Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Targeted antagonist'

Cytokine based therapies can be targeted to the sites of active inflammation by modifying a given cytokine as a LAP-cytokine. IL-17A has been shown to directly contribute to pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-17F, another member of the IL-17 cytokines family shares structural homology, receptor binding and biological properties with IL-17A but is 30-100 times less potent than IL-17A. (H161R) IL-17F mutant, a natural variant of IL-17F was shown to be protective against asthma in Japanese population. In vitro, IL-17F mutant competitively inhibited wild-type IL-17F and lacked the ability to activate downstream signaling pathways. I hypothesized that (H161R) IL-17F mutant is an additional inhibitor of IL-17A and if modified as LAP-IL-17F mutant, would be an effective targeted therapy for RA. (H161R) IL-17F mutant was created by substituting nucleotide A at position 485 in the wild type IL-17F by G. In vitro assays showed that the IL-17F mutant could bind to IL-17RC but lacked the ability to stimulate IL-6 secretion in HFFF2, 3T3 and HeLa cells and phosphorylate ERK1/2 in HeLa cells. IL-17F mutant also inhibited IL-17A induced secretion of IL-6 in all these cell lines. In order to assess in vivo therapeutic efficacy of LAP-IL-17F mutant in collagen induced arthritis mice, three mouse analogues of human IL-17F mutant were developed. Of these, (Q158R) IL-17F mutant displayed IL-17 agonistic properties, (H157R) IL-17F mutant could not be expressed in vitro and the truncated IL-17F mutant could not bind to mouse IL-17RC. Investigation of in vivo expression and pharmacokinetics of intravenous hydrodynamically delivered human full-length and LAP-IL-17 plasmid DNAs in naïve SCID and C57BL/6 mice showed that human IL-17 transgene expression was detectable in mouse serum at 48 hours post-delivery. The transgene expression however declined rapidly over the next two weeks. The local expression of transgene in C57BL/6 airpouch lavage fluid was less than 5% of its systemic levels. Taken together, the findings of the study warrant an investigation of in vivo therapeutic efficacy of human (H161F) IL-17F mutant in a suitable preclinical RA model, such as RA synovium/SCID mice.

Il est largement admis qu'un cancer se développe lorsque les cellules cancéreuses échappent au contrôle du système immunitaire et que l'exploitation des défenses immunitaires afin de réactiver les cellules T endogènes anti-tumorales pourrait être une option thérapeutique pour obtenir des réponses complètes et durables.L'interféron de type I est connu pour sa puissante activité antitumorale dans les tumeurs expérimentales de la souris. En outre, il s'est avéré être une cytokine clé nécessaire à l'efficacité de nombreux agents anticancéreux ciblant non seulement les cellules cancéreuses (radiations ionisantes, produits chimiques cytostatiques, AcM...) mais aussi le système immunitaire (vaccination, cellules CAR-T...). Cependant, son utilisation n'est plus envisagée par le clinicien en raison des effets secondaires subis par les patients. Pour répondre à cette préoccupation, une technologie très prometteuse permettant la conception de molécules d'interféron ciblées et spécifiques aux cellules a été développée et l'objectif de notre travail actuel est de générer et d'évaluer pré-cliniquement des composés principaux. Pour cela, il faut s'attaquer à un certain nombre de frontières de la recherche, notamment répondre aux questions fondamentales "où" et "quand" l'interféron doit agir pour exercer son activité antitumorale, seul ou en combinaison avec les stratégies thérapeutiques susmentionnées.La question "quand" est importante car on soupçonne fortement que le moment relatif de l'action de l'interféron et de la stimulation du TCR détermine si l'effet de l'interféron est immunostimulant ou immunosuppresseur. La question "où" est évidente car elle détermine le choix de la partie ciblée des interférons modifiés. Nous savons que l'action de l'interféron sur les cellules dendritiques est nécessaire à son activité antitumorale, mais est-elle suffisante ? Une action sur les cellules T est-elle également obligatoire ? L'action de l'interféron sur les cellules tumorales ou les cellules du stroma est-elle nécessaire pour attirer les cellules immunitaires effectrices ?
It is widely accepted that a cancer develops when cancer cells escape from the control of the immune system and that harnessing the immune defences in order to reactivate endogenous anti-tumor T cells could be a therapeutic option for full and durable responses.Type I interferon is known for its potent antitumor activity in experimental mouse tumors. Furthermore, it has been shown to be a key cytokine necessary for the efficacy of many anticancer agents targeting not only cancer cells (ionising radiations, cytostatic chemicals, mAbs…) but also the immune system (vaccination, CAR-T cells…). However, its use is no longer considered by the clinician owing to the side effects experienced by the patients. To address this concern, a highly promising technology allowing the design of cell-specific targeted interferon molecules has been developed and the objective of our present work is to generate and pre-clinically evaluate lead compounds. For this, a number of research frontiers must be tackled, these include to answer to the fundamental questions 'where' and 'when' interferon must act in order to exert its antitumor activity either alone or in combination with the above-mentioned therapeutic strategies.The question 'when' is important because it is highly suspected that the relative timing of interferon action and TCR stimulation determines whether the effect of interferon is immunostimulant or immunosuppressive. The question 'where' is evident since it determines the choice of the targeting moiety of the engineered interferons. We know that the action of interferon on dendritic cells is necessary for its antitumor activity but is it sufficient? Is an action on T cells also mandatory? Is an interferon action on tumor cells or stroma cells necessary for attracting effector immune cells?

