Effect of the mRNA decapping enzyme scavenger (DCPS) inhibitor RG3039 on glioblastoma

Abstract Background Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The mRNA decapping enzyme scavenger (DCPS) is a cap-hydrolyzing enzyme. The DCPS inhibitor RG3039 exhibited excellent central nervous system bioavailability in vivo and was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers in a phase 1 clinical trial. In this study, we investigated the expression of DCPS in GBM and the anti-tumor activity of RG3039 in various preclinical models of GBM. Methods DCPS expression was examined in human GBM and paired peritumoral tissues. Its prognostic role was evaluated together with clinicopathological characteristics of patients. The anti-GBM effect of RG3039 was determined using GBM cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and orthotopic mouse models. The therapeutic mechanisms of DCPS inhibition were explored. Results DCPS is overexpressed in GBM and is associated with poor survival of patients with GBM. The DCPS inhibitor RG3039 exhibited robust anti-GBM activities in GBM cell lines, patient-derived organoids and orthotopic mouse models, with drug exposure achievable in humans. Mechanistically, RG3039 downregulated STAT5B expression, thereby suppressing proliferation, survival and colony formation of GBM cells. Conclusions DCPS is a promising target for GBM. Inhibition of DCPS with RG3039 at doses achievable in humans downregulates STAT5B expression and reduces proliferation, survival and colony formation of GBM cells. Given the excellent anti-cancer activity and central nervous system bioavailability in vivo and good tolerance in humans, RG3039 warrants further study as a potential GBM therapy.