Development of Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds Targeting the Cancer-Associated KLF5 Transcription Factor.

Abstract

Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a potential target for anticancer drugs. However, as an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) whose tertiary structure cannot be solved, innovative strategies are needed. We focused on its hydrophobic α-helix structure, defined as an induced helical motif (IHM), which is a possible interface for protein-protein interaction. Using mathematical analyses predicting the α-helix's structure and hydrophobicity, a 4-amino-acid site (V-A-I-F) was identified as an IHM. Low-molecular-weight compounds that mimic the main chain conformation of the α-helix with the four side chains of V-A-I-F were synthesized using bicyclic pyrazinooxadiazine-4,7-dione. These compounds selectively suppressed the proliferation and survival of cancer cells but not noncancer cells and decreased the protein but not mRNA levels of KLF5 in addition to reducing proteins of Wnt signaling. The compounds further suppressed transplanted colorectal cancer cells in vivo without side effects. Our approach appears promising for developing drugs against key IDPs.

• Authors: Takeo Nakaya, Kenichi Aizawa, Yuki Taguchi, Kentaro Tsuji, Sachi Sekine, Kazuhiro Murakami, Masaji Kasai, Hirofumi Nakano, Yasumitsu Kondoh, Shingo Dan, Atsushi Yoshimori, Hiroyuki Kouji, Dai Takehara, Toru Suzuki, Hiroyuki Osada, Masayuki Murata, Akira Tanaka, Ryozo Nagai
• Journal: ACS medicinal chemistry letters (ACS Med Chem Lett) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 687-694 (Apr 14 2022) ISSN: 1948-5875 [Print] United States
• PMID: 35450365 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2022 American Chemical Society.