E3330 Benzoquinone Selective Ape1/Ref-1 Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for conditions associated with altered angiogenesis, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, are inadequate in effectively inhibiting the redox function of Ape1/Ref-1, which contributes to angiogenesis and tumor progression.

Innovation Solution

The use of 3-[(5-(2,3-dimethoxy-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinoyl)]-2-nonyl-2-propenoic acid (E3330) selectively inhibits the redox function of Ape1/Ref-1, thereby acting as an anti-angiogenic agent without affecting its BER function, and can be administered alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Ape1/Ref-1 redox function is inhibited to suppress angiogenesis and tumor progression, then anti-angiogenic activity is improved, but DNA base excision repair function may be affected causing genomic instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-angiogenic activityVSAvoidgenomic instability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the dual-function Ape1/Ref-1 enzyme into two separate therapeutic targets: one component selectively inhibits the redox function to suppress angiogenesis and tumor progression, while another component preserves or enhances DNA base excision repair function to maintain genomic stability. This functional segmentation allows independent optimization of anti-angiogenic activity while avoiding genomic instability side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a selective inhibitor as an intermediary agent that specifically targets the redox effector domain of Ape1/Ref-1 without interfering with its DNA repair activities. This intermediary molecule acts as a bridge to achieve therapeutic anti-angiogenic effects while preserving essential genomic repair functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between anti-tumor activity and genomic stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional anti-angiogenic treatments are used, then tumor growth is partially inhibited, but they fail to effectively inhibit the redox function of Ape1/Ref-1 leading to inadequate therapeutic effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor growth inhibitionVSAvoidredox function inhibition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the molecular parameters of anti-angiogenic therapy by introducing a compound with specific chemical structure and properties that enable selective inhibition of Ape1/Ref-1 redox function. This parameter change at the molecular level translates to improved therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and angiogenesis, overcoming the limitations of conventional treatments that cannot effectively target the redox function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If Ape1/Ref-1 expression is increased to enhance DNA repair, then genomic stability is improved, but angiogenesis and tumor progression are accelerated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenomic stabilityVSAvoidangiogenesis
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the regulatory control of Ape1/Ref-1 into two independent pathways: one pathway allows increased expression or activity for enhanced DNA repair and genomic stability, while another pathway selectively inhibits the redox effector function to prevent angiogenesis and tumor progression. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of genomic stability and anti-angiogenic effect by decoupling the two functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality control by selectively modulating the redox effector domain of Ape1/Ref-1 while preserving its DNA repair functions in different cellular contexts. This localized intervention allows the enzyme to maintain genomic stability through DNA repair activities while its redox function is locally inhibited to prevent harmful angiogenesis, resolving the contradiction between these two outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

E3330 effectively decreases VEGF release, impairs capillary tube formation, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells, demonstrating significant anti-angiogenic activity while sparing normal cells, and can be administered via various routes for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Implementation Method 1

Ape1/Ref-1 also functions as a redox effector maintaining transcription factors in an active reduced state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox inhibition: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

E3330 effectively decreases VEGF release, impairs capillary tube formation, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells, demonstrating significant anti-angiogenic activity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-angiogenic activity:

Data Source

PatentEP3725309B1Benzoquinone derivative e3330 for the treatment of eye diseases
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 INDIANA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • EP3725309B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725309B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3725309B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Disclosed are novel methods for the therapeutic treatment of cancer and angiogenesis. The enzyme Apel/Ref-1, via its redox function, enhances the DNA binding activity of transcription factors that are associated with the progression of cancer. The present invention describes the use of agents to selectively inhibit the redox function of Apel/Ref-1 and thereby reduce tumor cell growth, survival, migration and metastasis. In addition, Apel/Ref-1 inhibitory activity is shown to augment the therapeutic effects of other therapeutics and protect normal cells against toxicity. Further, Apel/Ref-1 inhibition is shown to decrease angiogenesis, for use in the treatment of cancer as well other pathologic conditions of which altered angiogenesis is a component.