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Thng DKH, Toh TB, Chow EKH. Capitalizing on Synthetic Lethality of MYC to Treat Cancer in the Digital Age. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:166-182. [PMID: 33422376 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of MYC is among the most frequent oncogenic drivers of cancer. Developing targeted therapies against MYC is, therefore, one of the most critical unmet needs of cancer therapy. Unfortunately, MYC has been labelled as undruggable due to the lack of success in developing clinically relevant MYC-targeted therapies. Synthetic lethality is a promising approach that targets MYC-dependent vulnerabilities in cancer. However, translating the synthetic lethality targets to the clinics is still challenging due to the complex nature of cancers. This review highlights the most promising mechanisms of MYC synthetic lethality and how these discoveries are currently translated into the clinic. Finally, we discuss how in silico computational platforms can improve clinical success of synthetic lethality-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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52
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Madden SK, de Araujo AD, Gerhardt M, Fairlie DP, Mason JM. Taking the Myc out of cancer: toward therapeutic strategies to directly inhibit c-Myc. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:3. [PMID: 33397405 PMCID: PMC7780693 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that is constitutively and aberrantly expressed in over 70% of human cancers. Its direct inhibition has been shown to trigger rapid tumor regression in mice with only mild and fully reversible side effects, suggesting this to be a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we reassess the challenges of directly targeting c-Myc, evaluate lessons learned from current inhibitors, and explore how future strategies such as miniaturisation of Omomyc and targeting E-box binding could facilitate translation of c-Myc inhibitors into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madden
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Aline Dantas de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mara Gerhardt
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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53
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Chen L, Cheng B, Sun Q, Lai L. Ligand-based optimization and biological evaluation of N-(2,2,2-trichloro-1-(3-phenylthioureido)ethyl)acetamide derivatives as potent intrinsically disordered protein c-Myc inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 31:127711. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ross J, Miron CE, Plescia J, Laplante P, McBride K, Moitessier N, Möröy T. Targeting MYC: From understanding its biology to drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113137. [PMID: 33460833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is considered to be a high priority target for clinical intervention in cancer patients due to its aberrant activation in more than 50% of human cancers. Direct small molecule inhibition of MYC has traditionally been hampered by its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of both binding site and enzymatic activity. In recent years, however, a number of strategies for indirectly targeting MYC have emerged, guided by the advent of protein structural information and the growing set of computational tools that can be used to accelerate the hit to lead process in medicinal chemistry. In this review, we provide an overview of small molecules developed for clinical applications of these strategies, which include stabilization of the MYC guanine quadruplex, inhibition of BET factor BRD4, and disruption of the MYC:MAX heterodimer. The recent identification of novel targets for indirect MYC inhibition at the protein level is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ross
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110 Pine Ave W., Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Caitlin E Miron
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Jessica Plescia
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Patricia Laplante
- AmorChem II Ventures Inc., 4 Westmount Sq. Bureau 160, Westmount, Québec, H3Z 2S6, Canada
| | - Kevin McBride
- AmorChem II Ventures Inc., 4 Westmount Sq. Bureau 160, Westmount, Québec, H3Z 2S6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Moitessier
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada.
| | - Tarik Möröy
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110 Pine Ave W., Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, 2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada.
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55
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Aditham AK, Markin CJ, Mokhtari DA, DelRosso N, Fordyce PM. High-Throughput Affinity Measurements of Transcription Factor and DNA Mutations Reveal Affinity and Specificity Determinants. Cell Syst 2020; 12:112-127.e11. [PMID: 33340452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) bind regulatory DNA to control gene expression, and mutations to either TFs or DNA can alter binding affinities to rewire regulatory networks and drive phenotypic variation. While studies have profiled energetic effects of DNA mutations extensively, we lack similar information for TF variants. Here, we present STAMMP (simultaneous transcription factor affinity measurements via microfluidic protein arrays), a high-throughput microfluidic platform enabling quantitative characterization of hundreds of TF variants simultaneously. Measured affinities for ∼210 mutants of a model yeast TF (Pho4) interacting with 9 oligonucleotides (>1,800 Kds) reveal that many combinations of mutations to poorly conserved TF residues and nucleotides flanking the core binding site alter but preserve physiological binding, providing a mechanism by which combinations of mutations in cis and trans could modulate TF binding to tune occupancies during evolution. Moreover, biochemical double-mutant cycles across the TF-DNA interface reveal molecular mechanisms driving recognition, linking sequence to function. A record of this paper's Transparent Peer Review process is included in the Supplemental Information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Aditham
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Craig J Markin
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel A Mokhtari
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nicole DelRosso
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Polly M Fordyce
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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56
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The Molecular 'Myc-anisms' Behind Myc-Driven Tumorigenesis and the Relevant Myc-Directed Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249486. [PMID: 33322239 PMCID: PMC7764474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC, a well-studied proto-oncogene that is overexpressed in >20% of tumors across all cancers, is classically known as “undruggable” due to its crucial roles in cell processes and its lack of a drug binding pocket. Four decades of research and creativity led to the discovery of a myriad of indirect (and now some direct!) therapeutic strategies targeting Myc. This review explores the various mechanisms in which Myc promotes cancer and highlights five key therapeutic approaches to disrupt Myc, including transcription, Myc-Max dimerization, protein stability, cell cycle regulation, and metabolism, in order to develop more specific Myc-directed therapies.
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Richters A, Doyle SK, Freeman DB, Lee C, Leifer BS, Jagannathan S, Kabinger F, Koren JV, Struntz NB, Urgiles J, Stagg RA, Curtin BH, Chatterjee D, Mathea S, Mikochik PJ, Hopkins TD, Gao H, Branch JR, Xin H, Westover L, Bignan GC, Rupnow BA, Karlin KL, Olson CM, Westbrook TF, Vacca J, Wilfong CM, Trotter BW, Saffran DC, Bischofberger N, Knapp S, Russo JW, Hickson I, Bischoff JR, Gottardis MM, Balk SP, Lin CY, Pop MS, Koehler AN. Modulating Androgen Receptor-Driven Transcription in Prostate Cancer with Selective CDK9 Inhibitors. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 28:134-147.e14. [PMID: 33086052 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs) lose sensitivity to androgen-deprivation therapies but frequently remain dependent on oncogenic transcription driven by the androgen receptor (AR) and its splice variants. To discover modulators of AR-variant activity, we used a lysate-based small-molecule microarray assay and identified KI-ARv-03 as an AR-variant complex binder that reduces AR-driven transcription and proliferation in prostate cancer cells. We deduced KI-ARv-03 to be a potent, selective inhibitor of CDK9, an important cofactor for AR, MYC, and other oncogenic transcription factors. Further optimization resulted in KB-0742, an orally bioavailable, selective CDK9 inhibitor with potent anti-tumor activity in CRPC models. In 22Rv1 cells, KB-0742 rapidly downregulates nascent transcription, preferentially depleting short half-life transcripts and AR-driven oncogenic programs. In vivo, oral administration of KB-0742 significantly reduced tumor growth in CRPC, supporting CDK9 inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy to target AR dependence in CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Richters
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shelby K Doyle
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Becky S Leifer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sajjeev Jagannathan
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Florian Kabinger
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jošt Vrabič Koren
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas B Struntz
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Julie Urgiles
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ryan A Stagg
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brice H Curtin
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Deep Chatterjee
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Hua Gao
- Kronos Bio, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Hong Xin
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Lori Westover
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | | | - Brent A Rupnow
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Kristen L Karlin
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Calla M Olson
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas F Westbrook
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Knapp
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joshua W Russo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ian Hickson
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA; Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | | | - Steven P Balk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Charles Y Lin
- Kronos Bio, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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58
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de Jonge AV, Mutis T, Roemer MGM, Scheijen B, Chamuleau MED. Impact of MYC on Anti-Tumor Immune Responses in Aggressive B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Consequences for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103052. [PMID: 33092116 PMCID: PMC7589056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The human immune system has several mechanisms to attack and eliminate lymphomas. However, the MYC oncogene is thought to facilitate escape from this anti-tumor immune response. Since patients with MYC overexpressing lymphomas face a significant dismal prognosis after treatment with standard immunochemotherapy, understanding the role of MYC in regulating the anti-tumor immune response is highly relevant. In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which MYC attenuates the anti-tumor immune responses in B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We aim to implement this knowledge in the deployment of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Therefore, we also provide a comprehensive overview of current immunotherapeutic options and we discuss potential future treatment strategies for MYC overexpressing lymphomas. Abstract Patients with MYC overexpressing high grade B cell lymphoma (HGBL) face significant dismal prognosis after treatment with standard immunochemotherapy regimens. Recent preclinical studies indicate that MYC not only contributes to tumorigenesis by its effects on cell proliferation and differentiation, but also plays an important role in promoting escape from anti-tumor immune responses. This is of specific interest, since reversing tumor immune inhibition with immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. In this review, we outline the current understanding of impaired immune responses in B cell lymphoid malignancies with MYC overexpression, with a particular emphasis on diffuse large B cell lymphoma. We also discuss clinical consequences of MYC overexpression in the treatment of HGBL with novel immunotherapeutic agents and potential future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Vera de Jonge
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.M.); (M.E.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tuna Mutis
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.M.); (M.E.D.C.)
| | - Margaretha G. M. Roemer
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Blanca Scheijen
- Department of Pathology, Radboud UMC, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Martine E. D. Chamuleau
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.M.); (M.E.D.C.)
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59
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Quinnell SP, Leifer BS, Nestor ST, Tan K, Sheehy DF, Ceo L, Doyle SK, Koehler AN, Vegas AJ. A Small-Molecule Inhibitor to the Cytokine Interleukin-4. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2649-2654. [PMID: 32902255 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a multifunctional cytokine and an important regulator of inflammation. When deregulated, IL-4 activity is associated with asthma, allergic inflammation, and multiple types of cancer. While antibody-based inhibitors targeting the soluble cytokine have been evaluated clinically, they failed to achieve their end points in trials. Small-molecule inhibitors are an attractive alternative, but identifying effective chemotypes that inhibit the protein-protein interactions between cytokines and their receptors remains an active area of research. As a result, no small-molecule inhibitors to the soluble IL-4 cytokine have yet been reported. Here, we describe the first IL-4 small-molecule inhibitor identified and characterized through a combination of binding-based approaches and cell-based activity assays. The compound features a nicotinonitrile scaffold with micromolar affinity and potency for the cytokine and disrupts type II IL-4 signaling in cells. Small-molecule inhibitors of these important cell-signaling proteins have implications for numerous immune-related disorders and inform future drug discovery and design efforts for these challenging protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Quinnell
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Becky S. Leifer
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Stephen T. Nestor
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Kelly Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Daniel F. Sheehy
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Luke Ceo
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Shelby K. Doyle
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Angela N. Koehler
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Arturo J. Vegas
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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Boike L, Cioffi AG, Majewski FC, Co J, Henning NJ, Jones MD, Liu G, McKenna JM, Tallarico JA, Schirle M, Nomura DK. Discovery of a Functional Covalent Ligand Targeting an Intrinsically Disordered Cysteine within MYC. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 28:4-13.e17. [PMID: 32966806 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MYC is a major oncogenic transcriptional driver of most human cancers that has remained intractable to direct targeting because much of MYC is intrinsically disordered. Here, we have performed a cysteine-reactive covalent ligand screen to identify compounds that could disrupt the binding of MYC to its DNA consensus sequence in vitro and also impair MYC transcriptional activity in situ in cells. We have identified a covalent ligand, EN4, that targets cysteine 171 of MYC within a predicted intrinsically disordered region of the protein. We show that EN4 directly targets MYC in cells, reduces MYC and MAX thermal stability, inhibits MYC transcriptional activity, downregulates multiple MYC transcriptional targets, and impairs tumorigenesis. We also show initial structure-activity relationships of EN4 and identify compounds that show improved potency. Overall, we identify a unique ligandable site within an intrinsically disordered region of MYC that leads to inhibition of MYC transcriptional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Boike
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alexander G Cioffi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Felix C Majewski
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer Co
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Henning
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael D Jones
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeffrey M McKenna
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - John A Tallarico
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Markus Schirle
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel K Nomura
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Abstract
Protein-RNA interactions have crucial roles in various cellular activities, which, when dysregulated, can lead to a range of human diseases. The identification of small molecules that target the interaction between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA is progressing rapidly and represents a novel strategy for the discovery of chemical probes that facilitate understanding of the cellular functions of RBPs and of therapeutic agents with new mechanisms of action. In this Review, I present a current overview of targeting emerging RBPs using small-molecule inhibitors and recent progress in this burgeoning field. Small-molecule inhibitors that were reported for three representative emerging classes of RBPs, the microRNA-binding protein LIN28, the single-stranded or double-stranded RNA-binding Toll-like receptors and the CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, are highlighted from a medicinal-chemistry and chemical-biology perspective. However, although this field is burgeoning, challenges remain in the discovery and characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of RBPs.
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62
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Augert A, Mathsyaraja H, Ibrahim AH, Freie B, Geuenich MJ, Cheng PF, Alibeckoff SP, Wu N, Hiatt JB, Basom R, Gazdar A, Sullivan LB, Eisenman RN, MacPherson D. MAX Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Rewires Metabolism in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:97-114.e7. [PMID: 32470392 PMCID: PMC7363581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive and lethal neoplasm. To identify candidate tumor suppressors we applied CRISPR/Cas9 gene inactivation screens to a cellular model of early-stage SCLC. Among the top hits was MAX, the obligate heterodimerization partner for MYC family proteins that is mutated in human SCLC. Max deletion increases growth and transformation in cells and dramatically accelerates SCLC progression in an Rb1/Trp53-deleted mouse model. In contrast, deletion of Max abrogates tumorigenesis in MYCL-overexpressing SCLC. Max deletion in SCLC resulted in derepression of metabolic genes involved in serine and one-carbon metabolism. By increasing serine biosynthesis, Max-deleted cells exhibit resistance to serine depletion. Thus, Max loss results in metabolic rewiring and context-specific tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Augert
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Haritha Mathsyaraja
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ali H Ibrahim
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brian Freie
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Michael J Geuenich
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Quest University Canada, 3200 University Boulevard, Squamish, BC V8B 0N8, Canada
| | - Pei-Feng Cheng
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sydney P Alibeckoff
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joseph B Hiatt
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ryan Basom
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Adi Gazdar
- University of Texas, Southwestern, USA, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - David MacPherson
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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63
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Gerry CJ, Schreiber SL. Recent achievements and current trajectories of diversity-oriented synthesis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 56:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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64
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Bailly C, Vergoten G. Protein homodimer sequestration with small molecules: Focus on PD-L1. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 174:113821. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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65
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Demma MJ, Hohn MJ, Sun A, Mapelli C, Hall B, Walji A, O'Neil J. Inhibition of Myc transcriptional activity by a mini-protein based upon Mxd1. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:1467-1476. [PMID: 32053209 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myc, a transcription factor with oncogenic activity, is upregulated by amplification, translocation, and mutation of the cellular pathways that regulate its stability. Inhibition of the Myc oncogene by various modalities has had limited success. One Myc inhibitor, Omomyc, has limited cellular and in vivo activity. Here, we report a mini-protein, referred to as Mad, which is derived from the cellular Myc antagonist Mxd1. Mad localizes to the nucleus in cells and is 10-fold more potent than Omomyc in inhibiting Myc-driven cell proliferation. Similar to Mxd1, Mad also interacts with Max, the binding partner of Myc, and with the nucleolar upstream binding factor. Mad binds to E-Box DNA in the promoters of Myc target genes and represses Myc-mediated transcription to a greater extent than Omomyc. Overall, Mad appears to be more potent than Omomyc both in vitro and in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Demma
- Oncology Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Hohn
- Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Angie Sun
- Protein Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Brian Hall
- Protein Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abbas Walji
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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66
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Rohrberg J, Van de Mark D, Amouzgar M, Lee JV, Taileb M, Corella A, Kilinc S, Williams J, Jokisch ML, Camarda R, Balakrishnan S, Shankar R, Zhou A, Chang AN, Chen B, Rugo HS, Dumont S, Goga A. MYC Dysregulates Mitosis, Revealing Cancer Vulnerabilities. Cell Rep 2020; 30:3368-3382.e7. [PMID: 32160543 PMCID: PMC7085414 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors that overexpress the MYC oncogene are frequently aneuploid, a state associated with highly aggressive cancers and tumor evolution. However, how MYC causes aneuploidy is not well understood. Here, we show that MYC overexpression induces mitotic spindle assembly defects and chromosomal instability (CIN) through effects on microtubule nucleation and organization. Attenuating MYC expression reverses mitotic defects, even in established tumor cell lines, indicating an ongoing role for MYC in CIN. MYC reprograms mitotic gene expression, and we identify TPX2 to be permissive for spindle assembly in MYC-high cells. TPX2 depletion blocks mitotic progression, induces cell death, and prevents tumor growth. Further elevating TPX2 expression reduces mitotic defects in MYC-high cells. MYC and TPX2 expression may be useful biomarkers to stratify patients for anti-mitotic therapies. Our studies implicate MYC as a regulator of mitosis and suggest that blocking MYC activity can attenuate the emergence of CIN and tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rohrberg
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Daniel Van de Mark
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Meelad Amouzgar
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joyce V Lee
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Moufida Taileb
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra Corella
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seda Kilinc
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Williams
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marie-Lena Jokisch
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roman Camarda
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sanjeev Balakrishnan
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rama Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Alicia Zhou
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Bin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Hope S Rugo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sophie Dumont
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrei Goga
- Department of Cell & Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Targeting the function of MYC oncoproteins holds the promise of achieving conceptually new and effective anticancer therapies that can be applied to a broad range of tumors. The nature of the target however—a broadly, possibly universally acting transcription factor that has no enzymatic activity and is largely unstructured unless complexed with partner proteins—has so far defied the development of clinically applicable MYC-directed therapies. At the same time, lingering questions about exactly which functions of MYC proteins account for their pervasive oncogenic role in human tumors and need to be targeted have prevented the development of effective therapies using surrogate targets that act in critical MYC-dependent pathways. In this review, we therefore argue that rigorous testing of critical oncogenic functions and protein/protein interactions and new chemical approaches to target them are necessary to successfully eradicate MYC-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmar Wolf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;,
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;,
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68
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Abstract
MYC is a master transcriptional regulator that controls almost all cellular processes. Over the last several decades, researchers have strived to define the context-dependent transcriptional gene programs that are controlled by MYC, as well as the mechanisms that regulate MYC function, in an effort to better understand the contribution of this oncoprotein to cancer progression. There are a wealth of data indicating that deregulation of MYC activity occurs in a large number of cancers and significantly contributes to disease progression, metastatic potential, and therapeutic resistance. Although the therapeutic targeting of MYC in cancer is highly desirable, there remain substantial structural and functional challenges that have impeded direct MYC-targeted drug development and efficacy. While efforts to drug the ‘undruggable’ may seem futile given these challenges and considering the broad reach of MYC, significant strides have been made to identify points of regulation that can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. These include targeting the deregulation of MYC transcription in cancer through small-molecule inhibitors that induce epigenetic silencing or that regulate the G-quadruplex structures within the MYC promoter. Alternatively, compounds that disrupt the DNA-binding activities of MYC have been the long-standing focus of many research groups, since this method would prevent downstream MYC oncogenic activities regardless of upstream alterations. Finally, proteins involved in the post-translational regulation of MYC have been identified as important surrogate targets to reduce MYC activity downstream of aberrant cell stimulatory signals. Given the complex regulation of the MYC signaling pathway, a combination of these approaches may provide the most durable response, but this has yet to be shown. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different therapeutic strategies being employed to target oncogenic MYC function, with a focus on post-translational mechanisms.
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69
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Chen A, Koehler AN. Transcription Factor Inhibition: Lessons Learned and Emerging Targets. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:508-518. [PMID: 32359481 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors have roles at focal points in signaling pathways, controlling many normal cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, immune responses, and differentiation. Their activity is frequently deregulated in disease and targeting this class of proteins is a major focus of interest. However, the structural disorder and lack of binding pockets have made design of small molecules for transcription factors challenging. Here, we review some of the most recent developments for small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors emphasized in James Darnell's vision 17 years ago. We also discuss the progress so far on transcription factors recently nominated by genome-scale loss-of-function screens from the cancer dependency map project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA.
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70
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Massó-Vallés D, Beaulieu ME, Soucek L. MYC, MYCL, and MYCN as therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:101-114. [PMID: 32003251 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1723548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite recent advances with personalized therapies and immunotherapy, the prognosis remains dire and recurrence is frequent. Myc is an oncogene deregulated in human cancers, including lung cancer, where it supports tumorigenic processes and progression. Elevated Myc levels have also been associated with resistance to therapy.Areas covered: This article summarizes the genomic and transcriptomic studies that compile evidence for (i) MYC, MYCN, and MYCL amplification and overexpression in lung cancer patients, and (ii) their prognostic significance. We collected the most recent literature regarding the development of Myc inhibitors where the emphasis is on those inhibitors tested in lung cancer experimental models and their potential for future clinical application.Expert opinion: The targeting of Myc in lung cancer is potentially an unprecedented opportunity for inhibiting a key player in tumor progression and maintenance and therapeutic resistance. Myc inhibitory strategies are on the path to their clinical application but further work is necessary for the assessment of their use in combination with standard treatment approaches. Given the role of Myc in immune suppression, a significant opportunity may exist in the combination of Myc inhibitors with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Edifici Cellex, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana De Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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71
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Identifying Secondary Mutations in Chinese Patients with Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 26:91-100. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00770-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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72
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Abstract
Mutated or dysregulated transcription factors represent a unique class of drug targets that mediate aberrant gene expression, including blockade of differentiation and cell death gene expression programmes, hallmark properties of cancers. Transcription factor activity is altered in numerous cancer types via various direct mechanisms including chromosomal translocations, gene amplification or deletion, point mutations and alteration of expression, as well as indirectly through non-coding DNA mutations that affect transcription factor binding. Multiple approaches to target transcription factor activity have been demonstrated, preclinically and, in some cases, clinically, including inhibition of transcription factor-cofactor protein-protein interactions, inhibition of transcription factor-DNA binding and modulation of levels of transcription factor activity by altering levels of ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome degradation or by inhibition of regulators of transcription factor expression. In addition, several new approaches to targeting transcription factors have recently emerged including modulation of auto-inhibition, proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs), use of cysteine reactive inhibitors, targeting intrinsically disordered regions of transcription factors and combinations of transcription factor inhibitors with kinase inhibitors to block the development of resistance. These innovations in drug development hold great promise to yield agents with unique properties that are likely to impact future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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73
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Omomyc Reveals New Mechanisms To Inhibit the MYC Oncogene. Mol Cell Biol 2019; 39:MCB.00248-19. [PMID: 31501275 PMCID: PMC6817756 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00248-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is upregulated in human cancers by translocation, amplification, and mutation of cellular pathways that regulate Myc. Myc/Max heterodimers bind to E box sequences in the promoter regions of genes and activate transcription. The MYC oncogene is upregulated in human cancers by translocation, amplification, and mutation of cellular pathways that regulate Myc. Myc/Max heterodimers bind to E box sequences in the promoter regions of genes and activate transcription. The MYC inhibitor Omomyc can reduce the ability of MYC to bind specific box sequences in promoters of MYC target genes by binding directly to E box sequences as demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP). Here, we demonstrate by both a proximity ligation assay (PLA) and double chromatin immunoprecipitation (ReCHIP) that Omomyc preferentially binds to Max, not Myc, to mediate inhibition of MYC-mediated transcription by replacing MYC/MAX heterodimers with Omomyc/MAX heterodimers. The formation of Myc/Max and Omomyc/Max heterodimers occurs cotranslationally; Myc, Max, and Omomyc can interact with ribosomes and Max RNA under conditions in which ribosomes are intact. Taken together, our data suggest that the mechanism of action of Omomyc is to bind DNA as either a homodimer or a heterodimer with Max that is formed cotranslationally, revealing a novel mechanism to inhibit the MYC oncogene. We find that in vivo, Omomyc distributes quickly to kidneys and liver and has a short effective half-life in plasma, which could limit its use in vivo.
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74
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Valeur E, Narjes F, Ottmann C, Plowright AT. Emerging modes-of-action in drug discovery. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1550-1568. [PMID: 31673315 PMCID: PMC6786009 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00263d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An increasing focus on complex biology to cure diseases rather than merely treat symptoms has transformed how drug discovery can be approached. Instead of activating or blocking protein function, a growing repertoire of drug modalities can be leveraged or engineered to hijack cellular processes, such as translational regulation or degradation mechanisms. Drug hunters can therefore access a wider arsenal of modes-of-action to modulate biological processes and this review summarises these emerging strategies by highlighting the most representative examples of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Valeur
- Medicinal Chemistry , Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism , BioPharmaceuticals R&D , AstraZeneca, Gothenburg , 43183 Mölndal , Sweden .
