A Rac-specific competitive inhibitor of guanine nucleotide binding reduces metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer.

Dilasser, Florian; Rose, Lindsay; Quemener, Agnès; Ferrandez, Yann; Hassoun, Dorian; Rousselle, Morgane; Bergereau, Hugo; Lambot, Séverine Marionneau et al. · Cell Rep Med · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The dysregulation of RAC1 activity is associated with neoplastic transformation, metastasis, and poor prognosis in several cancers. Here, we discover in silico a series of RAC1 inhibitors. The most potent of them, A41, specifically inhibits RAC1 with an original mechanism of action. We characterize A41 as a reversible inhibitor that competes with guanine nucleotide binding specifically on RAC proteins. A41 efficiently blocks RAC1 activity and RAC1-dependent cell functions including cell adhesion and migration. Chronic administration of A41 exhibits anti-metastatic effects in mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer, leading to an increase in the survival rate. Our findings suggest that this molecule, A41, could be a promising and powerful therapeutic agent for limiting invasive cancers in patients.

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