Hydroperoxide Metabolism Research Articles

Abstract 5034: Targeting CXCR4 and thioredoxin reductase in high grade neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas

Abstract Introduction/Background: Atypical lung carcinoids and lung neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are currently incurable. Most of these cancers express the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), making CXCR4 an attractive target for cancer diagnosis and treatment using radioligand therapy (RLT) with nuclides such as alpha emitter Pb212 conjugated to Pentixather (Pent). Alpha particles produce dense ionization tracks and damage cytosolic structures such as mitochondria, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide (O2 ●−) and hydroperoxides (H2O2 and ROOH) in targeted cancer cells. The FDA approved thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, auranofin (Aur), inhibits peroxiredoxin-mediated hydroperoxide metabolism increasing cell killing in targeted cancer cells. Hypothesis: Inhibition of hydroperoxide metabolism using Aur can enhance therapeutic efficacy of alpha particle emitting 212Pb-Pent in preclinical models of lung carcinoids and NECs. Results: Clinically, IHC revealed greater than 75% of atypical carcinoids and NECs tested had moderate to high CXCR4. qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry performed on different lung carcinoid and NEC lung cell lines, determined that the majority moderately or highly express CXCR4. The minimal non-toxic dose of Aur that inhibits 50-70% of thioredoxin reductase activity was 4 mg/kg (intraperitoneal once a day) in DMS273 (small cell lung cancer) xenografts 212Pb-Pent given IV (1 and 3 µCu/g) was effective at increasing the survival of mice with DMS273 xenografts. Mice were then treated with 1.5, 3 or 6 µCu/g 212Pb-Pent w/wo Aur 4 mg/kg/day. A trend test showed that both increasing dose of 212Pb-Pent and the addition of Aur, caused a significant (p<0.01) delay in tumor growth. There were no significant changes in body weights, complete blood counts, and serum alanine aminotransferase indicating the combination treatments were well tolerated. Radiation dosimetry estimates using quantitative SPECT/CT imaging with Pb203-Pent demonstrated average absorbed doses of 0.133 Gy/µCi (liver), 0.098 Gy/µCi (kidneys), 0.013 Gy/µCi (H292 xenografts), 0.028 Gy/µCi (DMS53 xenografts), 0.057 Gy/µCi (DMS273 xenografts), and 0.096 Gy/µCi (H69AR xenografts). Xenograft absorbed dose levels were positively correlated with CXCR4 expression. Conclusion: The use of 212Pb-Pent therapy to target CXCR4 on NECs showed pre-clinical efficacy in a dose dependent manner that was enhanced by Aur without significant normal tissue toxicity supporting the hypothesis that CXCR4 can be successfully targeted with the radionuclide theragnostic pair, Pb212/Pb203-pentixather. Citation Format: Melissa A. Fath, Dijie Liu, Claudia Robles-Planells, Jordan T. Ewald, Keegan A. Christensen, Spenser S. Johnson, Stephen A. Graves, Douglas R. Spitz, Yusuf Menda, M. Sue O’Dorisio. Targeting CXCR4 and thioredoxin reductase in high grade neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5034.

Selenium-Catalyzed Reduction of Hydroperoxides in Chemistry and Biology.

Among the chalcogens, selenium is the key element for catalyzed H2O2 reduction. In organic synthesis, catalytic amounts of organo mono- and di-selenides are largely used in different classes of oxidations, in which H2O2 alone is poorly efficient. Biological hydroperoxide metabolism is dominated by peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, which balance hydroperoxide challenge and contribute to redox regulation. When their selenocysteine is replaced by cysteine, the cellular antioxidant defense system is impaired. Finally, classes of organoselenides have been synthesized with the aim of mimicking the biological strategy of glutathione peroxidases, but their therapeutic application has so far been limited. Moreover, their therapeutic use may be doubted, because H2O2 is not only toxic but also serves as an important messenger. Therefore, over-optimization of H2O2 reduction may lead to unexpected disturbances of metabolic regulation. Common to all these systems is the nucleophilic attack of selenium to one oxygen of the peroxide bond promoting its disruption. In this contribution, we revisit selected examples from chemistry and biology, and, by using results from accurate quantum mechanical modelling, we provide an accurate unified picture of selenium’s capacity of reducing hydroperoxides. There is clear evidence that the selenoenzymes remain superior in terms of catalytic efficiency.