Flaviviruses are a diverse group of emerging arboviruses capable of infecting an extraordinarily broad range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Nearly half of the viruses in this rapidly expanding genus have been reported to be pathogenic for humans, as well as other vertebrates. The spectrum of human disease includes asymptomatic and febrile illnesses, rash, arthralgia, encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever. The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) has uncovered pathology in the form of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, cementing the importance of flaviviruses as emerging human pathogens. All vector-borne flaviviruses studied thus far have to overcome type I interferon (IFN) antiviral responses in order to replicate and cause disease in vertebrates. The non-structural protein NS5 is a potent and specific antagonist of IFN signaling for human pathogenic flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), and tick-borne encephalitis viruses (TBEVs). Intriguingly, each of these viruses exhibits different mechanisms of IFN antagonism, highlighting the complicated evolutionary nature of flaviviruses. This thesis work presents novel insights into the NS5-mediated antagonism of IFN signaling for several underexamined flaviviruses. Notably, all NS5 proteins examined were able to inhibit IFN-induced gene expression in a mammalian system, indicating a functional conservation of IFN antagonism for flavivirus NS5 proteins. However, mechanistically NS5 function was diverse. Of great interest, ZIKV NS5 bound to the human, but not mouse, IFN-regulated transcriptional activator STAT2 and targeted it for proteasomal degradation. This phenomenon may explain the requirement for IFN deficiency in order to observe ZIKV pathogenesis in mice. Furthermore, the mechanism of ZIKV NS5 resembles that of DENV NS5, but not that of its closer relative Spondweni virus (SPOV). However, unlike DENV NS5, ZIKV NS5 did not require the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR4 to induce STAT2 degradation. Consequently, flavivirus NS5 proteins exhibit a remarkable functional convergence in IFN antagonism, albeit by virus-specific mechanisms. The potent antagonism of human IFN responses by neglected flaviviruses such as SPOV and Usutu virus (USUV), coupled with similar ecologies to that of known human flavivirus pathogens, suggests their potential for broad emergence into the human population.

