A small molecule inhibitor of ARF GTPase protein 1 limits liver and colon cancer cell growth and metastasis.

ABSTRACT: ARF GTPase protein 1 (GIT1) is a scaffold protein that is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). GIT1 forms a complex with methionine adenosyltransferase 2B (MAT2B) that activates RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling in HCC and CRC to enhance tumorigenicity. Here, we investigated in a proof-of-concept study whether a small molecule that disrupts GIT1-MAT2B interaction can be effective in HCC and CRC treatment. Since the GIT1 crystal structure is unavailable, we developed a molecular model and used computer-based drug discovery approach to screen for small molecules targeting the GIT1 ankyrin repeat domain, the region closest to where MAT2B interacts that is accessible. Of nine compounds tested, compound 3 (C3) selectively interacts with GIT1 and shows an anti-can

SUBMITTER: Peng H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12948951 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature