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Ye J, Mao L, Xie L, Zhang R, Liu Y, Peng L, Yang J, Li Q, Yuan M. Discovery of a Series of Theophylline Derivatives Containing 1,2,3-Triazole for Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:753676. [PMID: 34764872 PMCID: PMC8576520 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.753676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the most common clinical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but low efficiency and high toxicity of current chemotherapy drugs limit their clinical application. Therefore, it is urgent to develop hypotoxic and efficient chemotherapy drugs. Theophylline, a natural compound, is safe and easy to get, and it can be used as a modified scaffold structure and hold huge potential for developing safe and efficient antitumor drugs. Herein, we linked theophylline with different azide compounds to synthesize a new type of 1,2,3-triazole ring-containing theophylline derivatives. We found that some theophylline1,2,3-triazole compounds showed a good tumor-suppressive efficacy. Especially, derivative d17 showed strong antiproliferative activity against a variety of cancer cells in vitro, including H460, A549, A2780, LOVO, MB-231, MCF-7, OVCAR3, SW480, and PC-9. It is worth noting that the two NSCLC cell lines H460 H and A549 are sensitive to compound d17 particularly, with IC50 of 5.929 ± 0.97 μM and 6.76 ± 0.25 μM, respectively. Compound d17 can significantly induce cell apoptosis by increasing the ratio of apoptotic protein Bax/Bcl-2 by downregulating the expression of phosphorylated Akt protein, and it has little toxicity to normal hepatocyte cells LO2 at therapeutic concentrations. These data indicate that these theophylline acetic acid-1,2,3-triazole derivatives may be potential drug candidates for anti-NSCLC and are worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Ye
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Longfei Mao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Engineering Research Center of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Luoyijun Xie
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongjun Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulin Liu
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lizeng Peng
- Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
| | - Jianxue Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Qingjiao Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miaomiao Yuan
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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Sarmiento-Salinas FL, Perez-Gonzalez A, Acosta-Casique A, Ix-Ballote A, Diaz A, Treviño S, Rosas-Murrieta NH, Millán-Perez-Peña L, Maycotte P. Reactive oxygen species: Role in carcinogenesis, cancer cell signaling and tumor progression. Life Sci 2021; 284:119942. [PMID: 34506835 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of death in the world and its global burden is expected to continue increasing. In several types of cancers, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been extensively linked to carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, studies have reported conflicting evidence regarding the role of ROS in cancer, mostly dependent on the cancer type or the step of the tumorigenic process. We review recent studies describing diverse aspects of the interplay of ROS with cancer in the different stages of cancer progression, with a special focus on their role in carcinogenesis, their importance for cancer cell signaling and their relationship to the most prevalent cancer risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Lilí Sarmiento-Salinas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente (CIBIOR), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Andrea Perez-Gonzalez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente (CIBIOR), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Adilene Acosta-Casique
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente (CIBIOR), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Adrián Ix-Ballote
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente (CIBIOR), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias y Tecnologías Biomédicas, Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Diaz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Samuel Treviño
- Posgrado en Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | | | | | - Paola Maycotte
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente (CIBIOR), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico.
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Evidence of a dual mechanism of action underlying the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of ammonium-alkyloxy-stilbene-based α7- and α9-nicotinic ligands on glioblastoma cells. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:105959. [PMID: 34756924 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs), the most frequent brain tumours, are highly invasive and their prognosis is still poor despite the use of combination treatment. MG624 is a 4-oxystilbene derivative that is active on α7- and α9-containing neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. Hybridisation of MG624 with a non-nicotinic resveratrol-derived pro-oxidant mitocan has led to two novel compounds (StN-4 and StN-8) that are more potent than MG624 in reducing the viability of GBM cells, but less potent in reducing the viability of mouse astrocytes. Functional analysis of their activity on α7 receptors showed that StN-4 is a silent agonist, whereas StN-8 is a full antagonist, and neither alters intracellular [Ca2+] levels when acutely applied to U87MG cells. After 72 h of exposure, both compounds decreased U87MG cell proliferation, and pAKT and oxphos ATP levels, but only StN-4 led to a significant accumulation of cells in phase G1/G0 and increased apoptosis. One hour of exposure to either compound also decreased the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ATP production of U87MG cells, and this was not paralleled by any increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. Knocking down the α9 subunit (which is expressed at relatively high levels in U87MG cells) decreased the potency of the effects of both compounds on cell viability, but cell proliferation, ATP production, pAKT levels were unaffected by the presence of the noncell-permeable α7/α9-selective antagonist αBungarotoxin. These last findings suggest that the anti-tumoral effects of StN-4 and StN-8 on GBM cells are not only due to their action on nAChRs, but also to other non-nicotinic mechanisms.
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Pungsrinont T, Kallenbach J, Baniahmad A. Role of PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathway as a Pro-Survival Signaling and Resistance-Mediating Mechanism to Therapy of Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11088. [PMID: 34681745 PMCID: PMC8538152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapy are the gold standard options for treating prostate cancer (PCa). These are initially effective, as localized and the early stage of metastatic disease are androgen- and castration-sensitive. The tumor strongly relies on systemic/circulating androgens for activating AR signaling to stimulate growth and progression. However, after a certain point, the tumor will eventually develop a resistant stage, where ADT and AR antagonists are no longer effective. Mechanistically, it seems that the tumor becomes more aggressive through adaptive responses, relies more on alternative activated pathways, and is less dependent on AR signaling. This includes hyperactivation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, which is a central signal that regulates cell pro-survival/anti-apoptotic pathways, thus, compensating the blockade of AR signaling. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is well-documented for its crosstalk between genomic and non-genomic AR signaling, as well as other signaling cascades. Such a reciprocal feedback loop makes it more complicated to target individual factor/signaling for treating PCa. Here, we highlight the role of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling as a resistance mechanism for PCa therapy and illustrate the transition of prostate tumor from AR signaling-dependent to PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway-dependent. Moreover, therapeutic strategies with inhibitors targeting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signal used in clinic and ongoing clinical trials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany; (T.P.); (J.K.)
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Ma Y, Zhang H, Li X, Liu Y. HAGLROS promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis and inhibits apoptosis by activating multiple signaling pathways in LSCC cells. J Oral Pathol Med 2021; 51:510-519. [PMID: 34634160 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HAGLROS is a long noncoding RNA involving in the development of a variety of cancers, but its mechanism of action in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC) is still unclear. We aim to unveil the effect and mechanism of HAGLROS on LSCC. METHODS The expression of HAGLROS in LSCC patients' tissues, serum, and LSCC cell lines was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. AMC-HN-8 and SNU-46 cells were transfected with the overexpression plasmid of HAGLROS and shHAGLROS, and the functional assay (colony formation assays, flow cytometry, and tube formation) was performed. Western blot was used to determine the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), P27 and cleaved caspase-3, as well as phosphorylated-c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), JNK, phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-Erk1/2), Erk1/2, phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and AKT. RESULTS HAGLROS was highly expressed in LSCC tissues and cells, and it was correlated to lymph node, tumor depth, and clinical stage of LSCC patients. The proliferation ability of LSCC cells was higher than that of HuLa-PC cells. Meanwhile, HAGLROS overexpression promoted the abilities of proliferation and angiogenesis and reduced apoptosis, whereas silencing of HAGLROS exerted the opposite effects in LSCC cell lines. Moreover, overexpressed HAGLROS upregulated the expressions of VEGF and PCNA yet downregulated the expressions of P27 and cleaved caspase-3 by activating Erk1/2 and AKT or JNK signaling pathways in different LSCC cell lines. CONCLUSION Overexpressed HAGLROS promoted the proliferation and angiogenesis yet inhibited apoptosis of LSCC cells by activating Erk1/2 and AKT or JNK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yehai Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Dai L, Wei D, Zhang J, Shen T, Zhao Y, Liang J, Ma W, Zhang L, Liu Q, Zheng Y. Aptamer-conjugated mesoporous polydopamine for docetaxel targeted delivery and synergistic photothermal therapy of prostate cancer. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13130. [PMID: 34599546 PMCID: PMC8560597 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives It is imperative to develop efficient strategies on the treatment of prostate cancer. Here, we constructed multifunctional nanoparticles, namely AS1411@MPDA‐DTX (AMD) for targeted and synergistic chemotherapy/photothermal therapy of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods Mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles were prepared by a one‐pot synthesis method, DTX was loaded through incubation, and AS1411 aptamer was modified onto MPDA by the covalent reaction. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by ultra‐micro spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscope, and so on. The targeting ability was detected by selective uptake and cell killing. The mechanism of AMD‐mediated synergistic therapy was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results The prepared nanoparticles can be easily synthesized and possessed excellent water solubility, stability, and controlled drug release ability, preferentially in acidic context. Based on in vitro and in vivo results, the nanoparticles can efficiently target prostate cancer cells, promote DTX internalization, and enhance the antitumor effects of chemo‐photothermal therapy strategies under the NIR laser irradiation. Conclusions As a multifunctional nanoplatform, AS1411@MPDA‐DTX could efficiently target prostate cancer cells, promote DTX internalization, and synergistically enhance the antiprostate cancer efficiency by combining with NIR irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Dai
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Dapeng Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Jidong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Tianyu Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuming Zhao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Junqiang Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Wangteng Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Qingli Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
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RHBDD1 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in renal cell carcinoma via the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:826. [PMID: 34581421 PMCID: PMC8503741 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The increasing incidence of RCC poses a serious threat to human health. It is well-documented that rhomboid domain-containing protein 1 (RHBDD1) plays a vital role in cancer progression. The present study was designed to identify the biological functions of RHBDD1 in RCC and investigate the underlying regulatory mechanism, aiming to explore the novel molecular therapeutic targets for RCC. The protein and mRNA expression levels of RHBDD1 in normal renal tubule epithelium and human RCC cell lines were analyzed using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to determine cell migration and invasion, respectively. In addition, key proteins related to migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, MMP13, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and Slug, were analyzed using western blotting. In addition, the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway was further studied using western blotting to determine the potential molecular mechanism. The results of the present study revealed that RHBDD1 expression levels were significantly upregulated in RCC cell lines. The knockdown of RHBDD1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, while the overexpression of RHBDD1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in RCC. In addition, the knockdown of RHBDD1 suppressed the activation of the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway, while the overexpression of RHBDD1 activated the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, these stimulatory effects of RHBDD1 overexpression on RCC progression and the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway were partly reversed by gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that RHBDD1 may be a crucial regulator of RCC by modulating the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway. The present study may provide a theoretical basis and potential targets for RCC treatment.
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Adil MS, Verma A, Rudraraju M, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Akt-independent effects of triciribine on ACE2 expression in human lung epithelial cells: Potential benefits in restricting SARS-CoV2 infection. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6597-6606. [PMID: 33624300 PMCID: PMC8014085 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain cellular entry. Akt inhibitor triciribine (TCBN) has demonstrated promising results in promoting recovery from advanced-stage acute lung injury in preclinical studies. In the current study, we tested the direct effect of TCBN on ACE2 expression in human bronchial (H441) and lung alveolar (A549) epithelial cells. Treatment with TCBN resulted in the downregulation of both messenger RNA and protein levels of ACE2 in A549 cells. Since HMGB1 plays a vital role in the inflammatory response in COVID-19, and because hyperglycemia has been linked to increased COVID-19 infections, we determined if HMGB1 and hyperglycemia have any effect on ACE2 expression in lung epithelial cells and whether TCBN has any effect on reversing HMGB1- and hyperglycemia-induced ACE2 expression. We observed increased ACE2 expression with both HMGB1 and hyperglycemia treatment in A549 as well as H441 cells, which were blunted by TCBN treatment. Our findings from this study, combined with our previous reports on the potential benefits of TCBN in the treatment of acute lung injury, generate reasonable optimism on the potential utility of TCBN in the therapeutic management of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir S. Adil
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Arti Verma
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA,Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of GeorgiaAugusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterUniversity of GeorgiaAugustaGeorgiaUSA,Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of GeorgiaAugusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA,Department of MedicineAugusta UniversityAugustaGeorgiaUSA
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Yan L, Wang D, Liu X, Gu C, Gao S. Actein antagonizes colorectal cancer through blocking PI3K/Akt pathways by downregulating IMPDH2. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:864-874. [PMID: 33929996 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Actein, a triterpene glycoside, isolated from rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida, was reported to exhibit anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, the effects of actein on colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. As one of the most popular cancers all over the world, CRC ranked third place in both men and women. Recently, we investigated the potential anti-CRC effects of actein and its mechanisms. The Cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation assays, cell cycle detection, apoptosis detection, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential evaluation, western blot, as well as SW480 xenograft mice model were conducted to illustrate the mechanisms of action on anti-CRC effects of actein. Actein could significantly inhibit the human CRC cell lines SW480 and HT-29 proliferation, whereas less antiproliferation effects were found in normal colorectal cell lines HCoEpiC and FHC. Administration of actein resulted in G1 phase cell cycle arrest in both SW480 and HT-29 cells. Moreover, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis was also observed after treatment with actein in SW480 and HT-29 cell lines. Further investigation of mechanisms of action on actein-mediated anti-CRC proliferation effects indicated that the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt pathways were involved. Actein significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of key molecules in PI3K/Akt pathways, including mTOR, glycogen synthesis kinase 3β (GSK-3β), as well as FOXO1. In addition, inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase type II (IMPDH2) was also observed decreasing in both SW480 and HT-29 cell lines after actein treatment, suggesting that actein may inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathways by decreasing IMPDH2. Finally, our SW480 xenograft model verified the anti-CRC effects and the safety of actein in vivo. Our findings suggest actein is worthy of further investigation as a novel drug candidate for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Yan
- Anorectal Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Dandan Wang
- College of Health, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Preventive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Gu
- Anorectal Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Shanyu Gao
- Anorectal Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Kang BW, Chau I. Molecular target: pan-AKT in gastric cancer. ESMO Open 2021; 5:e000728. [PMID: 32948630 PMCID: PMC7511610 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway is involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism and cytoskeletal reorganisation. The downstream effectors of this PI3K pathway are also essential for maintaining physiologic homeostasis, commonly dysregulated in most solid tumours. AKT is the key regulator in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling, interacting with multiple intracellular molecules. AKT activation subsequently leads to a number of potential downstream effects, and its aberrant activation results in the pathogenesis of cancer. Accordingly, as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, several AKT inhibitors are currently under development and in multiple stages of clinical trials for various types of malignancy, including gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, the authors review the significance of AKT and recent studies on AKT inhibitors in GC, focusing on the scientific background with the potential to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woog Kang
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, UK.
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Shang W, Zhang J, Song H, Zhu S, Zhang A, Hua Y, Han S, Fu Y. Mechanism of Tetrandrine Against Endometrial Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:2907-2919. [PMID: 34262258 PMCID: PMC8275110 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s307670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynaecological malignancies, and its incidence has been rising over the past decade. Tetrandrine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has been isolated from a vine used in traditional Chinese medicine, Stephania tetrandra. However, the key mechanism of tetrandrine in EC is still unclear. Purpose This research was designed to predict the molecular mechanisms of tetrandrine against EC based on network pharmacology and to further verify these predictions by in vitro experiments. Methods The potential therapeutic targets of tetrandrine against EC were predicted by using public databases. Afterwards, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the common targets was constructed, and the key gene targets were obtained. Biological function and pathway enrichment analyses were performed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Furthermore, molecular docking and in vitro experiments were carried out to verify the predictions. The cell counting kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis and an immunofluorescence assay were performed. Results Our findings identified 111 potential therapeutic targets of tetrandrine against EC. We obtained 7 key gene targets from the PPI network analysis. Furthermore, GO enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were mainly associated with metabolic processes, responses to stimulus, and biological regulation. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the common targets were mainly distributed in the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. A potential interaction of tetrandrine with Akt1 was revealed by molecular docking. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that tetrandrine significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in Ishikawa and HEC-1-B cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. The results also revealed that tetrandrine can downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and upregulate the expression of Bax at the mRNA level. The mRNA levels of Akt were not significantly different in the various tetrandrine (0, 10 and 20µM) groups. However, Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein expression ratios of p-Akt/Akt decreased at the protein level. The results were further confirmed by immunofluorescence assays. Conclusion Based on bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification, our findings demonstrated that tetrandrine exerted tumour-suppressive effects on EC by regulating the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Shang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Translational Medicine Center, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Song
- Translational Medicine Center, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunfei Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushuang Hua
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujun Han
- Surgical Department, Zhangdian District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Fu
- Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Yu L, Wei J, Liu P. Attacking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapeutic treatment in human cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:69-94. [PMID: 34175443 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of human death globally. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling pathways observed in cancer patients that plays crucial roles in promoting tumor initiation, progression and therapy responses. This is largely due to that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is indispensable for many cellular biological processes, including cell growth, metastasis, survival, metabolism, and others. As such, small molecule inhibitors targeting major kinase components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway have drawn extensive attention and been developed and evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials. Targeting a single kinase component within this signaling usually causes growth arrest rather than apoptosis associated with toxicity-induced adverse effects in patients. Combination therapies including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors show improved patient response and clinical outcome, albeit developed resistance has been reported. In this review, we focus on revealing the mechanisms leading to the hyperactivation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in cancer and summarizing efforts for developing PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors as either mono-therapy or combination therapy in different cancer settings. We hope that this review will facilitate further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR oncogenic signaling in cancer and provide insights into possible future directions for targeted therapeutic regimen for cancer treatment, by developing new agents, drug delivery systems, or combination regimen to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This information will also provide effective patient stratification strategy to improve the patient response and clinical outcome for cancer patients with deregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Co-evolution of matrisome and adaptive adhesion dynamics drives ovarian cancer chemoresistance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3904. [PMID: 34162871 PMCID: PMC8222388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its dynamic nature, the evolution of cancer cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) crosstalk, critically affecting metastasis and treatment resistance, remains elusive. Our results show that platinum-chemotherapy itself enhances resistance by progressively changing the cancer cell-intrinsic adhesion signaling and cell-surrounding ECM. Examining ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) transcriptome and histology, we describe the fibrotic ECM heterogeneity at primary tumors and distinct metastatic sites, prior and after chemotherapy. Using cell models from systematic ECM screen to collagen-based 2D and 3D cultures, we demonstrate that both specific ECM substrates and stiffness increase resistance to platinum-mediated, apoptosis-inducing DNA damage via FAK and β1 integrin-pMLC-YAP signaling. Among such substrates around metastatic HGSCs, COL6 was upregulated by chemotherapy and enhanced the resistance of relapse, but not treatment-naïve, HGSC organoids. These results identify matrix adhesion as an adaptive response, driving HGSC aggressiveness via co-evolving ECM composition and sensing, suggesting stromal and tumor strategies for ECM pathway targeting.
