Abstract 2680A: Small molecule induces apoptosis through the inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Sorafenib, a multiple kinase inhibitors, shows therapeutic effects in renal carcinoma (RCC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our data shows that the inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, a transcription factor involving in cell proliferation and survival, represents a major mechanism whereby sorafenib induces apoptosis in HCC cells. Sorafenib inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and subsequently reduced the STAT3-regulating protein, Mcl-1, survivin and cyclinD1. In addition, the activity of SHP-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, is increased in HCC cells by the treatment of sorafenib. We hypothesize that the antitumor effect of sorafenib can be attributed to the level STAT3 and the activity of SHP-1. Therefore, we design and synthesize a sorafenib derivative, SC-1, which is devoid of kinase activity. SC-1 shows higher potency in inducing apoptosis than sorafenib. Therefore, SC-1 provides a proof of concept for the design of a new class of agents that enhance SHP-1 activity along and synergize with therapeutic agent in HCC.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2680A.