celastrol derivative cel-D7

**cel-D7** is a chemically modified derivative of the natural triterpenoid celastrol, developed as a potential anti-cancer agent. Its structure features an aromatic phenyl substituent, distinguishing it from celastrol and pristimerin, which have non-aromatic substituents[1]. Cel-D7 acts as a molecular chaperone antagonist, specifically targeting the HSP90/CDC37 complex, which is critical for the stability and function of numerous oncogenic protein kinases in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)[1][3]. By inhibiting the HSP90/CDC37 interaction, cel-D7 promotes the degradation and inhibits the phosphorylation of key kinases in the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, leading to reduced viability and increased apoptosis in HCC cells[1][3]. In preclinical studies, cel-D7 demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in HCC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models, with notably lower toxicity to normal hepatocytes compared to celastrol and pristimerin[1]. It may have potential as a broad-spectrum agent for treating HCC, either as monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapies[1][3].

Other names

celastrol derivative cel-D7cel-D7cel-D-7cel-D 7