Regulation of HuR structure and function by dihydrotanshinone-I.

The Human antigen R protein (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that recognizes U/AU-rich elements in diverse RNAs through two RNA-recognition motifs, RRM1 and RRM2, and post-transcriptionally regulates the fate of target RNAs. The natural product dihydrotanshinone-I (DHTS) prevents the association of HuR and target RNAs in vitro and in cultured cells by interfering with the binding of HuR to RNA. Here, we report the structural determinants of the interaction between DHTS and HuR and the impact of DHTS on HuR binding to target mRNAs transcriptome-wide. NMR titration and Molecular Dynamics simulation identified the residues within RRM1 and RRM2 responsible for the interaction between DHTS and HuR. RNA Electromobility Shifts and Alpha Screen Assays showed that DHTS interacts with HuR through the same binding regions as target RNAs, stabilizing HuR in a locked conformation that hampers RNA binding competitively. HuR ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation followed by microarray (RIP-chip) analysis showed that DHTS treatment of HeLa cells paradoxically enriched HuR binding to mRNAs with longer 3'UTR and with higher density of U/AU-rich elements, suggesting that DHTS inhibits the association of HuR to weaker target mRNAs. In vivo, DHTS potently inhibited xenograft tumor growth in a HuR-dependent model without systemic toxicity.

4-Connected azabicyclo[5.3.0]decane Smac mimetics-Zn2+ chelators as dual action antitumoral agents.

Putative dual action compounds (DACs 3a-d) based on azabicyclo[5.3.0]decane (ABD) Smac mimetic scaffolds linked to Zn2+-chelating 2,2'-dipicolylamine (DPA) through their 4 position are reported and characterized. Their synthesis, their target affinity (cIAP1 BIR3, Zn2+) in cell-free assays, their pro-apoptotic effects, and their cytotoxicity in tumor cells with varying sensitivity to Smac mimetics are described. A limited influence of Zn2+ chelation on in vitro activity of DPA-substituted DACs 3a-d was sometimes perceivable, but did not lead to strong cellular synergistic effects. In particular, the linker connecting DPA with the ABD scaffold seems to influence cellular Zn2+-chelation, with longer lipophilic linkers/DAC 3c being the optimal choice.

Dual action Smac mimetics-zinc chelators as pro-apoptotic antitumoral agents.

Dual action compounds (DACs) based on 4-substituted aza-bicyclo[5.3.0]decane Smac mimetic scaffolds (ABDs) linked to a Zn(2+)-chelating moiety (DPA, o-hydroxy, m-allyl, N-acyl (E)-phenylhydrazone) through their 10 position are reported and characterized. Their synthesis, their target affinity (XIAP BIR3, Zn(2+)) in cell-free assays, their pro-apoptotic effects and cytotoxicity in tumor cells with varying sensitivity to Smac mimetics are described. The results are interpreted to evaluate the influence of Zn(2+) chelators on cell-free potency and on cellular permeability of DACs, and to propose novel avenues towards more potent antitumoral DACs based on Smac mimetics and Zn(2+) chelation.

Computational design of novel peptidomimetic inhibitors of cadherin homophilic interactions.

We report a first set of peptidomimetic ligands mimicking the adhesive interface identified by recent crystallographic structures of E- and N-cadherin. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibit adhesion of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells with improved efficacy compared to the ADH-1 peptide, a N-cadherin antagonist that is in early clinical trials in EOC patients.

Enhancement of the uptake and cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin in cancer cells by novel cRGD-semipeptide-anchoring liposomes.

Novel liposemipeptides hanging cyclic azabicycloalkane-RGD or aminoproline-RGD terminals were synthesized and incorporated into liposomal nanoparticles cAba/cAmpRGD-LNP5 3C/3D. Liposomes with similar composition and lacking semipeptide conjugates were constructed for comparison (LNP, 3A), and physical encapsulation of the anticancer doxorubicin drug in both targeted and untargeted liposomes was accomplished. Microstructural analysis performed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) revealed that the conjugated nanoparticles presented an average size of 80 nm and were constituted by 5 nm thick unilamellar liposome bilayer. Flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy studies showed that 3C-DOXO and 3D-DOXO efficiently delivered the drug into the nuclei of both quiescent and proliferating cells even in a high serum concentration environment. The uptake of doxorubicin when carried by liposomes was faster than that of the free drug, and 30 min incubation was sufficient to load cell nuclei with doxorubicin. Targeted liposomes significantly induced cell death of human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells (IC50 = 144 nM, 3C-DOXO; IC50 = 274 nM, 3D-DOXO), about 2- to 6-fold more potent than free doxorubicin or 3A-DOXO controls (IC50 = 527 and 854 nM, respectively). These results suggest that cAba/cAmpRGD liposomal nanoparticles hold promise for the rapid and efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to αVß3-expressing tumor cells.

MicroPET/CT imaging of αvß3 integrin via a novel 68Ga-NOTA-RGD peptidomimetic conjugate in rat myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: The αvß3 integrin is expressed in angiogenic vessels and is a potential target for molecular imaging of evolving pathological processes. Its expression is upregulated in cancer lesions and metastases as well as in acute myocardial infarction (MI) as part of the infarct healing process. The purpose of our study was to determine the feasibility of a new imaging approach with a novel (68)Ga-2,2',2″-(1,4,7-triazonane-1,4,7-triyl)triacetic acid (NOTA)-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) construct to assess integrin expression in the evolving MI. METHODS: A straightforward labelling chemistry to attach the radionuclide (68)Ga to a NOTA-based chelating agent conjugated with a cyclic RGD peptidomimetic is described. Affinity for αvß3 integrin was assessed by in vitro receptor binding assay. The proof-of-concept in vivo studies combined the (68)Ga-NOTA-RGD with the flow tracer (13)N-NH3 imaging in order to obtain positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging of both integrin expression and perfusion defect at 4 weeks after infarction. Hearts were then processed for immunostaining of integrin ß3. RESULTS: NOTA-RGD conjugate displayed a binding affinity for αvß3 integrin of 27.9 ± 6.8 nM. (68)Ga-NOTA-RGD showed stability without detectable degradation or formation of by-products in urine up to 2 h following injection in the rat. MI hearts exhibited (68)Ga-NOTA-RGD uptake in correspondence to infarcted and border zone regions. The tracer signal drew a parallel with vascular remodelling due to ischaemia-induced angiogenesis as assessed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: As compared to similar imaging approaches using the (18)F-galacto-derivative, we documented for the first time with microPET/CT imaging the (68)Ga-NOTA-RGD derivative that appears eligible for PET imaging in animal models of vascular remodelling during evolving MI. The simple chemistry employed to synthesize the (68)Ga-based radiotracer may greatly facilitate its translation to a clinical setting.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel cRGD-paclitaxel conjugates for integrin-assisted drug delivery.

The efficacy of taxane-based antitumor therapy is limited by several drawbacks which result in a poor therapeutic index. Thus, the development of approaches that favor selective delivery of taxane drugs (e.g., paclitaxel, PTX) to the disease area represents a truly challenging goal. On the basis of the strategic role of integrins in tumor cell survival and tumor progression, as well as on integrin expression in tumors, novel molecular conjugates were prepared where PTX is covalently attached to either cyclic AbaRGD (Azabicycloalkane-RGD) or AmproRGD (Aminoproline-RGD) integrin-recognizing matrices via structurally diverse connections. Receptor-binding assays indicated satisfactory-to-excellent α(V)ß(3) binding capabilities for most conjugates, while in vitro growth inhibition assays on a panel of human tumor cell lines revealed outstanding cell sensitivity values. Among the nine conjugate ensemble, derivative 21, bearing a robust triazole ring connected to ethylene glycol units by an amide function and showing excellent cell sensitivity properties, was selected for in vivo studies in an ovarian carcinoma model xenografted in immunodeficient mice. Remarkable antitumor activity was attained, superior to that of PTX itself, which was associated with a marked induction of aberrant mitoses, consistent with the mechanism of action of spindle poisons. Overall, the novel cRGD-PTX conjugates disclosed here represent promising candidates for further advancement in the domain of targeted antitumor therapy.

Homo- and heterodimeric Smac mimetics/IAP inhibitors as in vivo-active pro-apoptotic agents. Part I: Synthesis.

Novel pro-apoptotic, homo- and heterodimeric Smac mimetics/IAPs inhibitors based on the N-AVPI-like 4-substituted 1-aza-2-oxobicyclo[5.3.0]decane scaffold were prepared from monomeric structures connected through a head-head (8), tail-tail (9) or head-tail (10) linker. The selection of appropriate decorating functions for the scaffolds, and of rigid and flexible linkers connecting them, is described. The synthesis, purification and analytical characterization of each prepared dimer 8-10 is thoroughly described.

Dimeric Smac mimetics/IAP inhibitors as in vivo-active pro-apoptotic agents. Part II: Structural and biological characterization.

Novel pro-apoptotic, homodimeric and heterodimeric Smac mimetics/IAPs inhibitors connected through head-head (8), tail-tail (9) or head-tail linkers (10), were biologically and structurally characterized. In vitro characterization (binding to BIR3 and linker-BIR2-BIR3 domains from XIAP and cIAP1, cytotoxicity assays) identified early leads from each dimer family. Computational models and structural studies (crystallography, NMR, gel filtration) partially rationalized the observed properties for each dimer class. Tail-tail dimer 9a was shown to be active in a breast and in an ovary tumor model, highlighting the potential of dimeric Smac mimetics/IAP inhibitors based on the N-AVPI-like 4-substituted 1-aza-2-oxobicyclo[5.3.0]decane scaffold as potential antineoplastic agents.

Cyclic RGD functionalized gold nanoparticles for tumor targeting.

Integrin α(v)ß(3) is an adhesion molecule involved in physiological and pathological angiogenesis as well as tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, it is considered an important target for molecular imaging and delivery of therapeutics for cancer, and there is a strong interest in developing novel agents interacting with this protein. Nevertheless, the interaction of individual ligands is often still weak for efficient tumor targeting, and many research groups have synthesized multivalent displays in order to overcome this problem. Gold nanoparticles can be considered a smart platform for polyvalent presentation on account of their globular shape, tunable size, facile surface chemistry, and biocompatibility. Moreover, their unique physical properties render gold nanoparticles ideal candidates for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles functionalized with cRGD integrin ligand and their employment for targeting human cancer cells expressing α(v)ß(3) integrin.

Novel second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) mimetic compounds sensitize human leukemic cell lines to conventional chemotherapeutic drug-induced and death receptor-mediated apoptosis.

The Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) are important regulators of programmed cell death. XIAP is the most potent among them and is over-expressed in several hematological malignancies. Its activity is endogenously antagonized by SMAC/DIABLO, and also by small molecules mimicking Smac that can induce apoptosis in tumor cells. Here we describe the activity of 56 newly synthesized Smac-mimetics in human leukemic cell lines and normal CD34(+) progenitor cells. Our compounds bind to XIAP with high affinity, reduce the levels of cIAP1 and are cytotoxic at nanomolar or low micromolar concentrations. Furthermore, the Smac-mimetics synergize with Cytarabine, Etoposide and especially with TRAIL in combination treatments. Apoptosis activation was clearly detectable by the occurrence of sub G(1) apoptotic peak and the accumulation of cleaved PARP, caspase 8 and caspase 3. Interestingly, the down-regulation of XIAP sensitized Jurkat cells to drugs too, confirming the role of this protein in drug-resistance. In conclusion, while being very active in leukemic cells, our Smac-mimetics have modest effects on normal hematopoietic progenitors, suggesting their promising therapeutic potential as a new class of anticancer drugs in onco-hematology, particularly when combined with TRAIL, to overcome the resistance of cancer cells.

