
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks effective targeted therapies due to its aggressive nature. We identified DH20931, a novel small-molecule agonist of ceramide synthase 2 (CerS2) that synthesizes pro-apoptotic very long-chain ceramides (VLCCs). DH20931 directly activates CerS2 with nanomolar potency, causing VLCC accumulation and lipotoxic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that triggers apoptosis via ATF4/CHOP/PUMA signaling. Mechanistically, DH20931 enhances CerS2 interaction with IP3R1 calcium channels, promoting ER-mitochondria proximity and massive calcium flux into mitochondria. This mitochondrial calcium overload induces apoptosis. In preclinical studies, DH20931 potently inhibited TNBC cell growth in 2D/3D cultures and suppressed tumor progression in orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft models with favorable safety profiles. These findings validate CerS2 as a druggable target and establish a therapeutic strategy combining ER stress with calcium-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
