51
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Becker F, Joerg V, Hupe MC, Roth D, Krupar R, Lubczyk V, Kuefer R, Sailer V, Duensing S, Kirfel J, Merseburger AS, Brägelmann J, Perner S, Offermann A. Increased mediator complex subunit CDK19 expression associates with aggressive prostate cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:577-588. [PMID: 31271443 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Mediator complex is a transcriptional regulator interacting with transcription factors and RNA-polymerase-II. Recently, we identified its subunit CDK19 to be specifically expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and to be functionally implicated in PCa aggressiveness. Aim of our study was to comprehensively characterize the protein expression of CDK19 and its paralog CDK8 in PCa. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CDK19/CDK8 on a large cohort including needle biopsies from 202 patients, 799 primary tumor foci of radical prostatectomy specimens from 415 patients, 120 locally advanced tumor foci obtained by palliative transurethral resection, 140 lymph node metastases, 67 distant metastases and 82 benigns. Primary tumors were stained for the proliferation marker Ki67, androgen receptor (AR) and ERG. For 376 patients, clinic-pathologic data were available. Primary endpoint was disease-recurrence-free survival (DFS). Nuclear CDK19 and CDK8 expression increases during progression showing the highest intensity in metastatic and castration-resistant tumors. High CDK19 expression on primary tumors correlates with DFS independently from Gleason grade and PSA. Five-year-DFS rates of patients with primary tumors expressing no, moderate and high CDK19 are 73.7, 56.9 and 30.4%, respectively. CDK19 correlates with Gleason grade, T-stage, Ki67 proliferation-index, nuclear AR expression and ERG-status. Therapeutic options for metastatic and castration-resistant PCa remain limited. In the current study, we confirmed an important role of the Mediator subunit CDK19 in advanced PCa supporting current developments to target CDK19 and its paralog CDK8. Furthermore, CDK19 protein expression has the potential to predict disease recurrence independently from established biomarkers thus contributing to individual management for PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn Becker
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Vincent Joerg
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Marie C Hupe
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Doris Roth
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | | | - Verena Lubczyk
- Department of Pathology, Klinik am Eichert Alb Fils Kliniken, Goeppingen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kuefer
- Department of Urology, Klinik am Eichert Alb Fils Kliniken, Goeppingen, Germany
| | - Verena Sailer
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Stefan Duensing
- Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University of Heidelberg School of Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Axel S Merseburger
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Johannes Brägelmann
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Translational Genomics, Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Anne Offermann
- Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
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52
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Menzl I, Witalisz-Siepracka A, Sexl V. CDK8-Novel Therapeutic Opportunities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:E92. [PMID: 31248103 PMCID: PMC6630639 DOI: 10.3390/ph12020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvements in cancer therapy frequently stem from the development of new small-molecule inhibitors, paralleled by the identification of biomarkers that can predict the treatment response. Recent evidence supports the idea that cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) may represent a potential drug target for breast and prostate cancer, although no CDK8 inhibitors have entered the clinics. As the available inhibitors have been recently reviewed, we focus on the biological functions of CDK8 and provide an overview of the complexity of CDK8-dependent signaling throughout evolution and CDK8-dependent effects that may open novel treatment avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Menzl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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53
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Offermann A, Roth D, Hupe MC, Hohensteiner S, Becker F, Joerg V, Carlsson J, Kuempers C, Ribbat-Idel J, Tharun L, Sailer V, Kirfel J, Svensson M, Andren O, Lubczyk V, Kuefer R, Merseburger AS, Perner S. TRIM24 as an independent prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer. Urol Oncol 2019; 37:576.e1-576.e10. [PMID: 31178279 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Simply applicable biomarkers for prostate cancer patients predicting the clinical course are urgently needed. Recently, TRIM24 has been identified to promote androgen receptor signaling and to correlate with an aggressive prostate cancer phenotype. Based on these data, we proofed TRIM24 as a prognostic biomarker for risk stratification. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed TRIM24 immunohistochemistry on 2 independent cohorts including a total of 806 primary tumors, 26 locally advanced/recurrent tumors, 30 lymph node metastases, 30 distant metastases, and 129 benign prostatic samples from 497 patients as well as on 246 prostate needle biopsies. Expression data were correlated with clinic-pathological data including biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS) as endpoint. RESULTS Benign samples show no or low TRIM24 expression in 94%, while tumor tissues demonstrate significant higher levels. Strongest expression is observed in advanced and metastatic tumors. In multivariate analyses, TRIM24 up-regulation on radical prostatectomy specimens correlates with shorter bRFS independent of other prognostic parameters. 5-(10-) year bRFS rates for TRIM24 negative, low, medium and high expressing tumors are 93.1(93.1)%, 75.4(68.5)%, 54.9(47.5)% and 43.1(32.3)%, respectively. Of interest, tumors diagnosed as indolent disease, TRIM24 expression stratifies patients into specific risk groups. Increased TRIM24 expression associates with higher grade group, positive nodal status and extraprostatic tumor growth. TRIM24 assessment on prostate needle biopsies taken prior to treatment decision at time of initial diagnosis significantly correlates with recurrence after surgery. CONCLUSION Using 2 large independent radical prostatectomy specimen cohorts, we found that TRIM24 expression predicts patients' risk to develop disease recurrence with high accuracy and independent from other established biomarkers. Further, this is the first study exploring TRIM24 expression on prostate needle biopsies which represents the clinically relevant tissue type on which biomarkers guide treatment decisions. Thus, we strongly suggest introducing TRIM24 evaluation in prostate needle biopsies in clinical routine as an inexpensive and simple immunohistochemical test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Offermann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Doris Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | | | - Silke Hohensteiner
- Department of Pathology, Klinik am Eichert Alb Fils Kliniken, Goeppingen, Germany
| | - Finn Becker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Vincent Joerg
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Jessica Carlsson
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Christiane Kuempers
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Julika Ribbat-Idel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Lars Tharun
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Verena Sailer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Maria Svensson
- Department of Research and Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ove Andren
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Verena Lubczyk
- Department of Pathology, Klinik am Eichert Alb Fils Kliniken, Goeppingen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kuefer
- Department of Urology, Klinik am Eichert Alb Fils Kliniken, Goeppingen, Germany
| | | | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany; Pathology of the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany.
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54
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Yin T, Liu MM, Jin RT, Kong J, Wang SH, Sun WB. miR-152-3p Modulates hepatic carcinogenesis by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 8. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152406. [PMID: 30967300 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) as a Mediator complex-associated transcriptional regulator has been shown to play important role in the initiation and progression of various cancers. The present study aimed to explore miR-152-3p-modulated post-transcriptional repression of CDK8 in hepatic carcinogenesis. METHODS Eighty-nine pairs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected for molecular biological analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis assays were detected using CCK8 and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexinv-FITC) double staining, respectively. Bioinformatics algorithms and luciferase reporter assay were performed to validate CDK8 as a direct target of miR-152-3p. Gene and protein expression levels were monitored using RT-qPCR, western blotting or immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS CDK8 expression levels were up-regulated and miR-152-3p was down-regulated in HCC tissues. The correlation analysis had documented a significant negative correlation between miR-152-3p and CDK8 in the HCC tissues. Both CDK8 and miR-152-3p could serve as the independent prognostic factors for predicting the OS and DFS in HCC patients. Bioinformatics and experimental measurement revealed that CDK8 was a direct target of miR-152-3p. After co-transfection with the miR-152-3p mimics and the CDK8 overexpressed plasmids, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic roles of miR-152-3p were restricted by CDK8. CONCLUSION The present results obtained forcefully proved that miR-152-3p exhibited an antineoplastic activity via targeting CDK8 and might be served as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China; Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng 024005, China
| | - Ming-Ming Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng 024005, China
| | - Ruo-Tian Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng 024005, China
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Shao-Hong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China
| | - Wen-Bing Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100043, China.
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55
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Loontiens S, Depestel L, Vanhauwaert S, Dewyn G, Gistelinck C, Verboom K, Van Loocke W, Matthijssens F, Willaert A, Vandesompele J, Speleman F, Durinck K. Purification of high-quality RNA from a small number of fluorescence activated cell sorted zebrafish cells for RNA sequencing purposes. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:228. [PMID: 30894119 PMCID: PMC6425699 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5608-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transgenic zebrafish lines with the expression of a fluorescent reporter under the control of a cell-type specific promoter, enable transcriptome analysis of FACS sorted cell populations. RNA quality and yield are key determinant factors for accurate expression profiling. Limited cell number and FACS induced cellular stress make RNA isolation of sorted zebrafish cells a delicate process. We aimed to optimize a workflow to extract sufficient amounts of high-quality RNA from a limited number of FACS sorted cells from Tg(fli1a:GFP) zebrafish embryos, which can be used for accurate gene expression analysis. Results We evaluated two suitable RNA isolation kits (the RNAqueous micro and the RNeasy plus micro kit) and determined that sorting cells directly into lysis buffer is a critical step for success. For low cell numbers, this ensures direct cell lysis, protects RNA from degradation and results in a higher RNA quality and yield. We showed that this works well up to 0.5× dilution of the lysis buffer with sorted cells. In our sort settings, this corresponded to 30,000 and 75,000 cells for the RNAqueous micro kit and RNeasy plus micro kit respectively. Sorting more cells dilutes the lysis buffer too much and requires the use of a collection buffer. We also demonstrated that an additional genomic DNA removal step after RNA isolation is required to completely clear the RNA from any contaminating genomic DNA. For cDNA synthesis and library preparation, we combined SmartSeq v4 full length cDNA library amplification, Nextera XT tagmentation and sample barcoding. Using this workflow, we were able to generate highly reproducible RNA sequencing results. Conclusions The presented optimized workflow enables to generate high quality RNA and allows accurate transcriptome profiling of small populations of sorted zebrafish cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5608-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siebe Loontiens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa Depestel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Vanhauwaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Givani Dewyn
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Gistelinck
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Karen Verboom
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Matthijssens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andy Willaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Durinck
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Dannappel MV, Sooraj D, Loh JJ, Firestein R. Molecular and in vivo Functions of the CDK8 and CDK19 Kinase Modules. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 6:171. [PMID: 30693281 PMCID: PMC6340071 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CDK8 and its paralog, CDK19, collectively termed ‘Mediator Kinase,’ are cyclin-dependent kinases that have been implicated as key rheostats in cellular homeostasis and developmental programming. CDK8 and CDK19 are incorporated, in a mutually exclusive manner, as part of a 4-protein complex called the Mediator kinase module. This module reversibly associates with the Mediator, a 26 subunit protein complex that regulates RNA Polymerase II mediated gene expression. As part of this complex, the Mediator kinases have been implicated in diverse process such as developmental signaling, metabolic homeostasis and in innate immunity. In recent years, dysregulation of Mediator kinase module proteins, including CDK8/19, has been implicated in the development of different human diseases, and in particular cancer. This has led to intense efforts to understand how CDK8/19 regulate diverse biological outputs and develop Mediator kinase inhibitors that can be exploited therapeutically. Herein, we review both context and function of the Mediator kinases at a molecular, cellular and animal level. In so doing, we illuminate emerging concepts underpinning Mediator kinase biology and highlight certain aspects that remain unsolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Volker Dannappel
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Dhanya Sooraj
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jia Jian Loh
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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57
