Cancer recurrence after tumor eradication by chemotherapy portends poor outcome. Recent data point to persistence of quiescent cancer cells not eliminated by chemotherapy and able to re-generate tumors as the main contributor to tumor relapse. Such cells have been recognized as cancer stem cells (CSCs) and are programmed to self-renew or to differentiate into progenitor cells, generating new tumors. CSCs are characterized by expression of membrane efflux proteins that render them highly chemotherapy resistant. Several markers have been proposed for CSCs' identification, of which activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform 1A1 (ALDH1A1), either alone, or in combination with other proteins, is a robust identifier that has been validated by several groups in different cancer types, including ovarian. Over the past 20 years, our laboratory has developed the biochemical tools to study the functions of aldehyde dehydrogenases in normal physiology and in metabolic disorders. Equipped with unique expertise in this field, we have recently identified highly potent and specific small molecule inhibitors for ALDH1A1 that block the enzyme at nM concentrations. Here we propose to optimize and validate the lead inhibitor for the first time in a cancer model, focusing on inhibiting the functions of ALDH1A1+ ovarian CSCs. We will determine the lead inhibitor's target specificity and its cytotoxic activity in ALDH1A1+ ovarian cancer cells and will measure its anti-cancer activity in an animal model that replicates tumor recurrence after chemotherapy. The application is highly responsive to the current RFA (PA-12-145) seeking to support new and developmental concepts in cancer therapy. Successful completion of our studies will strongly support a novel CSC targeting strategy and will permit transition of this innovative concept to the clinic.

Public Health Relevance

Ovarian cancer has an exceptionally high relapse rate. We hypothesize that the cancer stem cells responsible for relapse express high levels of an enzyme named aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1). We propose that treatment with our ALDH1A1 selective inhibitor, A37, will effectively eliminate these tumorigenic and chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer stem cells and open a new treatment strategy for this deadly cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21CA198409-01
Application #
8958378
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1)
Program Officer
Arya, Suresh
Project Start
2015-07-01
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2015-07-01
Budget End
2016-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603007902
City
Indianapolis
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46202
Sarvi, Sana; Crispin, Richard; Lu, Yuting et al. (2018) ALDH1 Bio-activates Nifuroxazide to Eradicate ALDHHigh Melanoma-Initiating Cells. Cell Chem Biol 25:1456-1469.e6
Buchman, Cameron D; Hurley, Thomas D (2017) Inhibition of the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1/2 Family by Psoralen and Coumarin Derivatives. J Med Chem 60:2439-2455
Li, Junjie; Condello, Salvatore; Thomes-Pepin, Jessica et al. (2017) Lipid Desaturation Is a Metabolic Marker and Therapeutic Target of Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 20:303-314.e5