A Computational Molecular Docking Studies on the Tryparedoxin Peroxidase of Leishmania donovani Responsible for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Human

Objective: Hydroperoxide metabolism involving trypanothione, key for the survival of Leishmania, is a validated target for rational drug design. In this study, we aim in silico drug design by targeting tryparedoxin peroxidase (2-Cysperoxiredoxin type) from Leishmania donovani (LdTXNPx) using clioquinol, nelfinavir, and strychnobiflavone as mother compound. Clioquinol, nelfinavir are known for their anti-leishmanial activity and strychnobiflavone showed antileishmanial activity against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum amastigotes and promastigotes recently. Background: Visceral leishmaniasis, the most lethal form of Leishmaniasis, is caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian subcontinent and East Africa. Current therapeutics for the disease is associated with a risk of high toxicity and development of drug-resistant strains. Thus, the discovery of potential targets, successful inhibitors, and improved drug distribution mechanisms for leishmaniasis diagnosis has become a focus. Methods: On this basis, we constructed protein structure using homology modeling, molecular docking of protein with potential drug candidates, interaction analysis and pharmacophore analysis conducted in this study. Results: We have revealed two compounds i.e. Nelfinavir mesylate and strychnobiflavone, which have desired characteristics in the future drugs for Visceral leishmaniasis. Conclusion: Consistently in the future, we will ratify the efficacy of these compounds, essential animal and clinical trials are needed to be performed. We believe that our present study will help to find efficient and effective therapy for treating Visceral leishmaniasis in humans.

The CYP74B and CYP74D divinyl ether synthases possess a side hydroperoxide lyase and epoxyalcohol synthase activities that are enhanced by the site-directed mutagenesis

The CYP74 family of cytochromes P450 includes four enzymes of fatty acid hydroperoxide metabolism: allene oxide synthase (AOS), hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), divinyl ether synthase (DES), and epoxyalcohol synthase (EAS). The present work is concerned with catalytic specificities of three recombinant DESs, namely, the 9-DES (LeDES, CYP74D1) of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), 9-DES (NtDES, CYP74D3) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and 13-DES (LuDES, CYP74B16) of flax (Linum usitatissimum), as well as their alterations upon the site-directed mutagenesis. Both LeDES and NtDES converted 9-hydroperoxides of linoleic and α−linolenic acids to divinyl ethers colneleic and colnelenic acids (respectively) with only minorities of HPL and EAS products. In contrast, LeDES and NtDES showed low efficiency towards the linoleate 13-hydroperoxide, affording only the low yield of epoxyalcohols. LuDES exhibited mainly the DES activity towards α−linolenate 13-hydroperoxide (preferred substrate), and HPL activity towards linoleate 13-hydroperoxide, respectively. In contrast, LuDES converted 9-hydroperoxides primarily to the epoxyalcohols. The F291V and A287G mutations within the I-helix groove region (SRS-4) of LuDES resulted in the loss of DES activity and the acquirement of the epoxyalcohol synthase activity. Thus, the studied enzymes exhibited the versatility of catalysis and its qualitative alterations upon the site-directed mutagenesis.

Functional insight into the glycosomal peroxiredoxin of Leishmania

Glycosomes of trypanosomatids are peroxisome-like organelles comprising unique metabolic features, among which the lack of the hallmark peroxisomal enzyme catalase. The absence of this highly efficient peroxidase from glycosomes is presumably compensated by other antioxidants, peroxidases of the peroxiredoxin (PRX) family being the most promising candidates for this function. Here, we follow on this premise and investigate the product of a Leishmania infantum gene coding for a putative glycosomal PRX (LigPRX). First, we demonstrate that LigPRX localizes to glycosomes, resorting to indirect immunofluorescence analysis. Second, we prove that purified recombinant LigPRX is an active peroxidase in vitro. Third, we generate viable LigPRX-depleted L. infantum promastigotes by classical homologous recombination. Surprisingly, phenotypic analysis of these knockout parasites revealed that promastigote survival, replication, and protection from oxidative and nitrosative insults can proceed normally in the absence of LigPRX. Noticeably, we also witness that LigPRX-depleted parasites can infect and thrive in mice to the same extent as wild type parasites. Overall, by disclosing the dispensable character of the glycosomal peroxiredoxin in L. infantum, this work excludes this enzyme from being a key component of the glycosomal hydroperoxide metabolism and contemplates alternative players for this function.

