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Gong Y, Li H. CDK7 in breast cancer: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:226. [PMID: 38605321 PMCID: PMC11010440 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01577-y] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) serves as a pivotal regulator in orchestrating cellular cycle dynamics and gene transcriptional activity. Elevated expression levels of CDK7 have been ubiquitously documented across a spectrum of malignancies and have been concomitantly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. This review delineates the biological roles of CDK7 and explicates the molecular pathways through which CDK7 exacerbates the oncogenic progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we synthesize the extant literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancement of CDK7-specific small-molecule inhibitors, encapsulating both preclinical and clinical findings in breast cancer contexts. The accumulated evidence substantiates the conceptualization of CDK7 as a propitious therapeutic target in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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2
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Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
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3
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Xu H, Xiao L, Chen Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Man S, Yan N, Zhang M. Effect of CDK7 inhibitor on MYCN-amplified retinoblastoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194964. [PMID: 37536559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common malignancy that primarily affects pediatric populations. Although a well-known cause of RB is RB1 mutation, MYCN amplification can also lead to the disease, which is a poor prognosis factor. Studies conducted in various tumor types have shown that MYCN inhibition is an effective approach to impede tumor growth. Various indirect approaches have been developed to overcome the difficulty of directly targeting MYCN, such as modulating the super enhancer (SE) upstream of MYCN. The drug used in this study to treat MYCN-amplified RB was THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor that can effectively suppress transcription by interfering with the activity of SEs. The study findings confirmed the anticancer activity of THZ1 against RB in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Therapy with THZ1 was found to affect numerous genes in RB according to the RNA-seq analysis. Moreover, the gene expression changes induced by THZ1 treatment were enriched in ribosome, endocytosis, cell cycle, apoptosis, etc. Furthermore, the combined analysis of ChIP-Seq and RNA-seq data suggested a potential role of SEs in regulating the expression of critical transcription factors, such as MYCN, OTX2, and SOX4. Moreover, ChIP-qPCR experiments were conducted to confirm the interaction between MYCN and SEs. In conclusion, THZ1 caused substantial changes in gene transcription in RB, resulting in inhibited cell proliferation, interference with the cell cycle, and increased apoptosis. The efficacy of THZ1 is positively correlated with the degree of MYCN amplification and is likely exerted by interfering with MYCN upstream SEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyue Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China; Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lirong Xiao
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China; Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shulei Man
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Naihong Yan
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Gao Y, Ding Y, Tai XR, Zhang C, Wang D. Ponatinib: An update on its drug targets, therapeutic potential and safety. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188949. [PMID: 37399979 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia is a malignancy of the hematopoietic system, and as its pathogenesis has become better understood, three generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed. Ponatinib is the third-generation breakpoint cluster region (BCR) and Abelson (ABL) TKI, which has been influential in the leukemia therapy for a decade. Moreover, ponatinib is a potent multi-target kinase inhibitor that acts on various kinases, such as KIT, RET, and Src, making it a promising treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), lung cancer, myeloproliferative syndrome, and other diseases. The drug's significant cardiovascular toxicity poses a significant challenge to its clinical use, requiring the development of strategies to minimize its toxicity and side effects. In this article, the pharmacokinetics, targets, therapeutic potential, toxicity and production mechanism of ponatinib will be reviewed. Furthermore, we will discuss methods to reduce the drug's toxicity, providing new avenues for research to improve its safety in clinical use.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/pharmacology
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/therapeutic use
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/chemically induced
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Yue Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Xin-Ran Tai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China.
