Sphingosine Analog Research Articles

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and 5 specific high-affinity S1P receptor (S1PR) subtypes, S1P(1-5), have important regulatory functions in normal physiology and disease processes, particularly involving the immune, central nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Within the immune system, downmodulation of S1P(1) prevents the egress of B and T cells from lymph nodes (LN) into the lymphatic circulation. This is especially relevant in certain autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), in which demyelination and brain atrophy occur due to the presence of autoreactive lymphocytes within the CNS. Accordingly, S1P(1)-directed pharmacologic interventions that aim to retain these autoreactive lymphocytes in the LN and thus prevent their recirculation and subsequent infiltration into the CNS have been investigated as a means of preventing disease progression in patients with MS. Fingolimod (FTY720), a structural analog of sphingosine, is phosphorylated in vivo into fingolimod phosphate by sphingosine kinase-2. Fingolimod phosphate, which binds to S1PRs, has been shown to modulate the activity of S1P(1) in patients with MS and to reduce immune cell infiltration into the CNS, consistent with its previously established effects in animal models of the disease. Preclinical studies also suggest that fingolimod has beneficial effects within the CNS that are independent of its immune cell trafficking activity. This review highlights the normal physiologic processes modulated by S1P and S1PRs, and the therapeutic effects of S1PR modulation in the immune, central nervous, and cardiovascular systems.

Partitioning and Single-Molecule Diffusion Dynamics of Bodipy-FTY720 in Biomembranes

FTY720, a synthetic analog of sphingosine that has immunosuppressive properties, is the first oral drug to be approved by the U.S. FDA for treatment of multiple sclerosis (under the trade name Gilenya). We have examined the partitioning and diffusion properties of a fluorescent (Bodipy) FTY720 analog (Bdp-FTY720) in the plasma membrane (PM) of epithelial cells (HTB126) and model membranes. Based on two-channel confocal co-localization imaging with DiI-C12, a liquid-disordered phase marker, Bdp-FTY720 has an affinity for the liquid-disordered lipid phase in both binary and ternary phase GUVs. Bdp-FTY720 resides in both the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane of HTB126 cells. The translational diffusion of single Bdp-FTY720 molecules was investigated in the PM of intact cells and giant PM vesicles (GPMVs) using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. In GPMVs, the two-dimensional anomalous (α=0.9) diffusion of Bdp-FTY720 is 3×10−8 cm2/s. The corresponding cytosolic Bdp-FTY720 diffuses mostly as a fast species (3.5×10−7 cm2/s); a small population (∼2%) diffuses at a slow rate (1.5×10−8 cm2/s). On the nanosecond time scale, the Bdp-FTY720 anisotropy in GPMVs decayed as a biexponential (f1=40 ± 20 ns, β1 = 0.10 ± 0.04, f2=2.4 ± 0.9 ns, β2=0.06 ± 0.02) with an estimated order parameter of 0.62 in the lipid bilayer. In the cytoplasm, the Bdp-FTY720 rotational motion is significantly slower (f1=120 ± 50 ns, β2 = 0.13 ± 0.01, f2=4.4 ± 0.7 ns, and β1 = 0.088 ± 0.009). These results indicate heterogeneous Bdp-FTY720 interactions in the cytoplasm compared with a hindered diffusion in the PM. These findings elucidate the biophysical characteristics of this new FTY720 analog and set the stage for its application in cell biology.

Fingolimod (FTY720), the Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Modulator, as a New Therapeutic Drug in Multiple Sclerosis

FTY720 (Fingolimod) is a first-in-class sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that inhibits S1P-dependent lymphocyte egress from secondary lymphoid organs. Oral administration of FTY720 shows a superior efficacy compared to interferon (IFN)-β in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a CD4 T cell-dependent animal model for MS. FTY720 is a structural analogue of sphingosine and is rapidly converted to the (S)-enantiomer of FTY720-phosphate [ (S)-FTY720-P)] by sphingosine kinases. (S)-FTY720-P binds 4 types of S1P receptors (S1P1, S1P3, S1P4, and S1P5), induces internalization and degradation of lymphocytic S1P1, and inhibits S1P responsiveness of lymphocytes. Consequently, (S)-FTY720-P acts as a functional antagonist at S1P1 thereby inhibiting S1P-S1P1 axis-mediated lymphocyte egress from secondary lymphoid organs. Based on this mechanism, FTY720 sequesters myelin antigen-specific CD4 T cells including interleukin 17-expressing helper T cells (Th17 cells) and IFN-γ-expressing type 1 helper T cells (Th1 cells) into the lymph nodes, and reduces the infiltration of these Th cells into the CNS in mouse EAE. Since FTY720 was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in September 2010 as a first-line treatment for relapsing remitting MS, it is presumed that oral FTY720 provides a new therapeutic approach for MS.

