Smac127 Has Proapoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovial inflammation and hyperplasia. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are apoptosis-resistant and contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by producing cytokines and proteolytic enzymes, which degrade the extracellular matrix. We evaluated the proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity of the small molecule Smac127 on RA-FLSs cultured in synovial fluid (SF), in order to reproduce the physiopathological environmental characteristic of RA joints. In this context, Smac127 induces apoptosis by inhibiting apoptosis proteins (IAPs). This inhibition activates caspase 3 and restores the apoptotic pathway. In addition, Smac127 induces a significant inhibition of the secretion of IL-15 and IL-6, stimulation of pannus formation, and damage of bone and cartilage in RA. Also the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 is dramatically increased in the presence of Smac127. The cartilage destruction in RA patients is partly mediated by metalloproteinases; here we show that the MMP-1 production by fibroblasts cultured in SF is significantly antagonized by Smac127. Conversely, this molecule has no significant effects on RANKL and OPG production. Our observations demonstrate that Smac127 has beneficial regulatory effects on inflammatory state of RA-FLSs and suggest a potential use of Smac127 for the control of inflammation and disease progression in RA.

Proapoptotic activity of a monomeric smac mimetic on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) block cell death in response to diverse stimuli. The mitochondrial protein, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac), negatively regulates IAP inhibition of caspase activity. We investigated the proapoptotic activity of a synthetic Smac (Smac 066) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) derived from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found that Smac 066 induced significant apoptosis in all RA-FLS samples. Furthermore, IAPs, which are upregulated in RA-FLS, were downregulated by Smac 066. This suggested that IAPs upregulation was responsible for RA-FLS sensitivity to Smac 066. Next, we analysed caspase activation and found that Smac 066 was associated with caspase 8 and caspase 3 activities. We then investigated the mechanism underlying Smac 066 downregulation of IAPs in RA-FLS with an apoptotic pathway array. Interestingly, Smac 066 significantly upregulated IGFBP-5, a protein involved in differentiation, apoptosis, and osteoblastic activation. Smac 066 may represent a new therapeutic approach to RA treatment.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of dual action cyclo-RGD/SMAC mimetic conjugates targeting α(v)ß(3)/α(v)ß(5) integrins and IAP proteins.

The rational design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of dual action conjugates 11-13, containing a tumour targeting, integrin αvß3/αvß5 ligand portion and a pro-apoptotic SMAC mimetic portion (cyclo-RGD/SMAC mimetic conjugates) are reported. The binding strength of the two separate units is generally maintained by these dual action conjugates. In particular, the connection between the separate units (anchor points on each unit; nature, length and stability of the linker) influences the activity of each portion against its molecular targets (integrins αvß3/αvß5 for cyclo-RGD, IAP proteins for SMAC mimetics). Each conjugate portion tolerates different substitutions while preserving the binding affinity for each target.

Smac mimetics induce inflammation and necrotic tumour cell death by modulating macrophage activity.

Smac mimetics (SMs) comprise a class of small molecules that target members of the inhibitor of apoptosis family of pro-survival proteins, whose expression in cancer cells hinders the action of conventional chemotherapeutics. Herein, we describe the activity of SM83, a newly synthesised dimeric SM, in two cancer ascites models: athymic nude mice injected intraperitoneally with IGROV-1 human ovarian carcinoma cells and immunocompetent BALB/c mice injected with murine Meth A sarcoma cells. SM83 rapidly killed ascitic IGROV-1 and Meth A cells in vivo (prolonging mouse survival), but was ineffective against the same cells in vitro. IGROV-1 cells in nude mice were killed within the ascites by a non-apoptotic, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-dependent mechanism. SM83 administration triggered a rapid inflammatory event characterised by host secretion of TNF, interleukin-1ß and interferon-γ. This inflammatory response was associated with the reversion of the phenotype of tumour-associated macrophages from a pro-tumoural M2- to a pro-inflammatory M1-like state. SM83 treatment was also associated with a massive recruitment of neutrophils that, however, was not essential for the antitumoural activity of this compound. In BALB/c mice bearing Meth A ascites, SM83 treatment was in some cases curative, and these mice became resistant to a second injection of cancer cells, suggesting that they had developed an adaptive immune response. Altogether, these results indicate that, in vivo, SM83 modulates the immune system within the tumour microenvironment and, through its pro-inflammatory action, leads cancer cells to die by necrosis with the release of high-mobility group box-1. In conclusion, our work provides evidence that SMs could be more therapeutically active than expected by stimulating the immune system.

