Structure-Based Optimization of a Novel Class of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A (ALDH1A) Subfamily-Selective Inhibitors as Potential Adjuncts to Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy

J Med Chem. 2018 Oct 11;61(19):8754-8773. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00930. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

Abstract

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity is commonly used as a marker to identify cancer stem-like cells. The three ALDH1A isoforms have all been individually implicated in cancer stem-like cells and in chemoresistance; however, which isoform is preferentially expressed varies between cell lines. We sought to explore the structural determinants of ALDH1A isoform selectivity in a series of small-molecule inhibitors in support of research into the role of ALDH1A in cancer stem cells. An SAR campaign guided by a cocrystal structure of the HTS hit CM39 (7) with ALDH1A1 afforded first-in-class inhibitors of the ALDH1A subfamily with excellent selectivity over the homologous ALDH2 isoform. We also discovered the first reported modestly selective single isoform 1A2 and 1A3 inhibitors. Two compounds, 13g and 13h, depleted the CD133+ putative cancer stem cell pool, synergized with cisplatin, and achieved efficacious concentrations in vivo following IP administration. Compound 13h additionally synergized with cisplatin in a patient-derived ovarian cancer spheroid model.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Drug Synergism*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / classification
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / enzymology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Retinal Dehydrogenase
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase
  • ALDH1A1 protein, human
  • Retinal Dehydrogenase