The neuropeptide y y(1) receptor: a diagnostic marker? Expression in mcf-7 breast cancer cells is down-regulated by antiestrogens in vitro and in xenografts.

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y(1) receptor (Y(1)R) has been suggested as a tumor marker for in vivo imaging and as a therapeutic target. In view of the assumed link between estrogen receptor (ER) and Y(1)R in mammary carcinoma and with respect to the development of new diagnostic tools, we investigated the Y(1)R protein expression in human MCF-7 cell variants differing in ER content and sensitivity against antiestrogens. ER and Y(1)R expression were quantified by radioligand binding using [(3)H]-17ß-estradiol and the Y(1)R selective antagonist [(3)H]-UR-MK114, respectively. The latter was used for cellular binding studies and for autoradiography of MCF-7 xenografts. The fluorescent ligands Cy5-pNPY (universal Y(1)R, Y(2)R and Y(5)R agonist) and UR-MK22 (selective Y(1)R antagonist), as well as the selective antagonists BIBP3226 (Y(1)R), BIIE0246 (Y(2)R) and CGP71683 (Y(5)R) were used to identify the NPY receptor subtype(s) by confocal microscopy. Y(1)R functionality was determined by mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+). Sensitivity of MCF-7 cells against antiestrogen 4-hydroxytamoxifen correlated directly with the ER content. The exclusive expression of Y(1)Rs was confirmed by confocal microscopy. The Y(1)R protein was up-regulated (100%) by 17ß-estradiol (EC(50) 20 pM) and the predominant role of ERα was demonstrated by using the ERα-selective agonist "propylpyrazole triol". 17ß-Estradiol-induced over-expression of functional Y(1)R protein was reverted by the antiestrogen fulvestrant (IC(50) 5 nM) in vitro. Furthermore, tamoxifen treatment of nude mice resulted in an almost total loss of Y(1)Rs in MCF-7 xenografts. In conclusion, the value of the Y(1)R as a target for therapy and imaging in breast cancer patients may be compromised due to Y(1)R down-regulation induced by hormonal (antiestrogen) treatment.

Aroyl hydrazones of 2-phenylindole-3-carbaldehydes as novel antimitotic agents.

Cell cycle arrest of malignant cells is an important option for cancer treatment. In this study, we modified the structure of antimitotic 2-phenylindole-3-carbaldehydes by condensation with hydrazides of various benzoic and pyridine carboxylic acids. The resulting hydrazones inhibited the growth of MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IC(50) values of 20-30 nM for the most potent derivatives. These 2-phenylindole derivatives also exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of both proliferating and resting U-373 MG glioblastoma cells. Though the hydrazones exhibited similar structure-activity relationships as the aldehydes, they did not inhibit tubulin polymerization as the aldehydes but were capable of blocking the cell cycle in G(2)/M phase. The cell cycle arrest was accompanied by apoptosis as demonstrated by the activation of caspase-3. Since these 2-phenylindole-based hydrazones display no structural similarity with other antitumor drugs they are interesting candidates for further development.

[(2-Phenylindol-3-yl)methylene]propanedinitriles inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells by cell cycle arrest in G(2)/M phase and apoptosis.

Cell cycle arrest of malignant cells is an important option for cancer treatment. In this study, we modified the structure of antimitotic 2-phenylindole-3-carbaldehydes by condensation with malononitrile. The resulting methylene propanedinitriles inhibited the growth of MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IC(50) values below 100 nM. Though they exhibited similar structure-activity relationships as the aldehydes, they did not inhibit tubulin polymerization but were capable of blocking the cell cycle in G(2)/M phase. The cell cycle arrest was accompanied by apoptosis as demonstrated by the activation of caspases 3 and 9. Since the new 2-phenylindole derivatives also inhibited the growth of transplanted MXT mouse mammary tumors, they are interesting candidates for further development.

Antimitotic activities of 2-phenylindole-3-carbaldehydes in human breast cancer cells.

Small molecules such as indoles are attractive as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization. Thus a number of 2-phenylindole-3-carbaldehydes with lipophilic substituents in both aromatic rings was synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activity in MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Some 5-alkylindole derivatives with a 4-methoxy group in the 2-phenyl ring strongly inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells with IC(50) values of 5-20nM. Their action can be rationalized by the cell cycle arrest in G(2)/M phase due to the inhibition of tubulin polymerization.

Estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of 2,4-diphenylfuran-based ligands of estrogen receptors alpha and beta.

The estrogen receptor (ER) exists in two isoforms ERalpha and ERbeta with a different distribution in the body and different functions which are not clearly identified yet. Thus, it is desirable to have both agonists and antagonists with selectivity for one or the other ER isoform available. In a previous study we showed that 2,5-diphenylfurans can be converted into pure antiestrogens with preference for ERalpha. When the arrangement of the phenyl rings was altered to a 2,4-substitution, the alpha-selectivity was lost as demonstrated by comparative assays using recombinant human ERalpha and ERbeta. 3,5-Dialkyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenylfurans) were shown to act as agonists with preference for ERbeta. Replacement of one of the alkyl groups by the [(pentylsulfanyl)propyl]aminohexyl side chain afforded estrogen antagonists without receptor selectivity. These derivatives were characterized as pure antiestrogens in transcription and proliferation assays in ER+ MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The most potent antagonists displayed IC50 values of ca. 20 nM (fulvestrant 4 nM). The data showed that the 2,4-arrangement of the phenyl rings in the furan structure increases the binding affinity for ERbeta in comparison to the isomeric 2,5-diphenylfurans but does not lead to a pure antagonist with selectivity for ERbeta.

Platinum(II) complexes interfering with testicular steroid biosynthesis: drugs for the therapy of advanced or recurrent prostate cancers? Preclinical studies.

[Meso-1,2-bis(2,6-dihalo-3/4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes (meso-1-PtLL': 2,6-F(2),3-OH; meso-2-PtLL': 2,6-F(2),4-OH; meso-3-PtLL': 2,6-Cl(2),3-OH; meso-4-PtLL': 2,6-Cl(2),4-OH; L = OH(2), L' = OSO(3) or L,L' = Cl(2)) were designed with the aim to get drugs comprising both cytotoxic and testosterone level lowering potencies. It is assumed that such compounds are more efficient than the established endocrine therapeutic measures and can affect the development of hormone refractory prostate cancer (PC). With exception of meso-3-PtLL' all Pt-complexes and the comparison compound cisplatin significantly reduced the testosterone level in experiments on male rats. However, in the test on the Dunning R3327 PC of the rat only cisplatin and meso-4-PtLL' showed a significant anti-tumor activity at well-tolerated dose ranges. Meso-4-PtLL' also significantly extended the time to disease progression in comparison with orchiectomy in this tumor model. Interestingly, the relapsed tumor, too, responded to meso-4-PtLL' as demonstrated in a long-term study on orchiectomized rats bearing Dunning R3327 PC grafts. This effect cannot be ascribed to cytotoxic effects of meso-4-PtLL' because of its inactivity on the human LNCaP/FGC PC cell line. Therefore, the contribution of an additional mechanism to the anti-prostate cancer activity of meso-4-PtLL', presumably owing to its estrogenic potency, must be considered. This assumption was supported by test results with diethylstilbestrol (DES) (non-steroidal estrogen) on the Dunning R3327 PC of the rat relapsed after orchiectomy. This tumor model was strongly inhibited by DES. The possible mode of action of meso-4-PtLL' is thoroughly discussed.

Design of new benzoxazole-2-thione-derived inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae hyaluronan lyase: structure of a complex with a 2-phenylindole.

The bacterial hyaluronan lyases (Hyals) that degrade hyaluronan, an important component of the extracellular matrix, are involved in microbial spread. Inhibitors of these enzymes are essential in investigation of the role of hyaluronan and Hyal in bacterial infections and constitute a new class of antibiotics against Hyal-producing bacteria. Recently, we identified 1,3-diacetylbenzimidazole-2-thione and related molecules as inhibitors of streptococcal Hyal. One of such compounds, 1-decyl-2-(4-sulfamoyloxyphenyl)-1-indol-6-yl sulfamate, was co-crystallized in a complex with Streptococcus pneumoniae Hyal and its structure elucidated. The resultant X-ray structure demonstrates that this inhibitor fits in the enzymatic active site via interactions resembling the binding mode of the natural hyaluronan substrate. X-ray structural analysis also indicates binding interactions with the catalytic residues and those of a catalytically essential hydrophobic patch. An IC50 value of 11 microM for Hyal from Streptococcus agalactiae (strain 4755) qualifies this phenylindole compound as one of the most potent Hyal inhibitors known to date. The structural data suggested a similar binding mode for N-(3-phenylpropionyl)-benzoxazole-2-thione. This new compound's inhibitory properties were confirmed resulting in discovery of yet another Hyal inhibitor (IC50 of 15 microM). These benzoxazole-2-thiones constitute a new class of inhibitors of bacterial Hyals and are well suited for further optimization of their selectivity, potency, and pharmacokinetic properties.

