RIPGBM

RIPGBM is a small molecule drug candidate designed to selectively target glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer stem cells (CSCs). It was identified through a large-scale survival assay of patient-derived GBM CSC lines. The molecule's selectivity is attributed to its redox-dependent conversion into a proapoptotic derivative, cRIPGBM, specifically within the environment of GBM CSCs. Mechanistically, cRIPGBM binds to receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) and functions as a molecular switch; it decreases the formation of the pro-survival RIPK2/TAK1 complex and increases the formation of the pro-apoptotic RIPK2/caspase 1 complex, leading to caspase 1-dependent apoptosis. RIPGBM has demonstrated the ability to significantly suppress tumor formation in intracranial GBM xenograft mouse models.

Other names

cRIPGBM