Background and rationale: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The loss of functional dopamine in the striatum is thought to be responsible for the typical symptoms of PD. Cardinal features of PD include bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, resting tremor and impairment of postural balance. This study focuses on the inhibition of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and antagonism of A2A receptors as therapeutic strategies for PD. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing mitochondrial bound isoenzyme which consists of two isoforms namely MAO-A and MAO-B. The primary function of MAO is to catalyze the oxidative deamination of dietary amines, monoamine neurotransmitters and hormones. MAO-A is responsible for the oxidative deamination of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE), while MAO-B is responsible for the oxidative deamination of dopamine (DA). The formation of DA takes place in the presynaptic neuron where it is stored in vesicles and released into the presynaptic cleft. The released DA then either binds to D1 and D2 receptors which results in an effector response. The excess DA in the presynaptic cleft is metabolized by MAO-B which may result in the formation of free radicals and a decrease in DA concentrations. Under normal physiological conditions free radicals are removed from the body via normal physiological processes, but in PD these normal physiological processes are thought to be unable to remove the radicals and this may lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is believed to be one of the leading causes of neurodegeneration in PD. The rationale for the use of MAO-B inhibitors in PD would be to increase the natural DA levels in the brain and also diminish the likelihood of free radicals to be formed. Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside and yields a variety of physiological effects. Four adenosine receptor subtypes have been characterized: A1, A2A, A2B and A3. They are all part of the G-protein-coupled receptor family and have seven transmembrane domains. The A2A receptor is highly concentrated in the striatum. There are two important pathways in the basal ganglia (BG) through which striatal information reaches the globus pallidus, namely the direct pathway containing A1 and D1 receptors and the indirect pathway containing A2A and D2 receptors. The direct pathway facilitates willed movement and the indirect pathway inhibits willed movement. A balance of the two pathways is necessary for normal movement. In PD, there is a decrease in DA in the striatum, thus leading to unopposed A2A receptor signaling and ultimately resulting in overactivity of the indirect pathway. Overactivity of the indirect pathway results in the locomotor symptoms associated with PD. Treatment with an A2A antagonist will block the A2A receptor, resulting in the restoration of balance between the indirect and direct pathways, thus leading to a decrease in locomotor symptoms. Aim: In this study, caffeine served as a lead compound for the design of dual-targeted drugs that are selective, reversible MAO-B inhibitors as well as A2A antagonists. Caffeine is a very weak MAO-B inhibitor and a moderately potent A2A antagonist. Substitution on the C8 position of caffeine yields compounds with good MAO-B inhibition activities and A2A receptor affinities. An example of this behaviour is found with (E)-8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC), which is not only a potent A2A antagonist but also a potent MAO-B inhibitor. The goal of this study was to identify and synthesize dual-targeted xanthine compounds. Recently Swanepoel and co-workers (2012) found that 8-phenoxymethyl substituted caffeines are potent reversible inhibitors of MAO-B. Therefore, this study focused on expanding the 8-(phenoxymethyl)caffeine series and evaluating the resulting compounds as both MAO-A and -B inhibitors as well as A2A antagonists. Synthesis: Two series were synthesized namely the 8-(phenoxymethyl)caffeines and 1,3-diethyl-7-methyl-8-(phenoxymethyl)xanthines. The analogues were synthesized according to the literature procedure. 1,3-Dimethyl-5,6-diaminouracil or 1,3-diethyl-5,6-diaminouracil were used as starting materials and were acylated with a suitable substituted phenoxyacetic acid in the presence of N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N’-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) as an activating reagent. The intermediary amide was treated with sodium hydroxide, which resulted in ring closure to yield the corresponding 1,3-dimethyl-8-phenoxymethyl-7Hxanthinyl or 1,3-diethyl-8-phenoxymethyl-7H-xanthinyl analogues. These xanthines were 7-N-methylated in the presence of an excess of potassium carbonate and iodomethane to yield the target compounds. In vitro evaluation: A radioligand binding assay was performed to determine the affinities of the synthesized compounds for the A2A receptor. The MAO-B inhibition studies were carried out via a fluorometric assay where the MAO-catalyzed formation of H2O2 was measured. Results: Both series showed good to moderate MAO-B inhibition activities, while none of the compounds had activity towards MAO-A. Results were comparable to that of a known MAOB inhibitor lazabemide. For example, lazabemide (IC50 = 0.091 μM) was twice as potent as the most potent compound identified in this study, 8-(3-chlorophenoxymethyl)caffeine (compound 3; IC50 = 0.189 μM). Two additional compounds, 8-(4-iodophenoxymethyl)caffeine and 8-(3,4-dimethylphenoxymethyl) caffeine, also exhibited submicromolar IC50 values for the inhibition of MAO-B. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) indicated that 1,3-diethyl substitution resulted in decreased inhibition potency towards MAO-B and that 1,3-dimethyl substitution was a more suitable substitution pattern, leading to better inhibition potencies towards MAO-B. The compounds were also evaluated for A2A binding affinity, and relatively weak affinities were recorded with the most potent compound, 1,3-diethyl-7-methyl-8-[4-chlorophenoxymethyl]xanthine (compound 16), exhibiting a Ki value of 0.923 μM. Compared to KW-6002 (Ki = 7.94 nM), a potent reference A2A antagonist, compound 16 was 35-fold less potent. Comparing compound 16 to CSC [Ki(A2A) = 22.6 nM; IC50(MAO-B) = 0.146 nM], it was found that compound 16 is 31-fold less potent as an A2A antagonist and 21-fold less potent as a MAO-B inhibitor. Loss of MAO-B inhibition potency may be attributed to 1,3-diethyl substitution which correlates with similar conclusions reached in earlier studies. In addition, the replacement of the styryl functional group (as found with CSC and KW-6002) with the phenoxymethyl functional group (as found with the present series) may explain the general reduction in affinity for the A2A receptor. This suggests that the styryl side chain is more appropriate for A2A antagonism than the phenoxymethyl functional group. Conclusion: In this study two series of xanthine derivatives were successfully synthesized, namely the 8-(phenoxymethyl)caffeines and 1,3-diethyl-7-methyl-8-(phenoxymethyl)xanthines (11 compounds in total). Three of the newly synthesized compounds were found to act as potent inhibitors of MAO-B, with IC50 values in the submicromolar range. None of the compounds were however noteworthy MAO-A inhibitors. The most potent A2A antagonist among the examined compounds, compound 16, proved to be moderately potent compared to the reference antagonists, CSC and KW-6002. It may be concluded that the styryl functional group (as found with CSC and KW-6002) is more optimal than the phenoxymethyl functional group (as found with the present series) for A2A antagonism. 1,3-Diethyl substitution of the xanthine ring was found to be less optimal for MAO-B inhibition compared to 1,3-dimethyl substitution. These results together with known SARs provide valuable insight into the design of 8-(phenoxymethyl)caffeines as selective and potent MAO-B inhibitors. Such drugs may find application in the therapy of PD.
Thesis (MSc (Pharmaceutical Chemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Therapies for the treatment of prostate cancer show several limitations, especially when the cancer metastasizes or acquires resistance to treatment. In addition, most of the therapies currently used entails the occurrence of serious side effects. A different therapeutic approach, more selective and less invasive with respect either to radio or to chemotherapy, is represented by the photodynamic therapy (PDT). The PDT is a treatment that makes use of photosensitive drugs: these agents are pharmacologically inactive until they are irradiated with light at an appropriate wavelength and in the presence of oxygen. The drug, activated by light, forms singlet oxygen, a highly reactive chemical species directly responsible for DNA damage, thus of cell death. In this thesis we present two synthetic strategies for the preparation of two new tri-component derivatives for photodynamic therapy of advanced prostate cancer, namely DRPDT1 and DRPDT2. Both derivatives are formed by three basic elements covalently bounded to each other: a specific ligand with high affinity for the androgen receptor, a suitably chosen spacer molecule and a photoactivated molecule. In particular, DRPDT2 differs from DRPDT1 from the nature of the AR ligand. In fact, in the case of DRPDT2 we used a synthetically engineered androgen receptor ligand able to photo-react even in the absence of oxygen, by delivering NO radical. The presence of this additional pharmacophore, together with the porphyrin, may ensure an additive/synergistic effect to the photo-stimulated therapy, which than may act both in the presence of oxygen and in hypoxic conditions. This approach represents the first example of multimodal photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer.

The tumour suppressor p53 is activated by cellular stress to induce cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Despite being frequently mutated, theTP53 gene is wild-type and functional in approximately 50% of human cancers. Targeting the p53 tumour suppressor pathway by inhibition of its negative factors MDM2 and MDMX is central to many cancer therapies. Small molecule antagonists have been developed to inhibit p53-MDM2 binding to release p53 and reactivate p53 function. However, previous studies have indicated that MDMX amplification or expression may be associated with resistance to MDM2-p53 binding inhibitors. MDMX could also play a significant role in the response to other therapeutic agents that act by a p53- dependent mechanism. The effects of MDM2-p53 binding antagonists (Nutlin-3 and RG7388) and the MDM2/X-p53 binding co-inhibitor (RO5963) were compared in a panel of cell lines of different TP53 and MDMX(MDM4) status. The endpoints tested included expression of p53 and its downstream transcriptional targets, growth inhibition, cell cycle distribution changes and caspase 3/7 apoptotic activity. Moreover, the effect of suppression of MDMX expression by lentiviral shRNA and siRNA systems on the response to MDM2 inhibitors and co-inhibitors was tested in a panel of cell lines. Affymetrix Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 was used to detect differences in the expression of full-length genes and alternatively spliced forms after suppression of MDMX expression in MDM4-amplified MRK-nu-1 cells. The results showed that cells with wild-type p53 respond to both MDM2-p53 and MDM2/X-p53 antagonists by growth inhibition. TP53 mutational status is the main factor governing resistance to MDM2-p53 binding antagonists. In TP53 wild-type cells, MDMX expression is associated with sensitivity to the RO5963 MDM2/X coninhibitor and has only minor impact on resistance to MDM2-p53 binding antagonists. Knockdown of MDMX reduced cell growth by induction of cell cycle arrest in both p53 dependent and independent ways, while the effect of MDMX suppression had a modest effect on the efficacy of MDM2-p53 binding antagonists which was cell line dependent. Reduction of MDMX expression slightly increased TP53-dependent downstream transcriptional activity measured by Affymetrix Human transcriptome ii array 2.0. The gene showing the greatest increase in response to MDMX knockdown was VGLL1, which is an oncogene associated with the Hippo pathway that regulates organ size. Suppression of MDMX may activate VGLL1-TEAD dependent transcriptional activity, thereby regulating cell proliferation via an increase of VGLL1 expression, linking to the Hippo signalling pathway. In summary, TP53 status has a much greater impact on the response to pure MDM2- p53 binding antagonists compared with MDMX expression. In wild-type TP53 cell lines, MDMX amplification and high expression was modestly associated with resistance to MDM2-p53 binding antagonists.

Most clinical opioids produce analgesia through the Mu Opioid Receptor (MOR) providing the only effective treatment for chronic pain patients. These studies explore three pre-clinical strategies to improve MOR analgesia and minimize side effects: 1) compounds that target G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) heterodimers, such as heterodimerization between the Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR) and MOR (MDOR); 2) multi-functional compounds that target multiple receptor systems for synergistic effects, such as a MOR agonist and a the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) inhibitor; or 3) biased agonists that preferentially activate one signaling pathway associated with analgesia over another associated with side effects at the same receptor. First, several indirect lines of evidence indicate the MOR-DOR heterodimer (MDOR) can regulate MOR opioid tolerance and withdrawal. However, studying MDOR remains difficult because no selective MDOR antagonists are available. To address this need, we created a novel series of bivalent MDOR antagonists by connecting a low affinity MOR antagonist (H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-D1Nal-NH2) to a moderate affinity DOR (H- Tyr-Tic-OH) antagonist with variable length polyamide spacers (15-41 atoms). In vitro radioligand binding and [35S]-GTPγS coupling assays in MOR, DOR, and MDOR expressing cell lines show bivalent ligands produce a clear length dependence in MDOR but not MOR or DOR cell lines. The lead compound – D24M with a 24-atom spacer – displayed high potency (IC50MDOR = 0.84 nM) with 91-fold selectivity for MDOR:DOR and 1,000-fold MDOR:MOR selectivity. Second, clinicians have long appreciated subtle but distinct differences in analgesia and side effects of MOR opioids. A variety of non-MOR targets including DOR, Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR), the Cannabinoid Receptor-1 (CB1), the Sigma-1 Receptor (σ1R), the Dopamine- (DAT), Serotonin- (SERT) and Norepinephrine- Reuptake Transporters (NET) induce analgesia and/or modulate MOR mediated side effects. To determine if different opioid profiles arise from non-MOR interactions, we evaluated the binding and function of nine clinical analgesics at the nine aforementioned targets revealing several clinical opioids contain previously unidentified affinity’s or activity’s. Hydrocodone displayed low affinity at the MOR (KI = 1800 nM) and only ~2 fold less affinity at the σ1R (KI = 4000 nM). Second buprenorphine promoted monoamine influx at DAT, SERT and NET with EC50 > 1,000 nM. These novel interactions suggest the nuanced differences of clinical opioids may arise from previously unappreciated off-target effects. Future studies will assess whether these in vitro results predict hydrocodone and buprenorphine activity in vivo. Finally, the unique function of the numerous endogenous opioid peptides at a given receptor remains unclear. How endogenous ligands interact with ORs produces obvious drug design consequences. These studies show two endogenous Dynorphin analogues – Dynorphin A and Dynorphin B – differentially regulate two ubiquitous signaling modules – βarrestin2 and Gαi/o– at the DOR. Dynorphin A and Dynorphin B swap potency rank orders for β-arrestin2 recruitment and [35S]-GTPγS signaling, indicating two distinct signaling platforms are formed. Dynorphin A but not Dynorphin B treatment simulated AC super activation, while Dynoprhin B internalized DOR better than Dynorphin A. These in vitro assays suggest endogenous Dynorphin analogues differentially regulate signals at the DOR in vitro. Future work includes further characterizing signaling differences in vitro and testing these changes in vivo.

