A Guanidine-Based Synthetic Compound Suppresses Angiogenesis via Inhibition of Acid Ceramidase

ACS Chem Biol. 2019 Jan 18;14(1):11-19. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00558. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Abstract

Angiogenesis generates new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Tumors induce the formation of new blood vessels to ensure sufficient oxygen and nutrients for their growth. Normally, angiogenesis is induced by various pro-angiogenesis factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Inhibition of VEGF is a promising approach to cancer treatment. A guanidine-based synthetic compound, E2, was identified as a potent hit from 68 guanidine-based derivatives by screening for angiogenesis inhibitors showing antiproliferative activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To explore the mode of action of E2, target proteins were investigated using phage display biopanning, and acid ceramidase 1 (ASAH1) was identified as an E2-binding protein. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and ASAH1 activity assays revealed the direct binding of E2 to ASAH1. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of ASAH1 demonstrated its role as an angiogenesis factor. Consequently, E2 inhibited chemoinvasion and tube formation of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. E2 also potently suppressed neo-vascularization of chorioallantoic membranes in vivo. Collectively, these data suggest that E2 is a novel angiogenesis inhibitor and ASAH1 is proposed to be a new antiangiogenesis target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acid Ceramidase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Acid Ceramidase / genetics
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Cell Surface Display Techniques
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Guanidine / chemistry*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Acid Ceramidase
  • Guanidine