The IAP Antagonist SM-164 Eliminates Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone and Lung in Mice

Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 24;10(1):7004. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64018-z.

Abstract

The most challenging issue for breast cancer (BC) patients is metastasis to other organs because current therapies do not prevent or eliminate metastatic BC. Here, we show that SM-164, a small molecule inhibitor, which degrades inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), eliminated early-stage metastases and reduced progression of advanced BC metastasis from MDA-MB-231 BC cells in bones and lungs of nude mice. Mechanistically, SM-164-induced BC cell death is TNFα-dependent, with TNFα produced by IL-4-polarized macrophages triggering MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis in combination with SM-164. SM-164 also inhibited expression of RANKL, which mediates interactions between metastatic BC and host microenvironment cells and induces osteoclast-mediated osteolysis. SM-164 did not kill adriamycin-resistant BC cells, while adriamycin inhibited SM-164-resistant BC cell growth, similar to parental cells. We conclude that SM-164 is a promising therapeutic agent for early stage bone and lung metastasis from triple-negative breast cancer that should be given prior to conventional chemotherapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Bone Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • RANK Ligand / metabolism
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • RANK Ligand
  • SM 164
  • Triazoles
  • Doxorubicin