Identification of EZH2 and EZH1 small molecule inhibitors with selective impact on diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell growth

Chem Biol. 2013 Nov 21;20(11):1329-39. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.09.013. Epub 2013 Oct 31.

Abstract

The histone methyltransferase enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a candidate oncogene due to its prevalent overexpression in malignant diseases, including late stage prostate and breast cancers. The dependency of cancer cells on EZH2 activity is also predicated by recurrent missense mutations residing in the catalytic domain of EZH2 that have been identified in subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and melanoma. Herein, we report the identification of a highly selective small molecule inhibitor series of EZH2 and EZH1. These compounds inhibit wild-type and mutant versions of EZH2 with nanomolar potency, suppress global histone H3-lysine 27 methylation, affect gene expression, and cause selective proliferation defects. These compounds represent a structurally distinct EZH2 inhibitor chemotype for the exploration of the role of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2-mediated H3K27 methylation in various biological contexts.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 / metabolism
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • EZH1 protein, human
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2