Synthesis of Glycolysis Inhibitor PFK15 and Its Synergistic Action with an Approved Multikinase Antiangiogenic Drug on Human Endothelial Cell Migration and Proliferation.

Activated endothelial, immune, and cancer cells prefer glycolysis to obtain energy for their proliferation and migration. Therefore, the blocking of glycolysis can be a promising strategy against cancer and autoimmune disease progression. Inactivation of the glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase) suppresses glycolysis level and contributes to decreased proliferation and migration of cancer (tumorigenesis) and endothelial (angiogenesis) cells. Recently, several glycolysis inhibitors have been developed, among them (E)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-3-(quinolin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (PFK15) that is considered as one of the most promising. It is known that PFK15 decreases glucose uptake into the endothelial cells and efficiently blocks pathological angiogenesis. However, no study has described sufficiently PFK15 synthesis enabling its general availability. In this paper we provide all necessary details for PFK15 preparation and its advanced characterization. On the other hand, there are known tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib), that affect additional molecular targets and efficiently block angiogenesis. From a biological point of view, we have studied and proved the synergistic inhibitory effect by simultaneous administration of glycolysis inhibitor PFK15 and multikinase inhibitor sunitinib on the proliferation and migration of HUVEC. Our results suggest that suppressing the glycolytic activity of endothelial cells in combination with growth factor receptor blocking can be a promising antiangiogenic treatment.

Novel substituted N-benzyl(oxotriazinoindole) inhibitors of aldose reductase exploiting ALR2 unoccupied interactive pocket.

Recently we have developed novel oxotriazinoindole inhibitors (OTIs) of aldose reductase (ALR2), characterized by high efficacy and selectivity. Herein we describe novel OTI derivatives design of which is based on implementation of additional intermolecular interactions within an unoccupied pocket of the ALR2 enzyme. Four novel derivatives, OTI-(7-10), of the previously developed N-benzyl(oxotriazinoindole) inhibitor OTI-6 were synthetized and screened. All of them revealed 2 to 6 times higher ALR2 inhibitory efficacy when compared to their non-substituted lead compound OTI-6. Moreover, the most efficient ALR2 inhibitor OTI-7 (IC50 = 76 nM) possesses remarkably high inhibition selectivity (SF ≥ 1300) in relation to structurally related aldehyde reductase (ALR1). Derivatives OTI-(8-10) bearing the substituents -CONH2, -COOH and -CH2OH, possess 2-3 times lower inhibitory efficacy compared to OTI-7, but better than the reference inhibitor OTI-6. Desolvation penalty is suggested as a possible factor responsible for the drop in ALR2 inhibitory efficacy observed for derivatives OTI-(8-10) in comparison to OTI-7.

Inhibition of Glycolysis Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Tumor Progression In Vivo: Perspectives for Chronotherapy.

A high rate of glycolysis is considered a hallmark of tumor progression and is caused by overexpression of the enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). Therefore, we analyzed the possibility of inhibiting tumor and endothelial cell metabolism through the inhibition of PFKFB3 by a small molecule, (E)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-3-(quinolin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (PFK15), as a promising therapy. The effects of PFK15 on cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line DLD1 through cytotoxicity and proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and western blotting. The results showed that PFK15 inhibited the proliferation of both cell types and induced apoptosis with decreasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. On the basis of the results obtained from in vitro experiments, we performed a study on immunodeficient mice implanted with DLD1 cells. We found a reduced tumor mass after morning PFK15 treatment but not after evening treatment, suggesting circadian control of underlying processes. The reduction in tumor size was related to decreased expression of Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation. We conclude that inhibition of glycolysis can represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and its efficiency is circadian dependent.

Development of Novel Indole-Based Bifunctional Aldose Reductase Inhibitors/Antioxidants as Promising Drugs for the Treatment of Diabetic Complications.

