Rationalized Computer-Aided Design of Matrix-Metalloprotease-Selective Prodrugs

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are central to cancer development and metastasis. They are highly active in the tumor environment and absent or inactive in normal tissues; therefore they represent viable targets for cancer drug discovery. In this study we evaluated in silico docking to develop MMP-subtype-selective tumor-activated prodrugs. Proof of principle for this therapeutic approach was demonstrated in vitro against an aggressive human glioma model, with involvement of MMPs confirmed using pharmacological inhibition.