Chemotherapeutic agents act by targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells. The full extent of their cellular mechanisms, which is essential to balance efficacy and toxicity, is often unclear. In addition, the use of many anticancer drugs is limited by dose-limiting toxicities as well as the development of drug resistance. The work presented in this thesis aims to address the basic biology that underlies these issues through the development and application of chemical genomic tools to probe mechanisms of current and novel anticancer compounds. Chemical genomic screens in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been used to successfully identify targets and pathways related to a compound’s mode of action. I applied these screens to examine the mode of action of potential anticancer drugs: a class of platinum-acridine compounds and the apoptosis-inducing compound elesclomol. By analogy to the yeast screens, I developed an RNAi-mediated chemical genomic screen in human cells which has the potential to reveal novel targets and drug mechanisms. This screen was applied to further understand doxorubicin’s mode of action. In parallel with the loss-of-function assays, our lab developed a human ORF overexpression screen in human cells. I applied this gain-of-function screen to identify those genes that, when overexpressed, are toxic to cells. Characterization of such genes that cause toxicity can provide insight into human diseases where gene amplification is prevalent.

This thesis describes the development of new pathways towards the synthesis of novel antimicrobial (and anticancer) agents. Two synthetic protocols based on free radical chemistry are studied, which are used to access polycyclic heterocyclic compounds of potential biological importance. Both these procedures involve the generation of radicals using Bu3SnH and AIBN initiators, and the subsequent intramolecular radical cyclisation onto the imidazole ring. Radical cyclisations onto benzimidazoles and pyrroles are also described.

No description available.

Background: Currently, gastric cancer (GC) is considered a public health problem worldwide. Using medicinal plants for the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer constitutes new alternatives in traditional medicine. Oenothera rosea (OR) could be an option, but it needs to be evaluated. Aim: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of OR extract on N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced GC in rats. Methods: In total, 80 male Holtzman rats were randomized into five groups. Group A received the saline solution (5mL/kg), group B received NMU 500 μg/kg (cancer inductor) by oral administration for 16 weeks, and groups C, D, and E were treated with OR extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively) and NMU in order to evaluate the preventive effect on cancer induced by NMU for 16 weeks. Blood and histological samples of stomachs were collected to determine histopathological, biochemical, and hematological parameters between different experimental groups. Results: Groups C, D, and E presented less histopathological changes such as anaplastic and hyperplastic cells, compared with group B. Hematological and biochemical parameters were recorded, and superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels were statistically less than those of NMU group (P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.01). Conclusion: Considering the histopathological signs and the antioxidant activity in vivo as well as hematological and biochemical parameters of ethanolic extract of OR, we concluded that its administration in rats has a protective effect on GC, which is induced experimentally. This species could be studied in clinical trials for patients with GC in the future.

3-[3-(7-chloro-quinolin-4-yl amino) phenyl]-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl) prop-2-enone citrate “CITme” is a substituted quinoline derivative, synthesized as a potential antitumour agent. The aim of this study was to investigate CITme with regard to antitumour activity, toxicity and pharmacokinetics. In vitro screening for neoplastic cytotoxic effects using standard cell culture techniques revealed cytotoxic activity against HeLa, DU-145, MCF-7, Jurkat and CoLo 320 human derived cancer cell lines at low concentrations. Toxicity was significantly less in either normal resting and stimulated lymphocytes or primary chicken fibroblast cells. CITme showed highest cytotoxic specificity for DU-145 with an IC50 of 11 μM compared to 38.2 ìM for lymphocytes after a three-day incubation period and 2.5 μM, after a seven-day incubation period. CITme exhibited poor solubility in aqueous solutions and this had to be addressed prior to in vivo acute toxicity studies being performed. CITme was found to be insoluble in many biocompatible and acceptable formulating solvents. 2-methyl pyrrolidone and Cremophor EL showed promise as potential solvents but the solubility proved to be too low to enable therapeutic CITme dosing while avoiding solvent/carrier toxicity. An oral microcrystalline cellulose suspension, two combinations of 2-methyl pyrrolidone with plasma protein complexation and a propheroid formulation were also tested. These were tested in pilot acute toxicity studies using BALB/c mice or Sprague Dawley rats. No plasma concentrations were observed with the cellulose suspension and both the 2-methyl pyrrolidone formulations elicited toxic responses in vehicle control and experimental groups despite working well below the published LD50 of 2-methyl pyrrolidone. A unique formulation developed by the Department of Pharmacy of NWU referred to as propheroid drug delivery system, provided sufficient solubility for acute and chronic toxicity studies of CITme. In vivo acute and chronic toxicity study of the propheroid delivery system formulation alone and the CITme propheroid at 30 mg/kg/day and 60 mg/kg body weight (acute toxicity study), and 10mg/kg/day (chronic toxicity study) demonstrated safety after seven and forty-five (six weeks) days administration by oral gavage. The potential anti-tumour activity of CITme could not be determined in a nude mouse tumour model, using the most susceptible in vitro cell line, DU-145 due to the low success rate of tumour induction and the long lag period required for the development of subcutaneous prostate tumours after transplantation of either a DU-145 cell suspension or DU-145 tumour tissue blocks. An LC-MS/MS method was developed to separate and quantify CITme from plasma and organ homogenates. The LC-MS/MS method was used to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of I.V. administered CITme. A pharmacokinetic study of CITme in mice indicated that CITme is absorbed after an oral administration and exhibits a very rapid distribution (metabolism) and/or elimination after IV administration. CITme could be found at relatively high concentrations 24 hours after oral dosing and to a smaller extent 10 minutes after I.V. administration in both the liver and kidney tissues. Despite the fact that the efficacy and oral pharmacokinetics properties of CITme could not be determined, this study has proved that CITme is a selective and potent anti-tumour agent in vitro with low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo and therefore this compound warrants further scientific evaluation. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Pharmacology / unrestricted

We have completed mechanism of action studies on a new class of anticancer nucleosides typified by a novel nucleoside discovered in our lab, MAP-870. In order to study the mechanism of MAP-870, several experiments were completed on a colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29, including trypan blue cell count, sulforhodamine B assays, flow cytometry of cell cycle, propidium iodide incorporation, and phosphatidylserine externalization, Caspase-Glo3/7 assays, DNA fragmentation gel, cyclophilin A release gel, PAMPA, and confocal imaging. Sulforhodamine B assays show that MAP-870 does indeed cause growth inhibition and cell death in the model tested. PAMPA assays show that MAP-870 does not appear to enter the cell via passive diffusion. Flow cytometry showed that MAP-870 doe not appear to cause cell cycle arrest or externalization of phosphatidylserine. Caspase-Glo3/7 assays demonstrated that MAP-870 does not appear to cause caspase activation. From confocal microscopy, it appears preliminarily that MAP-870 is taken up by cells, often through pseudopodia. The mechanism of MAP-870 on cancer cells must be further studied to elucidate its mechanism of action. However, preliminarily our data could point to TGFβ as a potential target pathway involving a unique, heretofore never described, cell death mechanism.

Yes / Platinum drugs are widely used for cancer treatment. Other precious metals are promising, but their clinical progress depends on achieving different mechanisms of action to overcome Pt-resistance. Here, we evaluate 13 organo-Os complexes: 16-electron sulfonyl-diamine catalysts [(η6-arene)Os(N,N′)], and 18-electron phenylazopyridine complexes [(η6-arene)Os(N,N’)Cl/I]+ (arene = p-cymene, biphenyl, or terphenyl). Their antiproliferative activity does not depend on p21 or p53 status, unlike cisplatin, and their selective potency toward cancer cells involves the generation of reactive oxygen species. Evidence of such a mechanism of action has been found both in vitro and in vivo. This work appears to provide the first study of osmium complexes in the zebrafish model, which has been shown to closely model toxicity in humans. A fluorescent osmium complex, derived from a lead compound, was employed to confirm internalization of the complex, visualize in vivo distribution, and confirm colocalization with reactive oxygen species generated in zebrafish. / Wellcome Trust (grant no. 107691/Z/15/Z), ERC (grant nos. 247450, 324594), Science City (AWM and ERDF), WCPRS and Bruker Daltonics (Studentship for JPCC), Mike and Enfys Bagguley, and EPSRC (Studentship for HEB, and grant no. EP/F034210/1)

This thesis is primarily focused on the development of Wittig methodologies and the applications of the product alkenes in organocatalysis and drug discovery. Herein is described an aqueous Wittig methodology for the synthesis of α-methylstilbenes and their use in the preparation of novel triazole stilbene inhibitors of aromatase, a clinically validated target for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. As well, a one-step, stereoselective synthesis of alkenyl phenols was developed. The method provides easy access to a variety of compounds that contain this synthetically and biologically important functionality, including natural product phenolic stilbenes. In turn, alkenyl phenols were used as a key component in a novel organocatalytic methodology for the synthesis of cyclobutanes in good yields and high enantioselectivity. Notably, this is one of relatively few asymmetric, catalytic methods for cyclobutane synthesis. Preliminary biological activity of some of these cyclobutane derivatives is reported, including promising anti-cancer activity. Finally, a ten-step total synthesis of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid (+)-trans-dihydronarciclasine was completed. The synthesis features an organocatalytic Michael-aldol cascade on a cinnamaldehyde derivative, which was prepared using a Wittig methodology previous reported by the McNulty group. Importantly, this compound was found to be one of the most potent anti-Zika compounds reported to date. Future work should focus on improving the potency and selectivity of the various aforementioned chemotherapeutics, with concurrent efforts to build upon the novel methodologies discussed herein. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / The Wittig reaction is one of the best ways to make alkenes, a type of reactive bond between two carbon atoms. A new Wittig reaction was developed and used in the preparation and discovery of potent inhibitors of aromatase, an enzyme responsible for the proliferation of many breast cancers. As well, another Wittig methodology was created for the straightforward synthesis of an otherwise difficult to prepare class of alkenes. In turn, these types of alkenes were used in a novel preparation of cyclobutanes, a chemical structure that is difficult to make but can impart useful properties to drugs and materials. Finally, a Wittig reaction previously reported by the McNulty group was used as part of a chemical synthesis of trans-dihydronarciclasine, a rare natural product isolated from daffodils. Trans-dihydronarciclasine was discovered to have antiviral activity and is one of the most potent inhibitors of the Zika virus discovered to date.

As part of our ongoing investigations for anticancer drugs from rainforestflora, five plant extracts were determined to contain interesting bioactivity. These extracts were subjected to various separation techniques, affording a number of bioactive compounds that were then characterized by spectral and degradative methods. A methanol extract of Cestrum latifolium Lam. yielded the known compound parissaponin Pb. Hydrolysis afforded its aglycone, the known spirostanol diosgenin. GCMS analysis characterized the derivatized, hydrolyzed sugars. Previous investigations of Albizia subdimidiata provided two saponins including the new compound albiziatrioside A. The sugar moieties of these two compounds required further characterization. They were characterized by spectral analysis of the partially hydrolyzed products and by GCMS analysis of the hydrolyzed sugars. Pittoviridoside, a saponin from Pittosporum viridiflorum, was isolated in a previous investigation. Further investigation was required to characterize the stereochemical environment of the sugar moiety. The stereochemistries of the pentose sugars were determined by conversion into thiazolidine acetates of known stereochemistries and analysis with standards by GCMS. Two new diterpenes were isolated from Hymenaea courbaril, which in an earlier investigation provided a new diterpene. The absolute configurations of these diterpenes were assigned on the basis of anisotropic NMR studies, X-ray crystallography, circular dichroism analysis and previously reported literature. A previous investigation of Miconia lepidota isolated two benzoquinones, primin and its n-heptyl analog. Fifteen analogs were synthesized for structure-activity relationship determination. It was found that benzoquinones with moderate-length alkyl side chains displayed the strongest activity in our yeast and cancer cell lines. / Ph. D.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Duy H. Hua / The first section of this thesis deals with the synthesis of substituted quinolines and its bioactivities against gap junction. Cancer cells are characterized by down regulated or altered gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) activities; enhancement of GJIC would provide a pathway for the delivery of anticancer drugs. Our computational studies using Autodock found binding interactions between gap junction channels and substituted quionlines (code name PQs). Thus, a serial of PQ compounds were synthesized and their activities against GJIC were tested. Among these synthesized PQs, 6-Methoxy-8-[(3-aminopropyl) amino]-4- methyl-5-(3-trifluoromethyl- phenyloxy)quinoline (PQ1) can specifically enhance GJIC activity of T47D cells without affecting the normal MECs. The PQ1 induced apoptosis can spread throughout the gap juctions, consequently cause the decrease of cell viability and colony growth. PQ1 can attenuate tumor growth of xenograft tumors in Nu/Nu mice. Compound 7 (code PQ11) which has an IC50 of 15.6nM against T47D cancer cell, is a promising candidate for further pharmacological studies. The second section of this thesis deals with the synthesis and anticancer bioactivities of PEG-PEI based nanogels. Nanogels were synthesized, encapsulated with anticancer drugs, and loaded to stem cells. Stem cells can target at the cancer cell and release the nanogel and anticancer drug to kill the cancer cell. The nontoxic PEG-PEI nanogel which can be loaded to stem cells was successfully synthesized by doubly treatment of PEI with activated PEG. Based on this nontoxic nanogel, two other types of nanogels were synthesized. In one type of nanogel, an anticancer drug, SN38 was modified and attached to the nontoxic nanogel via a tetra-peptide linker. This tetra peptide can be recognized and cut by legumain, a protein that highly over expressed in many tumors, to release the drug to tumors. In the other type of nanogel, straptavidin was attached to the nanogel which can bind to biotin and recognized by tumor. The result indicated this type of nanogel can be loaded to stem cells within 15 minutes.