Challenging triple negative breast cancer through HDAC6 selective inhibition: Novel cap-group identification,

Simona Barone1, Ivana Bello1, Anna Guadagni1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Department of Excellence, 2023-2027, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.

Insights

New spiro-fused compounds selectively inhibit histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a key target in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These potent inhibitors reduce cancer cell viability and migration, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and invasive.
  • Epigenetic modifications play a role in TNBC progression.
  • Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop novel, potent, and selective HDAC6 inhibitors for TNBC therapy.
  • To investigate the mechanism of action of these inhibitors in TNBC cells.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of these compounds in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

  • Structure-based drug design and optimization of spiro-fused compounds.
  • In vitro and cell-based assays to assess HDAC6 inhibition and selectivity.
  • Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration assays using MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells.
  • Investigation of autophagic machinery involvement in cell death.

Main Results:

  • Novel spiro-fused compounds 23c and 24c were identified as potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors.
  • HDAC6 mRNA expression is elevated in MDA-MB-231 cells.
  • Compounds 23c and 24c reduced cell viability and inhibited migration in MDA-MB-231 cells.
  • Autophagic machinery is involved in the cell death induced by these compounds.

Conclusions:

  • HDAC6 plays a critical role in TNBC progression.
  • Novel spiro-fused HDAC6 inhibitors demonstrate significant preclinical efficacy.
  • These findings provide a strong foundation for developing new HDAC6-targeted therapies for TNBC.