Academic literature on the topic 'Purine and pyrimidine as therapeutic agents in cancer'

Peptide nucleic acids (PNA) are synthetic analog of DNA with a repeating N-(2-aminoethyl)-glycine peptide backbone connected to purine and pyrimidine nucleobases via a linker. Considering the unique properties of PNA, including resistance to enzymatic digestion, higher biostability combined with great hybridization affinity toward DNA and RNA, it has attracted great attention toward PNA- based technology as a promising approach for gene alteration. However, an important challenge in utilizing PNA is poor intracellular uptake. Therefore, some strategies have been developed to enhance the delivery of PNA in order to reach cognate site. Although PNAs primarily demonstrated to act as an antisense and antigene agents for inhibition of transcription and translation of target genes, more therapeutic applications such as splicing modulation and gene editing are also used to produce specific genome modifications. Hence, several approaches based on PNAs technology have been designed for these purposes. This review briefly presents the properties and characteristics of PNA as well as different gene modulation mechanisms. Thereafter, current status of successful therapeutic applications of PNA as gene therapeutic intervention in different research areas with special interest in medical application in particular, anti-cancer therapy are discussed. Then it focuses on possible use of PNA as anti-mir agent and PNA-based strategies against clinically important bacteria.

ObjectiveMedical personnel using radiation for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes are potentially at risk of cancer development. In this study, the effect of ionising radiation (IR) exposure was evaluated as DNA damage response (DDR) in the circulating cells of occupationally exposed subjects.MethodsThe study population consisted of IR-exposed workers included both in group B (effective dose ranging between 0.04 and 6 mSv/year) and group A (probable effective dose exceeding 6 mSv/year), and the control group consisted of healthy individuals who had never been occupationally exposed to IR or other known carcinogenic agents. DNA damage (single-strand breaks, oxidised purine and pyrimidine bases) and DNA repair (t1/2, half time to repair DNA damage, amount of repaired DNA and DNA repair activity) were measured in lymphocytes using the comet assay. To evaluate the influence of IR doses and genetic predisposition to cancer, the enrolled population was stratified according to IR exposure level and family history of cancer.ResultsIncreased DNA repair activity was found in IR-exposed group, and only subjects highly exposed to IR doses accumulated DNA damage in their circulating cells, thus supporting the hypothesis of ‘radiation hormesis’. A significant increase in DNA damage accumulation and a reduced 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1-dependent DNA repair activity were found in IR-exposed subjects with cancer cases across their family.ConclusionOur results indicate that chronic exposure to a low dose of IR in occupational settings induces DDR in exposed subjects and may be mutagenic in workers with family history of cancer, suggesting that periodic surveillance might be advisable, along with exposure monitoring.

Adenosine 5′-triphosphate acts as an extracellular signalling molecule (purinergic signalling), as well as an intracellular energy source. Adenosine 5′-triphosphate receptors have been cloned and characterised. P1 receptors are selective for adenosine, a breakdown product of adenosine 5′-triphosphate after degradation by ectonucleotidases. Four subtypes are recognised, A1, A2A, A2B and A3 receptors. P2 receptors are activated by purine and by pyrimidine nucleotides. P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channel receptors (seven subunits (P2X1-7)), which form trimers as both homomultimers and heteromultimers. P2Y receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (eight subtypes (P2Y1/2/4/6/11/12/13/14)). There is both purinergic short-term signalling and long-term (trophic) signalling. The cloning of P2X-like receptors in primitive invertebrates suggests that adenosine 5′-triphosphate is an early evolutionary extracellular signalling molecule. Selective purinoceptor agonists and antagonists with therapeutic potential have been developed for a wide range of diseases, including thrombosis and stroke, dry eye, atherosclerosis, kidney failure, osteoporosis, bladder incontinence, colitis, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

The current study was designed to identify new compounds as potential antiproliferative drug candidates. Synthesis of heteroaromatic bicyclic and monocyclic derivatives as purine bioisosters was employed. Their antiproliferative activity was studied against U937 cancer cells. The most effective compounds were evaluated for their selectivity against cancer cells, the possible mechanism of cell death, and their interference with DNA replication. Among the synthesized compounds, only three (4b, 4j and 4l) demonstrated a value of IC50 less than 20 μM. However, two of them (4b and 4l) were specific against cancer cells, with 4l presenting high selectivity. The presence of substituted pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidine core is as essential for this activity as the presence of substituents at the thiol function in 6-position.

