Structure-Based Drug Design and Synthesis of Novel N-Aryl-2,4-bithiazole-2-amine CYP1B1-Selective Inhibitors in Overcoming Taxol Resistance in A549 Cells

J Med Chem. 2022 Dec 22;65(24):16451-16480. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01306. Epub 2022 Dec 13.

Abstract

As a promising therapeutic target for cancer, CYP1B1 is overexpressed in Taxol-resistant A549 cells; however, its role in drug resistance still remains unclear. Bioinformatic analysis data indicated that CYP1B1 was closely correlated with AKT/ERK1/2 and focal adhesion pathways, thereby playing an important role in Taxol resistance and cancer migration/invasion. Along similar lines, the AhR agonist 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) enhanced Taxol resistance and promoted migration/invasion of A549 and H460 cells likely stemming from CYP1B1 upregulation. Moreover, 83 novel N-aryl-2,4-bithiazole-2-amine CYP1B1-selective inhibitors were designed and synthesized to verify the role of CYP1B1 in Taxol-resistant A549 cells. Impressively, the most potent and selective one, namely, 77, remarkably inhibited AKT/ERK1/2 and FAK/SRC pathways and thereby reversed Taxol resistance as well as inhibited both migration and invasion of A549/Taxol cells. Collectively, this study not only displayed the role of CYP1B1 in Taxol resistance and cancer migration/invasion but also helped unlock the CYP1B1-oriented anticancer discovery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / pharmacology
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Paclitaxel* / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Thiazoles* / chemical synthesis
  • Thiazoles* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1
  • Paclitaxel
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Thiazoles
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic