The disulfonic acid ANDS disrupts ANP32B-p53 interaction to suppress chronic myeloid leukemia

Eradicating leukemic stem cells (LSCs), a major driver of primary resistance and relapse in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) following tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, is critical for achieving a cure. Previously, we identified that ANP32B promotes CML LSCs’ survival and leukemogenesis by directly binding and inhibiting p53 activity, suggesting a therapeutic opportunity. Here, we show that 1-amino-8-naphthol-2,4-disulfonic acid (ANDS) binds unacetylated p53 and restores p53 activity by disrupting ANP32B-p53 interaction. Consequently, ANDS inhibits CML cell proliferation, impairs LSC function and prolongs survival in the CML mouse model while sparing normal progenitor cells. Based on notion that ANDS, as a previously-identified CaMKP inhibitor, potentially activates p-CaMKIIγ to accelerate CML progression, we find that ANDS combination with KN93, a p-CaMKIIγ inhibitor, synergistically suppresses both TKI-sensitive and -resistant CML. Thus, we highlight that ANDS alone or in combination with CaMKP inhibitor could become a therapeutic strategy for eradicating LSCs and overcoming TKI-resistance in CML.