Cis-4-methylsphingosine is a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) acts as high affinity agonist at specific G-protein-coupled receptors, S1P 1–5, that play important roles e.g. in the cardiovascular and immune systems. A S1P receptor modulating drug, FTY720 (fingolimod), has been effective in phase III clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. FTY720 is a sphingosine analogue and prodrug of FTY720-phosphate, which activates all S1P receptors except S1P 2 and disrupts lymphocyte trafficking by internalizing the S1P 1 receptor. Cis-4-methylsphingosine (cis-4M-Sph) is another synthetic sphingosine analogue that is readily taken up by cells and phosphorylated to cis-4-methylsphingosine-1-phosphate (cis-4M-S1P). Therefore, we analysed whether cis-4M-Sph interacted with S1P receptors through its metabolite cis-4M-S1P in a manner similar to FTY720. Indeed, cis-4M-Sph caused an internalization of S1P receptors, but differed from FTY720 as it acted on S1P 2 and S1P 3 and only weakly on S1P 1, while FTY720 internalized S1P 1 and S1P 3 but not S1P 2. Consequently, pre-incubation with cis-4M-Sph specifically desensitized S1P-induced [Ca 2+] i increases, which are mediated by S1P 2 and S1P 3, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not shared by sphingosine or FTY720, indicating that metabolic stability and targeting of S1P 2 receptors were important. The desensitization of S1P-induced [Ca 2+] i increases was dependent on the expression of SphKs, predominantly of SphK2, and thus mediated by cis-4M-S1P. In agreement, cis-4M-S1P was detected in the supernatants of cells exposed to cis-4M-Sph. It is concluded that cis-4M-Sph, through its metabolite cis-4M-S1P, acts as a S1P receptor modulator and causes S1P receptor internalization and desensitization. The data furthermore help to define requirements for sphingosine kinase substrates as S1P receptor modulating prodrugs.

BCR-ABL1 Kinase Activity but Not Its Expression Is Dispensable for Ph+ Quiescent Stem Cell Survival Which Depends on the PP2A-Controlled Jak2 Activation and Is Sensitive to FTY720 Treatment

AbstractAbstract 515The success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as first line therapy for t(9;22) Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) depends on the addiction that Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) hematopoietic progenitors, but not quiescent Ph+ stem cells, have for BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase activity. We reported that the activity of the tumor suppressor PP2A is inhibited in a SET-dependent manner in CML progenitors and CD34+/CD38- stem cells from chronic phase (CP) and, to a greater extent, blast crisis (BC) CML patients (Neviani P. et al.: Cancer Cell 2005, J. Clin. Invest 2007, and ASH 2008). Restoration of PP2A activity by the immunosuppressive sphingosine analogue FTY720 markedly decreases the number of Ph+ but not normal long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-IC) and quiescent stem cells (CFSEMAX/CD34+) by suppressing the BCR/ABL kinase-independent enhancement of b-catenin expression/transcriptional activity (Oaks JJ., et al., ASH 2009).Here we report that FTY720 induces apoptosis of Ph+ CD34+/CD38- cells independent from its phosphorylation as treatment with a phosphorylated FTY720 did not alter the number of Ph+ CFSEMAX/CD34+ cells. By contrast, two non phosphorylatable and non immunosuppressive FTY720 derivatives did significantly affect survival of Ph+ stem/progenitor cells.Interestingly, we also noted that the activity but not expression of BCR-ABL1 is considerably lower in quiescent CFSEMAX/CD34+ than CFSE+/CD34+ cells that underwent at least one division (∼80% decrease; n=3). Conversely, BCR-ABL1 expression is significantly higher in quiescent than proliferating CFSE+/CD34+ cells, suggesting that BCR-ABL1 might serve as a scaffold for other kinase(s) able to sustain survival and quiescence of Ph+ stem cells. Indeed, we found that expression of the K1172R kinase-deficient BCR-ABL1 mutant enhances expression and activity of Jak2, a kinase that is not only associated with BCR-ABL1 but is also capable of inactivating and being inactivated by PP2A. Accordingly, lentiviral shRNA-mediated BCR-ABL1 downregulation in Ph+ CD34+/CD38- stem cells resulted in marked (≥70% inhibition, P<0.05) reduction of Jak2 activity (measured by Jak2pY1007/8 intracellular flow cytometry) and of the PP2A inhibitor SET (≥20% inhibition, P<0.05). Consistent with a role of Jak2 as regulator of Ph+ stem cell survival, pharmacologic Jak2 inhibition (Jak2 inhibitor 1, 1uM; TG101209, 2.5uM; or TG101348, 1uM and 0.5uM) significantly reduces the number of Ph+ CFSEMAX/CD34+ (47% reduction, n=4), impairs LTC-IC Ph+ colony output (60% reduction, n=4), and induces apoptosis of Ph+ CD34+/CD38- cells. Inhibition of Jak2 also resulted in impaired b-catenin dependent transcriptional activity (61% reduction by LET-TCF luciferase assay, n=2), suggesting the existence of an active Jak2-PP2A interplay likely controlling survival and self-renewal of Ph+ stem cells through the Wnt pathway. In this regard, in vivo administration of FTY720 (4 weeks; 10mg/Kg/day) to FVB/N recipient mice transplanted with either GFP-sorted 2×106 whole bone marrow or 3×103 Lin−/Sca-1+/c-Kit+ (LSK) stem cells from leukemic scl-tTA/BCR-ABL/GFP mice not only significantly decreased the number of leukemic common and granulocyte-macrophage (CMP and GMP) progenitors but, more importantly, it resulted in 70–80% reduction in the number of the long-term hematopoietic stem cells (Lin−/Sca-1+/c-Kit+/CD48+/CD150−/Flt3−) compared to untreated leukemic mice. Furthermore, severely impaired engraftment (∼90% untreated vs. ∼37% FTY720-treated) was observed in secondary recipients transplanted with 2×106 bone marrow of FTY720-treated leukemic mice, suggesting that FTY720-induced PP2A activation inhibits the ability of BCR-ABL1-expressing LSK cells to undergo extensive self renewal in primary recipients.Thus, expression but not activity of the oncogenic product of the t(9;22) translocation is important for recruiting and allowing SET-mediated inhibition of PP2A and activation of Jak2; two events important for Ph+ stem cell survival and self renewal. Moreover, the ability of FTY720 and of its non-immunosuppressive derivatives to induce apoptosis of Ph+ progenitors and Ph+ but not normal quiescent stem cells emphasizes the notion that FTY720 and its derivatives represent strong and non-toxic anti-leukemic agents potentially useful not only for the treatment but, perhaps, for eradicating Ph+ leukemias. Disclosures:Holyoake:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Pharmacologic Restoration of PP2A Activity and Interference with the SET-PP2A Interplay by FTY720 and Its Non-Immunosuppressive Derivative as a Novel and Efficient Therapy for Ph-Negative Myeloproliferative Disorders

AbstractAbstract 775We have shown (Oaks JJ et al. ASH 2009) that the tumor suppressor Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is functionally inactivated by Jak2V617F in cell line models of Jak2V617F myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) and Jak2V617F-transduced primary mouse bone marrow cells. Inhibition of Jak2 (600 nM Jak Inhibitor I; 50 μM AG490; 10h) or treatment with the PP2A activator FTY720 (2.5μM, 24 hours) restored PP2A activity that caused loss of Jak2V617F protein/activity, impaired Jak2V617F-driven colony formation, and induced apoptosis of Jak2V617F+ but not normal myeloid cells. Notably, FTY720 is a sphingosine analog suggested by the FDA to treat patients with Multiple Sclerosis due to its immunosuppressive activity when phosphorylated by sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2).Here we show that FTY720 treatment of CD34+ primary bone marrow cells from JakV617F+ PV patients (n=3) also rescued PP2A activity, induced Jak2 downregulation and significantly impaired cytokine-dependent clonogenic potential. Thus, FTY720 could be used as an alternative to Jak2 inhibitors, as in vitro and in animal assays showed that FTY720 (2.5μM) is not toxic against normal human myeloid progenitors while decreasing survival of CD34+ progenitors from MPD patients.To find out whether FTY720 uses the same mechanism to exert its immunosuppressive and anti-leukemic activities, we determined if the conversion of FTY720 into its phosphorylated form is important for rescuing PP2A activity in Jak2V617F-expressing cells. Impaired FTY720-P conversion by exposure to the SPHK inhibitor dimethylsphingosine (2.5μM, 6 hours) did not affect the ability of FTY720 to activate PP2A. Also, a synthetically phosphorylated FTY720 (FTY720-P, 2.5μM, 6 hours) was unable to activate PP2A or exert any anti-leukemic activity, suggesting that the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of FTY720 are independent of its phosphorylation and interaction with the S1PR1 receptor. We found that activation of S1PR1 through the specific agonist SEW2871 (10μM), FTY720-P (2.5μM), or sphingosine-1-phosphate (100nM) markedly suppresses (~60% inhibition) rather than activates PP2A in normal myeloid progenitors. As expected, knockdown of S1PR1 had no effect on FTY720-mediated PP2A activation in Jak2V617F-transformed cells.Mechanistically we found that Jak2V617F and PP2Ac were found in a ternary complex with the PP2A inhibitor SET. SET knockdown by shRNA restored PP2A activity in Jak2V617F+ Ba/F3 cells to levels similar to those found in non-transformed cells, and led to an 84% decrease in Jak2V617F+-driven colony formation. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that FTY720 (10μM) disrupts Jak2-PP2A, PP2A-SET and Jak2-SET interactions, suggesting that SET may be the target of FTY720. Consistently, affinity chromatography showed that FTY720 efficiently interferes with the ability of C6-ceramide (10μM) to bind SET as the amount of SET eluted from the biotin-labeled C6-ceramide was significantly reduced by exposure of the cell lysate to FTY720. As well, lentiviral-mediated expression of wild type or K209D SET mutant (ceramide binding deficient) in Ba/F3 cells impaired PP2A activity (≥80% decrease), which could be totally rescued by FTY720 only in cells transduced with wild type but not K209D SET. The formal demonstration that FTY720 activates PP2A by displacing SET came when we found SET in anti-NBD immunoprecipitates from Jak2V617F-expressing Ba/F3 cells treated with FTY720-phenoxy-NBD (10μM; 30 min).Together, our data show that FTY720 has the potential to be an effective therapeutic agent for MPD patients by virtue of its low toxicity and ability to activate PP2A by displacing SET; however, FTY720 still retains the ability to become phosphorylated and inhibit, at least in part, PP2A. Thus, we developed non-phosphorylatable FTY720 derivatives and assessed them for their ability to: activate PP2A; induce downregulation/inactivation of targeted kinases (e.g. Jak2, BCR-ABL1, Akt); act as anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic agent to leukemic but not normal myeloid/lymphoid progenitors; do not interact with S1PR1; and show no in vivo effects on B220+/CD19+ and CD4 or CD8 cellular compartments. These FTY720 derivatives were found to be not immunosuppressive but able to mirror FTY720 in terms of inducing Jak2V617F downregulation and cell killing while retaining the parent compound's minimal toxicity towards untransformed cells. Disclosures:Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding.

PP2A Activating Drugs (PAD): Anti-Leukemic and Non-Toxic Activity of Two Novel and Non-Immunosuppressive FTY720 Derivatives

AbstractAbstract 2901FTY720 is a sphingosine analog proposed by the FDA for treating Multiple Sclerosis patients because of its immunosuppressive activity, which depends on its ability to prevent lymphocyte egress into the peripheral blood. To act as an immunosuppressive drug, FTY720 undergoes sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) phosphorylation and internalization upon interaction with the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1). FTY720 also acts as a potent activator of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a tumor suppressor found inactivated in chronic and blast crisis CML with wild type or imatinib/dasatinib-resistant BCR-ABL1, Ph+ B-ALL, KitD816V AML, Jak2V617F+ MPDs and other leukemias/lymphomas. FTY720 treatment of cell lines and primary progenitors isolated from bone marrow of patients with these malignancies, markedly suppressed leukemic cell proliferation/survival and induced apoptosis in a PP2A-dependent manner. Notably, long-term treatment with FTY720 of mice carrying these hematopoietic malignancies significantly prolonged survival and restored normal myelopoiesis without exerting any toxic effect in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic organs. However, in vivo administration of FTY720 strongly, albeit reversibly, decreases the number of circulating B and T lymphocytes.Here we report that a synthetically phosphorylated FTY720 (FTY720-P) is unable to induce neither PP2A activation nor apoptosis of BCR-ABL1-, Jak2V617F-, or KitD816V-expressing myeloid precursors, indicating that FTY720 phosphorylation is dispensable for its anti-leukemic activity. Thus, we functionally characterize two FTY720 derivatives, QC-FTYSM and OSU-2S, which were synthesized as molecules unable to undergo SPHK2 phosphorylation. Treatment (2.5 uM; 24h) of FTY720-sensitive 32D-BCR/ABL cells with QC-FTYSM and OSU2S results in ∼80% and 40%, respectively, more efficient suppression of BCR-ABL1 expression and kinase activity than that observed with FTY720. Moreover, QC-FTYSM, OSU-2S and FTY720 (2.5uM; 0–60h) induce a progressive block of proliferation and marked induction of apoptosis of 32D-BCR/ABL cells. In fact, a 96%, 98%, and 79% decrease in viability is observed after treatment with QC-FTYSM, OSU-2S and FTY720, respectively. Notably, viability of non-transformed myeloid 32Dcl3 cells is not significantly affected by treatment with FTY720 or its derivatives. Consistent with the ability of FTY720 to induce apoptosis through rescue of PP2A activity, phosphatase assays show identical ability of FTY720, QC-FTYSM and OSU-2S to restore PP2A functionality. In fact, comparable and marked decrease in the amount of inactive Y307-phosphorylated PP2Ac was detected in 32D-BCR/ABL cells treated with FTY720 or its derivatives. To formally demonstrate that QC-FTYSM and OSU-2S lack immunosuppressive activity, we first assessed their ability to be internalized upon interaction/association with the S1PR1 receptor. Thus, cells were transduced with a GFP-tagged S1PR1 and treated with either QC-FTYSM, OSU-2S, or, as positive control, FTY720-P. Confocal microscopy revealed that treatment FTY720-P resulted in a strong S1PR1 internalization. Conversely, exposure of the cells to QC-FTYSM and OSU-2S did not alter the S1PR1 membrane localization, indicating that these molecules did not undergo SHPK2 phosphorylation. Further demonstration of the inability of these compounds to act as immunosuppressive molecules was gained upon in vivo administration of a single dose of FTY720, QC-FTYSM or OSU-2C (10 mg/kg) to wild type FVB/N mice. As expected, percentage of B220+/CD19+ circulating B-cells decreased of ∼90% in FTY720-treated animals. Conversely, the percentage of B-cells after exposure to QC-FTYSM and OSU-2S remained unchanged (≤ 1% decrease). Likewise, the number or CD4+ and CD8+ cells also was not affect by treatment with the QC-FTYSM compound. Note that effect of OSU-2S on T-cells and the toxicity profile and anti-leukemic activity of these drugs in healthy animals and mouse models of deadly leukemias (e.g. T315I+ and blast crisis CML and Ph+ ALL) as well as Ph− MPDs are currently being assessed.Altogether our data indicate that QC-FTYSM and OSU-2S represent two potentially powerful and safe drugs which could be introduced in the current therapeutic protocols for different types of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic malignancies characterized by functional inactivation of the PP2A tumor suppressor. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

