Aminopeptidase inhibition by the novel agent CHR-2797 (tosedostat) for the therapy of acute myeloid leukemia

Leuk Res. 2011 May;35(5):677-81. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.10.030. Epub 2010 Dec 9.

Abstract

Aminopeptidase enzyme inhibition is thought to deplete the free intracellular amino acids needed by malignant cells for growth and development, resulting in profound anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of the metalloenzyme-inhibitor CHR-2797 (tosedostat), in primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. CHR-2797 demonstrated marked in vitro cytotoxicity in AML samples and strong synergy with Cytarabine (Ara-C), but significantly less cytotoxicity to normal marrow progenitors. Furthermore mechanistic investigations revealed that CHR-2797 inhibited the intrinsic nuclear, cytoplasmic and cell surface aminopeptidase function of AML blasts in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating a promising novel approach for AML therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aminopeptidases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cytarabine / administration & dosage
  • Cytarabine / pharmacology
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glycine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Glycine / pharmacology
  • Glycine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxamic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Hydroxamic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / enzymology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CHR-79888
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hydroxamic Acids
  • Cytarabine
  • Aminopeptidases
  • tosedostat
  • Glycine