Potential roles for the PIM1 kinase in human cancer - a molecular and therapeutic appraisal

Pim-selective inhibitor DHPCC-9 reveals Pim kinases as potent stimulators of cancer cell migration and invasion

BACKGROUND

Pim family kinases are small constitutively active serine/threonine-specific kinases, elevated levels of which have been detected in human hematopoietic malignancies as well as in solid tumours. While we and others have previously shown that the oncogenic Pim kinases stimulate survival of hematopoietic cells, we now examined their putative role in regulating motility of adherent cancer cells. For this purpose, we inhibited Pim kinase activity using a small molecule compound, 1,10-dihydropyrrolo[2,3-a]carbazole-3-carbaldehyde (DHPCC-9), which we had recently identified as a potent and selective inhibitor for all Pim family members.

RESULTS

We now demonstrate that the Pim kinase inhibitor DHPCC-9 is very effective also in cell-based assays. DHPCC-9 impairs the anti-apoptotic effects of Pim-1 in cytokine-deprived myeloid cells and inhibits intracellular phosphorylation of Pim substrates such as Bad. Moreover, DHPCC-9 slows down migration and invasion of cancer cells derived from either prostate cancer or squamocellular carcinoma patients. Silencing of Pim expression reduces cell motility, while Pim overexpression enhances it, strongly suggesting that the observed effects of DHPCC-9 are dependent on Pim kinase activity. Interestingly, DHPCC-9 also abrogates NFATc-dependent migration of cancer cells, implying that NFATc factors mediate at least part of the pro-migratory effects of Pim kinases.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our data indicate that DHPCC-9 is not only a powerful tool to investigate physiological effects of the oncogenic Pim family kinases, but also an attractive molecule for drug development to inhibit invasiveness of Pim-overexpressing cancer cells.

Synthesis and biological activities of pyrazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline derivatives

The synthesis of new pyrazolo[3,4-g]quinoxaline derivatives, as well as their Pim kinases (Pim-1, Pim-2, Pim-3) inhibitory potencies and in vitro antiproliferative activities toward a human fibroblast primary culture and three human solid cancer cell lines (PA1, PC3 and DU145) are described. The results obtained in this preliminary structure-activity relationship study have pointed out that most of the compounds in this series exhibited interesting in vitro Pim-3 kinase inhibitory potencies. Moreover, some of the tested compounds have demonstrated favorable antiproliferative potencies.

Inflammation and survival pathways: chronic lymphocytic leukemia as a model system

A primary response to inflammation is an increased survival of the target cell. Several pathways have been identified that promote maintenance of the cell. The principal mechanism for the extended survival is through induction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Bcl-2 was the founding member of this family with five additional members, Bcl-X(L), Bcl-W, Bcl-B, Bfl-1, and Mcl-1, discovered mostly in hematological malignancies. Another mechanism that could add to cell survival is the Pim kinase pathway. This family of enzymes is associated with Myc-driven transcription, cell cycle regulation, degradation of pro-apoptotic proteins, and protein translation. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia serves as an optimal model to understand the mechanism by which these two protein families provide survival advantage to cells. In addition, since this malignancy is known to be maintained by microenvironment milieu, this further adds advantage to investigate mechanisms by which these pro-survival proteins are induced in the presence of stromal support. Multiple mechanisms exists that result in increase in transcript and protein level of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. Following these inductions, post-translational modifications occur resulting in increased stability of pro-survival proteins, while Pim-mediated phosphorylation inhibits pro-apoptotic protein activity. Furthermore, there is a cross-talk between these two (Bcl-2 family proteins and Pim family proteins) pathways that co-operate with each other for CLL cell survival and maintenance. Vigorous efforts are being made to create small molecules that affect these proteins directly or indirectly. Several of these pharmacological inhibitors are in early clinical trials for patients with hematological malignancies.

PIM kinase inhibitors downregulate STAT3(Tyr705) phosphorylation

Using a cell-based high-throughput screen designed to detect small chemical compounds that inhibit cell growth and survival, we identified three structurally related compounds, 21A8, 21H7, and 65D4, with differential activity on cancer versus normal cells. Introduction of structural modifications yielded compound M-110, which inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines with IC(50)s of 0.6 to 0.9 μmol/L, with no activity on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells up to 40 μmol/L. Screening of 261 recombinant kinases and subsequent analysis revealed that M-110 is a selective inhibitor of the PIM kinase family, with preference for PIM-3. The prostate cancer cell line DU-145 and the pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa2 constitutively express activated STAT3 (pSTAT3(Tyr705)). Treatment of DU-145 cells with M-110 or with a structurally unrelated PIM inhibitor, SGI-1776, significantly reduces pSTAT3(Tyr705) expression without affecting the expression of STAT3. Furthermore, treatment of DU-145 cells with M-110 attenuates the interleukin-6-induced increase in pSTAT3(Tyr705). To determine which of the three PIM kinases is most likely to inhibit expression of pSTAT3(Tyr705), we used PIM-1-, PIM-2-, or PIM-3-specific siRNA and showed that knockdown of PIM-3, but not of PIM-1 or PIM-2, in DU-145 cells results in a significant downregulation of pSTAT3(Tyr705). The phosphorylation of STAT5 on Tyr694 in 22Rv1 cells is not affected by M-110 or SGI-1776, suggesting specificity for pSTAT3(Tyr705). These results identify a novel role for PIM-3 kinase as a positive regulator of STAT3 signaling and suggest that PIM-3 inhibitors cause growth inhibition of cancer cells by downregulating the expression of pSTAT3(Tyr705).

Regulation of Skp2 levels by the Pim-1 protein kinase

The Pim-1 protein kinase plays an important role in regulating both cell growth and survival and enhancing transformation by multiple oncogenes. The ability of Pim-1 to regulate cell growth is mediated, in part, by the capacity of this protein kinase to control the levels of the p27, a protein that is a critical regulator of cyclin-dependent kinases that mediate cell cycle progression. To understand how Pim-1 is capable of regulating p27 protein levels, we focused our attention on the SCF(Skp2) ubiquitin ligase complex that controls the rate of degradation of this protein. We found that expression of Pim-1 increases the level of Skp2 through direct binding and phosphorylation of multiple sites on this protein. Along with known Skp2 phosphorylation sites including Ser(64) and Ser(72), we have identified Thr(417) as a unique Pim-1 phosphorylation target. Phosphorylation of Thr(417) controls the stability of Skp2 and its ability to degrade p27. Additionally, we found that Pim-1 regulates the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C complex) that mediates the ubiquitination of Skp2. Pim-1 phosphorylates Cdh1 and impairs binding of this protein to another APC/C complex member, CDC27. These modifications inhibit Skp2 from degradation. Marked increases in Skp2 caused by these mechanisms lower cellular p27 levels. Consistent with these observations, we show that Pim-1 is able to cooperate with Skp2 to signal S phase entry. Our data reveal a novel Pim-1 kinase-dependent signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation.

PIM1 kinase is destabilized by ribosomal stress causing inhibition of cell cycle progression

PIM1 is a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase regulated by cytokines, growth factors and hormones. It has been implicated in the control of cell cycle progression and apoptosis and its overexpression has been associated with various kinds of lymphoid and hematopoietic malignancies. The activity of PIM1 is dependent on the phosphorylation of several targets involved in transcription, cell cycle and apoptosis. We have recently observed that PIM1 interacts with ribosomal protein (RP)S19 and cosediments with ribosomes. Defects in ribosome synthesis (ribosomal stress) have been shown to activate a p53-dependent growth arrest response. To investigate if PIM1 could have a role in the response to ribosomal stress, we induced ribosome synthesis alterations in TF-1 and K562 erythroid cell lines. We found that RP deficiency, induced by RNA interference or treatment with inhibitor of nucleolar functions, causes a drastic destabilization of PIM1. The lower level of PIM1 induces an increase in the cell cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1) and blocks cell proliferation even in the absence of p53. Notably, restoring PIM1 level by transfection causes a recovery of cell growth. Our data indicate that PIM1 may act as a sensor for ribosomal stress independently of or in concert with the known p53-dependent mechanisms.

Inhibitors of PIM-1 kinase: a computational analysis of the binding free energies of a range of imidazo [1,2-b] pyridazines

The binding of a selection of competitive imidazo [1,2-b] pyridazine inhibitors of PIM-1 kinase with nanomolar activity has been analyzed using computational methods. Molecular dynamics simulations using umbrella sampling to determine a potential of mean force have been used to accurately predict the relative free energies of binding of these inhibitors, from -4.3 to -9.5 kcal mol(-1), in excellent agreement with the trends observed in previous experimental assays. The relative activity of the inhibitors could not be accounted for by any single effect or interaction within the active site and could only be fully reproduced when the overall free energies were considered, including important contributions from interactions outside the hinge region and using explicit solvent in the active site. The potential of mean force for the displacement of the glycine-rich phosphate binding loop (P-loop) has also been estimated and shown to be an important feature in the binding of these ligands.

Pim1 promotes human prostate cancer cell tumorigenicity and c-MYC transcriptional activity

Background

The serine/threonine kinase PIM1 has been implicated as an oncogene in various human cancers including lymphomas, gastric, colorectal and prostate carcinomas. In mouse models, Pim1 is known to cooperate with c-Myc to promote tumorigenicity. However, there has been limited analysis of the tumorigenic potential of Pim1 overexpression in benign and malignant human prostate cancer cells in vivo.

Methods

We overexpressed Pim1 in three human prostate cell lines representing different disease stages including benign (RWPE1), androgen-dependent cancer (LNCaP) and androgen-independent cancer (DU145). We then analyzed in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity as well as the effect of Pim1 overexpression on c-MYC transcriptional activity by reporter assays and gene expression profiling using an inducible MYC-ER system. To validate that Pim1 induces tumorigenicity and target gene expression by modulating c-MYC transcriptional activity, we inhibited c-MYC using a small molecule inhibitor (10058-F4) or RNA interference.

Results

Overexpression of Pim1 alone was not sufficient to convert the benign RWPE1 cell to malignancy although it enhanced their proliferation rates when grown as xenografts in vivo. However, Pim1 expression enhanced the in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic potentials of the human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and DU145. Reporter assays revealed increased c-MYC transcriptional activity in Pim1-expressing cells and mRNA expression profiling demonstrated that a large fraction of c-MYC target genes were also regulated by Pim1 expression. The c-MYC inhibitor 10058-F4 suppressed the tumorigenicity of Pim1-expressing prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, 10058-F4 treatment also led to a reduction of Pim1 protein but not mRNA. Knocking-down c-MYC using short hairpin RNA reversed the effects of Pim1 on Pim1/MYC target genes.

Conclusion

Our results suggest an in vivo role of Pim1 in promoting prostate tumorigenesis although it displayed distinct oncogenic activities depending on the disease stage of the cell line. Pim1 promotes tumorigenicity at least in part by enhancing c-MYC transcriptional activity. We also made the novel discovery that treatment of cells with the c-MYC inhibitor 10058-F4 leads to a reduction in Pim1 protein levels.

Src kinase phosphorylates RUNX3 at tyrosine residues and localizes the protein in the cytoplasm

RUNX3 is a transcription factor that functions as a tumor suppressor. In some cancers, RUNX3 expression is down-regulated, usually due to promoter hypermethylation. Recently, it was found that RUNX3 can also be inactivated by the mislocalization of the protein in the cytoplasm. The molecular mechanisms controlling this mislocalization are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the overexpression of Src results in the tyrosine phosphorylation and cytoplasmic localization of RUNX3. We also found that the tyrosine residues of endogenous RUNX3 are phosphorylated and that the protein is localized in the cytoplasm in Src-activated cancer cell lines. We further showed that the knockdown of Src by small interfering RNA, or the inhibition of Src kinase activity by a chemical inhibitor, causes the re-localization of RUNX3 to the nucleus. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the tyrosine phosphorylation of RUNX3 by activated Src is associated with the cytoplasmic localization of RUNX3 in gastric and breast cancers.

Pharmacologic inhibition of Pim kinases alters prostate cancer cell growth and resensitizes chemoresistant cells to taxanes

The serine/threonine family of Pim kinases function as oncogenes and have been implicated in prostate cancer progression, particularly in hormone-refractory prostate disease, as a result of their antiapoptotic function. In this study, we used a pharmacologic inhibitor targeting the Pim family members, SGI-1776, to determine whether modulation of Pim kinase activity could alter prostate cancer cell survival and modulate chemotherapy resistance. Extensive biochemical characterization of SGI-1776 confirmed its specificity for the three isoforms of the Pim family. Treatment of prostate cancer cells with SGI-1776 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in phosphorylation of known Pim kinase substrates that are involved in cell cycle progression and apoptosis (p21(Cip1/WAF1) and Bad). Consequently, SGI-1776 compromised overall cell viability by inducing G(1) cell cycle arrest and triggering apoptosis. Overexpression of recombinant Pim-1 markedly increased sensitivity of SGI-1776-mediated prostate cancer cell apoptosis and p21(Cip1/WAF1) phosphorylation inhibition, reinforcing the specificity of SGI-1776. An additional cytotoxic effect was observed when SGI-1776 was combined with taxane-based chemotherapy agents. SGI-1776 was able to reduce cell viability in a multidrug resistance 1 protein-based taxane-refractory prostate cancer cell line. In addition, SGI-1776 treatment was able to resensitize chemoresistant cells to taxane-based therapies by inhibiting multidrug resistance 1 activity and inducing apoptosis. These findings support the idea that inhibiting Pim kinases, in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent, could play an important role in prostate cancer treatment by targeting the clinical problem of chemoresistance.

Key factors in mTOR regulation

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein serine/threonine kinase that controls a wide range of growth-related cellular processes. In the past several years, many factors have been identified that are involved in controlling mTOR activity. Those factors in turn are regulated by diverse signaling cascades responsive to changes in intracellular and environmental conditions. The molecular connections between mTOR and its regulators form a complex signaling network that governs cellular metabolism, growth and proliferation. In this review, we discuss some key factors in mTOR regulation and mechanisms by which these factors control mTOR activity.

Synthesis, kinase inhibitory potencies, and in vitro antiproliferative evaluation of new Pim kinase inhibitors

Members of the Pim kinase family have been identified as promising targets for the development of antitumor agents. After a screening of pyrrolo[2,3-a]- and [3,2-a]carbazole derivatives toward 66 protein kinases, we identified pyrrolo[2,3-a]carbazole as a new scaffold to design potent Pim kinase inhibitors. In particular, compound 9 was identified as a low nM selective Pim inhibitor. Additionally, several pyrrolo[2,3-a]carbazole derivatives showed selectivity for Pim-1 and Pim-3 over Pim-2. In vitro antiproliferative activities of 9 and 28, the most potent Pim inhibitors identified, were evaluated toward three human solid cancer cell lines (PA1, PC3, and DU145) and one human fibroblast primary culture, revealing IC50 values in the micromolar range. Finally, the crystal structure of Pim-1 complexed with lead compound 9 was determined. The structure revealed a non-ATP mimetic binding mode with no hydrogen bonds formed with the kinase hinge region and explained the selectivity of pyrrolo[2,3-a]carbazole derivatives for Pim kinases.

A small molecule inhibitor of Pim protein kinases blocks the growth of precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma

The serine/threonine Pim kinases are up-regulated in specific hematologic neoplasms, and play an important role in key signal transduction pathways, including those regulated by MYC, MYCN, FLT3-ITD, BCR-ABL, HOXA9, and EWS fusions. We demonstrate that SMI-4a, a novel benzylidene-thiazolidine-2, 4-dione small molecule inhibitor of the Pim kinases, kills a wide range of both myeloid and lymphoid cell lines with precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (pre-T-LBL/T-ALL) being highly sensitive. Incubation of pre-T-LBL cells with SMI-4a induced G1 phase cell-cycle arrest secondary to a dose-dependent induction of p27(Kip1), apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, and inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1) pathway based on decreases in phospho-p70 S6K and phospho-4E-BP1, 2 substrates of this enzyme. In addition, treatment of these cells with SMI-4a was found to induce phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and the combination of SMI-4a and a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor was highly synergistic in killing pre-T-LBL cells. In immunodeficient mice carrying subcutaneous pre-T-LBL tumors, treatment twice daily with SMI-4a caused a significant delay in the tumor growth without any change in the weight, blood counts, or chemistries. Our data suggest that inhibition of the Pim protein kinases may be developed as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pre-T-LBL.

PIM-1 kinase expression in adipocytic neoplasms: diagnostic and biological implications

The differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumours poses a considerable challenge for pathologists, especially adipocytic tumours, as these may show considerable overlap in clinical presentation and morphological features with many other mesenchymal neoplasms. Hence, a specific and reliable marker that identifies adipocytic differentiation is much sought. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of PIM-1 kinase in 35 samples of soft tissue tumours using tissue microarray technology and 49 full sections of adipocytic (n = 26) and non-adipocytic tumours (n = 23). Benign and malignant adipocytic tumours showed strong expression of PIM-1 while the non-adipocytic tumours were either negative or showed only weak staining for the protein. In myxoid liposarcomas, PIM-1 showed a distinct, unique vacuolar staining pattern, clearly outlining fine cytoplasmic lipid vacuoles. By contrast, non-adipocytic myxoid tumours (myxoma, chordoma and myxoid chondrosarcoma) did not show this vacuolar pattern of PIM-1 staining, although vacuolated cells were present on H&E. This differential expression was confirmed at a gene expression level in selected cases. Our results indicate that the expression of PIM-1 in adipose tissue may be a useful marker of adipocytic differentiation, in particular if the staining is both of high intensity and present in a unique, vacuolar pattern.

PIM1 phosphorylates and negatively regulates ASK1-mediated apoptosis

The serine/threonine kinase, PIM1, is involved in promoting cell survival in part by phosphorylation and inhibition of proapoptotic proteins. ASK1, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK), is involved in the so-called stress-activated pathways that contribute to apoptotic cell death. Here we show that PIM1 phosphorylates ASK1 specifically on serine residue 83 (Ser83) both in vitro and in vivo and that PIM1 binds to ASK1 in cells by co-immunoprecipitation. Using H1299 cells, our results further demonstrate that PIM1 phosphorylation of ASK1 decreases its kinase activity induced by oxidative stress. PIM1 phosphorylation of ASK1 on Ser83 inhibited ASK1-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation as well as phosphorylation of p38 kinase. Under H₂O₂-induced stress conditions that normally lead to apoptosis, these phosphorylation events were associated with inhibition of caspase-3 activation and resulted in reduced cell death. Moreover, knockdown of PIM1 in H1299 cells decreased phosphorylation of endogenous Ser83 of ASK1 and was associated with a decrease in cell viability after H₂O₂ treatment. Taken together, these data reveal a novel mechanism by which PIM1 promotes cell survival that involves negative regulation of the stress-activated kinase, ASK1.

Pim kinase inhibitor, SGI-1776, induces apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Pim kinases are involved in B-cell development and are overexpressed in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We hypothesized that Pim kinase inhibition would affect B-cell survival. Identified from a screen of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine compounds, SGI-1776 inhibits Pim-1, Pim-2, and Pim-3. Treatment of CLL cells with SGI-1776 results in a concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis. To elucidate its mechanism of action, we evaluated the effect of SGI-1776 on Pim kinase function. Unlike in replicating cells, phosphorylation of traditional Pim-1 kinase targets, phospho-Bad (Ser112) and histone H3 (Ser10), and cell-cycle proteins were unaffected by SGI-1776, suggesting an alternative mechanism in CLL. Protein levels of total c-Myc as well as phospho-c-Myc(Ser62), a Pim-1 target site, were decreased after SGI-1776 treatment. Levels of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), XIAP, and proapoptotic Bak and Bax were unchanged; however, a significant reduction in Mcl-1 was observed that was not caused by caspase-mediated cleavage of Mcl-1 protein. The mechanism of decline in Mcl-1 was at the RNA level and was correlated with inhibition of global RNA synthesis. Consistent with a decline in new RNA synthesis, MCL-1 transcript levels were decreased after treatment with SGI-1776. These data suggest that SGI-1776 induces apoptosis in CLL and that the mechanism involves Mcl-1 reduction.