Aldose reductase (AR, ALR2), the first enzyme of the polyol pathway, is implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. Aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) thus present a promising therapeutic approach to treat a wide array of diabetic complications. Moreover, a therapeutic potential of ARIs in the treatment of chronic inflammation-related pathologies and several genetic metabolic disorders has been recently indicated. Substituted indoles are an interesting group of compounds with a plethora of biological activities. This article reviews a series of indole-based bifunctional aldose reductase inhibitors/antioxidants (ARIs/AOs) developed during recent years. Experimental results obtained in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of diabetic complications are presented. Structure-activity relationships with respect to carboxymethyl pharmacophore regioisomerization and core scaffold modification are discussed along with the criteria of 'drug-likeness". Novel promising structures of putative multifunctional ARIs/AOs are designed.

Synergic effects of inhibition of glycolysis and multikinase receptor signalling on proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.

Activated endothelial cells play a crucial role in the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, which can underlie the development of several diseases. Different antiangiogenic therapies aimed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the dominant pro-angiogenic cytokine, have been developed. Because the treatment is limited in its efficiency and has side effects, new approaches are currently being evaluated. One of them is aimed at blocking glycolysis, the dominant energetic pathway of activated endothelial cells during vessel sprouting. In the present study we investigated the efficiency of a combined strategy to inhibit glycolysis and block VEGF action on proliferation and migration in human endothelial cells. Human endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with different doses of the glycolysis inhibitor 3-(3-pyridinyl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one (3PO) in combination with the multikinase inhibitor sunitinib l-malate. Our results show that HUVECs with reduced glycolytic activity are more sensitive to co-administered sunitinib. Analysis of post-receptor pathways controlling proliferation and migration of HUVECs showed suppression of phosphorylated PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 after exposure to sunitinib but not to 3PO in 10 µM concentration. Our results suggest that simultaneous inhibition of energy metabolism and blocking of pro-angiogenic growth factor signalling pathways can be a promising strategy to inhibit the pathological form of angiogenesis.

Switchable highly regioselective synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)ones from o-phenylenediamines and aroylpyruvates.

3-Acylmethylidene-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones are compounds which possess a wide range of physical and pharmaceutical applications. These compounds can be easily prepared by cyclocondensation of o-phenylenediamines and aroylpyruvates. Unsymmetrically substituted o-phenylenediamines can be obtained form regioisomeric mixtures of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones. It is often quite difficult to get a pure regioisomer and determine its structure without controlling the reaction selectivity and exploitation of complex NMR techniques (HSQC, NOESY, HMBC). This article examines the regioselectivity of the cyclocondensation between six monosubstituted o-phenylenediamines (-OMe, -F, -Cl, -COOH, -CN, -NO2) and the derivatives of p-chlorobenzoylpyruvate (ester or acid) which we studied. Six regioisomeric 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one pairs were selectively prepared and characterised. Based on our experiences, a simplified methodology for determining the structure of the regioisomers was proposed. We developed two general and highly selective methodologies starting from the same o-phenylenediamines and activated 4-chlorobenzoylpyruvates (ester or acid) enabling switching of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one regioselectivity in a predictable manner. For comparison, all regioselective cyclocondensations were performed with the same standardized conditions (DMF, rt, 3 days), differing only by the additives p-TsOH or HOBt/DIC (hydroxybenzotriazole/N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide). Both selected methods are simple, general and highly regioselective (72-97%). A mechanism for the regioselectivity was also proposed and discussed. This study can be used as a guide when choosing the most optimal reaction conditions for the synthesis of the desired 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one regioisomers with the best selectivity. The demonstrated methodologies in this article may also be applied to differently substituted 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones in general, which could expand the synthetic impact of our results.

Normalization of TAM post-receptor signaling reveals a cell invasive signature for Axl tyrosine kinase.