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Zhang JF, Zhang JS, Zhao ZH, Yang PB, Ji SF, Li N, Shi QD, Tan J, Xu X, Xu CB, Zhao LY. MicroRNA-770 affects proliferation and cell cycle transition by directly targeting CDK8 in glioma. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:195. [PMID: 30524203 PMCID: PMC6276177 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. miR-770 has been reported to be downregulated in several cancers and affects cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and drug resistance. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of miR-770 in human glioma remain unknown and need to be further elucidated. Methods The expression of miR-770 in glioma tissues and cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to explore the association of miR-770 expression with clinicopathological characteristics. The expression of CDK8 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting in glioma tissues. A target prediction program and a dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm that CDK8 is a target gene of miR-770. MTT and cell counting assays were used to assess the effect of miR-770 on glioma cell proliferation. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were examined by flow cytometry. CDK8 siRNA and overexpression were used to further confirm the function of the target gene. Results We demonstrated that miR-770 expression was downregulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of miR-770 inhibited glioma cell proliferation and cell cycle G1-S transition and induced apoptosis. The inhibition of miR-770 facilitated cell proliferation and G1-S transition and suppressed apoptosis. miR-770 expression was inversely correlated with CDK8 expression in glioma tissues. CDK8 was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-770 by using a luciferase reporter assay. The overexpression of miR-770 decreased CDK8 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, and the suppression of miR-770 increased CDK8 expression. Importantly, CDK8 silencing recapitulated the cellular and molecular effects observed upon miR-770 overexpression, and CDK8 overexpression eliminated the effects of miR-770 overexpression on glioma cells. Moreover, both exogenous expression of miR-770 and silencing of CDK8 resulted in suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that miR-770 inhibits glioma cell proliferation and G1-S transition and induces apoptosis through suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting CDK8. These findings suggest that miR-770 plays a significant role in glioma progression and serves as a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Zhang
- 1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021 Shaanxi People's Republic of China.,2Department of Human Anatomy, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Shui Zhang
- 3Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Hua Zhao
- 2Department of Human Anatomy, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Bo Yang
- 3Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Feng Ji
- 3Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Li
- 4Department of Neuropathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Dong Shi
- 5The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Tan
- 5The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Xu
- 1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021 Shaanxi People's Republic of China.,2Department of Human Anatomy, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Cang-Bao Xu
- 1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021 Shaanxi People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yu Zhao
- 6Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061 People's Republic of China
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Sierecki E. The Mediator complex and the role of protein-protein interactions in the gene regulation machinery. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 99:20-30. [PMID: 30278226 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
At the core of gene regulation, a complex network of dynamic interactions between proteins, DNA and RNA has to be integrated in order to generate a binary biological output. Large protein complexes, called adaptors, transfer information from the transcription factors to the transcription machinery [1,2]. Here we focus on Mediator, one of the largest adaptor proteins in humans [3]. Assembled from 30 different subunits, this system provides extraordinary illustrations for the various roles played by protein-protein interactions. Recruitment of new subunits during evolution is an adaptive mechanism to the growing complexity of the organism. Integration of information happens at multiple scales, with allosteric effects at the level of individual subunits resulting in large conformational changes. Mediator is also rich in disordered regions that increase the potential for interactions by presenting a malleable surface to its environment. Potentially, 3000 transcription factors can interact with Mediator and so understanding the molecular mechanisms that support the processing of this overload of information is one of the great challenges in molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medecine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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59
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Liang J, Chen M, Hughes D, Chumanevich AA, Altilia S, Kaza V, Lim CU, Kiaris H, Mythreye K, Pena MM, Broude EV, Roninson IB. CDK8 Selectively Promotes the Growth of Colon Cancer Metastases in the Liver by Regulating Gene Expression of TIMP3 and Matrix Metalloproteinases. Cancer Res 2018; 78:6594-6606. [PMID: 30185549 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
