Discovery of Ruthenium(II) Metallocompound and Olaparib Synergy for Cancer Combination Therapy

J Med Chem. 2023 May 25;66(10):6922-6937. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00322. Epub 2023 May 15.

Abstract

Synergistic drug combinations can extend the use of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) such as Olaparib to BRCA-proficient tumors and overcome acquired or de novo drug resistance. To identify new synergistic combinations for PARPi, we screened a "micro-library" comprising a mix of commercially available drugs and DNA-binding ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes (RPCs) for Olaparib synergy in BRCA-proficient triple-negative breast cancer cells. This identified three hits: the natural product Curcumin and two ruthenium(II)-rhenium(I) polypyridyl metallomacrocycles. All combinations identified were effective in BRCA-proficient breast cancer cells, including an Olaparib-resistant cell line, and spheroid models. Mechanistic studies indicated that synergy was achieved via DNA-damage enhancement and resultant apoptosis. Combinations showed low cytotoxicity toward non-malignant breast epithelial cells and low acute and developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos. This work identifies RPC metallomacrocycles as a novel class of agents for cancer combination therapy and provides a proof of concept for the inclusion of metallocompounds within drug synergy screens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Phthalazines / pharmacology
  • Phthalazines / therapeutic use
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Ruthenium* / pharmacology
  • Ruthenium* / therapeutic use
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • olaparib
  • Ruthenium
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Phthalazines
  • DNA