Covalent Peptide LSD1 Inhibitor Specifically Recognizes Cys360 in the Enzyme-Active Region

J Med Chem. 2023 Nov 23;66(22):15409-15423. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01549. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a promising therapeutic target, especially in cancer treatment. Despite several LSD1 inhibitors being discovered for the cofactor pocket, none are FDA-approved. We aimed to develop stabilized peptides for irreversible LSD1 binding, focusing on unique cysteine residue Cys360 in LSD1 and SNAIL1. We created LSD1 C360-targeting peptides, like cyclic peptide S9-CMC1, using our Cysteine-Methionine cyclization strategy. S9-CMC1 effectively inhibited LSD1 at the protein level, as confirmed by MS analysis showing covalent bonding to Cys360. In cells, S9-CMC1 inhibited LSD1 activity, increasing H3K4me1 and H3K4me2 levels, leading to G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Remarkably, S9-CMC1 showed therapeutic potential in A549 xenograft animal models, regulating LSD1 activity and significantly inhibiting tumor growth with minimal organ damage. These findings suggest LSD1 C360 as a promising site for covalent LSD1 inhibitors' development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cysteine*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Histone Demethylases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms*
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Peptides, Cyclic / pharmacology
  • Peptides, Cyclic / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cysteine
  • Peptides
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Histone Demethylases
  • Enzyme Inhibitors