Dual Inhibitors Of c-Met Research Articles

Design, Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Novel Selenium-Containing Tepotinib Derivatives as Dual Inhibitors of c-Met and TrxR.

Cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met), an oncogenic transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays an essential role in cell proliferation during embryo development and liver regeneration. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is overexpressed and constitutively active in most tumors closely related to cancer recurrence. Multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy provides a logical approach to drug combinations and would adequately address the pathological complexity of cancer. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of selenium-containing tepotinib derivatives by means of selenium-based bioisosteric modifications and evaluated their antiproliferative activity. Most of these selenium-containing hybrids exhibited potent dual inhibitory activity toward c-Met and TrxR. Among them, compound 8b was the most active, with an IC50 value of 10 nM against MHCC97H cells. Studies on the mechanism of action revealed that compound 8b triggered cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and caused ROS accumulations by targeting TrxR, and these effects eventually led to cell apoptosis. These findings strongly suggest that compound 8b serves as a dual inhibitor of c-Met and TrxR, warranting further exploitation for cancer therapy.

Glesatinib, a c-MET/SMO Dual Inhibitor, Antagonizes P-glycoprotein Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the leading causes of treatment failure in cancer chemotherapy. One major mechanism of MDR is the overexpressing of ABC transporters, whose inhibitors hold promising potential in antagonizing MDR. Glesatinib is a dual inhibitor of c-Met and SMO that is under phase II clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer. In this work, we report the reversal effects of glesatinib to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated MDR. Glesatinib can sensitize paclitaxel, doxorubicin, colchicine resistance to P-gp overexpressing KB-C2, SW620/Ad300, and P-gp transfected Hek293/ABCB1 cells, while has no effect to their corresponding parental cells and negative control drug cisplatin. Glesatinib suppressed the efflux function of P-gp to [3H]-paclitaxel and it didn't impact both the expression and cellular localization of P-gp based on Western blot and immunofluorescent analysis. Furthermore, glesatinib can stimulate ATPase in a dose-dependent manner. The docking study indicated that glesatinib interacted with human P-gp through several hydrogen bonds. Taken together, c-Met/SMO inhibitor glesatinib can antagonize P-gp mediated MDR by inhibiting its cell membrane transporting functions, suggesting new application in clinical trials.

Synthesis and anti-tumor activity of [1,4] dioxino [2,3-f] quinazoline derivatives as dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2

Both c-Met and VEGFR-2 were important targets for cancer therapies. In order to develop reversible and non-covalent c-Met and VEGFR-2 dual inhibitors, a series of [1,4]dioxino[2,3-f]quinazoline derivatives were designed and synthesized. The enzyme assay demonstrated that most target compounds had inhibition potency on both c-Met and VEGFR-2 with IC50 values in nanomolar range especially compounds 7m and 7k. Based on further cell proliferation assay in vitro, compound 7k showed significantly anti-tumor activity in vivo on a hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC97H cells) xenograft mouse model. We docked the compound 7m with c-Met and VEGFR-2 kinases, and interpreted the SAR of these analogues. All results indicated that the target compounds were dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2 kinases that held promising potential in cancer therapy.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel dual c-Met and VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors

Both c-Met and VEGFR-2 are important targets for cancer therapies. Here we report a series of potent dual c-Met and VEGFR-2 inhibitors bearing thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold. The cell proliferation assay in vitro demonstrated that most target compounds had inhibition potency both on c-Met and VEGFR-2 with IC50 values in nanomolar range, especially compound 12j and 12m. Based on the further enzyme assay in vitro, compound 12j was considered as the most potent one, the IC50 values of which were 25 nM and 48 nM for c-Met and VEGFR-2, respectively. Following that, we docked the compound 12j with the proteins c-Met and VEGFR-2, and interpreted the SAR of these analogues. All the results indicate that 12j is a dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2 that holds promising potential.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-aminopyrimidine-5-cabaldehyde oximes as dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2

The synergistically collaboration of c-Met/HGF and VEGFR-2/VEGF leads to development of tumor angiogenesis and progression of various human cancers. Therefore, inhibiting both HGF/c-Met and VEGF/VEGFR signaling may provide a novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating patients with abroad spectrum of tumors. Toward this goal, we designed and synthesized a series of derivatives bearing 4-aminopyrimidine-5-cabaldehyde oxime scaffold as potent dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2. The cell proliferation assay in vitro demonstrated most target compounds have inhibition potency both on c-Met and VEGFR-2 with IC50 values in nanomolar range, especially compound 14i, 18a and 18b. Based on the further enzyme assay in vitro, compound 18a was considered as the most potent one, the IC50s of which were 210nM and 170nM for c-Met and VEGFR-2, respectively. Following that, we docked the compound 10 and 18a with the proteins c-Met and VEGFR-2, and interpreted the SAR of these analogs. All the results indicate that 18a is a dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2 that holds promising potential.

Abstract LB-218: Molecular changes associated with acquired resistance to crizotinib in ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract Background: Although ROS1-rearranged NSCLC is sensitive to crizotinib, a dual inhibitor of c-MET and ALK, an acquired resistance is inevitable. Recently, ROS1 G2032R mutation was identified in a patient with CD74-ROS1 rearranged NSCLC who developed an acquired resistance to crizotinib. Here, we identified novel molecular changes in crizotinib-resistant tumors from a NSCLC patient with CD74-ROS1 rearrangement and in HCC78 cells harboring SLC34A2-ROS1 fusion that showed crizotinib resistance (HCC78CR1, CR2 and CR3). Methods: HCC78CR1, -2 and -3 cells were generated by increasing dose of crizotinib to 1 μM. ROS1 kinase domain mutations were examined in fresh tumor tissues from a patient and in HCC78CR1, -2 and -3 cells by direct sequencing of individual clones. Whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify up-regulated pathway in HCC78CR3 compared with HCC78. Cell proliferation, phosphorylation of RTKs and ROS1 downstream signaling pathways were compared among HCC78 and HCC78CR1, -2, -3 cell lines. BaF3 cells that constantly express ROS1 variants were constructed to evaluate a crizotinib resistance. Results: ROS1 G2032R in crizotinib-resistant tumor from a patient and L2155S from HCC78CR1, -2 cells were identified by direct sequencing of individual clones. ROS1 G2032R mutation was identified in 100% of cDNA clones of crizotinib-resistant tumors from a patient. However, this was not found in normal tissues and crizotinib-pretreatment tumor tissues. cDNA clones of HCC78CR1 and 2 cells harbored ROS1 L2155S mutations at a frequency of 73.3% and 76.2% respectively. Each BaF3 cells expressing ROS1 G2032R or L2155S mutation exhibited 128 and 10 fold higher IC50 value to crizotinib than those expressing wild-type CD74-ROS1, respectively. Downstream signaling molecules such as ERK and SHP2 were more activated in HCC78CR1, -2 and -3 cells than in HCC78 cells. In addition, HCC78CR1 and -2 cells displayed a spindle cell-like morphology with decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and fibronectin expression, which was not observed in HCC78 cells. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR demonstrated that EGFR mRNA expression levels were 2.6 and 5.1-fold up-regulated in HCC78CR3 cells than in HCC78 cells, respectively. EGFR signaling antibody array also revealed that EGFR pathway is significantly up-regulated in HCC78CR3 cells than in HCC78 cells. Conclusions: ROS1 G2032R and L2155S mutations are associated with acquired resistance to crizotinib in ROS1-rearranged NSCLC. In addition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like changes and EGFR activation may confer an acquired resistance to crizotinib. Citation Format: Ahn ah Song. Molecular changes associated with acquired resistance to crizotinib in ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-218. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-218

Discovery of quinazolin-4-amines bearing benzimidazole fragments as dual inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2

Both c-Met and VEGFR-2 are important targets for the treatment of cancers. In this study, a series of N-(2-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)quinazolin-4-amine derivatives were designed and identified as dual c-Met and VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Among these compounds bearing quinazoline and benzimidazole fragments, compound 7j exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against c-Met and VEGFR-2 with IC50 of 0.05μM and 0.02μM, respectively. It also showed the highest anticancer activity against the tested cancer cell lines with IC50 of 1.5μM against MCF-7 and 8.7μM against Hep-G2. Docking simulation supported the initial pharmacophoric hypothesis and suggested a common mode of interaction at the ATP-binding site of c-Met and VEGFR-2, which demonstrates that compound 7j is a potential agent for cancer therapy deserving further researching.

Discovery of Anilinopyrimidines as Dual Inhibitors of c-Met and VEGFR-2: Synthesis, SAR, and Cellular Activity.

Both c-Met and VEGFR-2 are important targets for cancer therapies. Here we report a series of potent dual c-Met and VEGFR-2 inhibitors bearing an anilinopyrimidine scaffold. Two novel synthetic protocols were employed for rapid analoguing of the designed molecules for structure-activity relationship (SAR) exploration. Some analogues displayed nanomolar potency against c-Met and VEGFR-2 at enzymatic level. Privileged compounds 3a, 3b, 3g, 3h, and 18a exhibited potent antiproliferative effect against c-Met addictive cell lines with IC50 values ranged from 0.33 to 1.7 μM. In addition, a cocrystal structure of c-Met in complex with 3h has been determined, which reveals the binding mode of c-Met to its inhibitor and helps to interpret the SAR of the analogues.

New Challenges and Inspired Answers for Anticancer Drug Discovery and Development

Many pharmaceutical companies worldwide specialize in oncology drug development and marketing. Among them, we have continued to take up the challenge of understanding the metabolism of pyrimidines as essential components of deoxyribonucleic acid for many years, and have provided unique products such as UFT® and TS-1 for cancer patients. Using our cumulative experience and knowledge, we are currently developing novel agents such as TAS-114, a dual inhibitor of deoxyuridine triphosphatase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, and TAS-102, a unique pyrimidine derivative inducing deoxyribonucleic acid dysfunction in cancer cells. Regarding molecular-targeted drugs, we have made huge efforts to establish ideal drug discovery platforms for the last several years. For kinase inhibitors, we established three core platforms such as a kinase-directed chemical library, a kinase assay panel and a target selection informatics system. The core platforms were further combined with peripheral technologies to measure essential parameters such as physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicities. Unique drug candidates have been identified at an early stage by assessing all important parameters. Several promising programs are proceeding simultaneously in the clinical or preclinical development stage such as TAS-115, a dual inhibitor of c-Met and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, TAS-2104, a selective Aurora A inhibitor, TAS-117, an allosteric Akt inhibitor, TAS-2985, an irreversible fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor and TAS-2913, a T790M mutant selective epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor. Other than kinase inhibitors, another drug discovery engine was established based on the fragment-based drug discovery technology. TAS-116, a new class of Hsp-90α/β inhibitor, is one of the products. Taiho's final goal is to provide innovative anticancer drugs together with companion diagnostics that are truly beneficial for patients.

Abstract 2915: Discovery and characterization of OSI-296, a dual inhibitor of cMET and RON kinases

