Rhizochalinin Exhibits Anticancer Activity and Synergizes with EGFR Inhibitors in Glioblastoma In Vitro Models.

Rhizochalinin (Rhiz) is a recently discovered cytotoxic sphingolipid synthesized from the marine natural compound rhizochalin. Previously, Rhiz demonstrated high in vitro and in vivo efficacy in various cancer models. Here, we report Rhiz to be highly active in human glioblastoma cell lines as well as in patient-derived glioma-stem like neurosphere models. Rhiz counteracted glioblastoma cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of autophagy. Proteomic profiling followed by bioinformatic analysis suggested suppression of the Akt pathway as one of the major biological effects of Rhiz. Suppression of Akt as well as IGF-1R and MEK1/2 kinase was confirmed in Rhiz-treated GBM cells. In addition, Rhiz pretreatment resulted in a more pronounced inhibitory effect of γ-irradiation on the growth of patient-derived glioma-spheres, an effect to which the Akt inhibition may also contribute decisively. In contrast, EGFR upregulation, observed in all GBM neurospheres under Rhiz treatment, was postulated to be a possible sign of incipient resistance. In line with this, combinational therapy with EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors synergistically increased the efficacy of Rhiz resulting in dramatic inhibition of GBM cell viability as well as a significant reduction of neurosphere size in the case of combination with lapatinib. Preliminary in vitro data generated using a parallel artificial membrane permeability (PAMPA) assay suggested that Rhiz cannot cross the blood brain barrier and therefore alternative drug delivery methods should be used in the further in vivo studies. In conclusion, Rhiz is a promising new candidate for the treatment of human glioblastoma, which should be further developed in combination with EGFR inhibitors.

New Marine Fungal Deoxy-14,15-Dehydroisoaustamide Resensitizes Prostate Cancer Cells to Enzalutamide.

Marine fungi serve as a valuable source for new bioactive molecules bearing various biological activities. In this study, we report on the isolation of a new indole diketopiperazine alkaloid deoxy-14,15-dehydroisoaustamide (1) from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium dimorphosporum KMM 4689 associated with a soft coral. The structure of this metabolite, including its absolute configuration, was determined by HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR as well as CD data. Compound 1 is a very first deoxyisoaustamide alkaloid possessing two double bonds in the proline ring. The isolated compound was noncytotoxic to a panel of human normal and cancer cell lines up to 100 µM. At the same time, compound 1 resensitized prostate cancer 22Rv1 cells to androgen receptor (AR) blocker enzalutamide. The mechanism of this phenomenon was identified as specific drug-induced degradation of androgen receptor transcription variant V7 (AR-V7), which also resulted in general suppression of AR signaling. Our data suggest that the isolated alkaloid is a promising candidate for combinational therapy of castration resistant prostate cancer, including drug-resistant subtypes.

Cytotoxic N-Methylpretrichodermamide B Reveals Anticancer Activity and Inhibits P-Glycoprotein in Drug-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells.

N-methylpretrichodermamide B (NB) is a biologically active epidithiodiketopiperazine isolated from several strains of the algae-derived fungus Penicillium sp. Recently, we reported the first data on its activity in human cancer cells lines in vitro. Here, we investigated the activity, selectivity, and mechanism of action of NB in human prostate cancer cell lines, including drug-resistant subtypes. NB did not reveal cross-resistance to docetaxel in the PC3-DR cell line model and was highly active in hormone-independent 22Rv1 cells. NB-induced cell death was stipulated by externalization of phosphatidylserine and activation of caspase-3. Moreover, inhibition of caspase activity by z-VAD(OMe)-fmk did not affect NB cytotoxicity, suggesting a caspase-independent cell death induced by NB. The compound has a moderate p-glycoprotein (p-gp) substrate-like affinity and can simultaneously inhibit p-gp at nanomolar concentrations. Therefore, NB resensitized p-gp-overexpressing PC3-DR cells to docetaxel. A kinome profiling of the NB-treated cells revealed, among other things, an induction of mitogen-activated protein kinases JNK1/2 and p38. Further functional analysis confirmed an activation of both kinases and indicated a prosurvival role of this biological event in the cellular response to the treatment. Overall, NB holds promising anticancer potential and further structure-activity relationship studies and structural optimization are needed in order to improve its biological properties.

Study of Structure-Activity Relationships of the Marine Alkaloid Fascaplysin and Its Derivatives as Potent Anticancer Agents.

Marine alkaloid fascaplysin and its derivatives are known to exhibit promising anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. However, toxicity of these molecules to non-cancer cells was identified as a main limitation for their clinical use. Here, for the very first time, we synthesized a library of fascaplysin derivatives covering all possible substituent introduction sites, i.e., cycles A, C and E of the 12H-pyrido[1-2-a:3,4-b']diindole system. Their selectivity towards human prostate cancer versus non-cancer cells, as well as the effects on cellular metabolism, membrane integrity, cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction and their ability to intercalate into DNA were investigated. A pronounced selectivity for cancer cells was observed for the family of di- and trisubstituted halogen derivatives (modification of cycles A and E), while a modification of cycle C resulted in a stronger activity in therapy-resistant PC-3 cells. Among others, 3,10-dibromofascaplysin exhibited the highest selectivity, presumably due to the cytostatic effects executed via the targeting of cellular metabolism. Moreover, an introduction of radical substituents at C-9, C-10 or C-10 plus C-3 resulted in a notable reduction in DNA intercalating activity and improved selectivity. Taken together, our research contributes to understanding the structure-activity relationships of fascaplysin alkaloids and defines further directions of the structural optimization.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Marine Alkaloid 3,10-Dibromofascaplysin in Drug-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells.

Efficacy and mechanism of action of marine alkaloid 3,10-dibromofascaplysin (DBF) were investigated in human prostate cancer (PCa) cells harboring different levels of drug resistance. Anticancer activity was observed across all cell lines examined without signs of cross-resistance to androgen receptor targeting agents (ARTA) or taxane based chemotherapy. Kinome analysis followed by functional investigation identified JNK1/2 to be one of the molecular targets of DBF in 22Rv1 cells. In contrast, no activation of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs was observed. Inhibition of the drug-induced JNK1/2 activation or of the basal p38 activity resulted in increased cytotoxicity of DBF, whereas an active ERK1/2 was identified to be important for anticancer activity of the alkaloid. Synergistic effects of DBF were observed in combination with PARP-inhibitor olaparib most likely due to the induction of ROS production by the marine alkaloid. In addition, DBF intensified effects of platinum-based drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, and taxane derivatives docetaxel and cabazitaxel. Finally, DBF inhibited AR-signaling and resensitized AR-V7-positive 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide, presumably due to AR-V7 down-regulation. These findings propose DBF to be a promising novel drug candidate for the treatment of human PCa regardless of resistance to standard therapy.

Inspired by Sea Urchins: Warburg Effect Mediated Selectivity of Novel Synthetic Non-Glycoside 1,4-Naphthoquinone-6S-Glucose Conjugates in Prostate Cancer.

The phenomenon of high sugar consumption by tumor cells is known as Warburg effect. It results from a high glycolysis rate, used by tumors as preferred metabolic pathway even in aerobic conditions. Targeting the Warburg effect to specifically deliver sugar conjugated cytotoxic compounds into tumor cells is a promising approach to create new selective drugs. We designed, synthesized, and analyzed a library of novel 6-S-(1,4-naphthoquinone-2-yl)-d-glucose chimera molecules (SABs)-novel sugar conjugates of 1,4-naphthoquinone analogs of the sea urchin pigments spinochromes, which have previously shown anticancer properties. A sulfur linker (thioether bond) was used to prevent potential hydrolysis by human glycoside-unspecific enzymes. The synthesized compounds exhibited a Warburg effect mediated selectivity to human prostate cancer cells (including highly drug-resistant cell lines). Mitochondria were identified as a primary cellular target of SABs. The mechanism of action included mitochondria membrane permeabilization, followed by ROS upregulation and release of cytotoxic mitochondrial proteins (AIF and cytochrome C) to the cytoplasm, which led to the consequent caspase-9 and -3 activation, PARP cleavage, and apoptosis-like cell death. These results enable us to further clinically develop these compounds for effective Warburg effect targeting.

Synthesis and new DNA targeting activity of 6- and 7-tert-butylfascaplysins.

Fascaplysin is a red cytotoxic pigment with anticancer properties isolated from the marine sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp. Recently, structure-activity relationship analysis reported by our group suggested that selective cytotoxicity of fascaplysin derivatives towards tumor cells negatively correlates with their ability to intercalate into DNA. To validate this hypothesis, we synthesized 6- and 7-tert-butylfascaplysins which reveal mitigated DNA-intercalating properties. These derivatives were found to be strongly cytotoxic to drug-resistant human prostate cancer cells, albeit did not demonstrate improved selectivity towards cancer cells when compared to fascaplysin. At the same time, kinome analysis suggested an activation of CHK1/ATR axis in cancer cells shortly after the drug exposure. Further experiments revealed induction of replication stress that is eventually converted to the toxic DNA double-strand breaks, resulting in caspase-independent apoptosis-like cell death. Our observations highlight new DNA-targeting effect of some fascaplysin derivatives and indicate more complex structure-activity relationships within the fascaplysin family, suggesting that cytotoxicity and selectivity of these alkaloids are influenced by multiple factors. Furthermore, combination with clinically-approved inhibitors of ATR/CHK1 as well as testing in tumors particularly sensitive to the DNA damage should be considered in further studies.

New diterpenes from the marine sponge Spongionella sp. overcome drug resistance in prostate cancer by inhibition of P-glycoprotein.

Spongian diterpenes are a group of marine natural compounds possessing various biological activities. However, their anticancer activity is still poorly studied and understood. We isolated six spongian diterpenes from the marine sponge Spongionella sp., including one new spongionellol A and five previously known molecules. The structures were elucidated using a detailed analysis MS and NMR spectra as well as by comparison with previously reported data. Two of them, namely, spongionellol A and 15,16-dideoxy-15α,17ß-dihydroxy-15,17-oxidospongian-16-carboxylate-15,17-diacetate exhibited high activity and selectivity in human prostate cancer cells, including cells resistant to hormonal therapy and docetaxel. The mechanism of action has been identified as caspase-dependent apoptosis. Remarkably, both compounds were able to suppress expression of androgen receptor (AR) and AR-splice variant 7, as well as AR-dependent signaling. The isolated diterpenes effectively inhibited drug efflux mediated by multidrug-resistance protein 1 (MDR1; p-glycoprotein). Of note, a synergistic effect of the compounds with docetaxel, a substrate of p-glycoprotein, suggests resensitization of p-glycoprotein overexpressing cells to standard chemotherapy. In conclusion, the isolated spongian diterpenes possess high activity and selectivity towards prostate cancer cells combined with the ability to inhibit one of the main drug-resistance mechanism. This makes them promising candidates for combinational anticancer therapy.

Activity of New Synthetic (2-Chloroethylthio)-1,4-naphthoquinones in Prostate Cancer Cells.

Development of resistance to currently available standard therapies in advanced prostate cancer (PCa) emphasizes the need for novel therapeutic options. Here, we report the synthesis of new hybrid molecules consisting of 2-chloroethylthio and 1,4-naphthoquinone pharmacophores and describe their activity in PCa. In screening analyses, the introduction of one 2-chloroethylthio group improved the anticancer properties of 1,4-naphthoquinones, whereas the introduction of a second 2-chloroethylthio moiety rather decreased activity. Two most promising of the synthesized compounds, 30 and 32, were highly active in different human PCa cell lines harboring varying resistance profiles at nanomolar concentrations. The generated data suggest that the compounds are capable of mitochondria targeting, cytotoxic ROS induction, and DNA damage, which resulted in apoptosis presumably executed in a caspase-dependent manner. The substances synergized with the clinically approved PARP inhibitor olaparib and resensitized AR-V7-expressing PCa cells to antiandrogen enzalutamide, as well as to a combination of enzalutamide and an AKT inhibitor. This was at least in part exerted via down-regulation of AR-V7 expression and inhibition of AR signaling. Mild antagonism was observed in combination with platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy, which was putatively related to treatment-induced activation of p38, JNK1/2, ERK1/2, MEK1/2, and AKT, functioning as potential pro-survival factors. Thus, the synthesized (2-chloroethylthio)-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives exhibit promising anticancer properties in vitro, suggesting their further development as potential therapeutics for the treatment of castration-resistant PCa.

Marine alkaloid monanchoxymycalin C: a new specific activator of JNK1/2 kinase with anticancer properties.

