Current Status of Novel Multifunctional Targeted Pt(IV) Compounds and Their Reductive Release Properties.

Platinum-based drugs are widely used in chemotherapy for various types of cancer and are considered crucial. Tetravalent platinum (Pt(IV)) compounds have gained significant attention and have been extensively researched among these drugs. Traditionally, Pt(IV) compounds are reduced to divalent platinum (Pt(II)) after entering cells, causing DNA lesions and exhibiting their anti-tumor effect. However, the available evidence indicates that some Pt(IV) derivatives may differ from the traditional mechanism and exert their anti-tumor effect through their overall structure. This review primarily focuses on the existing literature regarding targeted Pt(II) and Pt(IV) compounds, with a specific emphasis on their in vivo mode of action and the properties of reduction release in multifunctional Pt(IV) compounds. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the design and synthesis strategies employed for Pt(II) derivatives that selectively target various enzymes (glucose receptor, folate, telomerase, etc.) or substances (mitochondria, oleic acid, etc.). Furthermore, it thoroughly examines and summarizes the rational design, anti-tumor mechanism of action, and reductive release capacity of novel multifunctional Pt(IV) compounds, such as those targeting p53-MDM2, COX-2, lipid metabolism, dual drugs, and drug delivery systems. Finally, this review aims to provide theoretical support for the rational design and development of new targeted Pt(IV) compounds.

Discovery of Novel 1-Phenylpiperidine Urea-Containing Derivatives Inhibiting ß-Catenin/BCL9 Interaction and Exerting Antitumor Efficacy through the Activation of Antigen Presentation of cDC1 Cells.

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling is associated with tumor development, and blocking ß-catenin/BCL9 is a novel strategy for oncogenic Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Herein, we presented two novel ß-catenin variations and exposed conformational dynamics in several ß-catenin crystal structures at the BCL9 binding site. Furthermore, we identified a class of novel urea-containing compounds targeting ß-catenin/BCL9 interaction. Notably, the binding modalities of inhibitors were greatly affected by the conformational dynamics of ß-catenin. Among them, 28 had a strong affinity for ß-catenin (Kd = 82 nM), the most potent inhibitor reported. In addition, 13 and 35 not only activate T cells but also promote the antigen presentation of cDC1, showing robust antitumor efficacy in the CT26 model. Collectively, our study demonstrated a series of potent small-molecule inhibitors targeting ß-catenin/BCL9, which can enhance antigen presentation and activate cDC1 cells, delivering a potential strategy for boosting innate and adaptive immunity to overcome immunotherapy resistance.