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We sought to investigate the utility of ebastine (EBA), a second-generation antihistamine with potent anti-metastatic properties, in the context of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-suppression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). EBA binds to the tyrosine kinase domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), blocking phosphorylation at the Y397 and Y576/577 residues. FAK-mediated JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK signaling was attenuated after EBA challenge in vitro and in vivo. EBA treatment induced apoptosis and a sharp decline in the expression of the BCSC markers ALDH1, CD44 and CD49f, suggesting that EBA targets BCSC-like cell populations while reducing tumor bulk. EBA administration significantly impeded BCSC-enriched tumor burden, angiogenesis and distant metastasis while reducing MMP-2/-9 levels in circulating blood in vivo. Our findings suggest that EBA may represent an effective therapeutic for the simultaneous targeting of JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK for the treatment of molecularly heterogeneous TNBC with divergent profiles. Further investigation of EBA as an anti-metastatic agent for the treatment of TNBC is warranted.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most deadly and aggressive phenotype, with a higher rate of metastatic recurrence. TNBC does yet have a suitable treatment option other than cytotoxic anticancer drugs. Although pitavastatin has been shown to exert anti-proliferative effects and cytotoxicity in various types of cancer cells, the precise mechanisms underlying pitavastatin’s anti-cancer effects in TNBC have not been fully elucidated. We sought to investigate the mechanism of pitavastatin-induced apoptosis and its effects on cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics in TNBC. Exposure to pitavastatin induced mitochondria-mediated apoptotic cell death in BT549 and 4T1 cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction was accompanied with a robust production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), resulting in subsequent activation of caspase-3/-7 and PARP cleavage. Pitavastatin effectively suppressed CSC-like properties in TNBC via targeting CD44+/CD24- and CD49f+/CD24- phenotypes, as well as impediment of mammosphere formation in vitro. This phenomenon was accompanied with dysregulation of STAT3 survival pathway, concomitant with significant downregulation of cyclin D1, survivin and vimentin. Pitavastatin effectively targets both the proliferating TNBC tumor cells and CSCs via the dysregulation of STAT3 and suppression of CSC-like properties, markedly reducing angiogenesis and tumor growth, coinciding with decreased Ki-67 expression. It is noteworthy that pitavastatin considerably suppressed metastasis, coinciding with significant reduction of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in the circulating blood of mice. Our findings highlight that pitavastatin may be potentially effective for the treatment of metastatic TNBC. Citation Format: Dongmi Ko, Juyeon Seo, Seongjae Kim, Soeun Park, Minsu Park, Kee Dal Nam, Yong koo Kang, Sora Seock, Eunsun Jung, Yoon-Jae Kim, Jaeyoun Park, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo. Anti-metastatic potential of pitavastatin in triple-negative breast cancer via targeting breast cancer stem-like properties and STAT3 signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5800.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits an aggressive behavior associated with poor prognosis due to the absence of established molecular targets. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a major determinant and participates in the acquisition of migration and invasion, as well as the maintenance of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-like traits in TNBC. We sought to investigate the effect of ebastine, a second-generation antihistamine on apoptosis, FAK activation, BCSC subpopulations and metastasis in TNBC in vitro and in vivo. TCGA dataset analysis revealed that mRNA levels of FAK were highly expressed in TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes. We found that ebastine binds to the tyrosine kinase domain of FAK, which blocks phosphorylation at the Y397 and Y576/577 residues and subsequent inactivation of SRC. Ebastine-induced apoptosis was associated with attenuation of JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK signaling in TNBC cells. Kinetic analysis revealed a concentration-dependent impairment of cell migration in the presence of ebastine in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells in vitro. Ebastine targets BCSC-like cell populations as evidenced by a sharp decline in the expression of the BCSC markers ALDH1, CD44 and CD49f and suppression of mammosphere-forming capacity. Ebastine administration led to a significant reduction in the growth ebastine of BCSC-enriched 4T1 mammospheres orthotopically injected into the mammary glands of Balb/c mice. Ebastine administration significantly impeded angiogenesis and distant metastasis while reducing MMP-2/-9 levels in circulating blood in vivo. Importantly, biochemical analysis in mice serum showed that ebastine had no effect on liver and kidney function. Our findings suggest that EBA may be an effective therapeutic repositioning candidate for the simultaneous targeting of multiple survival signaling pathways for the treatment of molecularly heterogeneous TNBC. Further investigation of ebastine as an anti-metastatic agent for the treatment of TNBC is warranted. Citation Format: Juyeon Seo, Minsu Park, Dongmi Ko, Seongjae Kim, Soeun Park, Kee Dal Nam, Yong Koo Kang, So Ra Seuk, Jaeyoun Park, Eunsun Jung, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo. Ebastine targets cancer stem cell-like properties and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer by binding focal adhesion kinase. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5805.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) harbors a higher cancer stem cell (CSC)-like population and exhibits a more aggressive metastatic phenotype. Due to the limitations of currently available targeted therapies, there remains a significant unmet need for the development of new targeted therapies for TNBC. Molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is attracting attention as an ideal therapeutic target due to it regulates essential biological functions such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Although N-terminal HSP90 inhibitors have had little clinical success to date, C-terminal HSP90 inhibitors have received relatively little attention. We sought to investigate the effects of a new rationally designed NCT-547 on apoptosis, breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-like properties, migration ability and heat shock response (HSR) in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in CSC-enriched allograft model in vivo. NCT-547 inhibits TNBC cell proliferation by simultaneously inactivating several survival factors including AKT, MEK, and STAT3. In addition, NCT-547 effectively targets BCSC-like properties with impairment of ALDH1 activity, CD44+/CD24- phenotype, and 3D mammosphere-forming ability. The expression of HSF-1 target genes such as Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp27, Hsp40 and Hsp65 is highly overexpressed in TNBC patients. The mRNA abundances of target genes were significantly decreased after NCT-547 challenge. NCT-547 effectively targets both the proliferating TNBC tumor cells and CSCs, markedly reducing tumor growth, coinciding with decreased Ki-67 proliferation index and enhanced apoptosis. Anti-tumor effect of NCT-457 was independent of heat shock response as evidenced by significant downregulation of HSF1 phosphorylation and expression of downstream targets HSPs members. It is noteworthy that NCT-547 did not affect markers of hepatic and renal acute toxicity and was not cytotoxic in non-malignant cells. NCT-547 may therefore have potential to address current limitations in the treatment of TNBC. Citation Format: Eunsun Jung, Seojin Jang, Daeil Sung, Soeun Park, Minsu Park, Dongmi Ko, Seongjae Kim, Juyeon Seo, Kee Dal Nam, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo, Yong koo Kang, So Ra Seock, Jung Min Park. A novel C-terminal of HSP90 inhibitor NCT-547 eliminates cancer stem-like subpopulation in triple-negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4911.

Background and Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors typically harbor a high cancer stem-like population leading to chemo-resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Tumor metastasis is associated with 90% of cancer-related deaths, highlighting the urgent clinical unmet need. Doxazosin is known to inhibit cell migration and invasion in several cancer cell types; however, the precise mechanisms underlying doxazosin’s anticancer effects in TNBC have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we sought to investigate the mechanism of action of doxazosin responsible for its effects on apoptosis, cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties, cell migration, and metastasis in TNBC. Experimental designs: Doxazosin on TNBC cell lines [MDA-MB-231, BT549, and 4T1] in vitro was evaluated in cell viability, apoptosis, cell migration, CD44/CD24 staining, ALDH1 activity, and mammosphere formation. The effect of doxazosin on tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis was evaluated in an orthotopic allograft mice model with CSC-enriched population. Results: Doxazosin significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells via activation of caspase-3/-7 and cleavage of PARP. Doxazosin significantly suppressed cell migratory capability, concomitant with disrupting cytoskeletal proteins, including vimentin and F-actin expression in TNBC cells. An impairment of BCSC-like properties was associated with reduction of ALDH1 activity and the CD44+/CD24- population, concomitant with suppression of mammosphere-forming ability. Doxazosin administration reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis, as evidenced by a sharp decline in bioluminescence signal intensity. Inhibitory effect of tumor growth was accompanied by a significant decrease of Ki-67 and enhancement of apoptosis with DNA fragmentation and increased cleaved-caspase-3 expression. The latter phenomenon was associated with the impediment of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and CSC-like properties. Furthermore, no toxic effects of doxazosin were found in liver and kidney function in animals. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings highlight doxazosin as a promising candidate for drug repurposing in suppressing metastatic TNBC. Citation Format: Seongjae Kim, Dongmi Ko, Juyeon Seo, Soeun Park, Minsu Park, Kee Dal Nam, Yong koo Kang, So Ra Seock, Jaeyoun Park, Eunhye Oh, Eunsun Jung, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo. Doxazosin exerts anti-metastatic potential in triple-negative breast cancer via impairment of cancer stem-like features. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4037.

Purpose: Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a member of the mitochondrial anion carrier protein family that plays an important role in stabilizing the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) and controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. A selective UCP2 inhibitor, genipin is known to elicit cytotoxicity in several cancers, however, its effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs)-like properties and trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we sought to investigate the mechanism of action of genipin responsible for the induction of apoptosis and its effects on CSC-like features, expression of HER family member and trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Designs: The effects of genipin on trastuzuamb-sensitive [BT474 and SKBR3] and trastuzumab-resistant [JIMT-1 and MDA-MB-453] HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines in vitro were evaluated for cell viability, Sub-G1, ROS, MMP, ALDH1 activity, CD44+/CD24- subpopulation and mammosphere formation. To confirm the physiological relevance of our in vitro observations, we explored the impact of genipin on tumor growth and angiogenesis and expression of p95HER2 and ALDH1A1 in trastuzumab-resistant xenograft model in vivo. Results: HER2-positive breast cancer cells harbored a higher level of UCP2, when compared to their counterparts. Genipin significantly downregulated UCP2 and mitochondrial dysfunction coinciding with increased ROS generation and disruption of MMP. These phenomena were accompanied with upregulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7. Genipin treatment led to significant reduction in levels of truncated p95HER2, p-HER2, p-HER3 and p-Akt levels in both trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant lines. Marked decline of CD44 and ALDH1A1 expression by genipin treatment was associated with attenuation of mammosphere-forming ability. UCP2 level is predominantly upregulated in CSC-enriched populations, while its knockdown significantly suppressed CSC-like characteristics concomitant with decreased ALDH1A1 and CD44 expression as well as impairment of ALDH1 activity. Genipin administration significantly retarded tumor growth and angiogenesis in trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 xenograft tumors. The antitumor effect occurred concomitantly with a decrease in Ki-67 proliferating index and enhancement of apoptosis. Furthermore, individuals receiving genipin exhibited markedly lower levels of p95HER2, full-length p185HER2, CD44 and ALDH1A1 expression compared to their control counterparts. Conclusion: To our knowledge, our findings are the first reported instance of genipin-induced suppression of CSC-like properties and HER2/HER3/Akt axis, implying that genipin treatment may have application in addressing trastuzumab resistance. Citation Format: Minsu Park, Soeun Park, Juyeon Seo, Dongmi Ko, Seongjae Kim, Yong Koo Kang, Kee Dal Nam, So Ra Seuk, Tae-Min Cho, Eunsun Jung, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo. UCP2 inhibitor eradicates cancer stem-like population in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6121.

Purpose: Trastuzumab resistance is a multifactorial phenomenon arising from the steric effects of p95HER2, activation of HER2 downstream signaling pathways, and the existence of cancer stem cells. We sought to examine the capacity of β-escin, an anti-inflammatory drug, to address trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Experimental designs: The effects of β-escin in trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant cell lines were evaluated for apoptosis, HER2 expression, calpain activation and CSC-like properties. In vivo trastuzumab-resistant xenograft mice model was used to examine tumor growth, angiogenesis and organ toxicity of β-escin. Results: β-escin induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased active p18Bax fragmentation, leading to caspase-3/-7 activation. β-escin downregulated p95HER2, HER2 and HER3 as well as their phosphorylation. β-escin-induced HER2 degradation appears to be mediated by calpain activation. We observed that treatment with β-escin induced cleavage of HER2 and p95HER2 (at 75, 50 and 42 kDa fragments) in HER2 overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells. Attenuation of CSC-related features by β-escin challenge was accompanied by marked reductions in CD44high/CD24low stem-like cells and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity as well as hindrance of mammosphere formation. β-escin administration also significantly retarded tumor growth and angiogenesis in a trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 xenograft model via downregulation of CSC-associated markers and intracellular domain HER2. Importantly, β-escin selectively inhibited malignant cells and was less toxic to normal mammary cells, and no toxic effects were found in liver and kidney function in animals. Conclusion: Herein, for the first time, we report the potent efficacy of β-escin, a drug repurposing candidate with an exceptional safety profile in addressing trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer. Citation Format: Soeun Park, Minsu Park, Dongmi Ko, Seongjae Kim, Juyeon Seo, Kee Dal Nam, Eunsun Jung, Yong koo Kang, Seojin Jang, So Ra Seock, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo, Jaeyoun Park. β-Escin eradicates cancer stem-like population in HER2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 423.

N-terminal HSP90 inhibitors in development have had issues arising from heat shock response (HSR) induction and off-target effects. We sought to investigate the capacity of NCT-58, a rationally-synthesized C-terminal HSP90 inhibitor, to kill trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer stem-like cells. NCT-58 does not induce the HSR due to its targeting of the C-terminal region and elicits anti-tumor activity via the simultaneous downregulation of HER family members as well as inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. NCT-58 kills the rapidly proliferating bulk tumor cells as well as the breast cancer stem-like population, coinciding with significant reductions in stem/progenitor markers and pluripotent transcription factors. NCT-58 treatment suppressed growth and angiogenesis in a trastuzumab-resistant xenograft model, concomitant with downregulation of ICD-HER2 and HSF-1/HSP70/HSP90. These findings warrant further investigation of NCT-58 to address trastuzumab resistance in heterogeneous HER2-positive cancers.

Despite recent advances, there remains a significant unmet need for the development of new targeted therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Although the heat shock protein HSP90 is a promising target, previous inhibitors have had issues during development including undesirable induction of the heat shock response (HSR) and off-target effects leading to toxicity. SL-145 is a novel, rationally-designed C-terminal HSP90 inhibitor that induces apoptosis in TNBC cells via the suppression of oncogenic AKT, MEK/ERK, and JAK2/STAT3 signaling and does not trigger the HSR, in contrast to other inhibitors. In an orthotopic allograft model incorporating breast cancer stem cell-enriched TNBC tumors, SL-145 potently suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastases concomitant with dysregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our findings highlight the potential of SL-145 in suppressing metastatic TNBC independent of the HSR.

Trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer leads to a poorer prognosis and shorter overall survival. Identifying existing drugs for another purpose of use may be considered as a part of new approaches to overcome resistance in cancer biology. Itraconazole is a FDA-approved drug, which is one of anti-fungal drugs. This drug has been reported to exploit as a cancer therapeutic agent in several cancer types. We sought to investigate the anti-cancer effects of itraconazole on cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and breast cancer stem cell-like properties in terms of challenging trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. The effect of itraconazole on trastuzumab-resistant cell line, JIMT-1, in vitro was examined in aspects of cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy, and impact on cancer stem cells. As in vivo experimental model, trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 cells were implanted to generate xenografts to study anti-tumor efficacy of itraconazole. Treatment of itraconazole significantly suppressed the growth of JIMT-1 cells with marked induction of apoptosis. Itraconazole downregulated p185HER2 and truncated-p95HER2, and their phosphorylation levels in JIMT-1 cells. In addition, the outcome of the decrease in the levels of Beclin-1 and p62 and the increase of LC3 I/II after the exposure to itraconazole supported that itraconazole induced autophagy as well. Importantly, itraconazole not only killed proliferating tumor cells but also effectively eradicated cancer stem-like populations. To elucidate eradication of cancer stem-like population by itraconazole, ALDH1 activity assay and FACS analysis of CD44+/CD24- stem-like phenotype in JIMT-1 cells were carried out. As a result, stem-cell like populations were impaired as evidenced by a significant decrease in ALDH1 activity and CD44+/CD24- stem-like populations. Through in vivo mouse model, the physiological relevance of in vitro observations was confirmed. Evident inhibition of tumor burden and growth in trastuzumab-resistant xenografts was shown in consequence of itraconazole administration, accompanying by substantial downregulation of HER2, ALDH1 and microvessel density as well as dramatic decrease of p62 in vivo. No injury to liver or kidneys by itraconazol was found based on no statistically significant difference in serum levels of ALT, AST and BUN between vehicle- and itraconazole-administrated groups. We have demonstrated that itraconazole, which is FDA-approved drug as an anti-fungal drug, exerts anti-tumor activity in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer by targeting cancer stem-like properties, suppression of the HER2 signaling as well as induction of autophagy. These findings support the notion that itraconazole might be a new strategic approach as a treatment for trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancers. Citation Format: Jung Min Park, Soeun Park, Minsu Park, Seongjae Kim, Juyeon Seo, Dongmi Ko, Kee Dal Nam, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo. An antifungal, Itraconazole, induces cell death by targeting HER2 signaling and stem-like properties in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 896.

Background: Although several N-terminal HSP90 inhibitors have been investigated in clinical trials, none have yet been approved for clinical use due to issues including induction of the heat shock response (HSR), off-target effects and toxicity. A major issue for N-terminal inhibitors is induction of the heat shock response (HSR) which triggers cell survival. In the present study, we investigated the effects of NCT-58, a rationally-designed novel HSP90 inhibitor that instead targets the C-terminal domain, and evaluated its capacity to induce apoptosis and target cancer stem-like properties in triple-negative breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The effect of NCT-58 on TNBC cell lines in vitro was evaluated with cell viability, apoptosis, heat shock response and cell migration. Cancer stem-like properties were examined by Aldefluor positivity, CD44+/CD24- stem-like population and mammosphere formation assays. Results: NCT-58 induces apoptosis in TNBC cells without triggering the heat shock response (HSR) due to its targeting of the C-terminal region. This is accompanied by potent and simultaneous degradation of AKT, MEK and STAT3. Importantly, NCT-58 kills not only the rapidly proliferating tumor cells and but also effectively eradicates the breast cancer stem-like population (BCSCs). The latter phenomena are accompanied by reductions in the activity of stem/progenitor marker ALDH1 and the CD44+/CD24- stem-like population and as well as impairment of mammosphere formation. Furthermore, NCT-58 markedly impairs cell migratory ability, coinciding with collapse of HSP90 client cytoskeletal proteins including vimentin and F-actin in TNBC cells in vitro. It is noteworthy that NCT-58 exhibits more cytotoxic to tumor cells but minimally cytotoxicity to non-malignant cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that NCT-58 may represent an effective therapeutic approach for the simultaneous targeting of HSP90 and its client oncoproteins for the treatment of molecularly heterogeneous TNBC. Citation Format: Soeun Park, Jung Min Park, Minsu Park, Dongmi Ko, Seongjae Kim, Juyeon Seo, Kee Dal Nam, Yoon-Jae Kim, Ji Young Kim, Jae Hong Seo. A novel C-terminal HSP90 inhibitor NCT-58 targets cancer stem-like properties and suppresses migratory ability in triple-negative breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 1009.

