Identification of a Sonically Activated Degrader of Methionine Adenosyltransferase 2A by an in Silico Approach Assisted with the Hole-Electron Analysis

J Med Chem. 2024 Jan 11;67(1):543-554. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01770. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

Small molecules capable of modulating methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) are of significant interest in precise cancer therapeutics. Herein, we raised the hole-electron Coulombic attraction as a reliable molecular descriptor for predicting the reactive oxygen generation capacity of MAT2A inhibitors, based on which we discovered compound H3 as a sonically activated degrader of MAT2A. Upon sonication, H3 can generate reactive oxygen species to specifically degrade cellular MAT2A via rapid oxidative reactions. Combination of H3 and sonication induced 87% MAT2A depletion in human colon cancer cells, thus elevating its antiproliferation effects by 8-folds. In vivo, H3 had a favorable pharmacokinetic profile (bioavailability = 77%) and ADME properties. Owing to the MAT2A degradation merits, H3 at a dosage of 10 mg/kg induced 31% tumor regression in xenograft colon tumor models. The significantly boosted antitumor potency can potentially alleviate the toxicity of high-dose MAT2A inhibitors to normal cells and tissues, especially to the liver.

MeSH terms

  • Electrons
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Methionine
  • Methionine Adenosyltransferase* / metabolism
  • S-Adenosylmethionine / metabolism

Substances

  • Methionine Adenosyltransferase
  • S-Adenosylmethionine
  • Methionine
  • MAT2A protein, human