Development of MCT4-targeting small molecule inhibitors for management of castration-resistant prostate cancer

Late-stage, therapy-resistant prostate cancer (PCa) remains a difficult-to-treat disease that urgently needs better therapeutics. Advanced PCa cells use glucose (sugar) differently than normal cells, substantially increasing lactic acid secretion into the surrounding environment. This supports cancer growth in numerous important ways, including helping PCa avoiding destruction by the patient’s immune system. One critical protein involved in this process is MCT4, which transports lactic acid out of cells. We previously showed that blocking lactic acid secretion from MCT4 can be an effective therapeutic strategy. Recently we used a unique computer-based drug discovery platform to develop a novel class of chemicals with anti-MCT4 effects. We now propose to upgrade these MCT4 inhibitors into potent therapeutics for testing in clinical trials. We will also use a comprehensive panel of patient-derived PCa models to accurately predict patient responses to therapies, accelerating the development of a new generation of effective MCT4-targeting drugs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christopher J Ong

Student:

Stephen Yiu Chuen Choi;Jennifer Xiao Jia Niu;Xinpei Ci

Partner:

LAST Innovations Ltd

Discipline:

Other

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of British Columbia