BACKGROUND: Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAMs) are a family of three conserved receptor tyrosine kinases that have pleiotropic roles in innate immunity and homeostasis and when overexpressed in cancer cells can drive tumorigenesis. METHODS: In the present study, we engineered EGFR/TAM chimeric receptors (EGFR/Tyro3, EGFR/Axl, and EGF/Mertk) with the goals to interrogate post-receptor functions of TAMs, and query whether TAMs have unique or overlapping post-receptor activation profiles. Stable expression of EGFR/TAMs in EGFR-deficient CHO cells afforded robust EGF inducible TAM receptor phosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling. RESULTS: Using a series of unbiased screening approaches, that include kinome-view analysis, phosphor-arrays, RNAseq/GSEA analysis, as well as cell biological and in vivo readouts, we provide evidence that each TAM has unique post-receptor signaling platforms and identify an intrinsic role for Axl that impinges on cell motility and invasion compared to Tyro3 and Mertk. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate that TAM show unique post-receptor signatures that impinge on distinct gene expression profiles and tumorigenic outcomes.

Inhibition of VEGF mediated post receptor signalling pathways by recently developed tyrosine kinase inhibitor in comparison with sunitinib.

Inhibition of angiogenesis involves blocking of tyrosine kinases (TK) implicated in signalling of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEFGR). The inhibition of TK results in a disruption of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. We evaluated recently developed TK inhibitor 22SYM and compared its anti-angiogenic effects with an approved multitargeted TK inhibitor sunitinib L-malate (sunitinib). Both compounds significantly inhibited migration and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation induced by VEGF. The lower inhibitory activity of 22SYM probably reflects its lower bioavailability and higher specific binding to VEGFR2 TK, which may decrease its potential side effects and toxicity in comparison with sunitinib.

Synthesis of 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline: An important pharmacological fragment of VEGFR2 and other inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: 5-(Ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline (5) is part of the structure in 131 compounds possessing different biological activities. In most cases, they have antitumor properties (112 compounds). Other compounds are described as cardiovascular agents, ion-channel blockers, nervous-system blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, or antidiabetic, antiosteoporotic and hypolipemic species. Compound 5 is a precursor of different protein-kinase inhibitors or enzyme modulators (EGFR, PDGFR, ckit, CDK 2 and 4, MMPs 2, 3, 9 and 13, etc.). The structure of 5 represents a fragment for several powerful inhibitors of VEGFR2, a key angiogenic receptor. Antiangiogenic inhibitors slow down or stop new blood-vessel formation from pre-existing vasculature. Some antiangiogenic drugs inhibiting the VEGFR2 receptor are successfully used in clinics for the treatment of several types of tumours in synergy with chemotherapy (e.g., Nexavar(®) from Bayer, Sutent(®) from Pfizer and Votrient(®) from GlaxoSmithKline, approved by the FDA in 2005, 2006 and 2009, respectively). The structure of 5 is an important pharmacophoric fragment of potent VEGFR2 inhibitors (e.g., AAZ from PDB complex 1Y6A, enzymatic IC(50) = 22 nM). Up to now, 25 VEGFR2 inhibitors possessing a fragment of 5 can be found in the literature. Despite the high significance of 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline (5) its preparation has not yet been described. RESULTS: Here we have developed a convenient synthesis of important polyheterosubstituted aniline 5 starting from commercially available 4-methoxybenzene-1-sulfonyl chloride (1) in four steps and 59% overall yield. The target 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxyaniline (5) and its synthetic intermediates 2-4 together with a new compound 5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxy-1,3-dinitrobenzene (4a) have been precisely physicochemically characterised.

Development of Novel Oxotriazinoindole Inhibitors of Aldose Reductase: Isosteric Sulfur/Oxygen Replacement in the Thioxotriazinoindole Cemtirestat Markedly Improved Inhibition Selectivity.

