Glioblastoma-Associated Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Partners in Crime?

Tumor-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (TA-MSCs) have been recognized as attractive therapeutic targets in several cancer types, due to their ability to enhance tumor growth and angiogenesis and their contribution to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In glioblastoma (GB), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to be recruited to the tumor site, where they differentiate into glioblastoma-associated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (GA-MSCs) under the influence of tumor cells and the TME. GA-MSCs are reported to exert important protumoral functions, such as promoting tumor growth and invasion, increasing angiogenesis, stimulating glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) proliferation and stemness, mediating resistance to therapy and contributing to an immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, they could act as precursor cells for cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which have recently been identified in GB. In this review, we provide an overview of the different functions exerted by GA-MSCs and CAFs and the current knowledge on the relationship between these cell types. Increasing our understanding of the interactions and signaling pathways in relevant models might contribute to future regimens targeting GA-MSCs and GB-associated CAFs to inhibit tumor growth and render the TME less immunosuppressive.

The Expanding Role of Chemistry in Optimizing Proteins for Human Health Applications.

Over the past decades, therapeutics based on biological macromolecules and cells have successfully entered the clinical arena and progressively occupied an increasing share of what once was almost exclusively small molecule territory. This perspective explores the opportunities for chemists at the interface between biologics and small molecule-based products. It provides concrete examples by zooming in on the area of post-translational protein modification. The conclusion is that, rather than diminishing the relevance of chemistry in the pharmaceutical enterprise, the advent of the biologics has provided an additional playing field for synthetic and medicinal chemists, where they can contribute to the efficacy and scope of applicability of biological entities in a collaborative effort to transformatively address unmet medical needs.

Essay: Avoiding unfounded health claims on small molecules in scientific literature.

The publication of unfounded health claims on small molecules in peer-reviewed scientific literature is a problem that requires attention. It undermines the evidence-based decision making processes of modern-day society, weakens the credibility of the scientific enterprise, and diverts resources to futile research efforts. In the present essay we discuss some human and scientific causes behind the issue. We propose a number of actions to be taken up by scientists, referees and publishers. One particularly important factor is the issue of enigmatic compound behavior in biological assays. We therefore also introduce the idea of biological filters, a pattern recognition method to triage enigmatic compounds into valuable hits and false positives, based on the entirety of their biological effects in cell-based systems.

Recovering Actives in Multi-Antitarget and Target Design of Analogs of the Myosin II Inhibitor Blebbistatin.

In multitarget drug design, it is critical to identify active and inactive compounds against a variety of targets and antitargets. Multitarget strategies thus test the limits of available technology, be that in screening large databases of compounds vs. a large number of targets, or in using in silico methods for understanding and reliably predicting these pharmacological outcomes. In this paper, we have evaluated the potential of several in silico approaches to predict the target, antitarget and physicochemical profile of (S)-blebbistatin, the best-known myosin II ATPase inhibitor, and a series of analogs thereof. Standard and augmented structure-based design techniques could not recover the observed activity profiles. A ligand-based method using molecular fingerprints was, however, able to select actives for myosin II inhibition. Using further ligand- and structure-based methods, we also evaluated toxicity through androgen receptor binding, affinity for an array of antitargets and the ADME profile (including assay-interfering compounds) of the series. In conclusion, in the search for (S)-blebbistatin analogs, the dissimilarity distance of molecular fingerprints to known actives and the computed antitarget and physicochemical profile of the molecules can be used for compound design for molecules with potential as tools for modulating myosin II and motility-related diseases.

Atom- and Mass-economical Continuous Flow Production of 3-Chloropropionyl Chloride and its Subsequent Amidation.

3-Chloropropionyl chloride is a chemically versatile building block with applications in the field of adhesives, pharmaceuticals, herbicides and fungicides. Its current production entails problems concerning safety, prolonged reaction times and the use of excessive amounts of chlorinating reagents. We developed a continuous flow procedure for acid chloride formation from acrylic acid and a consecutive 1,4-addition of hydrogen chloride generating 3-chloropropionyl chloride, as presented in this paper. Up to 94 % conversion was reached in 25 minutes at mild temperatures and pressures. This continuous flow method offers a safer alternative and is highly efficient in terms of consumption of starting product and shorter residence time. Valorization of this building block is exemplified by the synthesis of beclamide, a compound with sedative and anticonvulsant properties. Over 80 % conversion towards this drug was achieved in 1 minute in a continuous flow setup. Further research is needed to telescope the synthesis of 3-chloropropionyl chloride and subsequent beclamide formation without intermediate purification.

