A novel B-RAF inhibitor blocks interleukin-8 (IL-8) synthesis in human melanoma xenografts, revealing IL-8 as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker

Mol Cancer Ther. 2008 Mar;7(3):492-9. doi: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-07-0307.

Abstract

B-RAF mutations have been identified in the majority of melanoma and a large fraction of colorectal and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Drug discovery efforts targeting mutated B-RAF have yielded several interesting molecules, and currently, three compounds are undergoing clinical evaluation. Inhibition of B-RAF in animal models leads to a slowing of tumor growth and, in some cases, tumor reduction. Described within is a novel series of diaryl imidazoles with potent, single-digit nanomolar, anti-B-RAF activity. One compound from this series has been detailed here and has been shown to block B-RAF(V600E)-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells as well as soft agar colony formation and proliferation. Importantly, interleukin-8 (IL-8) was identified by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA as a product of the elevated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in these cells. Plasma concentrations of IL-8 in mice bearing melanoma xenografts were significantly reduced following exposure to B-RAF inhibitors. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-8 could serve as a tractable clinical biomarker.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-8 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukin-8 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-8 / genetics
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Imidazoles
  • Interleukin-8
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf