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Targeting MDM2 for novel molecular therapy: Beyond oncology
Wei Wang1,2, Jiang-Jiang Qin1, Mehrdad Rajaei1
1Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.
Abstract:
The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene exerts major oncogenic activities in human cancers; it is not only the best-documented negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor, but also exerts p53-independent activities. There is an increasing interest in developing MDM2-based targeted therapies. Several classes of MDM2 inhibitors have been evaluated in preclinical models, with a few entering clinical trials, mainly for cancer therapy. However, noncarcinogenic roles for MDM2 have also been identified, demonstrating that MDM2 is involved in many chronic diseases and conditions such as inflammation and autoimmune diseases, dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, heart failure and cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, diabetes, obesity, and sterility. MDM2 inhibitors have been shown to have promising therapeutic efficacy for treating inflammation and other nonmalignant diseases in preclinical evaluations. Therefore, targeting MDM2 may represent a promising approach for treating and preventing these nonmalignant diseases. In addition, a better understanding of how MDM2 works in nonmalignant diseases may provide new biomarkers for their diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and monitoring of therapeutic outcome. In this review article, we pay special attention to the recent findings related to the roles of MDM2 in the pathogenesis of several nonmalignant diseases, the therapeutic potential of its downregulation or inhibition, and its use as a biomarker.
Insights
Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is key in cancer and chronic diseases. Inhibiting MDM2 shows promise for treating nonmalignant conditions and offers potential new biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogene is a critical regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor and has p53-independent functions.
- MDM2 plays significant roles in human cancers, driving interest in targeted therapies.
- Emerging evidence highlights MDM2's involvement in various nonmalignant chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on MDM2's role in the pathogenesis of nonmalignant diseases.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of MDM2 downregulation or inhibition in these conditions.
- To discuss the utility of MDM2 as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of research on MDM2's molecular mechanisms in disease.
- Synthesis of data on MDM2 inhibitors' efficacy and biomarker potential.
Main Results:
- MDM2 is implicated in inflammation, autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular conditions, nephropathy, diabetes, obesity, and sterility.
- MDM2 inhibitors demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models of inflammation and other nonmalignant diseases.
- Understanding MDM2's function in nonmalignant diseases may yield novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Targeting MDM2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for both cancer and a range of nonmalignant chronic diseases.
- MDM2 inhibition offers potential for treating conditions like inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
- MDM2 could serve as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing, predicting, and monitoring nonmalignant diseases.
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