Next-generation retinoid X receptor agonists increase ATRA signaling in organotypic epithelium cultures and have distinct effects on receptor dynamics.

Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are nuclear transcription factors that partner with other nuclear receptors to regulate numerous physiological processes. Although RXR represents a valid therapeutic target, only a few RXR-specific ligands (rexinoids) have been identified, in part due to the lack of clarity on how rexinoids selectively modulate RXR response. Previously, we showed that rexinoid UAB30 potentiates all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) signaling in human keratinocytes, in part by stimulating ATRA biosynthesis. Here, we examined the mechanism of action of next-generation rexinoids UAB110 and UAB111 that are more potent in vitro than UAB30 and the FDA-approved Targretin. Both UAB110 and UAB111 enhanced ATRA signaling in human organotypic epithelium at a 50-fold lower concentration than UAB30. This was consistent with the 2- to 5- fold greater increase in ATRA in organotypic epidermis treated with UAB110/111 versus UAB30. Furthermore, at 0.2 µM, UAB110/111 increased the expression of ATRA genes up to 16-fold stronger than Targretin. The less toxic and more potent UAB110 also induced more changes in differential gene expression than Targretin. Additionally, our hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis showed that both ligands reduced the dynamics of the ligand-binding pocket but also induced unique dynamic responses that were indicative of higher affinity binding relative to UAB30, especially for Helix 3. UAB110 binding also showed increased dynamics towards the dimer interface through the Helix 8 and Helix 9 regions. These data suggest that UAB110 and UAB111 are potent activators of RXR-RAR signaling pathways but accomplish activation through different molecular responses to ligand binding.

Stability of the Retinoid X Receptor-α Homodimer in the Presence and Absence of Rexinoid and Coactivator Peptide.

Differential scanning calorimetry and differential scanning fluorimetry were used to measure the thermal stability of human retinoid X receptor-α ligand binding domain (RXRα LBD) homodimer in the absence or presence of rexinoid and coactivator peptide, GRIP-1. The apo-RXRα LBD homodimer displayed a single thermal unfolding transition with a Tm of 58.7 °C and an unfolding enthalpy (ΔH) of 673 kJ/mol (12.5 J/g), much lower than average value (35 J/g) of small globular proteins. Using a heat capacity change (ΔCp) of 15 kJ/(mol K) determined by measurements at different pH values, the free energy of unfolding (ΔG) of the native state was 33 kJ/mol at 37 °C. Rexinoid binding to the apo-homodimer increased Tm by 5 to 9 °C and increased the ΔG of the native homodimer by 12 to 20 kJ/mol at 37 °C, consistent with the nanomolar dissociation constant (Kd) of the rexinoids. GRIP-1 binding to holo-homodimers containing rexinoid resulted in additional increases in ΔG of 14 kJ/mol, a value that was the same for all three rexinoids. Binding of rexinoid and GRIP-1 resulted in a combined 50% increase in unfolding enthalpy, consistent with reduced structural fluidity and more compact folding observed in other published structural studies. The complexes of UAB110 and UAB111 are each more stable than the UAB30 complex by 8 kJ/mol due to enhanced hydrophobic interactions in the binding pocket because of their larger end groups. This increase in thermodynamic stability positively correlates with their improved RXR activation potency. Thermodynamic measurements are thus valuable in predicting agonist potency.

A novel retinoid X receptor agonist, UAB30, inhibits rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: While patients with early-stage rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have seen steady improvement in prognosis over the last 50 y, those with advanced-stage or high-grade disease continue to have a dismal prognosis. Retinoids have been shown to cause growth suppression and terminal differentiation in RMS cells, but the toxicities associated with retinoic acid limit its use. Rexinoids provide an alternative treatment approach to retinoic acid. Rexinoids primarily bind the retinoid X receptor with minimal retinoic acid receptor binding, the entity responsible for many of the toxicities of retinoid therapies. UAB30 is a novel rexinoid with limited toxicities. We hypothesized that UAB30 would lead to decreased cell survival in RMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two RMS cell lines, one embryonal (RD) subtype and one alveolar (St. Jude Cancer Research Hospital 30) subtype, were used. Cells were treated with UAB30, and cytotoxicity, proliferation, mobility, and apoptosis were evaluated. RESULTS: UAB30 significantly decreased RMS tumor cell viability and proliferation. Invasion, migration, and attachment-independent growth were reduced following UAB30 treatment. UAB30 also resulted in apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest. UAB30 affected both the alveolar and embryonal RMS cell lines in a similar fashion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these studies suggest a potential therapeutic role for the low-toxicity synthetic retinoid X receptor selective agonist, UAB30, in RMS treatment.

Defining the communication between agonist and coactivator binding in the retinoid X receptor α ligand binding domain.

Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are obligate partners for several other nuclear receptors, and they play a key role in several signaling processes. Despite being a promiscuous heterodimer partner, this nuclear receptor is a target of therapeutic intervention through activation using selective RXR agonists (rexinoids). Agonist binding to RXR initiates a large conformational change in the receptor that allows for coactivator recruitment to its surface and enhanced transcription. Here we reveal the structural and dynamical changes produced when a coactivator peptide binds to the human RXRα ligand binding domain containing two clinically relevant rexinoids, Targretin and 9-cis-UAB30. Our results show that the structural changes are very similar for each rexinoid and similar to those for the pan-agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid. The four structural changes involve key residues on helix 3, helix 4, and helix 11 that move from a solvent-exposed environment to one that interacts extensively with helix 12. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry reveals that the dynamics of helices 3, 11, and 12 are significantly decreased when the two rexinoids are bound to the receptor. When the pan-agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid is bound to the receptor, only the dynamics of helices 3 and 11 are reduced. The four structural changes are conserved in all x-ray structures of the RXR ligand-binding domain in the presence of agonist and coactivator peptide. They serve as hallmarks for how RXR changes conformation and dynamics in the presence of agonist and coactivator to initiate signaling.

Methyl-substituted conformationally constrained rexinoid agonists for the retinoid X receptors demonstrate improved efficacy for cancer therapy and prevention.

(2E,4E,6Z,8Z)-8-(3',4'-Dihydro-1'(2H)-naphthalen-1'-ylidene)-3,7-dimethyl-2,3,6-octatrienoinic acid, 9cUAB30, is a selective rexinoid for the retinoid X nuclear receptors (RXR). 9cUAB30 displays substantial chemopreventive capacity with little toxicity and is being translated to the clinic as a novel cancer prevention agent. To improve on the potency of 9cUAB30, we synthesized 4-methyl analogs of 9cUAB30, which introduced chirality at the 4-position of the tetralone ring. The syntheses and biological evaluations of the racemic homolog and enantiomers are reported. We demonstrate that the S-enantiomer is the most potent and least toxic even though these enantiomers bind in a similar conformation in the ligand binding domain of RXR.

Effects on gene expression in rat liver after administration of RXR agonists: UAB30, 4-methyl-UAB30, and Targretin (Bexarotene).

Examination of three retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists [Targretin (TRG), UAB30, and 4-methyl-UAB30 (4-Me-UAB30)] showed that all inhibited mammary cancer in rodents and two (TRG and 4-Me-UAB30) strikingly increased serum triglyceride levels. Agents were administered in diets to female Sprague-Dawley rats. Liver RNA was isolated and microarrayed on the Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Exon 1.0 ST array. Statistical tests identified genes that exhibited differential expression and fell into groups, or modules, with differential expression among agonists. Genes in specific modules were changed by one, two, or all three agonists. An interactome analysis assessed the effects on genes that heterodimerize with known nuclear receptors. For proliferator-activated receptor α/RXR-activated genes, the strongest response was TRG > 4-Me-UAB30 > UAB30. Many liver X receptor/RXR-related genes (e.g., Scd-1 and Srebf1, which are associated with increased triglycerides) were highly expressed in TRG and 4-Me-UAB30- but not UAB30-treated livers. Minimal expression changes were associated with retinoic acid receptor or vitamin D receptor heterodimers by any of the agonists. UAB30 unexpectedly and uniquely activated genes associated with the aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (Ah) receptor (Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, Cyp1b1, and Nqo1). Based on the Ah receptor activation, UAB30 was tested for its ability to prevent dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary cancers, presumably by inhibiting DMBA activation, and was highly effective. Gene expression changes were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in rat livers treated with Targretin for 2.3, 7, and 21 days. These showed similar gene expression changes at all three time points, arguing some steady-state effect. Different patterns of gene expression among the agonists provided insight into molecular differences and allowed one to predict certain physiologic consequences of agonist treatment.

The impact of novel retinoids in combination with platinum chemotherapy on ovarian cancer stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: Retinoids are important modulators of cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation. 9cUAB30, 9cUAB124, and 9cUAB130 are three novel retinoid compounds that show cytotoxic effects in other malignancies. We evaluated these novel retinoids in combination with chemotherapy against ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) in vitro and in an ex vivo model. METHODS: A2780 cells were plated in 96-well plates and treated with retinoid, carboplatin, or combination therapy. Cell viability was evaluated using ATPLite assay. The A2780 cell line was also analyzed for CSCs by evaluating ALDH activity using flow cytometry. A2780 cells treated ex vivo with retinoids and chemotherapy were injected into the flank of athymic nude mice in order to evaluate subsequent tumor initiating capacity. RESULTS: A2780 cells were sensitive to treatment with retinoids and carboplatin. The best treatment resulted from the combination of retinoid 9cUAB130 and carboplatin. Untreated A2780 cells demonstrated ALDH activity in 3.3% of the cell population. Carboplatin treatment enriched ALDH activity to 27.3%, while 9cUAB130±carboplatin maintained the ALDH positive levels similar to untreated controls (2.3% and 6.7%, respectively). Similar results were found in tumorsphere-forming conditions. Flank injections of ex vivo treated A2780 cells resulted in 4/4 mice developing tumors at 40 days in the untreated group, while 0/4 tumors developed in the 9cUAB130 and carboplatin treated group. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment with carboplatin and retinoids reduced cell-viability, reduced CSC marker expression, and inhibited tumorigenicity, making it a more effective treatment when compared with carboplatin alone.

The use of retinoids in ovarian cancer: a review of the literature.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic malignancies. The search for novel treatment modalities to augment traditional chemotherapy and improve quality of life is ongoing. Retinoids, a class of compounds composed of vitamin A, its natural derivatives, and synthetic analogs, have been studied extensively in both the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. In this article, we reviewed preclinical studies and clinical trials conducted using retinoids in ovarian cancer.

Conformationally Defined Rexinoids for the Prevention of Inflammation and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers.

Compound 1 is a potent rexinoid that is highly effective in cancer chemoprevention but elevates serum triglycerides. In an effort to separate the lipid toxicity from the anticancer activity of 1, we synthesized four new analogs of rexinoid 1, of which three rexinoids did not elevate serum triglycerides. Rexinoids 3 and 4 are twice as potent as rexinoid 1 in binding to Retinoid X receptor (RXR). All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays a key role in maintaining skin homeostasis, and rexinoids 3-6 are highly effective in upregulating the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of ATRA. Inflammation plays a key role in skin cancer, and rexinoids 3 and 4 are highly effective in diminishing LPS-induced inflammation. Rexinoids 3 and 4 are highly effective in preventing UVB-induced nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) without displaying any overt toxicities. Biophysical studies of rexinoids 3 and 5 bound to hRXRα-ligand binding domain (LBD) reveal important conformational and dynamical differences in the ligand binding domain.

Structure, energetics, and dynamics of binding coactivator peptide to the human retinoid X receptor α ligand binding domain complex with 9-cis-retinoic acid.

Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are ligand-dependent nuclear receptors, which are activated by the potent agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA). 9cRA binds to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of RXRs and recruits coactivator proteins for gene transcription. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, the binding of a 13-mer coactivator peptide, GRIP-1, to the hRXRα-LBD homodimer complex containing 9cRA (hRXRα-LBD:9cRA:GRIP-1) is reported between 20 and 37 °C. ΔG is temperature independent (-8.5 kcal/mol), and GRIP-1 binding is driven by ΔH (-9.2 kcal/mol) at 25 °C. ΔC(p) is large and negative (-401 cal mol(-1) K(-1)). The crystal structure of hRXRα-LBD:9cRA:GRIP-1 is reported at 2.05 Å. When the structures of hRXRα-LBD:9cRA:GRIP-1 and hRXRα-LBD:9cRA ( 1FBY ) homodimers are compared, E453 and E456 on helix 12 bury and form ionic interactions with GRIP-1. R302 on helix 4 realigns to form new salt bridges to both E453 and E456. F277 (helix 3), F437 (helix 11), and F450 (helix 12) move toward the hydrophobic interior. The changes in the near-UV spectrum at 260 nm of the hRXRα-LBD:9cRA:GRIP-1 support this structural change. Helix 11 tilts toward helix 12 by ≈1 Å, modifying the ring conformation of 9cRA. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectroscopy indicates GRIP-1 binding to hRXRα-LBD:9cRA significantly decreases the exchange rates for peptides containing helices 3 (F277), 4 (R302), 11 (F437), and 12 (E453, E456). The structural changes and loss of dynamics of the GRIP-1-bound structure are used to interpret the energetics of coactivator peptide binding to the agonist-bound hRXRα-LBD.

A Small Molecule, UAB126, Reverses Diet-Induced Obesity and its Associated Metabolic Disorders.

Targeting retinoid X receptor (RXR) has been proposed as one of the therapeutic strategies to treat individuals with metabolic syndrome, as RXR heterodimerizes with multiple nuclear receptors that regulate genes involved in metabolism. Despite numerous efforts, RXR ligands (rexinoids) have not been approved for clinical trials to treat metabolic syndrome due to the serious side effects such as hypertriglyceridemia and altered thyroid hormone axis. In this study, we demonstrate a novel rexinoid-like small molecule, UAB126, which has positive effects on metabolic syndrome without the known side effects of potent rexinoids. Oral administration of UAB126 ameliorated obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and hyperlipidemia without changes in food intake, physical activity, and thyroid hormone levels. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that UAB126 regulates the expression of genes in the liver that are modulated by several nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and/or liver X receptor in conjunction with RXR. Furthermore, UAB126 not only prevented but also reversed obesity-associated metabolic disorders. The results suggest that optimized modulation of RXR may be a promising strategy to treat metabolic disorders without side effects. Thus, the current study reveals that UAB126 could be an attractive therapy to treat individuals with obesity and its comorbidities.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Dose Escalation, Single Dose, and Steady-State Pharmacokinetic Study of 9cUAB30 in Healthy Volunteers.

9cUAB30 is a synthetic analogue of 9-cis retinoic acid with chemoprevention activity in cell lines and animal models. The purpose of this phase I placebo-controlled, double-blinded, dose escalation study of 9cUAB30 was to evaluate its safety, pharmacokinetics, and determine a dose for future phase II studies. Participants received a single dose of study drug (placebo or 9cUAB30) on day 1 followed by a 6-day drug-free period and then 28 days of continuous daily dosing starting on day 8. Fifty-three healthy volunteers were enrolled into five dose cohorts (20, 40, 80, 160, and 240 mg). Participants were randomized within each dose level to receive either 9cUAB30 (n = 8) or placebo (n = 2). 9cUAB30 was well tolerated, with no dose limiting toxicities reported and no evidence of persistent elevations in serum triglycerides or cholesterol. Treatment-emergent grade 3 hypertension occurred in 1 of 8 participants at the 20 mg dose level and in 2 of 8 at the 240 mg dose level, all considered unlikely related to study agent; no other grade 3 adverse events were observed. The AUC increased, as expected, between day 1 (single dose) and day 36 (steady state). Pharmacokinetics were linear in dose escalation through 160 mg. 9cUAB30 administered by daily oral dosing has a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile. On the basis of the observed safety profile and lack of linearity in pharmacokinetics at doses greater than 160 mg, the recommended phase II dose with the current formulation is 160 mg once daily.

