1
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Chen Z, Wang Q, Yan YY, Jin D, Wang Y, Zhang XX, Liu XH. Discovery of novel and potent CDK8 inhibitors for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2305852. [PMID: 38258519 PMCID: PMC10810651 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2305852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that CDK8 plays a key role in acute myeloid leukaemia. Here, a total of 40 compounds were rational designed and synthesised based on the previous SAR. Among them, compound 12 (3-(3-(furan-3-yl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)benzamide) showed the most potent inhibiting activity against CDK8 with an IC50 value of 39.2 ± 6.3 nM and anti AML cell proliferation activity (molm-13 GC50 = 0.02 ± 0.01 μM, MV4-11 GC50 = 0.03 ± 0.01 μM). Mechanistic studies revealed that this compound 12 could inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT-1 and STAT-5. Importantly, compound 12 showed relative good bioavailability (F = 38.80%) and low toxicity in vivo. This study has great significance for the discovery of more efficient CDK8 inhibitors and the development of drugs for treating AML in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Quan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yao Yao Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Dalong Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xing Xing Zhang
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Hua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
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2
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Mori LP, Corley MJ, McAuley AT, Pang A, Venables T, Ndhlovu LC, Pipkin ME, Valente ST. Transcriptional and methylation outcomes of didehydro-cortistatin A use in HIV-1-infected CD4 + T cells. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402653. [PMID: 39089880 PMCID: PMC11294679 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Ongoing viral transcription from the reservoir of HIV-1 infected long-lived memory CD4+ T cells presents a barrier to cure and associates with poorer health outcomes for people living with HIV, including chronic immune activation and inflammation. We previously reported that didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA), an HIV-1 Tat inhibitor, blocks HIV-1 transcription. Here, we examine the impact of dCA on host immune CD4+ T-cell transcriptional and epigenetic states. We performed a comprehensive analysis of genome-wide transcriptomic and DNA methylation profiles upon long-term dCA treatment of primary human memory CD4+ T cells. dCA prompted specific transcriptional and DNA methylation changes in cell cycle, histone, interferon-response, and T-cell lineage transcription factor genes, through inhibition of both HIV-1 and Mediator kinases. These alterations establish a tolerogenic Treg/Th2 phenotype, reducing viral gene expression and mitigating inflammation in primary CD4+ T cells during HIV-1 infection. In addition, dCA suppresses the expression of lineage-defining transcription factors for Th17 and Th1 cells, critical HIV-1 targets, and reservoirs. dCA's benefits thus extend beyond viral transcription inhibition, modulating the immune cell landscape to limit HIV-1 acquisition and inflammatory environment linked to HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa P Mori
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Michael J Corley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew T McAuley
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Alina Pang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Venables
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew E Pipkin
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Susana T Valente
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, USA
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3
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Wang Y, Lei C, Wang Q, Zhang X, Zhi L, Liu X. Design and synthesis of 7-azaindole derivatives as potent CDK8 inhibitors for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. RSC Med Chem 2024:d4md00465e. [PMID: 39157854 PMCID: PMC11325196 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00465e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
It is of great significance to design and synthesize novel structural inhibitors with good antitumor activity. In this study, based on rational design, a total of 42 7-azaindole derivatives as novel CDK8 inhibitors were designed and synthesized. All compounds were screened with antitumor activity and compound 6 (1-(3-((1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)oxy)phenyl)-3-(m-tolyl)urea) exhibited the best activity, especially in acute myeloid leukemia (GI50 MV4-11 = 1.97 ± 1.24 μM). This compound also exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against CDK8 (IC50 = 51.3 ± 4.6 nM). Further mechanism studies shown that it could inhibit STAT5 phosphorylation and induce cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, leading to apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells. In addition, acute toxicity at a dose of 1000 mg kg-1 indicated the low toxicity of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei P. R. China
| | - Cencen Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei P. R. China
| | - Quan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei P. R. China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei P. R. China
| | - Liping Zhi
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University Hefei 230032 PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University Hefei P. R. China
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4
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Horvath RM, Brumme ZL, Sadowski I. CDK8 inhibitors antagonize HIV-1 reactivation and promote provirus latency in T cells. J Virol 2023; 97:e0092323. [PMID: 37671866 PMCID: PMC10537590 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00923-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Latent HIV-1 provirus represents the barrier toward a cure for infection and is dependent upon the host RNA Polymerase (Pol) II machinery for reemergence. Here, we find that inhibitors of the RNA Pol II mediator kinases CDK8/19, Senexin A and BRD6989, inhibit induction of HIV-1 expression in response to latency-reversing agents and T cell signaling agonists. These inhibitors were found to impair recruitment of RNA Pol II to the HIV-1 LTR. Furthermore, HIV-1 expression in response to several latency reversal agents was impaired upon disruption of CDK8 by shRNA or gene knockout. However, the effects of CDK8 depletion did not entirely mimic CDK8/19 kinase inhibition suggesting that the mediator kinases are not functionally redundant. Additionally, treatment of CD4+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from people living with HIV-1 and who are receiving antiretroviral therapy with Senexin A inhibited induction of viral replication in response to T cell stimulation by PMA and ionomycin. These observations indicate that the mediator kinases, CDK8 and CDK19, play a significant role for regulation of HIV-1 transcription and that small molecule inhibitors of these enzymes may contribute to therapies designed to promote deep latency involving the durable suppression of provirus expression. IMPORTANCE A cure for HIV-1 infection will require novel therapies that can force elimination of cells that contain copies of the virus genome inserted into the cell chromosome, but which is shut off, or silenced. These are known as latently-infected cells, which represent the main reason why current treatment for HIV/AIDS cannot cure the infection because the virus in these cells is unaffected by current drugs. Our results indicate that chemical inhibitors of Cdk8 also inhibit the expression of latent HIV provirus. Cdk8 is an important enzyme that regulates the expression of genes in response to signals to which cells need to respond and which is produced by a gene that is frequently mutated in cancers. Our observations indicate that Cdk8 inhibitors may be employed in novel therapies to prevent expression from latent provirus, which might eventually enable infected individuals to cease treatment with antiretroviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley M. Horvath
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Epigenetics Group, LSI, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zabrina L. Brumme
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ivan Sadowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Epigenetics Group, LSI, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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5
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Discovery of a novel oral type Ⅰ CDK8 inhibitor against acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115214. [PMID: 36889252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
CDK8 plays a key role in acute myeloid leukemia, colorectal cancer and other cancers. Here, a total of 54 compounds were designed and synthesized. Among them, the most potent one compound 43 (3-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-5-yl)benzamide), a novel CDK8 Ⅰ inhibitor, showed strong inhibitory activity against CDK8 (IC50 = 51.9 nM), good kinase selectivity, good anti AML cell proliferation activity (molm-13 GC50 = 1.57 ± 0.59 μM) and low toxicity in vivo (acute toxicity: 2000 mg/kg). Further mechanistic studies revealed that this compound could target CDK8 and then phosphorylate STAT-1 and STAT-5 thereby inhibiting of AML cell proliferation. In addition, compound 43 showed relatively good bioavailability (F = 28.00%) and could inhibit the growth of AML tumors in a dose-dependent manner in vivo. This study facilitates the further development of more potent CDK8 inhibitors for the treatment of the AML.