2,5-Diphenylfuran-based pure antiestrogens with selectivity for the estrogen receptor alpha.

The estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is understood to play an important role in the progression of breast cancer. Therefore, pure antiestrogens with a preference for this receptor form are of interest as new agents for the treatment of this malignancy. Several chemical structures with selective binding affinity for ERalpha have been identified and might be useful for the synthesis of ERalpha-selective pure antiestrogens. In this study we applied the 2,5-diphenylfuran system which is closely related to the triphenylfurans described by others. Various side chains with amino and/or sulfur functions were linked to C3 to convert the furans to estrogen antagonists without residual estrogenic activity. The degree of alpha-selectivity which ranges from 2.5- to 236-fold is strongly influenced by the alkyl group at C4. Antiestrogenic potency was determined in MCF-7/2a breast cancer cells stably transfected with a luciferase gene under the control of an ERE. The 2,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)furan with an ethyl substituent and a 6-[N-methyl-N-(3-pentylthiopropyl)amino]hexyl side chain exerted the strongest antiestrogenic effect in this series with an IC(50) value of 50 nM in cells stimulated with 1 nM estradiol. The RBA values of this derivative were 18% (ERalpha) and 3.4% (ERbeta) of estradiol, respectively. It inhibited the growth of wild-type MCF-7 cells with an IC(50) value of 22 nM. The data show that the 2,5-diphenylfuran system is appropriate for the development of pure antiestrogens with preference for ERalpha.

Microarray analysis of bicalutamide action on telomerase activity, p53 pathway and viability of prostate carcinoma cell lines.

Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal anti-androgen commonly used in the treatment of prostate carcinoma. We analysed the transcriptional response to bicalutamide treatment with the aim of explaining the inhibition of telomerase in the androgen-sensitive cell line LNCaP and the effects of bicalutamide on the androgen-insensitive cell line DU145. Cells treated with 80 muM bicalutamide in steroid-depleted medium for 1 day were analysed in duplicate by Affymetrix Human Genome Focus Arrays. Response to bicalutamide in LNCaP cells was represented by downregulation of androgen-regulated genes, activation of the p53 pathway and inhibition of telomerase, which was associated with downregulation of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homologue (MYC) and telomerase reverse transcriptase subunit. In DU145 cells we observed the influence of cell density on bicalutamide effectivity such that highly confluent cells showed lesser sensitivity than low confluent ones. In conclusion, we provide an explanation for telomerase inhibition after androgen receptor blockade in LNCaP cells and we also report activation of the p53 pathway in LNCaP cells and in-vitro sensitivity to bicalutamide of low confluent androgen-insensitive DU145 cells. These findings might have implications for both experimental and clinical research into prostate cancer. In particular, activation of the p53 pathway after treatment with 80 microM bicalutamide could justify usage of bicalutamide dosages higher than 150 mg daily in androgen-sensitive carcinoma therapy.

Stilbene-based inhibitors of estrone sulfatase with a dual mode of action in human breast cancer cells.

Estrone sulfate (E1S) is an endogenous prodrug that delivers estrone and, subsequently, estradiol to target cells, after hydrolysis by the enzyme estrone sulfatase, which is active in various tissues including hormone-dependent breast cancer. Blockade of this enzyme should reduce the estrogen level in breast cancer cells and prevent hormonal growth stimulation. In this study, a number of sulfamoyloxy-substituted stilbenes with side chains that guarantee antiestrogenic activity were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of estrone sulfatase. They inhibited this enzyme in human MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells, with IC(50) values in the submicromolar range. The effects of both the free hydroxy derivatives and the sulfamates on gene activation were determined in transfected MCF-7/2a breast cancer cells stimulated either with estradiol or with estrone sulfate. The analysis of data revealed a dual mode of action of the majority of compounds. They blocked gene expression by inhibition of estrone sulfatase and by antiestrogenic action. This pharmacological profile was also observed in assays on antiproliferative activity. The most potent derivative 8 g inhibited the growth of wild-type human MCF-7 cells with an IC(50) value of 13 nM.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of stilbene-based pure estrogen antagonists.

Replacement of one of the ethyl substituents in diethylstilbestrol by side chains with functional groups converted this potent estrogen into pure antiestrogens with the potential for the treatment of breast cancer. These agents completely suppressed estrogen receptor-mediated gene activation and inhibited the growth of estrogen-sensitive MCF-7 breast cancer cells in submicromolar concentrations. The most potent derivative displayed similar activity as fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) in vitro and in the mouse uterine weight test. Obviously, the stilbene structure can act as a substitute for estradiol in the development of pure estrogen antagonists.

2-phenylindole sulfamates: inhibitors of steroid sulfatase with antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

A number of 2-phenylindole sulfamates with lipophilic side chains in 1- or 5-position of the indole were synthesized and evaluated as steroid sulfatase (estrone sulfatase) inhibitors. Most of the new sulfamates inhibited the enzymatic hydrolysis of estrone sulfate in MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells with IC(50) values between 2 nM and 1 microM. A favorable position for a long side chain is the nitrogen of a carbamoyl group at C-5 of the indole when the phenyl ring carries the sulfamate function. These derivatives inhibit gene activation in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells in submicromolar concentrations and reduce cell proliferation with IC(50) values of ca. 1 microM. All of the potent inhibitors were devoid of estrogenic activity and have the potential for in vivo application as steroid sulfatase inhibitors.

Sulfamoyloxy-substituted 2-phenylindoles: antiestrogen-based inhibitors of the steroid sulfatase in human breast cancer cells.

Estrone sulfate (E1S) is an endogenous prodrug that delivers estrone and, subsequently, estradiol to the target cells following the hydrolysis by the enzyme estrone sulfatase which is active in various tissues including hormone dependent breast cancer cells. Blockade of this enzyme should reduce the estrogen level in breast cancer cells and prevent hormonal growth stimulation. Sulfamates of a variety of phenolic compounds have been shown to be inhibitors of estrone sulfatase. Our rational is based on findings that these inhibitors can undergo hydrolysis and the pharmacological effects of the free hydroxy compounds contribute to the bioactivity of the sulfamates. A desirable action of the metabolites would be an estrogen antagonism to block stimulatory effects of residual amounts of estrogens. Thus, we synthesized a number of sulfamoyloxy-substituted 2-phenylindoles with side chains at the indole nitrogen that guarantee antiestrogenic activity. All of the new sulfamates were studied for their inhibitory effects on the enzyme estrone sulfatase from human breast cancer cells and their (anti)hormonal activities in stably transfected human MCF-7/2a mammary carcinoma cells. The hormonal profile of the sulfamates was partly reflected by the properties of the corresponding hydroxy precursors. Some of the sulfamoylated antiestrogens strongly inhibited estrone sulfatase activity with IC(50) values in the submicromolar range. They were devoid of agonist activity and suppressed estrone sulfate-stimulated gene expression mainly by blocking the enzyme. Examples are the disulfamates of the indoles ZK 119, 010 and ZK 164, 015. Their IC(50)s for sulfatase inhibition were 0.3 and 0.2 microM, respectively, and 50 and 80 nM, respectively, for the inhibition of E1S-stimulated luciferase expression in transfected MCF-7 cells. With some of the new sulfamates an additional direct antiestrogenic effect was noticed which might be due to a partial hydrolysis during incubation and would improve the growth inhibitory effect on estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells.

The effects of natural ligands of hormone receptors and their antagonists on telomerase activity in the androgen sensitive prostatic cancer cell line LNCaP.

The effects of the 17beta-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone and hormone antagonists tamoxifen and bicalutamide on telomerase activity and expression of cell cycle related proteins in the androgen-sensitive prostatic cancer cell line LNCaP were studied. The cell line was grown in RPMI supplemented with 2.5% charcoal-stripped FBS for 72 hr. The IC(50) of tamoxifen and bicalutamide and the optimal stimulatory concentrations of 17beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone were determined by means of the cell-viability assay, the activity of telomerase was measured by the telomere repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and the expression of proteins was analysed by the Western blot technique. 17beta-estradiol stimulated cell growth more effectively than dihydrotestosterone whereas hormone antagonists tamoxifen and bicalutamide caused a significant decrease in cell viability. The treatment of cells by a combination of low doses of 17 beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone stimulated cells stronger than treatment by a single hormone. Only 17beta-estradiol, in concentration of 10nM, increased strongly the expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and increased slightly telomerase activity in the LNCaP cells. 50 microM of bicalutamide down-regulated the levels of the androgen receptor, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and telomerase activity, and up-regulated the expression of p27(Kip1). We hereby describe the first observation of the influence of bicalutamide on telomerase activity and a positive correlation between the effect of 17beta-estradiol and the induction of both the endogenous cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21(Waf1/Cip1), and telomerase activity in a prostatic cancer cell line LNCaP. These findings can shed a new light on the steroid-signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells.