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Chen M, Shen C, Chen Y, Chen Z, Zhou K, Chen Y, Li W, Zeng C, Qing Y, Wu D, Xu C, Tang T, Che Y, Qin X, Xu Z, Wang K, Leung K, Sau L, Deng X, Hu J, Wu Y, Chen J. Metformin synergizes with gilteritinib in treating FLT3-mutated leukemia via targeting PLK1 signaling. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101645. [PMID: 39019012 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations, present in over 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases and dominated by FLT3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), are associated with poor outcomes in patients with AML. While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; e.g., gilteritinib) are effective, they face challenges such as drug resistance, relapse, and high costs. Here, we report that metformin, a cheap, safe, and widely used anti-diabetic agent, exhibits a striking synergistic effect with gilteritinib in treating FLT3-ITD AML. Metformin significantly sensitizes FLT3-ITD AML cells (including TKI-resistant ones) to gilteritinib. Metformin plus gilteritinib (low dose) dramatically suppresses leukemia progression and prolongs survival in FLT3-ITD AML mouse models. Mechanistically, the combinational treatment cooperatively suppresses polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) expression and phosphorylation of FLT3/STAT5/ERK/mTOR. Clinical analysis also shows improved survival rates in patients with FLT3-ITD AML taking metformin. Thus, the metformin/gilteritinib combination represents a promising and cost-effective treatment for patients with FLT3-mutated AML, particularly for those with low income/affordability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Chao Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Zhenhua Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Keren Zhou
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Yuanzhong Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Department of Hematology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, China
| | - Ying Qing
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Caiming Xu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Tingting Tang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yuan Che
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xi Qin
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhaoxu Xu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kitty Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Keith Leung
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lillian Sau
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Jianda Hu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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Khan IR, Sadida HQ, Hashem S, Singh M, Macha MA, Al-Shabeeb Akil AS, Khurshid I, Bhat AA. Therapeutic implications of signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment interactions in esophageal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116873. [PMID: 38843587 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116873] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is significantly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME) and altered signaling pathways. Downregulating these pathways in EC is essential for suppressing tumor development, preventing metastasis, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. This approach can increase tumor sensitivity to treatments, enhance patient outcomes, and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and spread. The TME, comprising cellular and non-cellular elements surrounding the tumor, significantly influences EC's development, course, and treatment responsiveness. Understanding the complex relationships within the TME is crucial for developing successful EC treatments. Immunotherapy is a vital TME treatment for EC. However, the heterogeneity within the TME limits the application of anticancer drugs outside clinical settings. Therefore, identifying reliable microenvironmental biomarkers that can detect therapeutic responses before initiating therapy is crucial. Combining approaches focusing on EC signaling pathways with TME can enhance treatment outcomes. This integrated strategy aims to interfere with essential signaling pathways promoting cancer spread while disrupting factors encouraging tumor development. Unraveling aberrant signaling pathways and TME components can lead to more focused and efficient treatment approaches, identifying specific cellular targets for treatments. Targeting the TME and signaling pathways may reduce metastasis risk by interfering with mechanisms facilitating cancer cell invasion and dissemination. In conclusion, this integrative strategy has significant potential for improving patient outcomes and advancing EC research and therapy. This review discusses the altered signaling pathways and TME in EC, focusing on potential future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inamu Rashid Khan
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir 191201, India
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir 192122, India
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Ibraq Khurshid
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir 191201, India.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar.
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Zhao D, Guo Y, Wei H, Jia X, Zhi Y, He G, Nie W, Huang L, Wang P, Laster KV, Liu Z, Wang J, Lee MH, Dong Z, Liu K. Multi-omics characterization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma identifies molecular subtypes and therapeutic targets. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e171916. [PMID: 38652547 PMCID: PMC11141925 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant form of esophageal cancer and is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis. To elucidate the distinct molecular alterations in ESCC and investigate therapeutic targets, we performed a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics data derived from 60 paired treatment-naive ESCC and adjacent nontumor tissue samples. Additionally, we conducted a correlation analysis to describe the regulatory relationship between transcriptomic and proteomic processes, revealing alterations in key metabolic pathways. Unsupervised clustering analysis of the proteomics data stratified patients with ESCC into 3 subtypes with different molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes. Notably, subtype III exhibited the worst prognosis and enrichment in proteins associated with malignant processes, including glycolysis and DNA repair pathways. Furthermore, translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane domain containing 1 (TIMMDC1) was validated as a potential prognostic molecule for ESCC. Moreover, integrated kinase-substrate network analysis using the phosphoproteome nominated candidate kinases as potential targets. In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed casein kinase II subunit α (CSNK2A1) as a potential kinase target for ESCC. These underlying data represent a valuable resource for researchers that may provide better insights into the biology and treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyun Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaping Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huifang Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yafei Zhi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guiliang He
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenna Nie
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Limeng Huang
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Penglei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | | | - Zhicai Liu
- Linzhou Cancer Hospital, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Jinwu Wang
- Linzhou Cancer Hospital, Anyang, Henan, China
| | - Mee-Hyun Lee
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Tian Y, Wang L, Chen X, Zhao Y, Yang A, Huang H, Ouyang L, Pang D, Xie J, Liu D, Tu P, Li J, Hu Z. DHMMF, a natural flavonoid from Resina Draconis, inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via inducing apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest mediated by DNA damage-driven upregulation of p21. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115518. [PMID: 36966937 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is extremely malignant in nature. It is an important way to discover anti-cancer drugs from natural products at present. (R)-7,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-methylflavane (DHMMF), a natural flavonoid, was isolated from Resina Draconis which is the red resin from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. C. Chen. However, the anti-hepatoma effect and underlying mechanisms of DHMMF remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that DHMMF treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells. The IC50 value of DHMMF for HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells were 0.67 μM and 0.66 μM, respectively, while the IC50 value of DHMMF for human normal liver LO2 cells was 120.60 μM. DHMMF induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and G2/M phase arrest in HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of DHMMF in human hepatoma cells were mediated by the upregulation of p21. Importantly, DHMMF exhibited potent anti-HCC efficacy in a xenograft mice model and an orthotopic mice model of liver cancer. Additionally, the combined administration of DHMMF and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor BI 6727 showed a synergistic anti-HCC efficacy. Collectively, we demonstrated that DHMMF treatment induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest via DNA damage-driven upregulation of p21 expression in human hepatoma cells. DHMMF may serve as a promising drug candidate for HCC treatment, especially for patients of HCC with low p21 expression. Our results also suggested that DHMMF treatment in combination with PLK1 inhibitor may serve as a potential treatment strategy for patients with HCC.
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Xie J, Wang B, Luo W, Li C, Jia X. Upregulation of KIF18B facilitates malignant phenotype of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by activating CDCA8/mTORC1 pathway. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24633. [PMID: 36085568 PMCID: PMC9550975 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) has been regarded as an oncogene that is abnormally overexpressed in some cancers, but its mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear, which is thereby investigated in this study. Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the expression of KIF18B in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect KIF18B expression in ESCC cells. After KIF18B overexpression or cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) deficiency, ESCC cells were subjected to determination of qRT‐PCR, Western blot, cell counting kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assay. The mechanism of KIF18B in the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was detected by Western blot. Results KIF18B was overexpressed in ESCA samples and ESCC cells. Upregulation of KIF18B enhanced the viability, accelerated cell cycle by elevating CDK4 and Cyclin D3 levels as well as promoted the migration and invasion by decreasing E‐cadherin level and increasing Vimentin and N‐cadherin levels in ESCC cells, which was counteracted by CDCA8 silencing. The expression of CDCA8 in ESCC cells was upregulated by KIF18B overexpression. KIF18B overexpression activated the mTORC1 pathway by upregulating phosphorylated (p)‐/p70S6K and p‐/mTOR levels in the ESCC cells, which was reversed by CDCA8 silencing. Conclusion KIF18B overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells via CDCA8‐mediated mTORC1 signaling pathway in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangliu Xie
- Gastroenterology Department, Yaan People's Hospital, Ya'an, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, Yaan People's Hospital, Ya'an, China
| | - Wenjie Luo
- Gastroenterology Department, Yaan People's Hospital, Ya'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Cardiology Department, Yaan People's Hospital, Ya'an, China
| | - Xunchao Jia
- Oncology Department, Yaan People's Hospital, Ya'an, China
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Chiappa M, Petrella S, Damia G, Broggini M, Guffanti F, Ricci F. Present and Future Perspective on PLK1 Inhibition in Cancer Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903016. [PMID: 35719948 PMCID: PMC9201472 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is the principle member of the well conserved serine/threonine kinase family. PLK1 has a key role in the progression of mitosis and recent evidence suggest its important involvement in regulating the G2/M checkpoint, in DNA damage and replication stress response, and in cell death pathways. PLK1 expression is tightly spatially and temporally regulated to ensure its nuclear activation at the late S-phase, until the peak of expression at the G2/M-phase. Recently, new roles of PLK1 have been reported in literature on its implication in the regulation of inflammation and immunological responses. All these biological processes are altered in tumors and, considering that PLK1 is often found overexpressed in several tumor types, its targeting has emerged as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will summarize the evidence suggesting the role of PLK1 in response to DNA damage, including DNA repair, cell cycle progression, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell death pathways and cancer-related immunity. An update of PLK1 inhibitors currently investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, in monotherapy and in combination with existing chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapies will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Chiappa
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Petrella
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Broggini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Guffanti
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Yoshida K, Yokoi A, Yamamoto T, Hayashi Y, Nakayama J, Yokoi T, Yoshida H, Kato T, Kajiyama H, Yamamoto Y. Aberrant Activation of Cell-Cycle-Related Kinases and the Potential Therapeutic Impact of PLK1 or CHEK1 Inhibition in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2147-2159. [PMID: 35302600 PMCID: PMC9365385 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Uterine leiomyosarcoma is among the most aggressive gynecological malignancies. No effective treatment strategies have been established. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for uterine leiomyosarcoma based on transcriptome analysis and assess the preclinical efficacy of novel drug candidates. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Transcriptome analysis was performed using fresh-frozen samples of six uterine leiomyosarcomas and three myomas. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to identify potential therapeutic target genes for uterine leiomyosarcoma. Afterward, our results were validated using three independent datasets, including 40 uterine leiomyosarcomas. Then, the inhibitory effects of several selective inhibitors for the candidate genes were examined using SK-UT-1, SK-LMS-1, and SKN cell lines. RESULTS We identified 512 considerably dysregulated genes in uterine leiomyosarcoma compared with myoma. The IPA revealed that the function of several genes, including CHEK1 and PLK1, were predicted to be activated in uterine leiomyosarcoma. Through an in vitro drug screening, PLK1 or CHEK1 inhibitors (BI-2536 or prexasertib) were found to exert a superior anticancer effect against cell lines at low nanomolar concentrations and induce cell-cycle arrest. In SK-UT-1 tumor-bearing mice, BI-2536 monotherapy remarkably suppressed tumorigenicity. Moreover, the prexasertib and cisplatin combination therapy inhibited tumor proliferation and prolonged the time to tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS We identified upregulated expressions of PLK1 and CHEK1; their kinase activity was activated in uterine leiomyosarcoma. BI-2536 and prexasertib demonstrated a significant anticancer effect. Therefore, cell-cycle-related kinases may present a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of uterine leiomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hayashi
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yokoi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Drug Safety Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Kato
- Department of Gynecology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Su S, Chhabra G, Singh CK, Ndiaye MA, Ahmad N. PLK1 inhibition-based combination therapies for cancer management. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101332. [PMID: 34973570 PMCID: PMC8728518 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase I (PLK1), a cell cycle regulating kinase, has been shown to have oncogenic function in several cancers. Although PLK1 inhibitors, such as BI2536, BI6727 (volasertib) and NMS-1286937 (onvansertib) are generally well-tolerated with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, clinical successes are limited due to partial responses in cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages. Recently, combination therapies targeting multiple pathways are being tested for cancer management. In this review, we first discuss structure and function of PLK1, role of PLK1 in cancers, PLK1 specific inhibitors, and advantages of using combination therapy versus monotherapy followed by a critical account on PLK1-based combination therapies in cancer treatments, especially highlighting recent advancements and challenges. PLK1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy drugs and targeted small molecules have shown superior effects against cancer both in vitro and in vivo. PLK1-based combination therapies have shown increased apoptosis, disrupted cell cycle, and potential to overcome resistance in cancer cells/tissues over monotherapies. Further, with successes in preclinical experiments, researchers are validating such approaches in clinical trials. Although PLK1-based combination therapies have achieved initial success in clinical studies, there are examples where they have failed to improve patient survival. Therefore, further research is needed to identify and validate novel biologically informed co-targets for PLK1-based combinatorial therapies. Employing a network-based analysis, we identified potential PLK1 co-targets that could be examined further. In addition, understanding the mechanisms of synergism between PLK1 inhibitors and other agents may lead to a better approach on which agents to pair with PLK1 inhibition for optimum cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqin Su
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Chandra K Singh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary A Ndiaye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA; William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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9
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Korns J, Liu X, Takiar V. A review of Plks: Thinking outside the (polo) box. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:254-263. [PMID: 35049091 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The polo-like kinase (Plk) family is comprised of five different members (Plk1-5), each with their own distinct functions. Plk family members participate in pivotal cell division processes as well as in non-mitotic roles. Importantly, Plk expression has been correlated with various disease states, including cancer. Multiples therapies, which primarily target Plk1, are currently being investigated alone or in combination with other agents for clinical use in different cancers. As the role of Plks in disease progression becomes more prominent, it is important to outline their functions as cell cycle regulators and more. This review summarizes the structure and both mitotic and non-mitotic functions of each of the five Plk family members, sequentially. Additionally, the proposed mechanisms for how Plks contribute to tumorigenesis and the therapeutics currently under investigation are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Korns
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnat, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Vinita Takiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnat, Ohio, USA.,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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10