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6
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Liu M, Martyn AP, Quinn RJ. Natural product-based PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:2292-2307. [PMID: 36196977 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00038e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Covering: upto 2022Natural products have an embedded recognition of protein surfaces. They possess this property as they are produced by biosynthetic enzymes and are substrates for one or more enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway. The inherent advantages, compared to synthetic compound libraries, is this ligand-protein binding which is, in many cases, a function of the 3-dimensional properties. Protein degradation is a recent novel therapeutic approach with several compounds now in the clinic. This review highlights the potential of PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in the area of natural products. The approach will complement existing approaches such as the direct use of a bioactive natural product or its analogues, pharmacophore development and drug-antibody conjugates. The chemical synthesis and challenges of using natural product-based PROTACs are summarised. The review also highlights methods to detect the ternary complexes necessary for PROTAC mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Alexander P Martyn
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program (CARP), Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health (CGPH), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ronald J Quinn
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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7
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Zhang L, Cheng C, Li J, Wang L, Chumanevich AA, Porter DC, Mindich A, Gorbunova S, Roninson IB, Chen M, McInnes C. A Selective and Orally Bioavailable Quinoline-6-Carbonitrile-Based Inhibitor of CDK8/19 Mediator Kinase with Tumor-Enriched Pharmacokinetics. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3420-3433. [PMID: 35114084 PMCID: PMC10042267 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Senexins are potent and selective quinazoline inhibitors of CDK8/19 Mediator kinases. To improve their potency and metabolic stability, quinoline-based derivatives were designed through a structure-guided strategy based on the simulated drug-target docking model of Senexin A and Senexin B. A library of quinoline-Senexin derivatives was synthesized to explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR). An optimized compound 20a (Senexin C) exhibits potent CDK8/19 inhibitory activity with high selectivity. Senexin C is more metabolically stable and provides a more sustained inhibition of CDK8/19-dependent cellular gene expression when compared with the prototype inhibitor Senexin B. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluation using a novel tumor-based PD assay showed good oral bioavailability of Senexin C with a strong tumor-enrichment PK profile and tumor-PD marker responses. Senexin C inhibits MV4-11 leukemia growth in a systemic in vivo model with good tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Chen Cheng
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Alexander A Chumanevich
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Donald C Porter
- Senex Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Aleksei Mindich
- CSC BIOCAD, Strelna, Saint-Petersburg 198515, Russia.,Biotechnology Department, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
| | | | - Igor B Roninson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States.,Senex Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Mengqian Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States.,Senex Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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8
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Ettl T, Schulz D, Bauer RJ. The Renaissance of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:293. [PMID: 35053461 PMCID: PMC8773807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) regulate cell cycle progression. During tumor development, altered expression and availability of CDKs strongly contribute to impaired cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer. In recent years, targeted inhibition of CDKs has shown considerable therapeutic benefit in a variety of tumor entities. Their success is reflected in clinical approvals of specific CDK4/6 inhibitors for breast cancer. This review provides a detailed insight into the molecular mechanisms of CDKs as well as a general overview of CDK inhibition. It also summarizes the latest research approaches and current advances in the treatment of head and neck cancer with CDK inhibitors. Instead of monotherapies, combination therapies with CDK inhibitors may especially provide promising results in tumor therapy. Indeed, recent studies have shown a synergistic effect of CDK inhibition together with chemo- and radio- and immunotherapy in cancer treatment to overcome tumor evasion, which may lead to a renaissance of CDK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Ettl
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Daniela Schulz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Richard Josef Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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9
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Sooraj D, Sun C, Doan A, Garama DJ, Dannappel MV, Zhu D, Chua HK, Mahara S, Wan Hassan WA, Tay YK, Guanizo A, Croagh D, Prodanovic Z, Gough DJ, Wan C, Firestein R. MED12 and BRD4 cooperate to sustain cancer growth upon loss of mediator kinase. Mol Cell 2022; 82:123-139.e7. [PMID: 34910943 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mediator kinases (CDK8/19) are transcriptional regulators broadly implicated in cancer. Despite their central role in fine-tuning gene-expression programs, we find complete loss of CDK8/19 is tolerated in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Using orthogonal functional genomic and pharmacological screens, we identify BET protein inhibition as a distinct vulnerability in CDK8/19-depleted cells. Combined CDK8/19 and BET inhibition led to synergistic growth retardation in human and mouse models of CRC. Strikingly, depletion of CDK8/19 in these cells led to global repression of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoter occupancy and transcription. Concurrently, loss of Mediator kinase led to a profound increase in MED12 and BRD4 co-occupancy at enhancer elements and increased dependence on BET proteins for the transcriptional output of cell-essential genes. In total, this work demonstrates a synthetic lethal interaction between Mediator kinase and BET proteins and exposes a therapeutic vulnerability that can be targeted using combination therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Binding Sites
- Cell Cycle Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Colorectal Neoplasms/enzymology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8/genetics
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8/metabolism
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/genetics
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/metabolism
- Enhancer Elements, Genetic
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HCT116 Cells
- Humans
- Male
- Mediator Complex/antagonists & inhibitors
- Mediator Complex/genetics
- Mediator Complex/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Nude
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Nuclear Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Tumor Burden
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya Sooraj
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Claire Sun
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh Doan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel J Garama
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Marius V Dannappel
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Danxi Zhu
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hui K Chua
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sylvia Mahara
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wan Amir Wan Hassan
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yeng Kwang Tay
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aleks Guanizo
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel Croagh
- School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zdenka Prodanovic
- Department of Pathology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel J Gough
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chunhua Wan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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10
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Bhurta D, Bharate SB. Analyzing the scaffold diversity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and revisiting the clinical and preclinical pipeline. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:654-709. [PMID: 34605036 DOI: 10.1002/med.21856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kinases have gained an important place in the list of vital therapeutic targets because of their overwhelming clinical success in the last two decades. Among various clinically validated kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) are one of the extensively studied drug targets for clinical development. Food and Drug Administration has approved three CDK inhibitors for therapeutic use, and at least 27 inhibitors are under active clinical development. In the last decade, research and development in this area took a rapid pace, and thus the analysis of scaffold diversity is essential for future drug design. Available reviews lack the systematic study and discussion on the scaffold diversity of CDK inhibitors. Herein we have reviewed and critically analyzed the chemical diversity present in the preclinical and clinical pipeline of CDK inhibitors. Our analysis has shown that although several scaffolds represent CDK inhibitors, only the amino-pyrimidine is a well-represented scaffold. The three-nitrogen framework of amino-pyrimidine is a fundamental hinge-binding unit. Further, we have discussed the selectivity aspects among CDKs, the clinical trial dose-limiting toxicities, and highlighted the most advanced clinical candidates. We also discuss the changing paradigm towards selective inhibitors and an overview of ATP-binding pockets of all druggable CDKs. We carefully analyzed the clinical pipeline to unravel the candidates that are currently under active clinical development. In addition to the plenty of dual CDK4/6 inhibitors, there are many selective CDK7, CDK9, and CDK8/19 inhibitors in the clinical pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deendyal Bhurta
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sandip B Bharate
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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11
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Arnett A, Moo KG, Flynn KJ, Sundberg TB, Johannessen L, Shamji AF, Gray NS, Decker T, Zheng Y, Gersuk VH, Rahman ZS, Levy DE, Marié IJ, Linsley PS, Xavier RJ, Khor B. The Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 (CDK8) Inhibitor DCA Promotes a Tolerogenic Chemical Immunophenotype in CD4 + T Cells via a Novel CDK8-GATA3-FOXP3 Pathway. Mol Cell Biol 2021; 41:e0008521. [PMID: 34124936 PMCID: PMC8384069 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00085-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune health requires innate and adaptive immune cells to engage precisely balanced pro- and anti-inflammatory forces. We employ the concept of chemical immunophenotypes to classify small molecules functionally or mechanistically according to their patterns of effects on primary innate and adaptive immune cells. The high-specificity, low-toxicity cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) inhibitor 16-didehydro-cortistatin A (DCA) exerts a distinct tolerogenic profile in both innate and adaptive immune cells. DCA promotes regulatory T cells (Treg) and Th2 differentiation while inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation in both murine and human cells. This unique chemical immunophenotype led to mechanistic studies showing that DCA promotes Treg differentiation in part by regulating a previously undescribed CDK8-GATA3-FOXP3 pathway that regulates early pathways of Foxp3 expression. These results highlight previously unappreciated links between Treg and Th2 differentiation and extend our understanding of the transcription factors that regulate Treg differentiation and their temporal sequencing. These findings have significant implications for future mechanistic and translational studies of CDK8 and CDK8 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azlann Arnett
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keagan G. Moo
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Thomas B. Sundberg
- Center for the Science of Therapeutics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liv Johannessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alykhan F. Shamji
- Center for the Science of Therapeutics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Decker
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ye Zheng
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Ziaur S. Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David E. Levy
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Isabelle J. Marié
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ramnik J. Xavier
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- The Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bernard Khor
- Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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12
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Gene Transcription as a Therapeutic Target in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147340. [PMID: 34298959 PMCID: PMC8304797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood malignancies often arise from undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells or partially differentiated stem-like cells. A tight balance of multipotency and differentiation, cell division, and quiescence underlying normal hematopoiesis requires a special program governed by the transcriptional machinery. Acquisition of drug resistance by tumor cells also involves reprogramming of their transcriptional landscape. Limiting tumor cell plasticity by disabling reprogramming of the gene transcription is a promising strategy for improvement of treatment outcomes. Herein, we review the molecular mechanisms of action of transcription-targeted drugs in hematological malignancies (largely in leukemia) with particular respect to the results of clinical trials.
