Novel histone deacetylase inhibitor CT-101 induces γ-globin gene expression in sickle erythroid progenitors with targeted epigenetic effects

Louis H. Junker, Biaoru Li, Xingguo Zhu, Sivanagireddy Koti, Ryan E. Cerbone, Clifford L. Hendrick, Jose Sangerman, Susan Perrine, Betty S. Pace

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression ameliorates the clinical severity and prolong survival in persons with sickle cell disease (SCD). Hydroxyurea (HU) is the only FDA-approved HbF inducer however, additional therapeutics that produce an additive effect in SCD are needed. To this end, development of potent Class I histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) for HbF induction represents a rational molecularly targeted approach. In studies here, we evaluated CT-101, a novel Class I-restricted HDACi, a Largazole derivative, for pharmacodynamics, cytotoxicity, and targeted epigenetic effects. In SCD-derived erythroid progenitors, CT-101 induced HbF expression with additive activity in combination with HU. CT-101 preferentially activated γ-globin gene transcription, increased acetylated histone H3 levels, and conferred an open chromatin conformation in the γ-globin promoter. These data indicate CT-101 represents a strong potential candidate as a molecularly targeted inducer of HbF.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number102626
JournalBlood Cells, Molecules, and Diseases
Volume93
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Epigenetics
  • Fetal hemoglobin
  • Histone deacetylase inhibitor
  • Sickle cell disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Hematology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Novel histone deacetylase inhibitor CT-101 induces γ-globin gene expression in sickle erythroid progenitors with targeted epigenetic effects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this