Examining Hemin and its Derivatives: Induction of Heme-Oxygenase-1 Activity and Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer Cells through Collaborative Experimental Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

J Med Chem. 2024 Sep 12;67(17):15411-15427. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00989. Epub 2024 Aug 19.

Abstract

Hemin triggers intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and enhances heme oxygenase-1 (HOX-1) activity, indicating its potential as an anticancer agent, though precise control of its intracellular levels is crucial. The study explores the impact of hemin and its derivatives, hemin-tyrosine, and hemin-styrene (H-Styr) conjugates on migration, HOX-1 expression, specific apoptosis markers, mitochondrial functions, and ROS generation in breast cancer cells. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were used to understand the interactions among HOX-1, heme, and the compounds. Hemin outperforms its derivatives in inducing HOX-1 expression, exhibiting pro-oxidative effects and reducing cell migration. Molecular simulations show that heme binds favorably to HOX-1, followed by the other compounds, primarily through van der Waals and electrostatic forces. However, only van der Waals forces determine the H-Styr complexation. These interactions, influenced by metalloporphyrin characteristics, provide insights into HOX-1 regulation and ROS generation, potentially guiding the development of breast cancer therapies targeting oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Female
  • Heme Oxygenase-1* / metabolism
  • Hemin* / chemistry
  • Hemin* / metabolism
  • Hemin* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Oxidative Stress* / drug effects
  • Reactive Oxygen Species* / metabolism

Substances

  • Hemin
  • Heme Oxygenase-1
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Antineoplastic Agents