The human p53 tumor suppressor, known as the “guardian of the genome”, is one of the most important molecules in human cancers. One mechanism for suppressing p53 uses its negative regulator, MDM2, which modulates p53 by binding directly to and decreasing p53 stability. In testing novel therapeutic approaches activating p53, we investigated the preclinical activity of the MDM2 antagonist, Nutlin-3a, in Philadelphia positive (Ph+) and negative (Ph-) leukemic cell line models, and primary B-Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient samples. In this study we demonstrated that treatment with Nutlin-3a induced grow arrest and apoptosis mediated by p53 pathway in ALL cells with wild-type p53, in time and dose-dependent manner. Consequently, MDM2 inhibitor caused an increase of pro-apoptotic proteins and key regulators of cell cycle arrest. The dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was confirmed in primary blast cells from Ph+ ALL patients with the T315I Bcr-Abl kinase domain mutation. In order to better elucidate the implications of p53 activation and to identify biomarkers of clinical activity, gene expression profiling analysis in sensitive cell lines was performed. A total of 621 genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). We found a strong down-regulation of GAS41 (growth-arrest specific 1 gene) and BMI1 (a polycomb ring-finger oncogene) (fold-change -1.35 and -1.11, respectively; p-value 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) after in vitro treatment as compared to control cells. Both genes are repressors of INK4/ARF and p21. Given the importance of BMI in the control of apoptosis, we investigated its pattern in treated and untreated cells, confirming a marked decrease after exposure to MDM2 inhibitor in ALL cells. Noteworthy, the BMI-1 levels remained constant in resistant cells. Therefore, BMI-1 may be used as a biomarker of response. Our findings provide a strong rational for further clinical investigation of Nutlin-3a in Ph+ and Ph-ALL.

This doctoral thesis comprises three parts. The first two parts (Chapter 2 and 3) define the role of the host cell restriction factor tetherin in restriction of HIV-1 cell-to-cell spread. These chapters also characterize the tetherin-inducible cell line Sup-T1 that was used in Chapter 4 to investigate whether the antiviral activity of protease inhibitors might partially be attributed to tetherin modulation. Tetherin is an intrinsic host cell restriction factor that inhibits virus release by linking the viral membrane of the budding virus to the cellular membrane. The antiviral activity of tetherin has been commonly attributed to its cell surface expression. In HIV-1 infections, the viral protein Vpu antagonizes the tetherin-mediated restriction of virus release and downmodulates tetherin from the cell surface. In Chapter 2, we show that tetherin, besides restricting virus release, also restricts direct viral cell-to-cell spread. We also provide evidence that Vpu poses a fitness cost to HIV-1 in regard to cell-to-cell spread in the absence of tetherin, but is necessary for efficient cell-to-cell spread in the presence of tetherin. Tetherin appears also to play a role in synapse formation. In Chapter 3, we characterized cell line specific differences of the tetherin-Vpu interrelation in regard to cell surface expression of tetherin and virus release. However, Vpu-mediated tetherin antagonism in regard to cell-to-cell spread was similar in all cell lines and seemed to be independent of the level of tetherin cell surface downmodulation. In Chapter 4 we assessed whether protease inhibitors, whose antiviral activity partially depends on modulation of transmembrane proteins, may also modulate tetherin cell surface expression and/or the Vpu-mediated downmodulation of cell surface tetherin. As such, modulation was not apparent; thus, the antiviral activity of PIs is unlikely to be influenced by tetherin modulation activity.
Cette thèse de doctorat se compose de trois parties. Les deux premières parties (Chapitres 2 et 3) s'intéressent au rôle du facteur de restriction cellulaire tetherin dans l'inhibition de la propagation du VIH-1 de cellule à cellule. Ces Chapitres décrivent également la caractérisation de la lignée cellulaire Sup-T1 qui exprime la tetherin de manière inductible. Cette lignée cellulaire est utilisée dans le Chapitre 4 pour étudier si l'activité antivirale des inhibiteurs de protéases peut, en partie, être due à la régulation de la tetherin. La tetherin est un facteur de restriction intrinsèque de l'hôte qui inhibe le relargage du virus en liant la membrane virale du virion bourgeonnant à la membrane cellulaire. L'activité antivirale de la tetherin est généralement attribuée à son expression à la surface cellulaire. Dans l'infection par le VIH-1, la protéine virale Vpu empêche l'action de la tetherin et limite son expression à la surface de la cellule hôte. Dans le Chapitre 2, nous montrons qu'en plus d'inhiber le relargage des virions, la tetherin inhibe également la propagation de cellule à cellule. Nos résultats suggèrent que Vpu réduit la capacité infectieuse du virus en l'absence de la tetherin mais est absolument nécessaire à la propagation de cellule à cellule en présence de tetherin. La tetherin semble jouer un rôle dans la formation de synapse intercellulaire. Dans le Chapitre 3, nous analysons des différences entre des lignées cellulaires dans l'interaction fonctionnelle entre Vpu et la tetherin. Ces différences contribuent à la régulation de l'expression de la tetherin à la surface cellulaire et au relargage des virions dans ces différentes lignées cellulaires. Néanmoins, aucune différence dans la régulation de la propagation de cellule à cellule n'a pu être observée. À ce titre, l'inhibition de la propagation de cellule à cellule semble indépendante du niveau d'expression de la tetherin à la surface cellulaire. Dans le Chapitre 4, nous étudions si les inhibiteurs de protéase, dont l'activité antivirale dépend en partie de la régulation de protéines transmembranaires, peuvent également moduler l'expression de la tetherin à la surface cellulaire et/ou l'inhibition de la tetherin par Vpu. Cette étude suggère que l'activité antivirale des inhibiteurs de protéases ne dépend pas d'un effet sur la tetherin.

Les modifications post-traductionnelles de la tubuline sont des cibles attrayantes pour la thérapie du cancer. TTLL12 est impliqué dans la détyrosination de la tubuline, la triméthylation de l’histone H4K20 et le cancer de la prostate. La thèse porte sur les effets de la surexpression de TTLL12 sur ces modifications à différents stades du cycle cellulaire et sur la sensibilité à des agents ciblant les microtubules. Les résultats montrent que TTLL12 affecte ces modifications indépendant du cycle cellulaire et réduit la sensibilité des cellules à paclitaxel. XRP44X est un nouvel inhibiteur de la signalisation Ras-ERK-Elk3. Ses propriétés antitumorigène ont été montré in vitro et dans certaines études in vivo. Le projet de thèse était une continuation des études pré-cliniques sur XRP44X dans des modèles de cancer de la prostate de souris. Les résultats montrent que XRP44X est un inhibiteur efficace de la tumorigenèse et des métastases, ce qui peut être dû à son effet sur Elk3
Tubulin posttranslational modifications are an attractive target for cancer therapy. TTLL12 isinvolved in tubulin detyrosination, histone H4K20 trimethylation and prostate cancer. The thesis addresses the effects of TTLL12 overexpression on these tubulin and histone modifications at different stages of the cell cycle and on sensitivity to microtubule-targeting agents. The results show that TTLL12 over expression affects tubulin detyrosination and H4K20 trimethylation independently of cell cycle phase and reduces cell sensitivity totaxanes.XRP44X is a novel inhibitor of Ras-ERK1/2-Elk3 signalling and tubulin-binding agent. Itsantitumorigenic properties had been shown in vitro and in initial in vivo studies. The thesis project was a continuation of pre-clinical studies on XRP44X in mouse prostate cancer models. The results show that XRP44X is an effective inhibitor of tumorigenesis and metastasis in prostate cancer, which may be due to its effect on Elk3

L’inactivation de polybromo-1 (PBRM1) est un évènement fréquent dans de nombreux cancers. En particulier, les carcinomes rénaux à cellules claires présentent une déficience en PBRM1 dans 40 à 50% des cas. A ce jour, il n’existe pas d’approche de médecine précision connue capable de cibler spécifiquement les cellules tumorales déficientes en PBRM1.Pour identifier des cibles de létalité synthétique associées à la perte de PBRM1, nous avons (i) réalisé un criblage pharmacologique à haut débit évaluant la sensibilité à 167 molécules dans un modèle cellulaire isogénique pour PBRM1, et (ii) étudié l’impact transcriptomique et protéomique de la perte de PBRM1 dans ce même modèle.Nous avons ensuite caractérisé les mécanismes sous-jacents à la relation de létalité synthétique découverte.Nous avons identifié et validé une relation de létalité synthétique existante entre la perte tumorale de PBRM1 et l’inhibition pharmacologique de PARP, pouvant être potentialisée par l’ajout d’un inhibiteur d’ATR.Cette relation de létalité synthétique était caractérisée par un niveau basal élevé de stress cellulaire chez les cellules déficientes en PBRM1, associant anomalies mitotiques, stress transcriptionnel et stress réplicatif – tous ces phénomènes étant exacerbés à l’ajout d’inhibiteurs de PARP, jusqu’à dépasser les capacités cellulaires à maintenir un phénotype compatible avec la survie.Ces observations apportent la preuve de concept préclinique que les inhibiteurs de PARP sont de potentiels candidats thérapeutiques pour cibler spécifiquement les tumeurs déficientes en PBRM1
Polybromo-1 (PBRM1) inactivation occurs in multiple malignancies and is of particular importance in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC), as it drives 40 to 50% of cases. Currently, no precision-medicine approach uses PBRM1 deficiency to specifically target tumour cells. To uncover novel synthetic lethal approaches to treat PBRM1-defective cancers, we performed (i) a high-throughput pharmacological screening, evaluating the sensitivity to 167 small molecules in a PBRM1-isogenic cellular model, and the (ii) systematic mapping of the whole transcriptomic and proteomic profiles associated with PBRM1 loss-of-function within this model. We further investigated the mechanism underlying this synthetic lethal relationship.We identified and validated synthetic lethal effects between PBRM1 loss and both PARP and ATR inhibition. Combinatorial use of PARP with ATR inhibitors exerted additive cytotoxic effects in PBRM1-defective tumor cells. These synthetic lethal relationships were characterized by a pre-existing replication stress in PBRM1-deficient cells associated with mitosis and DNA damage repair abnormalities, which were exacerbated upon PARP inhibition selectively in PBRM1-defective cells.These data provide the preclinical basis for evaluating PARP inhibitors as a monotherapy or in combination in patients with PBRM1-deficient ccRCC

Les maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (MICI) se développent chez des individus génétiquement prédisposés sous l’influence de facteurs environnementaux. La fibrose intestinale est une complication fréquente de ces MICI sans traitement spécifique, qui se caractérise par une accumulation de matrice extracellulaire synthétisée par les cellules mésenchymateuses. Le récepteur minéralocorticoïde (RM) est l’effecteur terminal du système hormonal rénineangiotensine-aldostérone (SRAA). Le RM et l’ensemble des composants du SRAA sont exprimés dans le tractus gastro-intestinal et leur expression est augmentée dans l’intestin des patients atteints de MICI. L’antagonisme du RM exerce des effets bénéfiques sur la réduction de l’inflammation et de la fibrose extra-intestinales.L’objectif principal de ce travail de thèse était de déterminer si l’antagonisme du RM exerce des effets bénéfiques sur la fibrogenèse intestinale et d’en identifier les mécanismes sous-jacents. Un modèle de colite chronique induite chez la Souris et des modèles cellulaires de fibrose intestinale ont été utilisés. L’antagonisme du RM a été étudiée par des approches pharmacologiques et par invalidation génétique. Nous avons montré que l’inhibition pharmacologique ou génétique du RM diminue l’inflammation et la fibrose intestinales dans le modèle de colite chronique chez la Souris. L’activation du RM par l’aldostérone augmente la prolifération ainsi que l’expression de TGF-β1 des fibroblastes coliques humains et promeut la transition endothélio-mésanchymateuse, des cellules endothéliales vasculaires intestinales humaines. Nous avons également montré que la lipocaline associée à la gélatinase des neutrophiles (NGAL) est une cible du RM au niveau de l’intestin et est responsable des effets pro-fibrotiques médiés par l’activation du RM. L’invalidation génétique de la NGAL inhibe la voie de signalisation du TGF-β1 dépendante des SMAD, qui joue un rôle central dans l’initiation et le développement de la fibrose. En conclusion, nous avons d’une part démontré l’implication du RM dans la fibrose intestinale et d’autre part montré que ses effets étaient dépendants de la NGAL. Ainsi, l’antagonisme du RM pourrait constituer une nouvelle cible thérapeutique dans la fibrose intestinale associée aux MICI et permettrait de repositionner des molécules déjà disponibles dans le contexte des MICI
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) occur in people with a genetic predisposition under the influence of environmental factors. Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication in IBD with no specific therapy which is characterized by an accumulative deposit of extra-cellular matrix produced by mesenchymal cells. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is the final effector of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). MR and all components of RAAS are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and are up-regulated in the intestine from IBD patients. MR antagonism exerts beneficial properties in inflammation and fibrosis from extra-intestinal organs. We aimed to investigate whether MR antagonism had beneficial effects in intestinal fibrogenesis using murine chronic colitis and cellular models of intestinal fibrosis. MR antagonism was investigated by a dual approach using pharmacological inhibition and genetic invalidation. In the present study, we have demonstrated that pharmacological or genetic MR antagonism reduced inflammation and intestinal fibrosis in murine DSS chronic chemically-induced colitis. MR activation by aldosterone increased cell proliferation and TGF-β1 production in human colonic fibroblasts and human intestinal endothelial cells. Lipocalin associated with neutrophil gelatinase (NGAL) mediated pro-fibrotic effects via the activation of RM by aldosterone. Genetic invalidation of NGAL also reduced the SMAD-dependent TGF-β1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the MR involvement in intestinal fibrosis and these effects are mediated through NGAL. Thus, MR antagonism may represent a novel attractive approach in the treatment of intestinal fibrosis associated with IBD and may allow the repositioning molecules already available in the field of IBD

Classically it was assumed that the compounds with therapeutic effect exert their action interacting with a single receptor. Nowadays it is widely recognized that the pharmacological effect of most drugs is more complex and involves a set of receptors, some associated to their positive effects and some others to the side effects and toxicity. Antipsychotic drugs are an example of effective compounds characterized by a complex pharmacological profile binding to several receptors (mainly G protein-coupled-receptors, GPCR). In this work we will present a detailed study of known antipsychotic drugs and the receptors potentially involved in their binding profile, in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of the antipsychotic pharmacologic effects.

The study started with obtaining homology models for all the receptors putatively involved in the antipsychotic drugs receptorome, suitable for building consistent drug-receptor complexes. These complexes were structurally analyzed and compared using multivariate statistical methods, which in turn allowed the identification of the relationship between the pharmacological properties of the antipsychotic drugs and the structural differences in the receptor targets. The results can be exploited for the design of safer and more effective antipsychotic drugs with an optimum binding profile.
Tradicionalmente se asumía que los fármacos terapéuticamente efectivos actuaban interaccionando con un único receptor. Actualmente está ampliamente reconocido que el efecto farmacológico de la mayoría de los fármacos es más complejo y abarca a un conjunto de receptores, algunos asociados a los efectos terapéuticos y otros a los secundarios y toxicidad. Los fármacos antipsicóticos son un ejemplo de compuestos eficaces que se caracterizan por unirse a varios receptores simultáneamente (principalmente a receptores unidos a proteína G, GPCR). El trabajo de la presente tesis se ha centrado en el estudio de los mecanismos moleculares que determinan el perfil de afinidad de unión por múltiples receptores de los fármacos antipsicóticos.

