Inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase Using SLC-149: Support for a Noncatalytic Function of CAIX in Breast Cancer

Mam Y Mboge1, Jacob Combs1, Srishti Singh1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States.

Insights

The novel inhibitor SLC-149 effectively targets carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) in cancer cells, outperforming existing drugs. However, it minimally impacts cancer cell growth, suggesting CAIX’s role in proliferation is independent of its pH regulation function.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a key therapeutic target in solid tumors.
  • Understanding CAIX inhibitors is crucial for cancer treatment development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a novel inhibitor, SLC-149, against CAIX and a CAIX-mimic.
  • To compare SLC-149's inhibitory activity with existing drugs like acetazolamide.
  • To investigate the mechanism of SLC-149 binding and its effects on cancer cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme inhibition assays using CAIX and CAIX-mimic.
  • Thermal stabilization studies.
  • Structural analysis of inhibitor-enzyme complexes.
  • Cell culture experiments with triple-negative breast cancer cell lines.
  • Assessment of cytotoxicity, cell growth, migration, and invasion.

Main Results:

  • SLC-149 is a more potent inhibitor of CAIX than acetazolamide.
  • SLC-149 demonstrates preferential binding to CAIX over CAII and CAXII.
  • Structural studies elucidate the binding preferences of SLC-149.
  • SLC-149 effectively inhibits CAIX activity in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
  • High concentrations of SLC-149 are required to inhibit cell growth, migration, and invasion.

Conclusions:

  • SLC-149 is a promising CAIX inhibitor with potential therapeutic applications.
  • CAIX's role in regulating extracellular pH is distinct from its function in controlling cancer cell proliferation.
  • Further research is needed to develop effective CAIX-targeted therapies that impact cancer progression.