Chemical Inhibitors of a Selective SWI/SNF Function Synergize with ATR Inhibition in Cancer Cell Killing

ACS Chem Biol. 2020 Jun 19;15(6):1685-1696. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00312. Epub 2020 May 27.

Abstract

SWI/SNF (BAF) complexes are a diverse family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers produced by combinatorial assembly that are mutated in and thought to contribute to 20% of human cancers and a large number of neurologic diseases. The gene-activating functions of BAF complexes are essential for viability of many cell types, limiting the development of small molecule inhibitors. To circumvent the potential toxicity of SWI/SNF inhibition, we identified small molecules that inhibit the specific repressive function of these complexes but are relatively nontoxic and importantly synergize with ATR inhibitors in killing cancer cells. Our studies suggest an avenue for therapeutic enhancement of ATR/ATM inhibition and provide evidence for chemical synthetic lethality of BAF complexes as a therapeutic strategy in cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / drug effects*
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Transcription Factors
  • ATR protein, human
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins