Targeting MYC for the treatment of breast cancer: use of the novel MYC-GSPT1 degrader, GT19630.

Abstract

Background: Since MYC is one of the most frequently altered driver genes involved in cancer formation, it is a potential target for new anti-cancer therapies. Historically, however, MYC has proved difficult to target due to the absence of a suitable crevice for binding potential low molecular weight drugs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel molecular glue, dubbed GT19630, which degrades both MYC and GSPT1, for the treatment of breast cancer.

Methods: The antiproliferative potential of GT19630 was evaluated in 14 breast cancer cell lines representing the main molecular subtypes of breast cancer. In addition, we also investigated the effects of GT19630 on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell migration, and degradation of the negative immune checkpoint protein, B7-H3.

Results: GT19630 inhibited cell proliferation, blocked cell cycle progression, promoted apoptosis, and decreased cell migration at low nanomolar concentrations in breast cancer cell lines. By contrast, previously described MYC inhibitors such as specific MYC-MAX antagonists affected these processes at micromolar concentrations. Consistent with the ability of MYC to promote immune evasion, we also found that GT19630 degraded the negative immune checkpoint inhibitor, B7-H3.

Conclusions: We conclude that the novel molecular glue, GT19630, is a potent mediator of endpoints associated with cancer formation/progression. Its ability to degrade B7-H3 suggests that GT19630 may also promote host immunity against cancer. To progress GT19630 as a therapy for breast cancer, our finding should now be confirmed in an animal model system.