Potent inhibition of DOT1L as treatment of MLL-fusion leukemia.
Daigle, S.R., Olhava, E.J., Therkelsen, C.A., Basavapathruni, A., Jin, L., Boriack-Sjodin, P.A., Allain, C.J., Klaus, C.R., Raimondi, A., Scott, M.P., Waters, N.J., Chesworth, R., Moyer, M.P., Copeland, R.A., Richon, V.M., Pollock, R.M.(2013) Blood 122: 1017-1025
- PubMed: 23801631
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2013-04-497644
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
4HRA - PubMed Abstract:
Rearrangements of the MLL gene define a genetically distinct subset of acute leukemias with poor prognosis. Current treatment options are of limited effectiveness; thus, there is a pressing need for new therapies for this disease. Genetic and small molecule inhibitor studies have demonstrated that the histone methyltransferase DOT1L is required for the development and maintenance of MLL-rearranged leukemia in model systems. Here we describe the characterization of EPZ-5676, a potent and selective aminonucleoside inhibitor of DOT1L histone methyltransferase activity. The compound has an inhibition constant value of 80 pM, and demonstrates 37 000-fold selectivity over all other methyltransferases tested. In cellular studies, EPZ-5676 inhibited H3K79 methylation and MLL-fusion target gene expression and demonstrated potent cell killing that was selective for acute leukemia lines bearing MLL translocations. Continuous IV infusion of EPZ-5676 in a rat xenograft model of MLL-rearranged leukemia caused complete tumor regressions that were sustained well beyond the compound infusion period with no significant weight loss or signs of toxicity. EPZ-5676 is therefore a potential treatment of MLL-rearranged leukemia and is under clinical investigation.
Organizational Affiliation:
Epizyme, Inc., 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.