Synthesis of Novel c(AmpRGD)-Sunitinib Dual Conjugates as Molecular Tools Targeting the αvβ3 Integrin/VEGFR2 Couple and Impairing Tumor-Associated Angiogenesis

J Med Chem. 2017 Jan 12;60(1):248-262. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01266. Epub 2016 Dec 20.

Abstract

On the basis of a previously discovered anti-αVβ3 integrin peptidomimetic (c(AmpRGD)) and the clinically approved antiangiogenic kinase inhibitor sunitinib, three novel dual conjugates were synthesized (compounds 1-3), featuring the covalent and robust linkage between these two active modules. In all conjugates, the ligand binding competence toward αVβ3 (using both isolated receptors and αVβ3-overexpressing endothelial progenitor EP cells) and the kinase inhibitory activity (toward both isolated kinases and EPCs) remained almost untouched and comparable to the activity of the single active units. Compounds 1-3 showed interesting antiangiogenesis properties in an in vitro tubulogenic assay; furthermore, dimeric-RGD conjugate 3 strongly inhibited in vivo angiogenesis in Matrigel plug assays in FVB mice. These results offer proof-of-concept of how the covalent conjugation of two angiogenesis-related small modules may result in novel and stable molecules, which impair tumor-related angiogenesis with equal or even superior ability as compared to the single modules or their simple combinations.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / chemical synthesis*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Indoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Indoles / pharmacology
  • Integrin alphaVbeta3 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / blood supply*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*
  • Oligopeptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacology
  • Pyrroles / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyrroles / pharmacology
  • Sunitinib
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Indoles
  • Integrin alphaVbeta3
  • Oligopeptides
  • Pyrroles
  • arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2
  • Sunitinib