Modulation of Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced NF‐κB Signaling Pathway by 635 nm Irradiation via Heat Shock Protein 27 in Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells

Heat shock protein‐27 (HSP27) is a member of the small HSP family which has been linked to the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway regulating inflammatory responses. Clinical reports have suggested that low‐level light therapy/laser irradiation (LLLT) could be an effective alternative treatment to relieve inflammation during bacterial infection associated with periodontal disease. However, it remains unclear how light irradiation can modulate the NF‐κB signaling pathway. We examined whether or not 635 nm irradiation could lead to a modulation of the NF‐kB signaling pathway in HSP27‐silenced cells and analyzed the functional cross‐talk between these factors in NF‐κB activation. The results showed that 635 nm irradiation led to a decrease in the HSP27 phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, I‐κB kinase (IKK)/inhibitor of κB (IκB)/NF‐κB phosphorylation, NF‐κB p65 translocation and a subsequent decrease in the COX‐1/2 expression and prostaglandin (PGE₂) release in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐induced human gingival fibroblast cells (hGFs). However, in HSP27‐silenced hGFs, no obvious changes were observed in ROS generation, IKK/IκB/NF‐κB phosphorylation, NF‐κB p65 translocation, nor in COX‐1/2 expression, or PGE₂ release. This could be a mechanism by which 635 nm irradiation modulates LPS‐induced NF‐κB signaling pathway via HSP27 in inflammation. Thus, HSP27 may play a role in regulating the anti‐inflammatory response of LLLT.     

A Synthetic Loop Replacement Peptide That Blocks Canonical NF‐κB Signaling

Aberrant canonical NF‐κB signaling is implicated in diseases from autoimmune disorders to cancer. A major therapeutic challenge is the need for selective inhibition of the canonical pathway without impacting the many non‐canonical NF‐κB functions. Here we show that a selective peptide‐based inhibitor of canonical NF‐κB signaling, in which a hydrogen bond in the NBD peptide is synthetically replaced by a non‐labile bond, shows an about 10‐fold increased potency relative to the original inhibitor. Not only is this molecule, NBD2, a powerful tool for dissection of canonical NF‐κB signaling in disease models and healthy tissues, the success of the synthetic loop replacement suggests that the general strategy could be useful for discovering modulators of the many protein–protein interactions mediated by such structures.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization and Diels–Alder Reaction of 1,4,9‐Dienyne Esters to 3 a,6‐Methanoisoindole Esters with Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokine Antagonist Activity

A synthetic method to prepare 3a,6‐methanoisoindole esters efficiently by gold(I)‐catalyzed tandem 1,2‐acyloxy migration/Nazarov cyclization followed by Diels–Alder reaction of 1,4,9‐dienyne esters is described. We also report the ability of one example to inhibit binding of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) to the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) site and TNF‐α‐induced nuclear factor κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation in cell at a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 6.6 μM . Along with this is a study showing the isoindolyl derivative to exhibit low toxicity toward human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells and its possible mode of activity based on molecular modeling analysis.     

Discovery of Cell‐Permeable Inhibitors That Target the BRCT Domain of BRCA1 Protein by Using a Small‐Molecule Microarray

BRCTs are phosphoserine‐binding domains found in proteins involved in DNA repair, DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation. BRCA1 is a BRCT domain‐containing, tumor‐suppressing protein expressed in the cells of breast and other human tissues. Mutations in BRCA1 have been found in ca. 50 % of hereditary breast cancers. Cell‐permeable, small‐molecule BRCA1 inhibitors are promising anticancer agents, but are not available currently. Herein, with the assist of microarray‐based platforms, we have discovered the first cell‐permeable protein–protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors against BRCA1. By targeting the (BRCT)₂ domain, we showed compound 15 a and its prodrug 15 b inhibited BRCA1 activities in tumor cells, sensitized these cells to ionizing radiation‐induced apoptosis, and showed synergistic inhibitory effect when used in combination with Olaparib (a small‐molecule inhibitor of poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase) and Etoposide (a small‐molecule inhibitor of topoisomerase II). Unlike previously reported peptide‐based PPI inhibitors of BRCA1, our compounds are small‐molecule‐like and could be directly administered to tumor cells, thus making them useful for future studies of BRCA1/PARP‐related pathways in DNA damage and repair response, and in cancer therapy.     

Synthesis,Cytotoxic Evaluation,and In Silico Studies of 4‐Substituted Coumarins

Two series of coumarins possessing the aniline‐ and heterocyclic ring at 4^th position have been synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 cancer cell line in MTT assay. Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies reveal that the electron donor group at position‐8 of coumarin played an important role in cytotoxic activity. Compound VIId showed the potent cytotoxic activity followed by compound Xa with IC₅₀ = 6.25 and 6.50 μM, respectively. A docking study has also been carried out for the most potent compound to get an insight into molecular interactions with p50 subunit of NF‐κB protein.     

Discovery of a Prenylated Flavonol Derivative as a Pin1 Inhibitor to Suppress Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating MicroRNA Biogenesis

Peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase Pin1 plays a crucial role in the development of human cancers. Recently, we have disclosed that Pin1 regulates the biogenesis of miRNA, which is aberrantly expressed in HCC and promotes HCC progression, indicating the therapeutic role of Pin1 in HCC therapy. Here, 7‐(benzyloxy)‐3,5‐dihydroxy‐2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐8‐(3‐methylbut‐2‐en‐1‐yl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one ( AF‐39 ) was identified as a novel Pin1 inhibitor. Biochemical tests indicate that AF‐39 potently inhibits Pin1 activity with an IC₅₀ values of 1.008 μm , and also displays high selectivity for Pin1 among peptidyl prolyl isomerases. Furthermore, AF‐39 significantly suppresses cell proliferation of HCC cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, AF‐39 regulates the subcellular distribution of XPO5 and increases miRNAs biogenesis in HCC cells. This work provides a promising lead compound for HCC treatment, highlighting the therapeutic potential of miRNA‐based therapy against human cancer.     

Steering Siglec–Sialic Acid Interactions on Living Cells using Bioorthogonal Chemistry

Sialic acid sugars that terminate cell‐surface glycans form the ligands for the sialic acid binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Siglec) family, which are immunomodulatory receptors expressed by immune cells. Interactions between sialic acid and Siglecs regulate the immune system, and aberrations contribute to pathologies like autoimmunity and cancer. Sialic acid/Siglec interactions between living cells are difficult to study owing to a lack of specific tools. Here, we report a glycoengineering approach to remodel the sialic acids of living cells and their binding to Siglecs. Using bioorthogonal chemistry, a library of cells with more than sixty different sialic acid modifications was generated that showed dramatically increased binding toward the different Siglec family members. Rational design reduced cross‐reactivity and led to the discovery of three selective Siglec‐5/14 ligands. Furthermore, glycoengineered cells carrying sialic acid ligands for Siglec‐3 dampened the activation of Siglec‐3⁺ monocytic cells through the NF‐κB and IRF pathways.     

Pin1 and Par14 peptidyl prolyl isomerase inhibitors block cell proliferation

Disruption of the parvulin family peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase) Pin1 gene delays reentry into the cell cycle when quiescent primary mouse embryo fibroblasts are stimulated with serum. Since Pin1 regulates cell cycle progression, a Pin1 inhibitor would be expected to block cell proliferation. To identify such inhibitors, we screened a chemical compound library for molecules that inhibited human Pin1 PPIase activity in vitro. We found a set of compounds that inhibited Pin1 PPIase activity in vitro with low microM IC50s and inhibited the growth of several cancer lines. Among the inhibitors, PiB, diethyl-1,3,6,8-tetrahydro-1,3,6,8-tetraoxobenzo[lmn] phenanthroline-2,7-diacetate ethyl 1,3,6,8-tetrahydro-1,3,6,8-tetraoxo-benzo[lmn] phenanthroline-(2H,7H)-diacetate, had the least nonspecific toxicity. These results suggest that Pin1 inhibitors could be used as a novel type of anticancer drug that acts by blocking cell cycle progression.     

Synthesis of Indomorphan Pseudo‐Natural Product Inhibitors of Glucose Transporters GLUT‐1 and ‐3

Bioactive compound design based on natural product (NP) structure may be limited because of partial coverage of NP‐like chemical space and biological target space. These limitations can be overcome by combining NP‐centered strategies with fragment‐based compound design through combination of NP‐derived fragments to afford structurally unprecedented “pseudo‐natural products” (pseudo‐NPs). The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a collection of indomorphan pseudo‐NPs that combine biosynthetically unrelated indole‐ and morphan‐alkaloid fragments are described. Indomorphane derivative Glupin was identified as a potent inhibitor of glucose uptake by selectively targeting and upregulating glucose transporters GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐3. Glupin suppresses glycolysis, reduces the levels of glucose‐derived metabolites, and attenuates the growth of various cancer cell lines. Our findings underscore the importance of dual GLUT‐1 and GLUT‐3 inhibition to efficiently suppress tumor cell growth and the cellular rescue mechanism, which counteracts glucose scarcity.     

Discovery of New Thioviridamide‐Like Compounds with Antitumor Activities

Thioviridamide is a structurally unique compound with potent antitumor activity. The biosynthesis of thioviridamide follows a typical pathway as ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides, making the genome mining‐based discovery of thioviridamide‐like compounds rational. Taking advantage of the linkage between the precursor peptide and the metabolite skeleton, we identified a new biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces sp. NRRL S‐87 that could encode thioviridamide analogues. Overexpression of the whole gene cluster led to the isolation and structure elucidation of TVA‐YJ‐4 and TVA‐YJ‐5, two novel thioviridamide‐like compounds featuring N‐terminal capping groups. Chemical screening of the fermentation extracts also detected TVA‐YJ‐6, another new thioviridamide‐like compound with representative methionine sulfoxide. Detailed analysis further revealed that these structural modifications were introduced during the compound extraction process instead of through genuine enzymatic reactions. TVA‐YJ‐4 and TVA‐YJ‐5 display slightly reduced cytotoxic activities against a panel of tumor cell lines in comparison with their parental natural product, TVA‐YJ‐2. Our work will expand the membership of this rare class of compounds and promote related biosynthetic studies.     

A Photoactive Carbon‐Monoxide‐Releasing Protein Cage for Dose‐Regulated Delivery in Living Cells

Protein cages can serve as bioinorganic molecular templates for functionalizing metal compounds to regulate cellular signaling. We succeeded in developing a photoactive CO‐releasing system by constructing a composite of ferritin (Fr) containing manganese–carbonyl complexes. When Arg52 adjacent to Cys48 of Fr is replaced with Cys, the Fr mutant stabilizes the retention of 48 Mn–carbonyl moieties, which can release the CO ligands under light irradiation, although wild‐type Fr retains very few Mn moieties. The amount of released CO is regulated by the extent of irradiation. This could reveal an optimized dose for cooperatively activating the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) in mammalian cells and the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). These results suggest that construction of a CO‐releasing protein cage will advance of research in CO biology.     

Cimicifoetones A and B,Dimeric Prenylindole Alkaloids as Black Pigments of Cimicifuga foetida

Two dimeric prenylindole alkaloids with a unique indole‐benzoindolequinone skeleton, cimicifoetones A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), were isolated as black pigments from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida . The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including HRMS and 2D NMR, as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and computational chemical modeling techniques. Cimicifoetones A and B represented the first examples of dimeric indole alkaloids generated through [4+2] Diels–Alder cycloaddition between the prenyl side chain in one 3‐prenylindole and the aromatic ring in another. The two compounds showed promising anti‐proliferative activity on seven tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the range of 1.36–21.09 μm . Flow cytometric and western blot analysis revealed that compound 2 induced cell apoptosis via death receptor‐mediated extrinsic and mitochondrial‐mediated intrinsic pathways.     