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64
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Wu JH, Limmer AL, Narayanan D, Doan HQ, Simonette RA, Rady PL, Tyring SK. The novel AKT inhibitor afuresertib suppresses human Merkel cell carcinoma MKL-1 cell growth. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 46:1551-1554. [PMID: 34115902 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasm of the skin, which has an exceedingly poor prognosis. The AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway, which plays a pivotal role in the modulation of protein synthesis and cell survival, has been shown to be extremely important for Merkel cell carcinogenesis. In the current study, we found that AKT has important regulatory functions in MCC cells and that inhibition of AKT with the novel ATP-competitive AKT inhibitor, afuresertib, has widespread effects on proliferative pathways. In particular, we found that treatment of MCC cells with afuresertib led to deactivation of mTOR and glycogen synthase kinase 3 pathway proteins while increasing activation of proapoptotic pathways through the upregulation of p16 expression and phosphomodulation of the B-cell lymphoma-2-associated death promoter. Overall, afuresertib treatment led to significant and robust inhibition of MCC cell proliferation, thus raising intriguing questions regarding the potential efficacy of AKT inhibition for the future clinical management of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Wu
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - A L Limmer
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D Narayanan
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Q Doan
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R A Simonette
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P L Rady
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S K Tyring
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Shang Y, Jiang YL, Ye LJ, Chen LN, Ke Y. Resveratrol acts via melanoma-associated antigen A12 (MAGEA12)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling to inhibit the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Bioengineered 2021; 12:2253-2262. [PMID: 34085601 PMCID: PMC8806796 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1934242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined how resveratrol affects cell growth and MAGEA12/Akt signaling pathway in OSCC cells. Cal-27 cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding MAGEA12, and the effects of overexpression were assessed in terms of cell viability, colony formation and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Cal-27 cells and MAGEA12-overexpressing cells were treated with resveratrol, then the cell viability and colony formation were also assessed by CCK8 assay and microscope, respectively. Levels of MAGEA12, p-Akt, Akt, Cyclin D1, and CDK14 genes and these proteins were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase-chain reaction and western blot. In the present research, we first generated and transiently transfected MAGEA12 plasmid into Cal-27 cells. Our results suggested that overexpressing MAGEA12 led to an increase in levels of phospho-Akt, which was associated with increased cell viability, colony formation. Moreover, overexpressing MAGEA12 also resulted in the up-regulation of Cyclin D1 and CDK14, indicating MAGEA12 induces the cell proliferation of Cal-27 cells. In addition, these effects were partially reversed by inhibiting Akt. Furthermore, resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation and colony in Cal-27 cells and decrease the expressions of MAGEA12 and p-Akt depending on the time and concentration. These effects were also partially reversed by MAGEA12 overexpression and Akt activation. In summary, resveratrol may suppress the growth of OSCC cells by inactivating MAGEA12/Akt signaling. These findings suggest that resveratrol may be a therapeutic drug for OSCC in clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, P.R.C
| | - Yu-Ling Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, P.R.C
| | - Li-Jun Ye
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, P.R.C
| | - Li-Na Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, P.R.C
| | - Yue Ke
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, P.R.C
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66
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He H, Shao X, Li Y, Gihu R, Xie H, Zhou J, Yan H. Targeting Signaling Pathway Networks in Several Malignant Tumors: Progresses and Challenges. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:675675. [PMID: 34135756 PMCID: PMC8203325 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.675675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors remain the health problem of highest concern among people worldwide due to its high mortality and recurrence. Lung, gastric, liver, colon, and breast cancers are among the top five malignant tumors in terms of morbidity and mortality. In cancer biology, aberrant signaling pathway regulation is a prevalent theme that drives the generation, metastasis, invasion, and other processes of all malignant tumors. The Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Notch and NF-kB pathways are widely concerned and signal crosstalks exist in the five solid tumors. This review provides an innovative summary of the recent progress in research on these signaling pathways, the underlying mechanism of the molecules involved in these pathways, and the important role of some miRNAs in tumor-related signaling pathways. It also presents a brief review of the antitumor molecular drugs that target these signaling pathways. This review may provide a theoretical basis for the study of the molecular biological mechanism of malignant tumors and vital information for the development of new treatment strategies with a focus on efficacy and the reduction of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdan He
- Qinghai Tibet Plateau Research Institute, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoni Shao
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ribu Gihu
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haochen Xie
- Qinghai Tibet Plateau Research Institute, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junfu Zhou
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hengxiu Yan
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, College of Pharmacology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
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Xu R, Zhang Y, Li A, Ma Y, Cai W, Song L, Xie Y, Zhou S, Cao W, Tang X. LY‑294002 enhances the chemosensitivity of liver cancer to oxaliplatin by blocking the PI3K/AKT/HIF‑1α pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:508. [PMID: 33982772 PMCID: PMC8134878 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The therapeutic effect of oxaliplatin on liver cancer is often limited by acquired resistance of the cancer cells. Abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays an important role in the acquired resistance of oxaliplatin. The present study investigated the effects of the PI3K inhibitor LY-294002 and AKT inhibitor MK2206 on the chemosensitivity of oxaliplatin-resistant liver cancer cells and the molecular mechanism involved. An oxaliplatin-resistant liver cancer cell line HepG2R was developed. MTT assay, clone formation experiments, flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were used to determine the proliferation, cycle and apoptosis of HepG2R cells when oxaliplatin was combined with LY-294002 or MK2206 treatment. The effects of LY-294002 and MK-2206 on the abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein level in HepG2R cells were detected using western blotting. The results indicated that the PI3K/AKT pathway is stably activated in HepG2R cells. Compared with the AKT inhibitor MK2206, the PI3K inhibitor LY-294002 more effectively downregulated the phosphorylation levels of p85, p110α, p110β, p110γ and AKT in the PI3K/AKT pathway in HepG2R cells, and more effectively inhibited the proliferation of the cells. LY-294002 enhanced the chemotherapy sensitivity of HepG2R cells to oxaliplatin by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and increasing the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, LY-294002 reduced the level of HIF-1α, which is highly expressed in HepG2R cells. It was concluded that LY-294002 enhanced the chemosensitivity of liver cancer cells to oxaliplatin by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which may be related to the inhibition of HIF-1α expression. These findings may have clinical significance for the treatment of oxaliplatin-resistant liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Xu
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Yinci Zhang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Amin Li
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Wenpeng Cai
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Li Song
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Yinghai Xie
- Institute of Environmentally Friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Shuping Zhou
- Institute of Environmentally Friendly Materials and Occupational Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Weiya Cao
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, P.R. China
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Martorana F, Motta G, Pavone G, Motta L, Stella S, Vitale SR, Manzella L, Vigneri P. AKT Inhibitors: New Weapons in the Fight Against Breast Cancer? Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:662232. [PMID: 33995085 PMCID: PMC8118639 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.662232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT is a key component of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway as it exerts a pivotal role in cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Deregulation of this pathway is a common event in breast cancer including hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, HER2-amplified, and triple negative tumors. Hence, targeting AKT represents an attractive treatment option for many breast cancer subtypes, especially those resistant to conventional treatments. Several AKT inhibitors have been recently developed and two ATP-competitive compounds, capivasertib and ipatasertib, have been extensively tested in phase I and II clinical trials either alone, with chemotherapy, or with hormonal agents. Additionally, phase III trials of capivasertib and ipatasertib are already under way in HR+ and triple-negative breast cancer. While the identification of predictive biomarkers of response and resistance to AKT inhibition represents an unmet need, new combination strategies are under investigation aiming to boost the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs. As such, trials combining capivasertib and ipatasertib with CDK4/6 inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors are currently ongoing. This review summarizes the available evidence on AKT inhibition in breast cancer, reporting both efficacy and toxicity data from clinical trials along with the available translational correlates and then focusing on the potential use of these drugs in new combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Martorana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Motta
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Pavone
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Motta
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
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69
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Wang Z, Liu C. Upregulated hsa_circRNA_100269 inhibits the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer through inactivating PI3K/Akt axis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250603. [PMID: 33901239 PMCID: PMC8075232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of GC involves the complex networking of multiple signaling pathways; however, the detailed mechanisms of tumorigenesis of GC remains largely unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to explore novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for GC. In this study, the levels of hsa_circRNA_100269 in gastric cancer (GC) samples and cells were examined, and its effects on the biological functions of GC cells were elucidated. The levels of hsa_circRNA_100269 in specimens/cell lines were examined using RT-qPCR. Cell models with hsa_circRNA_100269 overexpression or knockdown were generated using lentiviral vectors. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay; cell migratory/invasive activity was evaluated using wound healing/Transwell assay. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry; expression of associated markers involved in cell apoptosis, EMT and the PI3K/Akt signaling were determined by RT-qPCR/immunoblotting. In vivo study was also performed using hsa_circRNA_100269 knockout mice. Our findings revealed downregulation of hsa_circRNA_100269 in GC tissues compared to non-cancerous control. Additionally, the levels of PI3K were remarkably elevated in GC tissues, where hsa_circRNA_100269 and PI3K was negatively correlated. Moreover, the expression of hsa_circRNA_100269 was associated with histology grade and occurrence of metastasis in GC patients. In addition, hsa_circRNA_100269 was downregulated in GC cells compared to normal gastric epithelial cells. Overexpressed hsa_circRNA_100269 notably inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of GC cells, whereas cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase was promoted and cell apoptosis was enhanced. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt signaling was involved in hsa_circRNA_100269-regulated GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and apoptosis. Knockdown of hsa_circRNA_100269 also remarkably induced tumor growth in mouse model. In summary, our findings indicated that the levels of hsa_circRNA_100269 were reduced in GC. Furthermore, hsa_circRNA_100269 could suppress the development of GC by inactivating the PI3K/Akt pathway. More importantly, hsa_circRNA_100269/PI3K/Akt axis may be a novel therapeutic candidate for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongli Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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AKT Inhibitors: The Road Ahead to Computational Modeling-Guided Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083944. [PMID: 33920446 PMCID: PMC8070654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT, is a serine/threonine protein kinase comprising three isoforms-namely: AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3, whose inhibitors have been recognized as promising therapeutic targets for various human disorders, especially cancer. In this work, we report a systematic evaluation of multi-target Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (mt-QSAR) models to probe AKT' inhibitory activity, based on different feature selection algorithms and machine learning tools. The best predictive linear and non-linear mt-QSAR models were found by the genetic algorithm-based linear discriminant analysis (GA-LDA) and gradient boosting (Xgboost) techniques, respectively, using a dataset containing 5523 inhibitors of the AKT isoforms assayed under various experimental conditions. The linear model highlighted the key structural attributes responsible for higher inhibitory activity whereas the non-linear model displayed an overall accuracy higher than 90%. Both these predictive models, generated through internal and external validation methods, were then used for screening the Asinex kinase inhibitor library to identify the most potential virtual hits as pan-AKT inhibitors. The virtual hits identified were then filtered by stepwise analyses based on reverse pharmacophore-mapping based prediction. Finally, results of molecular dynamics simulations were used to estimate the theoretical binding affinity of the selected virtual hits towards the three isoforms of enzyme AKT. Our computational findings thus provide important guidelines to facilitate the discovery of novel AKT inhibitors.
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Trafalis DT, Sagredou S, Dalezis P, Voura M, Fountoulaki S, Nikoleousakos N, Almpanakis K, Deligiorgi MV, Sarli V. Anticancer Activity of Triazolo-Thiadiazole Derivatives and Inhibition of AKT1 and AKT2 Activation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040493. [PMID: 33916378 PMCID: PMC8066331 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole rings results in a class of heterocycles compounds with an extensive range of pharmacological properties. A series of 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles was synthesized and tested for its enzyme inhibition potential and anticancer activity. The results show that 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles display potent anticancer properties in vitro against a panel of cancer cells and in vivo efficacy in HT-29 human colon tumor xenograft in CB17 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that KA25 and KA39 exhibit time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of Akt Ser-473 phosphorylation. Molecular modeling experiments indicated that 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,2,4-thiadiazoles bind well to the ATP binding site in Akt1 and Akt2. The low acute toxicity combined with in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity render triazolo[3,4-b]thiadiazoles KA25, KA26, and KA39 promising cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios T. Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.); (N.N.); (M.V.D.)
- Correspondence: (D.T.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Sofia Sagredou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.); (N.N.); (M.V.D.)
| | - Panayiotis Dalezis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.); (N.N.); (M.V.D.)
| | - Maria Voura
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.V.); (S.F.); (K.A.)
| | - Stella Fountoulaki
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.V.); (S.F.); (K.A.)
| | - Nikolaos Nikoleousakos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.); (N.N.); (M.V.D.)
| | - Konstantinos Almpanakis
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.V.); (S.F.); (K.A.)
| | - Maria V. Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (P.D.); (N.N.); (M.V.D.)
| | - Vasiliki Sarli
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.V.); (S.F.); (K.A.)
- Correspondence: (D.T.T.); (V.S.)
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AKT-mediated regulation of chromatin ubiquitylation and tumorigenesis through Mel18 phosphorylation. Oncogene 2021; 40:2422-2436. [PMID: 33664452 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Polycomb repressor complex 1 (PRC1) is linked to the regulation of gene expression and histone ubiquitylation conformation, which contributes to carcinogenesis. However, the upstream regulators of PRC1 biogenesis machinery remain obscure. Here, we report that the polycomb group-related mammalian gene Mel18 is a target of the protein kinase AKT. AKT phosphorylates Mel18 at T334 to disrupt the interaction between Mel18 and other PRC1 members, leading to attenuated PRC1-dependent ubiquitylation of histone H2A at Lys119. As such, PRC1 target genes, many of which are known oncogenes, are derepressed upon T334-Mel18 phosphorylation, which promotes malignant behaviours, including cell proliferation, tumour formation, migration and invasion, bone and brain metastatic lesion formation. Notably, a positive correlation between AKT activity and pT334-Mel18 is observed, and prognostic models based on p-AKT and pT334-Mel18 that predicted overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients are established. These findings have implications for understanding the role of AKT and its associated proteins in chromatin ubiquitylation, and also indicate the AKT-Mel18-H2AK119ub axis as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer patients.
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Huang K, Zhao W, Wang X, Qiu Y, Liu Z, Chen R, Liu W, Liu B. Akt Inhibition Enhanced the Growth Inhibition Effects of Low-Dose Heavy-Ion Radiation via the PI3K/Akt/p53 Signaling Pathway in C6 Glioblastoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:649176. [PMID: 33869050 PMCID: PMC8047659 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.649176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma has one of the highest mortality rates of all tumors of the nervous system and commonly used treatments almost always fail to achieve tumor control. Low-dose carbon-ion radiation can effectively target cancer and tumor cells, but the mechanisms of growth inhibition induced by heavy-ion radiation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are unknown, and inhibition by heavy-ion radiation is minor in C6 cells. METHODS Carbon-ion radiation was used to investigate the effects of heavy-ion radiation on C6 cells, and suppression of Akt was performed using perifosine. MTT assays were used to investigate optimal perifosine treatment concentrations. Clone formation assays were used to investigate the growth inhibition effects of carbon-ion radiation and the effects of radiation with Akt inhibition. Lactate dehydrogenase release, superoxide dismutase activity, and malondialdehyde content were assessed to investigate oxidative stress levels. Expression levels of proteins in the PI3K/Akt/p53 signaling pathway were assessed via western blotting. RESULTS The 10% maximum inhibitory concentration of perifosine was 19.95 μM. In clone formation assays there was no significant inhibition of cell growth after treatment with heavy-ion irradiation, whereas perifosine enhanced inhibition. Heavy-ion radiation induced lactate dehydrogenase release, increased the level of malondialdehyde, and reduced superoxide dismutase activity. Akt inhibition promoted these processes. Heavy-ion radiation treatment downregulated Akt expression, and upregulated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression. p53 and Bcl-2 expression were significantly upregulated, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression was downregulated. The expression profiles of pAkt, Bcl-2, and Bax were reversed by perifosine treatment. Caspase 3 expression was upregulated in all radiation groups. CONCLUSIONS The growth inhibition effects of low-dose heavy-ion irradiation were not substantial in C6 cells, and Akt inhibition induced by perifosine enhanced the growth inhibition effects via proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Akt inhibition enhanced the effects of heavy-ion radiation, and the PI3K/Akt/p53 signaling pathway may be a critical component involved in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Huang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuqiao Wang
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingfei Qiu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zelin Liu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Liu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Mavratzas A, Marmé F. Treatment of Luminal Metastatic Breast Cancer beyond CDK4/6 Inhibition: Is There a Standard of Care in Clinical Practice? Breast Care (Basel) 2021; 16:115-128. [PMID: 34012366 PMCID: PMC8114049 DOI: 10.1159/000514561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CDK4/6 inhibitors have become the standard for first-line treatment of metastatic luminal breast cancer based on consistent data from several phase 3 trials demonstrating clinically meaningful improvement of progression-free as well as overall survival. In addition, they are about to become a part of adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk luminal disease based on positive results from the first randomized phase 3 trial on abemaciclib. Nevertheless, the majority of patients with advanced or metastatic luminal breast cancer and prospectively a relevant proportion of patients treated in the adjuvant setting will eventually develop resistance to this endocrine based combination within 12-36 months, depending on the line of treatment. CONCLUSION Potential subsequent therapies include PI3K inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, endocrine monotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and chemotherapy. However, these therapies have mainly been developed in the pre-CDK4/6 inhibitor era and little is known about potential cross-resistance. The concept of continuing CDK4/6 inhibition beyond progression is supported by some preclinical data, but to date there is very limited clinical evidence to support this strategy. Therefore, treatment of metastatic luminal breast cancer after progression on CDK4/6 inhibitors remains a challenge. KEY MESSAGES Here we review current evidence from pro- and retrospective studies and give an outlook on future developments with respect to novel therapeutic agents, including oral SERD and AKT inhibitors, which have the potential to change the therapeutic landscape in the future. Furthermore, clinical treatment algorithms and current research will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Mavratzas
- Section of Conservative Gynecologic Oncology, Experimental and Translational Gynecologic Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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Ocklenburg T, Neumann F, Wolf A, Vogel J, Göpelt K, Baumann M, Baumann J, Kranz P, Metzen E, Brockmeier U. In oxygen-deprived tumor cells ERp57 provides radioprotection and ensures proliferation via c-Myc, PLK1 and the AKT pathway. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7199. [PMID: 33785835 PMCID: PMC8009878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The disulfide isomerase ERp57, originally found in the endoplasmic reticulum, is located in multiple cellular compartments, participates in diverse cell functions and interacts with a huge network of binding partners. It was recently suggested as an attractive new target for cancer therapy due to its critical role in tumor cell proliferation. Since a major bottleneck in cancer treatment is the occurrence of hypoxic areas in solid tumors, the role of ERp57 in cell growth was tested under oxygen depletion in the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. We observed a severe growth inhibition when ERp57 was knocked down in hypoxia (1% O2) as a consequence of downregulated c-Myc, PLK1, PDPK1 (PDK1) and AKT (PKB). Further, irradiation experiments revealed also a radiosensitizing effect of ERp57 depletion under oxygen deprivation. Compared to ERp57, we do not favour PDPK1 as a suitable pharmaceutical target as its efficient knockdown/chemical inhibition did not show an inhibitory effect on proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Ocklenburg
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Neumann
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Wolf
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Julia Vogel
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Göpelt
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Baumann
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Baumann
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Philip Kranz
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Eric Metzen
- Institut Für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ulf Brockmeier
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Central and peripheral emetic loci contribute to vomiting evoked by the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 in the least shrew model of emesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 900:174065. [PMID: 33775646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Akt (protein kinase B) signaling is frequently activated in diverse cancers. Akt inhibitors such as perifosine and MK-2206 have been evaluated as potential cancer chemotherapeutics. Although both drugs are generally well tolerated, among their most common side-effects vomiting is a major concern. Here we investigated whether these Akt inhibitors evoke emesis in the least shrew model of vomiting. Indeed, both perifosine and MK-2206 induced vomiting with maximal efficacies of 90% at 50 mg/kg (i.p.) and 100% at 10 mg/kg (i.p.), respectively. MK-2206 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) increased c-Fos immunoreactivity both centrally in the shrew brainstem dorsal vagal complex (DVC) emetic nuclei, and peripherally in the jejunum. MK-2206 also evoked phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in both the DVC emetic nuclei and the enteric nervous system in the jejunum. The ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 suppressed MK-2206-induced emesis dose-dependently. We then evaluated the suppressive efficacy of diverse antiemetics against MK-2206-evoked vomiting including antagonists/inhibitors of the: L-type Ca2+ channel (nifedipine at 2.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)); glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) (AR-A014418 at 10 mg/kg and SB216763 at 0.25 mg/kg, i.p.); 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT3 receptor (palonosetron at 0.5 mg/kg, s.c.); substance P neurokinin NK1 receptor (netupitant at 10 mg/kg, i.p.) and dopamine D2/3 receptor (sulpride at 8 mg/kg, s.c.). All tested antagonists/blockers attenuated emetic parameters to varying degrees. In sum, this is the first study to demonstrate how pharmacological inhibition of Akt evokes vomiting via both central and peripheral mechanisms, a process which involves multiple emetic receptors.
