Application of small molecule FPR1 antagonists in the treatment of cancers

Djevdet S Ahmet1, Haneen A Basheer2, Anwar Salem1

  • 1Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK.

Scientific Reports
|October 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A novel small molecule, ICT12035, effectively inhibits formylpeptide receptor-1 (FPR1) in cancer. This FPR1 antagonist shows promise for developing new cancer therapies by targeting tumor expansion and recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Formylpeptide receptor-1 (FPR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor involved in leukocyte trafficking during infection and inflammation.
  • FPR1 is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer progression, including tumor expansion, resistance to therapy, and recurrence.
  • Targeting FPR1 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of ICT12035, a selective small molecule FPR1 antagonist, in preclinical cancer models.
  • To investigate the potential of targeting FPR1 as a novel cancer treatment strategy.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays assessing cancer cell proliferation and invasion in 2D and 3D cultures.
  • In vivo studies using a relevant animal model to evaluate ICT12035's anti-cancer effects.
  • Calcium mobilization assays to confirm FPR1 antagonist potency (30 nM).

Main Results:

  • ICT12035 demonstrated significant efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro.
  • The FPR1 antagonist showed promising anti-tumor activity in the in vivo model.
  • ICT12035 is a potent and selective inhibitor of FPR1.

Conclusions:

  • Selective small molecule antagonism of FPR1, exemplified by ICT12035, is a viable therapeutic approach for cancer.
  • Targeting FPR1 may offer a new avenue for treating cancers by inhibiting tumor growth and spread.
  • Further investigation into ICT12035 for cancer treatment is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.3K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.7K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
5.4K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.6K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.5K
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs02:30

siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs

Small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, are short regulatory RNA molecules that can silence genes post-transcriptionally, as well as the transcriptional level in some cases. siRNAs are important for protecting cells against viral infections and silencing transposable genetic elements.
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the...
17.9K