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5
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Piemonte KM, Webb BM, Bobbitt JR, Majmudar PR, Cuellar-Vite L, Bryson BL, Latina NC, Seachrist DD, Keri RA. Disruption of CDK7 signaling leads to catastrophic chromosomal instability coupled with a loss of condensin-mediated chromatin compaction. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104834. [PMID: 37201585 PMCID: PMC10300262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin organization is highly dynamic and modulates DNA replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. Condensin is essential for chromosome assembly during mitosis and meiosis, as well as maintenance of chromosome structure during interphase. While it is well established that sustained condensin expression is necessary to ensure chromosome stability, the mechanisms that control its expression are not yet known. Herein, we report that disruption of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), the core catalytic subunit of CDK-activating kinase, leads to reduced transcription of several condensin subunits, including structural maintenance of chromosomes 2 (SMC2). Live and static microscopy revealed that inhibiting CDK7 signaling prolongs mitosis and induces chromatin bridge formation, DNA double-strand breaks, and abnormal nuclear features, all of which are indicative of mitotic catastrophe and chromosome instability. Affirming the importance of condensin regulation by CDK7, genetic suppression of the expression of SMC2, a core subunit of this complex, phenocopies CDK7 inhibition. Moreover, analysis of genome-wide chromatin conformation using Hi-C revealed that sustained activity of CDK7 is necessary to maintain chromatin sublooping, a function that is ascribed to condensin. Notably, the regulation of condensin subunit gene expression is independent of superenhancers. Together, these studies reveal a new role for CDK7 in sustaining chromatin configuration by ensuring the expression of condensin genes, including SMC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Piemonte
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bryan M Webb
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica R Bobbitt
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Parth R Majmudar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Leslie Cuellar-Vite
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Benjamin L Bryson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicholas C Latina
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Darcie D Seachrist
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ruth A Keri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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6
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van der Noord VE, van der Stel W, Louwerens G, Verhoeven D, Kuiken HJ, Lieftink C, Grandits M, Ecker GF, Beijersbergen RL, Bouwman P, Le Dévédec SE, van de Water B. Systematic screening identifies ABCG2 as critical factor underlying synergy of kinase inhibitors with transcriptional CDK inhibitors. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:51. [PMID: 37147730 PMCID: PMC10161439 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01648-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options and poor clinical prognosis. Inhibitors of transcriptional CDKs are currently under thorough investigation for application in the treatment of multiple cancer types, including breast cancer. These studies have raised interest in combining these inhibitors, including CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531, with a variety of other anti-cancer agents. However, the full scope of these potential synergistic interactions of transcriptional CDK inhibitors with kinase inhibitors has not been systematically investigated. Moreover, the mechanisms behind these previously described synergistic interactions remain largely elusive. METHODS Kinase inhibitor combination screenings were performed to identify kinase inhibitors that synergize with CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 and CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531 in TNBC cell lines. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening and transcriptomic evaluation of resistant versus sensitive cell lines were performed to identify genes critical for THZ531 resistance. RNA sequencing analysis after treatment with individual and combined synergistic treatments was performed to gain further insights into the mechanism of this synergy. Kinase inhibitor screening in combination with visualization of ABCG2-substrate pheophorbide A was used to identify kinase inhibitors that inhibit ABCG2. Multiple transcriptional CDK inhibitors were evaluated to extend the significance of the found mechanism to other transcriptional CDK inhibitors. RESULTS We show that a very high number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors synergize with the CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531. Yet, we identified the multidrug transporter ABCG2 as key determinant of THZ531 resistance in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that most synergistic kinase inhibitors block ABCG2 function, thereby sensitizing cells to transcriptional CDK inhibitors, including THZ531. Accordingly, these kinase inhibitors potentiate the effects of THZ531, disrupting gene expression and increasing intronic polyadenylation. CONCLUSION Overall, this study demonstrates the critical role of ABCG2 in limiting the efficacy of transcriptional CDK inhibitors and identifies multiple kinase inhibitors that disrupt ABCG2 transporter function and thereby synergize with these CDK inhibitors. These findings therefore further facilitate the development of new (combination) therapies targeting transcriptional CDKs and highlight the importance of evaluating the role of ABC transporters in synergistic drug-drug interactions in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera E van der Noord
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wanda van der Stel
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Louwerens
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle Verhoeven
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J Kuiken
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cor Lieftink
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Grandits
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roderick L Beijersbergen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Bouwman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia E Le Dévédec
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bob van de Water
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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7
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Kravchuk EV, Ashniev GA, Gladkova MG, Orlov AV, Vasileva AV, Boldyreva AV, Burenin AG, Skirda AM, Nikitin PI, Orlova NN. Experimental Validation and Prediction of Super-Enhancers: Advances and Challenges. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081191. [PMID: 37190100 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081191] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are cis-regulatory elements of the human genome that have been widely discussed since the discovery and origin of the term. Super-enhancers have been shown to be strongly associated with the expression of genes crucial for cell differentiation, cell stability maintenance, and tumorigenesis. Our goal was to systematize research studies dedicated to the investigation of structure and functions of super-enhancers as well as to define further perspectives of the field in various applications, such as drug development and clinical use. We overviewed the fundamental studies which provided experimental data on various pathologies and their associations with particular super-enhancers. The analysis of mainstream approaches for SE search and prediction allowed us to accumulate existing data and propose directions for further algorithmic improvements of SEs' reliability levels and efficiency. Thus, here we provide the description of the most robust algorithms such as ROSE, imPROSE, and DEEPSEN and suggest their further use for various research and development tasks. The most promising research direction, which is based on topic and number of published studies, are cancer-associated super-enhancers and prospective SE-targeted therapy strategies, most of which are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Kravchuk
