Novel deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS) inhibitors target hypusination-induced vasculogenic mimicry (VM) against malignant melanoma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) contributes factor to the poor prognosis of malignant melanoma. Developing deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS) inhibitors against melanoma VM is clinically essential. In this study, we optimized and synthesized a series of compounds based on the candidate structure, and the hit compound 7k was identified through enzyme assay and cell viability inhibition screening. Both inside and outside the cell, 7k's ability to target DHPS and its high affinity were demonstrated. Molecular dynamics and point mutation indicated that mutations of K329 or V129 in DHPS abolish 7k's inhibitory activity. Using PCR arrays, solid-state antibody microarrays, and angiogenesis assays investigated 7k's impact on melanoma cells to reveal that DHPS regulates melanoma VM by promoting FGFR2 and c-KIT expression. Surprisingly, 7k was discovered to inhibit MC1R-mediated melanin synthesis in the zebrafish. Pharmacokinetic evaluations demonstrated 7k's favorable properties, and xenograft models evidenced its notable anti-melanoma efficacy, achieving a TGI of 73 %. These results highlighted DHPS as key in melanoma VM formation and confirmed 7k's potential as a novel anti-melanoma agent.