JD‐02, a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, induces ROS/SRC axis‐dependent cytoprotective autophagy in colorectal cancer cells

Abstract Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a tumor marker that accelerates cancer growth by disrupting protein homeostasis. However, concerns such as low clinical efficacy and drug resistance continue to be obstacles to the successful marketing of Hsp90 inhibitors. The cytoprotective function of autophagy has been identified as one of the mechanisms by which tumor cells gain resistance to chemotherapy. JD‐02 was identified as a new Hsp90 inhibitor that suppressed colorectal cancer (CRC) growth by lowering client protein levels in vivo and in vitro. We found that JD‐02 increased cellular autophagy, which inhibited apoptosis. JD‐02 enhanced cytoprotective autophagy and regulated apoptotic suppression by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species and inhibiting SRC protein levels, as demonstrated by quantitative proteomics, bioinformatic analysis, western blotting, and flow cytometry. This effect was reversed by autophagy inhibition. Therefore, due to the synergistic effects of Hsp90 and autophagy inhibitors in efficiently activating apoptotic pathways, they could potentially serve as promising therapeutic options for CRC.