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Gong X, Tang H, Yang K. PER1 suppresses glycolysis and cell proliferation in oral squamous cell carcinoma via the PER1/RACK1/PI3K signaling complex. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:276. [PMID: 33723221 PMCID: PMC7960720 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03563-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the core clock gene Period 1 (PER1) plays important roles in the formation of various tumors. However, the biological functions and mechanism of PER1 in promoting tumor progression remain largely unknown. Here, we discovered that PER1 was markedly downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Then, OSCC cell lines with stable overexpression, knockdown, and mutation of PER1 were established. We found that PER1 overexpression significantly inhibited glycolysis, glucose uptake, proliferation, and the PI3K/AKT pathway in OSCC cells. The opposite effects were observed in PER1-knockdown OSCC cells. After treatment of PER1-overexpressing OSCC cells with an AKT activator or treatment of PER1-knockdown OSCC cells with an AKT inhibitor, glycolysis, glucose uptake, and proliferation were markedly rescued. In addition, after treatment of PER1-knockdown OSCC cells with a glycolysis inhibitor, the increase in cell proliferation was significantly reversed. Further, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and cycloheximide (CHX) chase experiment demonstrated that PER1 can bind with RACK1 and PI3K to form the PER1/RACK1/PI3K complex in OSCC cells. In PER1-overexpressing OSCC cells, the abundance of the PER1/RACK1/PI3K complex was significantly increased, the half-life of PI3K was markedly decreased, and glycolysis, proliferation, and the PI3K/AKT pathway were significantly inhibited. However, these effects were markedly reversed in PER1-mutant OSCC cells. In vivo tumorigenicity assays confirmed that PER1 overexpression inhibited tumor growth while suppressing glycolysis, proliferation, and the PI3K/AKT pathway. Collectively, this study generated the novel findings that PER1 suppresses OSCC progression by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated cell proliferation via the formation of the PER1/RACK1/PI3K complex to regulate the stability of PI3K and the PI3K/AKT pathway-dependent manner and that PER1 could potentially be a valuable therapeutic target in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobao Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, 400016, Chongqing, China.
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Targeting Akt in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041794. [PMID: 33670268 PMCID: PMC7917860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence is rising. HCC develops almost exclusively on the background of chronic liver inflammation, which can be caused by chronic alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or an unhealthy diet. The key role of chronic inflammation in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis, including in the deregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, has been demonstrated. The inhibition of Akt (also known as Protein Kinase B) directly affects cancer cells, but this therapeutic strategy also exhibits indirect anti-tumor activity mediated by the modulation of the tumor microenvironment, as demonstrated by using Akt inhibitors AZD5363, MK-2206, or ARQ 092. Moreover, the isoforms of Akt converge and diverge in their designated roles, but the currently available Akt inhibitors fail to display an isoform specificity. Thus, selective Akt inhibition needs to be better explored in the context of HCC and its possible combination with immunotherapy. This review presents a compact overview of the current knowledge concerning the role of Akt in HCC and the effect of Akt inhibition on the HCC and liver tumor microenvironment.
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Wan X, Zhou M, Huang F, Zhao N, Chen X, Wu Y, Zhu W, Ni Z, Jin F, Wang Y, Hu Z, Chen X, Ren M, Zhang H, Zha X. AKT1-CREB stimulation of PDGFRα expression is pivotal for PTEN deficient tumor development. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:172. [PMID: 33568640 PMCID: PMC7876135 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As evidenced by the behavior of loss-of-function mutants of PTEN in the context of a gain-of-function mutation of AKT1, the PTEN-AKT1 signaling pathway plays a critical role in human cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that a deficiency in PTEN or activation of AKT1 potentiated the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) based on studies on Pten-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts, human cancer cell lines, the hepatic tissues of Pten conditional knockout mice, and human cancer tissues. Loss of PTEN enhanced PDGFRα expression via activation of the AKT1-CREB signaling cascade. CREB transactivated PDGFRα expression by direct binding of the promoter of the PDGFRα gene. Depletion of PDGFRα attenuated the tumorigenicity of Pten-null cells in nude mice. Moreover, the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway has been shown to positively correlate with PDGFRα expression in multiple cancers. Augmented PDGFRα was associated with poor survival of cancer patients. Lastly, combination treatment with the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and the PDGFR inhibitor CP-673451 displayed synergistic anti-tumor effects. Therefore, activation of the AKT1-CREB-PDGFRα signaling pathway contributes to the tumor growth induced by PTEN deficiency and should be targeted for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Laboratory, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fuqiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuncui Wu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wanhui Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaofei Ni
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fuquan Jin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yani Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xianguo Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Ren
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Popova NV, Jücker M. The Role of mTOR Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041743. [PMID: 33572326 PMCID: PMC7916160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to summarize current available information about the role of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in cancer as a potential target for new therapy options. The mTOR and PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) signaling are critical for the regulation of many fundamental cell processes including protein synthesis, cell growth, metabolism, survival, catabolism, and autophagy, and deregulated mTOR signaling is implicated in cancer, metabolic dysregulation, and the aging process. In this review, we summarize the information about the structure and function of the mTOR pathway and discuss the mechanisms of its deregulation in human cancers including genetic alterations of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway components. We also present recent data regarding the PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in clinical studies and the treatment of cancer, as well the attendant problems of resistance and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda V. Popova
- Laboratory of Receptor Cell Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-40-7410-56339
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Chen Y, Shao X, Cao J, Zhu H, Yang B, He Q, Ying M. Phosphorylation regulates cullin-based ubiquitination in tumorigenesis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:309-321. [PMID: 33643814 PMCID: PMC7893081 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) recognize and interact with substrates for ubiquitination and degradation, and can be targeted for disease treatment when the abnormal expression of substrates involves pathologic processes. Phosphorylation, either of substrates or receptors of CRLs, can alter their interaction. Phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination and proteasome degradation influence various cellular processes and can contribute to the occurrence of various diseases, most often tumorigenesis. These processes have the potential to be used for tumor intervention through the regulation of the activities of related kinases, along with the regulation of the stability of specific oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. This review describes the mechanisms and biological functions of crosstalk between phosphorylation and ubiquitination, and most importantly its influence on tumorigenesis, to provide new directions and strategies for tumor therapy.
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Key Words
- AIRE, autoimmune regulator
- AKT, AKT serine/threonine kinase
- ATR, ataxia telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related
- BCL2, BCL2 apoptosis regulator
- BMAL1, aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator like
- CDK2/4, cyclin dependent kinase 2/4
- CDT2, denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase homolog
- CHK1, checkpoint kinase 1
- CK1/2, casein kinase I/II
- CLOCK, clock circadian regulator
- COMMD1, copper metabolism domain containing 1
- CRL, cullin-RING ligase
- CRY1, cryptochrome circadian regulator 1
- CSN, COP9 signalosome
- Ci, cubitus interruptus
- Crosstalk
- Cullin-RING ligases
- DDB1, damage specific DNA binding protein 1
- DYRK1A/B, dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinases 1A/B
- Degradation
- EMT, epithelial–mesenchymal transition
- ERG, ETS transcription factor ERG
- ERK, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1
- EXO1, exonuclease 1
- FBW7, F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7
- FBXL3, F-box and leucine rich repeat protein
- FBXO3/31, F-box protein 3/31
- FZR1, fizzy and cell division cycle 20 related 1
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinomas
- HIB, Hedghog-induced MATH and BTB domain-containing protein
- HIF1α, NF-κB and hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha
- ID2, inhibitor of DNA binding 2
- JAB1, c-Jun activation domain binding protein-1
- KBTBD8, kelch repeat and BTB domain containing 8
- KDM2B, lysine demethylase 2B
- KEAP1, kelch like ECH associated protein 1
- KLHL3, kelch like family member 3
- KRAS, KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase
- Kinases
- MYC, MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor
- NEDD8, NEDD8 ubiquitin like modifier
- NOLC1, nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1
- NRF2, nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2
- P-TEFb, positive transcription elongation factor b
- PDL1, programmed death ligand 1
- PKC, protein kinase C
- PKM2, pyruvate kinase M2 isoform
- PYGO2, pygopus 2
- Phosphorylation
- RA, retinoic acid
- RARα, RA receptor α
- RRM2, ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2
- SNAIL1, snail family transcriptional repressor 1
- SOCS6, suppressor of cytokine signaling 6
- SPOP, speckle-type POZ protein
- SRC-3, nuclear receptor coactivator 3
- TCN, triciribine hydrate
- TCOF1, treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1
- TRF1, telomeric repeat binding factor 1
- Targeted therapy
- Tumorigenesis
- USP37, ubiquitin specific peptidase 37
- Ubiquitination
- VHL, von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor
- Vps34, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3
- XBP1, X-box binding protein 1
- ZBTB16, zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16
- c-Fos, Fos proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit
- p130Cas, BCAR1 scaffold protein, Cas family member
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Khatpe AS, Adebayo AK, Herodotou CA, Kumar B, Nakshatri H. Nexus between PI3K/AKT and Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:369. [PMID: 33498407 PMCID: PMC7864210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling from estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and its ligand estradiol (E2) is critical for growth of ≈70% of breast cancers. Therefore, several drugs that inhibit ERα functions have been in clinical use for decades and new classes of anti-estrogens are continuously being developed. Although a significant number of ERα+ breast cancers respond to anti-estrogen therapy, ≈30% of these breast cancers recur, sometimes even after 20 years of initial diagnosis. Mechanism of resistance to anti-estrogens is one of the intensely studied disciplines in breast cancer. Several mechanisms have been proposed including mutations in ESR1, crosstalk between growth factor and ERα signaling, and interplay between cell cycle machinery and ERα signaling. ESR1 mutations as well as crosstalk with other signaling networks lead to ligand independent activation of ERα thus rendering anti-estrogens ineffective, particularly when treatment involved anti-estrogens that do not degrade ERα. As a result of these studies, several therapies that combine anti-estrogens that degrade ERα with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors targeting growth factor signaling or CDK4/6 inhibitors targeting cell cycle machinery are used clinically to treat recurrent ERα+ breast cancers. In this review, we discuss the nexus between ERα-PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways and how understanding of this nexus has helped to develop combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi S. Khatpe
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (A.S.K.); (A.K.A.); (C.A.H.); (B.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Adedeji K. Adebayo
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (A.S.K.); (A.K.A.); (C.A.H.); (B.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Christopher A. Herodotou
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (A.S.K.); (A.K.A.); (C.A.H.); (B.K.)
