The hedgehog signaling pathway plays an important role in vertebrate embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis. Constitutive activation of Hh signaling in various human tumors leads to GLI-mediated transcription and tumor progression. Based on the preliminary screening of a large library of known triterpenes that exhibited interesting Hh inhibitory activity, we designed and synthesized a new series of triterpenoid analogues containing aromatic heterocyclic substituents at position C-2 to enhance their interference with Hh signaling. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 15 synthesized triterpenoids on cell proliferation and Hh pathway activity in relevant cancer cell lines. Among these compounds, two derivatives, 11a and 11b, both featuring a furan ring at position C-2, demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on proliferation and induced cell death in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and prostate cancer cell lines exhibiting hyper-activated Hh signaling. Moreover, these compounds significantly reduced GLI-mediated transcription in cell-based reporter assays. Detailed immunoblot analyses revealed that compounds 11a and 11b decreased the expression of endogenous GLI1 protein and its target genes associated with tumor progression and proliferation, such as Cyclin D1, N-Myc, and Bcl-2, in A549 and DU-145 cancer cells. These findings suggest that the antiproliferative effects of 11a and 11b are mediated through inhibition of the Hh signaling pathway and are promising candidates for the development of new anticancer therapies targeting Hh-dependent tumors.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR-d), or immune-hot CRCs, show significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to MMR-proficient (MMR-p), or immune-cold CRCs. While the prior represents about 5% of all CRCs, the latter represent 95% and are characterized by low immunogenicity. This study investigates bis-diethyldithiocarbamate (CuET), a novel anticancer compound, and its impact on the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment (TME). CuET is shown to convert immunologically inactive tumors into hotbeds of antitumor immune responses, marked by increased lymphocyte infiltration, heightened cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) and T cells, and enhanced non-self recognition by lymphocytes. The potent anticancer cytotoxicity and in vivo safety and efficacy of CuET are established. In summary, CuET transforms the colorectal cancer TME, bolstering NK and T cell cytotoxicity and refining tumor cell recognition through non-classical activation via the NKG2D/NKG2DL axis. This study unveils a novel mechanism of action for CuET: a potent immunomodulator capable of turning cold tumors hot.
- Klíčová slova
- NK cells, NKG2D, colorectal cancer, copper bis-diethyldithiocarbamate, disulfiram,
- MeSH
- buňky NK imunologie účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- dithiokarb * farmakologie MeSH
- kolorektální nádory * farmakoterapie imunologie metabolismus patologie MeSH
- lektinové receptory NK-buněk - podrodina K * metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- měď MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádorové mikroprostředí * účinky léků imunologie MeSH
- protinádorové látky farmakologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- dithiokarb * MeSH
- KLRK1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
- lektinové receptory NK-buněk - podrodina K * MeSH
- měď MeSH
- protinádorové látky MeSH
Starting from benzyl 30-oxobetulinate and 30-oxobetulin diacetate, substituted dienes were synthesized and subjected to Diels-Alder reaction, yielding a variety of triterpenoid phthalates, phthalimides, and related derivatives. A total of 55 new compounds were prepared and tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity against eight cancer cell lines and two non-cancerous cell lines. Four compounds with IC50 values of 5 μM or lower were selected for further investigation. These compounds induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization and altered expression of key proteins involved in mitochondrial apoptosis. The compounds also disrupted DNA replication and transcriptional activity. Modulation of key proliferation pathways, including PI3K/Akt and STAT3, further supported the antiproliferative potential of these derivatives. Considering their high cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity in CCRF-CEM cells, compounds 19, 26, 28, and 30 have been identified as promising candidates for further development.
- Klíčová slova
- Apoptosis, Betulin, Betulinic acid, Cancer, Cell cycle regulation, Diels-Alder reaction, Mitochondria, Phthalates, Triterpenoids, Wittig reaction,
- MeSH
- apoptóza * účinky léků MeSH
- ftalimidy * farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mitochondrie * účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- proliferace buněk * účinky léků MeSH
- protinádorové látky * farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza MeSH
- screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv * MeSH
- triterpeny * farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza 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
- ftalimidy * MeSH
- protinádorové látky * MeSH
- triterpeny * MeSH
Mismatched nucleobase uracil is commonly repaired through the base excision repair initiated by DNA uracil glycosylases. The data presented in this study strongly indicate that the nuclear uracil-N-glycosylase activity and nuclear protein content in human cell lines is highest in the S phase of the cell cycle and that its distribution kinetics partially reflect the DNA replication activity in replication foci. In this respect, the data demonstrate structural changes of the replication focus related to the uracil-N-glycosylase distribution several dozens of minutes before end of its replication. The analysis also showed that very popular synchronisation protocols based on the double thymidine block can result in changes in the UNG2 content and uracil excision rate. In response, we propose a new method for the description of the changes of the content and the activity of different cell components during cell cycle without the necessity to use synchronisation protocols.
