Preclinical characterization of ABT-348, a kinase inhibitor targeting the aurora, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and Src kinase families

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2012 Dec;343(3):617-27. doi: 10.1124/jpet.112.197087. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Abstract

ABT-348 [1-(4-(4-amino-7-(1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl)urea] is a novel ATP-competitive multitargeted kinase inhibitor with nanomolar potency (IC(50)) for inhibiting binding and cellular autophosphorylation of Aurora B (7 and 13 nM), C (1 and 13 nM), and A (120 and 189 nM). Cellular activity against Aurora B is reflected by inhibition of phosphorylation of histone H3, induction of polyploidy, and inhibition of proliferation of a variety of leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumor cell lines (IC(50) = 0.3-21 nM). In vivo inhibition of Aurora B was confirmed in an engrafted leukemia model by observing a decrease in phosphorylation of histone H3 that persisted in a dose-dependent manner for 8 h and correlated with plasma concentration of ABT-348. Evaluation of ABT-348 across a panel of 128 kinases revealed additional potent binding activity (K(i) < 30 nM) against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) families and the Src family of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. VEGFR/PDGFR binding activity correlated with inhibition of autophosphorylation in cells and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated endothelial cell proliferation (IC(50) ≤ 0.3 nM). Evidence of on-target activity in vivo was provided by the potency for blocking VEGF-mediated vascular permeability and inducing plasma placental growth factor. Activity against the Src kinase family was evident in antiproliferative activity against BCR-ABL chronic myeloid leukemia cells and cells expressing the gleevec-resistant BCR-ABL T315I mutation. On the basis of its unique spectrum of activity, ABT-348 was evaluated and found effective in representative solid tumor [HT1080 and pancreatic carcinoma (MiaPaCa), tumor stasis] and hematological malignancy (RS4;11, regression) xenografts. These results provide the rationale for clinical assessment of ABT-348 as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Aminopyridines / chemistry
  • Aminopyridines / pharmacokinetics
  • Aminopyridines / pharmacology*
  • Aminopyridines / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Histones / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Experimental / enzymology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, SCID
  • Molecular Structure
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Phenylurea Compounds / chemistry
  • Phenylurea Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Phenylurea Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Phenylurea Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Time Factors
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
  • src-Family Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Aminopyridines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Histones
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • ilorasertib
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • src-Family Kinases
  • AURKB protein, human
  • Aurkb protein, mouse
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases