The pyrido[b]indole MDM2 inhibitor SP-141 exerts potent therapeutic effects in breast cancer models

Nat Commun. 2014 Oct 1:5:5086. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6086.

Abstract

A requirement for Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene activation has been suggested to be associated with cancer progression and metastasis, including breast cancer. To date, most MDM2 inhibitors have been designed to block the MDM2-p53-binding interphase, and have low or no efficacy against advanced breast cancer with mutant or deficient p53. Here we use a high-throughput screening and computer-aided, structure-based rational drug design, and identify a lead compound, SP-141, which can directly bind to MDM2, inhibit MDM2 expression and induce its autoubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. SP-141 has strong in vitro and in vivo antibreast cancer activity, with no apparent host toxicity. While further investigation is needed, our data indicate that SP-141 is a novel targeted therapeutic agent that may especially benefit patients with advanced disease.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Drug Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indoles / administration & dosage*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / metabolism
  • Pyridines / administration & dosage*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism

Substances

  • 6-methoxy-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)-9H-pyrido(3,4-b)indole
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Indoles
  • Pyridines
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2