13-oxyingenol dodecanoate derivatives induce mitophagy and ferroptosis through targeting TMBIM6 as potential

Yaxu Wang1, Liwei Gu2, Jichong Li1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.

Insights

New ingenol diterpenoid derivatives show potent anti-cancer activity, particularly against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These compounds target TMBIM6, inducing cell death pathways like mitophagy and ferroptosis for potential tumor treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Molecular Pharmacology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Ingenol diterpenoids are recognized for their diverse biological activities and unique chemical structures.
  • Exploring novel anti-tumor agents is crucial for advancing cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and evaluate 13-oxyingenol dodecanoate (13-OD) derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents.
  • To identify the cellular targets and mechanisms of action for 13-OD and its derivatives.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of 29 derivatives from 13-OD, derived from Euphorbia kansui.
  • Screening of cytotoxic activities against various cancer cell lines, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Identification of TMBIM6 as a target using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and subsequent validation through biochemical and cellular assays (pull down, siRNA, BLI, CETSA).

Main Results:

  • Several derivatives exhibited superior cytotoxic potency against NSCLC cells compared to oxaliplatin.
  • TMBIM6 was confirmed as a key cellular target of 13-OD.
  • Modulation of TMBIM6 affected calcium (Ca2+) release, leading to mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and membrane potential depolarization.
  • Specific compounds (13-OD, B6, A2, A10-2) induced mitophagy and ferroptosis.

Conclusions:

  • 13-OD and its derivatives, particularly B6, A2, and A10-2, demonstrate significant potential as anti-tumor agents.
  • Targeting TMBIM6 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, especially NSCLC.
  • The induction of mitophagy and ferroptosis are key mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects of these compounds.