Glycopolymers Decorated with 3-O-Substituted Thiodigalactosides as Potent Multivalent Inhibitors of Galectin-3

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) participates in many cancer-related metabolic processes. The inhibition of overexpressed Gal-3 by, e.g., β-galactoside-derived inhibitors is hence promising for cancer treatment. The multivalent presentation of such inhibitors on a suitable biocompatible carrier can enhance the overall affinity to Gal-3 and favorably modify the interaction with Gal-3-overexpressing cells. We synthesized a library of C-3 aryl-substituted thiodigalactoside inhibitors and their multivalent N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based counterparts with two different glycomimetic contents. Glycopolymers with a higher content of glycomimetic exhibited a higher affinity to Gal-3 as assessed by ELISA and biolayer interferometry. Among them, four candidates (with 4-acetophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, and thiophen-3-yl substitution) were selected for further evaluation in cancer-related experiments in cell cultures. These glycopolymers inhibited Gal-3-induced processes in cancer cells. The cyanophenyl-substituted glycopolymer exhibited the strongest antiproliferative, antimigratory, antiangiogenic, and immunoprotective properties. The prepared glycopolymers appear to be prospective modulators of the tumor microenvironment applicable in the therapy of Gal-3-associated cancers.