Inhibition of aldose reductase (AR), the first enzyme of the polyol pathway, is a promising approach in treatment of diabetic complications. We proceeded with optimization of the thioxotriazinoindole scaffold of the novel AR inhibitor cemtirestat by replacement of sulfur with oxygen. A series of 2-(3-oxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-5(3H)-yl)acetic acid derivatives (OTIs), designed by molecular modeling and docking, were synthesized. More electronegative and less bulky oxygen of OTIs compared to the sulfur of the original thioxotriazinoindole congeners was found to form a stronger H-bond with Leu300 of AR and to render larger rotational flexibility of the carboxymethyl pharmacophore. AR inhibitory activities of the novel compounds were characterized by the IC50 values in a submicromolar range. Markedly enhanced inhibition selectivity relative to the structurally related aldehyde reductase was recorded. To conclude, structure modification of the original carboxymethylated thioxotriazinoindole cemtirestat by isosteric replacement of sulfur with oxygen in combination with variable N(2) simple substituents provided novel analogues with increased AR inhibition efficacy and markedly improved selectivity.

Novel CLK1 inhibitors based on N-aryloxazol-2-amine skeleton - A possible way to dual VEGFR2 TK/CLK ligands.

BACKGROUND: Inhibitors of CLK protein kinases suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis by modulating pre-mRNA splicing in cancer. CLK family kinases are also involved in alternative splicing and RNA processing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's disease, HIV-1, and influenza virus. Small inhibitors are valuable tools for better understanding the molecular mechanisms of splicing and may serve as seeds for a novel class of therapeutics. ACHIEVEMENTS: Here we describe a discovery of four novel CLK1 inhibitors possessing N-aryloxazol-2-amine skeleton. Their activity against CLK1 (IC50: 20, 30, 40 and 80 nM) and some other CMGC kinases, predicted CLK binding poses, synthesis and physico-chemical characteristics are also stated. Additionally analysis of all PDB available CLK structures and interactions of their ligands was performed. There are only few powerful dual CLK/VEGFR inhibitors known in the literature. We proposed that our inhibitors have similar binding places and interactions in CLK1, 3 and VEGFR2 TK mostly due to the joint N-aryloxazol-2-amine pharmacophoric fragment. One of our N-aryloxazol-2-amines already proved a good activity against both VEGFR2 and CLK1 enzymes (23/80 nM, resp). We proposed that the presented class of compounds has a potential to be developed in dual VEGFR2/CLK clinical compounds with prospective synergy to treat cancer.

Quinoides and VEGFR2 TKIs influence the fate of hepatocellular carcinoma and its cancer stem cells.

Bioactivities of quinoides 1-5 and VEGFR2 TKIs 6-10 in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and cancer stem cells (HCSCs) were studied. The compounds exhibited IC50 values in µM concentrations in HCC cells. Quinoide 3 was able to eradicate cancer stem cells, similar to the action of the stem cell inhibitor DAPT. However, the more cytotoxic VEFGR TKIs (IC50: 0.4-3.0 µM) including sorafenib, which is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of HCC, enriched the hepatocellular cancer stem cell population by 2-3 fold after treatment. An aggressiveness factor (AF) was proposed to quantify the characteristics of drug candidates for their ability to eradicate the CSC subpopulation. Considering the tumour heterogeneity and marker positive cancer stem cell like subpopulation enrichment upon treatments in patients, this study emphasises the importance of the chemotherapeutic agent choice acting differentially on all the subpopulations including marker-positive CSCs.

Ynamide Click chemistry in development of triazole VEGFR2 TK modulators.

Structure novelty, chemical stability and synthetic feasibility attracted us to design 1,2,3-triazole compounds as potential inhibitors of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase. Novel triazoles T1-T7 were proposed by oxazole (AAZ from PDB: 1Y6A)/1,2,3-triazole isosteric replacement, molecular modelling and docking. In order to enable synthesis of T1-T7 we developed a methodology for preparation of ynamide 22. Compound 22 was used for all Click chemistry reactions leading to triazoles T1-T3 and T6-T7. Among the obtained products, T1, T3 and T7 specifically bind VEGFR2 TK and modulate its activity by concentration dependent manner. Moreover predicted binding poses of T1-T7 in VEGFR2 TK were similar to the one known for the oxazole inhibitor AAZ (PDB: 1Y6A). Unfortunately the VEGFR2 inhibition by triazoles e.g. T3 and T7 is lower than that determined for their oxazole bioisosters T3-ox and AAZ, resp. Different electronic properties of 1,2,3-triazole/oxazole heterocyclic rings were proposed to be the main reason for the diminished affinity of T1-T3, T6 and T7 to an oxazole AAZ inhibitor binding site in VEGFR2 TK (PDB: 1Y6A or 1Y6B). Moreover T1-T3 and T6 were screened on cytotoxic activity against two human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Selective cytotoxic activity of T2 against aggressive Mahlavu cells has been discovered indicating possible affinity of T2 to Mahlavu constitutionally active PI3K/Akt pathway.

Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of all 93 acyclic octenes and their identification in fluid catalytic cracked gasoline.

The Kováts retention indices of all 93 acyclic octenes on polydimethylsiloxane and squalane as stationary phases as well as their mass spectra were measured. The means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used for confirmation of GC identification as well as for mass spectrometric deconvolution of the majority of gas chromatographic unseparated isomeric octene peaks. The distinction between corresponding E and Z acyclic octenes, that is either difficult or even impossible by means of GC-MS, was obtained on the basis of larger temperature coefficients of retention indices for Z isomeric octenes than for corresponding E isomers. The retention data expressed as homomorphy factors were correlated with the degree of branching, position of double bond, and position of alkyl group with respect to the double bond of acyclic octenes, and the structure-retention relationships were formulated. The 81 acyclic octenes were identified in FCC gasoline.

A development of chimeric VEGFR2 TK inhibitor based on two ligand conformers from PDB: 1Y6A complex--medicinal chemistry consequences of a TKs analysis.

VEGFR2 is an important mediator of angiogenesis and influences fate of some cancer stem cells. Here we analysed all 34 structures of VEGFR2 TK available from PDB database. From them a complex PDB: 1Y6A has an exceptional AAZ ligand bound to TK in form of two conformers (U- and S-shaped). This observation inspired us to develop three chimeric bispyridyl VEGFR2 inhibitors by combining structural features of both AAZ conformers and/or their relative ligand AAX (PDB: 1Y6B). Our most interesting inhibitor 22SYM has an enzymatic VEGFR2 TK activity (IC50: 15.1 nM) comparable or better to the active compounds from clinical drugs Nexavar and Sutent. 22SYM inhibits growth, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells (EC) and selectively induces EC apoptosis. 22SYM also inhibits in vivo angiogenesis in Zebrafish embryo assay. Additionally to the above results, we proved here that tyrosine kinases in an inactive form possessing Type I inhibitors can adopt both a closed or an opened conformation of kinase A-loop independently on their DFG-out arrangement. We proposed here that an activity of certain Type I inhibitors (e.g. 22SYM-like) in complex with DFG-out TK can be negatively influenced by collisions with a dynamically moving TK A-loop.

Novel 1,4-benzoxazine and 1,4-benzodioxine inhibitors of angiogenesis.

Esters of 1,4-benzoxazine and 1,4-benzodioxine compounds 1 and 10, which combine thrombin inhibitory and GPIIb/IIIa antagonistic activity in one molecule are shown to inhibit endothelial cell migration and tube formation in vitro and angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The corresponding carboxylic acids 1 (R(2) = H) and 11 were devoid of anti-angiogenic activity, most probably due to their insufficient entry into the cell. Although thrombin inhibition remains the most probable explanation for their inhibition of angiogenesis, VEGFR2 kinase assay suggest that other targets such as VEGFR2 might be involved.