Novel SMAC-mimetics synergistically stimulate melanoma cell death in combination with TRAIL and Bortezomib.

BACKGROUND: XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) is an anti-apoptotic protein exerting its activity by binding and suppressing caspases. As XIAP is overexpressed in several tumours, in which it apparently contributes to chemoresistance, and because its activity in vivo is antagonised by second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC)/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with low pI, small molecules mimicking SMAC (so called SMAC-mimetics) can potentially overcome tumour resistance by promoting apoptosis. METHODS: Three homodimeric compounds were synthesised tethering a monomeric SMAC-mimetic with different linkers and their affinity binding for the baculoviral inhibitor repeats domains of XIAP measured by fluorescent polarisation assay. The apoptotic activity of these molecules, alone or in combination with tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and/or Bortezomib, was tested in melanoma cell lines by MTT viability assays and western blot analysis of activated caspases. RESULTS: We show that in melanoma cell lines, which are typically resistant to chemotherapeutic agents, XIAP knock-down sensitises cells to TRAIL treatment in vitro, also favouring the accumulation of cleaved caspase-8. We also describe a new series of 4-substituted azabicyclo[5.3.0]alkane monomeric and dimeric SMAC-mimetics that target various members of the IAP family and powerfully synergise at submicromolar concentrations with TRAIL in inducing cell death. Finally, we show that the simultaneous administration of newly developed SMAC-mimetics with Bortezomib potently triggers apoptosis in a melanoma cell line resistant to the combined effect of SMAC-mimetics and TRAIL. CONCLUSION: Hence, the newly developed SMAC-mimetics effectively synergise with TRAIL and Bortezomib in inducing cell death. These findings warrant further preclinical studies in vivo to verify the anticancer effectiveness of the combination of these agents.

Dansyl and dabsyl analytical constructs as tools for the accurate estimation of compounds in solid-phase synthesis.

The presence of dansyl or dabsyl chromogenic moieties in a solid-phase analytical construct, an assembly of linkers/spacers/sensitizers for improving analytical characterization, allows the accurate estimation of products from solid-phase synthesis by UV detection during liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis in the cleavage solution. The spectroscopic properties of dansylated molecules have been evaluated to verify the "compound-independent UV absorption" necessary for using the chromophore in the accurate estimation. First, measurements on commercial dansylated compounds were made, then a series of construct-like molecules were prepared by solution-phase synthetic procedures and their UV properties were determined. Compound calibration curves were determined, and UV absorption was shown to be both proportional to the compound concentration and compound-independent. An example of a dansyl construct derivative was then prepared on a polymeric matrix, and an accurate estimation using the calibration curves was carried out in the cleavage solution. Good agreement was found between the calculated amount of released compound using the UV calibration curves and the calculated amount using both (1)H NMR and LC/chemiluminescent nitrogen detection quantitative techniques. Preliminary studies using the dabsyl moiety as an improved chromophore with higher wavelength and extinction coefficient are also reported.

Stereoselective synthesis of conformationally constrained cyclohexanediols: a set of molecular scaffolds for the synthesis of glycomimetics.

The practical, stereoselective synthesis of the three diastereoisomeric 1,2-trans-dicarboxy-4,5-cyclohexanediols 1-3 (DCCHDs) is described, starting from a common precursor, easily available in both enantiomeric forms. The regioselective derivatization of all functional groups of 1 is also reported. The three DCCHDs are locked in a single chair conformation and thus can be used to mimic vicinally disubstituted monosaccharides of any relative configuration.

Solid-supported benzotriazoles. 2. Synthetic auxiliaries and traceless linkers for the combinatorial synthesis of unsymmetrical ureas.

Resin-bound benzotriazole chemistry applied to the solid-phase synthesis of arrays of unsymmetrical aryl ureas is described here. The chemistry assessment process, the monomer rehearsal, the preparation of a discrete library by automated parallel synthesis, the parallel purification protocol employing solid-phase scavenging, and the complete analytical characterization of the library components are also presented.

A combinatorial approach to [1,5]benzothiazepine derivates as potential antibacterial agents.

[1,5]Benzothiazepines are widely used in a number of different therapeutic areas and therefore represent an interesting scaffold for de novo exploration. Recent literature reports suggest their value as antibacterial agents. The present paper reports the exploration of this scaffold for the generation of combinatorial libraries both in solution and on solid phase.

Studies on the novel anti-staphyloccal compound nematophin.

