The HDAC and PI3K dual inhibitor CUDC-907 synergistically enhances the antileukemic activity of venetoclax in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia

Haematologica. 2021 May 1;106(5):1262-1277. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2019.233445.

Abstract

Venetoclax is a promising agent in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, though its antileukemic activity is limited to combination therapies. Mcl-1 downregulation, Bim upregulation, and DNA damage have been identified as potential ways to enhance venetoclax activity. In this study, we combine venetoclax with the dual PI3K and histone deacetylase inhibitor CUDC-907, which can downregulate Mcl-1, upregulate Bim, and induce DNA damage, as well as downregulate c-Myc. We establish that CUDC-907 and venetoclax synergistically induce apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia patient samples ex vivo. CUDC-907 downregulates CHK1, Wee1, RRM1, and c-Myc, which were found to play a role in venetoclax-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, we found that venetoclax treatment enhances CUDC-907-induced DNA damage potentially through inhibition of DNA repair. In vivo results show that CUDC-907 enhances venetoclax efficacy in an acute myeloid leukemia cell line derived xenograft mouse model, supporting the development of CUDC-907 in combination with venetoclax for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / genetics
  • Mice
  • Morpholines
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases*
  • Pyrimidines
  • Sulfonamides
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • CUDC-907
  • Morpholines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Sulfonamides
  • venetoclax