Detection of unprecedented allene oxide synthase member of CYP74B subfamily: CYP74B33 of carrot (Daucus carota)

Enzymes of CYP74 family widespread in higher plants control the metabolism of fatty acid hydroperoxides to numerous bioactive oxylipins. Hydroperoxide lyases (HPLs, synonym: hemiacetal synthases) of CYP74B subfamily belong to the most common CYP74 enzymes. HPLs isomerize the hydroperoxides to the short-lived hemiacetals, which are spontaneously decomposed to aldehydes and aldoacids. All CYP74Bs studied yet except the CYP74B16 (flax divinyl ether synthase, LuDES) possessed the 13-HPL activity. Present work reports the cloning of the expressed CYP74B33 gene of carrot (Daucus carota L.) and studies of catalytic properties of the recombinant CYP74B33 protein. In contrast to all CYP74B proteins studied yet, CYP74B33 behaved differently in few respects. Firstly, the preferred substrates of CYP74B33 are 9-hydroperoxides. Secondly and most importantly, CYP74B33 exhibits the 9-allene oxide synthase (AOS) activity. For example, the 9(S)-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid (9-HPOD) underwent the conversion to α-ketol via the short-lived allene oxide. Uncommonly, the 9-HPOD conversion affords a minority of cis-10-oxo-11-phytoenoic acid, which is also produced by CYP74C but not the CYP74A AOSs. The similar product patterns were observed upon the incubations of CYP74B33 with 9(S)-hydroperoxide of α-linolenic acid. The enzyme possessed a mixed HPL, AOS, and the epoxyalcohol synthase activity toward the 13-hydroperoxides, but the total activity was much lower than toward 9-hydroperoxides. Thus, the obtained results show that CYP74B33 is an unprecedented 9-AOS within the CYP74B subfamily.

134 - Induction of metabolic oxidative stress and sensitization to radio-chemotherapies via targeting of NAMPT

Due to tumor heterogeneity related to the inherent metabolic plasticity of cancer cells, attempts to target lung cancer metabolism thus far have yielded limited success. One potential solution to this problem is targeting of specific metabolites that 1) are required by tumor cells of all metabolic phenotypes, 2) whose synthesis and/or breakdown are commonly dysregulated in tumor cells, and 3) whose levels are regulated by a limited number of targetable enzymes. One group of metabolites includes NAD+ as well as NADH, NADP+ and NADPH, all of which are generated from NAD+. Tumor cells preferentially rely on the salvage pathway of NAD+ synthesis driven by the rate-limiting enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). We hypothesize that targeting of NAMPT will result in selective increases in markers of metabolic oxidative stress and sensitization of cancer cells to standard-of-care therapies and inhibitors of hydroperoxide metabolism. Physiologically relevant doses (10-50 nM) of NAMPT inhibitors (FK866, GMX-1778) are selectively toxic to lung cancer cells but not normal human fibroblasts. Toxicity is prevented by supplementation of nicotinamide mononucleotide, nicotinic acid, or nicotinamide riboside. NAMPT inhibition results in NAD(P)(H) and glutathione depletion as well as marked sensitization to ML-162 (Gpx4 inhibitor), Auranofin (TrxR inhibitor), cisplatin, ionizing radiation and pharmacological ascorbate (AscH-). These results suggest that NAMPT inhibitors may serve as promising adjuvants for cancer therapy based on their ability to selectively target fundamental differences in NAD(P)(H) metabolism in cancer versus normal cells. (Funded by T32CA78586 and R01CA182804).

D-penicillamine combined with inhibitors of hydroperoxide metabolism enhances lung and breast cancer cell responses to radiation and carboplatin via H2O2-mediated oxidative stress

D-penicillamine (DPEN), a copper chelator, has been used in the treatment of Wilson's disease, cystinuria, and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent evidence suggests that DPEN in combination with biologically relevant copper (Cu) concentrations generates H2O2 in cancer cell cultures, but the effects of this on cancer cell responses to ionizing radiation and chemotherapy are unknown. Increased steady-state levels of H2O2 were detected in MB231 breast and H1299 lung cancer cells following treatment with DPEN (100µM) and copper sulfate (15µM). Clonogenic survival demonstrated that DPEN-induced cancer cell toxicity was dependent on Cu and was significantly enhanced by depletion of glutathione [using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)] as well as inhibition of thioredoxin reductase [using Auranofin (Au)] prior to exposure. Treatment with catalase inhibited DPEN toxicity confirming H2O2 as the toxic species. Furthermore, pretreating cancer cells with iron sucrose enhanced DPEN toxicity while treating with deferoxamine, an Fe chelator that inhibits redox cycling, inhibited DPEN toxicity. Importantly, DPEN also demonstrated selective toxicity in human breast and lung cancer cells, relative to normal untransformed human lung or mammary epithelial cells and enhanced cancer cell killing when combined with ionizing radiation or carboplatin. Consistent with the selective cancer cell toxicity, normal untransformed human lung epithelial cells had significantly lower labile iron pools than lung cancer cells. These results support the hypothesis that DPEN mediates selective cancer cell killing as well as radio-chemo-sensitization by a mechanism involving metal ion catalyzed H2O2-mediated oxidative stress and suggest that DPEN could be repurposed as an adjuvant in conventional cancer therapy.

Helmut Sies and the compartmentation of hydroperoxide metabolism

The early work of Helmut Sies on mammalian hydroperoxide metabolism is reviewed with particular emphasis on the in situ function of catalase and glutathione peroxidase1. Starting out from a catalase-dominated thinking in the middle of the last century, Sies first demonstrated, by whole organ spectroscopy, that H2O2 is generated in rat liver and metabolized by catalase. In a joined effort with the author's group, he then worked out that glutathione peroxidase can kinetically compete with catalase in hydroperoxide metabolism in situ. In compartmentalized cells, however, the “competition” of the two enzymes turned out to be a mutual complementation because of their different subcellular location. The studies for the first time documented that the metabolism of freely diffusible hydroperoxides is compartmentalized and, thus, paved the way to a better understanding of oxidant challenges and redox regulation. The article, garnished with personal memories, is meant as a nostalgic journey though ancient times of biochemistry with their changing fashions and paradigms, revealing the roots of topical perspectives and controversies in redox biology.

The role of cytochrome P450 BM3 phenylalanine-87 and threonine-268 in binding organic hydroperoxides

BackgroundCytochrome P450 (P450) BM3, from Bacillus megaterium, catalyzes a wide range of chemical reactions and is routinely used as a model system to study mammalian P450 reactions and structure. MethodsThe metabolism of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadienone (BHTOOH) and 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one (BMPOOH) was examined with P450 BM3 and with the conserved T268 and F87 residues mutated to investigate their effects on organic hydroperoxide metabolism. To determine the effects of the mutations on the active site volume and architecture, the X-ray crystal structure of the F87A/T268A P450 BM3 heme domain (BMP) was determined and compared to previous structures. To investigate the interactions of the substrates with the F87 and T268 residues, BHTOOH and BMPOOH were docked into the BMP X-ray crystal structures. ResultsLower metabolism of BHTOOH and BMPOOH was observed in the WT P450 BM3 and the T268A P450 BM3 mutant than in the F87A and F87A/T268A P450 BM3 mutants. Large differences were found in the F–G loop regions and active site cavity volumes for the F87A mutated structures. ConclusionsAnalysis of the metabolism, X-ray crystal structures, and molecular docking simulations suggests that P450 BM3 activity toward BHTOOH and BMPOOH is mediated through substrate recognition by T268 and F87, and the active site cavity volume. Based on this information, a simplified representation is presented with the relative orientation of organic hydroperoxides in the P450 BM3 active site. General significanceThe metabolism results and structural analysis of this model P450 allowed us to rationalize the structural factors that influence organic hydroperoxide metabolism.

