Abstract LB199: Condensate modulator sequesters beta-catenin into depot condensates and demonstrates competitive anti-tumor activity in animal models ofcolorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Constitutive activation of beta-catenin is a well-known driver of malignancy. However, traditional drug discovery approaches have proven challenging and largely unsuccessful in identifying therapeutic agents to modulate the function of beta-catenin. Biomolecular condensates have recently been demonstrated to play key roles in regulating most cellular processes and biological pathways by compartmentalizing biomolecules in membranelles organelles, thus lending novel opportunities to drug previously “undruggable” targets. Here, we leverage condensate biology to discover small molecules that reverse the hyperactive function of beta-catenin in colorectal cancer by entrapping it into depot condensates. We developed a high-throughput phenotypic assay that identifies beta-catenin condensate-modifying compounds (c-mods). Through condensate screening and functional secondary assays, we have identified c-mods that sequester beta-catenin into depots, induce selective cancer cell killing, and reverse oncogenic beta-catenin specific gene expression programs. C-mods identified in our screen are effective in genetically diverse colorectal cancers and a range of Wnt-associated cancers, providing the opportunity to treat a broad patient population. Furthermore, oral dosing of lead c-mod demonstrates competitive tumor growth inhibition as a single agent in xenograft and PDX models of colorectal cancer. Taken together, these results highlight the promise of condensate biology in drugging previously intractable high-value targets in oncology and developing novel treatments for patients suffering from diseases of high unmet need. Citation Format: Costa Salojin, Douglas Baumann, Adam Talbot, Kip West, Thomas Durand-Reville, Isaac Klein, Ann Boija. Condensate modulator sequesters beta-catenin into depot condensates and demonstrates competitive anti-tumor activity in animal models ofcolorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB199.