1
|
Winer H, Li W, Rodrigues G, Gower T, Meyer TJ, Hixon J, Durum SK. Mechanism of co-operation of mutant IL-7Rα and mutant NRAS in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: role of MYC. Haematologica 2024; 109:1726-1740. [PMID: 38031763 PMCID: PMC11141644 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive leukemia which can be derived from either T-cell or B-cell precursors. With current treatments, the survival rate is high, but the treatments are highly toxic with severe side effects. Individual mutations in IL7Ra and RAS pathways have been previously shown to be prevalent in ALL, and especially in relapsed patients. The relationship of IL-7Ra and RAS was investigated by transducing immature mouse thymocytes with the combination of these mutants. The resultant ALL cells were analyzed to identify the regulators and the oncoproteins that are up-regulated or down-regulated by the combination of IL7Ra with NRAS. Leukemia cells showed a significant increase in IL7Ra-mediated BCL2 expression, and an increase in MYC protein levels was mainly induced by NRAS signaling. MYC was both necessary and sufficient to replace mutant NRAS, and drugs targeting the MYC pathway showed a therapeutic benefit in IL-7Ra/NRAS T-ALL. We suggest that MYC protein stability can be regulated by PLK-1 kinase, which was increased mainly by the NRAS signal. These studies identify novel pathways of oncogenesis and new targets for intervention that could lead to better therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hila Winer
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Cancer Innovation Laboratory (CIL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD
| | - Wenqing Li
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Cancer Innovation Laboratory (CIL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD
| | - Gisele Rodrigues
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Cancer Innovation Laboratory (CIL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD
| | - Tim Gower
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Cancer Innovation Laboratory (CIL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD
| | - Thomas Joshua Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (CCBR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD
| | - Julie Hixon
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Cancer Innovation Laboratory (CIL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD
| | - Scott K Durum
- Cytokines and Immunity Section, Cancer Innovation Laboratory (CIL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Athwal H, Kochiyanil A, Bhat V, Allan AL, Parsyan A. Centrosomes and associated proteins in pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370565. [PMID: 38606093 PMCID: PMC11007099 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Despite significant advances in treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of female mortality. The inability to effectively treat advanced and/or treatment-resistant breast cancer demonstrates the need to develop novel treatment strategies and targeted therapies. Centrosomes and their associated proteins have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and thus represent promising targets for drug and biomarker development. Centrosomes are fundamental cellular structures in the mammalian cell that are responsible for error-free execution of cell division. Centrosome amplification and aberrant expression of its associated proteins such as Polo-like kinases (PLKs), Aurora kinases (AURKs) and Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) have been observed in various cancers, including breast cancer. These aberrations in breast cancer are thought to cause improper chromosomal segregation during mitosis, leading to chromosomal instability and uncontrolled cell division, allowing cancer cells to acquire new genetic changes that result in evasion of cell death and the promotion of tumor formation. Various chemical compounds developed against PLKs and AURKs have shown meaningful antitumorigenic effects in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is likely related to exacerbation of numerical genomic instability, such as aneuploidy or polyploidy. Furthermore, growing evidence demonstrates enhanced antitumorigenic effects when inhibitors specific to centrosome-associated proteins are used in combination with either radiation or chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the roles of centrosome and centrosome-associated proteins in breast cancer pathogenesis and their utility as novel targets for breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harjot Athwal
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Arpitha Kochiyanil
- Faculty of Science, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vasudeva Bhat
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alison L. Allan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Armen Parsyan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jin H, Kim J, Lee O, Kim H, No KT. Leveraging the Fragment Molecular Orbital Method to Explore the PLK1 Kinase Binding Site and Polo-Box Domain for Potent Small-Molecule Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15639. [PMID: 37958623 PMCID: PMC10650754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115639] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays a pivotal role in cell division regulation and emerges as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Consequently, the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PLK1 has become a focal point in contemporary research. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site and the polo-box domain in PLK1 present crucial interaction sites for these inhibitors, aiming to disrupt the protein's function. However, designing potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of protein-ligand interaction mechanisms at these binding sites. In this context, our study leverages the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method to explore these site-specific interactions in depth. Using the FMO approach, we used the FMO method to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of small-molecule drugs binding to these sites to design PLK1 inhibitors that are both potent and selective. Our investigation further entailed a comparative analysis of various PLK1 inhibitors, each characterized by distinct structural attributes, helping us gain a better understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. The FMO method was particularly effective in identifying key binding features and predicting binding modes for small-molecule ligands. Our research also highlighted specific "hot spot" residues that played a critical role in the selective and robust binding of PLK1. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to design new and effective PLK1 inhibitors, which can have significant implications for developing anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jin
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
| | - Jongwan Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Onju Lee
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
| | - Hyein Kim
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyoung Tai No
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yuan Y, Alzrigat M, Rodriguez-Garcia A, Wang X, Bexelius TS, Johnsen JI, Arsenian-Henriksson M, Liaño-Pons J, Bedoya-Reina OC. Target Genes of c-MYC and MYCN with Prognostic Power in Neuroblastoma Exhibit Different Expressions during Sympathoadrenal Development. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4599. [PMID: 37760568 PMCID: PMC10527308 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of the MYC family of transcription factors c-MYC (encoded by MYC), MYCN, and MYCL is prevalent in most human cancers, with an impact on tumor initiation and progression, as well as response to therapy. In neuroblastoma (NB), amplification of the MYCN oncogene and over-expression of MYC characterize approximately 40% and 10% of all high-risk NB cases, respectively. However, the mechanism and stage of neural crest development in which MYCN and c-MYC contribute to the onset and/or progression of NB are not yet fully understood. Here, we hypothesized that subtle differences in the expression of MYCN and/or c-MYC targets could more accurately stratify NB patients in different risk groups rather than using the expression of either MYC gene alone. We employed an integrative approach using the transcriptome of 498 NB patients from the SEQC cohort and previously defined c-MYC and MYCN target genes to model a multigene transcriptional risk score. Our findings demonstrate that defined sets of c-MYC and MYCN targets with significant prognostic value, effectively stratify NB patients into different groups with varying overall survival probabilities. In particular, patients exhibiting a high-risk signature score present unfavorable clinical parameters, including increased clinical risk, higher INSS stage, MYCN amplification, and disease progression. Notably, target genes with prognostic value differ between c-MYC and MYCN, exhibiting distinct expression patterns in the developing sympathoadrenal system. Genes associated with poor outcomes are mainly found in sympathoblasts rather than in chromaffin cells during the sympathoadrenal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aida Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xueyao Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Sjöberg Bexelius
- Paediatric Oncology Unit, Astrid Lindgren’s Children Hospital, SE-171 64 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judit Liaño-Pons
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar C. Bedoya-Reina
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Design and Synthesis of a Novel 4-aryl-N-(2-alkoxythieno [2,3-b]pyrazine-3-yl)-4-arylpiperazine-1-carboxamide DGG200064 Showed Therapeutic Effect on Colon Cancer through G2/M Arrest. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050502. [PMID: 35631329 PMCID: PMC9143821 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized by an abnormal cell cycle. Therefore, the cell cycle has been a potential target for cancer therapeutic agents. We developed a new lead compound, DGG200064 (7c) with a 2-alkoxythieno [2,3-b]pyrazine-3-yl)-4-arylpiperazine-1-carboxamide core skeleton. To evaluate its properties, compound DGG200064 was tested in vivo through a xenograft mouse model of colorectal cancer using HCT116 cells. The in vivo results showed high cell growth inhibition efficacy. Our results confirmed that the newly synthesized DGG200064 inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cells by inducing G2/M arrest. Unlike the known cell cycle inhibitors, DGG200064 (GI50 = 12 nM in an HCT116 cell-based assay) induced G2/M arrest by selectively inhibiting the interaction of FBXW7 and c-Jun proteins. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of the lead compounds were analyzed. Based on the results of the study, we suggested further development of DGG200064 as a novel oral anti-colorectal cancer drug.