Thiazole derivatives are attractive candidates for drug development because they can be efficiently synthesized and are active against a number of diseases and conditions, including diabetes. In our present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of N-adamantyl-4-methylthiazol-2-amine (KHG26693), a new thiazole derivative, in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of diabetes mellitus. STZ-induced diabetic rats were intraperitoneally administered KHG26693 (3mg/kg-body weight/day) for 4 weeks. KHG26693 administration significantly decreased blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol and increased insulin. KHG26693 also suppressed several inflammatory responses in STZ-induced diabetic rats, as evidenced by decreased levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and nitric oxide. Additionally, KHG26693 significantly modulated hepatic lipid peroxidation, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, and the nonenzymatic antioxidant status (e.g., vitamins C and E), and reduced the glutathione content. These anti-inflammatory/antioxidative actions occurred as a result of the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor-kappa B. Taken together, our results suggest that KHG26693 successfully reduces the production of oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats by regulating the oxidation-reduction system, specifically increasing antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, KHG26693 treatment significantly reverted the key enzymes of glucose metabolism, such as glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, to near-normal levels in liver tissues. These results indicate that KHG26693 normalizes disturbed glucose metabolism by enhancing glucose utilization and decreasing liver glucose production via insulin release, suggesting the possibility of future diabetes treatments.

Heterocycles are significant chemical entities for research on small molecule drugs and their development in the pharmaceutical industry. Among the broad range of templates available, heterocyclic scaffolds represent the most promising molecules as leading structures for the discovery of novel synthetic drugs. Thiazole derivatives are highly interesting molecules for drug development, as their usefulness has already been demonstrated for treating various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. 1 The benzothiazole derivative AS601245 has shown beneficial effects in models of global and focal brain ischemia. 2 Benzothiazoles were identified as huntingtin aggregation inhibitors in high-throughput in vitro screening and subsequently PGL135 (2-amino-4,7-dimethylbenzothiazole) and riluzole (2amino-6-trifluoromethoxy benzothiazole) were shown to inhibit huntingtin aggregation in cell culture. 1(a) Riluzole has been tested for therapy of Huntington's disease patients, where treatment with benzothiazole has positive effects on choreatic hyperkinesia. 3 Various thiazole derivatives have also been reported as drugs to suppress the immune system and as inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase. 4 However, their action mechanisms have not been completely elucidated yet. In addition, structurally distinct classes will be necessary for strengthening our therapeutic concept. We have screened new drugs with a view to developing effective drugs against neuroinflammation-mediated degeneration of neuronal cells. We previously reported that 2-cyclopropylimino-3-methyl1,3-thiazoline hydrochloride suppressed glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in rat glial cultures 5 and inhibited glutamate dehydrogenase activity in cultured islets. 6 As an extension of our efforts to investigate the biological activities of the analogues, we report here that 2-aminothiazole derivatives effectively suppress the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. Cytokines, as major effectors of the inflammatory cascade, have key roles in the nerve cell response to brain injury. 7 Elevated levels of cytokines have been associated with the pathological effects of a variety of infectious, neurological, neurodegenerative, and neurotoxic conditions. LPS injected into the rat hippocampus CA1 region activated microglial cells, leading to an increased production of IL-1β and TNFα in the hippocampus. 8 IL-1 ligands (IL-1α and IL-1β, collectively referred to as IL-1) are pluripotent, proinflammatory cytokines that orchestrate inflammatory and host defense responses in the body. 9 IL-1 augments T-cell responses to mitogens (and indirectly activates B cells), increases expression of vascular adhesion molecules, and induces a number of other proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and inflammation-associated molecules that form an amplifying cascade to stimulate an immune response. 9 IL-1β has been reported to show toxicity to oligodendrocytes, and can exacerbate inflammation of the brain. 10 The cytokine possesses both growth-stimulating and -inhibitory properties, and it appears to have self regulatory properties as well. For instance, TNF-α induces neutrophil proliferation during inflammation, but it also induces neutrophil apoptosis upon binding to the TNF-R55 receptor. 11 The pathological activities of TNF-α have attracted much attention. For instance, although TNF-α causes necrosis of some types of tumors, it promotes the growth of other types of tumor cells. High levels of TNF-α are correlated with increased risk of mortality. 12

Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, KoreaReceived July 8, 2011, Accepted August 23, 2011Key Words : Combinatorial chemistry, Chemical library, Ureidobenzothiazole, Neuroinflammation, InhibitorCombinatorial chemistry serves as a powerful tool in leaddiscovery and lead optimization by facilitating the rapidgeneration of potential candidates for screening. Leadoptimization involves structural modifications of a hitcompound to a lead compound that has demonstrated thedesired biological or pharmacological activities, often in anin-vitro assay system. Among the broad range of templates,heterocyclic scaffolds represent the most promising mole-cules as leading structures for the discovery of novel syn-thetic drugs. In particular, the 2-aminothiazole core is foundin numerous drugs and clinical and preclinical candidatesthat address a broad spectrum of targets.

For the development of highly active fungicides against Magnaporthe grisea, we studied the substituent effects at three sites (ortho, meta, or para) of R1 and at various sites of R2 aromatic rings in thiazoline derivatives at a 10 ppm concentration for fungicidal activities against this target. Quantitative structural-activity relationships (QSAR) analysis to study the relationship between the substituent effects and the activities of the compounds was carried out by using multiple linear regression (MLR) and neural networks (NN). The results of the MLR and the NN showed good correlations (r2 values of 0.849 and 0.884, respectively) between the selected descriptors and the activities in the training set. The descriptors, including a Hammett constant ( σ pR 1 ), Connolly surface area ( SA R 2 ), and the substituent volume ( SV R C 2 , 3 1 ), play an important role for the activities of the compounds. Although the descriptors of an optimum MLR model were used in NN, the results were little improved by the NN, implying that the descriptors used in the MLR model included good linear relationships.

For the development of new fungicides against rice blast, the quantitative structural–activity relationship (QSAR) analyses for fungicidal activities of thiazoline derivatives were carried out using multiple linear regression (MLR) and neural network (NN). We have studied the substituent effects at para site of R1 and at three sites (ortho, meta, or para) of R2 aromatic rings in compounds. The results of MLR and NN analyses in the training set of Set-3 showed good correlations (r2 values of 0.829 and 0.966, respectively) between the descriptors and the fungicidal activities. Five descriptors including the non-overlap steric volume ( SV R 2 C 2 ) , Connolly surface area ( SA R 1 ) , hydrophobicity ( ∑ π R 2 ) , and Hammett substituent constants ( σ p R 1 and σ m R 2 ) were selected as important factors of fungicidal activities. Although the descriptors of optimum MLR model were used in NN, the results were improved by NN. This means that the descriptors used in MLR model include non-linear relationships.

We have developed combinatorial libraries of new 1,3-imidazoline-2-thiones 5 and 2-phenylimino-1,3-thiazolines 7 by way of different reaction sequences of the same three components, gamma-chloroacetoacetanilides 1, amines 2, and isothiocyanates 3 in a parallel synthetic fashion. One of the building blocks, the gamma-chloroacetoacetanilides 1, was prepared by the sequential reaction of 4-methylene-oxetan-2-one (ketene dimer) with chlorine and various anilines. The condensation of 1 with amines gave dihydrofuran 4 intermediates that when reacted with 3 afforded the 1,3-imidazoline-2-thiones 5. On the other hand, reaction of 3 with 2 provided substituted thioureas 6 that were reacted with 1 to yield 2-phenylimino-1,3-thiazolines 7.

Rearrangements of 1,3-oxathiolane sulfoxides 8 and 9 in the presence of base are described from a mechanistic viewpoint of sigmatropic and elimination reactions. In the presence of triethylamine the ( Z)sulfoxide 8 gave the corresponding thiolsulfinate 10 by way of dimerization of the sulfenic acid intermediate 2 at room temperature while the ( E)-sulfoxide 9 was recovered even after refluxing in ethyl acetate by the reversal of the [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of the sulfenic acid 4. Triethylamine promoted the developing charge separation in the transition state of the sigmatropic rearrangement of the (Z)-sulfoxide 8 to facilitate the ring opening to the sulfenic acid 2. The reason for more facile ring opening of the (Z)-sulfoxide 8 in comparison with the corresponding (E)-sulfoxide 9 is attributable to the differences in the reactivity of the hydrogen adjacent to the carbonyl group. Triethylamine was not strong base to deprotonate the carbonyl-activated methylene hydrogen of the ( E)-sulfoxide 9 but enough to catalyze the sigmatropic process of the sulfoxides. The sulfenic acid 2 dimerized to the thiolsulfinate 10 while the sulfenic acid 4 proceeded the sigmatropic ring closure. In the presence of strong base such as potassium hydroxide, the elimination reaction was predominant over the sigmatropic rearrangement. In this reaction condition, both sulfoxides 8a and 9a gave a mixture of the disulfide 12, the isomeric disulfide 14, and the sulfinic acid 13. Under the strong alkaline condition an elimination of activated hydrogen from the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group to furnish the sulfenic acid 2a and the isomeric sulfenic acid 18. The formation of the transient intermediate in the reaction was proven by isolation of the isomeric disulfide 14. The reactive entity was regarded as the sulfenic acid rather than sulfenate anion under these reaction conditions.

