Background:

TIC10 (TRAIL-inducing compound 10) is a potent and stable small molecule that is orally active. It induces TRAIL transcriptionally independent of p53 and crosses the blood-brain barrier. [1]

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is an apoptosis inducer in a variety of human cancer cell lines. It also acts as a tumor suppressor during immune surveillance but the function is lost in cancer progression. [1]

TIC10 caused a prominent and long-lasting production of TRAIL on cell surface of tumor cell.

TIC10 also led to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in HCT116 p53-/- cells. In addition, TIC10 inactivated Akt and ERK cooperatively lead to the nuclear translocation of Foxo3a and ensuing TRAIL up-regulation. [1]

In mouse caner xenograft, TIC10 showed TRAIL-dependent antitumor effect. It caused tumor-specific cell death by RAIL-mediated direct and bystander effects. TIC10 is also an effective antitumor agent for orthotopic human glioblastoma multiforme tumors. [1]

Reference:
1. Allen JE, Krigsfeld G, Mayes PA et al.  Dual inactivation of Akt and ERK by TIC10 signals Foxo3a nuclear translocation, TRAIL gene induction, and potent antitumor effects. Sci Transl Med. 2013 Feb 6;5(171):171ra17.