FTY720 induces necrotic cell death and autophagy in ovarian cancer cells: A protective role of autophagy

FTY720, a sphingosine analog, is a novel immunosuppressant currently undergoing multiple clinical trials for the prevention of organ transplant rejection and treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Recent studies indicate an additional cytotoxic effect of FTY720 and its preclinical efficacy in a variety of cancer models, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We demonstrate here for the first time that FTY720 exhibits a potent, dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect in human ovarian cancer cells, even in the cells that are resistant to cisplatin, a commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic drug for treatment of ovarian cancer. In contrast to the previously reported cytotoxicity of FTY720 in many other cancer cell types, FTY720 kills ovarian cancer cells independent of caspase 3 activity and induces cellular swelling and cytoplasmic vacuolization with evident features of necrotic cell death. Furthermore, the presence of autophagic hallmarks, including an increased number of autophagosomes and the formation and accumulation of LC3-II, are observed in FTY720-treated cells before cell death. FTY720 treatment enhances autophagic flux as reflected in the increased LC3 turnover and p62 degradation. Notably, blockade of autophagy by either specific chemical inhibitors or siRNAs targeting Beclin 1 or LC3 resulted in aggravated necrotic cell death in response to FTY720, suggesting that FTY720-induced autophagy plays a self-protective role against its own cytotoxic effect. Thus, our findings not only demonstrate a new death pathway underlying the cytotoxic effect of FTY720, but also suggest that targeting autophagy could augment the anticancer potency, providing the framework for further development of FTY720 as a new chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancer treatment.

FTY720 (Fingolimod) Sensitizes Prostate Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy by Inhibition of Sphingosine Kinase-1

Radiotherapy is widely used as a radical treatment for prostate cancer, but curative treatments are elusive for poorly differentiated tumors where survival is just 15% at 15 years. Dose escalation improves local response rates but is limited by tolerance in normal tissues. A sphingosine analogue, FTY720 (fingolimod), a drug currently in phase III studies for treatment of multiple sclerosis, has been found to be a potent apoptosis inducer in prostate cancer cells. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we analyzed the impact of FTY720 on sphingolipid metabolism in hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer cells and evaluated its potential as a radiosensitizer on cell lines and prostate tumor xenografts. In prostate cancer cell lines, FTY720 acted as a sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) inhibitor that induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis in a manner independent of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. In contrast, γ irradiation did not affect SphK1 activity in prostate cancer cells yet synergized with FTY720 to inhibit SphK1. In mice bearing orthotopic or s.c. prostate cancer tumors, we show that FTY720 dramatically increased radiotherapeutic sensitivity, reducing tumor growth and metastasis without toxic side effects. Our findings suggest that low, well-tolerated doses of FTY720 could offer significant improvement to the clinical treatment of prostate cancer.

Antitumor mechanism of FTY720

Sphingosine analogue FTY720 exerts good immune suppressive effect by inducing lymphocytes apoptosis and homing, which can be used for organ transplant rejection as well as anti-autoimmune disease treatment. Recent studies have found that FTY720 plays anti-tumor potential by inducing growth arrest and apoptosis as well as inhibiting tumor metastasis. Key words: Neoplasms; Signal transduction; FTY720

Elimination of a Hydroxyl Group in FTY720 Dramatically Improves the Phosphorylation Rate

