Discovery of a Novel G-Quadruplex and Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Dual-Targeting Agent for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

J Med Chem. 2022 Sep 22;65(18):12346-12366. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01058. Epub 2022 Sep 2.

Abstract

The development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly associated with G-quadruplex (G4); thus, targeting G4 is a potential strategy for TNBC therapy. Because concomitant histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibition could amplify the impact of G4-targeting compounds, we designed and synthesized two novel series of G4/HDAC dual-targeting compounds by connecting the zinc-binding pharmacophore of HDAC inhibitors to the G4-targeting isaindigotone scaffold (1). Among the new compounds, a6 with the potent HDAC inhibitory and G4 stabilizing activity could induce more DNA G4 formation than SAHA and 1 in TNBC cells. Remarkably, a6 caused more G4-related DNA damage and G4-related differentially expressed genes, consistent with its effect on disrupting the cell cycle, invasion, and glycolysis. Furthermore, a6 significantly suppresses the proliferation of various TNBC cells and the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model without evident toxicity. Our study suggests a novel strategy for TNBC therapeutics through dual-targeting HDAC and G4.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • DNA / pharmacology
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
  • Zinc / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • DNA
  • Histone Deacetylases
  • Zinc