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13
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Wang Z, Hui C. Contemporary advancements in the semi-synthesis of bioactive terpenoids and steroids. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:3791-3812. [PMID: 33949606 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00448d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Many natural products have intriguing biological properties that arise from their fascinating chemical structures. However, the intrinsic complexity of the structural skeleton and the reactive functional groups on natural products pose tremendous challenges to chemical syntheses. Semi-synthesis uses chemical compounds isolated from natural sources as the starting materials to produce other novel compounds with distinct chemical and medicinal properties. In particular, advancements in various types of sp3 C-H bond functionalization reactions and skeletal rearrangement methods have contributed to the re-emergence of semi-synthesis as an efficient approach for the synthesis of structurally complex bioactive natural products. Here, we begin with a brief discussion of several bioactive natural products that were obtained via a semi-synthetic approach between 2008 and 2015 and we then discuss in-depth contemporary advancements in the semi-synthesis of bioactive terpenoids and steroids reported during 2016-2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Southern University of Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunngai Hui
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
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14
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Discovery of a potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of CDK8 through a structure-based optimisation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 218:113391. [PMID: 33823391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CDK8 is deregulated in multiple types of human cancer and is viewed as a therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease. Accordingly, the search for small-molecule inhibitors of CDK8 is being intensified. Capitalising on our initial discovery of AU1-100, a potent CDK8 inhibitor yet with a limited degree of kinase selectivity, a structure-based optimisation was carried out, with a series of new multi-substituted pyridines rationally designed, chemically prepared and biologically evaluated. Such endeavour has culminated in the identification of 42, a more potent CDK8 inhibitor with superior kinomic selectivity and oral bioavailability. The mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effect of 42 on MV4-11 cells was studied, revealing that the compound arrested the G1 cell cycle and triggered apoptosis. The low risk of hepato- and cardio-toxicity of 42 was estimated. These findings merit further investigation of 42 as a targeted cancer therapeutic.
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15
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Li C, Mori L, Valente ST. The Block-and-Lock Strategy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cure: Lessons Learned from Didehydro-Cortistatin A. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:46-53. [PMID: 33586776 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy effectively controls human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, a reservoir of latently infected cells persists under suppressive therapy, constituting a major barrier to an HIV cure. The block-and-lock approach to a functional cure aims at the transcriptional and epigenetic silencing of proviruses, blocking viral reactivation in the absence of therapy, preventing disease progression and transmission, despite the presence of detectable integrated proviruses. This approach has been put forward for exploration based on the activity of didehydro-cortistatin A, an inhibitor of the HIV transcriptional activator Tat. Here we review the mechanisms by which didehydro-cortistatin A inhibition of Tat's feedback loop transcriptional amplification results in epigenetic silencing of the HIV promoter, and we discuss the benefits and limitations of the block-and-lock approach for an HIV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Luisa Mori
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Susana T Valente
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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16
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Yu M, Teo T, Yang Y, Li M, Long Y, Philip S, Noll B, Heinemann GK, Diab S, Eldi P, Mekonnen L, Anshabo AT, Rahaman MH, Milne R, Hayball JD, Wang S. Potent and orally bioavailable CDK8 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, structure-activity relationship analysis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 214:113248. [PMID: 33571827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CDK8 regulates transcription either by phosphorylation of transcription factors or, as part of a four-subunit kinase module, through a reversible association of the kinase module with the Mediator complex, a highly conserved transcriptional coactivator. Deregulation of CDK8 has been found in various types of human cancer, while the role of CDK8 in supressing anti-cancer response of natural killer cells is being understood. Currently, CDK8-targeting cancer drugs are highly sought-after. Herein we detail the discovery of a series of novel pyridine-derived CDK8 inhibitors. Medicinal chemistry optimisation gave rise to 38 (AU1-100), a potent CDK8 inhibitor with oral bioavailability. The compound inhibited the proliferation of MV4-11 acute myeloid leukaemia cells with the kinase activity of cellular CDK8 dampened. No systemic toxicology was observed in the mice treated with 38. These results warrant further pre-clinical studies of 38 as an anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Theodosia Teo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Manjun Li
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Yi Long
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Stephen Philip
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Noll
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Gary K Heinemann
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Sarah Diab
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Preethi Eldi
- Experimental Therapeutics, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Laychiluh Mekonnen
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Abel T Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Muhammed H Rahaman
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - John D Hayball
- Experimental Therapeutics, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
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17
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Wu D, Zhang Z, Chen X, Yan Y, Liu X. Angel or Devil ? - CDK8 as the new drug target. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113043. [PMID: 33257171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113043] [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] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) plays an momentous role in transcription regulation by forming kinase module or transcription factor phosphorylation. A large number of evidences have identified CDK8 as an important factor in cancer occurrence and development. In addition, CDK8 also participates in the regulation of cancer cell stress response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, assists tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, CDK8 is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. Most studies in recent years supported the role of CDK8 as a carcinogen, however, under certain conditions, CDK8 exists as a tumor suppressor. The functional diversity of CDK8 and its exceptional role in different types of cancer have aroused great interest from scientists but even more controversy during the discovery of CDK8 inhibitors. In addition, CDK8 appears to be an effective target for inflammation diseases and immune system disorders. Therefore, we summarized the research results of CDK8, involving physiological/pathogenic mechanisms and the development status of compounds targeting CDK8, provide a reference for the feasibility evaluation of CDK8 as a therapeutic target, and guidance for researchers who are involved in this field for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- School of Biological Engineering, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, 238000, PR China
| | - Zhaoyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
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18
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Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, unmet medical needs in some areas still exist. One of the main therapeutic approaches to alleviate dysregulated inflammation has been to target the activity of kinases that regulate production of inflammatory mediators. Small-molecule kinase inhibitors have the potential for broad efficacy, convenience and tissue penetrance, and thus often offer important advantages over biologics. However, designing kinase inhibitors with target selectivity and minimal off-target effects can be challenging. Nevertheless, immense progress has been made in advancing kinase inhibitors with desirable drug-like properties into the clinic, including inhibitors of JAKs, IRAK4, RIPKs, BTK, SYK and TPL2. This Review will address the latest discoveries around kinase inhibitors with an emphasis on clinically validated autoimmunity and inflammatory pathways. Unmet medical needs in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases still exist. This Review discusses the activity of kinases that regulate production of inflammatory mediators and the recent advances in developing inhibitors to target such kinases.
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19
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Lv X, Tian Y, Li S, Cheng K, Huang X, Kong H, Liao C, Xie Z. Discovery and Development of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5429-5443. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190402110528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent Kinase 8 (CDK8), a member of the CDKs family, has been widely
focused owing to investigations of its critical roles in transcription and oncogenesis in recent years.
Selective inhibition of CDK8 and its paralog CDK19 offers a novel therapeutic strategy for the
treatment of some cancers. Up to now, though many small molecules against CDK8 have been discovered,
most of them are discontinued in the preclinical trials due to the low selectivity and poor
physicochemical properties. This review mainly summarizes the design strategies of selective CDK8
inhibitors having different chemical scaffolds with the aim to improve the inhibitory activity, selectivity,
metabolic stability and solubility. Their corresponding Structure-activity Relationships (SAR)
are also reviewed. On the basis of the discussion in this review, we hope more effective, selective
and drug-like CDK8 inhibitors will be developed and demonstrate therapeutic values in the near
future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lv
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Yongbing Tian
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Xufeng Huang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Haiyan Kong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Zhouling Xie
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
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20
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Pyrido[2,3-b][1,5]benzoxazepin-5(6H)-one derivatives as CDK8 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 201:112443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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21
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Indu S, Kaliappan KP. Synthetic approaches towards cortistatins: evolution and progress through its ages. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:3965-3995. [PMID: 32420567 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob00770f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cortistatins are a family of steroidal alkaloids with a unique pentacyclic skeleton, having immensely potent anti-angiogenetic activities. Given the scarcity in the natural availability of these compounds, their syntheses became major attractions in organic chemistry. Along with total synthesis of the most potent congeners in the family: cortistatins A and J, the synthesis of two other members have been successfully completed, while various other analogues have also been designed with variable degrees of biological activities. This review is an exhaustive coverage of the significant attempts towards constructing this highly challenging molecule and also aims to highlight the deep understanding of the structure-activity relationships of these compounds, which have been garnered over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satrajit Indu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
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22
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Therapeutic Targeting of the General RNA Polymerase II Transcription Machinery. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093354. [PMID: 32397434 PMCID: PMC7246882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors targeting the general RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription machinery are candidate therapeutics in cancer and other complex diseases. Here, we review the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of these compounds, framing them within the steps of RNAPII transcription. We discuss the effects of transcription inhibitors in vitro and in cellular models (with an emphasis on cancer), as well as their efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies. We also discuss the rationale for inhibiting broadly acting transcriptional regulators or RNAPII itself in complex diseases.
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23
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Jin H, Li D, Lin MH, Li L, Harrich D. Tat-Based Therapies as an Adjuvant for an HIV-1 Functional Cure. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040415. [PMID: 32276443 PMCID: PMC7232260 DOI: 10.3390/v12040415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) establishes a chronic infection that can be well controlled, but not cured, by combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Interventions have been explored to accomplish a functional cure, meaning that a patient remains infected but HIV is undetectable in the blood, with the aim of allowing patients to live without cART. Tat, the viral transactivator of transcription protein, plays a critical role in controlling HIV transcription, latency, and viral rebound following the interruption of cART treatment. Therefore, a logical approach for controlling HIV would be to block Tat. Tackling Tat with inhibitors has been a difficult task, but some recent discoveries hold promise. Two anti-HIV proteins, Nullbasic (a mutant of Tat) and HT1 (a fusion of HEXIM1 and Tat functional domains) inhibit viral transcription by interfering with the interaction of Tat and cellular factors. Two small molecules, didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA) and triptolide, inhibit Tat by different mechanisms: dCA through direct binding and triptolide through enhanced proteasomal degradation. Finally, two Tat-based vaccines under development elicit Tat-neutralizing antibodies. These vaccines have increased the levels of CD4+ cells and reduced viral loads in HIV-infected people, suggesting that the new vaccines are therapeutic. This review summarizes recent developments of anti-Tat agents and how they could contribute to a functional cure for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Jin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (H.J.); (D.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Dongsheng Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (H.J.); (D.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Min-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (H.J.); (D.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Li Li
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - David Harrich
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (H.J.); (D.L.); (M.-H.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-3845-3679
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24
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Solum E, Hansen TV, Aesoy R, Herfindal L. New CDK8 inhibitors as potential anti-leukemic agents - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115461. [PMID: 32245563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) plays a vital role in regulating cell transcription either through its association with the mediator complex or by the phosphorylation of transcription factors. CDK8-mediated activation of oncogenes has proved to be important in a variety of cancer types including hematological malignancies. We have designed and synthesized a series of new synthetic steroids. The compounds were evaluated as CDK8 inhibitors in vitro. The three most potent compounds exhibit Kd-values towards CDK8 in the low nanomolar range (3.5-18 nM). Furthermore, the compounds displayed selectivity for CDK8 in a panel of 465 different kinases. The cell studies indicated a selectivity to kill AML-cancer cell lines compared to normal cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirik Solum
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nord University, 7801 Namsos, Norway; University of Oslo, PO Box 1068 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Reidun Aesoy
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, PO Box 7800, N-5007 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Herfindal
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, PO Box 7800, N-5007 Bergen, Norway
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25
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Al-Sanea MM. Synthesis and biological evaluation of small molecule modulators of CDK8/Cyclin C complex with phenylaminoquinoline scaffold. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8649. [PMID: 32206448 PMCID: PMC7075364 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CDK8/CycC complex has kinase activity towards the carboxyterminal domain of RNA polymerase II, and contributes to the regulation of transcription via association with the mediator complex. Different human malignancies, mainly colorectal and gastric cancers, were produced as a result of overexpression of CDK8/CycC in the mediator complex. Therefore, CDK8/CycC complex represents as a cancer oncogene and it has become a potential target for developing CDK8/CycC modulators. Methods A series of nine 4-phenylaminoquinoline scaffold-based compounds 5a-i was synthesized, and biologically evaluated as potential CDK8/CycC complex inhibitors. Results The scaffold substituent effects on the intrinsic inhibitory activity toward CDK8/CycC complex are addressed trying to present a novel outlook of CDK8/CycC Complex inhibitors with 4-phenylaminoquinoline scaffold in cancer therapy. The secondary benzenesulfonamide analogues proved to be the most potent compounds in suppressing CDK8/CycC enzyme, whereas, their primary benzenesulfonamide analogues showed inferior activity. Moreover, the benzene reversed sulfonamide analogues were totally inactive. Discussion The titled scaffold showed promising inhibitory activity data and there is a crucial role of un/substituted sulfonamido group for CDK8/CycC complex inhibitory activity. Compound 5d showed submicromolar potency against CDK8/CycC (IC50 = 0.639 µM) and it can be used for further investigations and to design another larger library of phenylaminoquinoline scaffold-based analogues in order to establish detailed SARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Al-Sanea
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Ma D, Chen X, Shen XB, Sheng LQ, Liu XH. Binding patterns and structure–activity relationship of CDK8 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2020; 96:103624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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27
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Kim D, Wang CY, Hu R, Lee JY, Luu TTT, Park HJ, Lee SK. Antitumor Activity of Vanicoside B Isolated from Persicaria dissitiflora by Targeting CDK8 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2019; 82:3140-3149. [PMID: 31622095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A flavonoid glycoside, quercitrin (1), and two phenylpropanoyl sucrose derivatives, vanicoside B (2) and lapathoside C (3), were isolated for the first time from the herb Persicaria dissitiflora. Vanicoside B (2) exhibited antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cell lines in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells. The underlying mechanisms of the antitumor activity of 2 were investigated in TNBC cells. Upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) was observed in a claudin-low molecular subtype of TNBC cells. A molecular modeling study indicated that 2 showed a high affinity for CDK8. Further investigations revealed that 2 suppressed CDK8-mediated signaling pathways and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and HCC38 TNBC cells. Moreover, 2 inhibited tumor growth without overt toxicity in a nude mouse xenograft model implanted with MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the significance of CDK8 activity in TNBC and suggest a potential use of 2 as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of aggressive human triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwa Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Cai Yi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Ruoci Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Thi-Thu-Trang Luu
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Juhn Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering , Sangji University , Wonju 26339 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
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28
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Systemic Toxicity Reported for CDK8/19 Inhibitors CCT251921 and MSC2530818 Is Not Due to Target Inhibition. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111413. [PMID: 31717492 PMCID: PMC6912361 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CDK8/19 kinases, which mediate transcriptional reprogramming, have become an active target for cancer drug discovery. Several small-molecule CDK8/19 inhibitors showed in vivo efficacy and two have entered clinical trials, with no significant toxicities reported. However, Clarke et al. (eLife 2016; 5; e20722) found severe systemic toxicity associated with two potent CDK8/19 inhibitors, Cmpd3 (CCT251921) and Cmpd4 (MSC2530818), and suggested that their toxicity was due to on-target effects. Here, we compared five CDK8/19 inhibitors: Cmpd3, Cmpd4, Senexin B, 16-didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA) and 15w, in different assays. Only Cmpd4 showed striking toxicity in developing zebrafish. In cell-based assays for CDK8 and CDK19 inhibition, Cmpd3, Cmpd4, dCA and 15w showed similar low-nanomolar potency and efficacy against CDK8 and CDK19, while Senexin B was less potent. Only dCA produced sustained inhibition of CDK8/19-dependent gene expression. While toxicity of different compounds did not correlate with their effects on CDK8 and CDK19, kinome profiling identified several off-target kinases for both Cmpd3 and Cmpd4, which could be responsible for their toxicity. Off-target activities could have been achieved in the study of Clarke et al. due to high in vivo doses of Cmpd3 and Cmpd4, chosen for the ability to inhibit STAT1 S727 phosphorylation in tumor xenografts. We show here that STAT1 S727 phosphorylation is induced by various cytokines and stress stimuli in CDK8/19-independent manner, indicating that it is not a reliable pharmacodynamic marker of CDK8/19 activity. These results illustrate the need for careful off-target analysis and dose selection in the development of CDK8/19 inhibitors.
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Characterizing CDK8/19 Inhibitors through a NFκB-Dependent Cell-Based Assay. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101208. [PMID: 31590445 PMCID: PMC6830309 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based assays for CDK8/19 inhibition are not easily defined, since there are no known cellular functions unique to these kinases. To solve this problem, we generated derivatives of 293 cells with CRISPR knockout of one or both of CDK8 and CDK19. Double knockout (dKO) of CDK8 and CDK19 together (but not individually) decreased the induction of transcription by NFκB (a CDK8/19-potentiated transcription factor) and abrogated the effect of CDK8/19 inhibitors on such induction. We generated wild type (WT) and dKO cell lines expressing luciferase from an NFκB-dependent promoter. Inhibitors selective for CDK8/19 over other CDKs decreased TNFα-induced luciferase expression in WT cells by ~80% with no effect on luciferase induction in dKO cells. In contrast, non-selective CDK inhibitors flavopiridol and dinaciclib and a CDK7/12/13 inhibitor THZ1 (but not CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib) suppressed luciferase induction in both WT and dKO cells, indicating a distinct role for other CDKs in the NFκB pathway. We used this assay to characterize a series of thienopyridines with in vitro bone anabolic activity, one of which was identified as a selective CDK8/19 inhibitor. Thienopyridines inhibited luciferase induction in the WT but not dKO cells and their IC50 values in the WT reporter assay showed near-perfect correlation (R2 = 0.98) with their reported activities in a bone anabolic activity assay, confirming that the latter function is mediated by CDK8/19 and validating our assay as a robust and quantitative method for CDK8/19 inhibition.
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Chen FX, Smith ER, Shilatifard A. Born to run: control of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019; 19:464-478. [PMID: 29740129 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic regulation of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is an integral part of the implementation of gene expression programmes during development. In most metazoans, the majority of transcribed genes exhibit transient pausing of Pol II at promoter-proximal regions, and the release of Pol II into gene bodies is controlled by many regulatory factors that respond to environmental and developmental cues. Misregulation of the elongation stage of transcription is implicated in cancer and other human diseases, suggesting that mechanistic understanding of transcription elongation control is therapeutically relevant. In this Review, we discuss the features, establishment and maintenance of Pol II pausing, the transition into productive elongation, the control of transcription elongation by enhancers and by factors of other cellular processes, such as topoisomerases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and the potential of therapeutic targeting of the elongation stage of transcription by Pol II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xavier Chen
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edwin R Smith
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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31
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Sánchez-Martínez C, Lallena MJ, Sanfeliciano SG, de Dios A. Cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors as anticancer drugs: Recent advances (2015-2019). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:126637. [PMID: 31477350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.126637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sustained proliferative capacity and gene dysregulation are hallmarks of cancer. In mammalian cells, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) control critical cell cycle checkpoints and key transcriptional events in response to extracellular and intracellular signals leading to proliferation. Significant clinical activity for the treatment of hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer has been demonstrated by palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib, dual CDK4/6 inhibitors recently FDA-approved. SY-1365, a CDK7 inhibitor has shown initial encouraging data in phase I for solid tumors treatment. These results have rejuvenated the CDKs research field. This review provides an overview of relevant advances on CDK inhibitor research since 2015 to 2019, with special emphasis on transcriptional CDK inhibitors, new emerging strategies such as target protein degradation and compounds under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María José Lallena
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas (Madrid) 28108, Spain
| | | | - Alfonso de Dios
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, United States
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32
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Guo Z, Wang G, Lv Y, Wan YY, Zheng J. Inhibition of Cdk8/Cdk19 Activity Promotes Treg Cell Differentiation and Suppresses Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1988. [PMID: 31552016 PMCID: PMC6736578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxp3 expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells, as the central negative regulator of adaptive immune system, are essential to suppress immune response and maintain immune homeostasis. However, the function of Treg cells is frequently compromised in autoimmunity and hyper-activated in infections and tumor microenvironments. Thus, manipulating Treg cells becomes a promising therapeutic strategy for treating various diseases. Here we reported that inhibition of Cdk8/Cdk19 activity by small molecule inhibitors CCT251921 or Senexin A greatly promoted the differentiation of Treg cells and the expression of Treg signature genes, such as Foxp3, CTLA4, PD-1, and GITR. Mechanistically, we found that the augmented Treg cell differentiation was due to sensitized TGF-β signaling by Cdk8/Cdk19 inhibition, which was associated with attenuation of IFN-γ-Stat1 signaling and enhancement of phosphorylated Smad2/3. Importantly, treatment with Cdk8/Cdk19 inhibitor CCT251921 significantly increased Treg population and ameliorated autoimmune symptoms in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Taken together, our study reveals a novel role of Cdk8/Cdk19 in Treg cell differentiation and provides a potential target for Treg cell based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Guo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Gang Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Lv
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yisong Y Wan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Cary DC, Rheinberger M, Rojc A, Peterlin BM. HIV Transcription Is Independent of Mediator Kinases. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2019; 35:710-717. [PMID: 31044597 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the roles in HIV transcription of many cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have been well defined, little is known about the impact of mediator kinases (MDKs), CDK8 and CDK19, in this process. Mediator complexes containing CDK8 or CDK19 repress or activate the expression of selected genes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MDKs in HIV transcription. siRNA knockdown of both MDKs had no effect on HIV transcription. This result was confirmed using two MDK inhibitors, Cortistatin A (CA) and Senexin A (SnxA). Furthermore, neither CA nor SnxA inhibited viral reactivation in Jurkat cell models of HIV latency. Taken together, these results indicate that MDKs are not required for HIV transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele C. Cary
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mona Rheinberger
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ajda Rojc
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - B. Matija Peterlin
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Hanif N, Murni A, Tanaka C, Tanaka J. Marine Natural Products from Indonesian Waters. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060364. [PMID: 31248122 PMCID: PMC6627775 DOI: 10.3390/md17060364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products are primal and have been a driver in the evolution of organic chemistry and ultimately in science. The chemical structures obtained from marine organisms are diverse, reflecting biodiversity of genes, species and ecosystems. Biodiversity is an extraordinary feature of life and provides benefits to humanity while promoting the importance of environment conservation. This review covers the literature on marine natural products (MNPs) discovered in Indonesian waters published from January 1970 to December 2017, and includes 732 original MNPs, 4 structures isolated for the first time but known to be synthetic entities, 34 structural revisions, 9 artifacts, and 4 proposed MNPs. Indonesian MNPs were found in 270 papers from 94 species, 106 genera, 64 families, 32 orders, 14 classes, 10 phyla, and 5 kingdoms. The emphasis is placed on the structures of organic molecules (original and revised), relevant biological activities, structure elucidation, chemical ecology aspects, biosynthesis, and bioorganic studies. Through the synthesis of past and future data, huge and partly undescribed biodiversity of marine tropical invertebrates and their importance for crucial societal benefits should greatly be appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Novriyandi Hanif
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Bogor 16680, Indonesia.
| | - Anggia Murni
- Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center, IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Bogor 16128, Indonesia.
| | - Chiaki Tanaka
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Junichi Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Marine Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
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35
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Ježek J, Smethurst DGJ, Stieg DC, Kiss ZAC, Hanley SE, Ganesan V, Chang KT, Cooper KF, Strich R. Cyclin C: The Story of a Non-Cycling Cyclin. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8010003. [PMID: 30621145 PMCID: PMC6466611 DOI: 10.3390/biology8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The class I cyclin family is a well-studied group of structurally conserved proteins that interact with their associated cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) to regulate different stages of cell cycle progression depending on their oscillating expression levels. However, the role of class II cyclins, which primarily act as transcription factors and whose expression remains constant throughout the cell cycle, is less well understood. As a classic example of a transcriptional cyclin, cyclin C forms a regulatory sub-complex with its partner kinase Cdk8 and two accessory subunits Med12 and Med13 called the Cdk8-dependent kinase module (CKM). The CKM reversibly associates with the multi-subunit transcriptional coactivator complex, the Mediator, to modulate RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription. Apart from its transcriptional regulatory function, recent research has revealed a novel signaling role for cyclin C at the mitochondria. Upon oxidative stress, cyclin C leaves the nucleus and directly activates the guanosine 5’-triphosphatase (GTPase) Drp1, or Dnm1 in yeast, to induce mitochondrial fragmentation. Importantly, cyclin C-induced mitochondrial fission was found to increase sensitivity of both mammalian and yeast cells to apoptosis. Here, we review and discuss the biology of cyclin C, focusing mainly on its transcriptional and non-transcriptional roles in tumor promotion or suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ježek
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Daniel G J Smethurst
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - David C Stieg
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Z A C Kiss
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Sara E Hanley
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Vidyaramanan Ganesan
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Kai-Ti Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Katrina F Cooper
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
| | - Randy Strich
- Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
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36
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Abstract
The Mediator-associated kinases CDK8 and CDK19 function in the context of three additional proteins: CCNC and MED12, which activate CDK8/CDK19 kinase function, and MED13, which enables their association with the Mediator complex. The Mediator kinases affect RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription indirectly, through phosphorylation of transcription factors and by controlling Mediator structure and function. In this review, we discuss cellular roles of the Mediator kinases and mechanisms that enable their biological functions. We focus on sequence-specific, DNA-binding transcription factors and other Mediator kinase substrates, and how CDK8 or CDK19 may enable metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming through enhancers and chromatin looping. We also summarize Mediator kinase inhibitors and their therapeutic potential. Throughout, we note conserved and divergent functions between yeast and mammalian CDK8, and highlight many aspects of kinase module function that remain enigmatic, ranging from potential roles in pol II promoter-proximal pausing to liquid-liquid phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charli B Fant
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Colorado , Boulder , CO , USA
| | - Dylan J Taatjes
- a Department of Biochemistry , University of Colorado , Boulder , CO , USA
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37
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Xi M, Chen T, Wu C, Gao X, Wu Y, Luo X, Du K, Yu L, Cai T, Shen R, Sun H. CDK8 as a therapeutic target for cancers and recent developments in discovery of CDK8 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 164:77-91. [PMID: 30594029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.11.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases 8 (CDK8) regulates transcriptional process via associating with the mediator complex or phosphorylating transcription factors (TF). Overexpression of CDK8 has been observed in various cancers. It mediates aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is initially recognized and best studied in colorectal cancer (CRC). CDK8 acts as an oncogene and represents a potential target for developing novel CDK8 inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. However, other study has revealed its contrary role. The function of CDK8 is context dependent. Even so, a variety of potent and selective CDK8 inhibitors have been discovered after crystal structures were resolved in two states (active or inactive). In this review, we summarize co-crystal structures, biological mechanisms, dysregulation in cancers and recent progress in the field of CDK8 inhibitors, trying to offer an outlook of CDK8 inhibitors in cancer therapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyang Xi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Tingkai Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chunlei Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiaozhong Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Yonghua Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Kui Du
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Lemao Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Tao Cai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Runpu Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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38
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Bao W, Tao Y, Cheng J, Huang J, Cao J, Zhang M, Ye W, Wang B, Li Y, Zhu L, Lee CS. In(OTf) 3-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization for Construction of Oxatricyclic Compounds. Org Lett 2018; 20:7912-7915. [PMID: 30543298 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A highly diastereoselective cascade cyclization reaction has been developed for establishing a series of oxatricyclic compounds using Chan's diene and simple keto alkynal substrates with only 1 mol % of In(OTf)3 as the catalyst in 82-92% yields. The potential utility of this synthetic strategy has been demonstrated in model studies for the construction the core structures of 1α,8α:4α,5α-diepoxy-4,5-dihydroosmitopsin and cortistatin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Bao
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Yezi Tao
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Jiangqun Cheng
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Junrong Huang
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Jingming Cao
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Mengxun Zhang
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Weijian Ye
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Bo Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China
| | - Lizhi Zhu
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital , The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center , Shenzhen 518035 , China
| | - Chi-Sing Lee
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology , Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen University Town, Xili, Shenzhen 518055 , China.,Institute of Research and Continuing Edition (Shenzhen) , Hong Kong Baptist University , Industrialization Complex Building, Shenzhen Virtual University Park, Shenzhen 518000 , China.,Department of Chemistry , Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon Tong , Hong Kong SAR
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39
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Chen W, Ren X, Chang CEA. Discovery of CDK8/CycC Ligands with a New Virtual Screening Tool. ChemMedChem 2018; 14:107-118. [PMID: 30403831 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Selective inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 and cyclin C (CDK8/CycC) has been suggested as a promising strategy for decreasing mitogenic signals in cancer cells with reduced toxicity toward normal cells. We developed a novel virtual screening protocol for drug development and applied it to the discovery of new CDK8/CycC type II ligands, which is likely to achieve long residence time and specificity. We first analyzed the binding thermodynamics of 11 published pyrazolourea ligands using molecular dynamics simulations and a free-energy calculation method, VM2, and extracted the key binding information to assist virtual screening. The urea moiety was found to be the critical structural contributor of the reference ligands. Starting with the urea moiety, we conducted substructure-based searches with our newly developed superposition and single-point energy evaluation method, followed by free-energy calculations, and singled out three purchasable compounds for bioassay testing. The ranking from the experimental results is completely consistent with the predicted rankings. A potent drug-like compound was found to have a Kd value of 42.5 nm, which is similar to those of the most potent reference ligands; this provided a good starting point for further improvement. This study shows that our novel virtual screening protocol is an accurate and efficient tool for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,ChemConsulting LLC, Frederick, MD, 21704, USA.,NanChang Lead Biotech LLC, NanChang, JiangXi, 330096, China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Chia-En A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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40
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Using 3D-QSAR and molecular docking insight into inhibitors binding with complex-associated kinases CDK8. J Mol Struct 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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41
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Abstract
The fact that many cancer types display transcriptional addiction driven by dysregulation of oncogenic enhancers and transcription factors has led to increased interest in a group of protein kinases, known as transcriptional cyclin dependent kinases (tCDKs), as potential therapeutic targets. Despite early reservations about targeting a process that is essential to healthy cell types, there is now evidence that targeting tCDKs could provide enough therapeutic window to be effective in the clinic. Here, we discuss recent developments in this field, with an emphasis on highly-selective inhibitors and the challenges to be addressed before these inhibitors could be used for therapeutic purposes. Abbreviations: CAK: CDK-activating kinase;CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase;CMGC group: CDK-, MAPK-, GSK3-, and CLK-like;CTD: C-terminal repeat domain of the RPB1 subunit of RNA polymerase II;DRB: 5,6-dichloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole;mCRPC: metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer;NSCLC: non-small cell lung cancer;P-TEFb: positive elongation factor b;RNAPII: RNA polymerase II;S2: serine-2 of CTD repeats;S5: serine-5 of CTD repeats;S7: serine-7 of CTD repeats;SEC: super elongation complex;tCDK: transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase;TNBC: triple-negative breast cancer
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Galbraith
- a Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA.,b Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Heather Bender
- a Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA.,b Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA
| | - Joaquín M Espinosa
- a Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA.,b Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine , University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora , CO , USA.,c Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder , CO , USA
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42
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Galbraith MD, Andrysik Z, Pandey A, Hoh M, Bonner EA, Hill AA, Sullivan KD, Espinosa JM. CDK8 Kinase Activity Promotes Glycolysis. Cell Rep 2018; 21:1495-1506. [PMID: 29117556 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, is a hallmark of cancerous tissues. Despite its importance in cancer development, our understanding of mechanisms driving this form of metabolic reprogramming is incomplete. We report here an analysis of colorectal cancer cells engineered to carry a single point mutation in the active site of the Mediator-associated kinase CDK8, creating hypomorphic alleles sensitive to bulky ATP analogs. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CDK8 kinase activity is required for the expression of many components of the glycolytic cascade. CDK8 inhibition impairs glucose transporter expression, glucose uptake, glycolytic capacity and reserve, as well as cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth, both in normoxia and hypoxia. Importantly, CDK8 impairment sensitizes cells to pharmacological glycolysis inhibition, a result reproduced with Senexin A, a dual inhibitor of CDK8/CDK19. Altogether, these results contribute to our understanding of CDK8 as an oncogene, and they justify investigations to target CDK8 in highly glycolytic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Galbraith
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Zdenek Andrysik
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ahwan Pandey
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Maria Hoh
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bonner
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amanda A Hill
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kelly D Sullivan
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joaquín M Espinosa
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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43
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Hatcher JM, Wang ES, Johannessen L, Kwiatkowski N, Sim T, Gray NS. Development of Highly Potent and Selective Steroidal Inhibitors and Degraders of CDK8. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:540-545. [PMID: 29937979 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortistatin A is a natural product isolated from the marine sponge Corticium simplex and was found to be a potent and selective inhibitor of CDK8. Many synthetic groups have reported total syntheses of Cortistatin A; however, these syntheses require between 16 and 30 steps and report between 0.012-2% overall yields, which is not amenable to large-scale production. Owing to similarities between the complex core of Cortistatin A and the simple steroid core, we initiated a campaign to design simple, more easily prepared CDK8 inhibitors based on a steroid scaffold that would be more convenient for large-scale synthesis. Herein, we report the discovery and optimization of JH-VIII-49, a potent and selective inhibitor of CDK8 with a simple steroid core that has an eight-step synthesis with a 33% overall yield, making it suitable for large-scale preparation. Using this scaffold, we then developed a bivalent small molecule degrader, JH-XI-10-02, that can recruit the E3 ligase CRL4Cereblon to promote the ubiquitination and proteosomal degradation of CDK8.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Hatcher
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Avenue, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Eric S. Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Avenue, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Liv Johannessen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Avenue, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Avenue, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Taebo Sim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, KU-KIST, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136-791, Korea
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Avenue, Longwood Center LC-2209, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Abstract
Inhibition of CDKs is an attractive approach to cancer therapy due to their vital role in cell growth and transcription. Pan-CDK inhibitors have shown some clinical benefit, and trials are ongoing. Selective CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors have been licensed for the treatment of hormone responsive, RB-positive breast cancer in combination with antihormonal agents. Selective inhibitors of CDKs 5, 7, 8, 9 and 12 have been identified across a range of chemotypes.