: Unresectable hepatic metastases of colon cancer respond poorly to existing therapies and are a major cause of colon cancer lethality. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic viability of targeting the mediator kinase CDK8, an early clinical stage drug target, as a means to suppress metastasis of colon cancer. CDK8 was amplified or overexpressed in many colon cancers and CDK8 expression correlated with shorter patient survival. Knockdown or inhibition of CDK8 had little effect on colon cancer cell growth but suppressed metastatic growth of mouse and human colon cancer cells in the liver. This effect was due in part to inhibition of already established hepatic metastases, indicating therapeutic potential of CDK8 inhibitors in the metastatic setting. In contrast, knockdown or inhibition of CDK8 had no significant effect on the growth of tumors implanted subcutaneously, intrasplenically, or orthotopically in the cecum. CDK8 mediated colon cancer growth in the liver through downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor TIMP3 via TGFβ/SMAD-driven expression of a TIMP3-targeting microRNA, miR-181b, along with induction of Mmp3 in murine or MMP9 in human colon cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin-driven transcription. These findings reveal a new mechanism for negative regulation of gene expression by CDK8 and a site-specific role for CDK8 in colon cancer hepatic metastasis. Our results indicate the utility of CDK8 inhibitors for the treatment of colon cancer metastases in the liver and suggest that CDK8 inhibitors may be considered in other therapeutic settings involving TGFβ/SMAD or Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that inhibition of the transcription-regulating kinase CDK8 exerts a site-specific tumor-suppressive effect on colon cancer growth in the liver, representing a unique therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of advanced colon cancer.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/23/6594/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Mengqian Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Daniel Hughes
- Department of Biology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Alexander A Chumanevich
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Serena Altilia
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Vimala Kaza
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Chang-Uk Lim
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Karthikeyan Mythreye
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | | | - Eugenia V Broude
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Igor B Roninson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.
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Chohan TA, Qayyum A, Rehman K, Tariq M, Akash MSH. An insight into the emerging role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of advanced cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1326-1341. [PMID: 30257348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer denotes a pathological manifestation that is characterized by hyperproliferation of cells. It has anticipated that a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and the role of cell-cycle regulators may provide an opportunity to develop an effective cancer therapeutic agents. Specifically, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) which regulate the transition of cell-cycle through different phases; have been identified as fundamental targets for therapeutic advances. It is an evident from experimental studies that several events leading to tumor growth occur by exacerbation of CDK4/CDK6 in G1-phase of cell division cycle. Additionally, the characteristics of S- and G2/M-phase regulated by CDK1/CDK2 are pivotal events that may lead to abrupt the cell division. Although, previously reported CDK inhibitors have shown remarkable results in pre-clinical studies, but have not yielded appreciable clinical results yet. Therefore, the development of clinically potent CDK inhibitors has remained to be a challenging task. However, continuous efforts has led to the development of some novel CDKs inhibitors that have emerged as a potent strategy for the treatment of advanced cancers. In this article, we have summarized the role of CDKs in cell-cycle regulation and tumorigenesis and recent advances in the development of CDKs inhibitors as a promising therapy for the treatment of advanced cancer. In addition, we have also performed a comparison of crystallographic studies to get valuable insight into the interaction mode differences of inhibitors, binding to CDK isoforms with apparently similar binding sites. The knowledge of ligand-specific recognition towards a particular CDK isoform may be applied as a key tool in future for the designing of isoform-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Ali Chohan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Qayyum
- Department of Paediatrics Medicine, Sabzazar Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Rehman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Alternative Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
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61
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Dong J, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Huang G, Li S. Recent Advances in the Development of Indazole-based Anticancer Agents. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1490-1507. [PMID: 29863292 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of human mortality globally; therefore, intensive efforts have been made to seek new active drugs with improved anticancer efficacy. Indazole-containing derivatives are endowed with a broad range of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, antihypertensive, and anticancer activities. In recent years, the development of anticancer drugs has given rise to a wide range of indazole derivatives, some of which exhibit outstanding activity against various tumor types. The aim of this review is to outline recent developments concerning the anticancer activity of indazole derivatives, as well as to summarize the design strategies and structure-activity relationships of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyun Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Qijing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengtao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoshun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, China
