University of Illinois

David J Shapiro

Paul Joseph Hergenrother

Matthew W Boudreau

Chengjian Mao

Nicole M Patterson

Milu Tresa Cherian

A set of small molecules ERα biomodulators that kill therapy-resistant ERα positive breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer cells. These small molecules have increased therapeutic potential because of an increased ability to kill therapy-resistant breast cancer cells compared to BHPI and other conventional therapies (endocrine therapies, tamoxifen and fulvestrant/ICI). The new compounds do not only inhibit proliferation of the cancer cells but actually kills them, which prevents reactivation of tumors years later.

Activators of the unfolded protein response

A set of small molecules ER&#x3b1; biomodulators that kill therapy-resistant ER&#x3b1; positive breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer cells. These small molecules have increased therapeutic potential because of an increased ability to kill therapy-resistant breast cancer cells compared to BHPI and other conventional therapies (endocrine therapies, tamoxifen and fulvestrant/ICI). The new compounds do not only inhibit proliferation of the cancer cells but actually kills them, which prevents reactivation of tumors years later.

The disclosure herein relates to nuclear hormone receptors including steroid hormone receptors, for example in connection with estrogen, progesterone, and androgen. Embodiments of compositions and methods are disclosed including such relating to compounds, including substituted theophyllines, capable of functioning as inhibitors of estrogen receptor alpha-mediated gene expression and having the ability to modify cancer cells and treat cancer, including breast cancers and resistant breast cancers, particularly those that are resistant to tamoxifen. In embodiments, methods of inhibiting breast cancer cells and resistant breast cancer cells are provided. In embodiments, a useful inhibitor compound includes TPSF/NSC 97998 and other compounds.

Compositions and methods relating to nuclear hormone and steroid hormone receptors including inhibitors of estrogen receptor alpha-mediated gene expression and inhibition of breast cancer

Novel tamoxifen inducible and ICI 182,780 repressible expression systems comprising mutant estrogen receptors and mutant estrogen response element are disclosed. Such systems have a wide variety of applications, including gene therapy and in vivo and in vitro expression, as well as their use in transgenic animals.

Growing community of inventors

Urbana, IL, United States of America

David J Shapiro