Targeting the Hemopexin-like Domain of Latent Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (proMMP-9) with a Small Molecule Inhibitor Prevents the Formation of Focal Adhesion Junctions

ACS Chem Biol. 2017 Nov 17;12(11):2788-2803. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00758. Epub 2017 Oct 10.

Abstract

A lack of target specificity has greatly hindered the success of inhibitor development against matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for the treatment of various cancers. The MMP catalytic domains are highly conserved, whereas the hemopexin-like domains of MMPs are unique to each family member. The hemopexin-like domain of MMP-9 enhances cancer cell migration through self-interaction and heterointeractions with cell surface proteins including CD44 and α4β1 integrin. These interactions activate EGFR-MAP kinase dependent signaling that leads to cell migration. In this work, we generated a library of compounds, based on hit molecule N-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-[(4-oxo-6-propyl-1H-pyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-acetamide, that target the hemopexin-like domain of MMP-9. We identify N-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-oxo-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinazolin-2-ylthio)butanamide, 3c, as a potent lead (Kd = 320 nM) that is specific for binding to the proMMP-9 hemopexin-like domain. We demonstrate that 3c disruption of MMP-9 homodimerization prevents association of proMMP-9 with both α4β1 integrin and CD44 and results in the dissociation of EGFR. This disruption results in decreased phosphorylation of Src and its downstream target proteins focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin (PAX), which are implicated in promoting tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. Using a chicken chorioallantoic membrane in vivo assay, we demonstrate that 500 nM 3c blocks cancer cell invasion of the basement membrane and reduces angiogenesis. In conclusion, we present a mechanism of action for 3c whereby targeting the hemopexin domain results in decreased cancer cell migration through simultaneous disruption of α4β1 integrin and EGFR signaling pathways, thereby preventing signaling bypass. Targeting through the hemopexin-like domain is a powerful approach to antimetastatic drug development.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Chickens
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Enzyme Precursors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Enzyme Precursors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Precursors / metabolism*
  • Focal Adhesions / drug effects*
  • Focal Adhesions / metabolism
  • Hemopexin / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / chemistry
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Protein Domains / drug effects*
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology

Substances

  • Enzyme Precursors
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Integrin alpha4beta1
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Hemopexin
  • pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9