The validation of new CHD1L inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for cancer

Abstract

Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 like (CHD1L) is an oncogene that promotes tumor progression, metastasis, and multidrug resistance. CHD1L expression is indicative of poor outcomes and low survival in cancer patients with various cancer types. Herein, we report a set of CHD1L inhibitors (CHD1Li) discovered from high-throughput screening and evaluated using enzyme inhibition, 3D tumor organoid cytotoxicity and mechanistic assays. The structurally distinct compounds 8-11 emerged as hits with promising bioactivity by targeting CHD1L. CHD1Li were further examined for their stability in human and mouse liver microsomes, which showed compounds 9 and 11 to be the most metabolically stable. Additionally, molecular modeling studies of CHD1Li with the target protein shed light on key pharmacophore features driving CHD1L binding. Taken together, these results expand the chemical space of CHD1Li as a potential targeted therapy for colorectal cancer and other cancers.

Keywords: CHD1L; CHD1Li; Cancer; EMT; Hit to lead; Molecular modeling; Targeted therapy.