| | - Brijesh Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (A.S.K.); (A.K.A.); (C.A.H.); (B.K.)
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (A.S.K.); (A.K.A.); (C.A.H.); (B.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- VA Roudebush Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Virtual Screening of Natural Compounds as Potential PI 3K-AKT1 Signaling Pathway Inhibitors and Experimental Validation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020492. [PMID: 33477701 PMCID: PMC7831918 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A computational screening for natural compounds suitable to bind the AKT protein has been performed after the generation of a pharmacophore model based on the experimental structure of AKT1 complexed with IQO, a well-known inhibitor. The compounds resulted as being most suitable from the screening have been further investigated by molecular docking, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analysis and toxicity profiles. Two compounds selected at the end of the computational analysis, i.e., ZINC2429155 (also named STL1) and ZINC1447881 (also named AC1), have been tested in an experimental assay, together with IQO as a positive control and quercetin as a negative control. Only STL1 clearly inhibited AKT activation negatively modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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84
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Cheratta AR, Thayyullathil F, Pallichankandy S, Subburayan K, Alakkal A, Galadari S. Prostate apoptosis response-4 and tumor suppression: it's not just about apoptosis anymore. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:47. [PMID: 33414404 PMCID: PMC7790818 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) has recently turned ‘twenty-five’. Beyond its indisputable role as an apoptosis inducer, an increasing and sometimes bewildering, new roles for Par-4 are being reported. These roles include its ability to regulate autophagy, senescence, and metastasis. This growing range of responses to Par-4 is reflected by our increasing understanding of the various mechanisms through which Par-4 can function. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge on Par-4 tumor suppressive mechanisms, and discuss how the interaction of Par-4 with different regulators influence cell fate. This review also highlights the new secretory pathway that has emerged and the likely discussion on its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Rahman Cheratta
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Karthikeyan Subburayan
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ameer Alakkal
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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85
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Gao SP, Kiliti AJ, Zhang K, Vasani N, Mao N, Jordan E, Wise HC, Shrestha Bhattarai T, Hu W, Dorso M, Rodrigues JA, Kim K, Hanrahan AJ, Razavi P, Carver B, Chandarlapaty S, Reis-Filho JS, Taylor BS, Solit DB. AKT1 E17K Inhibits Cancer Cell Migration by Abrogating β-Catenin Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:573-584. [PMID: 33303690 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutational activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway is among the most common pro-oncogenic events in human cancers. The clinical utility of PI3K and AKT inhibitors has, however, been modest to date. Here, we used CRISPR-mediated gene editing to study the biological consequences of AKT1 E17K mutation by developing an AKT1 E17K-mutant isogenic system in a TP53-null background. AKT1 E17K expression under the control of its endogenous promoter enhanced cell growth and colony formation, but had a paradoxical inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion. The mechanistic basis by which activated AKT1 inhibited cell migration and invasion was increased E-cadherin expression mediated by suppression of ZEB1 transcription via altered β-catenin subcellular localization. This phenotypic effect was AKT1-specific, as AKT2 activation had the opposite effect, a reduction in E-cadherin expression. Consistent with the opposing effects of AKT1 and AKT2 activation on E-cadherin expression, a pro-migratory effect of AKT1 activation was not observed in breast cancer cells with PTEN loss or expression of an activating PIK3CA mutation, alterations which induce the activation of both AKT isoforms. The results suggest that the use of AKT inhibitors in patients with breast cancer could paradoxically accelerate metastatic progression in some genetic contexts and may explain the frequent coselection for CDH1 mutations in AKT1-mutated breast tumors. IMPLICATIONS: AKT1 E17K mutation in breast cancer impairs migration/invasiveness via sequestration of β-catenin to the cell membrane leading to decreased ZEB1 transcription, resulting in increased E-cadherin expression and a reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhi Paul Gao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Amber J Kiliti
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kai Zhang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Naresh Vasani
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ninghui Mao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emmet Jordan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Hannah C Wise
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Tripti Shrestha Bhattarai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Wenhuo Hu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Madeline Dorso
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James A Rodrigues
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kwanghee Kim
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Aphrothiti J Hanrahan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Pedram Razavi
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Brett Carver
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
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86
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Merckaert T, Zwaenepoel O, Gevaert K, Gettemans J. An AKT2-specific nanobody that targets the hydrophobic motif induces cell cycle arrest, autophagy and loss of focal adhesions in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111055. [PMID: 33378961 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The AKT kinase family is a high-profile target for cancer therapy. Despite their high degree of homology the three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) are non-redundant and can even have opposing functions. Small-molecule AKT inhibitors affect all three isoforms which severely limits their usefulness as research tool or therapeutic. Using AKT2-specific nanobodies we examined the function of endogenous AKT2 in breast cancer cells. Two AKT2 nanobodies (Nb8 and Nb9) modulate AKT2 and reduce MDA-MB-231 cell viability/proliferation. Nb8 binds the AKT2 hydrophobic motif and reduces IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of this site. This nanobody also affects the phosphorylation and/or expression levels of a wide range of proteins downstream of AKT, resulting in a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, the induction of autophagy, a reduction in focal adhesion count and loss of stress fibers. While cell cycle progression is likely to be regulated by more than one isoform, our results indicate that both the effects on autophagy and the cytoskeleton are specific to AKT2. By using an isoform-specific nanobody we were able to map a part of the AKT2 pathway. Our results confirm AKT2 and the hydrophobic motif as targets for cancer therapy. Nb8 can be used as a research tool to study AKT2 signalling events and aid in the design of an AKT2-specific inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Merckaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Olivier Zwaenepoel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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87
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Meng X, Sun R, Wang W, Zhang N, Cao S, Liu B, Fang P, Deng S, Yang S. ADFP promotes cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma via Akt phosphorylation. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:827-839. [PMID: 33249703 PMCID: PMC7812254 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we identified differentially expressed proteins, including ADFP, between lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) tissue and paired normal bronchioloalveolar epithelium. In this study, we investigated the role of ADFP in LAC. ADFP levels in the serum of patients with lung cancer and benign diseases were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). shRNA was used to knock‐down or overexpress ADFP in A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells. The biological function of ADFP and its underlying mechanisms was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. ADFP was highly expressed in the serum of lung cancer patients, especially those with LAC. ADFP promoted cell proliferation and up‐regulated the p‐Akt/Akt ratio in A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells in vitro. Furthermore, in nude mice, ADFP promoted tumour formation with high levels of p‐Akt/Akt, Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Similar to the effect of ADFP knock‐down, MK‐2206 (a phosphorylation inhibitor of Akt) reduced A549 and NCI‐H1299 cell proliferation. In ADFP‐overexpressing A549 and NCI‐H1299 cells, proliferation was suppressed by MK‐2206 and returned to the control level. ADFP did not regulate invasion, migration or adhesion in LAC cells. Together, these results suggest that ADFP promotes LAC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by increasing Akt phosphorylation level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruiying Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiguang Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Boxuan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ping Fang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuanying Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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88
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Marshall CB, KleinJan F, Gebregiworgis T, Lee KY, Fang Z, Eves BJ, Liu NF, Gasmi-Seabrook GMC, Enomoto M, Ikura M. NMR in integrated biophysical drug discovery for RAS: past, present, and future. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:531-554. [PMID: 32804298 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in RAS oncogenes occur in ~ 30% of human cancers, with KRAS being the most frequently altered isoform. RAS proteins comprise a conserved GTPase domain and a C-terminal lipid-modified tail that is unique to each isoform. The GTPase domain is a 'switch' that regulates multiple signaling cascades that drive cell growth and proliferation when activated by binding GTP, and the signal is terminated by GTP hydrolysis. Oncogenic RAS mutations disrupt the GTPase cycle, leading to accumulation of the activated GTP-bound state and promoting proliferation. RAS is a key target in oncology, however it lacks classic druggable pockets and has been extremely challenging to target. RAS signaling has thus been targeted indirectly, by harnessing key downstream effectors as well as upstream regulators, or disrupting the proper membrane localization required for signaling, by inhibiting either lipid modification or 'carrier' proteins. As a small (20 kDa) protein with multiple conformers in dynamic equilibrium, RAS is an excellent candidate for NMR-driven characterization and screening for direct inhibitors. Several molecules have been discovered that bind RAS and stabilize shallow pockets through conformational selection, and recent compounds have achieved substantial improvements in affinity. NMR-derived insight into targeting the RAS-membrane interface has revealed a new strategy to enhance the potency of small molecules, while another approach has been development of peptidyl inhibitors that bind through large interfaces rather than deep pockets. Remarkable progress has been made with mutation-specific covalent inhibitors that target the thiol of a G12C mutant, and these are now in clinical trials. Here we review the history of RAS inhibitor development and highlight the utility of NMR and integrated biophysical approaches in RAS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Fenneke KleinJan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Teklab Gebregiworgis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ben J Eves
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ningdi F Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Masahiro Enomoto
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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89
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Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Assessment of New Quinazolinones as Anticancer Agents via Potential AKT Inhibition. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204780. [PMID: 33080996 PMCID: PMC7594071 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of novel quinazolinone derivatives (2–13) was synthesized and examined for their cytotoxicity to HepG2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 in an MTT assay. Among these derivatives, compounds 4 and 9 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against Caco-2, HepG2, and MCF-7 cancer cells. Compound 4 had more significant inhibitory effects than compound 9 on Caco-2, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines, with IC50 values of 23.31 ± 0.09, 53.29 ± 0.25, and 72.22 ± 0.14µM, respectively. The AKT pathway is one of human cancer’s most often deregulated signals. AKT is also overexpressed in human cancers such as glioma, lung, breast, ovarian, gastric, and pancreas. A molecular docking study was performed to analyze the inhibitory action of newly synthetic quinazolinone derivatives against Homo sapiens AKT1 protein. Molecular docking simulations were found to be in accordance with in vitro studies, and hence supported the biological activity. The results suggested that compounds 4 and 9 could be used as drug candidates for cancer therapy via its potential inhibition of AKT1 as described by docking study.
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90
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Mechanism of action biomarkers predicting response to AKT inhibition in the I-SPY 2 breast cancer trial. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:48. [PMID: 33083527 PMCID: PMC7532145 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The AKT inhibitor MK2206 (M) was evaluated in I-SPY 2 and graduated in
the HER2+, HR−, and HR− HER2+ signatures. We hypothesized that AKT signaling axis
proteins/genes may specifically predict response to M and tested 26 phospho-proteins
and 10 genes involved in AKT-mTOR-HER signaling; in addition, we tested 9 genes from
a previous study in the metastatic setting. One hundred and fifty patients had gene
expression data from pretreatment biopsies available for analysis (M: 94, control:
56) and 138 had protein data (M: 87, control: 51). Logistic modeling was used to
assess biomarker performance in pre-specified analysis. In general, phospho-protein
biomarkers of activity in the AKT-mTOR-HER pathway appeared more predictive of
response to M than gene expression or total protein biomarkers in the same pathway;
however, the nature of the predictive biomarkers differed in the HER2+ and TN
groups. In the HER2+ subset, patients achieving a pCR in M had higher levels of
multiple AKT kinase substrate phospho-proteins (e.g., pmTOR, pTSC2). In contrast, in
the TN subset responding patients had lower levels of AKT pathway phospho-proteins,
such as pAKT, pmTOR, and pTSC2. Pathway mutations did not appear to account for
these associations. Additional exploratory whole-transcriptome analysis revealed
immune signaling as strongly associated with response to M in the HER2+ subset.
While our sample size is small, these results suggest that the measurement of
particular AKT kinase substrate phospho-proteins could be predictive of MK2206
efficacy in both HER2+ and TN tumors and that immune signaling may play a role in
response in HER2+ patients.
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91
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Maffucci T, Falasca M. Inositol Polyphosphate-Based Compounds as Inhibitors of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Dependent Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7198. [PMID: 33003448 PMCID: PMC7582811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling pathways regulated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) enzymes have a well-established role in cancer development and progression. Over the past 30 years, the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway has been well recognized, and this has led to the development of a multitude of drugs, some of which have progressed into clinical trials, with few of them currently approved for use in specific cancer settings. While many inhibitors compete with ATP, hence preventing the catalytic activity of the kinases directly, a deep understanding of the mechanisms of PI3K-dependent activation of its downstream effectors led to the development of additional strategies to prevent the initiation of this signaling pathway. This review summarizes previously published studies that led to the identification of inositol polyphosphates as promising parent molecules to design novel inhibitors of PI3K-dependent signals. We focus our attention on the inhibition of protein-membrane interactions mediated by binding of pleckstrin homology domains and phosphoinositides that we proposed 20 years ago as a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Maffucci
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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92
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and survival by targeting Akt and mTOR. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110717. [PMID: 33152908 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in North American men and is typically classified as either androgen receptor positive or negative depending on the expression of the androgen receptor (AR). AR positive prostate cancer can be treated with hormone therapy while AR negative prostate cancer is aggressive and does not respond to hormone therapy. It has been previously reported that rosemary extract (RE) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In the present study, we found that treatment of the androgen-insensitive PC-3 prostate cancer cells with RE resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation, survival, migration, Akt, and mTOR signaling. In addition, treatment of the androgen-sensitive 22RV1 prostate cancer cells with RE resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation and survival while RE had no effect on normal prostate epithelial PNT1A cells. These findings suggest that RE has potent effects against prostate cancer and warrants further investigation.
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93
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McLeod R, Kumar R, Papadatos-Pastos D, Mateo J, Brown JS, Garces AHI, Ruddle R, Decordova S, Jueliger S, Ferraldeschi R, Maiques O, Sanz-Moreno V, Jones P, Traub S, Halbert G, Mellor S, Swales KE, Raynaud FI, Garrett MD, Banerji U. First-in-Human Study of AT13148, a Dual ROCK-AKT Inhibitor in Patients with Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4777-4784. [PMID: 32616501 PMCID: PMC7611345 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE AT13148 is an oral AGC kinase inhibitor, which potently inhibits ROCK and AKT kinases. In preclinical models, AT13148 has been shown to have antimetastatic and antiproliferative activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS The trial followed a rolling six design during dose escalation. An intrapatient dose escalation arm to evaluate tolerability and a biopsy cohort to study pharmacodynamic effects were later added. AT13148 was administered orally three days a week (Mon-Wed-Fri) in 28-day cycles. Pharmacokinetic profiles were assessed using mass spectrometry and pharmacodynamic studies included quantifying p-GSK3β levels in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and p-cofilin and p-MLC2 levels in tumor biopsies. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were treated on study. The safety of 5-300 mg of AT13148 was studied. Further, the doses of 120-180-240 mg were studied in an intrapatient dose escalation cohort. The dose-limiting toxicities included hypotension (300 mg), pneumonitis, and elevated liver enzymes (240 mg), and skin rash (180 mg). The most common side effects were fatigue, nausea, headaches, and hypotension. On the basis of tolerability, 180 mg was considered the maximally tolerated dose. At 180 mg, mean C max and AUC were 400 nmol/L and 13,000 nmol/L/hour, respectively. At 180 mg, ≥50% reduction of p-cofilin was observed in 3 of 8 posttreatment biopsies. CONCLUSIONS AT13148 was the first dual potent ROCK-AKT inhibitor to be investigated for the treatment of solid tumors. The narrow therapeutic index and the pharmacokinetic profile led to recommend not developing this compound further. There are significant lessons learned in designing and testing agents that simultaneously inhibit multiple kinases including AGC kinases in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joaquin Mateo
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica S Brown
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruth Ruddle
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Oscar Maiques
- Bart's Cancer Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Jones
- Cancer Research UK, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gavin Halbert
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Karen E Swales
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michelle D Garrett
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Udai Banerji
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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KLF5-mediated COX2 upregulation contributes to tumorigenesis driven by PTEN deficiency. Cell Signal 2020; 75:109767. [PMID: 32890667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor suppressor gene PTEN is frequently mutated in a wide variety of cancers. However, the downstream targets or signal transduction pathways of PTEN remain not fully understood. By analyzing Pten-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) cell lines and their isogenic counterparts, we showed that loss of PTEN led to increased cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) expression in an AKT-independent manner. Moreover, we demonstrated that PTEN deficiency promotes the transcription of COX2 via upregulation of the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5). Knocked down the expression of COX2 suppressed proliferation, migration and tumoral growth of Pten-null cells. Further experiments revealed that COX2 enhanced Pten-null MEFs growth and migration through upregulation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). In addition, MK-2206, a specific inhibitor of AKT, in combination with celecoxib, a COX2 inhibitor, strongly inhibited Pten-deficient cell growth. We concluded that KLF5/COX2/NOX4 signaling pathway is critical for cell growth and migration caused by the loss of PTEN, and the combination of MK-2206 and celecoxib may be an effective new approach to treating PTEN deficiency related tumors.