- MeSH
- buněčné jádro metabolismus MeSH
- buněčný cyklus MeSH
- kinetika MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- oprava DNA MeSH
- replikace DNA * MeSH
- S fáze MeSH
- uracil-DNA-glykosidasa * metabolismus MeSH
- uracil metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- uracil-DNA-glykosidasa * MeSH
- uracil MeSH
A series of triterpenoid pyrones was synthesized and subsequently modified to introduce phthalimide or phthalate moieties into the triterpenoid skeleton. These compounds underwent in vitro cytotoxicity screening, revealing that a subset of six compounds exhibited potent activity, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further biological evaluations, including Annexin V and propidium iodide staining experiment revealed, that all compounds induce selective apoptosis in cancer cells. Measurements of mitochondrial potential, cell cycle analysis, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins confirmed, that apoptosis was mediated via the mitochondrial pathway. These findings were further supported by cell cycle modulation and DNA/RNA synthesis studies, which indicated a significant increase in cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase and a marked reduction in S-phase cells, alongside a substantial inhibition of DNA synthesis. The activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of PARP, coupled with a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins, underscored the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Given their high activity and pronounced effect on mitochondria function, trifluoromethyl pyrones 1f and 2f, and dihydrophthalimide 2h have been selected for further development.
- Klíčová slova
- Apoptosis, Cancer, Cytotoxicity, Heterocycle, Mitochondria, Pharmacology, Phthalate, Phthalimide, Pyrone, Triterpene,
- MeSH
- apoptóza MeSH
- DNA metabolismus MeSH
- ftalimidy farmakologie MeSH
- kyseliny ftalové * MeSH
- membránový potenciál mitochondrií MeSH
- mitochondrie metabolismus MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory * farmakoterapie MeSH
- protinádorové látky * terapeutické užití MeSH
- pyrony farmakologie MeSH
- triterpeny * farmakologie MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- DNA MeSH
- ftalimidy MeSH
- kyseliny ftalové * MeSH
- phthalic acid MeSH Prohlížeč
- protinádorové látky * MeSH
- pyrony MeSH
- triterpeny * MeSH
Cellular growth and the preparation of cells for division between two successive cell divisions is called the cell cycle. The cell cycle is divided into several phases; the length of these particular cell cycle phases is an important characteristic of cell life. The progression of cells through these phases is a highly orchestrated process governed by endogenous and exogenous factors. For the elucidation of the role of these factors, including pathological aspects, various methods have been developed. Among these methods, those focused on the analysis of the duration of distinct cell cycle phases play important role. The main aim of this review is to guide the readers through the basic methods of the determination of cell cycle phases and estimation of their length, with a focus on the effectiveness and reproducibility of the described methods.
- Klíčová slova
- BrdU, DNA labeling, EdU, cell cycle, labeled nucleosides, markers of cell cycle phases, time lapse microscopy,
- MeSH
- bromodeoxyuridin * metabolismus MeSH
- buněčné dělení MeSH
- buněčný cyklus MeSH
- proliferace buněk MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- bromodeoxyuridin * MeSH
In this work, a large set of betulinic acid derivatives modified with various aromatic substituents at the position C-3 were prepared via Suzuki-Myiaura cross-coupling. All compounds were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity in 8 cancer and 2 healthy cell lines. Derivatives 6h, 6i, and 6o had the lowest IC50 in the CCRF-CEM cell line (0.69-4.0 μM) and had high selectivity. In addition, 6h and 6i also showed significant activity in daunorubicin-resistant CEM and taxol-resistant K562 cell lines; therefore, they were selected for the evaluation of the mechanism of action. First, the effect of 6h, 6i, and 6o on cell death induction was studied. To our surprise, we have not detected almost any apoptotic cells, even following a long-time exposure of CCRF-CEM cells to the compounds. On the other hand, a dramatic cell number decrease was observed, proportional to the time of the compound's exposure. Based on this data it was concluded that the effect of compounds is cytostatic rather than cytotoxic, which was further confirmed by subsequent studies of the impact of 6h, 6i, and 6o on the cell cycle. Detailed cell cycle analysis revealed a block in the G1 phase accompanied by reduced expression of phosphorylated forms of the RB protein as well as cyclin A protein. Evaluation of the pharmacological properties of the most promising compounds revealed their high stability in the presence of phosphate buffer, human plasma, and microsomes and limited permeability determined using permeability through artificial membrane (PAMPA) and cell permeability assay: Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 cell lines. Compounds 6h, 6i, and 6o were selected for further drug development; their cytostatic effect may be advantageous in this process since we expect fewer non-specific interactions and toxicity than in highly cytotoxic compounds. In addition, the activity of 6h and 6i against resistant CEM-DNR and K562-TAX leukemic cell lines makes them promising as a possible future alternative to currently used therapies.