A new construction of dihydro-1,4-dioxin and a synthesis of 5,6-dihydro-2-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dioxin-3-carboxanilides 22 through polymer-bound activated ester are described. An intermediate β-hydroxy ether 18 was prepared from the substitution reaction of α-thio-α-chloro compound 8 with ethylene glycol followed by treatment with Raney Ni. Replacement of hydroxy by chlorine and then dehydrochlorination afforded trifluoromethyl dihydro-1,4-dioxin ester 15. The polymer-bound trifluoromethyl dihydro-1,4-dioxin-3-carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzophenone ester (21) was prepared through the reaction of polystyrene-bound 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzophenone (19) with the trifluoromethyl dihydro-1,4-dioxin-3-carbonyl chloride (20). Refluxing of 21 with substituted aniline in acetonitrile gave the corresponding carboxanilide 22. The reaction rate depended on the nucleophilicity of nitrogen of the aniline.

Stereospecific ring opening of the sulfoxides cis-13 and trans-14 in refluxing toluene gave the corre sponding sulfenic acids 9, 10 intermediates respectively. The sulfenic acid 9 dimerized to the thiolsulfinate 17 by dual function of the sulfenic acid as S-nucleophile/S-electrophile with loss of water while the sulfenic acid 10 was unchanged. The stereospecific recyclization of 10 to the parent sulfoxide 14 increases the higher pi-electron density of the double. The thermolysis of the thiolsulfinate 17 gave the transient sulfenic acid 9, which dimerized again to repeat the process and unisolable thioaldehyde 21. The thioaldehyde 21 was con verted to either pyrrole 15 by the action of a sulfinic acid 20 catalyst formed inevitably by hydrolysis of 17 under the reaction conditions, or thiazole 18 under neutral conditions. In these rearrangements, the amide carbonyl group facilitated the elimination of a neighboring hydrogen.

Novel and unusual dimerization reaction of α-chloroacetoacetanilide under basic reaction condition to give structurally unique 6-oxa-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane was described.

Objectives We have investigated whether KHG25855 (2-cyclohexylamino-1,3-thiazole hydrochloride) affected melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cells, and the mechanisms involved. Methods Melanin content and tyrosinase activity were measured using an ELISA reader after cells were treated with KHG25855. KHG25855-induced signalling pathways were examined using Western blot analysis. Key findings KHG25855 decreased melanin production in a dose-dependent fashion, but KHG25855 did not directly inhibit tyrosinase, the rate-limiting melanogenic enzyme. The expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and the related signal transduction pathways were also investigated. The effects of KHG25855 on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and cAMP response element binding protein signalling pathways were determined, and KHG25855 was shown to have no effect on these signalling pathways. The Wnt signalling pathway is also deeply involved in melanogenesis, and so glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation was assessed after KHG25855 treatment; KHG25855 caused GSK3β phosphorylation (inactivation), but the level of β-catenin was not changed by KHG25855. Furthermore, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced tyrosinase expression was downregulated by KHG25855. Conclusions We propose that KHG25855 showed hypopigmentary activity through tyrosinase downregulation via GSK3β phosphorylation.

Two methods for constructing dihydro-1,4-thiazine 4 were described. 1,3-Thiazolidines 5 were converted to dihydro-1,4-thiazines 4 by chlorinolysis through the unisolable chlorosulfonium salt 10 and sulfenyl chloride 11. Oxidation of the sulfides 5 gave a mixture of pairs of diasteromers 1,3-thiazolidine 1-oxyde 6. In the presence of acid catalyst, both sulfoxides were converted to dihydrothiazine 4 through sulfenic acid 22. In this reaction the stepwise ring opening involving carbocation 23 seems more probable. The structures of 4 were proven by the independent synthesis involving 3-bromo-2-oxobutanoic acid derivatives

Under neutral conditions cis sulfoxides 5 underwent a sigmatropic rearrangement with 2-methylene hydrogens to give sulfenic acids 18, followed by Cyclization to dihydro-1,4-dithiins 2. The trans sulfoxides 6 rearranged involving 2-methyl hydrogens to form isomeric dihydrodithiins 3 via sulfenic acids 19. In the reactions of both the sulfoxides, sulfides 4 and disulfides 11 were also formed as minor side products. In the presence of acid catalyst cis sulfoxides 5 produced 2 in quantitative yields while the trans sulfoxides 6 gave a mixture of 2 and 3. The mechanism of formation of 2,3,4 and 11 are discribed.

