Design, concise synthesis and evaluation of novel amide-based combretastatin A-4 analogues as potent tubulin inhibitors.

As our ongoing work, a novel series of the amide-based CA-4 analogues were successfully designed, synthesized, and explored for their biological evaluation. Among these compounds, 7d and 8a illustrated most potent antiproliferative activity toward A549, HeLa, HCT116, and HT-29 cell lines. Most importantly, these two compounds didn't display noticeable cytotoxic activity on the non-tumoural cell line HEK-293. Further mechanism studies revealed that analogue 8a was identified as a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor with an IC50 value of 6.90 µM, which is comparable with CA-4. The subsequent investigations unveiled that analogue 8a not only effectively caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase but also induced apoptosis in A549 cells via a concentration-dependent manner. The molecular docking revealed that 8a could occupy well the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. Collectively, these findings indicate that amide-based CA-4 scaffold could be worthy of further evaluation for development of novel tubulin inhibitors with improved safety profile.

Photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-modality imaging for marker clip localization in neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer.

Significance: To ensure precise tumor localization and subsequent pathological examination, a metal marker clip (MC) is placed within the tumor or lymph node prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, as tumors decrease in size following treatment, detecting the MC using ultrasound imaging becomes challenging in some patients. Consequently, a mammogram is often required to pinpoint the MC, resulting in additional radiation exposure, time expenditure, and increased costs. Dual-modality imaging, combining photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US), offers a promising solution to this issue. Aim: Our objective is to localize the MC without radiation exposure using PA/US dual-modality imaging. Approach: A PA/US dual-modality imaging system was developed. Utilizing this system, both phantom and clinical experiments were conducted to demonstrate that PA/US dual-modality imaging can effectively localize the MC. Results: The PA/US dual-modality imaging can identify and localize the MC. In clinical trials encompassing four patients and five MCs, the recognition rate was ∼80%. Three experiments to verify the accuracy of marker position recognition were successful. Conclusions: We effectively localized the MC in real time using PA/US dual-modality imaging. Unlike other techniques, the new method enables surgeons to pinpoint nodules both preoperatively and intraoperatively. In addition, it boasts non-radioactivity and is comparatively cost-effective.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of N-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-4-amine analogues as novel cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

The discovery and development of CDK2 inhibitors has currently been validated as a hot topic in cancer therapy. Herein, a series of novel N-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-4-amine derivatives were designed and synthesized as potent CDK2 inhibitors. Among them, the most promising compound 7l presented a broad antiproliferative efficacy toward diverse cancer cells MV4-11, HT-29, MCF-7, and HeLa with IC50 values of 0.83, 2.12, 3.12, and 8.61 µM, respectively, which were comparable to that of Palbociclib and AZD5438. Interestingly, these compounds were less toxic on normal embryonic kidney cells HEK293 with high selectivity index. Further mechanistic studies indicated 7l caused cell cycle arrest and apoptosis on HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 7l manifested potent and similar CDK2/cyclin A2 nhibitory activity to AZD5438 with an IC50 of 64.42 nM. These findings revealed that 7l could serve as ahighly promisingscaffoldfor CDK2 inhibitors as potential anticancer agents and functional probes.

Recent insight into the role of macrophage in alcohol-associated liver disease: a mini-review.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a condition that develops due to prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption. It encompasses various stages of liver damage, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Immune cells, particularly macrophages, of various types play a significant role in the onset and progression of the disease. Macrophages observed in the liver exhibit diverse differentiation forms, and perform a range of functions. Beyond M1 and M2 macrophages, human macrophages can polarize into distinct phenotypes in response to various stimuli. Recent advancements have improved our understanding of macrophage diversity and their role in the progression of ALD. This mini-review provides a concise overview of the latest findings on the role and differentiation of macrophages in ALD. Additionally, it discusses potential therapeutic targets associated with macrophages and explores potential therapeutic strategies.

Aerosolization inhalation of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae outer membrane vesicles contributing to neutrophilic asthma.

Background: Neutrophilic asthma is poorly responsive to corticosteroids, and the mechanism underlying its pathogenesis remains unclear. Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common bacterium found in induced sputum from patients with neutrophilic asthma. NTHi can release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which transfer biomolecules to host cells and the external environment. However, the role and mechanisms of NTHi OMVs in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma remain unclear. Methods: We conducted assays to investigate whether NTHi OMVs can induce neutrophilic asthma when inhaled. We isolated and purified NTHi OMVs and administered them via a nebulizer to ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. We collected and sequenced serum, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue from each group and gathered lung function data. Results: Inhaled NTHi OMVs-induced neutrophilic asthma in OVA-sensitized mice. High-throughput sequencing revealed that NTHi OMV inhalation in OVA-sensitized mice significantly enriched inflammatory and immune-related signaling pathways. We found increased transcription and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-17, which may contribute to neutrophilic asthma. Furthermore, we discovered that airway epithelium is the first receptor cell of NTHi OMVs and releases IL-1ß. These findings suggest that NTHi OMVs could be a potential target for neutrophilic asthma therapy.

Discovery of novel 6-p-tolyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine derivative as a potent tubulin inhibitor with promising in vivo antitumor activity.

Building on our prior research, a novel series of trimethoxyphenoxymethyl- and trimethoxybenzyl-substituted triazolothiadiazine compounds has been designed and achieved successfully via a direct ring-closing strategy. Initial biological evaluation illustrated that the most active derivative B5 exhibited significant cell growth inhibitory activity toward HeLa, HT-29, and A549 giving the IC50 values of 0.046, 0.57, and 0.96 µM, respectively, which are greater or similar with CA-4. The mechanism study revealed that B5 caused the G2/M phase arrest, induced cell apoptosis in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and also showed potent tubulin polymerization inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, B5 exerted significant antivascular activity in the wound-healing and tube formation assays. Most importantly, B5 remarkably inhibited tumor growth without obvious signs of toxicity in A549-xenograft mice model. These observations indicate that 6-p-tolyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine might be considered as the potential lead compound to develop highly efficient anticancer agents with potent selectivity over normal human cells.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 5-substituted/unsubstituted triazolothiadiazines as tubulin depolymerizing and vascular disrupting agents with promising antitumor activity.

A novel series of 5-substituted/unsubstituted [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4] thiadiazine compounds has been achieved successfully through chemoselective reduction of the C = N bond, based on our prior work. Initial biological evaluation illustrated that the most active derivative 7j exhibited significant cell growth inhibitory activity toward MCF-7, A549, HCT116, and A2780 with the IC50 values of 0.75, 0.94, 2.90, and 4.15 µM, respectively. Most importantly, all the representative analogs did not demonstrate obvious cytotoxic activity against the non-tumoural cell line HEK-293 (IC50 > 100 µM). The mechanism study revealed that 7j caused the G2 /M phase arrest, induced cell apoptosis in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and also showed potent tubulin polymerization inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, 7j exerted significant antivascular activity in the wound-healing and tube formation assays. These observations indicate that 5-unsubstituted 6,7-dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine scaffold might be considered as a potential lead for antitubulin inhibitors to develop highly efficient anticancer agents with potent selectivity over normal human cells.

Self-detection remains a primary means of breast cancer detection in Beijing, China.

