Dual-target EZH2 inhibitor: latest advances in medicinal chemistry

Lai Wei1, Dan Mei1, Sijia Hu1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology Department of Orthodontics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.

PubMed

Insights

Dual-target inhibitors combining Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibition with other targets show promise for improved cancer treatment. These novel agents offer enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects compared to single-target drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics and Cancer Therapeutics
  • Pharmacology and Drug Design

Background:

  • Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a key epigenetic regulator implicated in tumor progression.
  • EZH2 inhibitors are investigated as anti-cancer agents, but single-target approaches face challenges like drug resistance.
  • Dual-target inhibition strategies offer potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in dual inhibitors targeting EZH2 and other proteins.
  • To emphasize the rational design, structure-activity relationships, and safety profiles of these dual inhibitors.
  • To assess the clinical potential of dual EZH2-targeting agents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on dual EZH2 inhibitors.
  • Analysis of rational drug design principles for dual-target agents.
  • Evaluation of structure-activity relationships (SAR) and safety data.

Main Results:

  • Dual inhibitors targeting EZH2 in combination with BRD4, PARP1, or EHMT2 demonstrate enhanced anti-tumor efficacy.
  • Specific examples like EZH1/2 inhibitor HH-2853 showcase improved therapeutic profiles.
  • These dual-target strategies show promise in overcoming resistance and reducing side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Dual inhibitors targeting EZH2 represent a promising next generation of cancer therapeutics.
  • Further research into rational design and clinical evaluation is warranted.
  • These agents hold significant potential for clinical application in oncology.

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