Dyeison Antonow

Synthesis of DNA-interactive pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines (PBDs).

Pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBD) are an important class of sequence-selective DNA-interactive agents that bind covalently to guanine bases within the minor groove of DNA. The PBD monomers are remarkable in possessing a 3-dimensional shape that allows them to fit perfectly within the minor groove of DNA, partly due to the longitudinal twist created by the chiral center at their C11a-position. A PBD produced synthetically, semisynthetically, or isolated from natural sources can exist as a mixture of two or even three forms or can exist predominantly as just one. Various biochemical and structural studies on PBD-DNA adducts have suggested that the molecules locate themselves with their N10-position pointing toward the floor of the minor groove. A further important feature of the PBDs is that they interact selectively with specific DNA sequences. A significant effort has also been made to increase the base-pair span and sequence-selectivity of PBD molecules so that they might be used as gene-targeting agents in biological experiments and possibly as therapeutic agents.

Structure-activity relationships of monomeric C2-aryl pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) antitumor agents

A comprehensive SAR investigation of the C2-position of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) monomer antitumor agents is reported, establishing the molecular requirements for optimal in vitro cytotoxicity and DNA-binding affinity. Both carbocyclic and heterocyclic C2-aryl substituents have been studied ranging from single aryl rings to fused ring systems, and also styryl substituents, establishing across a library of 80 analogues that C2-aryl and styryl substituents significantly enhance both DNA-binding affinity and in vitro cytotoxicity, with a correlation between the two. The optimal C2-grouping for both DNA-binding affinity and cytotoxicity was found to be the C2-quinolinyl moiety which, according to molecular modeling, is due to the overall fit of the molecule in the DNA minor groove, and potential specific contacts with functional groups in the floor and walls of the groove. This analogue (14l) was shown to delay tumor growth in a HCT-116 (bowel) human tumor xenograft model.

Investigation of the protein alkylation sites of the STAT3:STAT3 inhibitor Stattic by mass spectrometry

STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription factor 3) is constitutively active in a wide range of human tumours. Stattic is one of the first non-peptidic small molecules reported to inhibit formation of the STAT3:STAT3 protein dimer complex. A mass spectrometry method has been developed to investigate the binding of Stattic to the un-phosphorylated STAT3βtc (U-STAT3) protein. Alkylation of four cysteine residues has been observed with possible reaction at a fifth which could account for the mechanism of action.

Optimization of the Antitumor Activity of Sequence-specific Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Derivatives Based on their Affinity for ABC Transporters

Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) derivatives are highly potent sequence-specific DNA cross-linking agents. The present study aimed to identify key physicochemical properties influencing the interaction of a series of PBDs (four dimers and 12 monomers) with the three major human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters (P-gp, ABCG2, and MRP1). Isogenic cell lines expressing P-gp and ABCG2, cell lines with acquired resistance to cytotoxic agents due to the high expression of ABC transporters, and specific inhibitors against P-gp, ABCG2, and MRP1 were used. P-gp and ABCG2 decreased the permeability of the PBD dimers across cell membranes and their interaction with DNA, reducing DNA damage and the overall cytotoxic effect. PBD monomer SG-2823 formed a conjugate with glutathione and interacted with MRP1, reducing its cytotoxic effect in A549 cells. Structure–activity relationship revealed that the interaction of PBDs with the transporters could be predicted considering the molecular weight, the lipophilicity, the number of (N + O) atoms and aromatic rings, the polar surface area, the hydrogen bonding energy, and electrophilic centers. A rational design of novel PBDs with increased potency and reduced interaction with the ABC transporters is proposed.

A novel small-molecule inhibitor of IL-6 signalling

A small library of pyrrolidinesulphonylaryl molecules has been synthesized via an efficient 4-step route, and members evaluated for their ability to inhibit IL-6 signalling. One molecule (6a) was found to have promising activity against IL-6/STAT3 signalling at the low micromolar level, and to selectively inhibit phosphorylation of STAT3 (but not STAT1) in IL-6 stimulated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and HeLa cell lines. It was also selectively cytostatic in MDA-MB-231 (STAT3-dependent) versus A4 (STAT3-null) cells suggesting STAT3-specific inhibitory properties.

Tetracycline analogues with a selective inhibitory effect on HIF-1α

As part of a programme to discover novel transcription factor inhibitors, a 40-membered library of tetracycline analogues was screened to identify potential HIF-1 inhibitors. Two novel analogues (5b and 5c) with significant HIF-1 modulation properties were identified. These molecules possess good cellular penetration properties, and provide significant down-regulation of VEGF in U251 cells.

Pre-clinical pharmacology and mechanism of action of SG3199, the pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer warhead component of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) payload tesirine

Synthetic pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimers, where two PBD monomers are linked through their aromatic A-ring phenolic C8-positions via a flexible propyldioxy tether, are highly efficient DNA minor groove cross-linking agents with potent cytotoxicity. PBD dimer SG3199 is the released warhead component of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) payload tesirine (SG3249), currently being evaluated in several ADC clinical trials. SG3199 was potently cytotoxic against a panel of human solid tumour and haematological cancer cell lines with a mean GI50 of 151.5 pM. Cells defective in DNA repair protein ERCC1 or homologous recombination repair showed increased sensitivity to SG3199 and the drug was only moderately susceptible to multidrug resistance mechanisms. SG3199 was highly efficient at producing DNA interstrand cross-links in naked linear plasmid DNA and dose-dependent cross-linking was observed in cells. Cross-links formed rapidly in cells and persisted over 36 hours. Following intravenous (iv) administration to rats SG3199 showed a very rapid clearance with a half life as short as 8 minutes. These combined properties of cytotoxic potency, rapid formation and persistence of DNA interstrand cross-links and very short half-life contribute to the emerging success of SG3199 as a warhead in clinical stage ADCs.

Abstract 5454: Novel STAT3:STAT3 small-molecule inhibitors as potential anticancer agents

Transcription factors are important targets for cancer therapy. The inhibition of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) within signalling pathways known to be key regulators of transcriptional activity is a viable approach to novel chemotherapeutic strategies. Proof-of-concept studies in cell-culture and animal models have validated the potential of small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 signalling in cancer therapy. In particular, the protein-protein interaction between two STAT3 monomers (i.e., the dimerisation event in the signalling cascade) has been identified as a valid target to inhibit DNA-binding and the resultant transcriptional activation. Of the approximately 20 small-molecule STAT3 inhibitors reported in the literature to date, only three are described as potential STAT3:STAT3 dimerisation inhibitors, and these have IC 50 values in STAT3-expressing cell lines of between 10-90 μM. Using in silico and medicinal chemistry-based approaches based on a published X-Ray structure of STAT3 (PDB: ID-1BG1) to identify “hit” inhibitors, a focussed library (approx. 50 members) was designed around one such “hit” and synthesized employing an efficient 4-step linear approach. Library members were then entered into a screening cascade involving initial evaluation of their ability to inhibit STAT3:STAT3 interaction in a Fluorescent Polarisation (FP)-based primary PPI binding assay. “Hit” molecules from this primary assay were then studied in two cell-based assays designed to test for STAT3 selectivity. The first was a comparative MTS assay between STAT3-expressing MDA MB231 breast cancer cells and STAT3-null colon A4 cells. The second was a luciferase reporter assay designed to measure transcription inhibition in STAT3-Luc-transformed Hela cells compared to SV40-Luc-transformed Hela control cells. A potential “lead” molecule, RH06, emerged from this screening cascade with potentially selective STAT3 inhibitory activity in the low micromolar (i.e., ∼1 µM) region. RH06 is currently being studied for its effect on STAT3 and pSTAT3 signal activation, and its potentially differential effect on upstream and downstream mediators (i.e., JAK2, Bcl-xl, Cyclin D1 and pSTAT1). Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5454.