Selective Inhibition of the Hsp90α Isoform

The 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that processes nascent polypeptides into their biologically active conformations. Many of these proteins contribute to the progression of cancer, and consequently, inhibition of the Hsp90 protein folding machinery represents an innovative approach toward cancer chemotherapy. However, clinical trials with Hsp90 N-terminal inhibitors have encountered deleterious side effects and toxicities, which appear to result from the pan-inhibition of all four Hsp90 isoforms. Therefore, the development of isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibitors is sought to delineate the pathological role played by each isoform. Herein, we describe a structure-based approach that was used to design the first Hsp90 alpha-selective inhibitors, which exhibit >50-fold selectivity versus other Hsp90 isoforms.

Automated summary

The study focuses on a new class of anti-cancer agents targeting Hsp90 protein - Hsp90 alpha-selective inhibitors, which demonstrate specificity and broad selectivity, showing promise for significant impact in cancer treatment.