NCI-H460 Human Lung Cancer Cells Research Articles

The up-regulation of PD-L1 during boningmycin-induced senescence in human cancer cells depends on the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway mediated by SASP.

Therapy-induced senescence can regulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems, thereby affecting therapeutic efficacy. Bleomycin is a major component of combined chemotherapy regimens, utilized for the treatment of multiple tumors, whereas pulmonary toxicity severely restricts its clinical benefits. As a member of the bleomycin family, boningmycin (BON) exhibits potent anticancer activity with minimal pulmonary toxicity, making it a potential alternative to bleomycin. Low concentrations of BON can induce senescence, but the impact of BON-induced senescence on anticancer immunity remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of BON-induced senescence on PD-L1 expression and the underlying mechanisms in human cancer cells. Firstly, the elevation of PD-L1 protein during BON-induced senescence was confirmed by a senescence β-galactosidase staining assay, detection of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), western blot and flow cytometry in human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Subsequently, it was shown that the increase in PD-L1 protein is mediated by SASP, as evidenced by the use of conditional media, knockdown of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and inhibition of stimulator of interferon genes. Ultimately, it was demonstrated that SASP-mediated PD-L1 up-regulation is dependent on the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway through the use of specific inhibitors and siRNAs. These findings clarify the impact of BON-induced senescence on PD-L1 expression and may contribute to the optimization of the therapeutic efficacy of bleomycin-related compounds and the clinical transformation of BON.

The in vitro anticancer effects of FS48 from salivary glands of Xenopsylla cheopis on NCI-H460 cells via its blockage of voltage-gated K+ channels.

Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels play a role in the cellular processes of various cancer cells, including lung cancer cells. We previously identified and reported a salivary protein from the Xenopsylla cheopis, FS48, which exhibited inhibitory activity against Kv1.1-1.3 channels when assayed in HEK 293T cells. However, whether FS48 has an inhibitory effect on cancer cells expressing Kv channels is unclear. The present study aims to reveal the effects of FS48 on the Kv channels and the NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells through patch clamp, MTT, wound healing, transwell, gelatinase zymography, qRT-PCR and WB assays. The results demonstrated that FS48 can be effective in suppressing the Kv currents, migration, and invasion of NCI-H460 cells in a dose-dependent manner, despite the failure to inhibit the proliferation. Moreover, the expression of Kv1.1 and Kv1.3 mRNA and protein were found to be significantly reduced. Finally, FS48 decreases the mRNA level of MMP-9 while increasing TIMP-1 mRNA level. The present study highlights for the first time that blood-sucking arthropod saliva-derived protein can inhibit the physiological activities of tumour cells via the Kv channels. Furthermore, FS48 can be taken as a hit compound against the tumour cells expressing Kv channels.

The Anticancer Activity Conferred by the Mud Crab Antimicrobial Peptide Scyreprocin through Apoptosis and Membrane Disruption.

Scyreprocin is an antimicrobial peptide first identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Herein, we showed that its recombinant product (rScyreprocin) could significantly inhibit the growth of human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells (H460), but showed no cytotoxicity to human lung fibroblasts (HFL1). rScyreprocin was a membrane-active peptide that firstly induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H460, and led to endoplasmic reticulum stress and Ca2+ release, which resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently activation of caspase-3 cascades, and ultimately led to apoptosis. The comprehensive results indicated that rScyreprocin exerted anticancer activity by disrupting cell membrane and inducing apoptosis. The in vivo efficacy test demonstrated that intratumoral injection of rScyreprocin significantly inhibited the growth of H460 xenografts, which was close to that of the cisplatin (inhibition rate: 69.94% vs. 80.76%). Therefore, rScyreprocin is expected to become a promising candidate for the treatment of lung cancer.

