Discovery of Novel 3-Phenylpiperidine Derivatives Targeting the β-Catenin/B-Cell Lymphoma 9 Interaction as a Single Agent and in Combination with the Anti-PD-1 Antibody for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

J Med Chem. 2023 Jan 26;66(2):1349-1379. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01568. Epub 2023 Jan 11.

Abstract

Direct disruption of the β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a potential strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment through inhibiting oncogenic Wnt activity. Herein, a series of 3-phenylpiperidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors. Among them, compound 41 showed the best IC50 (0.72 μM) in a competitive fluorescence polarization assay and a KD value of 0.26 μM for the β-catenin protein. This compound selectively inhibited the growth of CRC cells, suppressed Wnt signaling transactivation, and downregulated oncogenic Wnt target gene expression. In vivo, 41 showed potent anti-CRC activity and promoted the infiltration and function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes while decreasing the infiltration of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Furthermore, the combination of 41 and the anti-PD-1 antibody (Ab) efficiently enhanced anti-CRC efficacy, first verifying the in vivo efficacy of the small-molecule β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitor and anti-PD-1 Ab in combination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway
  • beta Catenin* / metabolism

Substances

  • beta Catenin
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • BCL9 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors