Pim-selective inhibitor DHPCC-9 reveals Pim kinases as potent stimulators of cancer cell migration and invasion.

BACKGROUND: Pim family kinases are small constitutively active serine/threonine-specific kinases, elevated levels of which have been detected in human hematopoietic malignancies as well as in solid tumours. While we and others have previously shown that the oncogenic Pim kinases stimulate survival of hematopoietic cells, we now examined their putative role in regulating motility of adherent cancer cells. For this purpose, we inhibited Pim kinase activity using a small molecule compound, 1,10-dihydropyrrolo[2,3-a]carbazole-3-carbaldehyde (DHPCC-9), which we had recently identified as a potent and selective inhibitor for all Pim family members. RESULTS: We now demonstrate that the Pim kinase inhibitor DHPCC-9 is very effective also in cell-based assays. DHPCC-9 impairs the anti-apoptotic effects of Pim-1 in cytokine-deprived myeloid cells and inhibits intracellular phosphorylation of Pim substrates such as Bad. Moreover, DHPCC-9 slows down migration and invasion of cancer cells derived from either prostate cancer or squamocellular carcinoma patients. Silencing of Pim expression reduces cell motility, while Pim overexpression enhances it, strongly suggesting that the observed effects of DHPCC-9 are dependent on Pim kinase activity. Interestingly, DHPCC-9 also abrogates NFATc-dependent migration of cancer cells, implying that NFATc factors mediate at least part of the pro-migratory effects of Pim kinases. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, our data indicate that DHPCC-9 is not only a powerful tool to investigate physiological effects of the oncogenic Pim family kinases, but also an attractive molecule for drug development to inhibit invasiveness of Pim-overexpressing cancer cells.

Synthesis and biological activities of aminopyrimidyl-indoles structurally related to meridianins.

The synthesis of new meridianin derivatives substituted at the C-5 position of the 2-aminopyrimidine ring by various aryl groups and substituted or not by a methyl group on the indole nitrogen is described. These compounds were tested for their kinase inhibitory potencies toward five kinases (CDK5/p25, CK1delta/epsilon, GSK-3alpha/beta, Dyrk1A and Erk2) as well as their in vitro antiproliferative activities toward a human fibroblast primary culture and two human solid cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and PA 1).

Rebeccamycin derivatives as dual DNA-damaging agents and potent checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitors.

Rebeccamycin is an indolocarbazole class inhibitor of topoisomerase I. In the course of structure-activity relationship studies on rebeccamycin derivatives, we have synthesized analogs with the sugar moiety attached to either one or both indole nitrogens. Some analogs, especially those with substitutions at the 6' position of the carbohydrate moiety, exhibit potent inhibitory activity toward checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), a kinase that has a major role in the G(2)/M checkpoint in response to DNA damage. Some of these compounds retained a genotoxic activity either through intercalation into the DNA and/or by topoisomerase I-mediated DNA cleavage. We explored the structure-activity relationship between these compounds and their multiple targets. These rebeccamycin derivatives represent a novel class of potential antitumor agents that have a dual effect and might selectively induce the death of cancer cells.

Synthesis, checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitory properties and in vitro antiproliferative activities of new pyrrolocarbazoles.

In the course of structure-activity relationship studies on granulatimide analogues, new pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazoles have been synthesized in which the imidazole heterocycle was replaced by a five-membered ring lactam system or a dimethylcyclopentanedione. Moreover, the synthesis of an original structure in which a sugar moiety is attached to the indole nitrogen and to a six-membered D ring via an oxygen is reported. The inhibitory activities of the newly synthesized compounds toward checkpoint kinase 1 and their in vitro antiproliferative activities toward three tumor cell lines: murine leukemia L1210, and human colon carcinoma HT29 and HCT116 are described.

Synthesis, in vitro antiproliferative activities, and Chk1 inhibitory properties of pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3-diones, pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3-diones, and 2-aminopyridazino[3,4-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3,4,7-tetraone.

The synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3-diones, pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3-diones, and 2-aminopyridazino[3,4-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-1,3,4,7-tetraone is reported. Their inhibitory properties toward Checkpoint 1 kinase (Chk1) have been evaluated and their in vitro antiproliferative activities toward three tumor cell lines: murine leukemia L1210, human colon carcinoma HT29 and HCT116 have been determined. From the biological results, it appears that, in contrast with the upper E heterocycle, the lower D heterocycle is not absolutely required for Chk1 inhibition. The ATP binding pocket of Chk1 seems to be adaptable to substitution of the nitrogen of the imide E heterocycle with a hydroxymethyl group, allowing the fundamental hydrogen bond with the Glu(85) residue of the enzyme.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of diversely substituted indolin-2-ones.

