Description
KCN1, a novel synthetic sulfonamide, is a HIF pathway inhibitor with potential anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo anti-pancreatic cancer activities and preclinical pharmacology. KCN1 specifically inhibited HIF reporter gene activity in several glioma cell lines at the nanomolar level. KCN1 also downregulated transcription of endogenous HIF-1 target genes, such as VEGF, Glut-1, and carbonic anhydrase 9, in a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE)-dependent manner. KCN1 potently inhibited the growth of subcutaneous malignant glioma tumor xenografts with minimal adverse effects on the host. Mechanistically, KCN1 did not downregulate the levels of HIF-1α or other components of the HIF transcriptional complex; rather, it antagonized hypoxia-inducible transcription by disrupting the interaction of HIF-1α with transcriptional coactivators p300/CBP.CONCLUSIONS: The new HIF pathway inhibitor KCN1 has antitumor activity in mouse models, supporting its further translation for the treatment of human tumors displaying hypoxia or HIF overexpression