The new immunosuppressant FTY720 (fingolimod), an analog of the endogenous lipid sphingosine, induces transient lymphopenia through the sequestration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs. Phosphorylation of FTY720 by sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) yields the active metabolite FTY720-phosphate (FTY-P), which induces lymphopenia through agonism of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor S1P(1) on endothelial cells and lymphocytes. Dephosphorylation of circulating FTY-P creates an equilibrium between FTY720 and its phosphate, and results with human patients indicate that phosphorylation of FTY720 could be rate limiting for efficacy. We report that the FTY720 derivative 2-amino-4-(4-heptyloxyphenyl)-2-methylbutanol [AAL(R)] is phosphorylated much more rapidly than FTY720 in cultured human cells and whole blood. The K(cat) for AAL(R) with recombinant SphK2 is 8-fold higher than for FTY720, whereas the K(m) for the two substrates is very similar, indicating that the increased rate of phosphorylation results from faster turnover by SphK2 rather than a higher binding affinity. Consequently, treating cells with AAL(R), but not FTY720, triggers an apoptotic pathway that is dependent on excessive intracellular accumulation of long-chain base phosphates. In agreement with the in vitro results, phosphorylation of AAL(R) is more complete than that of FTY720 in vivo (mice), and AAL(R) is a more potent inducer of lymphopenia. These differences may be magnified in humans, because phosphorylation of FTY720 is much less efficient in humans compared with rodents. Our results suggest that AAL(R) is a better tool than FTY720 for in vivo studies with S1P analogs and would probably be a more effective immunosuppressant than FTY720.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of (2S,3R,4E,8E)-9-Methyl-4,8-sphingadienine via a Novel SN2′ Type Reaction Mediated by a Thioether Carbanion.

A stereoselective synthesis of sphingadienine 3 as a new analogue of sphingosine has been achieved by a novel copper-catalyzed S=N2' type homoallylic coupling reaction between an allylic mesylate and a thioether-stabilized allylic carbanion

Sphingosine and FTY720 directly bind pro-survival 14-3-3 proteins to regulate their function

The dimeric 14-3-3 protein family protects cells from apoptosis by regulating pro-apoptotic molecules. Conversely, the cationic lipid sphingosine is associated with physiological apoptosis and induces apoptosis in its own right by a largely undefined mechanism. We show here that sphingosine and 14-3-3 interact directly in the control of cell death. The binding of sphingosine to 14-3-3 proteins renders them phosphorylatable at the dimer interface, an event that abolishes the pro-survival signalling of 14-3-3. Sphingosine kinase 1 reduces availability of sphingosine for interaction with 14-3-3, thus inhibiting cell death and providing a new mechanistic insight into the role of this enzyme in cell survival and oncogenesis. Importantly, FTY720, a sphingosine analogue with apoptotic activity that is currently in phase III clinical trials for multiple sclerosis, acts in a similar manner to sphingosine in potentiating 14-3-3 phosphorylation. The biological significance of 14-3-3 phosphorylation was demonstrated with a non-phosphorylatable 14-3-3ζ mutant which retarded apoptosis induced by sphingosine and FTY720. These results demonstrate that direct association of sphingosine with 14-3-3 is required for 14-3-3 phosphorylation, and that this axis can control cell fate. Furthermore, these results suggest a new therapeutic activity for FTY720 as an anti-cancer agent based on this mechanism.

Discovery, Biological Evaluation, and Structure−Activity Relationship of Amidine Based Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitors

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a potent phospholipid growth and trophic factor, is synthesized in vivo by two sphingosine kinases. Thus these kinases have been proposed as important drug targets for treatment of hyperproliferative diseases and inflammation. We report here a new class of amidine-based sphingosine analogues that are competitive inhibitors of sphingosine kinases exhibiting varying degrees of enzyme selectivity. These inhibitors display K(I) values in the submicromolar range for both sphingosine kinases and, in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, decrease S1P levels and initiate growth arrest.

Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response Following Influenza Virus Infection utilizing Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 signaling (92.4)

Abstract Emerging pathogenic strains of influenza A virus have caused significant morbidity and mortality in humans. During influenza virus infection, severe damage of lung tissue directly correlates with innate and adaptive cellular immune responses in addition to elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. We reported previously that intra-tracheal treatment with a sphingosine analog, AAL-R, inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and T cell accumulation within lung tissue without altering B cell responses or viral clearance (Marsolais, et al., 2008). Now we report that intra-tracheal treatment with AAL-R has profound S1P1-specific effects on innate immune responses. AAL-R inhibits neutrophil, NK and macrophage activation and recruitment into the lung via S1P1 signaling. In addition, AAL-R modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also specific to S1P1 receptor signaling, as treatment with an S1P1 specific agonist significantly reduces early pro-inflammatory cytokine production after influenza virus challenge. Finally, we demonstrate that inhibition of T cell accumulation within the infected lung was independent of S1P1 receptor signaling. Here we provide mechanistic evidence for previously unrecognized inhibition of influenza virus innate and pro-inflammatory immune responses via S1P1 signaling. These findings have profound implications for designing therapeutic strategies to mitigate harmful immune responses during pathogenic influenza virus infection.

Novel d-erythro N-octanoyl sphingosine analogs as chemo- and endocrine-resistant breast cancer therapeutics

Resistance to endocrine and chemotherapies remains the primary cause of breast cancer treatment failure. We have synthesized four novel D: -erythro N-octanoyl sphingosine analogs and catalogued their activity in drug-sensitive (MCF-7), endocrine-resistant (MDA-MB-231) and chemoresistant (MCF-7TN-R) breast cancer cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine cell viability; colony assay was performed to determine effects on clonogenic survival and (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, HPLC spectra and elemental analytical data analyses were used to determine analog identity and purity. All four analogs inhibited both viability and clonogenic survival, with analog C exhibiting a log-fold improvement in anti-survival activity compared to the parent compound. With resistance to current breast cancer chemotherapies on the rise, the development of novel therapeutic targets is of growing importance. Our results show that lipid analogs have therapeutic potential in treating chemo- and endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

FTY720 Stimulates 27-Hydroxycholesterol Production and Confers Atheroprotective Effects in Human Primary Macrophages

The synthetic sphingosine analog FTY720 is undergoing clinical trials as an immunomodulatory compound, acting primarily via sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor activation. Sphingolipid and cholesterol homeostasis are closely connected but whether FTY720 affects atherogenesis in humans is not known. We examined the effects of FTY720 on the processing of scavenged lipoprotein cholesterol in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages. FTY720 did not affect cholesterol uptake but inhibited its delivery to the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing cellular free cholesterol cytotoxicity. This was accompanied by increased levels of Niemann-Pick C1 protein (NPC1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC)A1 proteins and increased efflux of endosomal cholesterol to apolipoprotein A-I. These effects were not dependent on sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor activation. Instead, FTY720 stimulated the production of 27-hydroxycholesterol, an endogenous ligand of the liver X receptor, leading to liver X receptor-induced upregulation of ABCA1. Fluorescently labeled FTY720 was targeted to late endosomes, and the FTY720-induced upregulation of ABCA1 was NPC1-dependent, but the endosomal exit of FTY720 itself was not. We conclude that FTY720 decreases cholesterol toxicity in primary human macrophages by reducing the delivery of scavenged lipoprotein cholesterol to the endoplasmic reticulum and facilitating its release to physiological extracellular acceptors. Furthermore, FTY720 stimulates 27-hydroxycholesterol production, providing an explanation for the atheroprotective effects and identifying a novel mechanism by which FTY720 modulates signaling.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor type 1 as a novel target for the therapy of autoimmune diseases

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a lysophospholipid mediator, is generated from sphingosine by sphingosine kinases and binds 5 types of G protein-coupled S1P receptors. It has been well documented that S1P receptor type 1 (S1P1) plays an essential role in lymphocyte egress from secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), because lymphocytes are unable to exit from SLO to periphery in mice lacking lymphocytic S1P1 conditionally. FTY720 (fingolimod) is an orally active first-in-class S1P receptor modulator and is highly effective in various experimental autoimmune disease models including encephalomyelitis, adjuvant- or collagen-induced arthritis, and lupus nephritis. FTY720 is a structural analogue of sphingosine and is effectively converted to an active metabolite, FTY720 phosphate (FTY720-P) by sphingosine kinases. FTY720-P binds to four types of S1P receptors (S1P1, S1P3, S1P4, and S1P5) except for S1P2 and acts as an agonist at these receptors. Particularly, FTY720-P strongly internalizes S1P1 from the cell surface, almost completely inhibits S1P responsiveness of lymphocytes in SLO, and acts as a functional antagonist at lymphocytic S1P1. Consequently, FTY720 inhibits S1P1-dependent lymphocyte egress from SLO to decrease circulation of lymphocytes including autoreactive T cells and shows immunomodulating effects on autoimmune disease models. Recently, it has been reported that FTY720 has a superior efficacy in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients compared to interferon-β. From these results, it is presumed that S1P1 is a novel target for the therapy of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis.

Treatment with a sphingosine analog does not alter the outcome of a persistent virus infection

There is no known antiviral drug treatment that routinely terminates persistent virus infections. A recent provocative report indicated that low dosage of the sphingosine analog FTY720 caused lymphopenia in mice persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-clone 13 (Cl 13) and induced viral clearance within 30 days post-treatment (Premenko-Lanier et al., 2008). However, we find that low dosage of FTY720 fails to purge LCMV-Cl 13 infection and does not induce lymphopenia in LCMV-Cl 13-infected mice. In fact, infection with non-persistent LCMV-Arm53b or with persistent LCMV-Cl 13 induces an equivalent lymphopenia, demonstrating that the quantity of circulating cells has little bearing on viral persistence. In addition, treatment with FTY720 or the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1)-specific agonist, AUY954, does not alleviate T cell exhaustion and exacerbates disruption of the CD8(+) T cells response following LCMV-Cl 13 infection. Therefore, treatment with a sphingosine analog does not ameliorate persistent LCMV-Cl 13 infection.