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Cholko T, Chen W, Tang Z, Chang CEA. A molecular dynamics investigation of CDK8/CycC and ligand binding: conformational flexibility and implication in drug discovery. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2018; 32:671-685. [PMID: 29737445 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-018-0120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) along with its partner protein cyclin C (CycC) is a common feature of many diseases including colorectal cancer. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this study determined the dynamics of the CDK8-CycC system and we obtained detailed breakdowns of binding energy contributions for four type-I and five type-II CDK8 inhibitors. We revealed system motions and conformational changes that will affect ligand binding, confirmed the essentialness of CycC for inclusion in future computational studies, and provide guidance in development of CDK8 binders. We employed unbiased all-atom MD simulations for 500 ns on twelve CDK8-CycC systems, including apoproteins and protein-ligand complexes, then performed principal component analysis (PCA) and measured the RMSF of key regions to identify protein dynamics. Binding pocket volume analysis identified conformational changes that accompany ligand binding. Next, H-bond analysis, residue-wise interaction calculations, and MM/PBSA were performed to characterize protein-ligand interactions and find the binding energy. We discovered that CycC is vital for maintaining a proper conformation of CDK8 to facilitate ligand binding and that the system exhibits motion that should be carefully considered in future computational work. Surprisingly, we found that motion of the activation loop did not affect ligand binding. Type-I and type-II ligand binding is driven by van der Waals interactions, but electrostatic energy and entropic penalties affect type-II binding as well. Binding of both ligand types affects protein flexibility. Based on this we provide suggestions for development of tighter-binding CDK8 inhibitors and offer insight that can aid future computational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Cholko
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Zhiye Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Chia-En A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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46
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Bhagwat AS, Lu B, Vakoc CR. Enhancer dysfunction in leukemia. Blood 2018; 131:1795-1804. [PMID: 29439951 PMCID: PMC5909760 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-11-737379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic cancers are often initiated by deregulation of the transcriptional machinery. Prominent among such regulators are the sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs), which bind to enhancer and promoter elements in the genome to control gene expression through the recruitment of cofactors. Remarkably, perturbing the function of even a single TF or cofactor can modulate the active enhancer landscape of a cell; conversely, knowledge of the enhancer configuration can be used to discover functionally important TFs in a given cellular process. Our expanding insight into enhancer function can be attributed to the emergence of genome-scale measurements of enhancer activity, which can be applied to virtually any cell type to expose regulatory mechanisms. Such approaches are beginning to reveal the abnormal enhancer configurations present in cancer cells, thereby providing a framework for understanding how transcriptional dysregulation can lead to malignancy. Here, we review the evidence for alterations in enhancer landscapes contributing to the pathogenesis of leukemia, a malignancy in which enhancer-binding proteins and enhancer DNA itself are altered via genetic mutation. We will also highlight examples of small molecules that reprogram the enhancer landscape of leukemia cells in association with therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bin Lu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
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Rzymski T, Mikula M, Żyłkiewicz E, Dreas A, Wiklik K, Gołas A, Wójcik K, Masiejczyk M, Wróbel A, Dolata I, Kitlińska A, Statkiewicz M, Kuklinska U, Goryca K, Sapała Ł, Grochowska A, Cabaj A, Szajewska-Skuta M, Gabor-Worwa E, Kucwaj K, Białas A, Radzimierski A, Combik M, Woyciechowski J, Mikulski M, Windak R, Ostrowski J, Brzózka K. SEL120-34A is a novel CDK8 inhibitor active in AML cells with high levels of serine phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT5 transactivation domains. Oncotarget 2018; 8:33779-33795. [PMID: 28422713 PMCID: PMC5464911 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of oncogenic transcriptional programs is a promising therapeutic strategy. A substituted tricyclic benzimidazole, SEL120-34A, is a novel inhibitor of Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), which regulates transcription by associating with the Mediator complex. X-ray crystallography has shown SEL120-34A to be a type I inhibitor forming halogen bonds with the protein's hinge region and hydrophobic complementarities within its front pocket. SEL120-34A inhibits phosphorylation of STAT1 S727 and STAT5 S726 in cancer cells in vitro. Consistently, regulation of STATs- and NUP98-HOXA9- dependent transcription has been observed as a dominant mechanism of action in vivo. Treatment with the compound resulted in a differential efficacy on AML cells with elevated STAT5 S726 levels and stem cell characteristics. In contrast, resistant cells were negative for activated STAT5 and revealed lineage commitment. In vivo efficacy in xenotransplanted AML models correlated with significant repression of STAT5 S726. Favorable pharmacokinetics, confirmed safety and in vivo efficacy provide a rationale for the further clinical development of SEL120-34A as a personalized therapeutic approach in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michał Mikula
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Wróbel
- R&D Department, Selvita S.A., Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Urszula Kuklinska
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Goryca
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Grochowska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Medical Center for Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Cabaj
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jerzy Ostrowski
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Medical Center for Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
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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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Mediator Kinase Phosphorylation of STAT1 S727 Promotes Growth of Neoplasms With JAK-STAT Activation. EBioMedicine 2017; 26:112-125. [PMID: 29239838 PMCID: PMC5832629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Constitutive JAK-STAT signaling drives the proliferation of most myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but persistence emerges with chronic exposure to JAK inhibitors. MPN and post-MPN AML are dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation of STATs, but the role of serine STAT1 phosphorylation remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that Mediator kinase inhibitor cortistatin A (CA) reduced proliferation of JAK2-mutant AML in vitro and in vivo and also suppressed CDK8-dependent phosphorylation of STAT1 at serine 727. Here we report that phosphorylation of STAT1 S727 promotes the proliferation of AML cells with JAK-STAT pathway activation. Inhibition of serine phosphorylation by CA promotes growth arrest and differentiation, inhibits colony formation in MPN patient samples and reduces allele burden in MPN mouse models. These results reveal that STAT1 pS727 regulates growth and differentiation in JAK-STAT activated neoplasms and suggest that Mediator kinase inhibition represents a therapeutic strategy to regulate JAK-STAT signaling. CDK8/19 inhibitor cortistatin A synergizes with FDA-approved JAK1/2 ruxolitinib and inhibits ruxolitinib-persistent cells. CDK8/19 phosphorylation of STAT1 S727 promotes growth and suppresses differentiation. Cortistatin A upregulates expression of STAT1 pS727- and SE-associated genes.
Previously, it was known that cancer cells with activated JAK-STAT signaling are driven by oncogenic actions of JAK2 and tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3 and STAT5. The FDA-approved JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib targets these dependencies, but significant challenges remain in the clinic, especially for leukemia patients. We show here that JAK2-mutant leukemia cells that become resistant to ruxolitinib are sensitive to CDK8/19 inhibitor CA and that CA synergizes with ruxolitinib, indicating that CDK8/19 inhibitors may be an effective therapeutic strategy for these cancers. Further, our studies provide insights into the mechanistic role of STAT1 serine phosphorylation by CDK8/19 in JAK2-activated leukemia.
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50
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CDK8/19 Mediator kinases potentiate induction of transcription by NFκB. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:10208-10213. [PMID: 28855340 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710467114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) family of transcription factors has been implicated in inflammatory disorders, viral infections, and cancer. Most of the drugs that inhibit NFκB show significant side effects, possibly due to sustained NFκB suppression. Drugs affecting induced, but not basal, NFκB activity may have the potential to provide therapeutic benefit without associated toxicity. NFκB activation by stress-inducible cell cycle inhibitor p21 was shown to be mediated by a p21-stimulated transcription-regulating kinase CDK8. CDK8 and its paralog CDK19, associated with the transcriptional Mediator complex, act as coregulators of several transcription factors implicated in cancer; CDK8/19 inhibitors are entering clinical development. Here we show that CDK8/19 inhibition by different small-molecule kinase inhibitors or shRNAs suppresses the elongation of NFκB-induced transcription when such transcription is activated by p21-independent canonical inducers, such as TNFα. On NFκB activation, CDK8/19 are corecruited with NFκB to the promoters of the responsive genes. Inhibition of CDK8/19 kinase activity suppresses the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphorylation required for transcriptional elongation, in a gene-specific manner. Genes coregulated by CDK8/19 and NFκB include IL8, CXCL1, and CXCL2, which encode tumor-promoting proinflammatory cytokines. Although it suppressed newly induced NFκB-driven transcription, CDK8/19 inhibition in most cases had no effect on the basal expression of NFκB-regulated genes or promoters; the same selective regulation of newly induced transcription was observed with other transcription signals potentiated by CDK8/19. This selective role of CDK8/19 identifies these kinases as mediators of transcriptional reprogramming, a key aspect of development and differentiation as well as pathological processes.
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