Discovery of thiophen-2-ylmethylene bis-dimedone derivatives as novel WRN inhibitors for treating cancers with microsatellite instability.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a hypermutable condition caused by DNA mismatch repair system defects, contributing to the development of various cancer types. Recent research has identified Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase (WRN) as a promising synthetic lethal target for MSI cancers. Herein, we report the first discovery of thiophen-2-ylmethylene bis-dimedone derivatives as novel WRN inhibitors for MSI cancer therapy. Initial computational analysis and biological evaluation identified a new scaffold for a WRN inhibitor. Subsequent SAR study led to the discovery of a highly potent WRN inhibitor. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the optimal compound induced DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in MSI cancer cells by inhibiting WRN. This study provides a new pharmacophore for WRN inhibitors, emphasizing their therapeutic potential for MSI cancers.

mRNA-HPV vaccine encoding E6 and E7 improves therapeutic potential for HPV-mediated cancers via subcutaneous immunization.

The E6 and E7 proteins of specific subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV), including HPV 16 and 18, are highly associated with cervical cancer as they modulate cell cycle regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antitumor effects of a messenger RNA-HPV therapeutic vaccine (mHTV) containing nononcogenic E6 and E7 proteins. To achieve this, C57BL/6j mice were injected with the vaccine via both intramuscular and subcutaneous routes, and the resulting effects were evaluated. mHTV immunization markedly induced robust T cell-mediated immune responses and significantly suppressed tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor-implanted mouse model, with a significant infiltration of immune cells into tumor tissues. Tumor retransplantation at day 62 postprimary vaccination completely halted progression in all mHTV-treated mice. Furthermore, tumor expansion was significantly reduced upon TC-1 transplantation 160 days after the last immunization. Immunization of rhesus monkeys with mHTV elicited promising immune responses. The immunogenicity of mHTV in nonhuman primates provides strong evidence for clinical application against HPV-related cancers in humans. All data suggest that mHTV can be used as both a therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine.

Identification of Ureidocoumarin-Based Selective Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) Inhibitors via Drug Repurposing Approach, Biological Evaluation, and In Silico Studies.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) kinase has emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy, and selective DDR1 inhibitors have shown promise as effective therapeutic candidates. Herein, we have identified the first coumarin-based selective DDR1 inhibitors via repurposing of a recent series of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Among these, ureidocoumarins 3a, 3i, and 3q showed the best DDR1 inhibitory activities. The m-trifluoromethoxy phenyl member 3q potently inhibited DDR1 with an IC50 of 191 nM, while it showed less inhibitory activity against DDR2 (IC50 = 5080 nM). 3q also exhibited favorable selectivity in a screening platform with 23 common off-target kinases, including BCR-ABL. In the cellular context, 3q showed moderate antiproliferative effects, while 3i, with the third rank in DDR1 inhibition, exerted the best anticancer activity with sub-micromolar GI50 values over certain DDR1-dependent cell lines. Molecular docking and MD simulations disclosed the putative binding mode of this coumarin chemotype and provided insights for further optimization of this scaffold. The present findings collectively supported the potential improvement of ureidocoumarins 3i and 3q for cancer treatment.

Identification of an Antagonist Targeting G Protein and ß-Arrestin Signaling Pathways of 5-HT7R.

In consideration of the limited number of FDA-approved drugs for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), significant efforts have been devoted to identifying novel drug candidates. Among these, 5-HT7R modulators have garnered considerable attention due to their potential in alleviating autism-like behaviors in ASD animal models. In this study, we designed and synthesized biphenyl-3-ylmethylpyrrolidines 3 and biphenyl-3-yl-dihydroimidazoles 4 as 5-HT7R modulators. Through extensive biological tests of 3 and 4 in G protein and ß-arrestin signaling pathways of 5-HT7R, it was determined that 2-(2'-methoxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 4h acted as a 5-HT7R antagonist in both signaling pathways. In in vivo study with Shank3-/- transgenic (TG) mice, the self-grooming behavior test was performed with 4h, resulting in a significant reduction in the duration of self-grooming. In addition, an immunohistochemical experiment with 4h restored reduced neurogenesis in Shank3-/- TG mice, which is confirmed by the quantification of doublecortin (DCX) positive neurons, suggesting the promising therapeutic potential of 4h.

A lipid nanoparticle platform incorporating trehalose glycolipid for exceptional mRNA vaccine safety.

The rapid development of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines formulated with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has contributed to control of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, mRNA vaccines have raised concerns about their potential toxicity and clinical safety, including side effects, such as myocarditis, anaphylaxis, and pericarditis. In this study, we investigated the potential of trehalose glycolipids-containing LNP (LNP S050L) to reduce the risks associated with ionizable lipids. Trehalose glycolipids can form hydrogen bonds with polar biomolecules, allowing the formation of a stable LNP structure by replacing half of the ionizable lipids. The efficacy and safety of LNP S050L were evaluated by encapsulating the mRNA encoding the luciferase reporter gene and measuring gene expression and organ toxicity, respectively. Furthermore, mice immunized with an LNP S050L-formulated mRNA vaccine expressing influenza hemagglutinin exhibited a significant reduction in organ toxicity, including in the heart, spleen, and liver, while sustaining gene expression and immune efficiency, compared to conventional LNPs (Con-LNPs). Our findings suggest that LNP S050L, a trehalose glycolipid-based LNP, could facilitate the development of safe mRNA vaccines with improved clinical safety.