Abstract cMET and RON are receptor tyrosine kinases of the MET proto-oncogene family that are activated by their respective ligands HGF and MSP. Signaling through the cMET/HGF system can be deregulated in cancer by HGF-dependent autocrine activation, gene amplification, and/or the presence of activating mutations, among others, while for RON, constitutively active variants generated by alternative splicing or methylation-dependent promoter usage [short-form RON (sfRON)] have been identified. Approaches to abrogate aberrant cMET and RON signaling that have led to agents in clinical trials include inhibiting their kinase function with small molecules. We report here the discovery and characterization of OSI-296, a dual inhibitor of cMET and RON. The compound exhibited selectivity in a panel of 96 kinases with potent activity against cMET, including common Y1230 mutants, and RON. OSI-296 blocked cMET autophosphorylation in MKN45 cells, resulting in dose-dependent inhibition of downstream ERK, AKT, and STAT3 phosphorylation. It also showed potent cellular activity in ELISA-format sfRON and caRON cell mechanistic assays that we developed, resulting in dose-dependent inhibition of downstream ERK and AKT phosphorylation. OSI-296 showed a PK profile in rodents suitable for oral dosing with >70% bioavailability. In multiple xenografts models (cMET: MKN45, SNU-5, U87MG; RON: caRON), significant tumor growth inhibition was observed upon oral dosing with regression at higher doses. OSI-296 was very well tolerated with little body weight loss and no adverse effects even at the highest tested dose of 300 mg/kg p.o. qdx14. Solid PK/PD/TGI correlations have been established wherein >90% inhibition of cMET or RON phosphorylation sustained over 24 h by OSI-296 translated to 100% TGI. In summary, OSI-296 was shown to be a well tolerated, dual inhibitor of cMET and RON with in vivo activity in mouse xenografts models for both targets upon oral dosing. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2915. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2915

Abstract 1512: Sunitinib-induced metastasis is tumor dependent and is mediated by c-Met/HGF pathway

Abstract Recent studies in several tumor models indicated that treatment with angiogenic inhibitors may trigger induction of metastasis to other organs. Here we investigated modes of resistance and invasion in several tumors including 4T1 (breast), H460 (lung) and Colo205 (colorectal) using sunitinib at doses comparable to clinically utilized regimen. In comparison with vehicle-treated tumors, sunitinib increased metastasis to lung in 4T1 tumors and to peritoneal lymph node in Colo205 tumors. However, the same treatment did not induce invasiveness in H460 tumors, further suggesting that accelerating metastasis during treatment with angiogenic inhibitors is tumor dependent. Interestingly, Crizotinib (a dual inhibitor of c-Met and ALK pathways) as single agent or in combination with sunitinib reduced metastasis in all models tested suggesting a role for c-Met/HGF pathway in intrinsic- or sunitinib-induced -metastasis. Moreover, ELISA data showed that while c-Met is highly enriched in tumor cells, HGF is secreted mainly by the stroma (mouse HGF) suggesting a paracrine fashion for c-Met pathway activation in the tumors. In conclusion, our findings indicate that sunitinib-induced metastasis is tumor dependent and further supports a rationale for combination of anti-angiogenesis and c-Met inhibition in the clinic. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1512. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1512

HGF/c-Met pathway is one of the mediators of sunitinib-induced tumor cell type-dependent metastasis

Recent studies in several tumor models indicated that treatment with angiogenic inhibitors may trigger induction of metastasis to other organs. Here we investigated modes of resistance and invasion in several tumor cell lines including 4T1 (breast), H460 (lung) and Colo205 (colorectal) using sunitinib at doses comparable to clinically utilized regimen. In comparison with vehicle-treated tumors, sunitinib increased metastasis to lung in 4T1 tumors and to peritoneal lymph node in Colo205 tumors. However, the same treatment did not induce invasiveness in H460 tumors, further suggesting that accelerating metastasis during treatment with angiogenic inhibitors is tumor cell-type dependent. Interestingly, Crizotinib (a dual inhibitor of c-Met and ALK pathways) as single agent or in combination with sunitinib reduced metastasis in all models tested suggesting a role for c-Met/HGF pathway in intrinsic- or sunitinib-induced-metastasis. Moreover, ELISA data showed that while c-Met is highly enriched in tumor cells, HGF is secreted mainly by the stroma (mouse HGF) suggesting a paracrine fashion for c-Met pathway activation in the tumors. In conclusion, our findings indicate that sunitinib-induced metastasis is tumor cell-type dependent and further supports a rationale for combination of anti-angiogenics and c-Met inhibition in the clinic.