Collapse
|
7
|
Srinivas US, Tay NSC, Jaynes P, Anbuselvan A, Ramachandran GK, Wardyn JD, Hoppe MM, Hoang PM, Peng Y, Lim S, Lee MY, Peethala PC, An O, Shendre A, Tan BWQ, Jemimah S, Lakshmanan M, Hu L, Jakhar R, Sachaphibulkij K, Lim LHK, Pervaiz S, Crasta K, Yang H, Tan P, Liang C, Ho L, Khanchandani V, Kappei D, Yong WP, Tan DSP, Bordi M, Campello S, Tam WL, Frezza C, Jeyasekharan AD. PLK1 inhibition selectively induces apoptosis in ARID1A deficient cells through uncoupling of oxygen consumption from ATP production. Oncogene 2022; 41:1986-2002. [PMID: 35236967 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the mitotic kinase PLK1 yield objective responses in a subset of refractory cancers. However, PLK1 overexpression in cancer does not correlate with drug sensitivity, and the clinical development of PLK1 inhibitors has been hampered by the lack of patient selection marker. Using a high-throughput chemical screen, we discovered that cells deficient for the tumor suppressor ARID1A are highly sensitive to PLK1 inhibition. Interestingly this sensitivity was unrelated to canonical functions of PLK1 in mediating G2/M cell cycle transition. Instead, a whole-genome CRISPR screen revealed PLK1 inhibitor sensitivity in ARID1A deficient cells to be dependent on the mitochondrial translation machinery. We find that ARID1A knock-out (KO) cells have an unusual mitochondrial phenotype with aberrant biogenesis, increased oxygen consumption/expression of oxidative phosphorylation genes, but without increased ATP production. Using expansion microscopy and biochemical fractionation, we see that a subset of PLK1 localizes to the mitochondria in interphase cells. Inhibition of PLK1 in ARID1A KO cells further uncouples oxygen consumption from ATP production, with subsequent membrane depolarization and apoptosis. Knockdown of specific subunits of the mitochondrial ribosome reverses PLK1-inhibitor induced apoptosis in ARID1A deficient cells, confirming specificity of the phenotype. Together, these findings highlight a novel interphase role for PLK1 in maintaining mitochondrial fitness under metabolic stress, and a strategy for therapeutic use of PLK1 inhibitors. To translate these findings, we describe a quantitative microscopy assay for assessment of ARID1A protein loss, which could offer a novel patient selection strategy for the clinical development of PLK1 inhibitors in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Upadhyayula S Srinivas
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Norbert S C Tay
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick Jaynes
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Akshaya Anbuselvan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gokula K Ramachandran
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanna D Wardyn
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michal M Hoppe
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Phuong Mai Hoang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanfen Peng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sherlly Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - May Yin Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Praveen C Peethala
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Omer An
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Akshay Shendre
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bryce W Q Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sherlyn Jemimah
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manikandan Lakshmanan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Longyu Hu
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rekha Jakhar
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karishma Sachaphibulkij
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lina H K Lim
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karen Crasta
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Henry Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chao Liang
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lena Ho
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vartika Khanchandani
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dennis Kappei
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Peng Yong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore
| | - David S P Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matteo Bordi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Campello
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Anand D Jeyasekharan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore.
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li J, Ohmura S, Marchetto A, Orth MF, Imle R, Dallmayer M, Musa J, Knott MML, Hölting TLB, Stein S, Funk CM, Sastre A, Alonso J, Bestvater F, Kasan M, Romero-Pérez L, Hartmann W, Ranft A, Banito A, Dirksen U, Kirchner T, Cidre-Aranaz F, Grünewald TGP. Therapeutic targeting of the PLK1-PRC1-axis triggers cell death in genomically silent childhood cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5356. [PMID: 34531368 PMCID: PMC8445938 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer1. Yet, many childhood cancers, such as Ewing sarcoma (EwS), feature remarkably 'silent' genomes with minimal CIN2. Here, we show in the EwS model how uncoupling of mitosis and cytokinesis via targeting protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) or its activating polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) can be employed to induce fatal genomic instability and tumor regression. We find that the EwS-specific oncogenic transcription factor EWSR1-FLI1 hijacks PRC1, which physiologically safeguards controlled cell division, through binding to a proximal enhancer-like GGAA-microsatellite, thereby promoting tumor growth and poor clinical outcome. Via integration of transcriptome-profiling and functional in vitro and in vivo experiments including CRISPR-mediated enhancer editing, we discover that high PRC1 expression creates a therapeutic vulnerability toward PLK1 inhibition that can repress even chemo-resistant EwS cells by triggering mitotic catastrophe.Collectively, our results exemplify how aberrant PRC1 activation by a dominant oncogene can confer malignancy but provide opportunities for targeted therapy, and identify PRC1 expression as an important determinant to predict the efficacy of PLK1 inhibitors being used in clinical trials.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Child
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- RNA Interference
- RNAi Therapeutics/methods
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/therapy
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays/methods
- Polo-Like Kinase 1
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shunya Ohmura
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aruna Marchetto
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin F Orth
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Imle
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Soft tissue sarcoma Junior Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marlene Dallmayer
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Musa
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian M L Knott
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilman L B Hölting
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Stein
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelius M Funk
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana Sastre
- Unidad Hemato-oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Alonso
- Pediatric Solid Tumour Laboratory, Institute of Rare Diseases Research (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felix Bestvater
- Light Microscopy Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Merve Kasan
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Romero-Pérez
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Division of Translational Pathology, Gerhard-Domagk-Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Ranft
- Pediatrics III, AYA Unit, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ana Banito
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Soft tissue sarcoma Junior Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Pediatrics III, AYA Unit, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pal-Ghosh R, Xue D, Warburton R, Hill N, Polgar P, Wilson JL. CDC2 Is an Important Driver of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation via FOXM1 and PLK1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6943. [PMID: 34203295 PMCID: PMC8268698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A key feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the hyperplastic proliferation exhibited by the vascular smooth muscle cells from patients (HPASMC). The growth inducers FOXM1 and PLK1 are highly upregulated in these cells. The mechanism by which these two proteins direct aberrant growth in these cells is not clear. Herein, we identify cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), also termed cell division cycle protein 2 (CDC2), as having a primary role in promoting progress of the cell cycle leading to proliferation in HPASMC. HPASMC obtained from PAH patients and pulmonary arteries from Sugen/hypoxia rats were investigated for their expression of CDC2. Protein levels of CDC2 were much higher in PAH than in cells from normal donors. Knocking down FOXM1 or PLK1 protein expression with siRNA or pharmacological inhibitors lowered the cellular expression of CDC2 considerably. However, knockdown of CDC2 with siRNA or inhibiting its activity with RO-3306 did not reduce the protein expression of FOXM1 or PLK1. Expression of CDC2 and FOXM1 reached its maximum at G1/S, while PLK1 reached its maximum at G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The expression of other CDKs such as CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, CDK7, and CDK9 did not change in PAH HPASMC. Moreover, inhibition via Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib or siRNAs targeting Wee1, Myt1, CDC25A, CDC25B, or CDC25C led to dramatic decreases in CDC2 protein expression. Lastly, we found CDC2 expression at the RNA and protein level to be upregulated in pulmonary arteries during disease progression Sugen/hypoxia rats. In sum, our present results illustrate that the increased expression of FOXM1 and PLK1 in PAH leads directly to increased expression of CDC2 resulting in potentiated growth hyperactivity of PASMC from patients with pulmonary hypertension. Our results further suggest that the regulation of CDC2, or associated regulatory proteins, will prove beneficial in the treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruma Pal-Ghosh
- Tupper Research Institute and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.P.-G.); (D.X.); (R.W.); (N.H.); (P.P.)
| | - Danfeng Xue
- Tupper Research Institute and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.P.-G.); (D.X.); (R.W.); (N.H.); (P.P.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Rod Warburton
- Tupper Research Institute and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.P.-G.); (D.X.); (R.W.); (N.H.); (P.P.)
| | - Nicholas Hill
- Tupper Research Institute and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.P.-G.); (D.X.); (R.W.); (N.H.); (P.P.)
| | - Peter Polgar
- Tupper Research Institute and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.P.-G.); (D.X.); (R.W.); (N.H.); (P.P.)
