INTRODUCTIONWDR5 is an epigenetic scaffolding protein that has attracted significant interest as an anti-cancer drug target, especially in MLL-rearranged leukemias. The most druggable 'WIN-site' on WDR5, which tethers WDR5 to chromatin, has been successfully targeted with multiple classes of exquisitely potent small-molecule protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Earlier progress has also been made on the development of WDR5 degraders and inhibitors at the 'WBM-site' on the opposite face of WDR5.AREAS COVEREDBased on an international survey of the patent literature using SciFinder from 2016-2024, herein we provide a comprehensive account of the chemical matter targeting WDR5, with a particular focus on proprietary compounds that are underreported in the existing academic literature. Our survey illuminates challenges for the field to overcome: a broad lack of chemical diversity, confusion about the molecular mechanism of WIN-site inhibitors, a paucity of brain-penetrant scaffolds despite emerging evidence of activity in brain cancers, sparse pharmacokinetic, metabolic, and disposition characterization, and the absence of safety or efficacy data in humans.EXPERT OPINIONIt is our opinion that the best-in-class WIN-site inhibitors (from the imidazole class) merit advancement into clinical testing, likely against leukemia, which should provide much-needed clarity about the exciting but unproven potential of WDR5 as a next-generation therapeutic target.

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Discovery of WDR5–MLL1 and HDAC Dual-Target Inhibitors for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Article

Author: Chen, Xin ; Sun, Liangkui ; You, Qidong ; Long, Guanlu ; Wang, Xianghan ; Guo, Xiaoke ; Ma, Sai ; Jiang, Zhengyu

Targeting the WDR5-MLL1 protein-protein interaction (PPI) is considered to be an effective approach for the treatment of MLL-rearranged leukemia. However, interfering with WDR5-MLL1 PPI reduces methylated H3K4 levels and induces a decline in acetylated H3 levels, which may contribute to the suboptimal cellular efficacy of WDR5 inhibitors. We observed that cotreatment with WDR5-MLL1 PPI and HDAC inhibitors augmented the antiproliferative effect in MV-4-11 cells. Thus, a series of dual-target inhibitors was developed by merging the pharmacophores of the WDR5 and HDAC inhibitors. Among the developed inhibitors, compound 32d displayed an 89-fold increase in antiproliferative efficacy and induced potent cell apoptosis by impeding the DNA damage repair signaling pathway. Furthermore, the administration of 30 mg/kg of compound 32d was well tolerated, inhibiting MV-4-11 xenograft growth by 87.1%. Our investigation established the therapeutic effectiveness of the developed WDR5-MLL1/HDAC dual-target inhibitor against acute myeloid leukemia, providing a valuable tool for further exploration of crosstalk between the two targets.

Blood Journal

Targeting WDR5/ATAD2 signaling by the CK2/Ikaros axis demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in T-ALL

Article

Author: Xiang, Huimin ; Gu, Yan ; Wang, Yan ; Lapalombella, Rosa ; Woyach, Jennifer A. ; Steiner, Chelsea ; Song, Chunhua ; Dovat, Sinisa ; Han, Qi ; Zhang, Linyao ; Ge, Zheng ; Yang, Yiping ; Yang, Chan ; Li, Jun

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited options for targeted therapies. Identifying new molecular targets to develop novel therapeutic strategies is the pressing immediate issue in T-ALL. Here, we observed high expression of WD Repeat-Containing Protein 5 (WDR5) in T-ALL; with in vitro and in vivo models we demonstrated the oncogenic role of WDR5 in T-ALL by activating cell cycle signaling through its new downstream effector, ATPase family AAA domain-containing 2 (ATAD2). Moreover, IKAROS' function is often impaired by genetic alteration as well as casein kinase II (CK2) which is overexpressed in T-ALL. We found IKAROS directly regulates WDR5 transcription; CK2 inhibitor, CX-4945 strongly suppresses WDR5 expression by restoring IKAROS function. Lastly, combining CX-4945 with WDR5 inhibitor demonstrates synergistic efficacy in the patient-derived xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that WDR5/ATAD2 is a new oncogenic signaling pathway in T-ALL, and simultaneous targeting of WRD5 and CK2/IKAROS has synergistic anti-leukemic efficacy and represents a promising potential strategy for T-ALL therapy.

100 Deals associated with WDR5 inhibitors (Blueray Biopharma)

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Indication	Highest Phase	Country/Location	Organization	Date
Neoplasms	Discovery	CN	Shanghai Blueray Biopharma Co., Ltd.	31 Jan 2024

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