Modulation of Photochemical Damage in Normal and Malignant Cells by Naturally Occurring Compounds†

Certain phytochemicals, such as the stilbene, resveratrol (RES, found in red grapes and berries), and the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA, found in waxy berries and herbs such as rosemary and oregano), have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Two human‐derived cell lines, hTERT‐RPE with a nonmalignant phenotype derived from retinal pigment epithelium, and ATCC CRL‐11147 derived from a malignant skin melanoma, were used as in vitro models of photooxidative stress produced by exposure to the broadband output of a 150 W Hg vapor arc lamp at an irradiance of 19–26 mW cm^?2. In untreated cells, UV–VIS broadband light exposure produced a loss of proliferative ability, an activation of NF‐κB and an increase in protein carbonyl adducts at 24 h postexposure. Pretreatment of the cells with RES or UA at 1–2 μm significantly reduced the amount of phosphorylated NF ‐κB at 24 h postexposure. RES pretreatment reduced the burden of light‐induced protein carbonyl adducts by up to 25% in exposed cells. UA treatment markedly increased the sensitivity of melanoma cells to UV radiation, while conferring some photoprotection to RPE cells. These observations indicate that phytochemicals modulate the cellular response to photochemical stress by interacting with specific cell‐signaling pathways.     

Bioactivity‐based ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐coupled quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for NF‐κB inhibitors identification in Chinese Medicinal Preparation Bufei Granule

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have become effective treatments for many diseases. However, their active ingredients are still uncertain and difficult to identify. In this study, we propose a strategy that integrates ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS) and bioactive (NF‐κB inhibitor) luciferase reporter assay systems for the rapid determination of various anti‐inflammatory compounds of TCM preparations. In this way, Bufei Granule (BFG), a TCM preparation used for the clinical therapy of asthma, was analyzed by the two ways of component identification and activity detection. Potential anti‐inflammatory constituents were screened by NF‐κB activity assay systems and simultaneously identified according to the mass spectrometry data. Three structural types of NF‐κB inhibitors (caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and Pentacyclic triterpenes) were characterized. Further cytokine detection confirmed the anti‐inflammatory effects of the potential NF‐κB inhibitors. Compared with conventional chromatographic separation and inhibitory activity detection, integrating UPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS identification and virtual validation was more convenient and more reliable. This strategy clearly demonstrates that MS data‐based fingerprinting is a meaningful tool not only in identifying constituents in complex matrix but also in directly screening for powerful trace ingredients in TCM preparations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development of a Terpenoid Alkaloid‐like Compound Library Based on the Humulene Skeleton

Many natural terpenoid alkaloid conjugates show biological activity because their structures contain both sp³‐rich terpenoid scaffolds and nitrogen‐containing alkaloid scaffolds. However, their biosynthesis utilizes a limited set of compounds as sources of the terpenoid moiety. The production of terpenoid alkaloids containing various types of terpenoid moiety may provide useful, chemically diverse compound libraries for drug discovery. Herein, we report the construction of a library of terpenoid alkaloid‐like compounds based on Lewis‐acid‐catalyzed transannulation of humulene diepoxide and subsequent sequential olefin metathesis. Cheminformatic analysis quantitatively showed that the synthesized terpenoid alkaloid‐like compound library has a high level of three‐dimensional‐shape diversity. Extensive pharmacological screening of the library has led to the identification of promising compounds for the development of antihypolipidemic drugs. Therefore, the synthesis of terpenoid alkaloid‐like compound libraries based on humulene is well suited to drug discovery. Synthesis of terpenoid alkaloid‐like compounds based on several natural terpenoids is an effective strategy for producing chemically diverse libraries.     

New and Bioactive Sesquiterpenes from Schisandra sphenanthera

Three new sesquiterpenes, schisansphenins A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) and (?)‐γ‐cuparenol ( 3 ), were isolated from an acetone extract of the fruits of Schisandra sphenanthera. The known compound 4 was isolated for the frist time from a natural source. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, particularly 2D‐NMR experiments (¹H,¹H‐COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). A plausible biogenetic pathway for schisansphenin B ( 2 ) is proposed. Compounds 2 and 3 significantly reduced activation of NF‐AT and NF‐κB in the luciferase‐reporter assay.     

Clerodane Diterpenoids from an Edible Plant Justicia insularis: Discovery,Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis Induction in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Objectives: The toxicity of chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs is a serious issue in clinics. Drug discovery from edible and medicinal plants represents a promising approach towards finding safer anticancer therapeutics. Justicia insularis T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) is an edible and medicinal plant in Nigeria. This study aims to discover cytotoxic compounds from this rarely explored J. insularis and investigate their underlying mechanism of action. Methods: The cytotoxicity of the plant extract was evaluated in human ovarian cancer cell lines and normal human ovarian surface epithelia (HOE) cells using a sulforhodamine B assay. Bioassay-guided isolation was carried out using column chromatography including HPLC, and the isolated natural products were characterized using GC-MS, LC-HRMS, and 1D/2D NMR techniques. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated using Caspase 3/7, 8, and 9, and Annexin V and PI based flow cytometry assays. SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction web tools were used to predict the molecular properties and possible protein targets of identified active compounds. Key finding: The two cytotoxic compounds were identified as clerodane diterpenoids: 16(α/β)-hydroxy-cleroda-3,13(14)Z-dien-15,16-olide (1) and 16-oxo-cleroda-3,13(14)E-dien-15-oic acid (2) from the Acanthaceous plant for the first time. Compound 1 was a very abundant compound (0.7% per dry weight of plant material) and was shown to be more potent than compound 2 with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range against OVCAR-4 and OVCAR-8 cancer cells. Compounds 1 and 2 were less cytotoxic to HOE cell line. Both compounds induced apoptosis by increasing caspase 3/7 activities in a concentration dependent manner. Compound 1 further increased caspase 8 and 9 activities and apoptosis cell populations. Compounds 1 and 2 are both drug like, and compound 1 may target various proteins including a kinase. Conclusions: Clerodane diterpenoids (1 and 2) in J. insularis were identified as cytotoxic to ovarian cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis, providing an abundant and valuable source of hit compounds for the treatment of ovarian cancer.     

A Chemical Inhibitor of the Skp2/p300 Interaction that Promotes p53‐Mediated Apoptosis

Skp2 is thought to have two critical roles in tumorigenesis. As part of the SCF^Skp2 ubiquitin ligase, Skp2 drives the cell cycle by mediating the degradation of cell cycle proteins. Besides the proteolytic activity, Skp2 also blocks p53‐mediated apoptosis by outcompeting p53 for binding p300. Herein, we exploit the Skp2/p300 interaction as a new target for Skp2 inhibition. An affinity‐based high‐throughput screen of a combinatorial cyclic peptoid library identified an inhibitor that binds to Skp2 and interferes with the Skp2/p300 interaction. We show that antagonism of the Skp2/p300 interaction by the inhibitor leads to p300‐mediated p53 acetylation, resulting in p53‐mediated apoptosis in cancer cells, without affecting Skp2 proteolytic activity. Our results suggest that inhibition of the Skp2/p300 interaction has a great potential as a new anticancer strategy, and our Skp2 inhibitor can be developed as a chemical probe to delineate Skp2 non‐proteolytic function in tumorigenesis.