Effective targeting of RNA polymerase I in treatment-resistant prostate cancer


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Low J., Sirajuddin P., Moubarek M., Agarwal S., Rege A., GÜNER G., ...More

PROSTATE, vol.79, no.16, pp.1837-1851, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 79 Issue: 16
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/pros.23909
  • Journal Name: PROSTATE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1837-1851
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background Advanced prostate cancers depend on protein synthesis for continued survival and accelerated rates of metabolism for growth. RNA polymerase I (Pol I) is the enzyme responsible for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription and a rate-limiting step for ribosome biogenesis. We have shown using a specific and sensitive RNA probe for the 45S rRNA precursor that rRNA synthesis is increased in prostate adenocarcinoma compared to nonmalignant epithelium. We have introduced a first-in-class Pol I inhibitor, BMH-21, that targets cancer cells of multiple origins, and holds potential for clinical translation. Methods The effect of BMH-21 was tested in prostate cancer cell lines and in prostate cancer xenograft and mouse genetic models. Results We show that BMH-21 inhibits Pol I transcription in metastatic, castration-resistant, and enzalutamide treatment-resistant prostate cancer cell lines. The genetic abrogation of Pol I effectively blocks the growth of prostate cancer cells. Silencing of p53, a pathway activated downstream of Pol I, does not diminish this effect. We find that BMH-21 significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced the Ki67 proliferation index in an enzalutamide-resistant xenograft tumor model. A decrease in 45S rRNA synthesis demonstrated on-target activity. Furthermore, the Pol I inhibitor significantly inhibited tumor growth and pathology in an aggressive genetically modified Hoxb13-MYC|Hoxb13-Cre|Pten(fl/fl) (BMPC) mouse prostate cancer model. Conclusion Taken together, BMH-21 is a novel promising molecule for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer.