CIGB-300, a synthetic peptide-based drug that targets the CK2 phosphoaceptor domain. Translational and clinical research

Mol Cell Biochem. 2011 Oct;356(1-2):45-50. doi: 10.1007/s11010-011-0950-y. Epub 2011 Jul 7.

Abstract

CK2 represents an oncology target scientifically validated. However, clinical research with inhibitors of the CK2-mediated phosphorylation event is still insufficient to recognize it as a clinically validated target. CIGB-300, an investigational peptide-based drug that targets the phosphoaceptor site, binds to a CK2 substrate array in vitro but mainly to B23/nucleophosmin in vivo. The CIGB-300 proapoptotic effect is preceded by its nucleolar localization, inhibition of the CK2-mediated phosphorylation on B23/nucleophosmin and nucleolar disassembly. Importantly, CIGB-300 shifted a protein array linked to apoptosis, ribosome biogenesis, cell proliferation, glycolisis, and cell motility in proteomic studies which helped to understand its mechanism of action. In the clinical ground, CIGB-300 has proved to be safe and well tolerated in a First-in-Human trial in women with cervical malignancies who also experienced signs of clinical benefit. In a second Phase 1 clinical trial in women with cervical cancer stage IB2/II, the MTD and DLT have been also identified in the clinical setting. Interestingly, in cervical tumors the B23/nucleophosmin protein levels were significantly reduced after CIGB-300 treatment at the nucleus compartment. In addition, expanded use of CIGB-300 in case studies has evidenced antitumor activity when administered as compassional option. Collectively, our data outline important clues on translational and clinical research from this novel peptide-based drug reinforcing its perspectives to treat cancer and paving the way to validate CK2 as a promising target in oncology.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Casein Kinase II / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Casein Kinase II / chemistry*
  • Casein Kinase II / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Nucleophosmin
  • Peptides, Cyclic / pharmacology*
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Translational Research, Biomedical*

Substances

  • NPM1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Nucleophosmin
  • Casein Kinase II
  • CIGB-300