Medicinal Chemistry and Use of Myosin II Inhibitor ( S)-Blebbistatin and Its Derivatives.

( S)-Blebbistatin, a chiral tetrahydropyrroloquinolinone, is a widely used and well-characterized ATPase inhibitor selective for myosin II. The central role of myosin II in many normal and pathological biological processes has been revealed with the aid of this small molecule. The first part of this manuscript provides a summary of myosin II and ( S)-blebbistatin literature from a medicinal chemist's perspective. The second part of this perspective deals with the physicochemical deficiencies that trouble the use of ( S)-blebbistatin in advanced biological settings: low potency and solubility, fluorescence interference, (photo)toxicity, and stability issues. A large toolbox of analogues has been developed in which particular shortcomings have been addressed. This perspective provides a necessary overview of these developments and presents guidelines for selecting the best available analogue for a given application. As the unmet need for high-potency analogues remains, we also propose starting points for medicinal chemists in search of nanomolar myosin II inhibitors.

Synthesis of C-ring-modified blebbistatin derivatives and evaluation of their myosin II ATPase inhibitory potency.

(S)-Blebbistatin is a micromolar myosin II ATPase inhibitor that is extensively used in research. In search of analogs with improved potency, we have synthesized for the first time C-ring modified analogs. We introduced hydroxymethyl or allyloxymethyl functionalities in search of additional favorable interactions and a more optimal filling of the binding pocket. Unfortunately, the resulting compounds did not significantly inhibit the ATPase activity of rabbit skeletal-muscle myosin II. This and earlier reports suggest that rational design of potent myosin II inhibitors based on the architecture of the blebbistatin binding pocket is an ineffective strategy.

Vehicle development, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the anti-invasive agent 4-fluoro-3',4',5'-trimethoxychalcone in rodents.

Effective inhibitors of invasion and metastasis represent a serious unmet clinical need. We have recently identified 4-fluoro-3',4',5'-trimethoxychalcone or C16 as a potent anti-invasive molecule. In this paper, we report on the development of an optimized vehicle for oral administration of C16. We also explore its pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile in rodents as a prelude to a broad-scope evaluation as a pharmacological tool in animal models of disease. C16 showed suboptimal pharmacokinetics with limited oral bioavailability and whole blood stability. Rapid metabolism with elimination via glutathione conjugation was observed. An oral dosing routine using medicated gels was developed to overcome bioavailability issues and yielded sustained whole blood levels above the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) in a 7-day study. The compound proved well-tolerated in acute and chronic experiments at 300 mg/kg PO dosing. The medicated gel formulation is highly suitable for evaluation of C16 in animal models of disease.

Improved synthesis and comparative analysis of the tool properties of new and existing D-ring modified (S)-blebbistatin analogs.

(S)-Blebbistatin is a widely used research tool to study myosin II, an important regulator of many motility based diseases. Its potency is too low to be of clinical relevance, but identification of analogs with enhanced potency could deliver leads for targeted pharmacotherapeutics. This, however, requires a profound insight into the structure-activity relationship of the (S)-blebbistatin scaffold. Therefore, new D-ring modified (S)-blebbistatin derivatives were prepared to extend the existing small library of analogs. These molecules were obtained via an improved synthesis pathway and their myosin II inhibitory properties were evaluated in vitro. Finally, all new and known D-ring modified (S)-blebbistatin analogs were compared and the most potent ones underwent a screening of their physicochemical properties.

Insights into the myosin II inhibitory potency of A-ring-modified (S)-blebbistatin analogs.

Myosin II is an interesting target for therapeutic intervention, as it is involved in a large number of motility-based diseases. (S)-Blebbistatin is a known micromolar inhibitor of this protein. A new series of (S)-blebbistatin derivatives with a modified A-ring was synthesized and the myosin II inhibitory properties were evaluated in vitro. In this way, we gained insight into the influence of structural modifications in this part of the scaffold on myosin II inhibitory potency. Our results indicate there are few possibilities for potency enhancement via ring A modification of the blebbistatin scaffold.

Discovery of (S)-3'-hydroxyblebbistatin and (S)-3'-aminoblebbistatin: polar myosin II inhibitors with superior research tool properties.

In search of myosin II inhibitors with superior research tool properties, a chemical optimization campaign of the blebbistatin scaffold was conducted in this paper. (S)-Blebbistatin is the best known small-molecule inhibitor of myosin II ATPase activity. Unfortunately, as a research tool this compound has several deficiencies: it is photolabile and (photo)toxic, has low water solubility, and its (fluorescent) precipitates interfere in (fluorescence) readouts. In view of obtaining tool compounds with improved properties, both enantiomers of a series of D-ring modified polar analogs were prepared. We identified (S)-3'-hydroxyblebbistatin (S)-2 and (S)-3'-aminoblebbistatin (S)-3 as two myosin II inhibitors with a 30-fold higher water solubility than (S)-blebbistatin. These molecules furthermore do not cause interference in (fluorescence) readouts. (S)-2 and (S)-3 thus are superior alternatives to (S)-blebbistatin as research tools to study myosin II.

4-Fluoro-3',4',5'-trimethoxychalcone as a new anti-invasive agent. From discovery to initial validation in an in vivo metastasis model.

Invasion and metastasis are responsible for 90% of cancer-related mortality. Herein, we report on our quest for novel, clinically relevant inhibitors of local invasion, based on a broad screen of natural products in a phenotypic assay. Starting from micromolar chalcone hits, a predictive QSAR model for diaryl propenones was developed, and synthetic analogues with a 100-fold increase in potency were obtained. Two nanomolar hits underwent efficacy validation and eADMET profiling; one compound was shown to increase the survival time in an artificial metastasis model in nude mice. Although the molecular mechanism(s) by which these substances mediate efficacy remain(s) unrevealed, we were able to eliminate the major targets commonly associated with antineoplastic chalcones.

Chick Heart Invasion Assay for Testing the Invasiveness of Cancer Cells and the Activity of Potentially Anti-invasive Compounds.

The goal of the chick heart assay is to offer a relevant organ culture method to study tumor invasion in three dimensions. The assay can distinguish between invasive and non-invasive cells, and enables study of the effects of test compounds on tumor invasion. Cancer cells - either as aggregates or single cells - are confronted with fragments of embryonic chick heart. After organ culture in suspension for a few days or weeks the confronting cultures are fixed and embedded in paraffin for histological analysis. The three-dimensional interaction between the cancer cells and the normal tissue is then reconstructed from serial sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin or after immunohistochemical staining for epitopes in the heart tissue or the confronting cancer cells. The assay is consistent with the recent concept that cancer invasion is the result of molecular interactions between the cancer cells and their neighbouring stromal host elements (myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, extracellular matrix components, etc.). Here, this stromal environment is offered to the cancer cells as a living tissue fragment. Supporting aspects to the relevance of the assay are multiple. Invasion in the assay is in accordance with the criteria of cancer invasion: progressive occupation and replacement in time and space of the host tissue, and invasiveness and non-invasiveness in vivo of the confronting cells generally correlates with the outcome of the assay. Furthermore, the invasion pattern of cells in vivo, as defined by pathologists, is reflected in the histological images in the assay. Quantitative structure-activity relation (QSAR) analysis of the results obtained with numerous potentially anti-invasive organic congener compounds allowed the study of structure-activity relations for flavonoids and chalcones, and known anti-metastatic drugs used in the clinic (e.g., microtubule inhibitors) inhibit invasion in the assay as well. However, the assay does not take into account immunological contributions to cancer invasion.

Microbial inhibition of oral epithelial wound recovery: potential role for quorum sensing molecules?

Awareness of the impact of microbiota in both health and disease is growing. Using a new in vitro oral mucosa co-culture model, we recently showed a clear inhibition of epithelial wound healing in the presence of an oral microbial community. In this paper, we have used the same model in combination with specific oral microbial species to obtain a better insight into the role of the oral microbiota in wound healing. Monocultures of Klebsiella oxytoca and Lactobacillus salivarius significantly inhibited wound healing with ~20%, whereas Streptococcus mitis and S. oralis enhanced the healing process with ~15% in 24 h. Yet, neither S. oralis or S. mitis were able to counteract the inhibitory effects from K. oxytoca on wound healing. Other tested microbial species had no effect on wound healing. Apart from this species-dependency, the inhibitory effect on wound healing depended on a microbial threshold concentration. Further mechanistic experiments with K. oxytoca excluded different microbial factors and hypothesized that quorum sensing molecules might play a role in the inter-kingdom signalling during wound healing. These results are important for the development of new strategies for the management of (infected) wounds and ulcerations.

Further studies on anti-invasive chemotypes: An excursion from chalcones to curcuminoids.

In our ongoing search for new anti-invasive chemotypes, we have made an excursion from previously reported potent 1,3-diarylpropenones (chalcones) to congeners bearing longer linkers between the aromatic moieties. Nine 1,ω-diarylalkenones, including curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, were evaluated in the chick heart invasion assay. Unfortunately, these compounds proved less potent and more toxic than earlier evaluated chemotypes. In the 1,3-diarylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one series, fluoro and/or trimethoxy substitution caused an increase in potency. This agrees with observations made earlier for the chalcone class.

Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of some novel, highly potent anti-invasive (E)- and (Z)-stilbenes.

In our ongoing exploration of the structure-activity landscape of anti-invasive chalcones, we have prepared and evaluated a number of structurally related (E)- and (Z)-stilbenes. These molecules exhibited an extraordinary high in vitro potency in the chick heart invasion assay, being active up to 10nmolL(-1), a concentration level a 100-fold lower than the lowest effective doses that have been reported for natural analogues. Furthermore, they possess an interesting pharmacological profile in silico.

Synthesis of isoindoles and related iso-condensed heteroaromatic pyrroles.

Over the past few years, isoindoles have found wide application in materials science. Isoindole containing BODIPY dyes are highly fluorescent materials and have been extensively used in various fields of science. Phthalocyanines, metal containing cyclic tetramers of isoindole, form coordination complexes with most elements of the periodic table. These complexes are intensely coloured and are used as pigments and dyes. However, isoindoles are relatively unstable 10π-heteroaromatic systems and few synthetic methods provide these compounds in good yields. This tutorial review will give an overview of the reported synthetic methods towards isoindoles and related heteroaromatic systems over a time span of approximately 10 years (2000 to current), including the applications where they have been reported. The importance of the field will be illustrated and factors influencing product stability will be discussed.

Exploration of the SAR of anti-invasive chalcones: synthesis and biological evaluation of conformationally restricted analogues.

In order to get a clearer view on the active geometry of anti-invasive chalcones, we have prepared a number of isoxazoles and related substances as conformationally restrained mimics of 1,3-diarylpropenones, and also of (Z)-stilbenes. In vitro anti-invasive activity data for 3,5-isoxazoles and 4,5-isoxazoles, together with an in silico geometrical comparison, point towards an active conformation for chalcones more resembling their s-trans geometry than the s-cis counterpart.

Continuous synthesis of peralkylated imidazoles and their transformation into ionic liquids with improved (electro)chemical stabilities.

A versatile and efficient method to synthesize tetrasubstituted imidazoles via a one-pot modified Debus-Radziszewski reaction and their subsequent transformation into the corresponding imidazolium ionic liquids is reported. The tetrasubstituted imidazoles were also synthesized by means of a continuous flow process. This straightforward synthetic procedure allows for a fast and selective synthesis of tetrasubstituted imidazoles on a large scale. The completely substituted imidazolium dicyanamide and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide salts were obtained via a metathesis reaction of the imidazolium iodide salts. The melting points and viscosities are of the same order of magnitude as for their non-substituted analogues. In addition to the superior chemical stability of these novel ionic liquids, which allows them to be applied in strong alkaline media, the improved thermal and electrochemical stabilities of these compounds compared with conventional imidazolium ionic liquids is also demonstrated by thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Although increased substitution of the ionic liquids does not further increase thermal stability, a definite increase in cathodic stability is observable.

Transglucosylation potential of six sucrose phosphorylases toward different classes of acceptors.

In this study, the transglucosylation potential of six sucrose phosphorylase (SP) enzymes has been compared using eighty putative acceptors from different structural classes. To increase the solubility of hydrophobic acceptors, the addition of various co-solvents was first evaluated. All enzymes were found to retain at least 50% of their activity in 25% dimethylsulfoxide, with the enzymes from Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Streptococcus mutans being the most stable. Screening of the enzymes' specificity then revealed that the vast majority of acceptors are transglucosylated very slowly by SP, at a rate that is comparable to the contaminating hydrolytic reaction. The enzyme from S. mutans displayed the narrowest acceptor specificity and the one from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B1355 the broadest. However, high activity could only be detected on l-sorbose and l-arabinose, besides the native acceptors d-fructose and phosphate. Improving the affinity for alternative acceptors by means of enzyme engineering will, therefore, be a major challenge for the commercial exploitation of the transglucosylation potential of sucrose phosphorylase.