Two methods for constructing dihydro-1,4-thiazine 4 were described. 1,3-Thiazolidines 5 were converted to dihydro-1,4-thiazines 4 by chlorinolysis through the unisolable chlorosulfonium salt 10 and sulfenyl chloride 11. Oxidation of the sulfides 5 gave a mixture of pairs of diasteromers 1,3-thiazolidine 1-oxyde 6. In the presence of acid catalyst, both sulfoxides were converted to dihydrothiazine 4 through sulfenic acid 22. In this reaction the stepwise ring opening involving carbocation 23 seems more probable. The structures of 4 were proven by the independent synthesis involving 3-bromo-2-oxobutanoic acid derivatives

An anchimeric assistance of anilide in the rearrangement of dichloro-1,4-oxathaines 1 to 2-chloromethyl dihydro-1,4-oxathiins 2 is described. The inductive effect of the carbonyl group of anilide was negligible in the rearrangement. A rate of the rearrangement depended on the basicity of anilide nitrogen. A hydrogen bonding between the anilide hydrogen and an oxygen atom of those substituents make the nitrogen less basic, resulting in the slower rearrangement.

we reported that the conversion ofdihydro-1,4-oxathiin 1 to isomeric dihydro-1,4-oxathiin 3through dichloro-1,4-oxathiane 2. Trifluoromethyl group hasreceived increasing interest owing to its unique nature formaterial sciences and potential biological activities for phar-maceuticals and agrochemicals. In the course of our studiesof the development of new agrochemical fungicides, wereported

A new synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazoles (5) is described. Hydrolysis of acetoxy dihydro-1,4-thiazine (2) prepared by Pummerer reaction of dihydro-1,4-thiazine sulfoxide gave the intermediate α-hydroxy sulfide (4). Dehydration of 4 gave pyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazoles (5). The reaction mechanism for the formation of 5 including the intermediate thiol (6) is discussed.

We have developed combinatorial libraries of new 2-alkylimino-1,3-thiazolines with four diversity points, consisting of more than 500 compounds, in a parallel synthetic fashion. The synthetic strategy was based on the construction of a large library aimed at the discovery of new compounds with T-type calcium channel inhibitory activity through structure modifications of hit compound 2. The syntheses of the compounds of Chemset A with four diversity points were accomplished by the condensation of thioureas 5 with alpha-haloketones 6{1-66} having two diversity points each. A library of phthalimidyl 1,3-thiazolines 24 was synthesized to provide Chemset B, which allowed the introduction of other diversity points through the nucleophilic character of the amino nitrogen. A sublibrary, Chemset C, was constructed from the libraries of Chemset A and Chemset B by functionalization of the C-4 position of the 1,3-thiazoline ring. The products containing ester or acid groups at the C-4 position of the 1,3-thiazoline ring were used in amide synthesis to give a new sublibrary within Chemset C. Deprotection of the phthalimidyl moiety of 24 followed by the reaction with benzoyl chloride gave the corresponding sublibrary in Chemset C. Another sublibrary which includes secondary amino derivatives was obtained by reduction of the amide moiety or reductive amination of 23 with phenyl aldehyde. The selected compounds from the generated libraries were evaluated with respect to inhibition of T-type calcium channels, where some of them have exhibited promising activity.

Oxidation of sulfide 4 gave a mixture of cis and trans monosulfoxides 5 and 6 as major and minor products, respectively, plus a small amount of disulfoxides 7. The structural assignments of cis and trans sulfoxides 5 and 6 were based on 1H NMR spectroscopy and the regiospecific deuterations of the two isomers . Under neutral conditions cis sulfoxides 5 underwent a sigmatropic rearrangement with 2-methylene hydrogens to give sulfenic acids 18, followed by cyclization to dihydro-1,4-dithiins 2. The trans sulfoxides 6 rearranged involving 2-methyl hydrogens to form isomeric dihydrodithiins 3 via sulfenic acids 19. In the reactions of both the sulfoxides, sulfoxides 4 and disulfides 11 were also formed as minor side products. In the presence of acid catalyst cis sulfoxides 5 produced 2 in quantitative yields plus a small amount of 3 , while the trans sulfoxides 6 gave 2 as major product and 3 as minor. The mechanisms of formation of 2, 3, 4 and 11 are discussed.