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He S, Xu J, Liu X, Zhen Y. Advances and challenges in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3379-3392. [PMID: 34900524 PMCID: PMC8642427 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common cancers with high morbidity and mortality rates. EC includes two histological subtypes, namely esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). ESCC primarily occurs in East Asia, whereas EAC occurs in Western countries. The currently available treatment strategies for EC include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, molecular targeted therapy, and combinations thereof. However, the prognosis remains poor, and the overall five-year survival rate is very low. Therefore, achieving the goal of effective treatment remains challenging. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy for EC, and comprehensively analyze the application prospects and existing problems of immunotherapy. Collectively, this review aims to provide a better understanding of the currently available drugs through in-depth analysis, promote the development of new therapeutic agents, and eventually improve the treatment outcomes of patients with EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming He
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiujun Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yongsu Zhen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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11
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Raab CA, Raab M, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Non-mitotic functions of polo-like kinases in cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188467. [PMID: 33171265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of mitotic protein kinases are currently being developed as non-neurotoxic alternatives of microtubule-targeting agents (taxanes, vinca alkaloids) which provide a substantial survival benefit for patients afflicted with different types of solid tumors. Among the mitotic kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases, the Aurora kinases, the kinesin spindle protein and Polo-like kinases (PLKs) have emerged as attractive targets of cancer therapeutics. The functions of mammalian PLK1-5 are traditionally linked to the regulation of the cell cycle and to the stress response. Especially the key role of PLK1 and PLK4 in cellular growth and proliferation, their overexpression in multiple types of human cancer and their druggability, make them appealing targets for cancer therapy. Inhibitors for PLK1 and PLK4 are currently being tested in multiple cancer trials. The clinical success of microtubule-targeting agents is attributed not solely to the induction of a mitotic arrest in cancer cells, but also to non-mitotic effects like targeting intracellular trafficking on microtubules. This raises the question whether new cancer targets like PLK1 and PLK4 regulate critical non-mitotic functions in tumor cells. In this article we summarize the important roles of PLK1-5 for the regulation of non-mitotic signaling. Due to these functions it is conceivable that inhibitors for PLK1 or PLK4 can target interphase cells, which underscores their attractive potential as cancer drug targets. Moreover, we also describe the contribution of the tumor-suppressors PLK2, PLK3 and PLK5 to cancer cell signaling outside of mitosis. These observations highlight the urgent need to develop highly specific ATP-competitive inhibitors for PLK4 and for PLK1 like the 3rd generation PLK-inhibitor Onvansertib to prevent the inhibition of tumor-suppressor PLKs in- and outside of mitosis. The remarkable feature of PLKs to encompass a unique druggable domain, the polo-box-domain (PBD) that can be found only in PLKs offers the opportunity for the development of inhibitors that target PLKs exclusively. Beyond the development of mono-specific ATP-competitive PLK inhibitors, the PBD as drug target will support the design of new drugs that eradicate cancer cells based on the mitotic and non-mitotic function of PLK1 and PLK4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.
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12
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Yousef EH, El-Mesery ME, Habeeb MR, Eissa LA. Polo-like kinase 1 as a promising diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2020; 42:1010428320914475. [PMID: 32252611 DOI: 10.1177/1010428320914475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma depends mainly on its early diagnosis. To date, the performance of traditional biomarkers is unsatisfactory. Polo-like kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase that plays essential roles in cell cycle progression and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Moreover, polo-like kinase 1 knockdown decreases the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells; therefore, polo-like kinase 1 is an attractive target for anticancer treatments. Nobiletin, a natural polymethoxy flavonoid, exhibits a potential antiproliferative effect against a wide variety of cancers. This study targets to identify a reliable diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a potential therapeutic target for its treatment. Polo-like kinase 1 levels were analyzed in 44 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 33 non-hepatocellular carcinoma liver cirrhosis patients and 15 healthy controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to establish a predictive model for polo-like kinase 1 relative to α-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Furthermore, in the in vitro study, gene expressions were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in two human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines after treatment with doxorubicin and polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor volasertib (Vola) either alone or in combination with nobiletin. Cell viability was also determined using the crystal violet assay.: Serum polo-like kinase 1 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were significantly higher than liver cirrhosis and control groups (p < 0.0001). Polo-like kinase 1 showed a reasonable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Moreover, nobiletin improved inhibition of cell growth induced by Vola and doxorubicin. Regarding reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results, nobiletin suppressed expressions of polo-like kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen and elevated expressions of P53, poly (ADPribose) polymerase 1, and caspase-3. Nobiletin/doxorubicin and nobiletin/Vola showed a significant increase in caspase-3 activity indicating cell apoptosis. Polo-like kinase 1 may be a potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and follow-up during treatment with chemotherapies. In addition, nobiletin synergistically potentiates the doxorubicin and Vola-mediated anticancer effect that may be attributed partly to suppression of polo-like kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and enhancement of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Yousef
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University - Egypt, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E El-Mesery
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Maha R Habeeb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Laila A Eissa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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