Background: Breast cancer in China is usually identified at a later-stage compared to developed countries, and efforts have been made to improve early detection over the past years. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the current situation of breast cancer detection and screening in a cohort of Chinese breast cancer patients. Methods: Three hundred and ten consecutive female breast cancer patients newly diagnosed and treated in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital between 2015 and 2021 were recruited. Clinicopathological data were retrieved from the patient's medical records and every individual completed surveys assessing demographics, mode of detection, screening behavior and barriers to screening. Results: Among the 310 patients, 72.6% had self-detected diseases (mostly through identification of a breast lump), 24.5% were ultrasound screening-detected, 0.3% were mammographic screening-detected and others were identified through clinical breast examination (CBE) (1.0%) or chest computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (1.6%). Detection by screening was associated with earlier stages of breast cancer compared to self-detection, yet, 32.2% of self-detected diseases were at stage 0-I. A total of 166 (53.5%) patients had a screening history, with ultrasonography being mostly used and provided by employers. Leading self-perceived barrier to breast cancer screening was lack of awareness, followed by lack of access. And screening participation was associated with a younger age, higher education, being currently working, residence in urban area, and a high family income. Conclusions: Self-detection still remains a major way of breast cancer detection in Beijing, but it is not necessarily associated with a late-stage disease. The suboptimal screening rate with disparity in screening behavior can be mostly attributed to lack of awareness of the public and insufficient screening providers.

Rational design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-(substituted amino)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as novel tubulin polymerization inhibitors.

Following our previously reported compound 3, we designed and synthesized a series of new 2-(substituted amino)- [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Among them, analogue 4k, having a 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylamino group, was observed to display excellent antiproliferative activity toward HeLa, HCT116, A549, and T47D with the IC50 values of 0.31, 1.28, 3.99 and 10.32 µM, respectively, which were approximately 32, 48, 4, and 5-fold improvement compared with 3. Importantly, 4k possessed significant selectivity in inhibiting cancer cell lines over the normal HEK293 cells. Moreover, futher mechanism analysis demonstrated that 4k caused G2/M arrest, induced cells apoptosis in HeLa cells, and manifested significant tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 4.9 µM, which is comparable to CA-4 (IC50 = 4.2 µM). The observations performed in this study reveal that 2-arylamino- [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines represent a novel class of tubulin polymerization inhibitors with potent antiproliferative efficacy.

Efficient synthesis and evaluation of novel 6-arylamino-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives as antiproliferative agents.

Based on our previous work, a series of novel 6-arylamino-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives were synthesized, and evaluated for antiproliferative activities. SAR studies revealed that inserting an amino linkage between 6­aryl group and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine core led to amuch broaderantitumorspectrum, and the most promising compound 8 l exerted potent andbroad-spectrum antiproliferative activity toward HeLa, HCT116, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines, with IC50 values in the micromolar range of 5.98-12.58 µM, which were more active than the positive control 5-FU. The mechanism investigation illustrated that 8 l dose-dependently caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and induced cell apoptosis in HeLa cells. Consequently, these findings suggest the 6-arylamino-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines afford significant potential for the discovery of a new highly efficient anticancer agents.

1,4-Dihydropyridinebutyrolactone-derived ring-opened ester and amide analogs targeting BET bromodomains.

Based on a previously reported 1,4-dihydropyridinebutyrolactone virtual screening hit, nine lactone ring-opened ester and seven amide analogs were prepared. The analogs were designed to provide interactions with residues at the entrance of the ZA loop of the testis-specific bromodomain (ZA) channel to enhance the affinity and selectivity for the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) subfamily of bromodomains. Compound testing by AlphaScreen showed that neither the affinity nor the selectivity of the ester and lactam analogs was improved for BRD4-1 and the first bromodomain of the testis-specific bromodomain (BRDT-1). The esters retained affinity comparable to the parent compound, whereas the affinity for the amide analogs was reduced 10-fold. A representative benzyl ester analog was found to retain high selectivity for BET bromodomains as shown by a BROMOscan. X-ray analysis of the allyl ester analog in complex with BRD4-1 and BRDT-1 revealed that the ester side chain is located next to the ZA loop and solvent exposed.

Concise synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of new triazolylthioacetone derivatives bearing pyridine, pyrazine, and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl fragment.

