Lead Optimization of 2-Phenylindolylglyoxylyldipeptide Murine Double Minute (MDM)2/Translocator Protein (TSPO) Dual Inhibitors for the Treatment of Gliomas

J Med Chem. 2016 May 26;59(10):4526-38. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01767. Epub 2016 May 3.

Abstract

In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), translocator protein (TSPO) and murine double minute (MDM)2/p53 complex represent two druggable targets. We recently reported the first dual binder 3 possessing a higher anticancer effect in GBM cells than the standards PK11195 1 or Nutlin-3 2 singularly applied. Herein, through a structure-activity relationship study, we developed derivatives 4-10 with improved potencies toward both TSPO and MDM2. As a result, compound 9: (i) reactivated the p53 functionality; (ii) inhibited the viability of two human GBM cells; (iii) impaired the proliferation of glioma cancer stem cells (CSCs), more resistant to chemotherapeutics and responsible of GBM recurrence; (iv) sensitized GBM cells and CSCs to the activity of temozolomide; (v) directed its effects preferentially toward tumor cells with respect to healthy ones. Thus, 9 may represent a promising cytotoxic agent, which is worthy of being further developed for a therapeutic approach against GBM, where the downstream p53 signaling is intact and TSPO is overexpressed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dipeptides / chemical synthesis
  • Dipeptides / chemistry
  • Dipeptides / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / metabolism
  • Receptors, GABA / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • 2-(phenylindol-3-yl)glyoxylyl-phenylalanyl-leucine methyl ester
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Dipeptides
  • Receptors, GABA
  • TSPO protein, human
  • MDM2 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2