STATs as a Novel Approach to Cancer Therapy

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) family of proteins were originally discovered in context of cellular responses to cytokines and growth factors. In normal cells, STAT proteins are only transiently activated, which is important for their key roles in physiological process, including cell growth and differentiation, development, inflammation and survival. However, persistent activation of certain members of this family of transcription factors, particularly Stat3, has been found to accompany malignant transformation. In both solid and hematological tumors, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma and multiple myeloma, a causal role for this persistent Stat3 activity in oncogenesis has been established, thereby validating Stat3 as a clinically important target for cancer drug discovery. Since currently there are no direct pharmacological inhibitors of Stat3, the goal of this application is to identify potent small molecule Stat3 inhibitors with the potential to be used as cancer therapeutics. We have already made progress in identifying a number of lead compounds selective for inhibition of Stat3 signaling. The central hypothesis of this application is that small-molecule inhibitors of Stat3 signaling will induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in malignant cells, and thereby block tumor growth. The hypothesis will be addressed by the following Specific Aims: (1). To develop small-molecule inhibitors of Stat3 dimerization, DNA-binding and oncogenic signaling. Peptidomimetic approaches will be developed to block dimerization of Stat3 proteins though their SH2 domains. Structure-based and combinatorial methods will be used to convert lead peptides into biologically active agents; (2). To evaluate novel peptidomimetics for potent inhibitory effects against Stat3 and its biological effects in vitro and in whole cells. In vitro DNA binding activity and cell-based reporter assays will be used for screening of compounds. Soft-agar growth, TUNEL assay, and Annexin V-FITC staining will measure biological effects of compounds; (3). To evaluate the antitumor effects of potent compounds identified above in human tumor models in mice. Studies will assess toxicity and degree of efficacy of these compounds against tumors. The proposed studies will refine and further develop lead compounds as potent Stat3 inhibitors with antitumor activities for eventual clinical applications