Epigenetic-focused CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies (absent, small, or homeotic)2-like protein (ASH2L) as a regulator of glioblastoma cell survival.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with extremely poor prognosis, highlighting an urgent need for developing novel treatment options. Identifying epigenetic vulnerabilities of cancer cells can provide excellent therapeutic intervention points for various types of cancers. METHOD: In this study, we investigated epigenetic regulators of glioblastoma cell survival through CRISPR/Cas9 based genetic ablation screens using a customized sgRNA library EpiDoKOL, which targets critical functional domains of chromatin modifiers. RESULTS: Screens conducted in multiple cell lines revealed ASH2L, a histone lysine methyltransferase complex subunit, as a major regulator of glioblastoma cell viability. ASH2L depletion led to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA sequencing and greenCUT&RUN together identified a set of cell cycle regulatory genes, such as TRA2B, BARD1, KIF20B, ARID4A and SMARCC1 that were downregulated upon ASH2L depletion. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the interaction partners of ASH2L in glioblastoma cell lines as SET1/MLL family members including SETD1A, SETD1B, MLL1 and MLL2. We further showed that glioblastoma cells had a differential dependency on expression of SET1/MLL family members for survival. The growth of ASH2L-depleted glioblastoma cells was markedly slower than controls in orthotopic in vivo models. TCGA analysis showed high ASH2L expression in glioblastoma compared to low grade gliomas and immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant ASH2L expression in glioblastoma tissues, attesting to its clinical relevance. Therefore, high throughput, robust and affordable screens with focused libraries, such as EpiDoKOL, holds great promise to enable rapid discovery of novel epigenetic regulators of cancer cell survival, such as ASH2L. CONCLUSION: Together, we suggest that targeting ASH2L could serve as a new therapeutic opportunity for glioblastoma. Video Abstract.

A tale of too many centrosomes.

Having the correct number of centrosomes is crucial for proper chromosome segregation during cell division and for the prevention of aneuploidy, a hallmark of many cancer cells. Several recent studies (Basto et al., 2008; Kwon et al., 2008; Yang et al., 2008) reveal the importance of mechanisms that protect against the consequences of harboring too many centrosomes.

Copper(II) and oxidovanadium(IV) complexes of chromone Schiff bases as potential anticancer agents.

We report the synthesis, characterization and biological screening of new chromone Schiff bases derived from the condensation of three 6-substituted-3-formyl-chromones with pyridoxal (HL1-3) and its Cu(II) complexes [Cu(L1-3)Cl], 1-3. For the 6-methyl derivative, HL2, the VIVO-complex [VO(L2)Cl] (5), as well as ternary Cu and VIVO complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), [Cu(L2)(phen)Cl] (4) and [VO(L2)(phen)Cl] (6), were also prepared and evaluated. Their stability in aqueous medium and radical scavenging activity toward DPPH are screened, with [Cu(L2)(phen)Cl] (4) showing hydrolytic stability and [VO(L2)(phen)Cl] (6) high radical scavenging activity. Spectroscopic studies establish bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model for HSA, as a potential reversible carrier of [Cu(L2)(phen)Cl] in blood with KBC ≈ 105 M-1. The cytotoxic activity of a group of compounds is evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines of different origin (ovary, cervix, brain and breast) and compared to normal cells. Our results indicate that Cu complexes are more cytotoxic than the ligands but not selective towards cancer cells. The most potent complexes (4 and 6) are further evaluated for their apoptotic potential, induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and genotoxicity. Both complexes efficiently triggered cell death through apoptosis as evaluated by DNA morphology and TUNEL assay, increased ROS formation as determined by DCFDA (2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) analysis, and induced genotoxic damage as visualized via COMET assay in all cancer cells under study. Therefore, 4 and 6 may be potential precursor anticancer molecules, yet they need to be targeted toward cancer cells.

Cabazitaxel exhibits more favorable molecular changes compared to other taxanes in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells.

