Structure-based design, synthesis and in vitro antiproliferative effects studies of novel dual BRD4/HDAC inhibitors

Mingfeng Shao1, Linhong He1, Li Zheng1

  • 1Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.

Insights

Researchers developed a novel dual inhibitor targeting Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins and Histone Deacetylases (HDACs). This compound, 16ae, shows potent anti-leukemia effects by reducing Myc expression in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Histone acetylation regulates gene expression and is modulated by Histone Deacetylases (HDACs).
  • Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins recognize acetylated histone marks, influencing gene transcription.
  • Dual inhibition of BET and HDAC pathways shows synergistic effects in certain cancers, like Myc-induced lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and synthesize a single molecule combining BET and HDAC inhibitory activities.
  • To evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of novel dual inhibitors against cancer cell lines.
  • To investigate the mechanism of action, specifically targeting Myc expression.

Main Methods:

  • Structure-based drug design was employed to create novel compounds.
  • Synthesized compounds were tested for inhibitory activity against BRD4 (BET family) and HDAC1.
  • In vitro anti-proliferative assays were performed on human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cell lines.
  • Western blot analysis was used to assess Myc expression levels.

Main Results:

  • Most synthesized compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against BRD4 and HDAC1.
  • Compound 16ae demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects on AML cell lines.
  • 16ae was confirmed to decrease Myc protein expression.

Conclusions:

  • Compound 16ae is a potent dual inhibitor of BRD4 and HDAC1.
  • The findings suggest 16ae has therapeutic potential for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
  • Further investigation of 16ae as a dual BRD4/HDAC inhibitor is warranted.