The synthesis of indolin-2-one derivatives substituted in the 3-position by an aminomethylene group bearing either an ornithine or a lysine residue is described. The inhibitory activities of these compounds toward a panel of eight kinases were examined. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities of the prepared compounds were tested against two Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus and Streptomyces chartreusis, a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and a yeast Candida albicans.

Synthesis and biological activities of new checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitors structurally related to granulatimide.

In the course of structure-activity relationship studies on granulatimide analogues, new pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazoles in which the imidazole heterocycle has been replaced by a five- or a six-membered ring bearing one or two carbonyl functions have been synthesized. Their checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitory properties and their in vitro antiproliferative activities toward three tumor cell lines-murine leukemia L1210 and human colon carcinoma HT29 and HCT116 have been determined. The results of molecular modeling in the ATP binding pocket of Chk1 are described. Among the newly synthesized compounds, compounds 13 and 16, in which the imidazole was replaced by a quinone and a hydroquinone and which bear a hydroxy group on the indole moiety, are the most potent Chk1 inhibitors in this series with IC50 values of 27 and 23 nM, respectively.

Bis-imide granulatimide analogues as potent Checkpoint 1 kinase inhibitors.

Granulatimide and isogranulatimide, natural products isolated from an ascidian, were found to be abrogators of the cell cycle G2-M phase checkpoint by inhibition of Checkpoint 1 kinase (Chk1). In the course of structure-activity relationship studies on granulatimide analogues, we have synthesized a series of bis-imides, in which the imidazole moiety was replaced by an imide heterocycle. Various modifications have been introduced on one or both imide heterocycles, on the benzene ring, and on the indole nitrogen. Moreover, aza bis-imide analogues were synthesized in which the indole moiety was replaced by a 7-azaindole. Compared to those of granulatimide and isogranulatimide, the Chk1 inhibitory activities of some of the bis-imide carbazoles were stronger. In particular, 1,3,4,6-tetrahydro-10-hydroxy-7H-dipyrrolo[3,4-a:3,4-c]carbazole-1,3,4,6-tetraone 11 exhibited an IC(50) value on purified full length Chk1 of 2 nM, which makes it a more potent Chk1 inhibitor than granulatimide and isogranulatimide. To get an insight into the selectivity of this new family of compounds, the inhibitory activities of 1,3,4,6-tetrahydro-7H-dipyrrolo[3,4-a:3,4-c]carbazole-1,3,4,6-tetraone A have been evaluated on a panel of 15 kinases, the strongest inhibitory potency was found for Chk1. The inhibitory activities of compounds A, 5 and 11 toward Src tyrosine kinase and the cytotoxicity of various tumor cell lines were also evaluated.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activities of indolin-2-one derivatives bearing amino acid moieties.

A convenient synthesis of indolin-2-ones substituted in the 3 position by an aminomethylene group bearing different amino acid moieties is described. Their antiproliferative activities were evaluated toward a panel of human solid tumor cell lines (PC 3, DLD-1, MCF-7, M4 Beu, A549, PA 1) and healthy cell lines (a murine fibroblast L929 and a human fibroblast primary culture).

Synthesis, in vitro antiproliferative activities, and Chk1 inhibitory properties of indolylpyrazolones and indolylpyridazinedione.

The synthesis of 5-indolylpyrazol-3-one, 4-indolylpyrazol-3-one and 4-indolyl-pyridazin-3,6-dione is reported. Their Chk1 inhibitory properties have been evaluated and their in vitro antiproliferative activities toward three tumor cell lines: murine leukemia L1210, human colon carcinoma HT29 and HCT116 have been determined. 4-Indolyl-pyridazin-3,6-dione is inactive against Chk1 and exhibits weak cytotoxicities toward the tumor cell lines tested. The IC(50) values toward Chk1 of the two indolylpyrazolones are identical and are in the micromolar range, but the cytotoxicities of 4-indolylpyrazol-3-one are significantly stronger than those of 5-indolylpyrazol-3-one. Since 4-indolylpyrazol-3-one and 5-indolylpyrazol-3-one can present several conformers and tautomeric forms, molecular modelling in the ATP binding site of Chk1 has been carried out to investigate which form could induce the best stabilization in the active site of the enzyme. To get an insight into the kinase selectivity of these compounds, their inhibitory activities toward Src kinase were evaluated.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activities of diversely substituted glycosyl-isoindigo derivatives.