Based on our previous work, a series of novel triazolylthioacetones incorporating pyridine, pyrazine, and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl fragment were synthesized, and evaluated for antiproliferative activities and interactions with tubulin. Some analogues exhibited moderate to excellent potency, with the most promising compound IIc possessing IC50 values of 0.62, 1.46, and 3.65 µM against HT-29, HCT116, and HepG2 tumor cells, respectively, which were comparable with the positive control CA-4. Mechanistical studies revealed that IIc concentration-dependently caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in HCT116 tumor cells, and displayed a significant inhibition of tubulin polymerization with an IC50 value of 12.7 µM. Moreover, molecular docking analysis suggested that IIc could occupy the colchicine-binding site in a similar way with typical tubulinpolymerizationinhibitors. These results highlighted the 4-amino-triazolylthioacetone scaffold as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors for development of highly efficient anticancer agents.

Development of pteridin-7(8H)-one analogues as highly potent cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors: Synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and biological activity.

CDK4/6 have been validated as the cancer therapeutic targets. Here, we describe a series of pteridin-7(8H)-one analogues as potent CDK4/6 inhibitors. Among them, the most promising compound 7s demonstrated remarkable and broad-spectrum antiproliferative activities toward HCT116, HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and HT-29 cells with IC50 values of 0.65, 0.70, 0.39, and 2.53 µM, respectively, which were more potent than that of the anticancer drug Palbociclib. Interestingly, 7s also manifested the greatest inhibitory activities toward both CDK4/cyclin D3 and CDK6/cyclin D3 (IC50 = 34.0 and 65.1 nM, respectively), which was comparable with Palbociclib. Additionally, molecular simulation indicated that 7s bound efficiently at the ATPbindingsitesofCDK4 and CDK6. Further mechanistic studies revealed that compound 7s could concentration-dependently induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Takentogether, 7s represents a promising novel CDK4/6 inhibitor for the potential treatment of cancer.

Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity of novel 2,4-diamino-5-methyleneaminopyrimidine derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

In order to discover new anticancer agents, 25 novel 2,4-diamino-5-methyleneaminopyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previous work via a ring-opening strategy. Among them, compared with 5-FU, compound 7i exhibited 4.9-, 2.9-, 2.1-, and 3.0-fold improvement in inhibiting HCT116, HT-29, MCF-7, and HeLa cells proliferation with IC50 values of 4.93, 5.57, 8.84, and 14.16 µM, respectively. Moreover, further mechanistic studies indicated that compound 7i could concentration-dependently induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCT116 cells. These findings revealed that 2,4-diamino-5-methyleneaminopyrimidine scaffold has potential for further investigation to explore novel anticancer agents.

Discovery of highly potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of novel 2,7-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines.

By removing 5-methyl and 6-acetyl groups in our previously reported compound 3, we designed a series of novel 2,7-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Among them, compound 5e displayed low nanomolar antiproliferative efficacy on HeLa cells which was 166-fold higher than the lead analogue 3. Interestingly, 5e displayed significant selectivity in inhibiting cancer cells over HEK-293 (normal human embryonic kidney cells). In addition, 5e dose-dependently arrested HeLa in G2/M phase through the alterations of the expression levels of p-cdc2 and cyclin B1, and caused HeLa cells apoptosis by regulation of expressions of cleaved PARP. Further evidence demonstrated that 5e effectively inhibited tubulin polymerization and was 3-fold more powerful than positive control CA-4. Moreover, molecular docking analysis indicated that 5e overlapped well with CA-4 in the colchicine-binding site. These studies demonstrated that 2,7-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine skeleton might be used as the leading unit to develop novel tubulin polymerization inhibitors as potential anticancer agents.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationships of new tubulin polymerization inhibitors based on 5-amino-1,2,4-triazole scaffold.

Based on our previous research, thirty new 5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazoles possessing 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl moiety were synthesized, and evaluated for antiproliferative activities. Among them, compounds IIa, IIIh, and IIIm demonstrated significant antiproliferative activities against a panel of tumor cell lines, and the promising compound IIIm dose-dependently caused G2/M phase arrest in HeLa cells. Furthermore, analogue IIa exhibited the most potent tubulinpolymerization inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 9.4 µM, and molecular modeling studies revealed that IIa formed stable interactions in the colchicine-binding site of tubulin, suggesting that 5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole scaffold has potential for further investigation to develop novel tubulin polymerization inhibitors with anticancer activity.

