Gene Editing and Small Molecule Inhibitors of the RNA Binding Protein IGF2BP2/IMP2 Show its Potential as an Anti-Cancer Drug Target.

BACKGROUND: The RNA-binding protein IGF2BP2/IMP2/VICKZ2/p62 is an oncofetal protein that is overexpressed in several cancer entities. Employing IMP2 knockout colorectal cancer cells, we could show the important role of IMP2 in several hallmarks of cancer. This study aimed to functionally characterize IMP2 in lung (A549, LLC1) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2, Huh7) cell lines to assess its role as a potential target for these cancer entities. METHODS: IMP2 knockouts were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and its variant approach prime editing; the editing efficiency of two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) was verified via next-generation sequencing. We studied the effect of IMP2 knockout on cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration and employed small-molecule inhibitors of IMP2. RESULTS: Despite multiple attempts, it was not possible to generate IMP2 biallelic knockouts in A549 and Huh7 cells. Both sgRNAs showed good editing efficiency. However, edited cells lost their ability to proliferate. The attempt to generate an IMP2 biallelic knockout in LLC1 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 was successful. Monoallelic knockout cell lines of IMP2 showed a reduction in 2D cell proliferation and reduced migration. In 3D cultures, a change in morphology from compact spheroids to loose aggregates and a distinct reduction in the colony formation ability of the IMP2 knockouts was observed, an effect that was mimicked by previously identified IMP2 inhibitor compounds that also showed an inhibitory effect on colony formation. CONCLUSIONS: Our in vitro target validation supports that IMP2 is essential for tumor cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation in several cancer entities.

Selective C-H chalcogenation of thiazoles via thiazol-2-yl-phosphonium salts.

Thiazoles and benzothiazoles undergo regioselective C2-H chalcogenation via the sequence of thiazole C2-functionalization with phosphines to produce phosphonium salts which in turn react with S- and Se-centered nucleophiles to give products of C2-H chalcogenation and allow for recovery of the starting phosphine. The atom economical sequence proceeds under mild conditions and features broad scope for both the nucleophiles (electron-rich, electron-poor, sterically hindered thiols) and the various substituted benzothiazoles. The access to the substituted medicinally relevant C2-thio benzothiazoles also enables stereoselectivity improvements in the modified Julia olefinations.

C-H Functionalization of Benzothiazoles via Thiazol-2-yl-phosphonium Intermediates.

Benzothiazoles undergo regioselective C2-H functionalization with triphenylphosphine to form thiazol-2-yl-triphenylphosphonium salts, and these phosphonium salts react with a wide range of O- and N-centered nucleophiles to give the corresponding ethers, amines, and C-N biaryls. The reactions proceed under mild conditions and allow for the recovery of triphenylphosphine at the end of the sequence. In the presence of hydroxide, phosphonium salts undergo disproportionation, resulting in the reduction of the benzothiazole, which is useful for specific C2 deuteration of benzothiazoles.