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - German A Ashniev
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina G Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskiye Gory, MSU, 1-73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V Orlov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia V Vasileva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna V Boldyreva
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr G Burenin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artemiy M Skirda
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr I Nikitin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia N Orlova
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov St., 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Tan K, Mo J, Li M, Dong Y, Han Y, Sun X, Ma Y, Zhu K, Wu W, Lu L, Liu J, Zhao K, Zhang L, Tang Y, Lv Z. SMAD9-MYCN positive feedback loop represents a unique dependency for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:352. [PMID: 36539767 PMCID: PMC9764568 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor occurring during childhood and high-risk NB patients have a poor prognosis. The amplified MYCN gene serves as an important determinant of a high risk of NB. METHODS We performed an integrative screen using public NB tissue and cell line data, and identified that SMAD9 played an important role in high-risk NB. An investigation of the super-enhancers database (SEdb) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) dataset along with biological experiments of incorporating gene knockdown and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) were performed to identify upstream regulatory mechanism of SMAD9. Gene knockdown and rescue, quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR), cell titer Glo assays, colony formation assays, a subcutaneous xenograft model and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the functional role of SMAD9 in NB. An integrative analysis of ChIP-seq data with the validation of CRISPRi and dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data with Q-RT-PCR validation was conducted to analyze the downstream regulatory mechanism of SMAD9. RESULTS High expression of SMAD9 was specifically induced by the transcription factors including MYCN, PHOX2B, GATA3 and HAND2 at the enhancer region. Genetic suppression of SMAD9 inhibited MYCN-amplified NB cell proliferation and tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Further studies revealed that SMAD9 bound to the MYCN promoter and transcriptionally regulate MYCN expression, with MYCN reciprocally binding to the SMAD9 enhancer and transactivating SMAD9, thus forming a positive feedback loop along with the MYCN-associated cancer cell cycle. CONCLUSION This study delineates that SMAD9 forms a positive transcriptional feedback loop with MYCN and represents a unique tumor-dependency for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezhe Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Mo
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Li
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Han
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingxuan Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kewen Zhao
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Tang
- Research Center of Translational medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhibao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Sun J, Zhang Q, Sun X, Xue A, Gao X, Shen K. THZ1 targeting CDK7 suppresses c-KIT transcriptional activity in gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:138. [PMID: 36076237 PMCID: PMC9454178 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00928-x] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and are characterized by activating mutations of c-KIT or PDGFRa receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Despite the clinical success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), more than half of GIST patients develop resistance due to a second mutation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is the catalytic subunit of CDK-activating kinase (CAK), and it plays an important role in the regulation of cell cycle transitions and gene transcription. THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor, exhibits a dose-dependent inhibitory effect in various cancers. Methods Data from the public GEO database and tissue microarray were used to analyse the gene expression levels of CDKs in GISTs. The impact of CDK7 knockdown and the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 on GIST progression was investigated in vitro using CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays and in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the mechanism of GIST cell viability impairment mediated by THZ1 treatment. Results Our study demonstrated that CDK7 is relatively overexpressed in high-risk GISTs and predicts a poor outcome. A low concentration of THZ1 exhibited a pronounced antineoplastic effect in GIST cells in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, THZ1 exerted synergistic anticancer effects with imatinib. THZ1 treatment resulted in transcriptional modulation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Ser2, Ser5, and Ser7 within RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). c-KIT, an oncogene driver of GIST, was transcriptionally repressed by THZ1 treatment or CDK7 knockdown. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that OSR1 acts as a downstream target of CDK7 and regulates c-KIT expression. Taken together, our results highlight elevated CDK7 expression as a predictor of poor outcome in GIST and present the combination of CDK7 and RTK inhibitors as a potent therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of GIST treatment. Video abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00928-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, #180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, #180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiangfei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, #180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Anwei Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, #180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, #180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Kuntang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, #180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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10
