In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, genetic activation of NRF2 increases resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which results in a significantly worse prognosis for patients. Therefore NRF2-activated cancers create an urgent clinical need to identify new therapeutic options. In this context, we previously identified the geldanamycin family of HSP90 inhibitors, which includes 17DMAG, to be synthetic lethal with NRF2 activity. As the first-generation of geldanamycin-derivative drugs were withdrawn from clinical trials due to hepatotoxicity, we designed second-generation compounds with C19-substituted structures in order to inhibit glutathione conjugation-mediated hepatotoxicity. In this study, using a variety of in vitro and in vivo cancer models, we found that C19-substituted 17DMAG compounds maintain their enhanced toxicity profile and synthetic lethal interaction with NRF2-NQO1-activated cancer cells. Importantly, using a xenograft mouse tumor model, we found that C19-substituted 17DMAG displayed significant anticancer efficacy against NRF2-NQO1-activated cancer cells without causing hepatotoxicity. These results clearly demonstrate the improved clinical potential for this new class of HSP90 inhibitor anticancer drugs, and suggest that patients with NRF2-NQO1-activated esophageal carcinoma may benefit from this novel therapeutic approach.

• Klíčová slova
• C19-position substituted geldanamycin derivatives, ESCC, HSP90, NQO1, NRF2-NQO1-activated cancer,
• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• benzochinony * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• faktor 2 související s NF-E2 * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• makrocyklické laktamy * farmakologie   chemie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• myši nahé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• NAD(P)H dehydrogenasa (chinon) * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory jícnu * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• proteiny tepelného šoku HSP90 antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• skvamózní karcinom jícnu * farmakoterapie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• xenogenní modely - testy antitumorózní aktivity * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antitumorózní látky MeSH
• benzochinony * MeSH
• faktor 2 související s NF-E2 * MeSH
• geldanamycin MeSH Prohlížeč
• makrocyklické laktamy * MeSH
• NAD(P)H dehydrogenasa (chinon) * MeSH
• NFE2L2 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• NQO1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• proteiny tepelného šoku HSP90 MeSH

Retroviral gene transfer is the preferred method for stable, long-term integration of genetic material into cellular genomes, commonly used to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells designed to target tumor antigens. However, the efficiency of retroviral gene transfer is often limited by low transduction rates due to low vector titers and electrostatic repulsion between viral particles and cellular membranes. To overcome these limitations, peptide nanofibrils (PNFs) can be applied as transduction enhancers. Among these, PNFs derived from the 12-mer peptide EF-C are well-investigated and commercially available. EF-C PNFs enhance transduction by forming EF-C PNFs/virus complexes that overcome electrostatic repulsion through their polycationic surface and interaction with cellular protrusions. However, the safe application of PNFs as transduction enhancers in gene therapeutic applications requires a fundamental understanding of their transduction-enhancing mechanisms, uptake, and degradation. In this study, we demonstrate that EF-C PNFs induce plasma membrane invaginations, increasing the membrane surface for viral attachment and reducing the distance to the nuclear membrane, thereby facilitating viral entry and transport to the nucleus. Furthermore, we identified macropinocytosis as the main entry pathway for EF-C PNFs and their subsequent degradation by lysosomal peptidases. The lysosomal degradation of EF-C PNFs prevents their accumulation as amyloid deposits, mitigating potential side effects and supporting their safe use in clinical applications.

• Klíčová slova
• Lysosomal degradation, Macropinocytosis, Peptide nanofibrils, Retroviral transduction, Transduction enhancer,
• MeSH
• endocytóza MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nanovlákna * chemie   MeSH
• peptidy * chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• pinocytóza * MeSH
• transdukce genetická metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• peptidy * MeSH

In the complex network of cellular physiology, the maintenance of cellular proteostasis emerges as a critical factor for cell survival, particularly under stress conditions. This homeostasis is largely governed by a sophisticated network of molecular chaperones and co-chaperones, among which Bcl-2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3), able to interact with the ATPase domain of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70), plays a pivotal role. The BAG3-HSP70 functional module is not only essential for cellular homeostasis but is also involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiac dysfunction, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Inspired by our continuous interest in the development of new chemical platforms able to interfere with BAG3 protein, herein we report the discovery of compound 16, the first-in-class BAG3/HSP70 dual modulator, obtained by combining the multicomponent Ugi reaction with the alkyne-azide Huisgen procedure in a sequential tandem reaction approach. Through a combination of biophysical analysis, biochemical assays, and cell-based studies, we elucidated the mechanism of action of this inhibitor and assessed its potential as a therapeutic agent. Hence, this study can open new avenues for the development of novel anticancer strategies that leverage the simultaneous disruption of multiple chaperone pathways.

• Klíčová slova
• Anticancer agent, BAG3, Dual modulator, HSP70, Ugi-Huisgen tandem approach,
• MeSH
• adaptorové proteiny signální transdukční * metabolismus   antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• léky antitumorózní - screeningové testy MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární chaperony metabolismus   antagonisté a inhibitory   chemie   MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• proteiny regulující apoptózu * metabolismus   antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• proteiny tepelného šoku HSP70 * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• adaptorové proteiny signální transdukční * MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * MeSH
• BAG3 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• molekulární chaperony MeSH
• proteiny regulující apoptózu * MeSH
• proteiny tepelného šoku HSP70 * MeSH

The central nervous system is a well-known steroidogenic tissue producing, among others, cholesterol metabolites such as neuroactive steroids, oxysterols and steroid hormones. It is well known that these endogenous molecules affect several receptor classes, including ionotropic GABAergic and NMDA glutamatergic receptors in neurons. It has been shown that also ionotropic purinergic (P2X) receptors are cholesterol metabolites' targets. Among P2X receptors, purinergic P2X4 and P2X7 receptors are expressed in microglia, the innate immune cells involved in the brain inflammatory response. In this study, we explore the ionotropic purinergic receptors modulation by cholesterol metabolites in microglia. Patch-clamp experiments were performed in BV2 cells, a murine microglia cell line, to evaluate effects of cholesterol metabolites using micro- and nanomolar concentrations. About P2X4 receptor, we found that testosterone butyrate (20 μM and 200 nM) and allopregnanolone (10 μM and 100 nM) both potentiated its current, while neither 25-hydroxycholesterol (10 μM and 100 nM) nor 17β-estradiol (1 μM) showed any effects. On the other hand, P2X7 receptor current was potentiated by allopregnanolone (10 μM) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (10 μM and 100 nM). Taken together, our data show that modulation of either P2X4 and P2X7 current is affected differently by cholesterol metabolites, suggesting a structure-activity relationship among these players. Identifying the possible link between purinergic transmission, microglia and cholesterol metabolites will allow to define new targets for drug development to treat neuroinflammation.

• Klíčová slova
• Microglia, Neuroactive steroids, Neuroinflammation, Oxysterols, P2X4 receptor, P2X7 receptor,
• MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• mikroglie * metabolismus   MeSH
• pregnanolon * metabolismus   MeSH
• purinergní receptory P2X4 * metabolismus   MeSH
• testosteron * metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• pregnanolon * MeSH
• purinergní receptory P2X4 * MeSH
• testosteron * MeSH

The novel diiron amine complexes [Fe2Cp2(CO)(NH2R')(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Cy)}]CF3SO3 [R' = H, 3; Cy, 4; CH2CH2NH2, 5; CH2CH2NMe2, 6; CH2CH2(4-C6H4OMe), 7; CH2CH2(4-C6H4OH), 8; Cp = η5-C5H5, Cy = C6H11 = cyclohexyl] were synthesized in 49-92 % yields from [Fe2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(Cy)}]CF3SO3, 1a, using a straightforward two-step procedure. They were characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structure of 7 was confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 3-8 and the acetonitrile adducts [Fe2Cp2(CO)(NCMe)(μ-CO){μ-CN(Me)(R)}]CF3SO3 (R = Cy, 2a; Me, 2b; Xyl = 2,6-C6H3Me2, 2c) were assessed for their water solubility, octanol-water partition coefficient and stability in physiological-like solutions. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of 2a-c and 3-8 was tested on seven human cancer cell lines (A2780, A2780R, PC3, A549, MCF7, HOS and HT-29), while the selectivity was evaluated using normal MRC-5 cells. Overall, the complexes exhibited variable cytotoxicity, with IC50 values reaching the low micromolar range for 3, 7 and 8 in A2780 and A2780R cells, along with significant selectivity. Targeted experiments covered cell cycle modification, induction of cell death, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS production and interaction with DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. The interaction of 3 with BSA was further investigated through computational studies. Results showed a negligible increase in intracellular ROS levels (except for 2b) and insignificant changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.

• Klíčová slova
• Bioorganometallic chemistry, Cellular effects, Diiron complexes, In vitro cytotoxicity, Labile ligand,
• MeSH
• aminy chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny chemie   farmakologie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• léky antitumorózní - screeningové testy * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ligandy MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• aminy MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny MeSH
• ligandy MeSH

Permeability is an important molecular property in drug discovery, as it co-determines pharmacokinetics whenever a drug crosses the phospholipid bilayer, e.g., into the cell, in the gastrointestinal tract, or across the blood-brain barrier. Many methods for the determination of permeability have been developed, including cell line assays (CACO-2 and MDCK), cell-free model systems like parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) mimicking, e.g., gastrointestinal epithelia or the skin, as well as the black lipid membrane (BLM) and submicrometer liposomes. Furthermore, many in silico approaches have been developed for permeability prediction: meta-analysis of publicly available databases for permeability data (MolMeDB and ChEMBL) was performed to establish their usability. Four experimental and two computational methods were evaluated. It was shown that repeatability of the reported permeability measurement is not great even for the same method. For the PAMPA method, two different permeabilities are reported: intrinsic and apparent. They can vary in degrees of magnitude; thus, we suggest being extra cautious using literature data on permeability. When we compared data for the same molecules using different methods, the best agreement was between cell-based methods and between BLM and computational methods. Existence of unstirred water layer (UWL) permeability limits the data agreement between cell-based methods (and apparent PAMPA) with data that are not limited by UWL permeability (computational methods, BLM, intrinsic PAMPA). Therefore, different methods have different limitations. Cell-based methods provide results only in a small range of permeabilities (-8 to -4 in cm/s), and computational methods can predict a wider range of permeabilities beyond physical limitations, but their precision is therefore limited. BLM with liposomes can be used for both fast and slow permeating molecules, but its usage is more complicated than standard transwell techniques. To sum up, when working with in-house measured or published permeability data, we recommend caution in interpreting and combining them.

• Klíčová slova
• BLM, CACO-2, COSMOperm, MDCK, MolMeDB, PAMPA, PerMM, liposome, membrane, permeability,
• MeSH
• buňky MDCK MeSH
• Caco-2 buňky MeSH
• hematoencefalická bariéra metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• liposomy * chemie   MeSH
• membrány umělé MeSH
• permeabilita buněčné membrány fyziologie   MeSH
• permeabilita * MeSH
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• metaanalýza MeSH
• Názvy látek
• liposomy * MeSH
• membrány umělé MeSH

The copper(II), cobalt(II), and zinc(II) complexes with 2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethylsulfanylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (tbb) and 2-[2-[2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylsulfanyl]ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole (tebb), [Cu(tbb)Cl2] (1), [Co(tbb)Cl2] (2), [Zn(tbb)Cl2] (3), [Cu(tebb)Cl(H2O)]Cl (4), [Co(tebb)Cl2]n·nCH3OH (5) and [Zn(tebb)Cl(H2O)]Cl (6), have been prepared and evaluated for antiproliferative activity. The structure of (4) was proved by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The coordination compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities in cancer cell lines in vitro. The lower IC50 values were obtained for Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes with tebb in comparison with tbb complexes. Complex 2 showed strong antiproliferative selectivity for leukemia CEM cells and nontoxicity towards other tested cell lines and normal human cells (BJ and RPE-1). Proapoptotic activity of 2 and 5 were weaker than positive control cisplatin, but the big advantage of these complexes was their zero-cytotoxicity for normal healthy cells in contrast to the high cytotoxicity of cisplatin. The activation of apoptotic initiation phase was detected in neuroblastoma cancer cell line SH-SY5Y where 5 was cytotoxic without fragmentation of cells. Interestingly, complexes 5, 6, and tebb, together with cisplatin, dramatically impaired the mitochondrial membrane potential of SH-SY5Y after 72 h. Taken together, we demonstrated that our compounds trigger apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.

• Klíčová slova
• Antiproliferative activity, Apoptosis, Benzimidazole, Biocompatibility, Coordination compound, Mitochondria,
• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• apoptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• benzimidazoly * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• kobalt * chemie   MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• měď * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• membránový potenciál mitochondrií účinky léků   MeSH
• mitochondrie * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• zinek * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antitumorózní látky * MeSH
• benzimidazoly * MeSH
• kobalt * MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny * MeSH
• měď * MeSH
• zinek * MeSH

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents a pioneering approach in the preoperative treatment of cancer, providing new strategies for tumor reduction and improved patient outcomes by modulating the immune response. This study investigated neoadjuvant immunotherapy using intratumoral administration of mannan-BAM, Toll-like receptor ligands, and anti-CD40 antibody (MBTA therapy) followed by surgery in murine models of MTT pheochromocytoma, B16-F10 melanoma, and 4T1 and E0771.lmb mammary carcinomas. In the MTT pheochromocytoma model, it was found that neoadjuvant MBTA therapy followed by surgery could prevent the development of distant metastases in 100% of treated animals, compared to a 60% mortality rate in the control group due to metastatic disease after surgery. These outcomes were achieved even in tumors three times larger than those in the control group. In the aggressive 4T1 model, neoadjuvant MBTA therapy resulted in slower tumor progression and a significant prolongation of survival. In the B16-F10 and E0771.lmb models, neoadjuvant MBTA therapy also protected animals from metastases development and tumor recurrence upon rechallenge with tumor cells after surgery. Transcriptomic analysis revealed enhanced effector immune cell infiltration, cytotoxicity, and antigen presentation in retransplanted tumors from MBTA-treated mice, indicating robust immune memory. Notably, the exclusion of the anti-CD40 antibody from the neoadjuvant MBTA therapy (MBT therapy) yielded comparable outcomes in protection against metastases development. These findings advocate for further investigation of intratumoral neoadjuvant MBTA therapy for immunologically "cold" tumors, including those at high risk of metastases or recurrence.