The retinoid X receptor agonist, 9-cis UAB30, inhibits cutaneous T-cell lymphoma proliferation through the SKP2-p27kip1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Bexarotene (Targretin®) is currently the only FDA approved retinoid X receptor (RXR) -selective agonist for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). The main side effects of bexarotene are hypothyroidism and elevation of serum triglycerides (TGs). The novel RXR ligand, 9-cis UAB30 (UAB30) does not elevate serum TGs or induce hypothyroidism in normal subjects. OBJECTIVES: To assess preclinical efficacy and mechanism of action of UAB30 in the treatment of CTCLs and compare its action with bexarotene. METHODS: With patient-derived CTCL cell lines, we evaluated UAB30 function in regulating growth, apoptosis, cell cycle check points, and cell cycle-related markers. RESULTS: Compared to bexarotene, UAB30 had lower half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values and was more effective in inhibiting the G1 cell cycle checkpoint. Both rexinoids increased the stability of the cell cycle inhibitor, p27kip1 protein, in part, through targeting components involved in the ubiquitination-proteasome system: 1) decreasing SKP2, a F-box protein that binds and targets p27kip1 for degradation by 26S proteasome and 2) suppressing 20S proteasome activity (cell line-dependent) through downregulation of PSMA7, a component of the 20S proteolytic complex in 26S proteasome. CONCLUSIONS: UAB30 and bexarotene induce both early cell apoptosis and suppress cell proliferation. Inhibition of the G1 to S cell cycle transition by rexinoids is mediated, in part, through downregulation of SKP2 and/or 20S proteasome activity, leading to increased p27kip1 protein stability. Because UAB30 has minimal effect in elevating serum TGs and inducing hypothyroidism, it is potentially a better alternative to bexarotene for the treatment of CTCLs.

Translation of a Tissue-Selective Rexinoid, UAB30, to the Clinic for Breast Cancer Prevention.

This review focuses on our efforts to translate a low-toxicity retinoid X receptor-selective agonist, UAB30, to the clinic for the prevention of breast cancers. The review is divided into several sections. First, the current status of breast cancer prevention is discussed. Next, preclinical studies are presented that support translation of rexinoids to the clinic for cancer prevention. While current FDAapproved retinoids and rexinoids demonstrate profound effects in treating cancers, they lack sufficient safety for long term use in the high risk population that is otherwise disease free. The review stresses the need to identify cancer preventive drugs that are effective and safe in order to gain wide use in the clinic. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease, UAB30 is evaluated for the prevention of ER-positive and ER-negative mammary cancers. Since selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors are used clinically to prevent and treat ER-positive breast cancers, preclinical studies also must demonstrate efficacy of UAB30 in combination with existing drugs under use in the clinic. To support an Investigational New Drug Application to the FDA, data on pharmacology and toxicity as well as mutagenicity is gathered prior to human trials. The review concludes with a discussion of the outcomes of human Phase 0/1 clinical trials that determine the safety and pharmacology of UAB30. These studies are essential before this agent is evaluated for efficacy in phase 2 trials. Success in phase 2 evaluation is critical before long-term and costly phase 3 trials are undertaken. The lack of surrogate biomarkers as endpoints for phase 2 evaluation of rexinoid preventive agents is discussed.

Expression of crustacean (Callinectes sapidus) molt-inhibiting hormone in Escherichia coli: characterization of the recombinant peptide and assessment of its effects on cellular signaling pathways in Y-organs.

A neuropeptide, molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH), negatively regulates the synthesis of ecdysteroid molting hormones by crustacean Y-organs. We report here the expression of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) MIH in Escherichia coli. Bacteria were transformed with an expression plasmid containing a cDNA insert encoding MIH. After induction of protein synthesis, recombinant MIH (recMIH) was detected in the insoluble fraction of cell lysates. The insoluble recMIH was refolded and purified by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The refolded peptide was MIH-immunoreactive and comigrated with native MIH on RP-HPLC. Mass and CD spectral analyses showed the mass number and secondary structure of the recombinant peptide were as predicted for MIH. Bioassays showed recMIH dose-dependently suppresses ecdysteroid synthesis by Y-organs. The combined results suggest that recMIH is properly folded. In subsequent experiments, recMIH was used to assess cellular signaling pathways linked to MIH-mediated suppression of ecdysteroidogenesis. Incubation of Y-organs with recMIH produced an increase in intracellular cGMP content, but had no effect on intracellular cAMP. Further, a cGMP analog significantly suppressed ecdysteroid production, but neither cAMP analogs nor an activator of adenylyl cyclase had a detectable effect on ecdysteroidogenesis. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that MIH-induced suppression of ecdysteroidogenesis in Y-organs of C. sapidus is mediated by a cGMP second messenger. We anticipate recMIH will be a useful tool for additional studies of the cellular actions and physiological functions of MIH.

Preclinical Evaluation of UAB30 in Pediatric Renal and Hepatic Malignancies.

Rare tumors of solid organs remain some of the most difficult pediatric cancers to cure. These difficult tumors include rare pediatric renal malignancies, such as malignant rhabdoid kidney tumors (MRKT) and non-osseous renal Ewing sarcoma, and hepatoblastoma, a pediatric liver tumor that arises from immature liver cells. There are data in adult renal and hepatic malignancies demonstrating the efficacy of retinoid therapy. The investigation of retinoic acid therapy in cancer is not a new strategy, but the widespread adoption of this therapy has been hindered by toxicities. Our laboratory has been investigating a novel synthetic rexinoid, UAB30, which exhibits a more favorable side-effect profile. In this study, we hypothesized that UAB30 would diminish the growth of tumor cells from both rare renal and liver tumors in vitro and in vivo We successfully demonstrated decreased cellular proliferation, invasion and migration, cell-cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis after treatment with UAB30. Additionally, in in vivo murine models of human hepatoblastoma or rare human renal tumors, there were significantly decreased tumor xenograft growth and increased animal survival after UAB30 treatment. UAB30 should be further investigated as a developing therapeutic in these rare and difficult-to-treat pediatric solid organ tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 911-21. ©2016 AACR.

Retinoid X Receptor Agonists Upregulate Genes Responsible for the Biosynthesis of All-Trans-Retinoic Acid in Human Epidermis.

UAB30 is an RXR selective agonist that has been shown to have potential cancer chemopreventive properties. Due to high efficacy and low toxicity, it is currently being evaluated in human Phase I clinical trials by the National Cancer Institute. While UAB30 shows promise as a low toxicity chemopreventive drug, the mechanism of its action is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of UAB30 on gene expression in human organotypic skin raft cultures and mouse epidermis. The results of this study indicate that treatment with UAB30 results in upregulation of genes responsible for the uptake and metabolism of all-trans-retinol to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), the natural agonist of RAR nuclear receptors. Consistent with the increased expression of these genes, the steady-state levels of ATRA are elevated in human skin rafts. In ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiated mouse skin, the expression of ATRA target genes is found to be reduced. A reduced expression of ATRA sensitive genes is also observed in epidermis of mouse models of UVB-induced squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinomas. However, treatment of mouse skin with UAB30 prior to UVB irradiation prevents the UVB-induced decrease in expression of some of the ATRA-responsive genes. Considering its positive effects on ATRA signaling in the epidermis and its low toxicity, UAB30 could be used as a chemoprophylactic agent in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in organ transplant recipients and other high risk populations.