Abstract 2311: Targeting EMT and MET breast cancer stem cell states through simultaneous inhibition of glycolytic and antioxidant pathways

Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor growth as well as mediating metastasis and treatment resistance. In breast cancer (BC), CSCs exist in alternative mesenchymal (EMT) and epithelial (MET)-like states characterized by the expression of CD44+CD24- and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) respectively. BCSCs display phenotypic plasticity allowing them to transition between EMT and MET states in a process regulated by the tumor microenvironment. The plasticity of BCSCs suggests that it may be necessary to simultaneously target alternative BCSC states to achieve maximal eradication of these cell populations. In order to develop strategies to target these BCSC states, we measured the cellular bioenergetics of EMT and MET BCSCs compared to non-stem bulk tumor cells as well as the sensitivity of distinct BCSC states to inhibitors of glucose and hydroperoxide metabolism. Using a Seahorse XCF instrument, we found that both MET and EMT BCSCs display higher glycolytic potential than bulk tumor cells. Increased glycolysis correlated with elevated expression of hexokinase 2, a rate limiting glycolytic enzyme in cancer. Interestingly, the glycolytic inhibitor, 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), specifically inhibited EMT BCSCs in a dose dependent fashion; however, MET BCSCs were completely refractory to this treatment. Proteomic and RNA-seq analyses revealed that two important arms of hydroperoxide metabolism, the thioredoxin- and glutathione-mediated antioxidant pathways, were robustly up-regulated in MET BCSCs, suggesting that these cells are rendered resistant to glycolysis inhibition via an enhanced anti-oxidant defense. Pharmacologic inhibition of this antioxidant defense by Auranofin (an inhibitor of thioredoxin reductase) is sufficient to deplete MET BCSCs in SUM149 BC cells which were rescued by NAC, a ROS scavenger, or catalase, a specific enzyme capable of degrading intracellular H2O2. Finally, administration of 2DG together with Auranofin and BSO (an inhibitor of glutathione metabolism) synergistically suppressed tumor growth in a patient derived xenograft (PDX) model by suppressing both EMT and MET BCSCs. This study suggests that utilizing metabolic inhibition to simultaneously target EMT and MET BCSCs is a viable therapeutic strategy with important clinical implications. Citation Format: Ming Luo, April Davis, Sean McDermott, Evelyn Jiagge, Michael Brooks, Elizabeth Gheordunescu, Tahra Luther, Shawn G. Clouthier, Sarah Conley, Douglas R. Spitz, Max S. Wicha. Targeting EMT and MET breast cancer stem cell states through simultaneous inhibition of glycolytic and antioxidant pathways. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2311. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2311

Dietary supplementation with the microalga Galdieria sulphuraria (Rhodophyta) reduces prolonged exercise-induced oxidative stress in rat tissues.

We studied the effects of ten-day 1% Galdieria sulphuraria dietary supplementation on oxidative damage and metabolic changes elicited by acute exercise (6-hour swimming) determining oxygen consumption, lipid hydroperoxides, protein bound carbonyls in rat tissue (liver, heart, and muscle) homogenates and mitochondria, tissue glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities, glutathione content, and rates of H2O2 mitochondrial release. Exercise increased oxidative damage in tissues and mitochondria and decreased tissue content of reduced glutathione. Moreover, it increased State 4 and decreased State 3 respiration in tissues and mitochondria. G. sulphuraria supplementation reduced the above exercise-induced variations. Conversely, alga supplementation was not able to modify the exercise-induced increase in mitochondrial release rate of hydrogen peroxide and in liver and heart antioxidant enzyme activities. The alga capacity to reduce lipid oxidative damage without reducing mitochondrial H2O2 release can be due to its high content of C-phycocyanin and glutathione, which are able to scavenge peroxyl radicals and contribute to phospholipid hydroperoxide metabolism, respectively. In conclusion, G. sulphuraria ability to reduce exercise-linked oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction makes it potentially useful even in other conditions leading to oxidative stress, including hyperthyroidism, chronic inflammation, and ischemia/reperfusion.

Redox pioneer: professor Helmut Sies.

