STF-62247 specifically induces autophagic cell death in cells that have lost VHL, an essential mutation in the development of RCC. Treatment with STF-62247 did not alter cell cycle progression but when combined with radiation increased cell killing under oxic and hypoxic/physiological conditions. The cytotoxicity of STF-62247 is due to dysregulated autophagy. The reduction of protein levels of essential autophagy pathway components such as Atg5, Atg7 and Atg9 reduces sensitivity of VHL-deficient cells to killing by STF-62247. Loss of proteins involved in Golgi trafficking sensitized RCC with wild-type VHL to killing by STF-62247.
In vivo
In vivo mouse model, STF-62247 at a dose of 8 mg/kg byby intraperitoneal injection significantly reduces tumor growth of VHL-deficient SN12C tumor cells.