Biochemical characterization and crystallization of recombinant 3-phosphoglycerate kinase of Plasmodium falciparum.

Human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum depends largely on glycolytic pathway for energy metabolism during the intraerythrocytic life stage. Therefore, enzymes of the glycolytic pathway could offer potential drug targets provided novel biochemical and/or structural features of the parasitic enzymes, which distinguish them from the host counterpart, could be identified. 3-Phosphoglycerate kinase (EC 2.7.2.3) catalyzes an important phosphorylation step leading to the production of ATP in the glycolytic pathway. We have expressed recombinant 3-phosphoglycerate kinase of P. falciparum in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein purified from the soluble fraction of E. coli is enzymatically active. The apparent K(m) values determined for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) are 0.63 and 0.52 mM, respectively. The enzyme activity was temperature-sensitive. Suramin was found to inhibit the recombinant enzyme with an IC(50) value of 7 microM. We have crystallized the enzyme form in hexagonal space group P6(1)22 (or its enantiomorphic space group) with unit cell parameters a=b=130.7, c=263.9 A. Native data have been collected at 3.0-A resolution.

Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel RXR Agonist for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma remains a common cause of pediatric cancer deaths, especially for children who present with advanced stage or recurrent disease. Currently, retinoic acid therapy is used as maintenance treatment to induce differentiation and reduce tumor recurrence following induction therapy for neuroblastoma, but unavoidable side effects are seen. A novel retinoid, UAB30, has been shown to generate negligible toxicities. In the current study, we hypothesized that UAB30 would have a significant impact on multiple neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Cellular survival, cell-cycle analysis, migration, and invasion were studied using AlamarBlue assays, FACS, and Transwell assays, respectively, in multiple cell lines following treatment with UAB30. In addition, an in vivo murine model of human neuroblastoma was utilized to study the effects of UAB30 upon tumor xenograft growth and animal survival. We successfully demonstrated decreased cellular survival, invasion, and migration, cell-cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis after treatment with UAB30. Furthermore, inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival was observed in a murine neuroblastoma xenograft model. The results of these in vitro and in vivo studies suggest a potential therapeutic role for the low toxicity synthetic retinoid X receptor selective agonist, UAB30, in neuroblastoma treatment.

Conformationally Defined Rexinoids and Their Efficacy in the Prevention of Mammary Cancers.

(2E,4E,6Z,8Z)-8-(3',4'-Dihydro-1'(2H)-naphthalen-1'-ylidene)-3,7-dimethyl-2,3,6-octatrienoinic acid (UAB30) is currently undergoing clinical evaluation as a novel cancer prevention agent. In efforts to develop even more highly potent rexinoids that prevent breast cancer without toxicity, we further explore here the structure-activity relationship of two separate classes of rexinoids. UAB30 belongs to the class II rexinoids and possesses a 9Z-tetraenoic acid chain bonded to a tetralone ring, whereas the class I rexinoids contain the same 9Z-tetraenoic acid chain bonded to a disubstituted cyclohexenyl ring. Among the 12 class I and class II rexinoids evaluated, the class I rexinoid 11 is most effective in preventing breast cancers in an in vivo rat model alone or in combination with tamoxifen. Rexinoid 11 also reduces the size of established tumors and exhibits a therapeutic effect. However, 11 induces hypertriglyceridemia at its effective dose. On the other hand rexinoid 10 does not increase triglyceride levels while being effective in the in vivo chemoprevention assay. X-ray studies of four rexinoids bound to the ligand binding domain of the retinoid X receptor reveal key structural aspects that enhance potency as well as those that enhance the synthesis of lipids.