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Chen Q, Yang B, Liu X, Zhang XD, Zhang L, Liu T. Histone acetyltransferases CBP/p300 in tumorigenesis and CBP/p300 inhibitors as promising novel anticancer agents. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:4935-4948. [PMID: 35836809 PMCID: PMC9274749 DOI: 10.7150/thno.73223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferases CBP and p300, often referred to as CBP/p300 due to their sequence homology and functional overlap and co-operation, are emerging as critical drivers of oncogenesis in the past several years. CBP/p300 induces histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) at target gene promoters, enhancers and super-enhancers, thereby activating gene transcription. While earlier studies indicate that CBP/p300 deletion/loss can promote tumorigenesis, CBP/p300 have more recently been shown to be over-expressed in cancer cells and drug-resistant cancer cells, activate oncogene transcription and induce cancer cell proliferation, survival, tumorigenesis, metastasis, immune evasion and drug-resistance. Small molecule CBP/p300 histone acetyltransferase inhibitors, bromodomain inhibitors, CBP/p300 and BET bromodomain dual inhibitors and p300 protein degraders have recently been discovered. The CBP/p300 inhibitors and degraders reduce H3K27ac, down-regulate oncogene transcription, induce cancer cell growth inhibition and cell death, activate immune response, overcome drug resistance and suppress tumor progression in vivo. In addition, CBP/p300 inhibitors enhance the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and epigenetic anticancer agents, including BET bromodomain inhibitors; and the combination therapies exert substantial anticancer effects in mouse models of human cancers including drug-resistant cancers. Currently, two CBP/p300 inhibitors are under clinical evaluation in patients with advanced and drug-resistant solid tumors or hematological malignancies. In summary, CBP/p300 have recently been identified as critical tumorigenic drivers, and CBP/p300 inhibitors and protein degraders are emerging as promising novel anticancer agents for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China
| | - Binhui Yang
- Department of Oncology, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- Department of Oncology, 3201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Hanzhong, Shaanxi 723000, China
| | - Xu D. Zhang
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: (Xu D. Zhang), (Lirong Zhang); (Tao Liu)
| | - Lirong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: (Xu D. Zhang), (Lirong Zhang); (Tao Liu)
| | - Tao Liu
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: (Xu D. Zhang), (Lirong Zhang); (Tao Liu)
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11
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Wei Y, Redel C, Ahlner A, Lemak A, Johansson-Åkhe I, Houliston S, Kenney TMG, Tamachi A, Morad V, Duan S, Andrews DW, Wallner B, Sunnerhagen M, Arrowsmith CH, Penn LZ. The MYC oncoprotein directly interacts with its chromatin cofactor PNUTS to recruit PP1 phosphatase. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:3505-3522. [PMID: 35244724 PMCID: PMC8989513 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite MYC dysregulation in most human cancers, strategies to target this potent oncogenic driver remain an urgent unmet need. Recent evidence shows the PP1 phosphatase and its regulatory subunit PNUTS control MYC phosphorylation, chromatin occupancy, and stability, however the molecular basis remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that MYC interacts directly with PNUTS through the MYC homology Box 0 (MB0), a highly conserved region recently shown to be important for MYC oncogenic activity. By NMR we identified a distinct peptide motif within MB0 that interacts with PNUTS residues 1–148, a functional unit, here termed PNUTS amino-terminal domain (PAD). Using NMR spectroscopy we determined the solution structure of PAD, and characterised its MYC-binding patch. Point mutations of residues at the MYC-PNUTS interface significantly weaken their interaction both in vitro and in vivo, leading to elevated MYC phosphorylation. These data demonstrate that the MB0 region of MYC directly interacts with the PAD of PNUTS, which provides new insight into the control mechanisms of MYC as a regulator of gene transcription and a pervasive cancer driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wei
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), University of Toronto, 101 College St., Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Cornelia Redel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Alexandra Ahlner
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alexander Lemak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), University of Toronto, 101 College St., Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Isak Johansson-Åkhe
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Scott Houliston
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), University of Toronto, 101 College St., Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Tristan M G Kenney
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Aaliya Tamachi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Vivian Morad
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - David W Andrews
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Björn Wallner
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Sunnerhagen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), University of Toronto, 101 College St., Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Linda Z Penn
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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12
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Chen J, Liu J, Xu B, Cao Y, Liang X, Wu F, Shen X, Ma X, Liu J. Ethoxy-erianin phosphate and afatinib synergistically inhibit liver tumor growth and angiogenesis via regulating VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 438:115911. [PMID: 35143806 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on solid tumors is limited by drug resistance and side effects. Currently, the combination therapy comprises of TKIs and angiogenesis inhibitors have been corroborated as an effective approach in cancer therapy. Ethoxy-erianin phosphate (EBTP) is an anti-angiogenic compound with low toxicity obtained by structural modification of the natural product erianin. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether EBTP can cooperate with TKIs to inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of tumor cells and reduce toxic effects. First, CCK-8 results showed that EBTP can effectively inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cell line HepG2. We combined EBTP with four TKIs (Bosutinib, Apatinib, Afatinib and Erlotinib) to treat HepG2 cells and CompuSyn software analysis suggested that EBTP/Afatinib(Afa)shows the best synergistic inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, EBTP/Afa can significantly suppress the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of HepG2 and HUVECs. ELISA results revealed that EBTP/Afa inhibits the secretion of VEGF in HepG2. EBTP/Afa down-regulates the expression of VEGF, p-VEGFR1, p-VEGFR2 and p-EGFR in both HepG2 and HUVECs. Further, the supernatant of HepG2 cells treated with EBTP/Afa blocks the intracellular downstream signal transduction shared by VEGF and EGFR in HUVECs. Finally, EBTP/Afa significantly inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. To conclude, EBTP/Afa targets VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways in liver cancer cells and tumor vasculature, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, motion and angiogenesis of liver cancer cells. Overall, this study provides a new combined strategy for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Baixue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiou Cao
- Department of Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Whole-period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital & AHS, Fudan University, China
| | - Xin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanhong Wu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Green Fluoropharmaceutical Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Xiaodong Shen
- Department of Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Whole-period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital & AHS, Fudan University, China.
| | - Xiaoying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Yuan J, Li X, Yu S. CDK7-dependent transcriptional addiction in bone and soft tissue sarcomas: Present and Future. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188680. [PMID: 35051528 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer arises from genetic alterations that invariably contribute to dysregulated transcriptional programs. These dysregulated programs establish and maintain specific cancer cell states, leading to an intensive dependence on a set of certain regulators of gene expression. The CDK7 functions as the core of transcription, and governs RNA polymerase II and the downstream oncogenes expression in cancers. CDK7 inhibition leads to reduced recruitment of super-enhancers-driven oncogenic transcription factors, and the depression of these associated oncogenes expression, which indicates the dependence of transcriptional addiction of cancers on CDK7. Given that specified oncoproteins of sarcomas commonly function at oncogenic transcription, targeting CDK7-denpendent transcriptional addiction may be of guiding significance for the treatment of sarcomas. In this review, we summarize the advances in mechanism of targeted CDK7-dependent transcriptional addiction and discuss the path ahead to potential application discovery in bone and soft tissue sarcomas, providing theoretical considerations for bio-orthogonal therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shengji Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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14
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Vervoort SJ, Devlin JR, Kwiatkowski N, Teng M, Gray NS, Johnstone RW. Targeting transcription cycles in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:5-24. [PMID: 34675395 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accurate control of gene expression is essential for normal development and dysregulation of transcription underpins cancer onset and progression. Similar to cell cycle regulation, RNA polymerase II-driven transcription can be considered as a unidirectional multistep cycle, with thousands of unique transcription cycles occurring in concert within each cell. Each transcription cycle comprises recruitment, initiation, pausing, elongation, termination and recycling stages that are tightly controlled by the coordinated action of transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases and their cognate cyclins as well as the opposing activity of transcriptional phosphatases. Oncogenic dysregulation of transcription can entail defective control of gene expression, either at select loci or more globally, impacting a large proportion of the genome. The resultant dependency on the core-transcriptional machinery is believed to render 'transcriptionally addicted' cancers sensitive to perturbation of transcription. Based on these findings, small molecules targeting transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases and associated proteins hold promise for the treatment of cancer. Here, we utilize the transcription cycles concept to explain how dysregulation of these finely tuned gene expression processes may drive tumorigenesis and how therapeutically beneficial responses may arise from global or selective transcriptional perturbation. This conceptual framework helps to explain tumour-selective transcriptional dependencies and facilitates the rational design of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephin J Vervoort
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Devlin
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingxing Teng
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, CHEM-H and SCI, Stanford Medical School, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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15
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Ciaccio R, De Rosa P, Aloisi S, Viggiano M, Cimadom L, Zadran SK, Perini G, Milazzo G. Targeting Oncogenic Transcriptional Networks in Neuroblastoma: From N-Myc to Epigenetic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12883. [PMID: 34884690 PMCID: PMC8657550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most frequently occurring neurogenic extracranial solid cancers in childhood and infancy. Over the years, many pieces of evidence suggested that NB development is controlled by gene expression dysregulation. These unleashed programs that outline NB cancer cells make them highly dependent on specific tuning of gene expression, which can act co-operatively to define the differentiation state, cell identity, and specialized functions. The peculiar regulation is mainly caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in the dependency on a small set of key master transcriptional regulators as the convergence point of multiple signalling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive blueprint of transcriptional regulation bearing NB initiation and progression, unveiling the complexity of novel oncogenic and tumour suppressive regulatory networks of this pathology. Furthermore, we underline the significance of multi-target therapies against these hallmarks, showing how novel approaches, together with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy, can have substantial antineoplastic effects, disrupting a wide variety of tumorigenic pathways through combinations of different treatments.
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16
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Synthetic Heterocyclic Derivatives as Kinase Inhibitors Tested for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237069. [PMID: 34885651 PMCID: PMC8658969 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237069] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, small molecules endowed with different heterocyclic scaffolds have been developed as kinase inhibitors. Some of them are being tested at preclinical or clinical levels for the potential treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). This disease is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and is responsible for 10% to 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Despite the availability of some treatments, including the use of very toxic cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, high-risk (HR)-NB patients still have a poor prognosis and a survival rate below 50%. For these reasons, new pharmacological options are urgently needed. This review focuses on synthetic heterocyclic compounds published in the last five years, which showed at least some activity on this severe disease and act as kinase inhibitors. The specific mechanism of action, selectivity, and biological activity of these drug candidates are described, when established. Moreover, the most remarkable clinical trials are reported. Importantly, kinase inhibitors approved for other diseases have shown to be active and endowed with lower toxicity compared to conventional cytotoxic agents. The data collected in this article can be particularly useful for the researchers working in this area.
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17
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Zhou Y, Gao X, Yuan M, Yang B, He Q, Cao J. Targeting Myc Interacting Proteins as a Winding Path in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:748852. [PMID: 34658888 PMCID: PMC8511624 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.748852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC, as a well-known oncogene, plays essential roles in promoting tumor occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis in many kinds of solid tumors and hematologic neoplasms. In tumors, the low expression and the short half-life of Myc are reversed, cause tumorigenesis. And proteins that directly interact with different Myc domains have exerted a significant impact in the process of Myc-driven carcinogenesis. Apart from affecting the transcription of Myc target genes, Myc interaction proteins also regulate the stability of Myc through acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications, as well as competitive combination with Myc. In this review, we summarize a series of Myc interacting proteins and recent advances in the related inhibitors, hoping that can provide new opportunities for Myc-driven cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Zhou
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomeng Gao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Abudureheman T, Xia J, Li MH, Zhou H, Zheng WW, Zhou N, Shi RY, Zhu JM, Yang LT, Chen L, Zheng L, Xue K, Qing K, Duan CW. CDK7 Inhibitor THZ1 Induces the Cell Apoptosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia by Perturbing Cellular Metabolism. Front Oncol 2021; 11:663360. [PMID: 33889549 PMCID: PMC8056175 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.663360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) is a malignant blood cancer that develops in children and adults and leads to high mortality. THZ1, a covalent cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor, shows anti-tumor effects in various cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. However, whether THZ1 has an inhibitory effect on B-ALL cells and the underlying mechanism remains obscure. In this study, we showed that THZ1 arrested the cell cycle of B-ALL cells in vitro in a low concentration, while inducing the apoptosis of B-ALL cells in vitro in a high concentration by activating the apoptotic pathways. In addition, RNA-SEQ results revealed that THZ1 disrupted the cellular metabolic pathways of B-ALL cells. Moreover, THZ1 suppressed the cellular metabolism and blocked the production of cellular metabolic intermediates in B-ALL cells. Mechanistically, THZ1 inhibited the cellular metabolism of B-ALL by downregulating the expression of c-MYC-mediated metabolic enzymes. However, THZ1 treatment enhanced cell apoptosis in over-expressed c-MYC B-ALL cells, which was involved in the upregulation of p53 expression. Collectively, our data demonstrated that CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 induced the apoptosis of B-ALL cells by perturbing c-MYC-mediated cellular metabolism, thereby providing a novel treatment option for B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuersunayi Abudureheman
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Ming-Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Neng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Min Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cai-Wen Duan
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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19
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Putra V, Hulme AJ, Tee AE, Sun JQ, Atmadibrata B, Ho N, Chen J, Gao J, Norris MD, Haber M, Kavallaris M, Henderson MJ, McCarroll J, Trahair T, Liu T, Liu PY. The RNA-helicase DDX21 upregulates CEP55 expression and promotes neuroblastoma. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1162-1179. [PMID: 33497018 PMCID: PMC8024731 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 25% of human neuroblastoma is caused by amplification of the MYCN oncogene, which leads to overexpression of N-Myc oncoprotein. The survival rate for this patient subtype is <50%. Here, we show that N-Myc protein bound to the DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX21 gene promoter and upregulated DDX21 mRNA and protein expression. Genome-wide differential gene expression studies identified centrosomal protein CEP55 as one of the genes most dramatically downregulated after DDX21 knockdown in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells. Knocking down DDX21 or CEP55 reduced neuroblastoma cell cytoskeleton stability and cell proliferation and all but abolished clonogenic capacity. Importantly, DDX21 knockdown initially induced tumor regression in neuroblastoma-bearing mice and suppressed tumor progression. In human neuroblastoma tissues, a high level of DDX21 expression correlated with a high level of N-Myc expression and with CEP55 expression, and independently predicted poor patient prognosis. Taken together, our data show that DDX21 induces CEP55 expression, MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell proliferation, and tumorigenesis, and that DDX21 and CEP55 are valid therapeutic targets for the treatment of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vina Putra
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Amy J. Hulme
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Andrew E. Tee
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Jane Q.J. Sun
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Bernard Atmadibrata
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Nicholas Ho
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Jingwei Chen
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Jixuan Gao
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Murray D. Norris
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
- University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer ResearchSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and TechnologyAustralian Centre for NanomedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
- School of Women’s and Children’s HealthFaculty of MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Michelle J. Henderson
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Joshua McCarroll
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Toby Trahair
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Tao Liu
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Pei Y. Liu
- Children’s Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNSWAustralia
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Liang H, Du J, Elhassan RM, Hou X, Fang H. Recent progress in development of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitors for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:61-76. [PMID: 33183110 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1850693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a part of the CDK-activating kinase family (CAK) which has a key role in the cell cycle and transcriptional regulation. Several lines of evidence suggest that CDK7 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer. CDK7 selective inhibitors such as SY-5609 and CT7001 are in clinical development. Areas covered: We explore the biology of CDK7 and its role in cancer and follow this with an evaluation of the preclinical and clinical progress of CDK7 inhibitors, and their potential in the clinic. We searched PubMed and ClinicalTrials to identify relevant data from the database inception to 14 October 2020. Expert opinion: CDK7 inhibitors are next generation therapeutics for cancer. However, there are still challenges which include selectively, side effects, and drug resistance. Nevertheless, with ongoing clinical development of these inhibitors and greater analysis of their target, CDK7 inhibitors will become a promising approach for treatment of cancer in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhi Liang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jintong Du
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Reham M Elhassan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
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21
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system and one of the most common solid tumors in infancy. Amplification of MYCN, copy number alterations, numerical and segmental chromosomal aberrations, mutations, and rearrangements on a handful of genes, such as ALK, ATRX, TP53, RAS/MAPK pathway genes, and TERT, are attributed as underlying causes that give rise to NB. However, the heterogeneous nature of the disease-along with the relative paucity of recurrent somatic mutations-reinforces the need to understand the interplay of genetic factors and epigenetic alterations in the context of NB. Epigenetic mechanisms tightly control gene expression, embryogenesis, imprinting, chromosomal stability, and tumorigenesis, thereby playing a pivotal role in physio- and pathological settings. The main epigenetic alterations include aberrant DNA methylation, disrupted patterns of posttranslational histone modifications, alterations in chromatin composition and/or architecture, and aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs. DNA methylation and demethylation are mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins, respectively, while histone modifications are coordinated by histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases (HATs, HDACs), and histone methyltransferases and demethylases (HMTs, HDMs). This article focuses predominately on the crosstalk between the epigenome and NB, and the implications it has on disease diagnosis and treatment.