Monanchoxymycalin C (MomC) is a new marine pentacyclic guanidine alkaloid, recently isolated from marine sponge Monanchora pulchra by us. Here, anticancer activity and mechanism of action was investigated for the first time using a human prostate cancer (PCa) model. MomC was active in all PCa cell lines at low micromolar concentrations and induced an unusual caspase-independent, non-apoptotic cell death. Kinase activity screening identified activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK1/2) to be one of the primary molecular mechanism of MomC anticancer activity. Functional assays demonstrated a specific and selective JNK1/2 activation prior to the induction of other cell death related processes. Inhibition of JNK1/2 by pretreatment with the JNK-inhibitor SP600125 antagonized cytotoxic activity of the marine compound. MomC caused an upregulation of cytotoxic ROS. However, in contrast to other ROS-inducing agents, co-treatment with PARP-inhibitor olaparib revealed antagonistic effects indicating an active PARP to be necessary for MomC activity. Interestingly, although no direct regulation of p38 and ERK1/2 were detected, active p38 kinase was required for MomC efficacy, while the inhibition of ERK1/2 increased its cytotoxicity. In conclusion, MomC shows promising activity against PCa, which is exerted via JNK1/2 activation and non-apoptotic cell death.

Polyphenolic Compounds from Lespedeza Bicolor Root Bark Inhibit Progression of Human Prostate Cancer Cells via Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest.

From a root bark of Lespedeza bicolor Turch we isolated two new (7 and 8) and six previously known compounds (1-6) belonging to the group of prenylated polyphenols. Their structures were elucidated using mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopy. These natural compounds selectively inhibited human drug-resistant prostate cancer in vitro. Prenylated pterocarpans 1-3 prevented the cell cycle progression of human cancer cells in S-phase. This was accompanied by a reduced expression of mRNA corresponding to several human cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). In contrast, compounds 4-8 induced a G1-phase cell cycle arrest without any pronounced effect on CDKs mRNA expression. Interestingly, a non-substituted hydroxy group at C-8 of ring D of the pterocarpan skeleton of compounds 1-3 seems to be important for the CDKs inhibitory activity.

Urupocidin C: a new marine guanidine alkaloid which selectively kills prostate cancer cells via mitochondria targeting.

New bicyclic guanidine alkaloid, urupocidin C (Ur-C) along with the previously known urupocidin A (Ur-A) were isolated from the rare deep-sea marine sponge Monanchora pulchra, harvested in Northwestern Pacific waters. The unique structure of Ur-C was elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectra. We discovered a promising selectivity of both alkaloids for human prostate cancer (PCa) cells, including highly drug-resistant lines, compared to non-malignant cells. In cancer cells, marine derived compounds were able to induce G1- and S-cell cycle arrest as well as caspase-mediated cell death. For the first time we have identified mitochondrial targeting as a central mechanism of anticancer action for these and similar molecules. Thus, treatment with the isolated alkaloids resulted in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization consequently leading to the release of cytotoxic mitochondrial proteins to cellular cytoplasm, ROS upregulation, consequent activation of caspase-9 and -3, followed by PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis. Moreover, synergistic effects were observed when Ur-A and Ur-C were combined with clinically approved PARP inhibitor olaparib. Finally, these alkaloids exhibited additive effects in combination with docetaxel and androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide, both applied in PCa therapy. In conclusion, urupocidin-like compounds are promising lead molecules for the development of new drugs for the treatment of advanced PCa.

Successful Targeting of the Warburg Effect in Prostate Cancer by Glucose-Conjugated 1,4-Naphthoquinones.

Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains challenging due to the development of drug resistance. The Warburg effect describes the ability of cancer cells to consume larger amounts of glucose compared to normal tissues. We identified derivatives of natural 1,4-naphthoquinones to be active in CRPC and further synthetically modified them via glucose conjugation to increase selectivity by Warburg effect targeting. Mechanisms of action were examined by quantitative proteomics followed by bioinformatical analysis and target validation. Four synthesized molecules revealed the highest selectivity towards human CRPC cells, which correlated with higher GLUT-1 activity and expression. The compounds were able to induce pro-apoptotic signs and to inhibit the pro-survival processes and mechanisms of drug resistance (i.e., AR-signaling and autophagy). Proteome analysis suggested a disruption of the mitochondria/oxidative phosphorylation, which was validated by further functional analysis: thus, mitochondria depolarization, elevated levels of cytotoxic ROS, an increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio as well as release of mitochondrial AIF and cytochrome C to cytoplasm were observed. In conclusion, glucose-conjugated 1,4-naphthoquinones show potent activity and selectivity in human CRPC exerted via mitochondrial targeting. The compounds can overcome drug resistance against current standard therapies and suppress pro-survival mechanisms. This unique combination of properties makes them new promising candidates for the treatment of CRPC.