Abstract Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a uniformly fatal pediatric cancer that is in need of urgent “outside the box” therapeutic approaches. Recent studies show that tumor cells adapt to stresses created by oncogenic mutations and these oncogene-induced adaptations create vulnerabilities that can be exploited to therapeutic ends. To uncover these oncogene-induced vulnerabilities in DMGs we conducted a genome-wide CRIPSR knockout screen in three DMG lines. The top common DMG dependency pathway that we discovered is de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Under normal conditions pyrimidine nucleotide needs are met through the salvage pathway. However, in DMG tumorigenesis, pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis is rewired such that the cells become dependent on the de novo biosynthesis pathway. De novo pyrimidine synthesis is catalyzed by CAD, DHODH and UMPS; all three genes are identified as dependencies in our screen and have been validated using shRNA mediated gene knockdown. Interestingly, DMG cells did not exhibit a dependency on the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway. Using a small molecule inhibitor of DHODH, BAY2402234 [currently studied in phase I trial for myeloid malignancies (NCT03404726)], we have demonstrated and validated, (i) efficacy and specificity of de novo pyrimidine synthesis inhibition in vitro in DMG cells; (ii) de novo pyrimidine addiction is not attributable to cell proliferation; (iii) DHODH inhibition induces apoptosis by hindering replication and inciting DNA damage; (iv) DHODH and ATR inhibition act synergistically to induce DMG cell death; and (v) critical in vivo efficacy. The in vivo experiment documents that BAY2402234 crosses the blood-brain barrier, is present in the brain at therapeutically relevant concentrations, suppresses de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in intracranial DMG tumors in mice, and prolongs survival of orthotopic DMG tumor bearing mice. Taken together, our studies have identified a novel metabolic vulnerability that can be translated for the treatment of DMG patients.

Abstract Introduction. Novel agents have improved the prognosis of multiple myeloma. However, side effects of novel agents have been a huge issue for especially elderly and frail patients. Additionally, despite the high remission rate by novel agents, multiple myeloma is still an incurable disease. In order to improve those issues, it is necessary to develop a new therapeutic strategy which is highly specific to myeloma cells and which targets a different pathway from the present anti-myeloma agents used in the clinic. In the present study, we attempt to identify a specific molecule which is specifically expressed in plasma cells and myeloma cells, and to examine whether it can be a novel target for multiple myeloma therapy. Materials and methods. A public available gene expression website GenomicScape (http://www.genomicscape.com/) and Genevestigator (https://genevestigator.com/gv/index.jsp) were utilized in order to study genes specifically expressed in human plasma cells and myeloma cells. To examine gene expression in myeloma cell lines, we utilized the gene expression data set of multiple cancer cell lines from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE: http://www.broadinstitute.org/ccle). AMPD1 (AMP deaminase 1) gene expression in normal leukocytes and hematological malignancies were analyzed by RT-PCR. AMPD1 protein expression was analyzed by westernblot and immunohistochemistry. Genes co-expressed with AMPD1 in human myeloma cells were identified using public available gene expression datasets (GSE 4581, GSE 9782). Molecular pathways associated with genes co-expressed with AMPD1 were analyzed using Molecular Signatures Database (http://software.broadinstitute.org/gsea/msigdb/index.jsp). Cell viability of myeloma cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated by AMPD inhibitors (compound #3, #4) (Admyre T et al. Chemistry & Biology. 2014; 21: 1486-1496.) were analyzed using 7AAD dye and flow-cytometry. Results. Public gene expression screening analysis identified several genes specifically expressed in human plasma cells and myeloma cells. Among the identified genes, we focused on AMPD1, which has not been previously studied in multiple myeloma. CCLE analysis and RT-PCR analysis showed that AMPD1 is specifically expressed in bone marrow plasma cells, myeloma cell lines and patient derived myeloma cells. AMPD1 protein expression was limited to myeloma cell lines, human bone marrow myeloma cells and extramedullary plasmacytomas. Genes co-expressed with AMPD1 in human myeloma cells were associated with hypoxic pathways. Myeloma cell lines cultured under hypoxic condition had significantly higher AMPD1 expression compared to cell lines cultured under normoxic condition. AMPD inhibitors induced cell death in myeloma cell lines from around 50 uM, while the effect against PBMCs were minimal. AMPD inhibitors were more effective against myeloma cell lines under hypoxic condition compared to normoxic condition, reflecting the higher AMPD1 expression under hypoxia. Conclusions. AMPD1 is a purine metabolic enzyme that converts adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to inosine monophosphate (IMP), freeing ammonia during the process. AMPD1 has been previously reported that its expression is limited to skeletal muscles. This is the first report so far that among leukocytes and hematological malignancies, AMPD1 is specifically expressed in bone marrow plasma cells and myeloma cells. We also showed that AMPD1 expression in myeloma cells are increased under hypoxia. This indicates that AMPD1 plays a significant role in myeloma cells surviving under hypoxic conditions such as the bone marrow microenvironment. AMPD inhibitors showed cytotoxicity on myeloma cell lines in vitro, while PBMCs were not affected. Additionally, AMPD inhibitors were more effective under hypoxic condition, suggesting that AMPD1 inhibition works more specifically in the bone marrow microenvironment. Our report raise the possibility that AMPD1 inhibition can be a novel therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma. Detailed analysis of myeloma cell death by AMPD1 inhibition is now undergoing. Disclosures Matsuoka: Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding.