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62
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The knockdown of the mediator complex subunit MED30 suppresses the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells. Ann Diagn Pathol 2018; 34:18-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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63
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Mok MT, Zhou J, Tang W, Zeng X, Oliver AW, Ward SE, Cheng AS. CCRK is a novel signalling hub exploitable in cancer immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 186:138-151. [PMID: 29360538 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 20 (CDK20), or more commonly referred to as cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK), is the latest member of CDK family with strong linkage to human cancers. Accumulating studies have reported the consistent overexpression of CCRK in cancers arising from brain, colon, liver, lung and ovary. Such aberrant up-regulation of CCRK is clinically significant as it correlates with tumor staging, shorter patient survival and poor prognosis. Intriguingly, the signalling molecules perturbed by CCRK are divergent and cancer-specific, including the cell cycle regulators CDK2, cyclin D1, cyclin E and RB in glioblastoma, ovarian carcinoma and colorectal cancer, and KEAP1-NRF2 cytoprotective pathway in lung cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), CCRK mediates virus-host interaction to promote hepatitis B virus-associated tumorigenesis. Further mechanistic analyses reveal that CCRK orchestrates a self-reinforcing circuitry comprising of AR, GSK3β, β-catenin, AKT, EZH2, and NF-κB signalling for transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Notably, EZH2 and NF-κB in this circuit have been recently shown to induce IL-6 production to facilitate tumor immune evasion. Concordantly, in a hepatoma preclinical model, ablation of Ccrk disrupts the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade via potentiation of anti-tumor T cell responses. In this review, we summarized the multifaceted tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic functions of CCRK, which represents a novel signalling hub exploitable in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myth T Mok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jingying Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenshu Tang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xuezhen Zeng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Antony W Oliver
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK
| | - Simon E Ward
- Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Alfred S Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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64
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Weber H, Garabedian MJ. The mediator complex in genomic and non-genomic signaling in cancer. Steroids 2018; 133:8-14. [PMID: 29157917 PMCID: PMC5864542 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mediator is a conserved, multi-subunit macromolecular machine divided structurally into head, middle, and tail modules, along with a transiently associating kinase module. Mediator functions as an integrator of transcriptional regulatory activity by interacting with DNA-bound transcription factors and with RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to both activate and repress gene expression. Mediator has been shown to affect multiple steps in transcription, including chromatin looping between enhancers and promoters, pre-initiation complex formation, transcriptional elongation, and mRNA splicing. Individual Mediator subunits participate in regulation of gene expression by the estrogen and androgen receptors and are altered in a number of endocrine cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. In addition to its role in genomic signaling, MED12 has been implicated in non-genomic signaling by interacting with and activating TGF-beta receptor 2 in the cytoplasm. Recent structural studies have revealed extensive inter-domain interactions and complex architecture of the Mediator-Pol II complex, suggesting that Mediator is capable of reorganizing its conformation and composition to fit cellular needs. We propose that alterations in Mediator subunit expression that occur in various cancers could impact the organization and function of Mediator, resulting in changes in gene expression that promote malignancy. A better understanding of the role of Mediator in cancer could reveal new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of Mediator-dependent endocrine cancers, especially in settings of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Weber
- Departments of Microbiology and Urology, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Ave, New York, NY 10012, United States
| | - Michael J Garabedian
- Departments of Microbiology and Urology, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Ave, New York, NY 10012, United States.
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65
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CDK8/19 inhibition induces premature G1/S transition and ATR-dependent cell death in prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:13474-13487. [PMID: 29568371 PMCID: PMC5862592 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The CDK8/19 kinase module comprises a subcomplex that interacts with the Mediator complex and regulates gene expression through phosphorylation of transcription factors and Mediator subunits. Mediator complex subunits have been increasingly implicated in cancer and other diseases. Although high expression of CDK8/19 has been demonstrated in prostate cancer, its function has not been thoroughly examined. Here we report that CDK8/19 modulates the gene expression of cell cycle regulators and thereby maintains the proper G1/S transition in prostate cancer cells. We show that highly selective CDK8/19 inhibitors exerted anti-proliferative activity in prostate cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. In CDK8/19 inhibitor-sensitive prostate cancer cells, the compounds reduced the population of G1 phase cells and elevated that of S phase cells through the modulation of G1/S transition regulators at the level of mRNA expression. Furthermore, the premature G1/S transition induced a DNA damage response that was followed by ATR-dependent and caspase-independent cell death. These findings suggest a novel role of CDK8/19 in transcription-mediated cell cycle control, albeit with possible contribution of other proteins inhibited by the compounds. Our data provide a rationale for further investigation of CDK8/19 inhibitors as a new therapeutic approach to prostate cancer.
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66
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Philip S, Kumarasiri M, Teo T, Yu M, Wang S. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8: A New Hope in Targeted Cancer Therapy? J Med Chem 2018; 61:5073-5092. [PMID: 29266937 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) plays a vital role in regulating transcription either through its association with the Mediator complex or by phosphorylating transcription factors. Myriads of genetic and biochemical studies have established CDK8 as a key oncogenic driver in many cancers. Specifically, CDK8-mediated activation of oncogenic Wnt-β-catenin signaling, transcription of estrogen-inducible genes, and suppression of super enhancer-associated genes contributes to oncogenesis in colorectal, breast, and hematological malignancies, respectively. However, while most research supports the role of CDK8 as an oncogene, other work has raised the possibility of its contrary function. The diverse biological functions of CDK8 and its seemingly context-specific roles in different types of cancers have spurred a great amount of interest and perhaps an even greater amount of controversy in the development of CDK8 inhibitors as potential cancer therapeutic agents. Herein, we review the latest landscape of CDK8 biology and its involvement in carcinogenesis. We dissect current efforts in discovering CDK8 inhibitors and attempt to provide an outlook at the future of CDK8-targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Philip
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sansom Institute for Health Research and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences , University of South Australia , Adelaide , South Australia 5001 , Australia
| | - Malika Kumarasiri
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sansom Institute for Health Research and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences , University of South Australia , Adelaide , South Australia 5001 , Australia
| | - Theodosia Teo
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sansom Institute for Health Research and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences , University of South Australia , Adelaide , South Australia 5001 , Australia
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sansom Institute for Health Research and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences , University of South Australia , Adelaide , South Australia 5001 , Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sansom Institute for Health Research and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences , University of South Australia , Adelaide , South Australia 5001 , Australia
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67
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Jeronimo C, Robert F. The Mediator Complex: At the Nexus of RNA Polymerase II Transcription. Trends Cell Biol 2017; 27:765-783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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68
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Abstract
Over the past two decades there has been a great deal of interest in the development of inhibitors of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). This attention initially stemmed from observations that different CDK isoforms have key roles in cancer cell proliferation through loss of regulation of the cell cycle, a hallmark feature of cancer. CDKs have now been shown to regulate other processes, particularly various aspects of transcription. The early non-selective CDK inhibitors exhibited considerable toxicity and proved to be insufficiently active in most cancers. The lack of patient selection biomarkers and an absence of understanding of the inhibitory profile required for efficacy hampered the development of these inhibitors. However, the advent of potent isoform-selective inhibitors with accompanying biomarkers has re-ignited interest. Palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, is now approved for the treatment of ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Current developments in the field include the identification of potent and selective inhibitors of the transcriptional CDKs; these include tool compounds that have allowed exploration of individual CDKs as cancer targets and the determination of their potential therapeutic windows. Biomarkers that allow the selection of patients likely to respond are now being discovered. Drug resistance has emerged as a major hurdle in the clinic for most protein kinase inhibitors and resistance mechanism are beginning to be identified for CDK inhibitors. This suggests that the selective inhibitors may be best used combined with standard of care or other molecularly targeted agents now in development rather than in isolation as monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Whittaker
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom
| | - Aurélie Mallinger
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Workman
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Clarke
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, United Kingdom.
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Klümper N, Syring I, Vogel W, Schmidt D, Müller SC, Ellinger J, Shaikhibrahim Z, Brägelmann J, Perner S. Mediator Complex Subunit MED1 Protein Expression Is Decreased during Bladder Cancer Progression. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:30. [PMID: 28367434 PMCID: PMC5355444 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bladder cancer (BCa) is among the most frequent cancer entities and relevantly contributes to cancer-associated deaths worldwide. The multi-protein Mediator complex is a central regulator of the transcriptional machinery of protein-coding genes and has been described to be altered in several malignancies. MED1, a subunit of the tail module, was described to negatively modulate expression of metastasis-related genes and to be downregulated in melanoma and lung cancer. In contrast, MED1 hyperactivity was described in breast and prostate cancer, likely due its function as a hub for nuclear hormone receptors. So far, only little is known about the function of the Mediator complex in BCa. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the role of MED1 in BCa as a prognostic biomarker and a biomarker of disease progression. Methods The protein expression of MED1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarrays from 224 patients: benign urothelium n = 31, non-muscle invasive BCa (pTis, pT1) n = 72, and muscle invasive BCa (pT2–T4) n = 121. Comprehensive clinicopathological information including follow-up were available. Quantification of MED1 protein expression was evaluated by the semiquantitative image analysis program Definiens. Results MED1 expression significantly decreased during BCa progression from benign urothelium to advanced BCa. Muscle invasion, the crucial step in BCa progression, was associated with low MED1 protein expression. Accordingly, decreased MED1 expression was found in primary BCa samples with positive lymphonodal status and distant metastases. Furthermore, cancer-specific survival was significantly worse in the group of low MED1 expression. Conclusion Our findings show that the downregulation of MED1 is associated with muscle invasion, metastatic spread, and shorter overall survival in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Klümper
- Pathology of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck and the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences , Luebeck , Germany
| | - Isabella Syring
- Clinic for Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Wenzel Vogel
- Pathology of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck and the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences , Luebeck , Germany
| | - Doris Schmidt
- Clinic for Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Stefan C Müller
- Clinic for Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Clinic for Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Zaki Shaikhibrahim
- Pathology of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck and the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences , Luebeck , Germany
| | - Johannes Brägelmann
- Pathology of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck and the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Luebeck, Germany; Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Pathology of the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck and the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences , Luebeck , Germany
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Implication of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL in Head and Neck Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:ijms18010007. [PMID: 28025482 PMCID: PMC5297642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a clinical challenge and identification of novel therapeutic targets is necessary. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been implicated in several tumor entities and a selective AXL small molecule inhibitor (BGB324) is currently being tested in clinical trials for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer or acute myeloid leukemia. Our study investigates AXL expression during HNSCC progression and its use as a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC. AXL protein expression was determined in a HNSCC cohort (n = 364) using immunohistochemical staining. For functional validation, AXL was either overexpressed or inhibited with BGB324 in HNSCC cell lines to assess proliferation, migration and invasion. We found AXL protein expression increasing during tumor progression with highest expression levels in recurrent tumors. In HNSCC cell lines in vitro, AXL overexpression increased migration as well as invasion. Both properties could be reduced through treatment with BGB324. In contrast, proliferation was neither affected by AXL overexpression nor by inhibition with BGB324. Our patient-derived data and in vitro results show that, in HNSCC, AXL is important for the progression to more advanced tumor stages. Moreover, they suggest that AXL could be a target for precision medicine approaches in this dismal tumor entity.
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