Multidrug Resistance Modulators Research Articles

Green Tea and Bone Marrow Transplantation: From Antioxidant Activity to Enzymatic and Multidrug-resistance Modulation

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main flavonoid of green tea (GT), could play an active role in the prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases, such as hematologic malignancies. Some effects of EGCG are not imputable to antioxidant activity, but involve modulation of antioxidant enzymes and uric acid (UA) levels. The latter is the major factor responsible of the plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC). However, hyperuricemia is a frequent clinical feature caused by tumor lysis syndrome or cyclosporine side effects, both before and after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Besides this, food–drug interactions could be associated with GT consumption and could have clinical implications.The molecular mechanisms involved in the redox and drug metabolizing/transporting pathways were discussed, with particular reference to the potential role of GT and EGCG in BMT. Moreover, on reviewing data on NEAC, isoprostanes, uric acid, and various enzymes from human studies on GT, its extract, or EGCG, an increase in NEAC, without effect on isoprostanes, and contrasting results on UA and enzymes were observed.Currently, few and contrasting available evidences suggest caution for GT consumption in BMT patients and more studies are needed to better understand the potential impact of EGCG on oxidative stress and metabolizing/transporting systems.

Synergistically Improved Anti-tumor Efficacy by Co-delivery Doxorubicin and Curcumin Polymeric Micelles.

P-gp mediated drug efflux has been recognized as a major obstacle limiting the success of cancer chemotherapy. To overcome this issue, doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (Cur; P-gp inhibitor and apoptosis inhibitor) co-encapsulated pegylated polymeric micelles ((DOX+Cur)-PMs) were designed, prepared and characterized to simultaneously deliver chemotherapeutic drug and multidrug resistance (MDR) modulator to tumor sites. The (DOX+Cur)-PMs were spherical nano-size particle, with a loading content of 6.83%, and high colloidal stability. Co-delivery micelles exhibited excellent cytotoxicity by reversing MDR, promoting cellular uptake and enhancing cellular apoptosis in MCF7/Adr cells. The tumor growth inhibitory effect of (DOX+Cur)-PMs in 4T1-bearing mice was more effective compared with the combination solution of DOX and Cur and even DOX-PMs. In conclusion, simultaneous delivery of DOX and Cur by (DOX+Cur)-PMs has been demonstrated to be a promising approach for overcoming MDR and improving antitumor efficacy.

Development of Fourth Generation ABC Inhibitors from Natural Products: A Novel Approach to Overcome Cancer Multidrug Resistance

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer caused due to overexpression of ABC drug transporters is a major problem in modern chemotherapy. Molecular investigations on MDR have revealed that the resistance is due to various transport proteins of the ABC superfamily which include Phosphoglycoprotein (P-gp/MDR1/ ABCB1), multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 (MRP1), and the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). They have been characterized functionally and are considered as major players in the development of MDR in cancer cells. These ATP-dependent transporter proteins cause MDR either by decreased uptake of the drug or increased efflux of the drug from the target organelles. Several MDR-reversing agents are being developed and are in various stages of clinical trials. The first three generations of ABC modulators such as quinine, verapamil, cyclosporine-A, tariquitor, PSC 833, LY335979, and GF120918 required to be administered in high doses to reverse MDR and were associated with adverse effects. Additionally, these modulators non-selectively inhibit ABC and adversely accumulate chemotherapeutic drugs in brain and kidney. Currently, research has stepped up towards reversing MDR by using natural products which exhibitted potential as chemosensitizers. Globally, there is a rich biodiversity of natural products which can be sourced for developing drugs. These products may provide more lead compounds with superior activity, foremost to the development of more effective therapies for MDR cancer cells. Here, we briefly review the status of natural products for reversing MDR modulators, and discuss the long term goal of MDR strategies in current clinical settings.

γH2AX is a biomarker of modulated cytostatic drug resistance.