The immune system plays a major role in the surveillance and control of malignant cells, with the presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlating with better patient prognosis in multiple tumor types. The development of ‘checkpoint blockade’ and adoptive cellular therapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment and highlights the potential of utilizing the patient’s own immune system to eradicate cancer. One mechanism of tumor-mediated immunosuppression that has gained attention as a potential therapeutic target is the purinergic signaling axis, whereby the production of the purine nucleoside adenosine in the tumor microenvironment can potently suppress T and NK cell function. The production of extracellular adenosine is mediated by the cell surface ectoenzymes CD73, CD39, and CD38 and therapeutic agents have been developed to target these as well as the downstream adenosine receptors (A1R, A2AR, A2BR, A3R) to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. This review will discuss the role of adenosine and adenosine receptor signaling in tumor and immune cells with a focus on their cell-specific function and their potential as targets in cancer immunotherapy.

AbstractFolate-mediated one carbon (1C) metabolism supports a series of processes that are essential for the cell. Through a number of interlinked reactions happening in the cytosol and mitochondria of the cell, folate metabolism contributes to de novo purine and thymidylate synthesis, to the methionine cycle and redox defence. Targeting the folate metabolism gave rise to modern chemotherapy, through the introduction of antifolates to treat paediatric leukaemia. Since then, antifolates, such as methotrexate and pralatrexate have been used to treat a series of blood cancers in clinic. However, traditional antifolates have many deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissue, highlighting the urgent need for novel strategies to more selectively target 1C metabolism. Notably, mitochondrial 1C enzymes have been shown to be significantly upregulated in various cancers, making them attractive targets for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents. In this article, we present a detailed overview of folate-mediated 1C metabolism, its importance on cellular level and discuss how targeting folate metabolism has been exploited in blood cancers. Additionally, we explore possible therapeutic strategies that could overcome the limitations of traditional antifolates.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure have been recognized as independent risk factors for the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their combined impacts and the potential metabolic mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Here, a comprehensive non-targeted metabolomic study was performed following AFB1 exposed to Hep3B cells at two different doses: 16 μM and 32 μM. The metabolites were identified and quantified by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based strategy. A total of 2679 metabolites were identified, and 392 differential metabolites were quantified among three groups. Pathway analysis indicated that dynamic metabolic reprogramming was induced by AFB1 and various pathways changed significantly, including purine and pyrimidine metabolism, hexosamine pathway and sialylation, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, the alteration of purine and pyrimidine metabolism and decrease of hexosamine pathways and sialylation with AFB1 exposure have not been reported. The results indicated that our metabolomic strategy is powerful to investigate the metabolome change of any stimulates due to its high sensitivity, high resolution, rapid separation, and good metabolome coverage. Besides, these findings provide an overview of the metabolic mechanisms of the AFB1 combined with HBV and new insight into the toxicological mechanism of AFB1. Thus, targeting these metabolic pathways may be an approach to prevent carcinogen-induced cancer, and these findings may provide potential drug targets for therapeutic intervention.

Projeto de Pós-Graduação/Dissertação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciências Farmacêuticas
O conteúdo deste trabalho será desenvolvido em dois temas principais, um referente à utilização de compostos que interferem no metabolismo dos purina- e pirimidinanucleótidos como agentes antineoplásicos e outro referente à sua utilização como agentes antivirais. A síntese dos nucleótidos envolve a construção de ácidos nucleicos e a inserção dos derivados de nucleótidos noutras vias bioquímicas, sendo responsável por inúmeras funções do metabolismo celular. Existem patologias que envolvem enzimas essenciais do metabolismo dos nucleótidos, o que levou à síntese de novos fármacos. As doenças oncológicas continuam a matar milhares de pessoas e um tratamento eficaz e com sucesso tem sido um desafio. O mesmo se passa com algumas infeções virais, nomeadamente infeções provocadas pelo HIV. Para contornar os obstáculos enfrentados na terapia destas doenças têm sido usados análogos de nucleótidos e/ou nucleósidos como agentes terapêuticos. Estes têm o propósito de inibir a síntese de novo dos nucleótidos em determinadas etapas, estando envolvidos na replicação e síntese do RNA e DNA nas células em divisão. Atuam por inibição específica de enzimas no metabolismo dos nucleótidos/nucleósidos ou ainda por incorporação no DNA ou no RNA. This study will be developed into two main subjects; one related to the use of compounds which interfere with the metabolism of purine- and pyrimidine- nucleotides as antineoplastic agents; another related to their use as antiviral agents. The nucleotides’ synthesis involves the construction of nucleic acids and the introduction of the nucleotides’ derivatives into other biochemical pathways and it is responsible for numerous functions of cellular metabolism. There are pathologies involving key enzymes from the nucleotides’ metabolism, which led to the synthesis of new drugs. Cancer is a disease that continues killing thousands of people, an effective and successful treatment has been a challenge. The same happens with some viral infections, mainly infections caused by HIV. To overcome the obstacles faced in the therapy of these diseases it has been used nucleotide and/or nucleoside analogues as therapeutic agents. These agents have the purpose of inhibiting the de novo nucleotide synthesis in certain steps, by being involved in RNA and DNA replication and synthesis in dividing cells. They act by specific enzymes inhibition in nucleotide/nucleoside metabolism and by incorporation into DNA or RNA.