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22
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Chen J, Nelson C, Wong M, Tee AE, Liu PY, La T, Fletcher JI, Kamili A, Mayoh C, Bartenhagen C, Trahair TN, Xu N, Jayatilleke N, Wong M, Peng H, Atmadibrata B, Cheung BB, Lan Q, Bryan TM, Mestdagh P, Vandesompele J, Combaret V, Boeva V, Wang JY, Janoueix-Lerosey I, Cowley MJ, MacKenzie KL, Dolnikov A, Li J, Polly P, Marshall GM, Reddel RR, Norris MD, Haber M, Fischer M, Zhang XD, Pickett HA, Liu T. Targeted Therapy of TERT-Rearranged Neuroblastoma with BET Bromodomain Inhibitor and Proteasome Inhibitor Combination Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:1438-1451. [PMID: 33310889 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE TERT gene rearrangement with transcriptional superenhancers leads to TERT overexpression and neuroblastoma. No targeted therapy is available for clinical trials in patients with TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Anticancer agents exerting the best synergistic anticancer effects with BET bromodomain inhibitors were identified by screening an FDA-approved oncology drug library. The synergistic effects of the BET bromodomain inhibitor OTX015 and the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib were examined by immunoblot and flow cytometry analysis. The anticancer efficacy of OTX015 and carfilzomib combination therapy was investigated in mice xenografted with TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma cell lines or patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor cells, and the role of TERT reduction in the anticancer efficacy was examined through rescue experiments in mice. RESULTS The BET bromodomain protein BRD4 promoted TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma cell proliferation through upregulating TERT expression. Screening of an approved oncology drug library identified the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib as the agent exerting the best synergistic anticancer effects with BET bromodomain inhibitors including OTX015. OTX015 and carfilzomib synergistically reduced TERT protein expression, induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, and induced TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma cell apoptosis which was blocked by TERT overexpression and endoplasmic reticulum stress antagonists. In mice xenografted with TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma cell lines or PDX tumor cells, OTX015 and carfilzomib synergistically blocked TERT expression, induced tumor cell apoptosis, suppressed tumor progression, and improved mouse survival, which was largely reversed by forced TERT overexpression. CONCLUSIONS OTX015 and carfilzomib combination therapy is likely to be translated into the first clinical trial of a targeted therapy in patients with TERT-rearranged neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Chen
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Nelson
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Wong
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew E Tee
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pei Y Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ting La
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alvin Kamili
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christoph Bartenhagen
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ning Xu
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nisitha Jayatilleke
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie Wong
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hui Peng
- Advanced Analytics Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | | | - Belamy B Cheung
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qing Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tracy M Bryan
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pieter Mestdagh
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valerie Combaret
- Centre Léon-Bérard, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle, Lyon, France
| | - Valentina Boeva
- ETH Zürich, Department of Computer Science, Institute for Machine Learning, Swiss Institute of Bioinformaticsics (SIB), Zurich, Switzerland
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes UMR-S1016, Paris, France
| | - Jenny Y Wang
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, INSERM, U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Mark J Cowley
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen L MacKenzie
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alla Dolnikov
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jinyan Li
- Advanced Analytics Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Patsie Polly
- Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger R Reddel
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Xu D Zhang
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hilda A Pickett
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, Sydney, Australia.
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Super-enhancer in prostate cancer: transcriptional disorders and therapeutic targets. NPJ Precis Oncol 2020; 4:31. [PMID: 33299103 PMCID: PMC7677538 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-020-00137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activity of oncogenic and tumor-suppressor signaling pathways contributes to cancer and cancer risk in humans. Transcriptional dysregulation of these pathways is commonly associated with tumorigenesis and the development of cancer. Genetic and epigenetic alterations may mediate dysregulated transcriptional activity. One of the most important epigenetic alternations is the non-coding regulatory element, which includes both enhancers and super-enhancers (SEs). SEs, characterized as large clusters of enhancers with aberrant high levels of transcription factor binding, have been considered as key drivers of gene expression in controlling and maintaining cancer cell identity. In cancer cells, oncogenes acquire SEs and the cancer phenotype relies on these abnormal transcription programs driven by SEs, which leads to cancer cells often becoming addicted to the SEs-related transcription programs, including prostate cancer. Here, we summarize recent findings of SEs and SEs-related gene regulation in prostate cancer and review the potential pharmacological inhibitors in basic research and clinical trials.
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Autophagic flux inhibition enhances cytotoxicity of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor ponatinib. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:195. [PMID: 32962733 PMCID: PMC7507635 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite reported advances, acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors still represents a serious problem in successful cancer treatment. Among this class of drugs, ponatinib (PON) has been shown to have notable long-term efficacy, although its cytotoxicity might be hampered by autophagy. In this study, we examined the likelihood of PON resistance evolution in neuroblastoma and assessed the extent to which autophagy might provide survival advantages to tumor cells. Methods The effects of PON in inducing autophagy were determined both in vitro, using SK-N-BE(2), SH-SY5Y, and IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cell lines, and in vivo, using zebrafish and mouse models. Single and combined treatments with chloroquine (CQ)—a blocking agent of lysosomal metabolism and autophagic flux—and PON were conducted, and the effects on cell viability were determined using metabolic and immunohistochemical assays. The activation of the autophagic flux was analyzed through immunoblot and protein arrays, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Combination therapy with PON and CQ was tested in a clinically relevant neuroblastoma mouse model. Results Our results confirm that, in neuroblastoma cells and wild-type zebrafish embryos, PON induces the accumulation of autophagy vesicles—a sign of autophagy activation. Inhibition of autophagic flux by CQ restores the cytotoxic potential of PON, thus attributing to autophagy a cytoprotective nature. In mice, the use of CQ as adjuvant therapy significantly improves the anti-tumor effects obtained by PON, leading to ulterior reduction of tumor masses. Conclusions Together, these findings support the importance of autophagy monitoring in the treatment protocols that foresee PON administration, as this may predict drug resistance acquisition. The findings also establish the potential for combined use of CQ and PON, paving the way for their consideration in upcoming treatment protocols against neuroblastoma.
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Aravindan N, Herman T, Aravindan S. Emerging therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:899-914. [PMID: 33021426 PMCID: PMC7554151 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1790528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is the prime cancer of infancy, and accounts for 9% of pediatric cancer deaths. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB experience a complete cure, those with high-risk disease (HR-NB) do not recover, despite intensive therapeutic strategies. Development of novel and effective targeted therapies is needed to counter disease progression, and to benefit long-term survival of children with HR-NB. AREAS COVERED Recent studies (2017-2020) pertinent to NB evolution are selectively reviewed to recognize novel and effective therapeutic targets. The prospective and promising therapeutic targets/strategies for HR-NB are categorized into (a) targeting oncogene-like and/or reinforcing tumor suppressor (TS)-like lncRNAs; (b) targeting oncogene-like microRNAs (miRs) and/or mimicking TS-miRs; (c) targets for immunotherapy; (d) targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells; (e) novel and beneficial combination approaches; and (f) repurposing drugs and other strategies in development. EXPERT OPINION It is highly unlikely that agents targeting a single candidate or signaling will be beneficial for an HR-NB cure. We must develop efficient drug deliverables for functional targets, which could be integrated and advance clinical therapy. Fittingly, the looming evidence indicated an aggressive evolution of promising novel and integrative targets, development of efficient drugs, and improvised strategies for HR-NB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence Herman
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, USA
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Huang HL, Lin WJ. Dual Peptide-Modified Nanoparticles Improve Combination Chemotherapy of Etoposide and siPIK3CA Against Drug-Resistant Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12030254. [PMID: 32178266 PMCID: PMC7150975 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a highly aggressive form of malignancy with rapid recurrence and poor prognosis. The dual peptide-modified nanoparticles (NPs) for improving chemotherapy against drug-resistant small cell lung carcinoma cells has been developed. In this study, the SCLC targeting ligand, antagonist G peptide (AG), and cell-penetrating peptide, TAT, modified NPs were used to encapsulate both anticancer drugs etoposide (ETP) and PIK3CA small-interfering RNA (siPIK3CA). The ETP@NPs and siRNA@NPs had particle size 201.0 ± 1.9-206.5 ± 0.7 nm and 155.3 ± 12.4-169.1 ± 11.2 nm, respectively. The lyophilized ETP@NPs and siRNA@NPs maintained their particle size and zeta potential during 28-day storage without severe aggregation or dissociation. Either ETP@NPs or siRNA@NPs significantly reduced the IC50 of drugs by 2.5-5.5 folds and 2.4-3.9 folds, respectively, as compared to free ETP and siRNA/PEI nanocomplex in drug-resistant CD133(+) H69 cells. Herein, the IC50 of dual-peptide modified ETP@NPs and siRNA@NPs were prominently lower than single-peptide modified NPs. The synergistic effect (CI < 1) was further observed in co-treatment of ETP and siPIK3CA particularly delivered by dual-peptide modified NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Lin Huang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
| | - Wen Jen Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
- Drug Research Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-33668765; Fax: +886-2-23919098
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