• Klíčová slova
• 4T1, E0771.lmb, Immunotherapy, Intratumoral, Melanoma, Neoadjuvant, Pheochromocytoma,
• MeSH
• antigeny CD40 imunologie   antagonisté a inhibitory   MeSH
• imunoterapie * metody   MeSH
• lokální recidiva nádoru * prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• mannany farmakologie   MeSH
• melanom experimentální * imunologie   terapie   patologie   MeSH
• metastázy nádorů MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• neoadjuvantní terapie * metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antigeny CD40 MeSH
• mannany MeSH

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may contribute to the rising incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We investigated the potential of 10 environmentally relevant EDCs to affect key events of hepatic steatosis in HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells. Increased lipid droplet formation, a key marker of steatosis, was induced by PFOA, bisphenol F, DDE, butylparaben, and DEHP, within the non-cytotoxic concentration range of 1 nM-25 μM. Cadmium also induced this effect, but at concentrations impairing cell viability (>1 μM). At non-cytotoxic concentrations, these compounds, along with bisphenol A, dysregulated major genes controlling lipid homeostasis. Cadmium, PFOA, DDE, and DEHP significantly upregulated the DGAT1 gene involved in triglyceride synthesis, while butylparaben increased the expression of the FAT/CD36 gene responsible for fatty acid uptake. Bisphenol A downregulated the CPT1A gene involved in fatty acid oxidation. No significant effects on lipid droplet accumulation or lipid metabolism-related genes were observed for PFOS, bisphenol S, and dibutyl phthalate. Among the tested EDCs, lipid accumulation positively correlated with the expression of SREBF1, DGAT1, and CPT1A. These findings provide additional evidence that EDCs can affect MASLD and highlight the utility of in vitro methods in the screening of EDCs with hazardous steatogenic and metabolism-disrupting properties.

• Klíčová slova
• High-content imaging, In vitro testing, Lipid droplets, Metabolism-disrupting chemicals, NAFLD, NAMs,
• MeSH
• benzhydrylové sloučeniny toxicita   MeSH
• buňky Hep G2 MeSH
• diacylglycerol-O-acyltransferasa genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• diethylhexylftalát toxicita   MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory * toxicita   MeSH
• fenoly toxicita   MeSH
• fluorokarbony toxicita   MeSH
• kapryláty toxicita   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metabolismus lipidů účinky léků   MeSH
• viabilita buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• ztučnělá játra * chemicky indukované   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• benzhydrylové sloučeniny MeSH
• Bisphenol A Compounds MeSH
• bisphenol A MeSH Prohlížeč
• DGAT1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• diacylglycerol-O-acyltransferasa MeSH
• diethylhexylftalát MeSH
• endokrinní disruptory * MeSH
• fenoly MeSH
• fluorokarbony MeSH
• kapryláty MeSH
• perfluorooctanoic acid MeSH Prohlížeč

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are environmental pollutants extensively used in industries. While the use of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) has been restricted since 2017, the use of medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) has risen as their replacement. Due to lipophilic character, it can be expected that CPs enter the cells; however, the in vitro accumulation potential of CPs remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the ability of SCCPs and MCCPs to accumulate in fat cells. We utilized an in vitro model of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Using gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry operated in negative chemical ionization mode, we determined the intracellular amounts of CPs. These compounds accumulated at rates of 8.5 ± 0.1 µg/gcells/h for SCCPs and 7.8 ± 0.3 µg/gcells/h for MCCPs when an initial concentration of 120 ng/ml was present in the medium. This rate increased approximately tenfold when the concentration of CPs was raised to 1200 ng/ml. CPs content in adipocytes steadily increased over 5 days, whereas preadipocytes accumulated 15-20 times less CPs. This highlights the importance of cellular lipid content, which was about 12 times higher in adipocytes. Furthermore, we found that the level of chlorine content in the CPs molecules significantly influenced their accumulation. Our results demonstrate that MCCPs exhibit a similar accumulation potential to SCCPs, with lipid content playing a crucial role. As with SCCPs, restrictions on the use of MCCPs in industry should be considered to mitigate their environmental and health impacts.

• Klíčová slova
• 3T3-L1 cells, Adipocytes, Chlorinated paraffins, Persistent organic pollutants,
• MeSH
• buňky 3T3-L1 * MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• halogenace * MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí toxicita   metabolismus   MeSH
• metabolismus lipidů účinky léků   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• parafín * MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
• tukové buňky * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí MeSH
• parafín * MeSH