| | - Frank Narjes
- Medicinal Chemistry , Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmune (RIA) , BioPharmaceuticals R&D , AstraZeneca, Gothenburg , 43183 Mölndal , Sweden
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems , Technische Universiteit Eindhoven , Den Dolech 2 , 5612 , AZ , Eindhoven , the Netherlands
- Department of Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , Universitätsstraße 7 , 45117 , Essen , Germany
| | - Alleyn T Plowright
- Integrated Drug Discovery , Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH , Industriepark Höchst , D-65926 Frankfurt am Main , Germany
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75
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Mathsyaraja H, Freie B, Cheng PF, Babaeva E, Catchpole JT, Janssens D, Henikoff S, Eisenman RN. Max deletion destabilizes MYC protein and abrogates Eµ- Myc lymphomagenesis. Genes Dev 2019; 33:1252-1264. [PMID: 31395740 PMCID: PMC6719623 DOI: 10.1101/gad.325878.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although MAX is regarded as an obligate dimerization partner for MYC, its function in normal development and neoplasia is poorly defined. We show that B-cell-specific deletion of Max has a modest effect on B-cell development but completely abrogates Eµ-Myc-driven lymphomagenesis. While Max loss affects only a few hundred genes in normal B cells, it leads to the global down-regulation of Myc-activated genes in premalignant Eµ-Myc cells. We show that the balance between MYC-MAX and MNT-MAX interactions in B cells shifts in premalignant B cells toward a MYC-driven transcriptional program. Moreover, we found that MAX loss leads to a significant reduction in MYC protein levels and down-regulation of direct transcriptional targets, including regulators of MYC stability. This phenomenon is also observed in multiple cell lines treated with MYC-MAX dimerization inhibitors. Our work uncovers a layer of Myc autoregulation critical for lymphomagenesis yet partly dispensable for normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritha Mathsyaraja
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Brian Freie
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Pei-Feng Cheng
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Ekaterina Babaeva
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Jonathen T Catchpole
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Derek Janssens
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
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76
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Boyd SR, Young DW. Max-imizing the Attenuation of Myc Using Small Molecules. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:608-612. [PMID: 31280901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been a widely held notion within the biomedical research community that the reliable modulation of transcription factors with small molecules would represent a holy grail, given their role in directly potentiating oncogenic programs. Among the transcription factors that have been held in highest regard is Myc, since its dysregulation is among the most recurrent events in human cancer. Despite intense efforts, the ability to identify compounds that bind directly to Myc, resulting in its functional inhibition, have been met with only moderate success. However, a new approach reported by Struntz et al. (Cell Chem. Biol., 2019) focuses on a different strategy of discovering molecules that bind to Myc's obligate partner Max. Using a small-molecule microarray screen, they report the identification of KI-MS2-008, a compound that results in the stabilization of Max homodimers and the attenuation of Myc. KI-MS2-008 suppresses cancer cell grown both in vitro and within in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelton R Boyd
- Center for Drug Discovery (CDD), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Damian W Young
- Center for Drug Discovery (CDD), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Therapeutic Innovations Center (THINC@BCM), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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77
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Wang XN, Su XX, Cheng SQ, Sun ZY, Huang ZS, Ou TM. MYC modulators in cancer: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2019; 29:353-367. [PMID: 31068032 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2019.1612878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The important role of MYC in tumorigenesis makes it particularly important to design MYC modulators. Over the past decade, researchers have raised a number of strategies for designing MYC modulators, some of which are already in clinical trials. This paper aims to review the patents of MYC modulators. AREAS COVERED The important biological relevance of c-MYC and the regulation pathways related to c-MYC are briefly introduced. Base on that, the MYC modulators reported in published patents and references primarily for cancer treatment are outlined, highlighting the structures and biological activities. EXPERT OPINION There has been a growing awareness of finding and designing MYC modulators as novel anticancer drugs over recent years. Patents involving the discovery, synthesis, and application of MYC modulators are particularly important for further development in this field. Although finding direct MYC inhibitors or binders is challenging, MYC cannot be simply defined as an undruggable target. There is still substantial evidence proving the concept that MYC modulators can benefit to the treatment of both human hematological malignancies and solid tumors. More efforts should be taken to improve the activity and specificity of MYC modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Na Wang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Su
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Sui-Qi Cheng
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Yin Sun
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
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