FTY720 but Not Its Immunosuppressive Phosphorylated Form FTY720-P Exerts Anti-Leukemic Activity towards Ph(+) and Ph(−) Myeloproliferative Disorders through Reactivation of the PP2A Tumor Suppressor.

Abstract 3259Poster Board III-1▪▪This icon denotes an abstract that is clinically relevant.We have shown that the sphingosine analogue FTY720 markedly induces apoptosis of Ph(+) CML (chronic phase and blast crisis) and B-ALL progenitors regardless of their sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors through the reactivation of the tumor suppressor PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A). Here we report the identification of the molecular mechanism underlying the ability of FTY720 to activate PP2A, and its therapeutic potential towards Ph(+) and Ph(−) myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).First, we show that the pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effect of FTY720 is not limited to BCR/ABL+ leukemias but can be extended to Jak2V617F-driven MPDs that are also characterized by the extensive (80% inhibition) Jak2V617F-mediated suppression of PP2A activity. In fact, shRNA-mediated interference with the hnRNP A1-SET inhibitory pathway in Jak2V617F-expressing erythro-myeloid precursors revealed that Jak2V617F, like BCR/ABL, utilizes these effectors to impair PP2A function in a dose- and kinase-dependent manner. FTY720 treatment (0.5-1mM) fully restored PP2A activity and resulted in decreased BFU-E colony formation of Jak2V617F-transduced Lin- mouse marrow progenitors. Likewise, FTY720 decreased Jak2V617F expression/activity and inhibited clonogenicity of Jak2V617F-expressing 32D-EpoR+, Ba/F3 and TF-1 cells in PP2A/SHP-1-dependent manner.Secondly, we show that PP2A is also inhibited in a SET-dependent manner in CD34+/CD38- stem cells (HSCs) from CML patients. In Ph(+) HSCs, FTY720 but not imatinib or dasatinib decreases the number of long-term culture initiating cells (LTC-IC) and quiescent stem cells (CFSEmax) through activation of BCR/ABL-independent caspase-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, enhanced self-renewal of Ph(+) HSCs seems to depend on constitutive nuclear β-catenin transcriptional activity. In fact, FTY720 or PP2Ac lentiviral transduction, but not imatinib/dasatinib, induces b-catenin inactivation/degradation as measured by in situ immunofluorescence and LET/TCF assays. The effect of FTY720 in Ph(+) HSCs relies on the PP2A ability to override the BCR/ABL-independent inactivation of the β-catenin negative regulator GSK-3β, as treatment with the GSK-3β inhibitors LiCl and SB216763 increased the CFSEmax fraction and hampered the pro-apoptotic effect of FTY720 on quiescent Ph(+) HSCs. Notably, FTY720 did not affect normal stem/progenitor cell viability. Similar results were obtained with the LSK fraction from SCL-tTA/BCR/ABL mice.Reportedly, FTY720 to act as an immunosuppressant requires phosphorylation by sphingosine kinase (SPHK) 2. To determine whether conversion of FTY720 into FTY720-P is important for its anti-leukemic activity in BCR/ABL- and Jak2V617F-expressing cells, we used growth factor-dependent hematopoietic cells transformed by the constitutive activity of these oncogenic tyrosine kinases. In Jak2V617F- and BCR/ABL-transformed cells, PP2A activation by FTY720 (2.5μM, 6h) is not changed when phosphorylation is prevented by treatment with the SPHK inhibitor dimethylsphingosine (2.5μM, 6h). Accordingly, FTY720-P did not activate PP2A and did not affect BCR/ABL- and Jak2V617F-driven colony formation, indicating that the anti-leukemic activity of FTY720 does not require its phosphorylation. Because we have shown that sphingolipid PP2A activator ceramide specifically binds to SET, thus disrupting the SET/PP2A interaction in non hematopoietic cells, we investigated the effect of BCR/ABL or Jak2 V617F and that of FTY720 on ceramide production. LS-MS mass-spectrometry showed that levels of ceramide were similar in untreated and imatinib-treated BCR/ABL+ cells. Similarly, levels of diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase-phosphorylated ceramide were unchanged by treatment with FTY720, suggesting that oncogenic tyrosine kinase-induced suppression of PP2A and FTY720-dependent PP2A reactivation are not ceramide-mediated. Accordingly, FTY720 displaces biotin-labeled C6-ceramide (10μM) from SET, as measured by ceramide affinity chromatography followed by determination of SET levels in the eluted fraction.Thus, FTY720 represents a powerful therapeutic tool as it has the potential to treat and, perhaps, eradicate Ph(+) and Ph(−) MPDs by efficiently inhibiting oncogene-dependent and -;independent signals through the reactivation of the tumor suppressor PP2A via disruption of the SET/PP2A inhibitory complex. Disclosures:Cortes:Novartis: Research Funding. Cancelas:CERUS CO: Research Funding; CARIDIAN BCT: Research Funding; HEMERUS INC: Research Funding.