling enzymes such as the histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone demethylases such as lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) have been validated as targets for cancer drug discovery. Although a number of HDAC inhibitors have been marketed or are in human clinical trials, the search for isoform-specific HDAC inhibitors is an ongoing effort. In addition, the discovery and development of compounds targeting histone demethylases are in their early stages. Epigenetic modulators used in combination with traditional antitumor agents such as 5-azacytidine represent an exciting new approach to cancer chemotherapy. We have developed multiple series of HDAC inhibitors and LSD1 inhibitors that promote the re-expression of aberrantly silenced genes that are important in human cancer. The design, synthesis and biological activity of these analogues is described herein.

Further structure-activity relationship studies on 4-((((3S,6S)-6-benzhydryltetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)amino)methyl)phenol: identification of compounds with triple uptake inhibitory activity as potential antidepressant agents.

To investigate structural alterations of the lead triple uptake inhibitor molecule, disubstituted 4-((((3S,6S)-6-benzhydryltetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)amino)methyl)phenol, we have carried out structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to investigate the effect of alteration of aromatic substitutions and introduction of heterocyclic aromatic moieties on this molecular template. The novel compounds were tested for their affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the brain by measuring their potency in inhibiting the uptake of [(3)H]DA, [(3)H]5-HT, and [(3)H]NE, respectively. SAR results indicate dopamine norepinephrine reuptake inhibitory (DNRI) type activity in thiophene (10g) and pyrrole (10i) derivatives. On the other hand, 3-hydroxyphenyl derivative 10f and 4-methoxyphenyl derivative 10j exhibited a triple reuptake inhibitory (TUI) activity profile, as these molecules exhibited potent uptake inhibition for all the monoamine transporters (K(i) of 31.3, 40, 38.5 and K(i) of 15.9, 12.9, 29.3 for DAT, SERT, and NET for 10f and 10g, respectively). Compound 10f was further evaluated in the rat forced swim test to evaluate its potential antidepressant effect. The results show significant reduction of immobility by TUI 10f at 10 mg/kg dose, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of conformationally constrained analogs of the antitumor agents XK469 and SH80. Part 5.

Conformational restriction of bioactive molecules offers the possibility of generating structures of increased potency. To this end, a synthesis has been achieved of (R,S)-2-[(8-chlorobenzofurano[2,3-b]quinolinyl)oxy]propionic acid (12a), a highly rigidified, polycyclic analog of 2-[4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy]propionic acid (2a, XK469). Efforts to effect the same synthesis of the corresponding 8-bromo-derivative led to a mixture of intermediate, 8-chloro (9a), and 8-bromo-2-hydroxybenzofurano[2,3-b]quinoline (9b), generated by halogen-exchange, via an aromatic S(RN)1(A(RN)1) reaction of precursor, 8b, with pyridine hydrochloride. The presumption that conformational restriction of 1b-12a might enhance the antitumor potency of the latter has not been sustained. In fact, 12a proved to be significantly less active than 1b. However, it is apparent that virtually all of the spatial and steric properties of 12a, necessary for improved activity, including the disposition of the 2-oxypropionic acid side chain remain to be identified.

Synthetic modification of the 2-oxypropionic acid moiety in 2-{4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid (XK469), and consequent antitumor effects. Part 4.

The criteria for the activity of 2-{4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid (XK469) and 2-{4-[(7-bromo-2-quinolinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid (SH80) against transplanted tumors in mice established in previous studies, require a (7-halo-2-quinoxalinoxy)- or a (7-halo-2-quinolinoxyl)-residue, respectively, bridged via a 1,4-OC(6)H(4)O-linker to C(2) of propionic acid. The present work demonstrates that substitution of fluorine at the 3-position of the 1,4-OC(6)H(4)O-linker of XK469 leads to a 10-fold reduction in activity, whereas the corresponding 2-fluoro analog proved to be 100-fold less active than XK469. Moreover, the latter tolerated substitution of but a single, additional methyl group to the 2-position of the propionic acid moiety, that is, the isobutyric acid analog, without loss of significant in vivo activity. Indeed, an intact 2-oxypropionic acid moiety is a prerequisite for maximum antitumor activity of 1a.

Part 3: synthesis and biological evaluation of some analogs of the antitumor agents, 2-{4-[(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid, and 2-{4-[(7-bromo-2-quinolinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid.

2-{4-[(7-Chloro-2-quinoxalinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic acid (X469) and 2-{4-[(7-bromo-2-quinolinyl)oxy]phenoxy}propionic Acid (SH80) are among the most highly and broadly active antitumor agents to have been developed in our laboratories. However, the mechanism(s) of action of these agents remain to be elucidated, which prompted our continued endeavor to delineate a pharmacophoric pattern, from which a putative target might be deduced. Herein, we provide additional evidence that intact quinoxaline and quinoline rings in XK469 and SH80, respectively, are fundamental to the activities of these structures against transplanted tumors in mice. The consequence of further modification of the heterocyclic ring system in XK469 and SH80, leading to [1,8]naphthyridine; pyrrolo[1,2-a]; imidazo[1,2-a]; and imidazo[1,5-a] derivatives, all deprive the parent structures of antitumor activity. Introduction of CH3, CF3, CH3O, CO2H, or C6H5 substituents at C4 of the quinoline ring of SH80 led to weakly active antitumor agents. Similarly, the phenanthridine analog of SH80 manifested only modest cytotoxicity. Lastly, XK469 and SH80 are both significantly more active than the corresponding regioisomeric structures, 2-{4-[(7-halo-4-quinolinyl)oxy]phenoxy)propionic acids.

Lack of in vitro-in vivo correlation of a novel investigational anticancer agent, SH 30.

In solid tumors, the reasons for the lack of in vitro and in vivo correlation of drug activities are multifold and includes permeability to the tumor cells, interstitial hypertension and metabolic degradation. So, it is important to study the permeability and metabolic disposition of new compounds early in discovery and development of anticancer drugs. An experimental anti-cancer drug, SH 30 demonstrated highly selective and potent cytotoxic activity against a number of multi-drug resistant tumor cell lines in vitro. However, it was inactive in a murine tumor model. This study was conducted to identify the barriers that result in lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activity of novel anticancer agents. Two important barriers: physical (permeability) and metabolic (enzymatic inactivation) to poor delivery of SH 30 to solid tumors were investigated in this study. Tumors were sliced to separate the vascular and avascular sections. The concentrations of the drug at various regions of the tumor after single and multiple doses were investigated to determine the permeability barrier. The permeability barrier was also probed using two in vitro model systems, namely, matrigel films representing extracellular matrix and caco-2 multilayer cell cultures that simulate solid tumors. The drug and its metabolite concentrations were determined in the plasma and tumors to determine the metabolic barrier to the drug cytotoxic action. The metabolic barrier was further probed using in vitro mouse hepatocytes and liver microsome preparations. Our examination revealed the metabolic barrier to be the major contributor to the ineffectiveness of SH 30 in vivo. Examination of concentration of the drug across various regions of the tumor corroborated by data from in vitro permeation studies suggested that, for SH 30, permeability barrier did not exist. After single injection, the concentrations of SH 30 and its metabolites in plasma and tumor were comparable to another investigational drug with similar features (XK 469). Contrary to day 1, after 8 consecutive days of administration, SH 30 concentrations were significantly lower, while the metabolites concentrations were higher, suggesting extensive metabolism due to induction of enzyme(s). The in vitro hepatocytes and liver microsome results also showed SH 30 biotransformation to the same metabolites. Neither drug penetration, nor drug distribution into regions of the tumors distal to vasculature were impeded. The inactivity of SH 30 in vivo is primarily due to induction of extensive metabolism to inactive metabolites. This metabolism prevents adequate drug levels being achieved in the tumor.

Preclinical efficacy evaluations of XK-469: dose schedule, route and cross-resistance behavior in tumor bearing mice.

XK-469 is advancing to Phase I clinical trials. Preclinical studies were carried out to assist in clinical applications. DOSE-SCHEDULE ROUTE TESTING: Single dose i.v. treatment with XK-469 produced lethality (LD20 to LD100) above 142 mg/kg. Optimum treatment required total dosages of 350 to 600 mg/kg. Furthermore, high individual i.v. dosages (100 to 142 mg/kg) were poorly tolerated, producing substantial weight loss (8 to 18% of body weight), poor appearance, and slow recovery (8 to 12 days). A 1-hour infusion of dosages more than 140 mg/kg, or BID injections 6 hrs apart, did not reduce lethality. However, lower individual dosages of 40 to 50 mg/kg/injection i.v. were well tolerated and could be given daily to reach an optimum total dose with minimal toxicities. Likewise, 75 mg/kg/injection i.v. could be used every other day to reach optimal treatment. The necropsy profiles of deaths from toxic dosages were essentially identical regardless of schedule (deaths 4 to 7 days post treatment). The profiles were: paralytic ileus or gastroparesis; GI epithelial damage; and marrow toxicity. Interestingly, the key lethal events were rapidly reversible and simple to overcome with lower dosages given daily or every other day. Based on these results, the high dose, Q21 day schedule should be avoided in clinical applications. Instead, a split dose regimen is recommended (e.g., daily, every other day, or twice weekly). XK-469 was also well tolerated by the oral route, requiring 35% higher dosages p.o. to reach the same efficacy and toxicity as produced i.v.. CROSS-RESISTANCE STUDIES: XK-469 resistance was produced by optimum treatments of i.v. implanted L1210 leukemia over seven passage generations. This leukemia subline (L1210/XK469) had reduced sensitivity to VP-16 (with a 4.0 log kill in i.v. implanted L1210/XK469 compared to an 8.0 log kill against i.v. implanted L1210/0). It also had a reduction in the sensitivity to 5-FU (with a 2.0 log kill in the implanted L1210/XK469 compared to a 4.0 log kill against i.v. implanted L1210/0). Other agents were approximately as active against the resistant tumor, including: Ara-C, Gemzar, Cytoxan, BCNU, DTIC, and CisDDPT. No case of collateral sensitivity was observed; i.e., no agent was markedly more active against the resistant subline L1210/XK-469 than against the parent tumor in mice.