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of novel 8-cyclopentyl-7,8-dihydropteridin-6(5H)-one derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

Based on our previous work, a novel class of 8-cyclopentyl-7,8-dihydropteridin-6(5H)-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as antiproliferative agents. Structure-activity relationship analysis revealed that the greatest activities were achieved with a 4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)aniline group at C-2 position of dihydropteridin-6(5H)-one core, and the most promising compound 6k demonstrated comparable antiproliferative activity with Palbociclib and more potent than our parent derivative 4 toward four cell lines including HCT-116, HeLa, HT-29, and MDA-MB-231 with IC50 values of 3.29, 6.75, 7.56, and 10.30 µM, respectively. Moreover, the mechanism studies revealed that compound 6k could induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase via a concentration-dependent manner. In general, these preliminary observations suggested that these compounds could serve as promising scaffolds for further modification to develop novel and highly potent cancer therapy agents.

Development of triazolothiadiazine derivatives as highly potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors: Structure-activity relationship, in vitro and in vivo study.

Based on our prior work, we reported the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of fifty-two new triazolothiadiazine-based analogues of CA-4 and their preliminary structure-activity relationship. Among synthesized compounds, Iab was found to be the most potent derivative possessing IC50 values ranging from single-to double-digit nanomolar in vitro, and also exhibited excellent selectivity over the normal human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cells (IC50 > 100 µM). Further mechanistic studies revealed that Iab significantly blocked tubulin polymerization and disrupted the intracellular microtubule network of A549 cells. Moreover, Iab induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by regulation of p-cdc2 and cyclin B1 expressions, and caused cell apoptosis through up-regulating cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 expressions, and down-regulating of Bcl-2. Importantly, in vivo, Iab effectively suppressed tumor growth of A549 lung cancers in a xenograft mouse model without obvious signs of toxicity, confirming its potential as a promising candidate for cancer treatment.

Synthesis, and biological evaluation of 3,6-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine analogues as new potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors.

On the basis of our previous work, twenty-nine novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines possessing 3,4,5-trimethoxylphenyl groups were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. The bioassay results revealed that some of the compounds displayed excellent antiproliferative efficacies in the nanomolar range against HeLa cells, and the most promising derivative 7i demonstrated almost comparable activity to that of the reference CA-4 and sixty-two fold more potent than the parent compound 6 with an IC50 value of 12 nM. Importantly, 7i exhibited high selectivity over the normal human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cells (IC50 > 100 µM). Further mechanism studies revealed that 7i significantly arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase, induced apoptosis with a dose-dependent manner, and disrupted microtubule networks. Additionally, the most active compound 7i effectively inhibited tubulin polymerization with a value similar to that of CA-4 (3.4 and 4.2 µM, respectively). Furthermore, molecular docking analysis suggested that 7i well occupied the colchicine binding pocket of tubulin. The present study highlights that compound 7i is a novel potential tubulin polymerization inhibitor and deserves further investigation for the treatment of cancers.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzofuran-based 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzamide derivatives as novel tubulin polymerization inhibitors.

A new series of derivatives characterized by the presence of the 3,4,5-trimethoxylbenzamide substituted benzofurans were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity against four cancer cell lines and one normal human cell line. Among them, derivative 6g with greatest cytotoxicity significantly inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, HT-29 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values of 3.01, 5.20, 9.13, and 11.09 µM, respectively. Importantly, 6g possessed excellent selectivity over non-tumoral cell lines HEK-293 (IC50 > 30 µM). Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that 6g induced HeLa cells arrested in G2/M phase in a concentration-dependent manner, and inhibited polymerization of tubulin via a consistent way with CA-4. In general, these observations suggest that 6g is a promising anti-cancer lead and is worth further investigation to generate potential antitumor agents.