Olefin Isomers of a Triazole Bisphosphonate Synergistically Inhibit Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase.

The isoprenoid donor for protein geranylgeranylation reactions, geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP), is the product of the enzyme GGDP synthase (GGDPS) that condenses farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) and isopentenyl pyrophosphate. GGDPS inhibition is of interest from a therapeutic perspective for multiple myeloma because we have shown that targeting Rab GTPase geranylgeranylation impairs monoclonal protein trafficking, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. We reported a series of triazole bisphosphonate GGDPS inhibitors, of which the most potent was a 3:1 mixture of homogeranyl (HG) and homoneryl (HN) isomers. Here we determined the activity of the individual olefin isomers. Enzymatic and cellular assays revealed that although HN is approximately threefold more potent than HG, HN is not more potent than the original mixture. Studies in which cells were treated with varying concentrations of each isomer alone and in different combinations revealed that the two isomers potentiate the induced-inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation when used in a 3:1 HG:HN combination. A synergistic interaction was observed between the two isomers in the GGDPS enzyme assay. These results suggested that the two isomers bind simultaneously to the enzyme but within different domains. Computational modeling studies revealed that HN is preferred at the FDP site, that HG is preferred at the GGDP site, and that both isomers may bind to the enzyme simultaneously. These studies are the first to report a set of olefin isomers that synergistically inhibit GGDPS, thus establishing a new paradigm for the future development of GGDPS inhibitors.

Mechanisms for autophagy modulation by isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway inhibitors in multiple myeloma cells.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the production of monoclonal protein (MP). We have shown previously that disruption of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP) causes a block in MP secretion through a disruption of Rab GTPase activity, leading to an enhanced unfolded protein response and subsequent apoptosis in MM cells. Autophagy is induced by cellular stressors including nutrient deprivation and ER stress. IBP inhibitors have been shown to have disparate effects on autophagy. Here we define the mechanisms underlying the differential effects of IBP inhibitors on autophagic flux in MM cells utilizing specific pharmacological inhibitors. We demonstrate that IBP inhibition induces a net increase in autophagy as a consequence of disruption of isoprenoid biosynthesis which is not recapitulated by direct geranylgeranyl transferase inhibition. IBP inhibitor-induced autophagy is a cellular defense mechanism as treatment with the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 enhances the cytotoxic effects of GGPP depletion, but not geranylgeranyl transferase inhibition. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies revealed that IBP inhibitors disrupt ER to Golgi trafficking of monoclonal light chain protein and that this protein is not a substrate for alternative degradative pathways such as aggresomes and autophagosomes. These studies support further development of specific GGTase II inhibitors as anti-myeloma agents.

Targeting geranylgeranylation reduces adrenal gland tumor burden in a murine model of prostate cancer metastasis.

The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP) is critical for providing substrates for the post-translational modification of proteins key in regulating malignant cell properties, including proliferation, invasion, and migration. Inhibitors of the IBP, including statins and nitrogenous bisphosphonates, are used clinically for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and bone disease respectively. The statins work predominantly in the liver, while the nitrogenous bisphosphonates are highly sequestered to bone. Inhibition of the entire IBP is limited by organ specificity and side effects resulting from depletion of all isoprenoids. We have developed a novel compound, disodium [(6Z,11E,15E)-9-[bis(sodiooxy)phosphoryl]-17-hydroxy-2,6,12,16-tetramethyheptadeca-2,6,11,15-tetraen-9-yl]phosphonate (GGOHBP), which selectively targets geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, reducing post-translational protein geranylgeranylation. Intracardiac injection of luciferase-expressing human-derived 22Rv1 PCa cells into SCID mice resulted in tumor development in bone (100 %), adrenal glands (72 %), mesentery (22 %), liver (17 %), and the thoracic cavity (6 %). Three weeks after tumor inoculation, daily subcutaneous (SQ) injections of 1.5 mg/kg GGOHBP or the vehicle were given for one month. Dissected tumors revealed a reduction in adrenal gland tumors corresponding to a 54 % (P < 0.005) reduction in total adrenal gland tumor weight of the treated mice as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Western blot analysis of the harvested tissues showed a reduction in Rap1A geranylgeranylation in adrenal glands and mesenteric tumors of the treated mice while non-tumorous tissues and control mice showed no Rap1A alteration. Our findings detail a novel bisphosphonate compound capable of preferentially altering the IBP in tumor-burdened adrenal glands of a murine model of PCa metastasis.

In vitro studies in a myelogenous leukemia cell line suggest an organized binding of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitors.

A small set of isoprenoid bisphosphonates ethers has been tested in the K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line to determine their impact on isoprenoid biosynthesis. Five of these compounds inhibit geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) with IC50 values below 1 µM in enzyme assays, but in cells their apparent activity is more varied. In particular, the isomeric C-geranyl-O-prenyl and C-prenyl-O-geranyl bisphosphonates are quite different in their activity with the former consistently demonstrating greater impairment of geranylgeranylation in cells but the latter showing greater impact in the enzyme assays with GGDPS. Together, these findings suggest an organized binding of these inhibitors in the two hydrophobic channels of the geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase enzyme.

Geranyl and neryl triazole bisphosphonates as inhibitors of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase.

When inhibitors of enzymes that utilize isoprenoid pyrophosphates are based on the natural substrates, a significant challenge can be to achieve selective inhibition of a specific enzyme. One element in the design process is the stereochemistry of the isoprenoid olefins. We recently reported preparation of a series of isoprenoid triazoles as potential inhibitors of geranylgeranyl transferase II but these compounds were obtained as a mixture of olefin isomers. We now have accomplished the stereoselective synthesis of these triazoles through the use of epoxy azides for the cycloaddition reaction followed by regeneration of the desired olefin. Both geranyl and neryl derivatives have been prepared as single olefin isomers through parallel reaction sequences. The products were assayed against multiple enzymes as well as in cell culture studies and surprisingly a Z-olefin isomer was found to be a potent and selective inhibitor of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase.

Quantitative determination of isopentenyl diphosphate in cultured mammalian cells.

Isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), an intermediate of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP), has several important biological functions, yet a method to determine its basal level has not been described. Here, we describe a nonradioactive and sensitive analytical method to isolate and specifically quantify IPP from cultured mammalian cells. This method applies an enzymatic coupling reaction to determine intracellular concentrations of IPP. In this reaction, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase catalyzes the formation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) from IPP and farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). Subsequently, geranylgeranyl protein transferase I conjugates GGPP with a fluorescently labeled peptide. The geranylgeranylated peptide can be quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector, thereby allowing for IPP quantification. The detection lower limit of the fluorescence-labeled geranylgeranyl peptide is approximately 5 pg (~0.017 pmol). This method was used to examine the effects of IBP inhibitors such as lovastatin and zoledronate on intracellular levels of IPP. Inhibition of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) by lovastatin (50 nM) decreases IPP levels by 78% and 53% in K562 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Whereas zoledronic acid (10 µM) increased IPP levels 12.6-fold when compared with untreated cells in the K562 cell line, an astonishing 960-fold increase was observed in the MCF-7 cells.

Pleiotropic effects of a schweinfurthin on isoprenoid homeostasis.

The schweinfurthins, a family of natural products derived from the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP), have marked growth inhibitory activity. However, the biochemical basis for the schweinfurthins cellular effects has remained ill-defined. Here, the effects of the synthetic schweinfurthin, 3-deoxyschweinfurthin (3dSB) on multiple aspects of isoprenoid homeostasis are explored. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrate a synergistic interaction between 3dSB and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin but not with other IBP inhibitors in a variety of human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic effects of 3dSB were enhanced in cells incubated in lipid-depleted serum. 3dSB was found to enhance the lovastatin-induced decrease in protein prenylation. In addition, 3dSB decreases intracellular farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate levels in both established cell lines and primary cells. To determine whether 3dSB alters the regulation of expression of genes involved in isoprenoid homeostasis, real-time PCR studies were performed in human cell lines cultured in either lipid-replete or -deplete conditions. These studies demonstrate that 3dSB abrogates lovastatin-induced upregulation of sterol regulatory element-containing genes and lovastatin-induced downregulation of ABCA1. In aggregate, these studies are the first to demonstrate that a schweinfurthin exerts pleiotropic effects on isoprenoid homeostasis.

