CInQ-03, a novel allosteric MEK inhibitor, suppresses cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.
The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 and 2 signaling pathway is a major component of the RAS (Rat sarcoma)/RAF (Radpidly accelerated fibrosarcoma)/MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase)/ERKs (Extracellular signal-regulated kinases) signaling axis that regulates tumorigenesis and cancer cell growth. MEK is frequently activated in various cancers that have mutations in the KRAS and BRAF oncogenes. Therefore, MEK has been suggested as a therapeutic target for inhibitor development against tumors that are dependent on the activating mutations in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Herein, we report the discovery of three novel MEK inhibitors, herein referred to as CInQ-01, CInQ-03 and CInQ-06. All three inhibitors were highly effective in suppressing MEK1 and MEK2 in vitro kinase activity as well as anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent cell growth. The inhibitory activity was associated with markedly reduced phosphorylation of ERKs and ribosomal S6 kinases. Furthermore, administration of CInQ-03 inhibited colon cancer cell growth in an in vivo xenograft mouse model and showed no skin toxicity. Overall, these results suggest that these novel MEK inhibitors might be used for chemotherapy or prevention.
The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.
Dong Joon
DJ
Kim
Mee-Hyun
MH
Lee
Kanamata
K
Reddy
Yani
Y
Li
Do Young
DY
Lim
Hua
H
Xie
Sung-Young
SY
Lee
Young Il
YI
Yeom
Ann M
AM
Bode
Zigang
Z
Dong
D000494:Allosteric Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D045325:HCT116 Cells; D006801:Humans; D048369:MAP Kinase Kinase 1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D048370:MAP Kinase Kinase 2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D010766:Phosphorylation / Q000187:drug effects; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D018808:Transcription Factor AP-1; C482128:MAP2K2 protein, human; D048369:MAP Kinase Kinase 1; D048370:MAP Kinase Kinase 2; C482125:MAP2K1 protein, human