ONE reason for reduced therapeutic efficiency of cancer chemotherapies is the appearance of multidrug resistance. Plasma membrane glycoprotein (P-gp) is recognized as one of the best characterized drug efflux pumps playing a central role in the absorption and disposition of many drugs, including chemotherapeutic agents. Increased P-gp activity has been suggested and reported to be an indicator of chemotherapeutic failure. Therefore, P-gp activity has been used as a potential target in being able to reverse multidrug resistance. Cytostatic drugs such as etoposide in combination with the immunosuppressive cyclosporine A may inhibit P-gp activity, ultimately resulting in intracellular enrichment of the targeted drug (1). One issue in cancer therapy involves the highly varying drug response among patients. To assess the multidrug resistance status for personalized cancer therapy, an assay that can provide results to monitor the cytostatic effect of antineoplastic agents in combination with different drugs is highly desirable. Many of these drugs, like etoposide, cause DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) that may eventuate in clonogenic death. DSBs are one of the most biologically significant DNA damage lesions that leads to chromosome breakage and/or rearrangement, mutagenesis and loss or gain of genetic information (2). The phosphorylation of H2AX histone proteins which are located in the vicinity of the DSBs is known as one of the earliest responses to DNA DSBs in cells. Induction of DNA DSBs in live mammalian cells triggers the phosphorylation of Ser139 in the SQ motif near the C-terminal of H2AX protein, which results in the phosphorylated form of H2AX, termed cH2AX. cH2AX signals appear as discrete nuclear “foci” which can be visualized and quantified by a number of methods including fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, following immunostaining procedures with fluorescence-coupled antibodies. The cH2AX foci counting approach has been used in numerous studies to assess the relationship between cH2AX foci removal and the rate of DSBs repair (3). Each DSB is represented by an individual cH2AX focus with a ratio of 1:1 and after successful repair of DSBs, the level of cH2AX foci decline over time in the presence of normal physiological repair mechanisms. The presence of persistent cH2AX indicates impaired DNA repair. Therefore, cH2AX quantification may prove to be a sensitive biomarker of DNA DSBs in human cells and has been suggested for biomonitoring tumor progression and treatment response (4). DSBs are directly generated by exogenous agents such as ionizing radiation and antitumor drugs (bleomycin, mitoxantrone, etoposide). Because mammalian cells respond to DSBs by activating a multitude of proteins involved in signalling and DNA repair pathways, the very nature of DSBs poses such a threat to cell survival that DNA damage checkpoint proteins may be activated to initiate cellular division arrest. This provides time for DNA repair to proceed before mitosis is completed or in the case of overwhelming damage, apoptosis ensues (5). Therefore, detection of accumulated cH2AX foci may be an efficient method for assessing multidrug resistance in cancer therapy as presented by Reddig et al. in this issue of Cytometry A (page XXX).

Lathyrol diterpenes as modulators of P-glycoprotein dependent multidrug resistance: structure-activity relationship studies on Euphorbia factor L3 derivatives.

Five series of 37 new acylate and epoxide derivatives (3-39) of Euphorbia factor L3, a lathyrol diterpene isolated from Euphorbia lathyris, were designed by modifying the hydroxyl moiety of C-3, C-5, or C-15. Chemoreversal effects of the acylates on multidrug resistance (MDR) were evaluated in breast cancer multidrug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cells that overexpress P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Eight derivatives exhibited greater chemoreversal ability than verapamil (VRP) against adriamycin (ADR) resistance. Compounds 19 and 25 exhibited 4.8 and 4.0 times, respectively, more effective reversal ability than VRP against ADR resistance. To determine the key characteristics of Euphorbia factor L3 derivatives that contribute to MDR reversal, we conducted a structure-activity relationship study of these compounds. The simulation studies indicated different possible mechanisms and revealed the important influence of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds in the flexible cavity of P-gp.

Synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines as potential multidrug resistance modulators

Abstract Polysubstituted pyridines 4 bearing methoxyphenyl groups at different positions of the ring have been prepared by the alkylation of 6-thioxo-1,6-dihydropyridines 1 or by the oxidation of 1,4-dihydropyridine 6 with manganese triacetate. The multidrug resistance–modulating (P-glycoprotein inhibition) activity of pyridine derivatives 4 comparable with that of verapamil has been revealed.

The effect of radiation exposure on multidrug resistance: in vitro and in vivo studies using non-small lung cancer cells.

BackgroundTechnetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc MIBI) is a substrate with the same uptake kinetics as doxorubicin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a mechanism that impedes chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the effect of radiation exposure on MDR in NSCLC and the synergy between an MDR modulator, GG918, and radiation, using 99mTc MIBI in vitro and doxorubicin in vivo.MethodsIn vitro NSCLC cells (H1299) were exposed to radiation (3-, 6-, and 9-Gy-irradiated groups) alongside a not-irradiated (0 Gy) group. Technetium-99 metastable methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc MIBI) was administered to cell suspensions at 48 h after irradiation. Cell radioactivity was measured, and Cin/Cout ratios were calculated and compared. NSCLC cells were also subcutaneously transplanted into the left thigh of nude mice, which were subsequently raised for 2 weeks. Two groups of mice were used: mice exposed to irradiation (9-Gy-irradiated) and those that were not (not-irradiated). Doxorubicin was administered through the caudal vein at 48 h after the irradiation. Using an in vivo imaging system, intratumoural photon counts were measured. To determine the synergy between the MDR modulator and 3- or 6-Gy irradiation, the final GG918 concentration was determined: 0.1 μM (N-H, 3-H, and 6-H groups), 0.001 μM (N-L, 3-L, and 6-L groups), and 0 μM (N-0, 3-0, and 6-0 groups). Cin/Cout ratios were calculated and compared among the groups.ResultsCin/Cout after 6- or 9-Gy irradiation was significantly higher than that of the not-irradiated group (0 Gy). In vivo, fluorescence photon counts were significantly higher in the tumours of 9-Gy-irradiated mice, up to 270 min after administration of doxorubicin, as compared to the not-irradiated mice. The Cin/Cout ratio in the N-H, 3-H, and 6-H groups was significantly higher than that in the N-0, 3-0, and 6-0 groups. There was no significant difference between Cin/Cout in the N-L group and that of the N-0 group. However, the Cin/Cout ratio in the 3-L and 6-L groups was significantly higher than that in the 3-0 and 6-0 groups.ConclusionsIrradiation decreased MDR in NSCLC cells. In combination with a low-dose MDR modulator, GG918, MDR transport function was synergistically reduced 48 h post-irradiation.

Abstract A01: A-803467, a sodium channel blocker, reverses ABCG2-mediated MDR in vitro as well as in vivo

Abstract The ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, isoform 2 protein (ABCG2) is a vital member of the ABC transporter superfamily, which has been involved in multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Its diverse range of substrates includes many antineoplastic agents such as doxorubicin and mitoxantrone. ABCG2 expression has been significantly increased in some solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, which is correlated to poorer clinical outcomes. In addition, ABCG2 expression is a distinguishing feature of cancer stem cells, whereby this membranous transporter imparts resistance to the chemotherapeutic drugs. To enhance the chemosensitivity of cancer cells, attention has been focused on MDR modulators. In this study, we investigated the ability of sodium channel blocker, A-803467 to reverse ABCG2-mediated MDR. We found that A-803467 at non-toxic concentration could significantly increase the cellular sensitivity to ABCG2 substrates in drug-resistant cells overexpressing either wild-type or mutant ABCG2. Mechanistic studies indicated that A-803467 (7.5 μM) significantly increased the intracellular accumulation resulted from inhibition of the efflux of mitoxantrone by inhibiting the transport activity without altering expression level of ABCG2 protein. Furthermore, ATPase analysis indicates that A-803467 stimulates the ATPase activity in membranes overexpressing ABCG2. in-vivo results indicating that tumor volume was significantly decreased by combination of A-803467 with topotecan when compared to the topotecan and A-803467 alone group. Our findings suggest that A-803467 has the potential to be used in combination with ABCG2 chemotherapeutic substrates to augment the response in drug resistant cancers. Citation Format: Nagaraju Anreddy, Priyank Kumar, Atish Patel, Yun-Kai Zhang, Yijun Wang, Rishil Kathawala, John D. Wurpel, Zhe-Sheng Chen. A-803467, a sodium channel blocker, reverses ABCG2-mediated MDR in vitro as well as in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr A01.

Reversal of P-glycoprotein-medicated multidrug resistance by LBM-A5 in vitro and a study of its pharmacokinetics in vivo.

The overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in tumors leads to multidrug resistance (MDR), which is a significant obstacle in clinical cancer chemotherapy. The co-administration of anticancer drugs and MDR modulators is a promising strategy for overcoming this problem. Our study aimed to explore the reversal mechanism and safety of the MDR modulator LBM-A5 in vitro, and evaluate its pharmacokinetics and effects on doxorubicin metabolism in vivo. We evaluated an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay of anticancer agents mediated by LBM-A5, the effect of LBM-A5 on rhodamine123 intracellular accumulation, and the efflux in K562/DOX cells to investigate the reversal mechanisms of LBM-A5. The results showed that LBM-A5 inhibits rhodamine123 efflux and increases intracellular accumulation by inhibiting the efflux pump function of P-gp. Furthermore, the therapeutic index and CYP3A4 activity analysis in vitro suggested that LBM-A5 is reasonably safe to use. Also, LBM-A5 (10 mg/kg body mass) achieved the required plasma concentration in sufficient time to reverse MDR in vivo. Importantly, the LBM-A5 treatment group shared similar doxorubicin (DOX) pharmacokinetics with the free DOX group. Our results suggest that LBM-A5 effectively reverses MDR (EC50 = 483.6 ± 81.7 nmol·L(-1)) by inhibiting the function of P-gp, with relatively ideal pharmacokinetics and in a safe manner, and so may be a promising candidate for cancer chemotherapy research.

Natural Products Modulate the Multifactorial Multidrug Resistance of Cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a critical problem in cancer chemotherapy. Cancer cells can develop resistance not only to a single cytotoxic drug, but also to entire classes of structurally and functionally unrelated compounds. Several mechanisms can mediate the development of MDR, including increased drug efflux from the cells by ABC-transporters (ABCT), activation of metabolic enzymes, and defective pathways towards apoptosis. Many plant secondary metabolites (SMs) can potentially increase sensitivity of drug-resistant cancer cells to chemotherapeutical agents. The present thesis investigates the modulation of MDR by certain medicinal plants and their active compounds. The inhibition of ABCTs (P-gp/MDR1, MRP1, BCRP) and metabolic enzymes (GST and CYP3A4), and the induction of apoptosis are useful indicators of the efficacy of a potential medicinal drug. The focus of this study was the possible mechanisms of drug resistance including: expression of resistance proteins, activation of metabolic enzymes, and alteration of the apoptosis and how to overcome their resistance effect on cancer cells. The overall goal of this review was to evaluate how commonly used medicinal plants and their main active secondary metabolites modulate multidrug resistance in cancer cells in order to validate their uses as anticancer drugs, introduce new therapeutic options for resistant cancer, and facilitate the development of their anticancer strategies and/or combination therapies. In conclusion, SMs from medicinal plants exhibit multitarget activity against MDR-related proteins, metabolic enzymes, and apoptotic signaling, this may help to overcome resistance towards chemotherapeutic drugs.

Jalapinoside, a macrocyclic bisdesmoside from the resin glycosides of Ipomea purga, as a modulator of multidrug resistance in human cancer cells.

The first macrocyclic bisdesmoside resin glycoside, jalapinoside (4), was purified by preparative-scale recycling HPLC from the MeOH-soluble extracts of Ipomoea purga roots, the officinal jalap. Purgic acid C (3), a new glycosidic acid of ipurolic acid, was identified as 3-O-β-d-quinovopyranoside, 11-O-β-d-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[β-d-fucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-quinovopyranoside (3S,11S)-dihydroxytetradecanoic acid. The acylating residues of this core were acetic, (+)-(2S)-methylbutanoic, and dodecanoic acids. The site of lactonization was defined as C-3 of the second saccharide moiety. Reversal of multidrug resistance by this noncytotoxic compound was evaluated in vinblastine-resistant human breast carcinoma cells.

The modulation of ABC transporter-mediated multidrug resistance in cancer: a review of the past decade.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent one of the largest and oldest families of membrane proteins in all extant phyla from prokaryotes to humans, which couple the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis essentially to translocate, among various substrates, toxic compounds across the membrane. The fundamental functions of these multiple transporter proteins include: (1) conserved mechanisms related to nutrition and pathogenesis in bacteria, (2) spore formation in fungi, and (3) signal transduction, protein secretion and antigen presentation in eukaryotes. Moreover, one of the major causes of multidrug resistance (MDR) and chemotherapeutic failure in cancer therapy is believed to be the ABC transporter-mediated active efflux of a multitude of structurally and mechanistically distinct cytotoxic compounds across membranes. It has been postulated that ABC transporter inhibitors known as chemosensitizers may be used in combination with standard chemotherapeutic agents to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. The current paper reviews the advance in the past decade in this important domain of cancer chemoresistance and summarizes the development of new compounds and the re-evaluation of compounds originally designed for other targets as transport inhibitors of ATP-dependent drug efflux pumps.

Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles conjugated with anti- P-glycoprotein antibody to overcome multidrug resistance.

The encapsulation of curcumin (Cur) in polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (Cur- NPs) was designed to improve its solubility and stability. Conjugation of the Cur-NPs with anti-P-glycoprotein (P-gp) antibody (Cur-NPs-APgp) may increase their targeting to P-gp, which is highly expressed in multidrug- resistance (MDR) cancer cells. This study determined whether Cur-NPs-APgp could overcome MDR in a human cervical cancer model (KB-V1 cells) in vitro and in vivo. First, we determined the MDR- reversing property of Cur in P-gp-overexpressing KB-V1 cells in vitro and in vivo. Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp, in the range 150-180 nm, were constructed and subjected to an in vivo pharmacokinetic study compared with Cur. The in vitro and in vivo MDR-reversing properties of Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp were then investigated. Moreover, the stability of the NPs was determined in various solutions. The combined treatment of paclitaxel (PTX) with Cur dramatically decreased cell viability and tumor growth compared to PTX treatment alone. After intravenous injection, Cur-NPs-APgp and Cur-NPs could be detected in the serum up to 60 and 120 min later, respectively, whereas Cur was not detected after 30 min. Pretreatment with Cur-NPs-APgp, but not with NPs or Cur-NPs, could enhance PTX sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. The constructed NPs remained a consistent size, proving their stability in various solutions. Our functional Cur-NPs-APgp may be a suitable candidate for application in a drug delivery system for overcoming drug resistance. The further development of Cur-NPs-APgp may be beneficial to cancer patients by leading to its use as either as a MDR modulator or as an anticancer drug.

Abstract 1967: A-803467, a sodium channel blocker, reverses ABCG2-mediated MDR

Abstract The ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, isoform 2 protein (ABCG2) is a vital member of the ABC transporter superfamily, which has been involved in multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Its diverse range of substrates includes many antineoplastic agents such as doxorubicin and mitoxantrone. ABCG2 expression has been significantly increased in some solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, which is correlated to poorer clinical outcomes. In addition, ABCG2 expression is a distinguishing feature of cancer stem cells, whereby this membranous transporter imparts resistance to the chemotherapeutic drugs. To enhance the chemosensitivity of cancer cells, attention has been focused on MDR modulators. In this study, we investigated the ability of sodium channel blocker, A-803467 to reverse ABCG2-mediated MDR. We found that A-803467 at non-toxic concentration could significantly increase the cellular sensitivity to ABCG2 substrates in drug-resistant cells overexpressing either wild-type or mutant ABCG2. Mechanistic studies indicated that A-803467 (7.5 μM) significantly increased the intracellular accumulation resulted from inhibition of the efflux of mitoxantrone by inhibiting the transport activity without altering expression level of ABCG2 protein. Furthermore, ATPase analysis indicates that A-803467 stimulates the ATPase activity in membranes overexpressing ABCG2. Our findings suggest that A-803467 has the potential to be used in combination with ABCG2 chemotherapeutic substrates to augment the response in drug resistant cancers. Citation Format: Nagaraju Anreddy. A-803467, a sodium channel blocker, reverses ABCG2-mediated MDR. [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 1967. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1967

Multidrug resistance (MDR) reversers: High activity and efficacy in a series of asymmetrical N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl esters

As a continuation of our research on potent and efficacious P-gp-dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) reversers, several new N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl esters were designed and synthesized, varying the aromatic moieties or the length of the methylenic chain. The new compounds were tested on doxorubicin-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells (K562/DOX) in the pirarubicin uptake assay, where most of the new compounds were shown to be active. In particular the asymmetrical compounds, characterized by two linkers of different length, generally showed fairly high activities as MDR reversers. Some selected compounds (isomers 15–17) were further studied by evaluating their doxorubicin cytotoxicity enhancement (reversal fold, RF) on the K562/DOX cell line. The results of both pharmacological assays indicate that compounds 16 (GDE6) and 17 (GDE19) could be interesting leads for the development of new P-gp dependent MDR modulators.

Thieno[2,3-b]pyridines—A new class of multidrug resistance (MDR) modulators

To identify new potent multidrug resistance modulators, we have synthesized a series of novel thieno[2,3-b]pyridines and furo[2,3-b]pyridines, and examined their stucture–activity relationships. All synthesized compounds were tested to determine BCRP1, P-gp, and MRP1 inhibitor activity, and most potent MDR modulators were also screened for their toxicity, cytotoxicity and Ca2+ channel antagonist activity. Among these compounds, thieno[2,3-b]pyridine (6r) was found to exhibit a potent P-gp inhibitory action with EC50=0.3±0.2μM, MRP1 inhibitory action with EC50=1.1±0.1μM and BCRP1 inhibitory action with EC50=0.2±0.05μM and may represent suitable candidate for further pharmacological studies.

Water-soluble and cleavable quercetin-amino acid conjugates as safe modulators for P-glycoprotein-based multidrug resistance.

Quercetin-amino acid conjugates with alanine or glutamic acid moiety attached at 7-O and/or 3-O position of quercetin were prepared, and their multidrug resistance (MDR)-modulatory effects were evaluated. A quercetin-glutamic acid conjugate, 7-O-Glu-Q (3a), was as potent as verapamil in reversing MDR and sensitized MDR MES-SA/Dx5 cells to various anticancer drugs with EC50 values of 0.8-0.9 μM. Analysis on Rh-123 accumulation confirmed that 3a inhibits drug efflux by Pgp, and Pgp ATPase assay showed that 3a interacts with the drug-binding site of Pgp to stimulate its ATPase activity. Physicochemical analysis of 3a revealed that solubility, stability, and cellular uptake of quercetin were significantly improved by the glutamic acid promoiety, which eventually dissociates from 3a to produce quercetin and quercetin metabolites in intracellular milieu. Taken together, potent MDR-modulating activity along with intracellular conversion into the natural flavonoid quercetin warrants development of the quercetin-amino acid conjugates as safe MDR modulators.

Reversing cancer multidrug resistance: insights into the efflux by ABC transports from in silico studies

One of the greatest threats to cancer treatment is the development, by some tumors, of resistance to the pharmacological action of several structurally unrelated cytotoxic agents—multidrug resistance (MDR). As P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is one of the most studied ATP‐dependent efflux pumps that are frequently involved in drug efflux from cancer cells, the development of MDR modulators with the ability to inhibit P‐gp efflux is considered a promising approach for overcoming MDR. However, the development of P‐gp modulators have been hampered due to the absence of knowledge on the intrinsic molecular aspects by which efflux occurs, namely the specific steps that correlates drug recognition, ATP binding and efflux‐related conformational changes. Experimental evidences for these processes are also difficult to obtain and only provide small pieces of information that need to be assembled for better comprehension of a wider and complex process that is drug efflux. A promising alternative relies on cutting‐edge computational techniques to provide new insights on key aspects that are determinant to understand how P‐gp efflux can be effectively reversed. With the contribution of ligand‐based or structure‐based computational methods, P‐gp drug efflux is slowly becoming a dynamic and reactive process rather than a simple response to drug binding, with the complex architecture of ABC transporters playing a determinant role not only in drug recognition but in the coordination of ATP‐driven conformational changes that ultimately drives drug efflux. The major enlightenments that computational studies provided toward a better comprehension of MDR and P‐gp efflux phenomena are hereby described. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:27–55. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1196This article is categorized under: Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Synthesis, cytotoxic activity, and computational analysis of N10-substituted acridone analogs

A series of twenty N10-substituted acridone derivatives were synthesized, tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity, and analyzed computationally to predict their multi-drug resistance (MDR) modulation potential. All synthesized N10-substituted acridone analogs were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human small cell lung carcinoma (A-549), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), and human cervical epithelioid carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines by MTT assay. The compounds were observed to be inactive against the HT-29 cell line. Among the synthesized compounds, compound 14 showed good in vitro activity against MCF-7, A-549, and HeLa cancer cell lines in the low micromolar (µM) range as compared to other compounds. Additionally, in silico study was performed to check the multi-drug resistance modulator (MDR) effect of these compounds using docking simulations in the ATP binding site of P-gp. The results of docking simulation displayed important interactions of molecules 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, and 20 in the active site of this protein and proposed their dual action, i.e., anti-cancer and MDR modulation.

Hexasaccharide resin glycosides from the jalap roots as modulators of multidrug resistance in MCF-7 cancer cell line

Hexasaccharide resin glycosides from the jalap roots as modulators of multidrug resistance in MCF-7 cancer cell line