Discovery of Small Molecules for Repressing Cap-Independent Translation of Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (hVEGF) as Novel Antitumor Agents

J Med Chem. 2017 Jul 13;60(13):5306-5319. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01444. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is important in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF) is an angiogenic growth factor that plays a crucial role in tumor progression. The G-rich region within the 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTR) of hVEGF-A mRNA can form a "switchable" RNA G-quadruplex structure that is essential for a cap-independent translation initiation. We screened our small-molecule library for binders of this G-tract. One novel quinazoline derivative, compound 1, showed a significant specific interaction with the G-tract and destabilized the G-quadruplex structure. The results of cellular experiments revealed that compound 1 down-regulated hVEGF-A translation and significantly impeded tumor cells migration. We also found that compound 1 exhibited tumor-inhibiting activity in MCF-7 xenograft tumors, which might be related to its ability to reduce hVEGF expression. These findings present a new strategy of hVEGF-A translational control in which small molecules interact with G-quadruplex structure in the 5'UTR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemical synthesis
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors