The Evolving Landscape in the Development of Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Mutant Inhibitors

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2016;16(16):1344-1358. doi: 10.2174/1389557516666160609085520.

Abstract

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is a metabolic enzyme that converts isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). Genetic gain-of-function mutations in IDH1 and IDH2 confer a neomorphic activity that allow reduction of α -KG to (R)-2- hydroxyglutarate, the accumulation of which results in the development of cancers like low grade gliomas and leukemia. After treatment with AG-221 in clinical trials, a first-in-class inhibitor of mutated IDH2, 29 patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome experience complete remissions and the overall response rate is 59/159 (37%). Thus, IDH mutants have become intriguing targets for cancer therapeutics. In addition to providing a brief summary of IDH mutations, this review describes known inhibitors with potential activities against IDH mutants such as AG-120, AG-221, AG-881 and AGI-6780. The evolving landscape of IDH mutant inhibitors provides us an outlook on the discovery of novel, safer, and more effective cancer treatment strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase / genetics*
  • Mutant Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Mutant Proteins / genetics
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Mutant Proteins
  • Isocitrate Dehydrogenase