What's Happening?
A research team led by Professor Xiang David Li from the Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with researchers from Shenzhen Bay Laboratory and Tsinghua University, has developed a first-in-class chemical inhibitor
targeting the ATAC complex. This complex is a critical cellular 'switch operator' that activates tumor-promoting genes, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The inhibitor, named LS-170, selectively targets the YEATS2 protein subunit of the ATAC complex, preventing it from anchoring to chromatin and thus reducing histone acetylation. This action effectively turns off oncogenes, suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in NSCLC cell lines and animal models. The findings, published in Nature Chemical Biology, highlight a novel therapeutic avenue for treating NSCLC and potentially other cancers.
Why It's Important?
The development of LS-170 represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. By specifically targeting the ATAC complex without affecting other cellular functions, this inhibitor minimizes potential side effects, a common issue with broader-spectrum cancer drugs. The research opens new possibilities for creating highly selective, complex-specific drugs that could revolutionize cancer therapy. Given that the YEATS2 gene is amplified in various solid tumors, this approach may extend beyond lung cancer, offering hope for treating other cancers such as ovarian and pancreatic cancers.
What's Next?
The next steps involve further clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of LS-170 in humans. If successful, this could lead to the development of a new class of cancer drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current treatments. The research team may also explore the application of this strategy to other histone acetyltransferase complexes, potentially broadening the scope of epigenetic drug development. Continued collaboration between academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies will be crucial in advancing these findings from the laboratory to clinical settings.