| | - Jamie L. Wilson
- Tupper Research Institute and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA; (R.P.-G.); (D.X.); (R.W.); (N.H.); (P.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mazza M, Ahmad H, Hadjidemetriou M, Agliardi G, Pathmanaban ON, King AT, Bigger BW, Vranic S, Kostarelos K. Hampering brain tumor proliferation and migration using peptide nanofiber:si PLK1/ MMP2 complexes. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:3127-3142. [PMID: 31855120 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2019-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop a nonviral tool for the delivery of siRNA to brain tumor cells using peptide nanofibers (PNFs). Materials & methods: Uptake of PNFs was evaluated by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Gene silencing was determined by RT-qPCR and cell invasion assay. Results: PNFs enter phagocytic (BV-2) and nonphagocytic (U-87 MG) cells via endocytosis and passive translocation. siPLK1 delivered using PNFs reduced the expression of polo-like kinase 1 mRNA and induced cell death in a panel of immortalized and glioblastoma-derived stem cells. Moreover, targeting MMP2 using PNF:siMMP2 reduced the invasion capacity of U-87 MG cells. We show that stereotactic intra-tumoral administration of PNF:siPLK1 significantly extends the survival of tumor bearing mice comparing with the untreated tumor bearing animals. Conclusion: Our results suggest that this nanomedicine-based RNA interference approach deserves further investigation as a potential brain tumor therapeutic tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosa Mazza
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Hassan Ahmad
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Marilena Hadjidemetriou
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Giulia Agliardi
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Omar N Pathmanaban
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Andrew T King
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Brian W Bigger
- Stem Cell & Neurotherapies Group, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Sandra Vranic
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Booth Street East, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, AV Hill Building, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- National Graphene Institute, The University of Manchester, Booth Street East, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gatz SA, Aladowicz E, Casanova M, Chisholm JC, Kearns PR, Fulda S, Geoerger B, Schäfer BW, Shipley JM. A Perspective on Polo-Like Kinase-1 Inhibition for the Treatment of Rhabdomyosarcomas. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1271. [PMID: 31824851 PMCID: PMC6882953 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas are the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma and are a major cause of death from cancer in young patients requiring new treatment options to improve outcomes. High-risk patients include those with metastatic or relapsed disease and tumors with PAX3-FOXO1 fusion genes that encode a potent transcription factor that drives tumourigenesis through transcriptional reprogramming. Polo-Like Kinase-1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates a wide range of target substrates and alters their activity. PLK1 functions as a pleiotropic master regulator of mitosis and regulates DNA replication after stress. Taken together with high levels of expression that correlate with poor outcomes in many cancers, including rhabdomyosarcomas, it is an attractive therapeutic target. This is supported in rhabdomyosarcoma models by characterization of molecular and phenotypic effects of reducing and inhibiting PLK1, including changes to the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein. However, as tumor re-growth has been observed, combination strategies are required. Here we review preclinical evidence and consider biological rationale for PLK1 inhibition in combination with drugs that promote apoptosis, interfere with activity of PAX3-FOXO1 and are synergistic with microtubule-destabilizing drugs such as vincristine. The preclinical effects of low doses of the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib in combination with vincristine, which is widely used in rhabdomyosarcoma treatment, show particular promise in light of recent clinical data in the pediatric setting that support achievable volasertib doses predicted to be effective. Further development of novel therapeutic strategies including PLK1 inhibition may ultimately benefit young patients with rhabdomyosarcoma and other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A. Gatz
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU), Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julia C. Chisholm
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela R. Kearns
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU), Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Beat W. Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janet M. Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doz F, Locatelli F, Baruchel A, Blin N, De Moerloose B, Frappaz D, Dworzak M, Fischer M, Stary J, Fuertig R, Riemann K, Taube T, Reinhardt D. Phase I dose-escalation study of volasertib in pediatric patients with acute leukemia or advanced solid tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27900. [PMID: 31276318 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volasertib induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis by targeting Polo-like kinases. In this phase I dose-escalation study, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary efficacy of volasertib were determined in pediatric patients. METHODS Patients aged 2 to <18 years with relapsed/refractory acute leukemia/advanced solid tumors (ST) without available effective treatments were enrolled-cohort C1 (aged 2 to <12 years); cohort C2 (aged 12 to <18 years). The patients received volasertib intravenously (starting dose: 200 mg/m2 body surface area on day 1, every 14 days). The primary endpoint was the pediatric MTD for further development. RESULTS Twenty-two patients received treatment (C1: leukemia, n = 4; ST, n = 8; C2: leukemia, n = 3; ST, n = 7). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurred up to 300 mg/m2 volasertib in C1; two patients in C2, at 250 mg/m2 volasertib, had DLTs in cycle 1, one of which led to death; therefore, the MTD of volasertib in C2 was 200 mg/m2 . The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (all patients) were febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia (41% each). Stable disease (SD) was the best objective response (leukemia, n = 5; ST, n = 2); the duration of SD was short in all patients, except in one with an ST. PK profiles were generally comparable across dose groups and were consistent with those in adults. CONCLUSION The pediatric MTD/dose for further development was identified. There were no unexpected safety or PK findings; limited antitumor/antileukemic activity was demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Doz
- Oncology Center SIREDO (Care Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer), Institute Curie and University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, IRCCS (Istituto di Recovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - André Baruchel
- Department of Paediatric Haemato-immunology, Hôpital Robert Debré (APHP), University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Blin
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Hôpital Mère-Enfant, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Didier Frappaz
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Léon Bérard Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Michael Dworzak
- St. Anna Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Paediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital Cologne, Centre of Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Stary
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rene Fuertig
- Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Kathrin Riemann
- Clinical Operations, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Tillmann Taube
- Medical Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Murga-Zamalloa C, Inamdar KV, Wilcox RA. The role of aurora A and polo-like kinases in high-risk lymphomas. Blood Adv 2019; 3:1778-1787. [PMID: 31186254 PMCID: PMC6560346 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk lymphomas (HRLs) are associated with dismal outcomes and remain a therapeutic challenge. Recurrent genetic and molecular alterations, including c-myc expression and aurora A kinase (AAK) and polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1) activation, promote cell proliferation and contribute to the highly aggressive natural history associated with these lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition to its canonical targets regulating mitosis, the AAK/PLK1 axis directly regulates noncanonical targets, including c-myc. Recent studies demonstrate that HRLs, including T-cell lymphomas and many highly aggressive B-cell lymphomas, are dependent upon the AAK/PLK1 axis. Therefore, the AAK/PLK1 axis has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in these lymphomas. In addition to reviewing these recent findings, we summarize the rationale for targeting AAK/PLK1 in high-risk and c-myc-driven lymphoproliferative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Murga-Zamalloa
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; and
| | | | - Ryan A Wilcox
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; and
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Del Rosario BC, Kriz AJ, Del Rosario AM, Anselmo A, Fry CJ, White FM, Sadreyev RI, Lee JT. Exploration of CTCF post-translation modifications uncovers Serine-224 phosphorylation by PLK1 at pericentric regions during the G2/M transition. eLife 2019; 8:e42341. [PMID: 30676316 PMCID: PMC6361588 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger CCCTC-binding protein (CTCF) carries out many functions in the cell. Although previous studies sought to explain CTCF multivalency based on sequence composition of binding sites, few examined how CTCF post-translational modification (PTM) could contribute to function. Here, we performed CTCF mass spectrometry, identified a novel phosphorylation site at Serine 224 (Ser224-P), and demonstrate that phosphorylation is carried out by Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). CTCF Ser224-P is chromatin-associated, mapping to at least a subset of known CTCF sites. CTCF Ser224-P accumulates during the G2/M transition of the cell cycle and is enriched at pericentric regions. The phospho-obviation mutant, S224A, appeared normal. However, the phospho-mimic mutant, S224E, is detrimental to mouse embryonic stem cell colonies. While ploidy and chromatin architecture appear unaffected, S224E mutants differentially express hundreds of genes, including p53 and p21. We have thus identified a new CTCF PTM and provided evidence of biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Del Rosario
- Department of Molecular BiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of GeneticsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Andrea J Kriz
- Department of Molecular BiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of GeneticsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Amanda M Del Rosario
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer ResearchMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Anthony Anselmo
- Department of Molecular BiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
| | | | - Forest M White
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer ResearchMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeUnited States
| | - Ruslan I Sadreyev
- Department of Molecular BiologyMassachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular BiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of GeneticsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Goroshchuk O, Kolosenko I, Vidarsdottir L, Azimi A, Palm-Apergi C. Polo-like kinases and acute leukemia. Oncogene 2019; 38:1-16. [PMID: 30104712 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute leukemia is a common malignancy among children and adults worldwide and many patients suffer from chronic health issues using current therapeutic approaches. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of novel and more specific therapies with fewer side effects. The family of Polo-like kinases (Plks) is a group of five serine/threonine kinases that play an important role in cell cycle regulation and are critical targets for therapeutic invention. Plk1 and Plk4 are novel targets for cancer therapy as leukemic cells often express higher levels than normal cells. In contrast, Plk2 and Plk3 are considered to be tumor suppressors. Several small molecule inhibitors have been developed for targeting Plk1 inhibition. Despite reaching phase III clinical trials, one of the ATP-competitive Plk1 inhibitor, volasertib, did not induce an objective clinical response and even caused lethal side effects in some patients. In order to improve the specificity of the Plk1 inhibitors and reduce off-target side effects, novel RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapies have been developed. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of action of the Plk family members in acute leukemia, describe preclinical studies and clinical trials involving Plk-targeting drugs and discuss novel approaches in Plk targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Goroshchuk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iryna Kolosenko
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Vidarsdottir
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alireza Azimi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Palm-Apergi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fletcher JI, Ziegler DS, Trahair TN, Marshall GM, Haber M, Norris MD. Too many targets, not enough patients: rethinking neuroblastoma clinical trials. Nat Rev Cancer 2018; 18:389-400. [PMID: 29632319 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-018-0003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a rare solid tumour of infancy and early childhood with a disproportionate contribution to paediatric cancer mortality and morbidity. Combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy remains the standard approach to treat high-risk disease, with few recurrent, actionable genetic aberrations identified at diagnosis. However, recent studies indicate that actionable aberrations are far more common in relapsed neuroblastoma, possibly as a result of clonal expansion. In addition, although the major validated disease driver, MYCN, is not currently directly targetable, multiple promising approaches to target MYCN indirectly are in development. We propose that clinical trial design needs to be rethought in order to meet the challenge of providing rigorous, evidence-based assessment of these new approaches within a fairly small patient population and that experimental therapies need to be assessed at diagnosis in very-high-risk patients rather than in relapsed and refractory patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pathak A, Tanwar S, Kumar V, Banarjee BD. Present and Future Prospect of Small Molecule & Related Targeted Therapy Against Human Cancer. VIVECHAN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH 2018; 9:36-49. [PMID: 30853755 PMCID: PMC6407887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth guided by deregulation of cell growth network. Subsequently, alteration in genes occurs which influences expression (down-regulation of tumor suppressor genes and/or up-regulation of proto-oncogene) of these prominent cell growth proteins. Protein targeting has emerged as a hope against cancer. These therapies work by inhibiting or up regulating the target proteins through agents specific for treatment of deregulated proteins. Targeted cancer therapies are more favorable for cancers like lung, colorectal, breast, lymphoma and leukemia as they focus on particular molecular changes unique to a specific cancer. As researchers scrutinize and comprehend the cell changes that initiate cancer, they are better able to design promising therapies targeting these changes or nullify their effect. In present study we have assessed prospects of significant proteins which are known to be targeted by number of small molecules and related drugs for effective treatment of various forms of cancer. Moreover, we also addressed the efficacies of these drugs toward the cancer treatment and future challenges in their development as this information is lacking in previously published work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshat Pathak
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanskriti Tanwar
- Department of Biotechnology IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Basu Dev Banarjee
- Department of Biochemistry, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, University of Delhi, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Castro-Gamero AM, Pezuk JA, Brassesco MS, Tone LG. G2/M inhibitors as pharmacotherapeutic opportunities for glioblastoma: the old, the new, and the future. Cancer Biol Med 2018; 15:354-374. [PMID: 30766748 PMCID: PMC6372908 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2018.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest tumors and has a median survival of 3 months if left untreated. Despite advances in rationally targeted pharmacological approaches, the clinical care of GBM remains palliative in intent. Since the majority of altered signaling cascades involved in cancer establishment and progression eventually affect cell cycle progression, an alternative approach for cancer therapy is to develop innovative compounds that block the activity of crucial molecules needed by tumor cells to complete cell division. In this context, we review promising ongoing and future strategies for GBM therapeutics aimed towards G2/M inhibition such as anti-microtubule agents and targeted therapy against G2/M regulators like cyclin-dependent kinases, Aurora inhibitors, PLK1, BUB, 1, and BUBR1, and survivin. Moreover, we also include investigational agents in the preclinical and early clinical settings. Although several drugs were shown to be gliotoxic, most of them have not yet entered therapeutic trials. The use of either single exposure or a combination with novel compounds may lead to treatment alternatives for GBM patients in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Mauricio Castro-Gamero
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Natural Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Biotechnology and Innovation in Health Program and Pharmacy Program, Anhanguera University São Paulo (UNIAN-SP), São Paulo 05145-200, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga Tone
- Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Improved therapy for neuroblastoma using a combination approach: superior efficacy with vismodegib and topotecan. Oncotarget 2017; 7:15215-29. [PMID: 26934655 PMCID: PMC4924781 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation/expression of pathways/molecules including NF-kB, mTOR, hedgehog and polo-like-kinase-1 (PLK1) are correlated with poor-prognosis neuroblastoma. Therefore, to identify a most efficacious treatment for neuroblastoma, we investigated the efficacy of NF-kB/mTOR dual-inhibitor 13-197, hedgehog inhibitor vismodegib and PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 alone or combined with topotecan against high-risk neuroblastoma. The in vitro efficacy of the inhibitors alone or combined with topotecan on cell growth/apoptosis and molecular mechanism(s) were investigated. Results showed that as single agents 13-197, BI2536 and vismodegib significantly decreased neuroblastoma cell growth and induced apoptosis by targeting associated pathways/molecules. In combination with topotecan, 13-197 did not show significant additive/synergistic effects against neuroblastoma. However, BI2536 or vismodegib further significantly decreased neuroblastoma cell growth/survival. These results clearly showed that vismodegib combination with topotecan was synergistic and more efficacious compared with BI2536 in combination. Together, in vitro data demonstrated that vismodegib was most efficacious in potentiating topotecan-induced antineuroblastoma effects. Therefore, we tested the combined efficacy of vismodegib and topotecan against neuroblastoma in vivo using NSG mice. This resulted in significantly (p<0.001) reduced tumor growth and increased survival of mice. Together, the combination of vismodegib and topotecan showed a significant enhanced antineuroblastoma efficacy by targeting associated pathways/molecules which warrants further preclinical evaluation for translation to the clinic.
Collapse
|
21
|
Alimova I, Pierce AM, Harris P, Donson A, Birks DK, Prince E, Balakrishnan I, Foreman NK, Kool M, Hoffman L, Venkataraman S, Vibhakar R. Targeting Polo-like kinase 1 in SMARCB1 deleted atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor. Oncotarget 2017; 8:97290-97303. [PMID: 29228610 PMCID: PMC5722562 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is an aggressive and malignant pediatric brain tumor. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is highly expressed in many cancers and essential for mitosis. Overexpression of PLK1 promotes chromosome instability and aneuploidy by overriding the G2-M DNA damage and spindle checkpoints. Recent studies suggest that targeting PLK1 by small molecule inhibitors is a promising approach to tumor therapy. We investigated the effect of PLK1 inhibition in ATRT. Gene expression analysis showed that PLK1 was overexpressed in ATRT patient samples and tumor cell lines. Genetic inhibition of PLK1 with shRNA potently suppressed ATRT cell growth in vitro. Treatment with the PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727 (Volasertib) significantly decreased cell growth, inhibited clonogenic potential, and induced apoptosis. BI6727 treatment led to G2-M phase arrest, consistent with PLK1's role as a critical regulator of mitosis. Moreover, inhibition of PLK1 by BI6727 suppressed the tumor-sphere formation of ATRT cells. Treatment also significantly decreased levels of the DNA damage proteins Ku80 and RAD51 and increased γ-H2AX expression, indicating that BI 6727 can induce DNA damage. Importantly, BI6727 significantly enhanced radiation sensitivity of ATRT cells. In vivo, BI6727 slowed growth of ATRT tumors and prolonged survival in a xenograft model. PLK1 inhibition is a compelling new therapeutic approach for treating ATRT, and the use of BI6727 should be evaluated in clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Alimova
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Angela M Pierce
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Peter Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Andrew Donson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Diane K Birks
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Eric Prince
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ilango Balakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Nicholas K Foreman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Marcel Kool
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lindsey Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sujatha Venkataraman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rajeev Vibhakar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
P. Solans B, Fleury A, Freiwald M, Fritsch H, Haug K, Trocóniz IF. Population Pharmacokinetics of Volasertib Administered in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia as a Single Agent or in Combination with Cytarabine. Clin Pharmacokinet 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40262-017-0566-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
23
|
WeiΔ LM, Hugle M, Fulda S. Eribulin alone or in combination with the PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727 triggers intrinsic apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 8:52445-52456. [PMID: 28881742 PMCID: PMC5581041 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of eribulin-induced cell death and its therapeutic potential in combination with the PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727 in Ewing sarcoma (ES). Here, we show that eribulin triggers cell death in a dose-dependent manner in a panel of ES cell lines. In addition, eribulin at subtoxic, low nanomolar concentrations acts in concert with BI 6727 to induce cell death and to suppress long-term clonogenic survival. Mechanistic studies reveal that eribulin monotherapy at cytotoxic concentrations and co-treatment with eribulin at subtoxic concentrations together with BI 6727 arrest cells in the M phase of the cell cycle prior to the onset of cell death. This mitotic arrest is followed by increased phosphorylation of BCL-2 and BCL-xL as well as downregulation of MCL-1, suggesting inactivation of these antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Consistently, eribulin monotherapy and eribulin/BI 6727 co-treatment trigger activation of BAX, a key proapoptotic BCL-2 family protein, and increase proteolytic activation of caspase-9 and -3. Importantly, overexpression of BCL-2 or addition of the broad-range caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk significantly rescue eribulin- as well as eribulin/BI 6727-induced cell death. Together, these findings demonstrate that eribulin induces cell death via the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in ES cells, both alone at cytotoxic concentrations and in combination with BI 6727 at subtoxic concentrations. Thus, our study highlights the therapeutic potential of eribulin for the treatment of ES alone or in rational combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilly Magdalena WeiΔ
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Hugle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schwermer M, Dreesmann S, Eggert A, Althoff K, Steenpass L, Schramm A, Schulte JH, Temming P. Pharmaceutically inhibiting polo-like kinase 1 exerts a broad anti-tumour activity in retinoblastoma cell lines. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017; 45:288-296. [PMID: 27647547 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoblastoma is the most common malignant cancer of the eye in children. Although metastatic retinoblastoma is rare, cure rates for this advanced disease remain below 50%. High-level polo-like kinase 1 expression in retinoblastomas has previously been shown to be correlated with adverse outcome parameters. Polo-like kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell cycle regulation at the G2/M transition. Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition has been demonstrated to have anti-tumour effects in preclinical models of several paediatric tumours. Here, we assessed its efficacy against retinoblastoma cell lines. METHODS Expression of polo-like kinase 1 was determined in a panel of retinoblastoma cell lines by polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. We analysed viability (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT assay), proliferation (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), cell cycle progression (propidium iodid staining) and apoptosis (cell death enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in three retinoblastoma cell lines after treatment with two adenosine triphosphate-competitive polo-like kinase 1 inhibitors, BI6727 or GSK461364. Activation of polo-like kinase 1 downstream signalling components including TP53 were assessed. RESULTS Treatment of retinoblastoma cells with either BI6727 or GSK461364 reduced cell viability and proliferative capacity and induced both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition also induced the p53 signalling pathway. Analysis of key players in cell cycle control revealed that low nanomolar concentrations of either polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor upregulated cyclin B1 and increased activated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (phosphorylated at Y15) in retinoblastoma cell lines. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical data indicate that polo-like kinase 1 inhibitors could be useful as components in rationally designed chemotherapy protocols to treat patients with metastasized retinoblastoma in early phase clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schwermer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Dreesmann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristina Althoff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laura Steenpass
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Schramm
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Temming
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Eye Oncogenetics Research Group, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation resulting from aberrant activity of various cell cycle proteins. Therefore, cell cycle regulators are considered attractive targets in cancer therapy. Intriguingly, animal models demonstrate that some of these proteins are not essential for proliferation of non-transformed cells and development of most tissues. By contrast, many cancers are uniquely dependent on these proteins and hence are selectively sensitive to their inhibition. After decades of research on the physiological functions of cell cycle proteins and their relevance for cancer, this knowledge recently translated into the first approved cancer therapeutic targeting of a direct regulator of the cell cycle. In this Review, we focus on proteins that directly regulate cell cycle progression (such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)), as well as checkpoint kinases, Aurora kinases and Polo-like kinases (PLKs). We discuss the role of cell cycle proteins in cancer, the rationale for targeting them in cancer treatment and results of clinical trials, as well as the future therapeutic potential of various cell cycle inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pajtler KW, Sadowski N, Ackermann S, Althoff K, Schönbeck K, Batzke K, Schäfers S, Odersky A, Heukamp L, Astrahantseff K, Künkele A, Deubzer HE, Schramm A, Sprüssel A, Thor T, Lindner S, Eggert A, Fischer M, Schulte JH. The GSK461364 PLK1 inhibitor exhibits strong antitumoral activity in preclinical neuroblastoma models. Oncotarget 2017; 8:6730-6741. [PMID: 28036269 PMCID: PMC5351666 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that promotes G2/M-phase transition, is expressed in elevated levels in high-risk neuroblastomas and correlates with unfavorable patient outcome. Recently, we and others have presented PLK1 as a potential drug target for neuroblastoma, and reported that the BI2536 PLK1 inhibitor showed antitumoral actvity in preclinical neuroblastoma models. Here we analyzed the effects of GSK461364, a competitive inhibitor for ATP binding to PLK1, on typical tumorigenic properties of preclinical in vitro and in vivo neuroblastoma models. GSK461364 treatment of neuroblastoma cell lines reduced cell viability and proliferative capacity, caused cell cycle arrest and massively induced apoptosis. These phenotypic consequences were induced by treatment in the low-dose nanomolar range, and were independent of MYCN copy number status. GSK461364 treatment strongly delayed established xenograft tumor growth in nude mice, and significantly increased survival time in the treatment group. These preclinical findings indicate PLK1 inhibitors may be effective for patients with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastomas with upregulated PLK1 and might be considered for entry into early phase clinical trials in pediatric patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian W Pajtler
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Core Center Heidelberg), Germany
| | - Natalie Sadowski
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Ackermann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
| | - Kristina Althoff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schönbeck
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Batzke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Schäfers
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Odersky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas Heukamp
- NEO New Oncology, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Hematopathology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kathy Astrahantseff
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Hedwig E Deubzer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Schramm
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Annika Sprüssel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Berlin), Germany
| | - Theresa Thor
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Essen), Germany
- Translational Neuro-Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Lindner
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children`s Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Berlin), Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Berlin), Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu Z, Sun Q, Wang X. PLK1, A Potential Target for Cancer Therapy. Transl Oncol 2016; 10:22-32. [PMID: 27888710 PMCID: PMC5124362 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays an important role in the initiation, maintenance, and completion of mitosis. Dysfunction of PLK1 may promote cancerous transformation and drive its progression. PLK1 overexpression has been found in a variety of human cancers and was associated with poor prognoses in cancers. Many studies have showed that inhibition of PLK1 could lead to death of cancer cells by interfering with multiple stages of mitosis. Thus, PLK1 is expected to be a potential target for cancer therapy. In this article, we examined PLK1’s structural characteristics, its regulatory roles in cell mitosis, PLK1 expression, and its association with survival prognoses of cancer patients in a wide variety of cancer types, PLK1 interaction networks, and PLK1 inhibitors under investigation. Finally, we discussed the key issues in the development of PLK1-targeted cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qingrong Sun
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zheng DW, Xue YQ, Li Y, Di JM, Qiu JG, Zhang WJ, Jiang QW, Yang Y, Chen Y, Wei MN, Huang JR, Wang K, Wei X, Shi Z. Volasertib suppresses the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:2476-2488. [PMID: 27904765 PMCID: PMC5126267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most frequent malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and its clinical therapeutic outcome is poor. Volasertib, a potent small molecular inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), is currently tested for treatment of multiple cancers in the clinical trials. However, the antitumor effect of volasertib on HCC is still unknown. In this study, our data show that volasertib is able to induce cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis with the spindle abnormalities in human HCC cells. Furthermore, volasertib also increases the intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) levels, and pretreated with ROS scavenger N-acety-L-cysteine partly reverses volasertib-induced apoptosis. Moreover, volasertib markedly inhibits the subcutaneous xenograft growth of HCC in nude mice. Overall, our study provides new therapeutic potential of volasertib on hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di-Wei Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - You-Qiu Xue
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
- Center for Clinic Immunology, Third Hospital at Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Gastrointertinal Surgery & General Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jin-Ming Di
- Department of Urology, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Jian-Ge Qiu
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Ji Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Wei Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Ning Wei
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Rong Huang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xing Wei
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bogen D, Wei JS, Azorsa DO, Ormanoglu P, Buehler E, Guha R, Keller JM, Mathews Griner LA, Ferrer M, Song YK, Liao H, Mendoza A, Gryder BE, Sindri S, He J, Wen X, Zhang S, Shern JF, Yohe ME, Taschner-Mandl S, Shohet JM, Thomas CJ, Martin SE, Ambros PF, Khan J. Aurora B kinase is a potent and selective target in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:35247-62. [PMID: 26497213 PMCID: PMC4742102 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in multimodal treatment, neuroblastoma (NB) is often fatal for children with high-risk disease and many survivors need to cope with long-term side effects from high-dose chemotherapy and radiation. To identify new therapeutic targets, we performed an siRNA screen of the druggable genome combined with a small molecule screen of 465 compounds targeting 39 different mechanisms of actions in four NB cell lines. We identified 58 genes as targets, including AURKB, in at least one cell line. In the drug screen, aurora kinase inhibitors (nine molecules) and in particular the AURKB-selective compound, barasertib, were the most discriminatory with regard to sensitivity for MYCN-amplified cell lines. In an expanded panel of ten NB cell lines, those with MYCN-amplification and wild-type TP53 were the most sensitive to low nanomolar concentrations of barasertib. Inhibition of the AURKB kinase activity resulted in decreased phosphorylation of the known target, histone H3, and upregulation of TP53 in MYCN-amplified, TP53 wild-type cells. However, both wild-type and TP53 mutant MYCN-amplified cell lines arrested in G2/M phase upon AURKB inhibition. Additionally, barasertib induced endoreduplication and apoptosis. Treatment of MYCN-amplified/TP53 wild-type neuroblastoma xenografts resulted in profound growth inhibition and tumor regression. Therefore, aurora B kinase inhibition is highly effective in aggressive neuroblastoma and warrants further investigation in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Bogen
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jun S Wei
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David O Azorsa
- Clinical Translational Research Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Pinar Ormanoglu
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Eugen Buehler
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rajarshi Guha
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan M Keller
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lesley A Mathews Griner
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Young K Song
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hongling Liao
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arnulfo Mendoza
- Tumor and Metastasis Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Berkley E Gryder
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sivasish Sindri
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jianbin He
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shile Zhang
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John F Shern
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marielle E Yohe
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sabine Taschner-Mandl
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jason M Shohet
- Texas Children's Cancer Center and Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Scott E Martin
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Peter F Ambros
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Vienna, Austria
| | - Javed Khan
- Oncogenomics Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jones L, Carol H, Evans K, Richmond J, Houghton PJ, Smith MA, Lock RB. A review of new agents evaluated against pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program. Leukemia 2016; 30:2133-2141. [PMID: 27416986 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children exemplifies how multi-agent chemotherapy has improved the outcome for patients. Refinements in treatment protocols and improvements in supportive care for this most common pediatric malignancy have led to a cure rate that now approaches 90%. However, certain pediatric ALL subgroups remain relatively intractable to treatment and many patients who relapse face a similarly dismal outcome. Moreover, survivors of pediatric ALL suffer the long-term sequelae of their intensive treatment throughout their lives. Therefore, the development of drugs to treat relapsed/refractory pediatric ALL, as well as those that more specifically target leukemia cells, remains a high priority. As pediatric malignancies represent a minority of the overall cancer burden, it is not surprising that they are generally underrepresented in drug development efforts. The identification of novel therapies relies largely on the reappropriation of drugs developed for adult malignancies. However, despite the large number of experimental agents available, clinical evaluation of novel drugs for pediatric ALL is hindered by limited patient numbers and the availability of effective established drugs. The Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) was established in 2005 to provide a mechanism by which novel therapeutics could be evaluated against xenograft and cell line models of the most common childhood malignancies, including ALL, to prioritize those with the greatest activity for clinical evaluation. In this article, we review the results of >50 novel agents and combinations tested against the PPTP ALL xenografts, highlighting comparisons between PPTP results and clinical data where possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Jones
- Leukaemia Biology Program, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H Carol
- Leukaemia Biology Program, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Evans
- Leukaemia Biology Program, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Richmond
- Leukaemia Biology Program, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P J Houghton
- Molecular Medicine, Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - M A Smith
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, NCI, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R B Lock
- Leukaemia Biology Program, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Van den Bossche J, Lardon F, Deschoolmeester V, De Pauw I, Vermorken JB, Specenier P, Pauwels P, Peeters M, Wouters A. Spotlight on Volasertib: Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of a Promising Plk1 Inhibitor. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:749-86. [PMID: 27140825 DOI: 10.1002/med.21392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Considering the important side effects of conventional microtubule targeting agents, more and more research focuses on regulatory proteins for the development of mitosis-specific agents. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a master regulator of several cell cycle events, has arisen as an intriguing target in this research field. The observed overexpression of Plk1 in a broad range of human malignancies has given rise to the development of several potent and specific small molecule inhibitors targeting the kinase. In this review, we focus on volasertib (BI6727), the lead agent in category of Plk1 inhibitors at the moment. Numerous preclinical experiments have demonstrated that BI6727 is highly active across a variety of carcinoma cell lines, and the inhibitor has been reported to induce tumor regression in several xenograft models. Moreover, volasertib has shown clinical efficacy in multiple tumor types. As a result, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently awarded volasertib the Breakthrough Therapy status after significant benefit was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with the Plk1 inhibitor. Here, we discuss both preclinical and clinical data available for volasertib administered as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer therapies in a broad range of tumor types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Van den Bossche
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - F Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - V Deschoolmeester
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - I De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J B Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - P Specenier
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - P Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - M Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - A Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE) Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Identifying novel therapeutic agents using xenograft models of pediatric cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:221-32. [PMID: 27193096 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3042-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the USA, the overall cure rate for all childhood cancers is seventy percent, and in many patients that ultimately fail curative therapy, initial responses to current multimodality treatments (surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy) is good, with overall 5-year event-free survival approaching 80 %. However, current approaches to curative therapy result in significant morbidity and long-term sequelae, including cardiac dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, dose-intensive chemotherapy with conventional agents has not significantly improved outcomes for patients that present with advanced or metastatic disease. Classical cytotoxic agents remain the backbone for curative therapy of both hematologic and solid tumors of childhood. While 'molecularly' targeted agents have shown some clinical activity, responses are often modest and of short duration; hence, there is a need to identify new classes of cytotoxic agent that are effective in patients at relapse and that have reduced or different toxicity profiles to normal tissues. Here we review the pediatric preclinical testing program experience of testing novel agents, and the value and limitations of preclinical xenograft models and genetically engineered mouse models for developing novel agents for treatment of childhood cancer.
Collapse
|
33
|
Czaplinski S, Hugle M, Stiehl V, Fulda S. Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition sensitizes neuroblastoma cells for vinca alkaloid-induced apoptosis. Oncotarget 2016; 7:8700-11. [PMID: 26046302 PMCID: PMC4890998 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
High polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) expression has been linked to poor outcome in neuroblastoma (NB), indicating that it represents a relevant therapeutic target in this malignancy. Here, we identify a synergistic induction of apoptosis by the PLK1 inhibitor BI 2536 and vinca alkaloids in NB cells. Synergistic drug interaction of BI 2536 together with vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VBL) or vinorelbine (VNR) is confirmed by calculation of combination index (CI). Also, BI 2536 and VCR act in concert to reduce long-term clonogenic survival. Importantly, BI 2536 significantly enhances the antitumor activity of VCR in an in vivo model of NB. Mechanistically, BI 2536/VCR co-treatment triggers prolonged mitotic arrest, which is necessary for BI 2536/VCR-mediated apoptosis, since pharmacological inhibition of mitotic arrest by the CDK1 inhibitor RO-3306 significantly reduces cell death. Prolonged mitotic arrest leads to phosphorylation-mediated inactivation of BCL-2 and BCL-XL as well as downregulation of MCL-1, since inhibition of mitotic arrest by RO-3306 also prevents phosphorylation of BCL-2 and BCL-XL and MCL-1 downregulation. This inactivation of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins promotes activation of BAX and BAK, cleavage of caspase-9 and -3 and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Engagement of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is critically required for BI 2536/VCR-induced apoptosis, since ectopic expression of a non-degradable MCL-1 phospho-mutant, BCL-2 overexpression or BAK knockdown significantly reduce BI 2536/VCR-mediated apoptosis. Thus, PLK1 inhibitors may open new perspectives for chemosensitization of NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Czaplinski
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuela Hugle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Valerie Stiehl
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Weiß LM, Hugle M, Romero S, Fulda S. Synergistic induction of apoptosis by a polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor and microtubule-interfering drugs in Ewing sarcoma cells. Int J Cancer 2016; 138:497-506. [PMID: 26260582 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma (ES), we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727. Here, we identify a synergistic induction of apoptosis by BI 6727 and several microtubule-interfering drugs in ES cells, including vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VBL), vinorelbine (VNR) and eribulin. Synergistic drug interaction is confirmed by calculation of combination index (CI). Also, BI 6727 and VCR act in concert to reduce long-term clonogenic survival. Mechanistically, BI 6727/VCR co-treatment cooperates to trigger mitotic arrest, phosphorylation of BCL-2 and BCL-XL and downregulation of MCL-1. This inactivation of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in turn promotes activation of BAX and BAK, activation of caspase-9 and -3 and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Overexpression of BCL-2 or simultaneous knockdown of BAX and BAK significantly rescue BI 6727/VCR-induced apoptosis, indicating that engagement of the mitochondrial pathway is critical for BI 6727/VCR-mediated apoptosis. The clinical relevance of PLK1 inhibitor-based combination therapies is underscored by the fact that BI 6727 is currently evaluated in phase I clinical trials in childhood cancer. In conclusion, PLK1 inhibitors such as BI 6727 may provide a new strategy to chemosensitize ES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilly Magdalena Weiß
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Hugle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
| | - Sarah Romero
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hugle M, Belz K, Fulda S. Identification of synthetic lethality of PLK1 inhibition and microtubule-destabilizing drugs. Cell Death Differ 2015; 22:1946-56. [PMID: 26024389 PMCID: PMC4816114 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is frequently overexpressed in cancer, which correlates with poor prognosis. Therefore, we investigated PLK1 as therapeutic target using rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) as a model. Here, we identify a novel synthetic lethal interaction of PLK1 inhibitors and microtubule-destabilizing drugs in preclinical RMS models and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this synergism. PLK1 inhibitors (i.e., BI 2536 and BI 6727) synergistically induce apoptosis together with microtubule-destabilizing drugs (i.e., vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VBL) and vinorelbine (VNR)) in several RMS cell lines (combination index <0.9) including a patient-derived primary RMS culture. Importantly, PLK1 inhibitors and VCR cooperate to significantly suppress RMS growth in two in vivo models, including a mouse xenograft model, without causing additive toxicity. In addition, no toxicity was observed in non-malignant fibroblast or myoblast cultures. Mechanistically, BI 2536/VCR co-treatment triggers mitotic arrest, which initiates mitochondrial apoptosis by inactivation of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, followed by BAX/BAK activation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of caspase-dependent or caspase-independent effector pathways. This conclusion is supported by data showing that BI 2536/VCR-induced apoptosis is significantly inhibited by preventing cells to enter mitosis, by overexpression of BCL-2 or a non-degradable MCL-1 mutant, by BAK knockdown, ROS scavengers, caspase inhibition or endonuclease G silencing. This identification of a novel synthetic lethality of PLK1 inhibitors and microtubule-destabilizing drugs has important implications for developing PLK1 inhibitor-based combination treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Hugle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - K Belz
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Xie FF, Pan SS, Ou RY, Zheng ZZ, Huang XX, Jian MT, Qiu JG, Zhang WJ, Jiang QW, Yang Y, Li WF, Shi Z, Yan XJ. Volasertib suppresses tumor growth and potentiates the activity of cisplatin in cervical cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:3548-3559. [PMID: 26885445 PMCID: PMC4731630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Volasertib (BI 6727), a highly selective and potent inhibitor of PLK1, has shown broad antitumor activities in the preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of several types of cancers. However, the anticancer effect of volasertib on cervical cancer cells is still unknown. In the present study, we show that volasertib can markedly induce cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis with the decreased protein expressions of PLK1 substrates survivin and wee1 in human cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, volasertib also enhances the intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) levels, and pretreated with ROS scavenger N-acety-L-cysteine totally blocks ROS generation but partly reverses volasertib-induced apoptosis. In addition, volasertib significantly potentiates the activity of cisplatin to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. In brief, volasertib suppresses tumor growth and potentiates the activity of cisplatin in cervical cancer, suggesting the combination of volasertib and cisplatin may be a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Feng Xie
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shi-Shi Pan
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rong-Ying Ou
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Xiu Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng-Ting Jian
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-Ge Qiu
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Ji Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Wei Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Feng Li
- Department of Chemoradiotherpay, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Yan
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rose K, Walson PD. The contributions of the European Medicines Agency and its pediatric committee to the fight against childhood leukemia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2015; 8:185-205. [PMID: 26604845 PMCID: PMC4640230 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s63029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the diagnosis of childhood leukemia is no longer a death sentence, too many patients still die, more with acute myeloid leukemia than with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The European Union pediatric legislation was introduced to improve pharmaceutical treatment of children, but some question whether the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approach is helping children with leukemia. Some have even suggested that the decisions of EMA pediatric committee (PDCO) are counterproductive. This study was designed to investigate the impact of PDCO-issued pediatric investigation plans (PIPs) for leukemia drugs. Methods All PIPs listed under “oncology” were downloaded from the EMA website. Non-leukemia decisions including misclassifications, waivers (no PIP), and solid tumors were discarded. The leukemia decisions were analyzed, compared to pediatric leukemia trials in the database http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, and discussed in the light of current literature. Results The PDCO leukemia decisions demand clinical trials in pediatric leukemia for all new adult drugs without prioritization. However, because leukemia in children is different and much rarer than in adults, these decisions have resulted in proposed studies that are scientifically and ethically questionable. They are also unnecessary, since once promising new compounds are approved for adults, more appropriate, prioritized pediatric leukemia trials are initiated worldwide without PDCO involvement. Conclusion EMA/PDCO leukemia PIPs do little to advance the treatment of childhood leukemia. The unintended negative effects of the flawed EMA/PDCO’s standardized requesting of non-prioritized testing of every new adult leukemia drug in children with relapsed or refractory disease expose these children to questionable trials, and could undermine public trust in pediatric clinical research. Institutions, investigators, and ethics committees/institutional review boards need to be skeptical of trials triggered by PDCO. New, better ways to facilitate drug development for pediatric leukemia are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Rose
- klausrose Consulting, Pediatric Drug Development and More, Riehen, Switzerland
| | - Philip D Walson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical School, Goettingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ramani P, Nash R, Sowa-Avugrah E, Rogers C. High levels of polo-like kinase 1 and phosphorylated translationally controlled tumor protein indicate poor prognosis in neuroblastomas. J Neurooncol 2015; 125:103-11. [PMID: 26318737 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-015-1900-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite multimodality treatment, the long-term survival of high-risk patients with neuroblastomas is below 50%. New anti-mitotic drugs against targets, such as polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), are being evaluated in early phase clinical trials. PLK1 phosphorylates the translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP). We investigated the expression of PLK1 and the phosphorylated substrate, pTCTP, by immunostaining eighty-eight neuroblastomas. Digitally scanned slides were scored using image analysis software. The median PLK1 and pTCTP proliferation indices (PIs) were 4.6 and 1% respectively. There was moderate positive correlation between PLK1 and pTCTP (ρ = 0.65). The PIs for both markers were significantly higher in neuroblastomas from patients with adverse clinical (advanced-stage, high-risk group, primary abdominal compared to extra-abdominal sites), biological (MYCN amplification, 1p deletion, 17q gain) and pathological (undifferentiated or poorly differentiated status, high mitosis-karyorrhexis index, [MKI], unfavorable histology) factors. Using Cox regression models, higher-than-median PLK1 and pTCTP PIs were associated with a shorter overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analyses, a high PLK1 PI count was associated with significantly shorter OS and EFS, independent of MYCN amplification and MKI; in addition, the significantly shorter EFS was independent of the risk-group. After adjustment for MKI and MYCN amplification, and for risk-group, high pTCTP PI was also associated with significantly shorter OS. Our study shows that PLK1 provides valuable prognostic information in patients with neuroblastomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pramila Ramani
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK.
| | - Rachel Nash
- Clinical Trials and Evaluation Unit, University of Bristol, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Emile Sowa-Avugrah
- Department of Histopathology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Chris Rogers
- Clinical Trials and Evaluation Unit, University of Bristol, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Stehle A, Hugle M, Fulda S. Eribulin synergizes with Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitors to induce apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer Lett 2015; 365:37-46. [PMID: 25917079 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Eribulin, a novel microtubule-interfering drug, was recently shown to exhibit high antitumor activity in vivo against various pediatric cancers. Here, we identify a novel synthetic lethal interaction of Eribulin together with Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitors against rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in vitro and in vivo. Eribulin and the PLK1 inhibitor BI 2536 at subtoxic concentrations synergize to induce apoptosis in RMS cells as confirmed by calculation of combination index (CI). Also, Eribulin/BI 2536 co-treatment is significantly more effective than monotherapy to reduce cell viability and inhibit colony formation of RMS cells. Similarly, Eribulin and BI 2536 act in concert to trigger apoptosis in a primary, patient-derived ARMS culture, underscoring the clinical relevance of this combination. Importantly, Eribulin and BI 2536 cooperate to suppress tumor growth in an in vivo model of RMS. On molecular grounds, Eribulin/BI 2536 co-treatment causes profound mitotic arrest, which is critically required for synergism, since inhibition of mitotic arrest by CDK1 inhibitor RO-3306 abolishes Eribulin/BI 2536-mediated apoptosis. Eribulin and BI 2536 cooperate to activate caspase-9, -3 and -8, which is necessary for apoptosis induction, since the broad-range caspase inhibitor N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (zVAD.fmk) reduces Eribulin/BI 2536-induced apoptosis significantly, yet partially. Intriguingly, knockdown of endonuclease G (ENDOG) also significantly inhibits Eribulin/BI 2536-triggered apoptosis, demonstrating the involvement of both caspase-dependent and -independent effector pathways. Synergistic induction of apoptosis is similarly found for Eribulin/BI 2536 co-treatment in neuroblastoma cells and for the combination of vincristine (another antimicrotubule chemotherapeutic) with Poloxin (another PLK1 inhibitor), thus pointing to a broader significance of this concomitant microtubule- and PLK1-targeting strategy for pediatric oncology. In conclusion, the identification of a novel synthetic lethality by dual targeting of mitosis using microtubule-interfering and PLK1-targeted drugs, i.e. Eribulin and BI 2536, has important implications for the development of more effective treatment strategies for RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Stehle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Komturstr. 3a, Frankfurt 60528, Germany
| | - Manuela Hugle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Komturstr. 3a, Frankfurt 60528, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Komturstr. 3a, Frankfurt 60528, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Geier B, Kurmashev D, Kurmasheva RT, Houghton PJ. Preclinical Childhood Sarcoma Models: Drug Efficacy Biomarker Identification and Validation. Front Oncol 2015; 5:193. [PMID: 26380223 PMCID: PMC4549564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 35 years, cure rates for pediatric cancers have increased dramatically. However, it is clear that further dose intensification using cytotoxic agents or radiation therapy is not possible without enhancing morbidity and long-term effects. Consequently, novel, less genotoxic, agents are being sought to complement existing treatments. Here, we discuss preclinical human tumor xenograft models of pediatric cancers that may be used practically to identify novel agents for soft tissue and bone sarcomas, and "omics" approaches to identifying biomarkers that may identify sensitive and resistant tumors to these agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Geier
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dias Kurmashev
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Raushan T. Kurmasheva
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Peter J. Houghton
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tsumagari K, Abd Elmageed ZY, Sholl AB, Friedlander P, Abdraboh M, Xing M, Boulares AH, Kandil E. Simultaneous suppression of the MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways provides a robust therapeutic potential for thyroid cancer. Cancer Lett 2015. [PMID: 26208433 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The MAP kinase and NF-κB signaling pathways play an important role in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis. We aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of dually targeting the two pathways using AZD6244 and Bortezomib in combination. We evaluated their effects on cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, cell migration assay, and the activation of the MAPK pathway in vitro and the in vivo using tumor size and immunohistochemical changes of Ki67 and ppRB. We found inhibition of cell growth rate by 10%, 20%, and 56% (p <0.05), migration to 55%, 61%, and 29% (p <0.05), and induction of apoptosis to 10%, 15%, and 38% (p <0.05) with AZD6244, Bortezomib, or combination, respectively. Induction of cell cycle arrest occurred only with drug combination. Dual drug treatment in the xenograft model caused a 94% reduction in tumor size (p <0.05) versus 15% with AZD6244 and 34% with Bortezomib (p < 0.05) and also reduced proliferative marker Ki67, and increased pRb dephosphorylation. Our results demonstrate a robust therapeutic potential of combining AZD6244 and Bortezomib as an effective strategy to overcome drug resistance encountered in monotherapy in the treatment of thyroid cancer, strongly supporting clinical trials to further test this strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Tsumagari
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zakaria Y Abd Elmageed
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Andrew B Sholl
- Departments of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Paul Friedlander
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohamed Abdraboh
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mingzhao Xing
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Hamid Boulares
- The Stanley Scott Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Emad Kandil
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bogado RFE, Pezuk JA, de Oliveira HF, Tone LG, Brassesco MS. BI 6727 and GSK461364 suppress growth and radiosensitize osteosarcoma cells, but show limited cytotoxic effects when combined with conventional treatments. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:56-63. [PMID: 25089571 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a key regulator of mitosis, is often overexpressed in childhood cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Previous reports have shown that inhibition of PLK1 might serve as a promising anticancer treatment for osteosarcoma. In this study, we tested the second-generation PLK1 inhibitors BI 6727 and GSK461364 in HOS and MG-63 cell lines, both as a single agent and in combination with methotrexate, cisplatin, vinblastine, doxorubicin, or ionizing radiation. Both PLK1 inhibitors worked equally in terms of cell growth arrest, apoptosis induction, and radiosensitization. Combining BI 6727 or GSK461364 with conventional treatments, however, showed trivial synergistic antitumor effects in vitro. Our results reinforce the potential use of PLK1 inhibitors for a pharmacologic intervention in osteosarcoma, although their applicability in polychemotherapeutic regimens deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo F E Bogado
- aFaculty of Exact, Chemical and Natural Sciences, University of Misiones, Argentina Departments of bGenetics cClinics dPediatrics, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine eDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Thalhammer V, Lopez-Garcia LA, Herrero-Martin D, Hecker R, Laubscher D, Gierisch ME, Wachtel M, Bode P, Nanni P, Blank B, Koscielniak E, Schäfer BW. PLK1 phosphorylates PAX3-FOXO1, the inhibition of which triggers regression of alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer Res 2015; 75:98-110. [PMID: 25398439 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric tumors harbor very low numbers of somatic mutations and therefore offer few targets to improve therapeutic management with targeted drugs. In particular, outcomes remain dismal for patients with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS), where the chimeric transcription factor PAX3/7-FOXO1 has been implicated but problematic to target. In this report, we addressed this challenge by developing a two-armed screen for druggable upstream regulatory kinases in the PAX3/7-FOXO1 pathway. Screening libraries of kinome siRNA and small molecules, we defined PLK1 as an upstream-acting regulator. Mechanistically, PLK1 interacted with and phosphorylated PAX3-FOXO1 at the novel site S503, leading to protein stabilization. Notably, PLK1 inhibition led to elevated ubiquitination and rapid proteasomal degradation of the PAX3-FOXO1 chimeric oncoprotein. On this basis, we embarked on a preclinical validation of PLK1 as a target in a xenograft mouse model of aRMS, where the PLK1 inhibitor BI 2536 reduced PAX3-FOXO1-mediated gene expression and elicited tumor regression. Clinically, analysis of human aRMS tumor biopsies documented high PLK1 expression to offer prognostic significance for both event-free survival and overall survival. Taken together, these preclinical studies validate the PLK1-PAX3-FOXO1 axis as a rational target to treat aRMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Thalhammer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura A Lopez-Garcia
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Herrero-Martin
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hecker
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Laubscher
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria E Gierisch
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Bode
- Department of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Nanni
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Blank
- Department of Oncology/Hematology/Immunology, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ewa Koscielniak
- Department of Oncology/Hematology/Immunology, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Oliveira JC, Pezuk JA, Brassesco MS, Morales AG, Queiroz RGP, Scrideli CA, Tone LG. PLK1 expression and BI 2536 effects in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1227-31. [PMID: 24519995 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a conserved kinase that mediates various mitotic events. Compelling data have repeatedly demonstrated its upregulation in different neoplasia, being frequently associated with poor prognosis. However, in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), no studies have yet been conducted. PROCEDURE PLK1 expression and association with biological features were evaluated in 65 consecutively diagnosed childhood ALL samples by quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, the effects of a specific PLK1 inhibitor, BI 2536, was tested against a panel of nine ALL cell lines at nanomolar concentrations (10, 50, 100 nM). RESULTS The mRNA expression of PLK1 showed great variability in pediatric ALL, but no difference was evidenced compared to normal bone marrow. Additionally, no association was found between PLK1 mRNA expression with any clinical or biological features. Alternatively, high mRNA expression of PLK1 was present in ALL cell lines. In vitro treatment with BI 2536 strongly diminished growth, while presenting significant reduction in colony formation capacity and increased apoptosis rates. Moreover, strong G2/M arrest was detected suggesting important impaired proliferation after treatment. CONCLUSIONS PLK1 mRNA expression level is not associated with prognosis in childhood ALL; however, considering the great variability observed in the sample and the in vitro experiments presented herein, BI 2536 treatment might serve as a promising therapeutic to enhance the efficacy of conventional treatment modalities in some childhood ALL cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Oliveira
- Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|