In the course of structure-activity relationship studies, diversely substituted 1-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-isoindigo derivatives were prepared from commercially available indolines. Their antiproliferative activities were evaluated toward a panel of human solid cancer cell lines (PC 3, DLD-1, MCF-7, M4Beu, A549, PA 1), a murine cell line (L929) and a human fibroblast primary culture to get an insight into the substitution pattern required for the best biological potencies.

Synthesis and cytotoxicities of 7-aza rebeccamycin analogues bearing various substituents on the sugar moiety, on the imide nitrogen and on the carbazole framework.

The synthesis of a family of rebeccamycin analogues in which one indole unit has been replaced by a 7-azaindole moiety is described. Substitutions have been carried out on the imide nitrogen, on the carbazole framework and on the sugar part. Compounds with a lactam upper heterocycle have also been prepared. The cytotoxicities of the newly synthesized compounds toward four tumor cell lines, one murine leukemia (L1210) and three human tumor cell lines (prostate carcinoma DU145, colon carcinoma HT29, and non-small cell lung carcinoma A549) have been evaluated and compared to those of rebeccamycin and parent non-aza and aza compounds.

Combining DNA damaging agents and checkpoint 1 inhibitors.

During the cell cycle that leads to mitosis, checkpoints are activated in response to DNA damage. The checkpoints control the ability of cells to arrest the cell cycle allowing time to repair the DNA. In more than 50% of cancer cells, the G1 checkpoint is inactive due to mutations of p53. Therefore, the combination of a DNA damaging agent with a G2 checkpoint inhibitor should force selectively cancer cells into a premature and lethal mitosis. This approach which has recently drawn considerable interest is discussed in this paper.

Biological targets of antitumor indolocarbazoles bearing a sugar moiety.

Natural and synthetic indolocarbazole compounds have triggered considerable interest since the discovery in 1986 of the inhibitory properties of staurosporine toward protein kinase C (PKC). Later, it has been shown that indolocarbazole compounds may inhibit various kinases, such as cyclin dependent-kinases and/or topoisomerase I, someones behave only as DNA intercalators. In this review are presented various indolocarbazole compounds bearing a sugar moiety and their biological targets. The relevance of these targets to develop indolocarbazole compounds as potential antitumor agents is discussed.

Syntheses and antiproliferative activities of new rebeccamycin derivatives with the sugar unit linked to both indole nitrogens.

The synthesis of new rebeccamycin derivatives, in which the carbohydrate moiety is attached to both indole nitrogens, is described. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for their abilities to block the cell cycle of murine leukemia L1210 cells and their in vitro antiproliferative activities against four tumor cell lines (murine L1210 leukemia and human HT29 colon carcinoma, A549 non-small-cell lung carcinoma, K-562 leukemia). Their biological activities are compared with those of the parent compound rebeccamycin. Some of the new compounds exhibit potent antiproliferative activities, either against the four cell lines or mostly the two leukemias (L1210 and K-562 cell lines). The 3,9-diformyl analogue 9 was selective toward L1210 cells, whereas the 3,9-dibromo 16 was strongly cytotoxic toward the four cell lines tested. Nonselective compound 16 and 3,9-dinitro 13, which exhibited selectivity toward leukemia tumor cell lines, were selected for in-depth evaluation, including in vivo experiments.

Syntheses and antiproliferative activities of 7-azarebeccamycin analogues bearing one 7-azaindole moiety.

Rebeccamycin analogues containing one azaindole unit, with and without a methyl group on the imide nitrogen and with the sugar moiety coupled either to the indole nitrogen or to the azaindole nitrogen were synthesized. To increase the solubility and induce stronger interactions with the target macromolecules, a bromo or nitro substitutent was introduced on the indole unit. The DNA binding and topoisomerase I inhibition properties were investigated together with the antiproliferative activities toward nine tumor cell lines. In addition, the effect of the compounds on the cell cycle of L1210 leukemia cells was examined. The nonaza analogues were found to be cytotoxic against all cell lines of the panel whereas the aza-analogues showed a selective action toward certain cell lines. They strongly inhibited the proliferation of SK-N-MC neuroblastoma, A431 epidermoid carcinoma and NCI-H69 small cell lung carcinoma cells, but showed little or no cytotoxic effect against IGROV ovary carcinoma, HT29 colon carcinoma, and A549 non small cell lung carcinoma cells. Whatever their cytotoxicity profile, all compounds induce similar cell cycle effects, with a marked G2+M block observed with L1210 leukemia cells. The data suggest that the molecular mechanism of action of the aza-analogue derivatives is different from that of rebeccamycin.

Rebeccamycin analogues as anti-cancer agents.

Rebeccamycin, a microbial metabolite possessing a maleimide indolo[2,3-a]carbazole framework with a carbohydrate moiety attached to one of the indole nitrogens, is a well-known topoisomerase I inhibitor. This review reports the various total syntheses of rebeccamycin and structure-activity relationship studies on rebeccamycin analogues. Rebeccamycin analogues were prepared either by semi-synthesis from the natural metabolite or by total synthesis. Different families of rebeccamycin analogues were obtained by modifications at the imide heterocycle, dechlorination and substitutions on the indole moieties, modifications of the sugar residue, construction of dimers, coupling the sugar unit to the second indole nitrogen, changing indolo[2,3-a]carbazole skeleton to indolo[2,3-c]carbazole, replacing one or both indole moieties by 7-azaindole units. The biological activities of the rebeccamycin analogues are described. According to their chemical structure, the analogues can inhibit topoisomerase I and/or kinases. From the structure-activity relationships, some important rules were established. Several compounds exhibit stronger antiproliferative activities than the natural metabolite with IC(50) values in the nanomolar range. Some analogues, especially those possessing azaindole moieties, are much more selective than rebeccamycin toward the tumour cell lines tested.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of oxindoles and benzimidazolinones derivatives.

The synthesis of new oxindoles and benzimidazolinones derivatives bearing a sugar residue on the aromatic nitrogen is described. The presence of the glycoside moiety should enhance the solubility of these heterocyclic compounds and/or improve the interaction with the active site of the biological targets. The inhibitory activities of these new compounds toward five kinases were examined: KDR (VEGFR-2), FGFR-1, PDGFR-beta, EGFR and Tie 2. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities of the prepared compounds were tested against two Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus and Streptomyces chartreusis, a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and a yeast Candida albicans.

Dimers from dechlorinated rebeccamycin: synthesis, interaction with DNA, and antiproliferative activities.

In the course of structure-activity relationships on rebeccamycin analogues, two dimers of dechlorinated rebeccamycin were synthesised with the aim to improve the interaction with DNA and in vitro antiproliferative activities. The synthesis of two dimeric compounds obtained by joining two molecules of dechlorinated rebeccamycin via the imide nitrogen is described. Melting temperature and DNase I footprinting studies were performed to investigate their interaction with DNA. Four tumour cell lines, murine L1210 leukaemia, human HT29 colon carcinoma, A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma and K-562 leukaemia, were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the drugs. Their effects on the cell cycle of L1210 cells were also investigated.

DNA targeting of two new antitumour rebeccamycin derivatives.

In the course of a medicinal chemistry program aimed at discovering novel tumour-active rebeccamycin derivatives targeting DNA and/or topoisomerase I, a series of analogues with the sugar residue linked to the two indole nitrogens was recently developed. Two promising drug candidates in this staurosporine-rebeccamycin hybrid series were selected for a DNA-binding study reported here. The DNA interaction of the cationic indolocarbazole glycosides MP059 bearing a N,N-diethylaminoethyl side chain and MP072 containing a sugar bearing an amino group was compared with that of the uncharged analogue MP024. The results show that the addition of a cationic substituent, either directly on the indolocarbazole chromophore or on the carbohydrate residue, significantly reinforces the interaction of the drugs with nucleic acids. The two cationic molecules MP059 and MP072 recognise preferentially sequences containing GpT.ApC and TpG.CpA steps but they do not inhibit topoisomerase I, in contrast to the parent uncharged derivative MP024 which stimulates DNA single strand breaks by topoisomerase I. The cytotoxic activity of the indolocarbazole derivatives bearing positively charged groups is one order of magnitude higher than that of the neutral compound MP024. The high cytotoxic potential can be attributed to the enhanced DNA binding and sequence recognition capacity of the cationic compounds. The study provides useful information for further structure-activity relationship studies in the indolocarbazole series.