En primer lugar se construyeron modelos de homología para todos los receptores potencialmente implicados en la actividad farmacológica de dichos fármacos, usando una metodología adecuada para construir complejos fármaco-receptor consistentes. La estructura de estos complejos fue analizada y se llevó a cabo una comparación mediante métodos estadísticos multivariantes, que permitió la identificación de asociaciones entre la actividad farmacológica de los fármacos antipsicóticos y diferencias estructurales de los receptores diana. Los resultados obtenidos tienen interés para ser explotados en el diseño de fármacos antipsicóticos con un perfil farmacológico óptimo, más seguros y eficaces.

yes
Pharmaceutical manipulation of cAMP levels exerts beneficial effects through the regulation of the exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) and protein kinase A (PKA) signalling routes. Recent attention has turned to the specific regulation of EPAC isoforms (EPAC1 and EPAC2) as a more targeted approach to cAMP-based therapies. For example, EPAC2-selective agonists could promote insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells, whereas EPAC1-selective agonists may be useful in the treatment of vascular inflammation. By contrast, EPAC1 and EPAC2 antagonists could both be useful in the treatment of heart failure. Here we discuss whether the best way forward is to design EPAC-selective agonists or antagonists and the current strategies being used to develop isoform-selective, small-molecule regulators of EPAC1 and EPAC2 activity.

Obesity has become one of the most fast-growing economic burdens in the world. It is associated with increased susceptibility to modern diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. One of the common physiological changes in obese individuals is a chronic inflammatory state from increased circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, which are secreted from excessive adipose tissue. Human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), commercially called Kineret (anakinra), has been prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis because it antagonises a pro-inflammatory signalling cascade of interleukin-1. Clinical studies on rheumatism and diabetes have shown that anakinra improved glucose homeostasis and the inflammatory state. This thesis has focused on the effect of anakinra on the diet-induced obesity (DIO) animal model with or without change in dietary fat content. In this study, DIO mimicked common obesity of humans by promoting fast body weight gains, increased fat proportions, and impaired glucose homeostasis. The animal study in this thesis support the notion that anakinra boost the positive effect of dieting but may not be effective in preventing further weight gain in DIO without restricting fat content in diet. With dietary change to regular diet, anakinra treatment helped reduce body weight in DIO by suppressing appetite and energy absorption without changing energy expenditure. In relation to obesity-related diabetic symptoms, in this study, only dietary change improved glucose intolerance in DIO. Anakinra also influenced adipokine profile, including resistin and adiponectin levels. Plasma leptin concentration reduced to normal by dietary change as a consequence of decreased amount of adipose tissue, whereas circulating levels of both resistin and adiponectin were lowered by anakinra. The effect of anakinra on lipid metabolism, however, was not significant. Anakinra could not offset the detrimental effects of high-fat diet in DIO without dietary correction. Peripheral anakinra administration did not reverse weight gains from excessive fat mass due to positive energy balance, glucose intolerance, hyperleptinaemia, and high blood cholesterol in DIO without dietary change. However, a low dose of anakinra alleviated weight gain in DIO by increasing energy expenditure. In conclusion, anakinra effectively helps converting DIO to the healthy state only when accompanied with proper dieting. Therefore, peripheral anakinra administration may potentially be supplementary to dieting in the treatment of common obesity.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy diagnosed in women. More than two thirds of all diagnosed breast cancers are estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and are dependent on estrogen signaling. Drugs for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer can be divided into three classes: selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor down-regulators (SERDs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). However, the efficacy and safety of SERMs, SERDs and AIs are compromised by side effects or tumor resistance. One possible way of improving treatment efficacy and safety profiles is to develop agents with dual aromatase inhibitory and ER modulatory activity. Over the past 30 years, tamoxifen, a SERM, has become the most widely used drug for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. The metabolism of tamoxifen has a complex profile involving both active and inactive metabolites, among which endoxifen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-HT) and norendoxifen (Nor) have been shown to have ER modulatory activity. Previous studies have also shown that norendoxifen is a potent AI in vitro. These preliminary studies support the utilization of tamoxifen metabolites as lead compounds for the development of dual AI/SERM(D) agents. Hydroxynorendoxifen (Hdn) was identified as a novel tamoxifen metabolite, with an average plasma concentration of 0.82 nM. Nor and Hdn were potent and relatively selective AIs, with Kis of 70 nM and 20 nM, respectively. Nor and Hdn have high binding affinity for ER-α and ER-β, with EC50 values less than 35 nM. Nor and Hdn can inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation with high potency, with IG50s of 25 nM and 9 nM, respectively. Nor and Hdn can suppress progesterone receptor (PGR) mRNA expression level by reducing it by 68% and 86%. Moreover, a series of Nor analogues were shown to have both potent aromatase inhibitory activity and high ERs binding affinity. Results from this dissertation will contribute to three aspects: 1) the identification of Hdn as a tamoxifen metabolite illustrated a more comprehensive metabolism profile of tamoxifen; 2) the data suggest Nor and Hdn possess dual aromatase inhibitory and ER antagonistic activity; 3) a series of Nor analogues were characterized as lead compounds for the development of dual AI/SERM(D) agents.