A number of analogues of the recently described compound nematophin were prepared and studied for antibacterial activity. The 2-phenyl derivative was found to exhibit exceptional activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) whereas the isosteric benzimidazole analogue was much less active.

Solid-phase/solution-phase combinatorial synthesis of neuroimmunophilin ligands.

A novel solid-phase/solution-phase strategy for the synthesis of neuroimmunophilin ligands based on GPI 1046 was developed. The synthesis employs a solid-phase esterification strategy followed by a solution-phase pyruvic amide formation to produce multi-milligram quantities of discrete compounds for assay. The protocol was applied to a production library of 880 discrete compounds. A highlight of the strategy is an aqueous extractive purification of the final compounds using a novel liquid/ice extraction system developed for high throughput.

Polymer-supported silyl cyanide and silyl azide: useful reagents for solid-phase applications.

The support of a delicate reagent on a solid matrix allows for better and safer handling of the reagent itself. Because we had an interest in silicon-based supported reagents(1) we turned our attention to a polymer-supported trialkylsilyl cyanide and trialkylsilyl azide starting from a commercially available trialkylsilane resin. The supported cyanide was obtained with excellent yield and proved to be shelf-stable. This supported reagent was reacted with a series of aldehydes and ketones yielding the corresponding polymer-supported cyanohydrins in good-to-excellent yields. A stability study on a model cyanohydrin demonstrated that these supported intermediates also can be stored for a prolonged time. For the last step, a cleavage strategy that could release either cyanohydrins or alpha-hydroxy esters was adopted. Finally, we prepared a polymer-supported trialkylsilyl azide, which also proved to be shelf-stable.

Combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screening in drug discovery: different strategies and formats.

Different strategies for the discovery of novel leads interacting with therapeutically relevant targets are thoroughly presented and discussed, using also three recent examples. Emphasis is given to approaches which do not require extensive resources and budgets, but rather prove how cleverness and creativity can provide active compounds in drug discovery.

Transport of the antibacterial agent oxazolidin-2-one and derivatives across intestinal (Caco-2) and renal (MDCK) epithelial cell lines.

The transepithelial passage of the orally bioavailable antibacterial agent oxazolidin-2-one (OXa) and 10 derivatives has been studied with human intestinal (Caco-2) and canine renal (MDCK) cell lines grown on polycarbonate filters. The transepithelial passage was assayed in the apical-to-basolateral (AP-to-BL) direction and in the opposite direction (BL to AP) in both cell lines. The observed passage rates of OXa were similar in both directions in the two cell lines, suggesting passive diffusion. This was further confirmed by the fact that transport kinetics were linear as a function of initial concentration. The rates of AP-to-BL passage of OXa and seven of the derivatives in both cell lines were linearly related to lipophilicity, whether expressed as high-passage liquid chromatography retention time or as the logarithm of the n-octanol-water partition coefficient (log P). These data suggest that the lipophilicity of OXa is important for its observed bioavailability after oral administration. Interestingly, three of the derivatives exhibited a higher passage rate than predicted by lipophilicity. Further studies indicated that this transport was saturable, similar in the two directions, and not affected by energy depletion, suggesting the presence of an additional carrier-mediated facilitated-transport mechanism.

Peptide aldehydes as inhibitors of HIV protease.

We have recently shown that alpha-MAPI, a peptidic aldehyde of microbial origin, inhibits the HIV protease with a potency comparable to pepstatin, having, differently from pepstatin, no activity on other aspartic proteases. In this study different peptide derivatives containing a C-terminal aldehyde have been tested to assess the potential of this function for the inhibition of HIV protease. The results of our analysis correspond with the recently published subsite preferences of the viral enzyme, indicating that aldehydes bind to the active site of the HIV protease. Our data suggest that peptide aldehydes can act in their hydrated forms as transition state analogues with the most potent inhibitor having an IC50 of 0.9 microM.

Synthesis and biological activity of O56-substituted carboxyesters and carboxamides of teicoplanin aglycone.

A series of O56-substituted carboxyester or carboxyamide derivatives of deglucoteicoplanin (TD) was prepared by condensation of the 56-hydroxyl function with various alkylating agents of general formula RBr, where R represents functional groups with different physico-chemical properties. The modifications at position 56 influenced the antimicrobial activity of the new derivatives; activity depended on the structure of various R groups, their ionic properties, and their steric hindrance. The activity of the new compounds did not show any significant improvement when compared with TD. The physico-chemical and antibacterial properties of the synthesized compounds are reported.