β-Thujaplicin Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis via the Dual Effects of XIAP Inhibition and Degradation in NCI-H460 Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Background: β-thujaplicin, a natural tropolone derivative, has anticancer effects on various cancer cells via apoptosis. However, the apoptosis regulatory proteins involved in this process have yet to be revealed. Methods: Trypan blue staining, a WST-8 assay, and a caspase-3/7 activity assay were used to investigate whether β-thujaplicin sensitizes cancer cells to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, western blotting was performed to clarify the effects of β-thujaplicin on X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in NCI-H460 cells and a fluorescence polarization binding assay was used to evaluate the binding-inhibitory activity of β-thujaplicin against XIAP-BIR3. Results: β- and γ-thujaplicins decreased the viability of NCI-H460 cells in a dose-dependent manner; they also sensitized the cells to TRAIL-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. β-thujaplicin significantly potentiated the apoptosis induction effect of TRAIL on NCI-H460 cells, which was accompanied by enhanced caspase-3/7 activity. Interestingly, β-thujaplicin treatment in NCI-H460 cells decreased XIAP levels. Furthermore, β-thujaplicin was able to bind XIAP-BIR3 at the Smac binding site. Conclusions: These findings indicate that β-thujaplicin could enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NCI-H460 cells via XIAP inhibition and degradation. Thus, the tropolone scaffold may be useful for designing novel nonpeptidic small-molecule inhibitors of XIAP and developing new types of anticancer drugs.

Human tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein eight-like 1 exhibited potent anti-tumor effect through modulation of proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells.

Lung cancer represents one of the most prevalent neoplasms across the globe. Tobacco smoking, exposure to different occupational and environmental carcinogens, and various dietary factors are strongly implicated in the development of lung cancer. The 5-year survival rate of lung cancer is extremely poor which can be attributed to its propensity for early spread, lack of appropriate biomarkers and proper therapeutic strategies for this aggressive neoplasm. Emerging evidence suggests tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein eight like 1 (TIPE1 or TNFAIP8L1), which functions as a cell death regulator, to hold high prospect as an important biomarker. Interestingly, this protein was found to be significantly downregulated in human lung cancer tissues compared to normal lung tissues. In addition, this protein exerted marked downregulation in different stages and grades of lung tumor. Further knockout of TIPE1 led to the enhancement in proliferation, survival, migration and invasion of NCIH460 human lung cancer cells through modulation of Akt/mTOR/STAT-3 signaling cascade. In addition, TIPE1 was found to be involved in nicotine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, N-nitrosonornicotine and benzo[a]pyrene-mediated lung cancer through enhanced proliferation, survival and migration of lung cancer cells. Altogether, this newly identified protein plays a critical role in lung cancer pathogenesis and possess enormous prospect to serve as an important tool in the effective management of this aggressive neoplasm.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a new nanostructured Ca(II)-MOF as 5-FU delivery system to inhibit human lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and induce cell apoptosis

A new porous metal-organic framework material, {Ca3(TATAB)2 (H2O)(MeOH)}(DMF)3}n (1, TATAB3- = 4,4′,4′′-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyltri-p-aminobenzoate), with considerable biocompatibility was synthesized by reaction of the Ca(NO3)2 and the H3TATAB ligand in DMF/MeOH solution. Nanostructure 1 can also be prepared by sonochemical process at ambient temperature. Nitrogen adsorption measurements revealed the presence of micropores as well as moderately high BET surface areas in the activated nanostructured 1 (1a). The incorporation of the drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) into 1a was 38.6 wt% per gram of 1a. 5-FU is released in a highly controlled and progressive fashion with 88.7% of the drug released after 72 h. The CCK8 assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of 5-FU@1a on NCI-H292 and NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells, and the transwell assay was conducted to observe the migration and invasion ability of cancer cells after 5-FU@1a treatment. The Annexin V-FITC/PI assay was carried out to evaluate the level of cancer cell apoptosis. The results above indicate 5-FU@1a has excellent anticancer activity in vitro. The in vivo xenograft model was applied, and the results suggested 5-FU@1a could reduce the volume and the weight of the tumor in vivo.

Itraconazole Alters the Stem Cell Characteristics of A549 and NCI-H460 Human Lung Cancer Cells by Suppressing Wnt Signaling.

BackgroundCancer stem cells (CSCs) behave as their malignant counterparts, but persist after treatment, and possess properties that allow them to interact with their environment. Itraconazole, an antifungal agent, also has a role in suppressing tumor progression, but its effects in regulating tumor cell stemness remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of itraconazole on A549 and NCI-H460 human lung cancer cell stemness in vitro.Material/MethodsA549 and NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells and BEAS-2B normal bronchial epithelial cells were cultured with and without itraconazole. Cell viability was evaluated. The expression of stem cell markers, CD133, ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), were measured by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Sphere-forming cells were evaluated in vitro.ResultsItraconazole reduced the expression of stemness molecules CD133, ABCG2, and ALDH1 in A549 and NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells, and the numbers of sphere-forming cells were reduced. However, itraconazole had little effect on cell viability but enhanced the chemosensitivity of A549 and NCI-H460 cells. Itraconazole inhibited Wnt signaling. Re-activation of Wnt signaling restored itraconazole-mediated inhibition on A549 and NCI-H460 cell stemness.ConclusionsItraconazole altered the stemness characteristics of A549 and NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells by suppressing Wnt signaling but did not affect cell viability.

Quinonoid compounds via reactions of lawsone and 2-aminonaphthoquinone with α-bromonitroalkenes and nitroallylic acetates: Structural diversity by C-ring modification and cytotoxic evaluation against cancer cells

Morita-Baylis-Hillman acetates and α-bromonitroalkenes have been employed in cascade reactions with lawsone and 2-aminonaphthoquinone for the one-pot synthesis of heterocycle fused quinonoid compounds. The reactions reported here utilized the 1,3-binucleophilic potential of hydroxy- and aminonaphthoquinones and the 1,2/1,3-bielectrophilic potential of bromonitroalkenes and Morita-Baylis-Hillman acetates for the synthesis of pyrrole and furan fused naphthoquinones. The synthesized compounds were evaluated against HCT-116 (human colon carcinoma cells), PC3 (human prostate cancer cells), HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia cells), SF295 (human glioblastoma cells) and NCI-H460 (human lung cancer cells) and exhibited antitumor activity with IC50 values as low as < 2 μM. Selected compounds were also evaluated against OVCAR-8 (ovary), MX-1 (breast) and JURKAT (leukemia) cell lines. The cytotoxic potential of the quinones evaluated was also assayed using non-tumor cells, exemplified by peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) and L929 cells.

Cypripedin, a phenanthrenequinone from Dendrobium densiflorum, sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer H460 cells to cisplatin-mediated apoptosis.

The life-threatening potential of lung cancer has increased over the years due to its acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance, especially to cisplatin, a first-line therapy. In response to this development, researchers have turned their attention to several compounds derived from natural origins, including cypripedin (CYP), a phenanthrenequinone substance extracted from Dendrobium densiflorum. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of CYP to induce apoptosis and enhance cisplatin-mediated death of human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells using cell viability and apoptosis assays. The induction of apoptosis by CYP was observed at a concentration of > 50μM with the appearance of morphological changes, including DNA condensation and chromatin fragmentation. Together with, CYP was able to activate caspase-3 and downregulate the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Also, a non-cytotoxic dose of CYP synergistically potentiated the effect of cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer line H460 cells, which clearly exhibited the apoptotic phenotype. Western blot analysis revealed that the underlying mechanism involved the downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL, whereas the levels of other apoptotic regulatory proteins were not altered. This study provides interesting information on the potent effect of CYP as a chemotherapeutic sensitizer that could be further developed to improve the clinical outcomes of lung cancer patients.

Modeling the Transfer of Drug Resistance in Solid Tumors.

ABC efflux transporters are a key factor leading to multidrug resistance in cancer. Overexpression of these transporters significantly decreases the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Along with selection and induction, drug resistance may be transferred between cells, which is the focus of this paper. Specifically, we consider the intercellular transfer of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a well-known ABC transporter that was shown to confer resistance to many common chemotherapeutic drugs. In a recent paper, Durán et al. (Bull Math Biol 78(6):1218-1237, 2016) studied the dynamics of mixed cultures of resistant and sensitive NCI-H460 (human non-small lung cancer) cell lines. As expected, the experimental data showed a gradual increase in the percentage of resistance cells and a decrease in the percentage of sensitive cells. The experimental work was accompanied with a mathematical model that assumed P-gp transfer from resistant cells to sensitive cells, rendering them temporarily resistant. The mathematical model provided a reasonable fit to the experimental data. In this paper, we develop a new mathematical model for the transfer of drug resistance between cancer cells. Our model is based on incorporating a resistance phenotype into a model of cancer growth (Greene etal. in J Theor Biol 367:262-277, 2015). The resulting model for P-gp transfer, written as a system of integro-differential equations, follows the dynamics of proliferating, quiescent, and apoptotic cells, with a varying resistance phenotype. We show that this model provides a good match to the dynamics of the experimental data of Durán etal. (2016). The mathematical model shows a better fit when resistant cancer cells have a slower division rate than the sensitive cells.