Dr. Helmut Sies (MD, 1967) is recognized as a Redox Pioneer, because he authored five articles on oxidative stress, lycopene, and glutathione, each of which has been cited more than 1000 times, and coauthored an article on hydroperoxide metabolism in mammalian systems cited more than 5000 times (Google Scholar). He obtained preclinical education at the University of Tübingen and the University of Munich, clinical training at Munich (MD, 1967) and Paris, and completed Habilitation at Munich (Physiological Chemistry and Physical Biochemistry, 1972). In early research, he first identified hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a normal aerobic metabolite and devised a method to quantify H2O2 concentration and turnover in cells. He quantified central redox systems for energy metabolism (NAD, NADP systems) and antioxidant GSH in subcellular compartments. He first described ebselen, a selenoorganic compound, as a glutathione peroxidase mimic. He contributed a fundamental discovery to the physiology of GSH, selenium nutrition, singlet oxygen biochemistry, and health benefits of dietary lycopene and cocoa flavonoids. He has published more than 600 articles, 134 of which are cited at least 100 times, and edited 28 books. His h-index is 115. During the last quarter of the 20th century and well into the 21st, he has served as a scout, trailblazer, and pioneer in redox biology. His formulation of the concept of oxidative stress stimulated and guided research in oxidants and antioxidants; his pioneering research on carotenoids and flavonoids informed nutritional strategies against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and aging; and his quantitative approach to redox biochemistry provides a foundation for modern redox systems biology. Helmut Sies is a true Redox Pioneer.

In silico molecular modeling and docking studies on the leishmanial tryparedoxin peroxidase

Leishmaniasis is one of the most common form of neglected parasitic disease that affects about 350 million people worldwide. Leishmanias have a trypanothione mediated hydroperoxide metabolism to eliminate endogenous or exogenous oxidative agents. Both of 2-Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) and glutathione peroxidase type tryparedoxin peroxidase (Px) are the terminal enzymes in the trypanothione dependent detoxification system. Therefore absence of trypanothione redox system in mammals and the sensitivity of trypanosomatids against oxidative stress, enzymes of this pathway are drug targets candidates. In this study, 3D structure of tryparedoxin peroxidase (2-Cys peroxiredoxin type) from Leishmania donovani (LdTXNPx) was described by homology modeling method based on the template of tryparedoxin peroxidase from Crithidia fasciculata and selected compounds were docked to the active site pocket. The quality of the 3D structure of the model was confirmed by various web based validation programs. When compared secondary and tertiary structure of the model, it showed a typical thioredoxin fold containing a central beta-sheet and three alpha-helices. Docking study showed that the selected compound 2 (CID 16073813) interacted with the active site amino acids and binding energy was -118.675 kcal/mol.

Identification of M. tuberculosis Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitors Based on High-Throughput Docking Using Constraints

A virtual screening campaign is presented that led to small molecule inhibitors of thioredoxin reductase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtTrxR) that target the protein-protein interaction site for the substrate thioredoxin (Trx). MtTrxR is a promising drug target because it dominates the Trx-dependent hydroperoxide metabolism and the reduction of ribonucleotides, thus facilitating survival and proliferation of M. tuberculosis. Moreover, MtTrxR sufficiently differs from its human homologs to suggest the possibility of selective inhibition if the MtTrxR-Trx interaction site is targeted. To this end, high-throughput docking of 6.5 million virtual compounds to the thioredoxin binding site of MtTrxR combined with constraints as filtering steps was applied. A total of 170 high-scoring compounds yielded 18 compounds that inhibited MtTrxR with IC50 values up to the low micromolar range, thus revealing that the protein-protein interaction site of MtTrxR is indeed druggable. Most importantly, selectivity toward MtTrxR in comparison to human TrxR (HsTrxR) is also demonstrated.

Abstract 3729: Targeting breast cancer stem cells via oxidative stress with inhibitors of hydroperoxide metabolism and decyl-triphenylphosphonium.

Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit lower intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels than non-CSCs, which may be due to the increased expression of free radical scavenging systems. Exogenous agents may be useful to increase ROS and selectively kill CSCs by oxidative stress. Here we tested a combination approach to increase ROS as an effective strategy to eradicate breast CSCs and metastases. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and auranofin (AU) were used to deplete glutathione (GSH) and inhibit thioredoxin reductase (TR), respectively, while mitochondrial-targeted decyltriphenylphosphonium (dTPP) was used to elevate ROS levels. In vitro clonogenicity assays using SUM159 cells showed that treatment with dTPP alone resulted in <30% survival, while AU+BSO, BSO+dTPP and AU+BSO+dTPP all resulted in <1% survival. These effects were reversible with N-acetylcysteine pre-treatment. The Aldefluor+ (CSC) population was also measured following drug treatment in vitro. dTPP or AU treatment alone resulted in <50% of CSCs remaining, while BSO+AU or BSO+dTPP resulted in <25% of CSCs remaining, and treatment with all three compounds resulted in <1% of CSCs remaining. In a preclinical model of breast cancer metastasis, long-term adjuvant treatment with each individual compound significantly reduced the amount of metastases and increased survival, with dTPP treatment alone resulting in 100% survival rate. Interestingly, the combination of all three compounds resulted in increased metastases compared to the single agents. This may potentially be a stress-induced effect resulting from drug toxicity. In conclusion, the approach of increasing ROS in breast cancer cells may be an effective way to target CSCs and useful for adjuvant therapy to reduce metastases in patients. Citation Format: Sarah J. Conley, Trenton Baker, Rebecca Theisen, Elizabeth Gheordunescu, Yueming Zhu, Nukhet Aykin-Burns, Melissa Fath, Douglas Spitz, Max Wicha. Targeting breast cancer stem cells via oxidative stress with inhibitors of hydroperoxide metabolism and decyl-triphenylphosphonium. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3729. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3729

Abstract 1470: Enhancing radiation therapy by simultaneous inhibition of thioredoxin- and glutathione-dependent metabolism

Abstract Cancer cells have been shown to be in a constant state of metabolic oxidative stress, concurrent with an elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to facilitate survival in the face of increased steady-sate levels of ROS, cancer cells rely on glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) dependent metabolism. We have recently demonstrated that the simultaneous inhibition of GSH using Buthionine sulphoximine [(BSO), a GHS synthesis inhibitor] and thioredoxin reductase using auronofin [(Au), a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor] effectively chemo-radio-sensitized lung cancer cells via a mechanism involving oxidative stress. In this work we extend this observation to demonstrate that Au 2 mg/kg and BSO 450 mg/kg, given prior to ionizing radiation (6 Gy x 2 doses) can significantly delay tumor growth rate for mice treated with radiation alone in H292 lung cancer xenografts. In addition, we demonstrate through clonogenic survival assays that the combination of Au (250-500 nM) and BSO (100 μM) radio-sensitizes two breast cancer cell lines in vitro, and more importantly the combination of Au and BSO given by intraperitoneal injection prior to radiation decreases the percent of breast cancer stem/progenitor cells in vivo. The rate limiting substrate for GSH synthesis is cysteine, whose level is controlled by the xc- cystine/glutamate antiporter. Sulfasazine (SSZ) has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of the xc- cystine/glutamate antiporter. We demonstrate that SSZ (0.1-0.5 mM) decreases total GSH (up to 90%) levels in a dose dependent manner in both Mia PaCa-2 and PANC-1 human pancreatic cell lines. The combination of Au (250 nM for 3 hours) with SSZ (0.2 mM for 24 hours) demonstrates an 80% and 30% decrease in clonogenic cell survival in MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 pancreatic cells that is inhibited by treatment with the thiol antioxidant, 15 mM N-acetylcysteine. These results indicate that inhibition of hydroperoxide metabolism using pharmacologically relevant agents to simultaneously disrupt GSH and Trx system, can sensitize multiple cancer cell lines to radiation. These results support the hypothesis that standard of care radiotherapy protocols could be enhanced using SSZ, Au, and/or BSO. Supported by The Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates, R21CA139182, R01CA133114 and a Breast Cancer Research Group Seed Grand from the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. 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 1470. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1470

Simultaneous inhibition of glutathione- and thioredoxin-dependent metabolism is necessary to potentiate 17AAG-induced cancer cell killing via oxidative stress

