Targeted Drug Discovery: Targeting a Specific Conformation of MutS/MSH Proteins with Small Molecules

Mismatch repair proteins repair mismatches in the DNA and signal cell death in response to certain DNA lesions. Due to these distinct functions of MMR proteins, they are proposed to exist in at least two different conformations, "repair" and "death." The goal of this study was to exploit the structural aspects of the "death" conformation to identify small molecules that will interact with MSH2/MSH6 and induce MMR-dependent damage signaling pathway that has been shown to be p53- and ATM-independent. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations and autodocking experiments, databases were searched for commercially available compounds that preferentially bind the "death" conformation of MSH2/MSH6. Reserpine and its derivative rescinnamine were identified, both compounds previously used in the treatment of hypertension. Reserpine and rescinnamine decrease cell viability and activate caspase 3 cleavage in a MSH2- and MSH6-dependent manner. In addition, rescinnamine inhibits tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in in vivo pilot studies.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Vasilyeva, Aksana

• cancer

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/30403

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/30403