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95
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Lv S, Yuan P, Dong J, Lu C, Li M, Qu F, Zhu Y, Yuan Z, Zhang J. QiShenYiQi pill improves the reparative myocardial fibrosis by regulating autophagy. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11283-11293. [PMID: 32881330 PMCID: PMC7576289 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
QiShenYiQi pill (QSYQ), a traditional Chinese medicine, is well known for improving the myocardial remodelling, but the dose‐effect relationship of its intervention in the reparative myocardial fibrosis is still unclear. We investigated the effect of QSYQ on the reparative myocardial fibrosis in cardiac myosin‐induced rats and explored its mechanism of action by regulating autophagy. The results indicated that QSYQ increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased the LVEDD, LVESD, HMI, LVMI, myocardial inflammation histology score, and collagen volume fraction in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, QSYQ declined the number of autophagosomes, down‐regulated the expression of myocardial Beclin‐1 and LC3B, up‐regulated the expression of myocardial p62 and increased the ratios of myocardial p‐PI3K/PI3K, p‐Akt/Akt and p‐mTOR/mTOR. We provided evidence for that QSYQ could inhibit excessive myocardial autophagy by regulating the PI3K/Akt‐mTOR pathway and can be a potential therapeutic approach in treating the cardiovascular diseases such as myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Lv
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Traditional Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Yuan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Chunmiao Lu
- Jiashan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing, China
| | - Meng Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Qu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaping Zhu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo Yuan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Junping Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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96
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Klener P. Mantle cell lymphoma: insights into therapeutic targets at the preclinical level. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1029-1045. [PMID: 32842810 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1813718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a chronically relapsing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by recurrent molecular-cytogenetic aberrations that lead to deregulation of DNA damage response, cell cycle progression, epigenetics, apoptosis, proliferation, and motility. In the last 10 years, clinical approval of several innovative drugs dramatically changed the landscape of treatment options in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) MCL, which translated into significantly improved survival parameters. AREAS COVERED Here, up-to-date knowledge on the biology of MCL together with currently approved and clinically tested frontline and salvage therapies are reviewed. In addition, novel therapeutic targets in MCL based on the scientific reports published in Pubmed are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Bruton tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, NFkappaB inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, and immunomodulary agents in combination with monoclonal antibodies and genotoxic drugs have the potential to induce long-term remissions in majority of newly diagnosed MCL patients. Several other classes of anti-tumor drugs including phosphoinositole-3-kinase, cyclin-dependent kinase or DNA damage response kinase inhibitors have demonstrated promising anti-lymphoma efficacy in R/R MCL. Most importantly, adoptive immunotherapy with genetically modified T-cells carrying chimeric antigen receptor represents a potentially curative treatment approach even in the patients with chemotherapy and ibrutinib-refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Klener
- First Department of Internal Medicine- Hematology, University General Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University , Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University , Prague, Czech Republic
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97
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Li X, Sun S, Chen D, Yuan T, Chen Y, Wang D, Fang L, Lu Y, Du G. Puerarin attenuates the endothelial-mesenchymal transition induced by oxidative stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells through PI3K/AKT pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 886:173472. [PMID: 32860809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a process in which endothelial cells lose their specific morphology/markers and undergo a dramatic remodeling of the cytoskeleton. It has been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. Recent study indicated that puerarin could inhibit EndMT against cardiac fibrosis. However, the precise role of puerarin in EndMT and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. EndMT was induced by H2O2 (150 μM) in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). HCAECs were exposed to H2O2 for six days with or without puerarin pretreated 2 h. The protein changes of EndMT markers (CD31, VE-cadherin, FSP1 and α-SMA) in HCAECs were detected. The levels of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) proteins were analyzed by Western Blot. Wound healing and transwell assay were carried out to examine cell chemotaxis. Puerarin mitigated H2O2-induced EndMT as indicated by alleviating the reduced expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin and inhibiting the upregulation of α-SMA and FSP1. Furthermore, the mechanisms study showed that puerarin activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by inhibiting reactive oxygen species and further attenuated EndMT. On the other hand, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed this effect imposed by puerarin. Puerarin alleviated the migration of mesenchymal-like cells through reducing MMPs protein expression. These results implicated that puerarin exhibited cytoprotective effects against H2O2-induced EndMT in HCAECs through alleviating oxidative stress, activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and limiting cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shuchan Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Di Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tianyi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yucai Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Danshu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lianhua Fang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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98
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Zhang W, Xue F, Xie S, Chen C, Li J, Zhu X. Isoflurane promotes proliferation of squamous cervical cancer cells through mTOR-histone deacetylase 6 pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:45-55. [PMID: 32833118 PMCID: PMC7867516 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03884-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of isoflurane on the proliferation of squamous cervical cancer cells, with focus on histone deacetylase 6 that is closely related to carcinogenesis. Squamous cervical cancer cells SiHa and Caski were exposed to 1%, 2%, or 3% isoflurane for 2 h, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured with the cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay and determined by BrdU assay. Expression of histone deacetylase 6, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was assessed by Western blot. In order to block the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression, siRNA transfection was performed. Isoflurane significantly promoted the proliferation of both SiHa and Caski cells, accompanied by upregulation of PCNA protein expression. Isoflurane increased the level of histone deacetylase 6 protein expression in both cells, and knockdown of histone deacetylase 6 attenuated the pro-proliferation effects of isoflurane. Additionally, activation of AKT/mTOR was found after isoflurane treatment, and mTOR inhibition abolished isoflurane-induced histone deacetylase 6 expression. However, inhibition of AKT phosphorylation had no effect on the expression of histone deacetylase 6 mediated by isoflurane. In conclusion, Isoflurane enhanced proliferation of cervical cancer cells through upregulation of histone deacetylase 6, which was associated with mTOR-dependent pathway, but not AKT-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangdan Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109 Xueyuan Xi Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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99
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Smyth LM, Tamura K, Oliveira M, Ciruelos EM, Mayer IA, Sablin MP, Biganzoli L, Ambrose HJ, Ashton J, Barnicle A, Cashell DD, Corcoran C, de Bruin EC, Foxley A, Hauser J, Lindemann JPO, Maudsley R, McEwen R, Moschetta M, Pass M, Rowlands V, Schiavon G, Banerji U, Scaltriti M, Taylor BS, Chandarlapaty S, Baselga J, Hyman DM. Capivasertib, an AKT Kinase Inhibitor, as Monotherapy or in Combination with Fulvestrant in Patients with AKT1 E17K-Mutant, ER-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3947-3957. [PMID: 32312891 PMCID: PMC7415507 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The activating mutation AKT1 E17K occurs in approximately 7% of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We report, from a multipart, first-in-human, phase I study (NCT01226316), tolerability and activity of capivasertib, an oral AKT inhibitor, as monotherapy or combined with fulvestrant in expansion cohorts of patients with AKT1 E17K-mutant ER+ MBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with an AKT1 E17K mutation, detected by local (next-generation sequencing) or central (plasma-based BEAMing) testing, received capivasertib 480 mg twice daily, 4 days on, 3 days off, weekly or 400 mg twice daily combined with fulvestrant at the labeled dose. Study endpoints included safety, objective response rate (ORR; RECIST v1.1), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinical benefit rate at 24 weeks (CBR24). Biomarker analyses were conducted in the combination cohort. RESULTS From October 2013 to August 2018, 63 heavily pretreated patients received capivasertib (20 monotherapy, 43 combination). ORR was 20% with monotherapy, and within the combination cohort was 36% in fulvestrant-pretreated and 20% in fulvestrant-naïve patients, although the latter group may have had more aggressive disease at baseline. AKT1 E17K mutations were detectable in plasma by BEAMing (95%, 41/43), droplet digital PCR (80%, 33/41), and next-generation sequencing (76%, 31/41). A ≥50% decrease in AKT1 E17K at cycle 2 day 1 was associated with improved PFS. Combination therapy appeared more tolerable than monotherapy [most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events: rash (9% vs. 20%), hyperglycemia (5% vs. 30%), diarrhea (5% vs. 10%)]. CONCLUSIONS Capivasertib demonstrated clinically meaningful activity in heavily pretreated patients with AKT1 E17K-mutant ER+ MBC, including those with prior disease progression on fulvestrant. Tolerability and activity appeared improved by the combination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mafalda Oliveira
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Laura Biganzoli
- Breast Centre, Oncology Department, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy
| | | | - Jack Ashton
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Barnicle
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Des D Cashell
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andrew Foxley
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Hauser
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Robert McEwen
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin Pass
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gaia Schiavon
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Udai Banerji
- Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Barry S Taylor
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - José Baselga
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David M Hyman
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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100
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Kostaras E, Kaserer T, Lazaro G, Heuss SF, Hussain A, Casado P, Hayes A, Yandim C, Palaskas N, Yu Y, Schwartz B, Raynaud F, Chung YL, Cutillas PR, Vivanco I. A systematic molecular and pharmacologic evaluation of AKT inhibitors reveals new insight into their biological activity. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:542-555. [PMID: 32439931 PMCID: PMC7435276 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT, a critical effector of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling cascade, is an intensely pursued therapeutic target in oncology. Two distinct classes of AKT inhibitors have been in clinical development, ATP-competitive and allosteric. Class-specific differences in drug activity are likely the result of differential structural and conformational requirements governing efficient target binding, which ultimately determine isoform-specific potency, selectivity profiles and activity against clinically relevant AKT mutant variants. METHODS We have carried out a systematic evaluation of clinical AKT inhibitors using in vitro pharmacology, molecular profiling and biochemical assays together with structural modelling to better understand the context of drug-specific and drug-class-specific cell-killing activity. RESULTS Our data demonstrate clear differences between ATP-competitive and allosteric AKT inhibitors, including differential effects on non-catalytic activity as measured by a novel functional readout. Surprisingly, we found that some mutations can cause drug resistance in an isoform-selective manner despite high structural conservation across AKT isoforms. Finally, we have derived drug-class-specific phosphoproteomic signatures and used them to identify effective drug combinations. CONCLUSIONS These findings illustrate the utility of individual AKT inhibitors, both as drugs and as chemical probes, and the benefit of AKT inhibitor pharmacological diversity in providing a repertoire of context-specific therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Kostaras
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, SM2 5NG, London, UK
| | - Teresa Kaserer
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW7 3RP, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, A-6020, Austria
| | - Glorianne Lazaro
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, SM2 5NG, London, UK
| | - Sara Farrah Heuss
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, SM2 5NG, London, UK
| | - Aasia Hussain
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, SM2 5NG, London, UK
| | - Pedro Casado
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Angela Hayes
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Cihangir Yandim
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, SM2 5NG, London, UK
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Izmir University of Economics, 35330, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nicolaos Palaskas
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yi Yu
- ArQule, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA), Burlington, MA, 01803, USA
| | - Brian Schwartz
- ArQule, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA), Burlington, MA, 01803, USA
| | - Florence Raynaud
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Yuen-Li Chung
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research London and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, SW7 3RP, UK
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Igor Vivanco
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, SM2 5NG, London, UK.
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