- Klíčová slova
- ADME parameters, Anticancer, Betulinic acid, Cell cycle, Cytostatic, Lupane, Suzuki- myiaura coupling, Triterpenes,
- MeSH
- apoptóza MeSH
- Caco-2 buňky MeSH
- cytostatické látky * farmakologie MeSH
- fenotyp MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory * MeSH
- pentacyklické triterpeny farmakologie MeSH
- protinádorové látky * farmakologie MeSH
- screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- cytostatické látky * MeSH
- pentacyklické triterpeny MeSH
- protinádorové látky * MeSH
A set of fifteen triterpenoid pyrazines and pyridines was prepared from parent triterpenoid 3-oxoderivatives (betulonic acid, dihydrobetulonic acid, oleanonic acid, moronic acid, ursonic acid, heterobetulonic acid, and allobetulone). Cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in eight cancer and two non-cancer cell lines. Evaluation of the structure-activity relationships revealed that the triterpenoid core determined whether the final molecule is active or not, while the heterocycle is able to increase the activity and modulate the specificity. Five compounds (1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, and 8) were found to be preferentially and highly cytotoxic (IC50 ≈ 1 μM) against leukemic cancer cell lines (CCRF-CEM, K562, CEM-DNR, or K562-TAX). Surprisingly, compounds 1c, 2b, and 2c are 10-fold more active in multidrug-resistant leukemia cells (CEM-DNR and K562-TAX) than in their non-resistant analogs (CCRF-CEM and K562). Pharmacological parameters were measured for the most promising candidates and two types of prodrugs were synthesized: 1) Sugar-containing conjugates, most of which had improved cell penetration and retained high cytotoxicity in the CCRF-CEM cell line, unfortunately, they lost the selectivity against resistant cells. 2) Medoxomil derivatives, among which compounds 26-28 gained activities of IC50 0.026-0.043 μM against K562 cells. Compounds 1b, 8, 21, 22, 23, and 24 were selected for the evaluation of the mechanism of action based on their highest cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM cell line. Several experiments showed that the majority of them cause apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Compounds 1b, 8, and 21 inhibit growth and disintegrate spheroid cultures of HCT116 and HeLa cells, which would be important for the treatment of solid tumors. In summary, compounds 1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, 24, and 26-28 are highly and selectively cytotoxic against cancer cell lines and were selected for future in vivo tests and further development of anticancer drugs.
- Klíčová slova
- Apoptosis, Cancer, Cytotoxicity, Electron microscopy, Fluorescence, Heterocycle, Huisgen cycloaddition, MDR, Medoxomil, Mitochondria, Molecular target, Pharmacology, Prodrug, Pyrazine, Pyridine, Spheroid cultures, Triterpene,
- MeSH
- chemorezistence MeSH
- fytogenní protinádorové látky * farmakologie MeSH
- HeLa buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- membránový potenciál mitochondrií MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- prekurzory léčiv * farmakologie MeSH
- protinádorové látky * farmakologie MeSH
- pyraziny farmakologie MeSH
- pyridiny farmakologie MeSH
- triterpeny * farmakologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- fytogenní protinádorové látky * MeSH
- prekurzory léčiv * MeSH
- protinádorové látky * MeSH
- pyraziny MeSH
- pyridiny MeSH
- triterpeny * MeSH
Gene inactivation of the cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitors p16INK4a, p15INK4b and p21WAF is frequently mediated by promoter gene methylation, whereas histone deacetylases (HDACs) control gene expression through their ability to deacetylate proteins. The effect of suberohydroxamic acid (SBHA) and 5‑Aza‑2'‑deoxycytidine (Decitabine) (DAC) treatments on the transcription of CDKN2A, CDKN2B and CDKN1A genes, and their effects on molecular biological behavior were examined in two myeloma cell lines, RPMI8226 and U266, which differ in p53‑functionality and IL‑6 expression. In both tested myeloma cell lines, a non‑methylated state of the CDKN2B gene promoter region was detected with normal gene expression, and the same level of p15INK4b protein was detected by immunocytochemical staining. Furthermore, in myeloma cells treated with SBHA and DAC alone, the expression of both p15INK4b and p21WAF was significantly upregulated in RPMI8226 cells (p53‑functional, without IL‑6 expression), whereas in the U266 cell line (p53 deleted, expressing IL‑6) only p21WAF expression was significantly increased. Moreover, the analysis revealed that treatment with DAC induced DNMT3B enhancement in U266 cells. In conclusion, in myeloma cells with IL‑6 expression, significantly increased DNMT3B expression indicated the tumorigenic consequences of 5‑Aza‑2'deoxycytidine treatment, which requires careful use in diseases involving epigenetic dysregulation, such as multiple myeloma (MM).
- Klíčová slova
- DNA methylation, cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitor, interleukin‑6, multiple myeloma cell lines,
- MeSH
- decitabin * farmakologie MeSH
- DNA-(cytosin-5-)methyltransferasa * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- DNA-methyltransferasa 3B MeSH
- epigeneze genetická * MeSH
- inhibitor p15 cyklin-dependentní kinasy genetika metabolismus MeSH
- inhibitor p16 cyklin-dependentní kinasy genetika metabolismus MeSH
- interleukin-6 genetika metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metylace DNA MeSH
- mnohočetný myelom * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádorový supresorový protein p53 genetika metabolismus MeSH
- proteiny buněčného cyklu genetika metabolismus MeSH
- umlčování genů MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- decitabin * MeSH
- DNA-(cytosin-5-)methyltransferasa * MeSH
- inhibitor p15 cyklin-dependentní kinasy MeSH
- inhibitor p16 cyklin-dependentní kinasy MeSH
- interleukin-6 MeSH
- nádorový supresorový protein p53 MeSH
- proteiny buněčného cyklu MeSH
A set of new substituted dienes were synthesized from betulinic acid by its oxidation to 30-oxobetulinic acid followed by the Wittig reaction. Cytotoxicity of all compounds was tested in vitro in eight cancer cell lines and two noncancer fibroblasts. Almost all dienes were more cytotoxic than betulinic acid. Compounds 4.22, 4.30, 4.33, 4.39 had IC50 below 5 μmol/L; 4.22 and 4.39 were selected for studies of the mechanism of action. Cell cycle analysis revealed an increase in the number of apoptotic cells at 5 × IC50 concentration, where activation of irreversible changes leading to cell death can be expected. Both 4.22 and 4.39 led to the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase with partial inhibition of DNA/RNA synthesis at 1 × IC50 and almost complete inhibition at 5 × IC50. Interestingly, compound 4.39 at 5 × IC50 caused the accumulation of cells in the S phase. Higher concentrations of tested drugs probably inhibit more off-targets than lower concentrations. Mechanisms disrupting cellular metabolism can induce the accumulation of cells in the S phase. Both compounds 4.22 and 4.39 trigger selective apoptosis in cancer cells via intrinsic pathway, which we have demonstrated by changes in the expression of the crucial apoptosis-related protein. Pharmacological parameters of derivative 4.22 were superior to 4.39, therefore 4.22 was the finally selected candidate for the development of anticancer drug.
- Klíčová slova
- Apoptosis, Betulinic acid, Cancer, Cell cycle, Cytotoxicity, Mechanism of action, Selectivity, Triterpene, Wittig reaction,
- MeSH
- alkadieny chemická syntéza chemie farmakologie MeSH
- apoptóza účinky léků MeSH
- buněčný cyklus účinky léků MeSH
- kultivované buňky MeSH
- kyselina betulinová MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- pentacyklické triterpeny chemie farmakologie MeSH
- proliferace buněk účinky léků MeSH
- protinádorové látky chemická syntéza chemie farmakologie MeSH
- psi MeSH
- screeningové testy protinádorových léčiv MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- psi MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- alkadieny MeSH
- kyselina betulinová MeSH
- pentacyklické triterpeny MeSH
- protinádorové látky MeSH
