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Main Menu - Block
- Overview
 - Anatomy and Histology
 - Cryo-Electron Microscopy
 - Electron Microscopy
 - Flow Cytometry
 - Gene Targeting and Transgenics
 - High Performance Computing
 - Immortalized Cell Line Culture
 - Integrative Imaging
 - Invertebrate Shared Resource
 - Janelia Experimental Technology
 - Mass Spectrometry
 - Media Prep
 - Molecular Genomics
 - Primary & iPS Cell Culture
 - Project Pipeline Support
 - Project Technical Resources
 - Quantitative Genomics
 - Scientific Computing
 - Viral Tools
 - Vivarium
 
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor clinical outcome, due to a lack of actionable therapeutic targets. Herein we define lysosomal acid lipase A (LIPA) as a viable molecular target in TNBC and identify a stereospecific small molecule (ERX-41) that binds LIPA. ERX-41 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress resulting in cell death, and this effect is on target as evidenced by specific LIPA mutations providing resistance. Importantly, we demonstrate that ERX-41 activity is independent of LIPA lipase function but dependent on its ER localization. Mechanistically, ERX-41 binding of LIPA decreases expression of multiple ER-resident proteins involved in protein folding. This targeted vulnerability has a large therapeutic window, with no adverse effects either on normal mammary epithelial cells or in mice. Our study implicates a targeted strategy for solid tumors, including breast, brain, pancreatic and ovarian, whereby small, orally bioavailable molecules targeting LIPA block protein folding, induce ER stress and result in tumor cell death.