Taxane-based chemotherapy drugs (cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and paclitaxel) are microtubule inhibitors, which are effectively and frequently used to treat metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Among these, cabazitaxel is offered as a new therapeutic option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant PC as that are resistant to other taxanes. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular changes in response to cabazitaxel in comparison with docetaxel and paclitaxel in androgen-independent human PCas. The androgen-independent human PCa cell lines, PC3 and DU145, were treated with 1 to 5nM cabazitaxel, docetaxel, or paclitaxel, and assessed for cell viability (MTT assay), colony forming ability and migration (scratch assay). The induction of apoptosis was determined through measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 assay) and caspase-3 activity assay. The protein expression changes (caspase-3, caspase-8, Bax, Bcl-2, ß-tubulin, nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB/p50, NF-κB/p65], vascular endothelial growth factor, WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 [WISP1], transforming growth factor ß [TGF-ß]) in response to drug treatment were screened via western blotting. Under our experimental conditions, all taxanes significantly reduced WISP1 and TGF-ß expressions, suggesting an anti-metastatic/antiangiogenic effect for these drugs. On the other hand, cabazitaxel induced more cell death and inhibited colony formation compared to docetaxel or paclitaxel. The highest fold change in caspase-3 activity and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was also detected in response to cabazitaxel. Furthermore, the induction of ß-tubulin expression was lower in cabazitaxel-treated cells relative to the other taxanes. In summary, cabazitaxel shows molecular changes in favor of killing PCa cells compared to other taxanes, at least for the parameters analyzed herein. The differences with other taxanes may be important while designing other studies or in clinical settings.

A palladium(II)-saccharinate complex of terpyridine exerts higher anticancer potency and less toxicity than cisplatin in a mouse allograft model.

The main aim of this study is to assess the safety and antitumor efficacy of a palladium(II) (Pd)-saccharinate complex with terpyridine. To characterize the Pd(II) complex in vitro, its cytotoxicity was evaluated using a water-soluble tetrazolium salt cell viability assay and the mechanism of cell death was assessed by DNA fragmentation/condensation and live cell imaging analyses. The antitumor efficacy and safety of the Pd(II) complex in-vivo were examined by analyzing reduction in tumor size, changes in body and organ weight, histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and tumor sections, and biochemical analysis of serum in C57BL/6 mice. Our results showed that the Pd(II) complex was more cytotoxic to cancer cells than noncancer cell lines and caused cell death through apoptotic pathways. The treatment of the Pd(II) complex in tumor-bearing mice effectively reduced the tumor size at half the dose used for cisplatin. The Pd(II) complex appeared to exert less liver damage than the cisplatin-based complex on changes in the hepatic enzymes levels in the serum. Hence, the complex appears to be a potential chemotherapeutic drug with high antitumor efficacy and fewer hepatotoxic complications, providing an avenue for further studies.

Synthesis, biological characterization and evaluation of molecular mechanisms of novel copper complexes as anticancer agents.

BACKGROUND: To overcome the hurdles of cisplatin, majorly its toxicity and resistance, there has been extensive search for alternative anti-cancer metal-based compounds. Here, three Cu(II)-complexes, Cu(Sal-Gly)(phen), Cu(Sal-Gly)(pheamine), Cu(Sal-Gly)(phepoxy) are characterized for their interaction with DNA, cytotoxicity and mechanism of action. METHODS: The binding ability of the complexes to Calf-Thymus DNA was evaluated by competition fluorescence studies with thiazole-orange, UV-Vis and circular dichroism spectroscopic titrations. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT analysis. The DNA damage was analyzed through cleavage of supercoiled DNA via agarose gel-electrophoresis, and 8-oxo-guanidine and É£H2AX staining in cells. Apoptosis was detected via DNA condensation/fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential, Annexin V staining and caspase 3/7 activity. Formation of reactive oxygen species was determined by DCFDA- and GSSG/GSH-analysis. RESULTS: Binding constants to DNA were evaluated as 1.7×106 (Cu(Sal-Gly)(phen)), 2.5×106 (Cu(Sal-Gly)(pheamine)) and 3.2×105 (Cu(Sal-Gly)(phepoxy)). All compounds induced DNA damage. Apoptosis was the main form of cell death. There was an increase in ROS, which is most likely responsible for the observed DNA-damage. Although the compounds were cytotoxic to all tested cancer cell lines, only Cu(Sal-Gly)(pheamine) displayed significantly lower toxicity towards non-cancer cells, its associated phenotypes differing from the other two Cu-complexes. Thus, Cu(Sal-Gly)(pheamine) was further assayed for molecular changes in response to drug treatment using a custom designed RT-qPCR array. Results showed that Harakiri was significantly upregulated. Presence of p53 was not required for apoptosis in response to Cu-complexes. CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: These Cu-complexes, namely Cu(Sal-Gly)(pheamine), may be considered promising anticancer agents with activity in cancer cells even with deficient p53 status.

The role of cell cycle progression for the apoptosis of cancer cells induced by palladium(II)-saccharinate complexes of terpyridine.

OBJECTIVES: Palladium complexes are potent and less toxic molecules in comparison to other metal based agents. Here, we characterized two palladium(II) saccharinate complexes with terpyridine for their cell cycle specificity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were arrested at G1, G1/S boundary or mitosis using mimosine, double-Thymidine block, aphidicolin, nocodazole or colcemid, and evaluated based on morphology and flow cytometry. Synchronized cells were treated with the Pd(II) complexes, and viability was measured via MTT assay. RESULTS: While treatment of arrested cells with the Pd(II) complexes resulted in no significant change in cell death in HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231 cells, HeLa cells were more sensitive in S/G1. The main form of cell death was found to be apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pd(II) complexes appear to be cell-cycle non-specific, while cell line dependent differences may be observed. Cells die through apoptosis regardless of the cell cycle stage, which makes these complexes more promising as anti-cancer agents.

Proteomic study of the microdissected aortic media in human thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Aortic aneurysm is a complex multifactorial disease, and its molecular mechanism is not understood. In thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), the expansion of the aortic wall is lead by extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration in the medial layer, which leads to weakening of the aortic wall. This dilatation may end in rupture and-if untreated-death. The aortic media is composed of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and proteins involved in aortic elasticity and distensibility. Delineating their functional and quantitative decrease is critical in elucidating the disease causing mechanisms as well as the development of new preventive therapies. Laser microdissection (LMD) is an advanced technology that enables the isolation of the desired portion of tissue or cells for proteomics analysis, while preserving their integrity. In our study, the aortic media layers of 36 TAA patients and 8 controls were dissected using LMD technology. The proteins isolated from these tissue samples were subjected to comparative proteomic analysis by nano-LC-MS/MS, which enabled the identification of 352 proteins in aortic media. Among these, 41 proteins were differentially expressed in the TAA group with respect to control group, and all were downregulated in the patients. Of these medial proteins, 25 are novel, and their association with TAA is reported for the first time in our study. Subsequent analysis of the data by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) shows that the majority of differentially expressed proteins were found to be cytoskeletal-associated proteins and components of the ECM which are critical in maintaining aortic integrity. Our results indicate that the protein expression profile in the aortic media from TAA patients differs significantly from controls. Further analysis of the mechanism points to markers of pathological ECM remodeling, which, in turn, affect VSMC cytosolic structure and architecture. In the future, the detailed investigation of the differentially expressed proteins may provide insight into the elucidation of the pathological processes underlying aneurysms.

Biochemical and proteomic analysis of a potential anticancer agent: Palladium(II) Saccharinate complex of terpyridine acting through double strand break formation.

Metal based chemotherapeutic drugs are widely used as an effective method to defeat various cancers. In this study, the mechanism of action of a novel therapeutic agent, [Pd(sac)(terpy)](sac)·4H2O (sac = saccharinate, and terpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine) was studied. To better understand the proteomic changes in response to this agent, we performed nano LC-MS/MS analyses in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Thirty proteins were identified to be differentially expressed more than 40% after drug treatment. Many cellular pathways were affected, including proteins involved in DNA repair, apoptosis, energy metabolism, protein folding, cytoskeleton, pre-mRNA maturation, or protein translation. The changes in protein expression were further verified for XRCC5, which plays a role in double strand break (DSB) repair, and ubiquitin, which is involved in protein degradation and apoptosis. The elevated XRCC5 levels were suggestive of increased DSBs. The presence of DSBs was confirmed by smearing of plasmid DNA in vitro and induction of γH2AX foci in vivo. There was also increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, as detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining. Scavenging ROS by N-acetylcysteine rescued cell death in response to Pd(II) treatment, potentially explaining how the Pd(II) complex damaged the DNA. The details of this analysis and the significance will be discussed during the scope of this work.

Evaluation of the molecular mechanisms of a palladium(II) saccharinate complex with terpyridine as an anticancer agent.

Metal-based compounds represent promising anticancer therapeutic agents. In this study, the mechanism of action of a novel metal-based drug, a palladium(II) (Pd) complex ([PdCl(terpy)](sac)·2H2O, terpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine and sac=saccharinate), was elucidated. The tested compound induced cytotoxicity in nine different human cancer cell lines that originated from various organs, suggesting a broad spectrum of activity. The IC50 values were significantly higher for noncancerous cells when compared with cancer cells. We found that cells treated with the Pd(II) complex exhibited increased caspase 3/7 activities and condensed/fragmented nuclei, as demonstrated by nuclear staining and DNA laddering. Morphological features, such as cellular shrinkage and blebbing, were also observed, indicating that apoptosis was the primary mechanism of cell death. Pd(II) treatment induced DNA double-stranded breaks both in vitro and in vivo, potentially accounting for the source of stress in these cells. Although caspase 3/7 activities were elevated after Pd(II) treatment, silencing or using inhibitors of caspase 3 did not block apoptosis. Other molecules that could potentially play a role in Pd(II)-induced apoptosis, such as p53 and Bax, were also tested using silencing technology. However, none of these proteins were essential for cell death, indicating either that these molecules do not participate in Pd(II)-induced apoptosis or that other pathways were activated in their absence. Hence, this new molecule might represent a promising anticancer agent that exhibits cytotoxicity in p53-mutant, Bax-mutant, and/or caspase 3-mutant cancer cells.

Evaluation of apoptotic molecular pathways for smooth muscle cells isolated from thoracic aortic aneurysms in response to oxidized sterols.

Oxysterols, oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol, are found abundantly in the plasma and atherosclerotic plaques, a common risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Among the oxysterols, namely 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC), lead both to induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and to apoptosis in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) probably due to increased oxidative stress. Since loss of SMCs through apoptosis is a major event in TAA formation, it is important to understand the molecular pathways of apoptosis in response to ROS in TAAs. Very little is known about the effect of oxysterols on TAA SMCs. Therefore, we investigated molecular pathways participating in the oxysterol induced cell death of TAAs. Our results showed that TAA SMCs died mainly as a result of apoptosis as suggested by cellular shrinkage, blebbing, DNA condensation/fragmentation in response to oxysterol treatment. There was no significant difference in oxysterol induced cell death between TAA and control SMCs. Addition of antioxidant molecules prevented cell death, hence ROS appears to be involved in the apoptosis of these cells. While oxysterol treatment increased caspase 3 activity, cell death was not rescued in its absence. Efficient silencing of other targets including apoptotic proteins (p53, Bax), and survival proteins (Akt1, Akt2) showed that apoptosis can occur through p53, and Bax independent pathways. Silencing Akt1 or Akt2 did not lead to further cell death. These results indicate that oxysterols can induce several cell death pathways in TAA SMCs.

Nek2A prevents centrosome clustering and induces cell death in cancer cells via KIF2C interaction.

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells frequently exhibit supernumerary centrosomes, leading to formation of multipolar spindles that can trigger cell death. Nevertheless, cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes escape the deadly consequences of unequal segregation of genomic material by coalescing their centrosomes into two poles. This unique trait of cancer cells presents a promising target for cancer therapy, focusing on selectively attacking cells with supernumerary centrosomes. Nek2A is a kinase involved in mitotic regulation, including the centrosome cycle, where it phosphorylates linker proteins to separate centrosomes. In this study, we investigated if Nek2A also prevents clustering of supernumerary centrosomes, akin to its separation function. Reduction of Nek2A activity, achieved through knockout, silencing, or inhibition, promotes centrosome clustering, whereas its overexpression results in inhibition of clustering. Significantly, prevention of centrosome clustering induces cell death, but only in cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes, both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, none of the known centrosomal (e.g., CNAP1, Rootletin, Gas2L1) or non-centrosomal (e.g., TRF1, HEC1) Nek2A targets were implicated in this machinery. Additionally, Nek2A operated via a pathway distinct from other proteins involved in centrosome clustering mechanisms, like HSET and NuMA. Through TurboID proximity labeling analysis, we identified novel proteins associated with the centrosome or microtubules, expanding the known interaction partners of Nek2A. KIF2C, in particular, emerged as a novel interactor, confirmed through coimmunoprecipitation and localization analysis. The silencing of KIF2C diminished the impact of Nek2A on centrosome clustering and rescued cell viability. Additionally, elevated Nek2A levels were indicative of better patient outcomes, specifically in those predicted to have excess centrosomes. Therefore, while Nek2A is a proposed target, its use must be specifically adapted to the broader cellular context, especially considering centrosome amplification. Discovering partners such as KIF2C offers fresh insights into cancer biology and new possibilities for targeted treatment.