17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) is an experimental chemotherapeutic agent believed to form free radicals in vivo, and cancer cell resistance to 17AAG is believed to be a thiol-dependent process. Inhibitors of thiol-dependent hydroperoxide metabolism [ l-buthionine- S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) and auranofin] were combined with the glucose metabolism inhibitor 2-deoxy- d-glucose (2DG) to determine if 17AAG-mediated cancer cell killing could be enhanced. When 2DG (20 mM, 24 h), BSO (1 mM, 24 h), and auranofin (500 nM, 3 h) were combined with 17AAG, cell killing was significantly enhanced in three human cancer cell lines (PC-3, SUM159, MDA-MB-231). Furthermore, the toxicity of this drug combination was significantly greater in SUM159 human breast cancer cells, relative to HMEC normal human breast epithelial cells. Increases in toxicity seen with this drug combination also correlated with increased glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) oxidation and depletion. Furthermore, treatment with the thiol antioxidant NAC (15 mM, 24 h) was able to significantly protect from drug-induced toxicity and ameliorate GSH oxidation, Trx oxidation, and Trx depletion. These data strongly support the hypothesis that simultaneous inhibition of GSH- and Trx-dependent metabolism is necessary to sensitize human breast and prostate cancer cells to 2DG + 17AAG-mediated killing via enhancement of thiol-dependent oxidative stress. These results suggest that simultaneous targeting of both GSH and Trx metabolism could represent an effective strategy for chemosensitization in human cancer cells.

Enhancement of Carboplatin-Mediated Lung Cancer Cell Killing by Simultaneous Disruption of Glutathione and Thioredoxin Metabolism

Cancer cells (relative to normal cells) show increased steady-state levels of hydroperoxides that are compensated by increased glucose and hydroperoxide metabolism. The current study determined whether inhibitors of glucose and hydroperoxide metabolism could induce chemoradiosensitization by enhancing oxidative stress in lung cancer cells. A549 and NCI-H292 human lung carcinoma cells were treated with 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) combined with carboplatin + ionizing radiation (IR). Lung cancer cells were further sensitized with inhibitors of glutathione (GSH)- and thioredoxin (Trx)-dependent metabolism [buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and auranofin, respectively] in vitro and in vivo. When 2DG was combined with carboplatin + IR, clonogenic cell killing was enhanced in A549 and NCI-H292 cells, and this combination was more effective than paclitaxel + carboplatin + IR. The thiol antioxidant (N-acetylcysteine, NAC) was capable of protecting cancer cells from 2DG + carboplatin -induced cell killing. Simultaneous treatment of cancer cells with BSO and auranofin, at doses that were not toxic as single agents, also enhanced lung cancer cell killing and sensitivity to 2DG + carboplatin. This treatment combination also increased oxidation of both GSH and Trx, which were inhibited by NAC. Mice treated with auranofin + BSO showed no alterations in circulating leukocytes or red blood cells. Xenograft lung tumor growth in mice was more effectively inhibited by treatment with auranofin + BSO + carboplatin than animals treated with carboplatin or auranofin + BSO alone. These results show in vitro and in vivo that simultaneous inhibition of GSH and Trx metabolism can effectively inhibit lung cancer cell growth and induce chemosensitization by a mechanism that involves thiol-mediated oxidative stress.

Relative contributions of mitochondria and NADPH oxidase to deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension in mice

We assessed the relative contribution of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase to deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension in mice. The daily mean arterial pressure was monitored by radiotelemetry in DOCA-salt-treated mice given vehicle or the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I inhibitor rotenone. This treatment produced remarkable attenuation of DOCA-salt hypertension. Similar results were obtained with other inhibitors of mitochondrial function, including 5-hydroxydecanoate (specific for mitochondrial potassium-ATP channels), benzylguanidine (complexes I and III), and the cell-permeable manganese tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (a mimic of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase). In parallel with the blood pressure-lowering effect of rotenone, the DOCA-salt-induced increases in urinary 8-isoprostane excretion and in reactive oxygen species production of isolated kidney mitochondria were both significantly attenuated. Conversely, the DOCA-salt-induced reduction of urinary nitrate/nitrite excretion was significantly elevated. Following DOCA-salt treatment, mice deficient in NADPH oxidase subunits gp91(phox) or p47(phox) exhibited a partial attenuation of the hypertensive response at early but not later time points. Thus, the mitochondrial respiratory chain is a major source of oxidative stress in DOCA-salt hypertension, whereas NADPH oxidase may have a relatively minor role during the early stage of hypertension.