Effect of a Novel Antidepressant and Anticancer Nuc01 on Depression in Cancer Survivors

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2025 Jul 24;47(8):587. doi: 10.3390/cimb47080587.

ABSTRACT

Depression in cancer survivors is commonly treated with serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine. These drugs alleviate depressive symptoms by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. However, a novel approach has emerged with the development of trans-2-phenylcyclopropylamine (PCPA)-drug conjugates that inhibit lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), which is a biomarker and molecular target for cancer therapy. LSD1 inhibition can effectively suppress cancer cell proliferation. Nuc01 is a novel PCPA-drug conjugate designed as a prodrug of venlafaxine. In vivo studies showed that Nuc01 dose-dependently reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test in mice, outperforming desmethylvenlafaxine. This suggests that Nuc01 may act as a potent triple reuptake inhibitor, potentially offering enhanced efficacy in the treatment of depression. Additionally, in vitro studies demonstrated that Nuc01 effectively occupies the PCPA binding site within LSD1 (IC₅₀ = 530 nm) and inhibits the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 1130 nm). These findings suggest that Nuc01 may function as an LSD1 inhibitor with potential anticancer properties. Collectively, the data indicate that Nuc01 appears to exhibit dual functional characteristics: acting as a triple reuptake inhibitor potentially applicable for depression treatment and as an LSD1 inhibitor demonstrating anticancer potential.

PMID:40864741 | DOI:10.3390/cimb47080587