Retromer stabilization results in neuroprotection in a model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). We find a significant reduction of the retromer complex subunit VPS35 in iPSCs-derived MNs from ALS patients, in MNs from ALS post mortem explants and in MNs from SOD1G93A mice. Being the retromer involved in trafficking of hydrolases, a pathological hallmark in ALS, we design, synthesize and characterize an array of retromer stabilizers based on bis-guanylhydrazones connected by a 1,3-phenyl ring linker. We select compound 2a as a potent and bioavailable interactor of VPS35-VPS29. Indeed, while increasing retromer stability in ALS mice, compound 2a attenuates locomotion impairment and increases MNs survival. Moreover, compound 2a increases VPS35 in iPSCs-derived MNs and shows brain bioavailability. Our results clearly suggest the retromer as a valuable druggable target in ALS.

Designing Smac-mimetics as antagonists of XIAP, cIAP1, and cIAP2.

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) such as XIAP, cIAP1, and cIAP2 are upregulated in many cancer cells. Several compounds targeting IAPs and inducing cell death in cancer cells have been developed. Some of these are synthesized mimicking the N-terminal tetrapeptide sequence of Smac/DIABLO, the natural endogenous IAPs inhibitor. Starting from such conceptual design, we generated a library of 4-substituted azabicyclo[5.3.0]alkane Smac-mimetics. Here we report the crystal structure of the BIR3 domain from XIAP in complex with Smac037, a compound designed according to structural principles emerging from our previously analyzed XIAP BIR3/Smac-mimetic complexes. In parallel, we present an in silico docking analysis of three Smac-mimetics to the BIR3 domain of cIAP1, providing general considerations for the development of high affinity lead compounds targeting three members of the IAP family.

Functionalized cyclic RGD peptidomimetics: conjugable ligands for αvß3 receptor imaging.

The α(v)ß(3) integrin is an adhesion molecule involved in physiological and pathological angiogenesis as well as in tumor invasion and metastasis, and therefore, there is a strong interest in developing novel agents interacting with this molecule. We report the synthesis and characterization of fluorescent α(v)ß(3) integrin probes and their use to visualize integrin α(v)ß(3) expression on human normal and cancer cells. The fluorescent probes we describe here may be of use for noninvasive imaging of α(V)ß(3) integrin expression also in vivo.

4-Aminoproline-based arginine-glycine-aspartate integrin binders with exposed ligation points: practical in-solution synthesis, conjugation and binding affinity evaluation.

An expedient and practical in-solution synthesis of three new 4-aminoproline-based arginine-glycine-aspartate integrin binders--compounds 15, 17 and 19--is presented. Two candidates carrying exposed azide and amine functional points were further advanced to trimeric platform 21 as well as fluorescein- and DOTA-conjugates 23 and 25. The new compounds were assayed for their binding affinity towards human alpha(V)beta3 and alpha(V)beta5 integrin receptors. Both monomeric candidates and covalent conjugates revealed potent ligand competence for the alpha(V)beta3 receptor in the one-digit nanomolar range (IC50 alpha(V)beta3 = 0.2-8.0 nM; IC50 alpha(V)beta5 = 5.0-1621 nM), thus demonstrating that conjugation does not impair the exquisite binding profile of this new generation of integrin ligands.

Rational design, synthesis and characterization of potent, non-peptidic Smac mimics/XIAP inhibitors as proapoptotic agents for cancer therapy.

Novel proapoptotic Smac mimics/IAPs inhibitors have been designed, synthesized and characterized. Computational models and structural studies (crystallography, NMR) have elucidated the SAR of this class of inhibitors, and have permitted further optimization of their properties. In vitro characterization (XIAP BIR3 and linker-BIR2-BIR3 binding, cytotox assays, early ADMET profiling) of the compounds has been performed, identifying one lead for further in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Interfering with HuR-RNA Interaction: Design, Synthesis and Biological Characterization of Tanshinone Mimics as Novel, Effective HuR Inhibitors.

