A targeting modality for destruction of RNA polymerase I that possesses anticancer activity

Cancer Cell. 2014 Jan 13;25(1):77-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.12.009.

Abstract

We define the activity and mechanisms of action of a small molecule lead compound for cancer targeting. We show that the compound, BMH-21, has wide and potent antitumorigenic activity across NCI60 cancer cell lines and represses tumor growth in vivo. BMH-21 binds GC-rich sequences, which are present at a high frequency in ribosomal DNA genes, and potently and rapidly represses RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription. Strikingly, we find that BMH-21 causes proteasome-dependent destruction of RPA194, the large catalytic subunit protein of Pol I holocomplex, and this correlates with cancer cell killing. Our results show that Pol I activity is under proteasome-mediated control, which reveals an unexpected therapeutic opportunity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects*
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / drug effects
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • RNA Polymerase I / drug effects*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • RNA Polymerase I
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex