Small molecule SHP2 inhibitor LXQ-217 affects lung cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.

Background SHP2 is highly expressed in a variety of cancer and has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapeutic agents. The identification of uncharged pTyr mimics is an important direction for the development of SHP2 inhibitors. Methods SPR  and CETSA were employed to verify the direct binding of LXQ-217 to SHP2. The inhibitory effect of LXQ-217 was characterized by linear Weaver-Burke enzyme kinetic analysis and BIOVIA Discovery Studio. The inhibition of tumor cell proliferation by LXQ-217 was characterized by cell viability assay, colony formation assays and hoechst 33258 staining. The inhibition of lung cancer proliferation in vivo was studied in nude mice after oral administration of LXQ-217. Results An electroneutral bromophenol derivative, LXQ-217, was identified as a competitive SHP2 inhibitor. LXQ-217 induced apoptosis and inhibited growth of human pulmonary epithelial cells by affecting the RAS-ERK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Long-term oral administration of LXQ-217 significantly inhibited the proliferation ability of lung cancer cells in nude mice. Moreover, mice administered LXQ-217 orally at high doses exhibited no mortality or significant changes in vital signs. Conclusions Our findings on the uncharged orthosteric inhibitor provide a foundation for further development of a safe and effective anti-lung cancer drug.