Allosteric inhibitor of β-catenin selectively targets oncogenic Wnt signaling in colon cancer.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Abnormal regulation of β-catenin initiates an oncogenic program that serves as a main driver of many cancers. Albeit challenging, β-catenin is an attractive drug target due to its role in maintenance of cancer stem cells and potential to eliminate cancer relapse. We have identified C2, a novel β-catenin inhibitor, which is a small molecule that binds to a novel allosteric site on the surface of β-catenin. C2 selectively inhibits β-catenin, lowers its cellular load and significantly reduces viability of β-catenin-driven cancer cells. Through direct binding to β-catenin, C2 renders the target inactive that eventually activates proteasome system for its removal. Here we report a novel pharmacologic approach for selective inhibition of β-catenin via targeting a cryptic allosteric modulation site. Our findings may provide a new perspective for therapeutic targeting of β-catenin.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Cheltsov, A; Nomura, N; Yenugonda, VM; Roper, J; Mukthavaram, R; Jiang, P; Her, N-G; Babic, I; Kesari, S; Nurmemmedov, E

Published Date

  • May 15, 2020

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 10 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 8096 -

PubMed ID

  • 32415084

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC7229215

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2045-2322

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/s41598-020-60784-y

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England