1
|
He Q, Wu Y, Wang M, Chen S, Jia R, Yang Q, Zhu D, Liu M, Zhao X, Zhang S, Huang J, Ou X, Mao S, Gao Q, Sun D, Tian B, Cheng A. ICP22/IE63 Mediated Transcriptional Regulation and Immune Evasion: Two Important Survival Strategies for Alphaherpesviruses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:743466. [PMID: 34925320 PMCID: PMC8674840 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.743466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the process of infecting the host, alphaherpesviruses have derived a series of adaptation and survival strategies, such as latent infection, autophagy and immune evasion, to survive in the host environment. Infected cell protein 22 (ICP22) or its homologue immediate early protein 63 (IE63) is a posttranslationally modified multifunctional viral regulatory protein encoded by all alphaherpesviruses. In addition to playing an important role in the efficient use of host cell RNA polymerase II, it also plays an important role in the defense process of the virus overcoming the host immune system. These two effects of ICP22/IE63 are important survival strategies for alphaherpesviruses. In this review, we summarize the complex mechanism by which the ICP22 protein regulates the transcription of alphaherpesviruses and their host genes and the mechanism by which ICP22/IE63 participates in immune escape. Reviewing these mechanisms will also help us understand the pathogenesis of alphaherpesvirus infections and provide new strategies to combat these viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing He
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xumin Ou
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sai Mao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Gao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Sun
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Tian
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Safety and Efficacy of FIT039 for Verruca Vulgaris: A Placebo-Controlled, Phase I/II Randomized Controlled Trial. JID INNOVATIONS 2021; 1:100026. [PMID: 34909725 PMCID: PMC8659400 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2021.100026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trial design Human papillomavirus infection causes verruca vulgaris. CDK9 inhibitor FIT039 inhibits DNA virus proliferation in animal models. We conducted a multicenter, single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase I/II clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of FIT039 against verruca vulgaris. Methods Target lesions were treated with liquid nitrogen once, and a FIT039 patch or placebo patch was applied for 14 days. The primary endpoint was lesion disappearance. The secondary endpoints were safety and changes in dimension, cross-sectional area, and the number of petechial lesions. Results A total of 24 participants were randomly allocated to the FIT039 (n = 13, median age, 54 years) and placebo (n = 11, median age, 62 years) groups. Verruca vulgaris did not disappear. FIT039 decreased the dimension to 76% of the initial value on day 29, followed by an increase to 98% on day 57. Placebo showed a monotonic increase to 107% on day 57. Changes in the cross-sectional area and petechiae number were comparable between the groups. Conclusions No drug-related adverse reactions occurred. FIT039 efficacy was not determined in this study.
Collapse
|
3
|
Schnell AP, Kohrt S, Thoma-Kress AK. Latency Reversing Agents: Kick and Kill of HTLV-1? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115545. [PMID: 34073995 PMCID: PMC8197370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the cause of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), is a retrovirus, which integrates into the host genome and persistently infects CD4+ T-cells. Virus propagation is stimulated by (1) clonal expansion of infected cells and (2) de novo infection. Viral gene expression is induced by the transactivator protein Tax, which recruits host factors like positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) to the viral promoter. Since HTLV-1 gene expression is repressed in vivo by viral, cellular, and epigenetic mechanisms in late phases of infection, HTLV-1 avoids an efficient CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response directed against the immunodominant viral Tax antigen. Hence, therapeutic strategies using latency reversing agents (LRAs) sought to transiently activate viral gene expression and antigen presentation of Tax to enhance CTL responses towards HTLV-1, and thus, to expose the latent HTLV-1 reservoir to immune destruction. Here, we review strategies that aimed at enhancing Tax expression and Tax-specific CTL responses to interfere with HTLV-1 latency. Further, we provide an overview of LRAs including (1) histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and (2) activators of P-TEFb, that have mainly been studied in context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but which may also be powerful in the context of HTLV-1.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mandal R, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Targeting CDK9 for Anti-Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2181. [PMID: 34062779 PMCID: PMC8124690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is one of the most important transcription regulatory members of the CDK family. In conjunction with its main cyclin partner-Cyclin T1, it forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) whose primary function in eukaryotic cells is to mediate the positive transcription elongation of nascent mRNA strands, by phosphorylating the S2 residues of the YSPTSPS tandem repeats at the C-terminus domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II). To aid in this process, P-TEFb also simultaneously phosphorylates and inactivates a number of negative transcription regulators like 5,6-dichloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) Sensitivity-Inducing Factor (DSIF) and Negative Elongation Factor (NELF). Significantly enhanced activity of CDK9 is observed in multiple cancer types, which is universally associated with significantly shortened Overall Survival (OS) of the patients. In these cancer types, CDK9 regulates a plethora of cellular functions including proliferation, survival, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair and metastasis. Due to the extremely critical role of CDK9 in cancer cells, inhibiting its functions has been the subject of intense research, resulting the development of multiple, increasingly specific small-molecule inhibitors, some of which are presently in clinical trials. The search for newer generation CDK9 inhibitors with higher specificity and lower potential toxicities and suitable combination therapies continues. In fact, the Phase I clinical trials of the latest, highly specific CDK9 inhibitor BAY1251152, against different solid tumors have shown good anti-tumor and on-target activities and pharmacokinetics, combined with manageable safety profile while the phase I and II clinical trials of another inhibitor AT-7519 have been undertaken or are undergoing. To enhance the effectiveness and target diversity and reduce potential drug-resistance, the future of CDK9 inhibition would likely involve combining CDK9 inhibitors with inhibitors like those against BRD4, SEC, MYC, MCL-1 and HSP90.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranadip Mandal
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
P-TEFb as A Promising Therapeutic Target. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040838. [PMID: 32075058 PMCID: PMC7070488 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) was first identified as a general factor that stimulates transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), but soon afterwards it turned out to be an essential cellular co-factor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transcription mediated by viral Tat proteins. Studies on the mechanisms of Tat-dependent HIV transcription have led to radical advances in our knowledge regarding the mechanism of eukaryotic transcription, including the discoveries that P-TEFb-mediated elongation control of cellular transcription is a main regulatory step of gene expression in eukaryotes, and deregulation of P-TEFb activity plays critical roles in many human diseases and conditions in addition to HIV/AIDS. P-TEFb is now recognized as an attractive and promising therapeutic target for inflammation/autoimmune diseases, cardiac hypertrophy, cancer, infectious diseases, etc. In this review article, I will summarize our knowledge about basic P-TEFb functions, the regulatory mechanism of P-TEFb-dependent transcription, P-TEFb’s involvement in biological processes and diseases, and current approaches to manipulating P-TEFb functions for the treatment of these diseases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bauer DLV, Tellier M, Martínez-Alonso M, Nojima T, Proudfoot NJ, Murphy S, Fodor E. Influenza Virus Mounts a Two-Pronged Attack on Host RNA Polymerase II Transcription. Cell Rep 2019; 23:2119-2129.e3. [PMID: 29768209 PMCID: PMC5972227 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus intimately associates with host RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and mRNA processing machinery. Here, we use mammalian native elongating transcript sequencing (mNET-seq) to examine Pol II behavior during viral infection. We show that influenza virus executes a two-pronged attack on host transcription. First, viral infection causes decreased Pol II gene occupancy downstream of transcription start sites. Second, virus-induced cellular stress leads to a catastrophic failure of Pol II termination at poly(A) sites, with transcription often continuing for tens of kilobases. Defective Pol II termination occurs independently of the ability of the viral NS1 protein to interfere with host mRNA processing. Instead, this termination defect is a common effect of diverse cellular stresses and underlies the production of previously reported downstream-of-gene transcripts (DoGs). Our work has implications for understanding not only host-virus interactions but also fundamental aspects of mammalian transcription. Influenza virus infection dysregulates host transcription Viral infection depletes Pol II from gene bodies downstream of the TSS Virus-induced stress leads to a catastrophic failure of Pol II termination Defective termination does not require viral NS1: host CPSF30 interaction
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L V Bauer
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Michael Tellier
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Mónica Martínez-Alonso
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Takayuki Nojima
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Nick J Proudfoot
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Ervin Fodor
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nomura T, Sumi E, Egawa G, Nakajima S, Toichi E, Uozumi R, Tada H, Nakagawa T, Hagiwara M, Kabashima K. The efficacy of a cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor, FIT039, on verruca vulgaris: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2019; 20:489. [PMID: 31399147 PMCID: PMC6688352 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) infect squamous epithelial cells and form verrucous lesions, or warts. Besides the psychosocial problems caused by the disfiguring warts, a subset of HPVs can be the primary etiologic agent for malignancies such as cervical cancer. However, there is no curative antiviral therapy for HPV infection. We recently found that the viral RNA transcription of DNA viruses requires cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) in the host cells, and that FIT039, a specific inhibitor of CDK9, suppressed the proliferation of DNA viruses such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, human adenovirus, human cytomegalovirus, hepatitis virus B, and HPVs. Here, we describe a protocol to evaluate the safety and antiviral effect of FIT039 on common warts in human skin. METHODS AND DESIGN A multi-institutional, single-blind, placebo-controlled randomized phase I/II clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FIT039 on common warts on the extremities. A total of 44 adults with a primary diagnosis of verruca vulgaris on the extremities without serious comorbidities will be randomized into either the intervention group with an FIT039-releasing transdermal patch or a control group for a duration of 14 days. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and postintervention. Participants will be further assessed at 2 months follow-up. The primary endpoint for efficacy is the resolution of the warts. The safety endpoint is the incidence of adverse events and adverse drug reactions. The secondary endpoints are changes in the dimensions of the wart, the cross-sectional area of the wart, and the number of clots within the area of the wart. DISCUSSION This study is the first to assess the efficacy of FIT039 and will contribute to the development of antiviral agents that can cure refractory common warts in immunocompromised patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN Clinical Trials, UMIN000029695 . Registered on 1 November 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nomura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Eriko Sumi
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Gyohei Egawa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Saeko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Eiko Toichi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, 1-1 Fukakusa-Mukaihata-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-8555 Japan
| | - Ryuji Uozumi
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Harue Tada
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Kenji Kabashima
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kinoshita S, Ishida T, Ito A, Narita T, Masaki A, Suzuki S, Yoshida T, Ri M, Kusumoto S, Komatsu H, Shimizu N, Inagaki H, Kuroda T, Scholz A, Ueda R, Sanda T, Iida S. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 as a potential specific molecular target in NK-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Haematologica 2018; 103:2059-2068. [PMID: 30076184 PMCID: PMC6269314 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.191395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BAY 1143572 is a highly selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9/positive transcription elongation factor b. It has entered phase I clinical studies. Here, we have assessed the utility of BAY 1143572 for treating natural killer (NK) cell leukemias/lymphomas that have a poor prognosis, namely extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type and aggressive NK-cell leukemia, in a preclinical mouse model in vivo as well as in tissue culture models in vitro Seven NK-cell leukemia/lymphoma lines and primary aggressive NK-cell leukemia cells from two individual patients were treated with BAY 1143572 in vitro Primary tumor cells from an aggressive NK-cell leukemia patient were used to establish a xenogeneic murine model for testing BAY 1143572 therapy. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibition by BAY 1143572 resulted in prevention of phosphorylation at the serine 2 site of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. This resulted in lower c-Myc and Mcl-1 levels in the cell lines, causing growth inhibition and apoptosis. In aggressive NK-cell leukemia primary tumor cells, exposure to BAY 1143572 in vitro resulted in decreased Mcl-1 protein levels resulting from inhibition of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphorylation at the serine 2 site. Orally administering BAY 1143572 once per day to aggressive NK-cell leukemia-bearing mice resulted in lower tumor cell infiltration into the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, with less export to the periphery relative to control mice. The treated mice also had a survival advantage over the untreated controls. The specific small molecule targeting agent BAY1143572 has potential for treating NK-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kinoshita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Japan
| | - Asahi Ito
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Tomoko Narita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Ayako Masaki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Susumu Suzuki
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Masaki Ri
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kusumoto
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Komatsu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Norio Shimizu
- Department of Virology, Division of Medical Science, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inagaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | | | - Arne Scholz
- Bayer AG Pharmaceuticals Division, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ryuzo Ueda
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahgoub M, Yasunaga JI, Iwami S, Nakaoka S, Koizumi Y, Shimura K, Matsuoka M. Sporadic on/off switching of HTLV-1 Tax expression is crucial to maintain the whole population of virus-induced leukemic cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E1269-E1278. [PMID: 29358408 PMCID: PMC5819419 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1715724115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses causing chronic infection artfully manipulate infected cells to enable viral persistence in vivo under the pressure of immunity. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) establishes persistent infection mainly in CD4+ T cells in vivo and induces leukemia in this subset. HTLV-1-encoded Tax is a critical transactivator of viral replication and a potent oncoprotein, but its significance in pathogenesis remains obscure due to its very low level of expression in vivo. Here, we show that Tax is expressed in a minor fraction of leukemic cells at any given time, and importantly, its expression spontaneously switches between on and off states. Live cell imaging revealed that the average duration of one episode of Tax expression is ∼19 hours. Knockdown of Tax rapidly induced apoptosis in most cells, indicating that Tax is critical for maintaining the population, even if its short-term expression is limited to a small subpopulation. Single-cell analysis and computational simulation suggest that transient Tax expression triggers antiapoptotic machinery, and this effect continues even after Tax expression is diminished; this activation of the antiapoptotic machinery is the critical event for maintaining the population. In addition, Tax is induced by various cytotoxic stresses and also promotes HTLV-1 replication. Thus, it seems that Tax protects infected cells from apoptosis and increases the chance of viral transmission at a critical moment. Keeping the expression of Tax minimal but inducible on demand is, therefore, a fundamental strategy of HTLV-1 to promote persistent infection and leukemogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mahgoub
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichirou Yasunaga
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
| | - Shingo Iwami
- Mathematical Biology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakaoka
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
- Institute of Industrial Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Koizumi
- School of Medicine, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kazuya Shimura
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Franco LC, Morales F, Boffo S, Giordano A. CDK9: A key player in cancer and other diseases. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:1273-1284. [PMID: 28722178 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is part of a functional diverse group of enzymes responsible for cell cycle control and progression. It associates mainly with Cyclin T1 and forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (p-TEFb) complex responsible for regulation of transcription elongation and mRNA maturation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of CDK9 in many relevant pathologic processes, like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and viral replication. Herein we provide an overview of the different pathways in which CDK9 is directly and indirectly involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lia Carolina Franco
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de las Americas (UDLA), Quito, Ecuador.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania
| | - Fátima Morales
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Boffo
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tellier M, Ferrer-Vicens I, Murphy S. The point of no return: The poly(A)-associated elongation checkpoint. RNA Biol 2016; 13:265-71. [PMID: 26853452 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1142037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases play critical roles in transcription by RNA polymerase II (pol II) and processing of the transcripts. For example, CDK9 regulates transcription of protein-coding genes, splicing, and 3' end formation of the transcripts. Accordingly, CDK9 inhibitors have a drastic effect on the production of mRNA in human cells. Recent analyses indicate that CDK9 regulates transcription at the early-elongation checkpoint of the vast majority of pol II-transcribed genes. Our recent discovery of an additional CDK9-regulated elongation checkpoint close to poly(A) sites adds a new layer to the control of transcription by this critical cellular kinase. This novel poly(A)-associated checkpoint has the potential to powerfully regulate gene expression just before a functional polyadenylated mRNA is produced: the point of no return. However, many questions remain to be answered before the role of this checkpoint becomes clear. Here we speculate on the possible biological significance of this novel mechanism of gene regulation and the players that may be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tellier
- a Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3RE , UK
| | - Ivan Ferrer-Vicens
- a Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3RE , UK
| | - Shona Murphy
- a Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3RE , UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zaborowska J, Isa NF, Murphy S. P-TEFb goes viral. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1:106-116. [PMID: 27398404 PMCID: PMC4863834 DOI: 10.1002/icl3.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Positive transcription elongation factor b (P‐TEFb), which comprises cyclin‐dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) kinase and cyclin T subunits, is an essential kinase complex in human cells. Phosphorylation of the negative elongation factors by P‐TEFb is required for productive elongation of transcription of protein‐coding genes by RNA polymerase II (pol II). In addition, P‐TEFb‐mediated phosphorylation of the carboxyl‐terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of pol II mediates the recruitment of transcription and RNA processing factors during the transcription cycle. CDK9 also phosphorylates p53, a tumor suppressor that plays a central role in cellular responses to a range of stress factors. Many viral factors affect transcription by recruiting or modulating the activity of CDK9. In this review, we will focus on how the function of CDK9 is regulated by viral gene products. The central role of CDK9 in viral life cycles suggests that drugs targeting the interaction between viral products and P‐TEFb could be effective anti‐viral agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nur F Isa
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology University of Oxford Oxford UK; Department of Biotechnology Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan Pahang Malaysia
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| |
Collapse
|