Prolonged overexpression of PLK4 leads to formation of centriole rosette clusters that are connected via canonical centrosome linker proteins.

Centrosome amplification is a hallmark of cancer and PLK4 is one of the responsible factors for cancer associated centrosome amplification. Increased PLK4 levels was also shown to contribute to generation of cells with centriole amplification in mammalian tissues as olfactory neuron progenitor cells. PLK4 overexpression generates centriole rosette (CR) structures which harbor more than two centrioles each. Long term PLK4 overexpression results with centrosome amplification, but the maturation of amplified centrioles in CRs and linking of PLK4 induced amplified centrosomes has not yet been investigated in detail. Here, we show evidence for generation of large clustered centrosomes which have more than 2 centriole rosettes and define these structures as centriole rosette clusters (CRCs) in cells that have high PLK4 levels for 2 consecutive cell cycles. In addition, we show that PLK4 induced CRs follow normal centrosomal maturation processes and generate CRC structures that are inter-connected with canonical centrosomal linker proteins as C-Nap1, Rootletin and Cep68 in the second cell cycle after PLK4 induction. Increased PLK4 levels in cells with C-Nap1 and Rootletin knock-out resulted with distanced CRs and CRCs in interphase, while Nek2 knock-out inhibited separation of CRCs in prometaphase, providing functional evidence for the binding of CRC structures with centrosomal linker proteins. Taken together, these results suggest a cell cycle dependent model for PLK4 induced centrosome amplification which occurs in 2 consecutive cell cycles: (i) CR state in the first cell cycle, and (ii) CRC state in the second cell cycle.

Exploiting epigenetic targets to overcome taxane resistance in prostate cancer.

The development of taxane resistance remains a major challenge for castration resistant prostate cancer (CR-PCa), despite the effectiveness of taxanes in prolonging patient survival. To uncover novel targets, we performed an epigenetic drug screen on taxane (docetaxel and cabazitaxel) resistant CR-PCa cells. We identified BRPF reader proteins, along with several epigenetic groups (CBP/p300, Menin-MLL, PRMT5 and SIRT1) that act as targets effectively reversing the resistance mediated by ABCB1. Targeting BRPFs specifically resulted in the resensitization of resistant cells, while no such effect was observed on the sensitive compartment. These cells were successfully arrested at the G2/M phase of cell cycle and underwent apoptosis upon BRPF inhibition, confirming the restoration of taxane susceptibility. Pharmacological inhibition of BRPFs reduced ABCB1 activity, indicating that BRPFs may be involved in an efflux-related mechanism. Indeed, ChIP-qPCR analysis confirmed binding of BRPF1 to the ABCB1 promoter suggesting direct regulation of the ABCB1 gene at the transcriptional level. RNA-seq analysis revealed that BRPF1 knockdown affects the genes enriched in mTORC1 and UPR signaling pathways, revealing potential mechanisms underlying its functional impact, which is further supported by the enhancement of taxane response through the combined inhibition of ABCB1 and mTOR pathways, providing evidence for the involvement of multiple BRPF1-regulated pathways. Beyond clinical attributes (Gleason score, tumor stage, therapy outcome, recurrence), metastatic PCa databases further supported the significance of BRPF1 in taxane resistance, as evidenced by its upregulation in taxane-exposed PCa patients.

Enhanced selectivity towards melanoma cells with zinc(II)-Schiff bases containing imidazole derivatives.

