IODVA1, a guanidinobenzimidazole derivative, targets Rac activity and Ras-driven cancer models

PLoS One. 2020 Mar 12;15(3):e0229801. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229801. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

We report the synthesis and preliminary characterization of IODVA1, a potent small molecule that is active in xenograft mouse models of Ras-driven lung and breast cancers. In an effort to inhibit oncogenic Ras signaling, we combined in silico screening with inhibition of proliferation and colony formation of Ras-driven cells. NSC124205 fulfilled all criteria. HPLC analysis revealed that NSC124205 was a mixture of at least three compounds, from which IODVA1 was determined to be the active component. IODVA1 decreased 2D and 3D cell proliferation, cell spreading and ruffle and lamellipodia formation through downregulation of Rac activity. IODVA1 significantly impaired xenograft tumor growth of Ras-driven cancer cells with no observable toxicity. Immuno-histochemistry analysis of tumor sections suggests that cell death occurs by increased apoptosis. Our data suggest that IODVA1 targets Rac signaling to induce death of Ras-transformed cells. Therefore, IODVA1 holds promise as an anti-tumor therapeutic agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzimidazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Benzimidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Female
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Tumor Stem Cell Assay
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
  • ras Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • ras Proteins