A first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor targeting AVIL exhibits safety and antitumor efficacy in preclinical models of glioblastoma

silencing by siRNA and caused down-regulation of FOXM1 and LIN28B, two known downstream targets of AVIL. Moreover, it exhibited selectivity toward tumor cells, sparing astrocytes and neural stem cells in vitro. In vivo, we found that the compound readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and could be delivered orally. We then demonstrated efficacy in five GBM mouse models without evidence of side effects. In summary, we have identified an efficacious first-in-class compound targeting an oncogene in GBM. Further optimization of the molecule may offer an effective therapeutic intervention for GBM.