Zinc(II)-complexes with the general formula [Zn(L)2] containing 8-hydroxyquinoline Schiff bases functionalized with 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole or 1-(3-aminopropyl)-2-methyl-1H-imidazole on 2-position and their respective ligands (HL1 or HL2) were synthesized and characterized by NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR and CD spectroscopies as well as ESI-MS spectrometry. Single crystals of HL2 and [Zn(L1)2]n were analysed by SC-XRD. [Zn(L1)2]n shows a 1D polymeric chain structure of alternating Zn(II) cations and bridging Schiff base ligands, in contrast to previously reported monomeric structures of analogous complexes. DFT calculations were performed to rationalize the polymeric X-ray structure of Zn(L1)2. Results showed that the ligands can bind as bi- or tridentate to Zn(II) and there is the possibility of a dynamic behavior for the complexes in solution. Both ligands and complexes present limited stability in aqueous media, however, in the presence of bovine serum albumin the complexes are stable. Molecular docking simulations and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies suggest binding to this protein in close proximity to the Trp213 residue. Biological studies on a panel of cancer cells revealed that the Zn(II)-complexes have a lower impact on cell viability than cisplatin, except for triple-negative breast cancer cells in which they were comparable. Notwithstanding, they display much higher selectivity towards cancer cells vs. normal cells, than cisplatin. They induce the generation of ROS and DNA double-strand breaks, primarily through apoptosis as the mode of cell death. Overall, the novel Zn(II)-complexes demonstrate improved induction of apoptosis and higher selectivity, particularly for melanoma cells, compared to previously reported analogues, making them promising candidates for clinical application.

Combination of fenretinide and indole-3-carbinol results in synergistic cytotoxic activity inducing apoptosis against human breast cancer cells in vitro.

The outcome in patients with breast cancer is not satisfactory to date, although new chemotherapy regimens have been introduced in clinics. Therefore, novel approaches are required for better management of patients with breast cancer. In this study, we tested the cytotoxic activity of a new combination of fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid, with indole-3-carbinol, a natural product present in vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, against MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive) and MDA-MB-231 (estrogen receptor-negative) cell lines. It has been found that the combination resulted in more powerful cytotoxic activity, by induction of apoptosis, compared with that when they were used singly. In conclusion, this novel combination warrants in-vivo experiments to elucidate its possible use in the treatment of breast cancer.

Promising anticancer agents based on 8-hydroxyquinoline hydrazone copper(II) complexes.

We report the synthesis and characterization of a group of benzoylhydrazones (Ln) derived from 2-carbaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline and benzylhydrazides containing distinct para substituents (R = H, Cl, F, CH3, OCH3, OH and NH2, for L1-7, respectively; in L8 isonicotinohydrazide was used instead of benzylhydrazide). Cu(II) complexes were prepared by reaction of each benzoylhydrazone with Cu(II) acetate. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and mass spectrometry as well as by FTIR, UV-visible absorption, NMR or electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. Complexes isolated in the solid state (1-8) are either formulated as [Cu(HL)acetate] (with L1 and L4) or as [Cu(Ln)]3 (n = 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies were done for L5 and [Cu(L5)]3, confirming the trinuclear formulation of several complexes. Proton dissociation constants, lipophilicity and solubility were determined for all free ligands by UV-Vis spectrophotometry in 30% (v/v) DMSO/H2O. Formation constants were determined for [Cu(LH)], [Cu(L)] and [Cu(LH-1)] for L = L1, L5 and L6, and also [Cu(LH-2)] for L = L6, and binding modes are proposed, [Cu(L)] predominating at physiological pH. The redox properties of complexes formed with L1, L5 and L6 are investigated by cyclic voltammetry; the formal redox potentials fall in the range of +377 to +395 mV vs. NHE. The binding of the Cu(II)-complexes to bovine serum albumin was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy, showing moderate-to-strong interaction and suggesting formation of a ground state complex. The interaction of L1, L3, L5 and L7, and of the corresponding complexes with calf thymus DNA was evaluated by thermal denaturation. The antiproliferative activity of all compounds was evaluated in malignant melanoma (A-375) and lung (A-549) cancer cells. The complexes show higher activity than the corresponding free ligand, and most complexes are more active than cisplatin. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 8 were selected for additional studies: while these complexes induce reactive oxygen species and double-strand breaks in both cancer cells, their ability to induce cell-death by apoptosis varies. Within the set of compounds tested, 8 emerges as the most promising one, presenting low IC50 values, and high induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage, which eventually lead to high rates of apoptosis.

Keep Calm and Carry on with Extra Centrosomes.

Aberrations in the centrosome number and structure can readily be detected at all stages of tumor progression and are considered hallmarks of cancer. Centrosome anomalies are closely linked to chromosome instability and, therefore, are proposed to be one of the driving events of tumor formation and progression. This concept, first posited by Boveri over 100 years ago, has been an area of interest to cancer researchers. We have now begun to understand the processes by which these numerical and structural anomalies may lead to cancer, and vice-versa: how key events that occur during carcinogenesis could lead to amplification of centrosomes. Despite the proliferative advantages that having extra centrosomes may confer, their presence can also lead to loss of essential genetic material as a result of segregational errors and cancer cells must deal with these deadly consequences. Here, we review recent advances in the current literature describing the mechanisms by which cancer cells amplify their centrosomes and the methods they employ to tolerate the presence of these anomalies, focusing particularly on centrosomal clustering.

Dual LSD1 and HDAC6 Inhibition Induces Doxorubicin Sensitivity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

Defects in epigenetic pathways are key drivers of oncogenic cell proliferation. We developed a LSD1/HDAC6 multitargeting inhibitor (iDual), a hydroxamic acid analogue of the clinical candidate LSD1 inhibitor GSK2879552. iDual inhibits both targets with IC50 values of 540, 110, and 290 nM, respectively, against LSD1, HDAC6, and HDAC8. We compared its activity to structurally similar control probes that act by HDAC or LSD1 inhibition alone, as well as an inactive null compound. iDual inhibited the growth of leukemia cell lines at a higher level than GSK2879552 with micromolar IC50 values. Dual engagement with LSD1 and HDAC6 was supported by dose dependent increases in substrate levels, biomarkers, and cellular thermal shift assay. Both histone methylation and acetylation of tubulin were increased, while acetylated histone levels were only mildly affected, indicating selectivity for HDAC6. Downstream gene expression (CD11b, CD86, p21) was also elevated in response to iDual treatment. Remarkably, iDual synergized with doxorubicin, triggering significant levels of apoptosis with a sublethal concentration of the drug. While mechanistic studies did not reveal changes in DNA repair or drug efflux pathways, the expression of AGPAT9, ALOX5, BTG1, HIPK2, IFI44L, and LRP1, previously implicated in doxorubicin sensitivity, was significantly elevated.

Solution chemical properties and anticancer potential of 8-hydroxyquinoline hydrazones and their oxidovanadium(IV) complexes.

We report the synthesis and characterization of a family of benzohydrazones (Ln, n = 1-6) derived from 2-carbaldehyde-8-hydroxyquinoline and benzylhydrazides containing different substituents in the para position. Their oxidovanadium(IV) complexes were prepared and compounds with 1:1 and 1:2 metal-to-ligand stoichiometry were obtained. All compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and mass spectrometry as well as FTIR, UV-visible absorption, NMR (ligand precursors) and EPR (complexes) spectroscopies, and by DFT computational methods. Proton dissociation constants, lipophilicity and solubility in aqueous media were determined for all ligand precursors. Complex formation with V(IV)O was evaluated by spectrophotometry for L4 (Me-substituted) and L6 (OH-substituted) and formation constants for mono [VO(HL)]+, [VO(L)] and bis [VO(HL)2], [VO(HL)(L)]-, [VO(L)2]2- complexes were determined. EPR spectroscopy indicates the formation of [VO(HL)]+ and [VO(HL)2], with this latter being the major species at the physiological pH. Noteworthy, the EPR data suggest a different behaviour for L4 and L6, which confirm the results obtained in the solid state. The antiproliferative activity of all compounds was evaluated in malignant melanoma (A-375) and lung (A-549) cancer cells. All complexes show much higher activity on A-375 (IC50 < 6.3 µM) than in A-549 cells (IC50 > 20 µM). Complex 3 (F-substituted) shows the lowest IC50 on both cell lines and lower than cisplatin (in A-375). Studies identified this compound as the one showing the highest increase in Annexin-V staining, caspase activity and induction of double stranded breaks, corroborating the cytotoxicity results. The mechanism of action of the complexes involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced DNA damage, and cell death by apoptosis.