# Novel therapeutics for the targeted eradication of DDR-defective tumors

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $621,455

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT.
O6-Methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) reverts O6-alkylguanosine residues to guanosine via dealkylation
by SN2 displacement. MGMT is ubiquitously expressed in healthy tissue but is silenced (referred to as “MGMT–
“) in ~50% of glioblastomas (GBMs), most gliomas, and in up to 40% of colon cancers, 35% of small cell lung
cancers, and 25% of non-small cell lung cancers. MGMT– tumors are sensitized to DNA alkylation agents, such
as temozolomide (TMZ). This sensitization creates a therapeutic index (TI). TMZ prolongs survival of patients
with MGMT– GBM by ~8 mo. The cytotoxicity of TMZ relies on an intact DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway.
MMR silencing (referred to as “MMR–”) is the primary mechanism of acquired TMZ resistance, and second-line
therapies are ineffective. Despite >20 y of research, efforts to overcome MMR silencing-based resistance have
not been successful. Herein, we present 2-fluoroethylating agents (FEtAs) as novel, orally bioavailable com-
pounds that selectively eradicate MGMT–/MMR– GBM in vivo, without systemic toxicity. Our data indicate FEtAs
induce DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) only in MGMT– tumors by formation of O6-(2-fluoroethyl)guanosine
(O6FEtG), slow cyclization to an N1,O6-ethanoguanine (EG) intermediate, and ring-opening by the adjacent
cytosine. The slow rates of EG formation provide time for MGMT to reverse the initial alkylation in healthy (e.g.,
MGMT+) cells, leading to a high TI. In contrast, chloroethylation agents, such as mitozolomide, generate O6-(2-
chloroethyl)guanosine (O6ClEtG), which cyclizes to EG competitively with MGMT reversal. This leads to the
formation of ICLs or toxic DNA–MGMT cross-links, via opening of EG by MGMT, in healthy cells. Additionally,
the chloroethylsulfide formed on MGMT reversal of O6ClEtG converts to a reactive episulfonium ion, which also
cross-links MGMT to DNA, while MGMT reversal of O6FEtG creates a stable fluoroethylsulfide. Together, these
differences lend a higher MGMT TI to FEtAs suggesting they are likely to display improved tolerability in humans.
Since ICL toxicity is MMR-independent, FEtAs retain activity in TMZ-resistant, MMR– tumors. Here we will study
the amount of O6FEtG formed from FEtAs and the rate of its reversal by MGMT. We will characterize the structure
and reaction kinetics of the ICLs using oligonucleotides containing a single O6FEtG. We will conduct studies to
improve FEtA CNS penetration. We will probe for synergy between FEtAs and DDR inhibitors, other DNA repair
deficiencies, and radiotherapy. Completion of this research will lead to the identification of novel chemotherapies
with high CNS penetration that operate by a novel, MMR-independent mechanism, thereby addressing acquired
TMZ resistance. As FEtAs are structurally-related to TMZ, we expect rapid translation to the clinic. MGMT is
silenced in a range of tumor types; this work will set the stage to evaluate FEtAs as treatments for other MGMT–
tumors, alone or in co...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10893619
- **Project number:** 5R01CA276186-02
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ranjit Bindra
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $621,455
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-25 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10893619

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10893619, Novel therapeutics for the targeted eradication of DDR-defective tumors (5R01CA276186-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10893619. Licensed CC0.

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