HSP90/LSD1 dual inhibitors against prostate cancer as well as patient-derived colorectal organoids

Di-Wei Tang1, I-Chung Chen1, Po-Yu Chou1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Insights

Novel dual inhibitors targeting HSP90 and LSD1 show significant anti-cancer effects in prostate and colorectal cancers. Compound 6 effectively reduced tumor growth and improved chemotherapy sensitivity, offering new therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Targeting Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) and Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
  • Developing novel inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities can enhance anti-cancer efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and synthesize novel hybrid inhibitors targeting both HSP90 and LSD1 axes.
  • To evaluate the anti-proliferative activity and mechanism of action of these inhibitors in prostate and colorectal cancer models.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of hybrid molecules incorporating pharmacophores for HSP90 and LSD1.
  • In vitro anti-proliferative assays using prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, DU145) and colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids.
  • Analysis of apoptosis-related signaling pathways (PARP, γH2AX, caspase, Bcl-xL/Bax).
  • In vivo safety assessment in zebrafish models.

Main Results:

  • Inhibitor 6 demonstrated potent anti-proliferative activity against PC-3 and DU145 cells (GI50 values 0.24 and 0.30 μM).
  • Compound 6 induced apoptosis via PARP and γH2AX signaling in a caspase-dependent manner.
  • Significant efficacy was observed in docetaxel-resistant PC-3 cells, improving docetaxel sensitivity.
  • Compound 6 inhibited patient-derived CRC organoid growth in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • The designed HSP90/LSD1 inhibitors exhibit significant anti-cancer capacity.
  • Compound 6 presents a novel therapeutic candidate with dual inhibitory action and potential clinical value for prostate and colorectal cancers.