The human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein known to modulate the expression of target mRNA coding for proteins involved in inflammation, tumorigenesis, and stress responses and is a valuable drug target. We previously found that dihydrotanshinone-I (DHTS, 1) prevents the association of HuR with its RNA substrate, thus imparing its function. Herein, inspired by DHTS structure, we designed and synthesized an array of ortho-quinones (tanshinone mimics) using a function-oriented synthetic approach. Among others, compound 6a and 6n turned out to be more effective than 1, showing a nanomolar Ki and disrupting HuR binding to RNA in cells. A combined approach of NMR titration and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggests that 6a stabilizes HuR in a peculiar closed conformation, which is incompatible with RNA binding. Alpha screen and RNA-electrophoretic mobility shift assays (REMSA) data on newly synthesized compounds allowed, for the first time, the generation of structure activity relationships (SARs), thus providing a solid background for the generation of highly effective HuR disruptors.

Investigating the Interaction of Cyclic RGD Peptidomimetics with αVß6 Integrin by Biochemical and Molecular Docking Studies.

The interaction of a small library of cyclic RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptidomimetics with αVß6 integrin has been investigated by means of competitive solid phase binding assays to the isolated receptor and docking calculations in the crystal structure of the αVß6 binding site. To this aim, a rigid receptor-flexible ligand docking protocol has been set up and then applied to predict the binding mode of the cyclic RGD peptidomimetics to αVß6 integrin. Although the RGD interaction with αVß6 recapitulates the RGD binding mode observed in αVß3, differences between the integrin binding pockets can strongly affect the ligand binding ability. In general, the peptidomimetics exhibited IC50 values for integrin αVß6 (i.e., the concentration of compound required for 50% inhibition of biotinylated fibronectin binding to isolated αVß6 integrin) in the nanomolar range (77-345 nM), about 10-100 times higher than those for the related αVß3 receptor, with a single notable ligand displaying a low nanomolar IC50 value (2.3 nM). Insights from the properties of the binding pocket combined with the analysis of the docking poses provided a rationale for ligand recognition and selectivity.

Froc: a new fluorous protective group for peptide and oligosaccharide synthesis.

The synthesis of a new fluorous protecting group, Froc, is described. This new fluorous tag has been used in peptide and carbohydrate synthesis by our group and readily allows us to fully characterize each product (NMR, MS) and monitor each synthetic step by TLC. Purification of the products is generally performed by standard fluorous solid-phase extraction techniques (e.g., F-SPE), but standard chromatographic purifications are also possible if required.

Biological and molecular properties of a new alpha(v)beta3/alpha(v)beta5 integrin antagonist.

The aim of the present study was to identify specific alpha(v)beta3/alpha(v)beta5 integrin antagonists active on tumor-induced angiogenesis. To this purpose, in vitro integrin-binding assays were used to screen a library of conformationally constrained bicyclic lactam Arg-Gly-Asp-containing pseudopeptides. The results identified ST1646 as a high-affinity specific ligand for alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins with negligible interacting with alpha5beta1 integrin. In all the assays, ST1646 was equipotent to or more potent than the well-characterized integrin antagonists c(RGDfV) and cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-[NMe]Val) (EMD121974). In the chorioallantoic membrane assay, topical administration of ST1646 was able to prevent the angiogenic responses elicited by recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 or vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, systemic administration of ST1646 in mice exerted a significant antiangiogenic activity on neovascularization triggered by mammary carcinoma MDA-MB435 cells implanted s.c. in a dorsal air sac via a (Millipore Filter Corporation, Bedford, MA) chamber. Moreover, ST1646 delivery via an osmotic pump inhibited the growth and vascularization of tumor xenografts originating from the injection of alpha(v)beta3/alpha(v)beta5-expressing human ovarian carcinoma cells in nude mice. In agreement with the biochemical and pharmacologic studies, Monte Carlo/Stochastic Dynamics simulation showed that the bicyclic scaffold in ST1646 forced the compound to assume a preferred conformation superimposable to the X-ray conformation of alpha(v)beta3-bound EMD121974. Accordingly, computer-docking studies indicated that the ST1646-alpha(v)beta3 integrin complex maintains the ligand-receptor distances and interactions observed in the crystalline EMD121974-alpha(v)beta3 integrin complex. Taken together, these observations indicate that ST1646 represents a dual alpha(v)beta3/alpha(v)beta5 integrin antagonist with interesting biochemical and biological features to be tested in cancer therapy.