Inhibition of VEGF transcription through blockade of the hypoxia inducible factor-1α-p300 interaction by a small molecule

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pro-angiogenic role in tumor progression. Stabilization of a key regulator termed the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α under oxygen deficient environment around tumor is known to elicit expression of VEGF through binding to p300. Thus, inhibition of the HIF-1α-p300 interaction would lead to down-regulation of VEGF expression, thereby providing potential cancer therapeutics. Here, we have screened a chemical library against the interaction of the HIF-1α-derived peptide with p300 employing a fluorescence polarization-based assay. We have identified a compound as the most prominent inhibitor against the protein-protein interaction. Further, we have observed suppression of the mRNA level of VEGF upon treatment of HeLa cells with the compound, demonstrating its inhibitory effect at the cellular level.