Selective reversal of BCRP-mediated MDR by VEGFR-2 inhibitor ZM323881

Yun-Kai Zhang1, Xiao-Yu Zhang1, Guan-Nan Zhang1

  • 1College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.

Insights

ZM323881, a VEGFR-2 inhibitor, reverses breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in lung cancer. It inhibits BCRP efflux, enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness and offering potential for combination treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) expression in lung cancer correlates with multidrug resistance (MDR).
  • MDR significantly reduces chemotherapy response rates in cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of ZM323881, a selective VEGFR-2 inhibitor, on BCRP-mediated MDR.
  • To explore the potential of ZM323881 as a chemosensitizer for overcoming MDR in lung cancer.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using BCRP-overexpressing NCI-H460/MX20 cells.
  • Assessment of ZM323881's effect on cytotoxic doses of mitoxantrone and SN-38.
  • Mechanistic studies including drug efflux assays, BCRP expression analysis, ATPase activity assays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.

Main Results:

  • ZM323881 significantly reduced the cytotoxic doses of mitoxantrone and SN-38 in BCRP-overexpressing cells.
  • ZM323881 inhibited BCRP-mediated drug efflux, leading to intracellular accumulation of BCRP substrates.
  • Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding of ZM323881 to the BCRP modulator site, with observed stimulated ATPase activity.

Conclusions:

  • ZM323881 effectively reverses BCRP-related MDR by inhibiting its efflux function.
  • ZM323881 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for combination chemotherapy in MDR cancer treatment.
  • These findings may contribute to improved treatment strategies for multidrug-resistant lung cancers.

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