Platinum(IV) complexes conjugated with phenstatin analogue as inhibitors of microtubule polymerization and reverser of multidrug resistance

Pt(IV) complexes comprising a phenstatin analogue, as dual-targeting Pt(IV) prodrug, were designed and synthesized. They were found not only to carry the DNA binding platinum warhead into the tumor cells, but also to have a small molecular unit to inhibit tubulin polymerization. In vitro evaluation results revealed that Pt(IV) complexes showed better and more potent activity against the test human cancer cells including cisplatin resistant cell lines than their corresponding Pt(II) counterparts. In addition, the Pt(IV) derivative of cisplatin, complex 10, exhibited highly selective inhibition in human cancer cells and displayed no obvious toxicity to two human normal cell lines, respectively. Mechanism study suggested that complex 10 induced cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and caused apoptotic cell death of human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells through the mitochondrial mediated pathway. Moreover, complex 10 effectively inhibited the tumor growth in the NCI-H460 xenograft model.

Streptomyces artemisiae MCCB 248 isolated from Arctic fjord sediments has unique PKS and NRPS biosynthetic genes and produces potential new anticancer natural products

After screening marine actinomycetes isolated from sediment samples collected from the Arctic fjord Kongsfjorden for potential anticancer activity, an isolate identified as Streptomyces artemisiae MCCB 248 exhibited promising results against the NCI-H460 human lung cancer cell line. H460 cells treated with the ethyl acetate extract of strain MCCB 248 and stained with Hoechst 33342 showed clear signs of apoptosis, including shrinkage of the cell nucleus, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. Further to this treated cells showed indications of early apoptotic cell death, including a significant proportion of Annexin V positive staining and evidence of DNA damage as observed in the TUNEL assay. Amplified PKS 1 and NRPS genes involved in secondary metabolite production showed only 82% similarity to known biosynthetic genes of Streptomyces, indicating the likely production of a novel secondary metabolite in this extract. Additionally, chemical dereplication efforts using LC–MS/MS molecular networking suggested the presence of a series of undescribed tetraene polyols. Taken together, these results revealed that this Arctic S. artemisiae strain MCCB 248 is a promising candidate for natural products drug discovery and genome mining for potential anticancer agents.

AKR1B10-inhibitory Selaginella tamariscina extract and amentoflavone decrease the growth of A549 human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSelaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat various human diseases, including cancer, in Asia. The detailed molecular mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of this plant and the anti-cancer action of the combinatorial treatment of S. tamariscina and doxorubicin have not yet been investigated. Aim of the studyWe evaluated the inhibitory activity of S. tamariscina extract (STE) and its major compound, amentoflavone, on human aldo-keto reductase family 1B10 (AKR1B10), which is a detoxification enzyme involved in drug resistance, to evaluate their anti-cancer effects and their potential as adjuvant agents for doxorubicin cancer chemotherapy. Materials and methodsWe tested the AKR1B10 inhibitory activity of STE and amentoflavone via an in vitro biochemical assay using recombinant human AKR1B10. We tested the anti-proliferative activity in A549, NCI-H460, SKOV-3, and MCF-7 human cancer cells, which contain different expression levels of AKR1B10, and determined the combination index to evaluate whether the addition of STE and amentoflavone is synergistic or antagonistic to the anti-cancer action of doxorubicin. We finally evaluated the in vivo anti-tumor effects of STE in a nude mouse xenograft model of A549 cells. ResultsSTE and amentoflavone potently inhibited human AKR1B10 and synergistically increased the doxorubicin anti-proliferative effect in A549 and NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells that express a high level of AKR1B10 mRNA and protein. STE also significantly inhibited A549 tumor growth in animal experiments. ConclusionOur results suggest that STE and amentoflavone could be potential anti-cancer agents that target AKR1B10 and might be candidate adjuvant agents to boost the anti-cancer effect of doxorubicin.

