Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models

ABSTRACT Background Despite significant therapeutic progress, many lymphoma subtypes remain difficult to manage due to resistance, relapse, and dose‐limiting toxicity. Methods To elucidate the mechanism of action of the semi‐synthetic flavonoid derivative (SND) compounds, we conducted a screening of...

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Main Authors: Eugenio Gaudio, Paulina Biniecka, Alberto J. Arribas, Eleonora Cannas, Guido J. R. Zaman, Derya Unutmaz, Francesco Bertoni, Dan F. Stoicescu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:eJHaem
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/jha2.70081
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author Eugenio Gaudio
Paulina Biniecka
Alberto J. Arribas
Eleonora Cannas
Guido J. R. Zaman
Derya Unutmaz
Francesco Bertoni
Dan F. Stoicescu
author_facet Eugenio Gaudio
Paulina Biniecka
Alberto J. Arribas
Eleonora Cannas
Guido J. R. Zaman
Derya Unutmaz
Francesco Bertoni
Dan F. Stoicescu
author_sort Eugenio Gaudio
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT Background Despite significant therapeutic progress, many lymphoma subtypes remain difficult to manage due to resistance, relapse, and dose‐limiting toxicity. Methods To elucidate the mechanism of action of the semi‐synthetic flavonoid derivative (SND) compounds, we conducted a screening of cancer cell lines using proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays. We then performed computational modeling of the compounds’ binding to tubulin, and finally evaluated in vivo activity using nanoNail technology alongside xenograft experiment. Results Here, we describe a series of SNDs that exhibit low‐nanomolar to picomolar cytotoxicity across multiple lymphoma models, including those resistant to BTK and PI3K inhibitors. Mechanistic studies show that these compounds trigger robust apoptosis via cytoskeletal disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, SND207 also potently inhibits Protein Kinase N1, suggesting a synergistic link between kinase blockade and cytoskeletal interference. High‐throughput profiling places them near classical microtubule agents, although tubulin assays indicate more nuanced mechanisms than straightforward stabilization or depolymerization. In murine xenografts, SND207 significantly reduced tumor burden, and its combination with a BTK inhibitor demonstrates potential synergy. Furthermore, localized NanoNail delivery achieves high intratumoral drug concentrations at low doses, underscoring a favorable therapeutic index. Conclusions Overall, these findings highlight the translational promise of the SND series for future studies in the lymphoma field. Clinical Trial Registration The authors have confirmed clinical trial registration is not needed for this submission.
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spelling doaj-art-eab87606e64740ce8fd6a9ec767146292025-08-20T03:23:08ZengWileyeJHaem2688-61462025-06-0163n/an/a10.1002/jha2.70081Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma ModelsEugenio Gaudio0Paulina Biniecka1Alberto J. Arribas2Eleonora Cannas3Guido J. R. Zaman4Derya Unutmaz5Francesco Bertoni6Dan F. Stoicescu7Floratek Pharma SA Aubonne SwitzerlandFloratek Pharma SA Aubonne SwitzerlandInstitute of Oncology Research Faculty of Biomedical Sciences USI Bellinzona SwitzerlandInstitute of Oncology Research Faculty of Biomedical Sciences USI Bellinzona SwitzerlandOncolines BV OSS the NetherlandsThe Jackson Laboratory Farmington Connecticut USAInstitute of Oncology Research Faculty of Biomedical Sciences USI Bellinzona SwitzerlandFloratek Pharma SA Aubonne SwitzerlandABSTRACT Background Despite significant therapeutic progress, many lymphoma subtypes remain difficult to manage due to resistance, relapse, and dose‐limiting toxicity. Methods To elucidate the mechanism of action of the semi‐synthetic flavonoid derivative (SND) compounds, we conducted a screening of cancer cell lines using proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays. We then performed computational modeling of the compounds’ binding to tubulin, and finally evaluated in vivo activity using nanoNail technology alongside xenograft experiment. Results Here, we describe a series of SNDs that exhibit low‐nanomolar to picomolar cytotoxicity across multiple lymphoma models, including those resistant to BTK and PI3K inhibitors. Mechanistic studies show that these compounds trigger robust apoptosis via cytoskeletal disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, SND207 also potently inhibits Protein Kinase N1, suggesting a synergistic link between kinase blockade and cytoskeletal interference. High‐throughput profiling places them near classical microtubule agents, although tubulin assays indicate more nuanced mechanisms than straightforward stabilization or depolymerization. In murine xenografts, SND207 significantly reduced tumor burden, and its combination with a BTK inhibitor demonstrates potential synergy. Furthermore, localized NanoNail delivery achieves high intratumoral drug concentrations at low doses, underscoring a favorable therapeutic index. Conclusions Overall, these findings highlight the translational promise of the SND series for future studies in the lymphoma field. Clinical Trial Registration The authors have confirmed clinical trial registration is not needed for this submission.https://doi.org/10.1002/jha2.70081
spellingShingle Eugenio Gaudio
Paulina Biniecka
Alberto J. Arribas
Eleonora Cannas
Guido J. R. Zaman
Derya Unutmaz
Francesco Bertoni
Dan F. Stoicescu
Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models
eJHaem
title Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models
title_full Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models
title_fullStr Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models
title_full_unstemmed Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models
title_short Novel Flavonoid Derivatives Show Potent Efficacy in Human Lymphoma Models
title_sort novel flavonoid derivatives show potent efficacy in human lymphoma models
url https://doi.org/10.1002/jha2.70081
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