Synthesis and biological activity of a CXCR4-targeting bis(cyclam) lipid

Org Biomol Chem. 2018 Sep 11;16(35):6479-6490. doi: 10.1039/c8ob01439f.

Abstract

A bis(cyclam)-capped cholesterol lipid designed to bind C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) was synthesised in good overall yield from 4-methoxyphenol through a seven step synthetic route, which also provided a bis(cyclam) intermediate bearing an octaethyleneglycol-primary amine that can be easily derivatised. This bis(cyclam)-capped cholesterol lipid was water soluble and self-assembled into micellar and non-micellar aggregates in water at concentrations above 8 μM. The bioactivity of the bis(cyclam)-capped cholesterol lipid was assessed using primary chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells, first with a competition binding assay then with a chemotaxis assay along a C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) concentration gradient. At 20 μM, the bis(cyclam)-capped cholesterol lipid was as effective as the commercial drug AMD3100 for preventing the migration of CLL cells, despite a lower affinity for CXCR4 than AMD3100.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / chemical synthesis*
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Lipids / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Lipids
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • cyclam