Geranylgeranyl diphosphate depletion inhibits breast cancer cell migration.

The objective of this study was to determine whether geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibition, and therefore geranylgeranyl diphosphate depletion, interferes with breast cancer cell migration. Digeranyl bisphosphonate is a specific geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitor. We demonstrate that digeranyl bisphosphonate depleted geranylgeranyl diphosphate and inhibited protein geranylgeranylation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Similar to GGTI-286, a GGTase I inhibitor, digeranyl bisphosphate significantly inhibited migration of MDA-MB-231 cells as measured by transwell assay. Similarly, digeranyl bisphosphonate reduced motility of MDA-MB-231 cells in a time-dependent manner as measured by large scale digital cell analysis system microscopy. Digeranyl bisphosphonate was mildly toxic and did not induce apoptosis. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with digeranyl bisphosphonate decreased membrane while it increased cytosolic RhoA localization. In addition, digeranyl bisphosphonate increased RhoA GTP binding in MDA-MB-231 cells. The specificity of geranylgeranyl diphosphonate synthase inhibition by digeranyl bisphosphonate was confirmed by exogenous addition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate. Geranylgeranyl diphosphate addition prevented the effects of digeranyl bisphosphonate on migration, RhoA localization, and GTP binding to RhoA in MDA-MB-231 cells. These studies suggest that geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase inhibitors are a novel approach to interfere with cancer cell migration.

Differential activities of thalidomide and isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway inhibitors in multiple myeloma cells.

Thalidomide has emerged as an effective agent for treating multiple myeloma, however the precise mechanism of action remains unknown. Agents known to target the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP) can have cytotoxic effects in myeloma cells. The interactions between thalidomide and IBP inhibitors in human multiple myeloma cells were evaluated. Enhanced cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis were observed in RPMI-8226 cells. Examination of intracellular levels of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) revealed a wide variance in basal levels and response to IBP inhibitors. These findings provide a mechanism for the differential sensitivity of myeloma cells to pharmacologic manipulation of the IBP.

Quantitative determination of geranyl diphosphate levels in cultured human cells.

Geranyl diphosphate (GPP), a 10-carbon isoprenoid, is a key intermediate in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. This pathway, in addition to leading to sterol synthesis, results in the synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), which serve as substrates for protein isoprenylation reactions. Basal levels of GPP in mammalian cells previously have been undetectable. Here we present a novel, sensitive, nonradioactive method which allows for measurement of GPP in mammalian cells. This methodology involves extraction of isoprenoids from cultured cells followed by enzymatic conjugation of GPP to a fluorescent dansylated-peptide via farnesyl transferase and quantification with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The lower limit of detection of GPP is 5 pg, or 0.015 pmol. Basal levels of GPP were determined in three human multiple myeloma cell lines (RPMI-8226, U266, H929). Treatment of cells with inhibitors of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway results in marked changes in GPP levels: the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin decreases GPP levels by over 50%, while the FPP synthase inhibitor zoledronic acid increases GPP levels 16- to 107-fold. This method also allows for the simultaneous measurement of GPP, FPP, and GGPP, thus leading to improved understanding of the pathway in a multitude of biological systems. Furthermore, as drugs targeting this pathway are developed, their biological activity can be more directly linked to effects on isoprenoid levels.

Quantitative determination of farnesyl and geranylgeranyl diphosphate levels in mammalian tissue.

Farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) are branch point intermediates of isoprenoid biosynthesis. Inhibitors of isoprenoid biosynthesis, such as the statins and bisphosphonates, are widely used therapeutic agents. However, little is known about the degree to which they alter levels of upstream and downstream isoprenoids, including FPP and GGPP. Therefore, we developed a method to isolate and quantify FPP and GGPP from mammalian tissues. Tissues from mice were collected, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80 degrees C. FPP and GGPP were isolated by a combined homogenization and extraction procedure and were purified with a C18 solid phase extraction column. Farnesyl protein transferase (FTase) or geranylgeranyl protein transferase I (GGTase I) were used to conjugate FPP and GGPP with fluorescent dansylated peptides. FPP and GGPP were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The respective concentrations of FPP and GGPP are as follows: 0.355+/-0.030 and 0.827+/-0.082 units of nmol/g wet tissues in brain, 0.320+/-0.019 and 0.293+/-0.035 units of nmol/g wet tissues in kidney, 0.326+/-0.064 and 0.213+/-0.029 units of nmol/g wet tissues in liver, and 0.364+/-0.015 and 0.349+/-0.023 units of nmol/g wet tissues in heart (means+/-SEM). This method allows for determination of FPP and GGPP concentrations in any tissue type and is sensitive enough to detect changes following treatment with inhibitors of isoprenoid biosynthesis.

Digeranyl bisphosphonate inhibits geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase.

A primary cellular target of the clinical nitrogenous bisphosphonates is the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. Specifically these drugs inhibit the enzyme farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase and deplete cells of larger isoprenoids. Inhibition of this enzyme results in impaired processing of both farnesylated and geranylgeranylated proteins. We recently showed that isoprenoid-containing bisphosphonates such as digeranyl bisphosphonate inhibit protein geranylgeranylation and not farnesylation. Here, we show that this impairment results from potent and specific inhibition of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, which leads to enhanced depletion of intracellular geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate relative to the nitrogenous bisphosphonate zoledronate.

Regulation of fatty acid synthesis by farnesyl pyrophosphate.

Fatty acid biosynthesis is transcriptionally regulated by liver X receptor (LXR) and its gene target, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). LXR activation is induced by oxysterol end products of the mevalonate pathway and is inhibited by the upstream non-sterol isoprenoid, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). Whether isoprenoids play a role in regulating the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis is unknown. In CaCo-2 colon epithelial cells, depletion of mevalonate and its derivatives, including oxysterol ligands for LXR, increased fatty acid synthesis. Addition of mevalonate or its isoprenoid derivative, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), prevented this increase. The effects of FPP were likely due to itself or its degradation products, because none of its downstream derivatives, GGPP, ubiquinone, or cholesterol, were effective. Moreover, the effects of FPP could not be accounted for by protein prenylation, because inhibition of farnesylation did not alter fatty acid synthesis in mevalonate-depleted cells incubated with the isoprenoid. Neither was fatty acid synthesis in these cells altered by inhibition of beta-oxidation. Mevalonate depletion increased fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA by transcriptional mechanisms, without increasing gene expression of other enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis or of SREBP-1c. The abundance of mature SREBP-2 but not SREBP-1 was increased following mevalonate depletion. FPP prevented the increase in FAS mRNA in mevalonate-depleted cells without altering SREBP-2 activation. Thus, FPP regulates fatty acid synthesis by a mechanism that is likely independent of the SREBP pathway.

Simultaneous determination of farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate levels in cultured cells.

A sensitive, nonradioactive analytical method has been developed to simultaneously determine the concentrations of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) in cultured cells. Following extraction, enzyme assays involving recombinant farnesyl protein transferase or geranylgeranyl protein transferase I are performed to conjugate FPP or GGPP to dansylated peptides. The reaction products are then separated and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector at the excitation wavelength 335 nm and the emission wavelength 528 nm. The retention times for farnesyl-peptide and geranylgeranyl-peptide are 8.4 and 16.9 min, respectively. The lower limit of detection is 5 pg of FPP or GGPP ( approximately 0.01 pmol). A linear response has been established over a range of 5-1000 pg ( approximately 0.01-2 pmol) with good reproducibility. The method has been used to determine the levels of FPP (0.125+/-0.010 pmol/10(6)cells) and GGPP (0.145+/-0.008 pmol/10(6)cells) in NIH3T3 cells. Furthermore, changes in FPP and GGPP levels following treatment of cells with isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway inhibitors were measured. This method is suitable for the determination of the concentrations of FPP and GGPP in any cell type or tissue.