Bufalin inhibits gefitinib resistant NCI-H460 human lung cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBufalin, a component of Chan Su (frog), has been shown to have biological activities including anti-tumor effects. Gefitinib has been used as an anti-cancer drug in lung cancer patients; however, some patients eventually become gefitinib resistant. Aim of the studyIn this study, we investigated anti-metastasis effects of bufalin in gefitinib resistant NCI-H460 lung cancer cells. Materials and methodsThe effects of the bufalin in gefitinib resistant NCI-H460 lung cancer cells were investigated on cell viability using flow cytometry. The adhesion capacity, wound healing assay, invasion and migration assay, and Western blot analysis were used to understand the molecular mechanisms in this study ResultsUnder sub-lethal concentrations (from 2.5 up to 10nM), bufalin significantly inhibits cell adhension, migration and invasion nature of gefitinib resistant H460 cells. Western blotting assay revealed that bufalin depressed some of the key metastasis-related proteins, such as SOS-1, MMP-2 and Rho A underwent significant reduction. Phosphorylated Focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2), Ras and E-cadherin were significantly reduced at 48h treatment. However, phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (p-JNK1/2) and NF-κBp65 were increased. ConclusionsBased on these observations, we suggest that bufalin can be used in anti-metastasis of gefitinib resistant NCI-H460 lung cancer cells in the future.

Cantharidin Impairs Cell Migration and Invasion of Human Lung Cancer NCI-H460 Cells via UPA and MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Cantharidin (CTD), a component of natural mylabris (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), has been shown to have biological activities and induce cell death in many human cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CTD on cell migration and invasion of NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells. Cell viability was examined and results indicated that CTD decreased the percentage of viable cells in dose-dependent manners. CTD inhibited cell migration and invasion in dose-dependent manners. Gelatin zymography analysis was used to measure the activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2/-9) and the results indicated that CTD inhibited the enzymatic activities of MMP-2/-9 of NCI-H460 cells. Western blotting was used to examine the protein expression of NCI-H460 cells after incubation with CTD and the results showed that CTD decreased the expression of MMP-2/-9, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Ras homolog gene family, member A (Rho A), phospho-protein kinase B (AKT) (Thr308)(p-AKT(308)), phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (p-ERK1/2), phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (p-p38), phospho c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (p-JNK1/2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and urokinase plasminogen activator (UPA). Furthermore, confocal laser microscopy was used to confirm that CTD suppressed the expression of NF-κB p65, but did not significantly affect protein kinase C (PKC) translocation in NCI-H460 cells. Based on those observations, we suggest that CTD may be used as a novel anticancer metastasis agent for lung cancer in the future.

2,2′-Fluorine mono-carbonyl curcumin induce reactive oxygen species-Mediated apoptosis in Human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells

In this paper, we synthesized three fluorine-substituted mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs and evaluated their cytotoxicity against several cancer cells by the MTT assay. The results exhibited that all the three compounds were more active than the leading curcumin. Especially, 2,2′-F mono-carbonyl curcumin, 1a, surfaced as an important lead compound displaying almost 4-fold cytotoxicity relative to curcumin. More importantly, 1a was more stable in (RPMI)-1640 medium and more massive uptake than curcumin, which may be relationship to their cytotoxicity, apoptotic acitivity and reactive oxygen species generation. And then, the generation of reactive oxygen species can disrupt the intracellular redox balance, induce lipid peroxidation, cause the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential and ultimately lead to apoptosis. The results not only suggest that 2,2′-F mono-carbonyl curcumin (1a) may cause cancer cells apoptosis through reactive oxygen species-Mediated pathway, but also gives us an important information for design of mono-carbonyl curcumin analog.

Trifolin induces apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in the NCI-H460 human non-small cell lung-cancer cell line

BackgroundTrifolin (kaempferol-3-O-galactoside), which is a galactose-conjugated flavonol, exhibits antifungal and anticancer effects. However, the mechanisms underlying its anticancer activities have not yet been examined. PurposeIn this study, the anticancer effects of trifolin were examined in human lung cancer cells. MethodsCytotoxicity was determined by evaluating cell viability. Apoptosis was analyzed through flow cytometry and western blotting analysis. Death receptors and inhibitors of apoptosis were evaluated through RT-PCR. ResultsTrifolin induced apoptosis in NCI-H460 human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by inhibiting the survival pathway and inducing the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Trifolin decreased levels of Akt/p-Akt, whereas levels of expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin A were not altered. Trifolin initiated cytochrome c release by inducing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Trifolin increased Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) levels and decreased b-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels, while the levels of Bcl-xL were not altered. In addition, trifolin increased the levels of the death receptor involving the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) and Fas-associated protein with the death domain (FADD), which consequently activated caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and the proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). ConclusionThese results suggested that trifolin induced apoptosis via death receptor-dependent and mitochondria-dependent pathways and that trifolin can be used as a therapeutic agent in human lung cancer.

TLSC702, a Novel Inhibitor of Human Glyoxalase I, Induces Apoptosis in Tumor Cells.

Human glyoxalase I (hGLO I) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway for detoxification of apoptosis-inducible methylglyoxal (MG), which is the side product of tumor-specific aerobic glycolysis. GLO I has been reported to be overexpressed in various types of cancer cells, and has been expected as an attractive target for the development of new anticancer drugs. We previously discovered a novel inhibitor of hGLO I, named TLSC702, by our in silico screening method. Here, we show that TLSC702 inhibits the proliferation of human leukemia HL-60 cells and induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, TLSC702 more significantly inhibits the proliferation of human lung cancer NCI-H522 cells, which highly express GLO I, than that of GLO I lower-expressing human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells. Furthermore, this antiproliferative effect of TLSC702 on NCI-H522 cells is in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These results suggest that TLSC702 can induce apoptosis in tumor cells by GLO I inhibition, which lead to accumulation of MG. Taken together, TLSC702 could become a unique seed compound for the generation of novel chemotherapeutic drugs targeting GLO I-dependent human tumors.

Structural Determinants of the Selectivity of 3-Benzyluracil-1-acetic Acids toward Human Enzymes Aldose Reductase and AKR1B10.

The human enzymes aldose reductase (AR) and AKR1B10 have been thoroughly explored in terms of their roles in diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. In this study we identified two new lead compounds, 2-(3-(4-chloro-3-nitrobenzyl)-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)acetic acid (JF0048, 3) and 2-(2,4-dioxo-3-(2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-6-methoxybenzyl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)acetic acid (JF0049, 4), which selectively target these enzymes. Although 3 and 4 share the 3-benzyluracil-1-acetic acid scaffold, they have different substituents in their aryl moieties. Inhibition studies along with thermodynamic and structural characterizations of both enzymes revealed that the chloronitrobenzyl moiety of compound 3 can open the AR specificity pocket but not that of the AKR1B10 cognate. In contrast, the larger atoms at the ortho and/or meta positions of compound 4 prevent the AR specificity pocket from opening due to steric hindrance and provide a tighter fit to the AKR1B10 inhibitor binding pocket, probably enhanced by the displacement of a disordered water molecule trapped in a hydrophobic subpocket, creating an enthalpic signature. Furthermore, this selectivity also occurs in the cell, which enables the development of a more efficient drug design strategy: compound 3 prevents sorbitol accumulation in human retinal ARPE-19 cells, whereas 4 stops proliferation in human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells.

Synthesis, Fluorescence Properties, and Antiproliferative Potential of Several 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carboxylic Acid Derivatives.

In this study, two series of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carboxylic acid derivatives (compounds 5a–i and 6a–g) were synthesized. Their in vitro proliferation inhibitory activities against the A549 and NCI-H460 human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines were evaluated. Their photophysical properties were measured. Among these target compounds, 5e exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, suggesting that it may be a potent antitumor agent. In addition, compound 6g with very low cytotoxicity, demonstrated excellent fluorescence properties, which could be used as an effective fluorescence probe for biological imaging.