1
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Fontana C, de Meirelles JL, Verli H. Theoretical models of staurosporine and analogs uncover detailed structural information in biological solution. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 126:108653. [PMID: 37922640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108653] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Staurosporine and its analogs (STA-analogs) are indolocarbazoles (ICZs) compounds able to inhibit kinase proteins in a non-specific way, while present antimicrobial and cytostatic properties. The knowledge of molecular features associated to the complexation, including the ligand shape in solution and thermodynamics of complexation, is substantial to the development of new bioactive ICZs with improved therapeutic properties. In this context, the empirical approach of GROMOS force field is able to accurately reproduce condensed phase physicochemical properties of molecular systems after parameterization. Hence, through parameterization under GROMOS force field and molecular simulations, we assessed STA-analogs dynamics in aqueous solution, as well as its interaction with water to probe conformational and structural features involved in complexation to therapeutic targets. The coexistence of multiple conformers observed in simulations, and confirmed by metadynamics calculations, expanding the conformational space knowledge of these ligands with potential implications in understanding the ligand conformational selection during complexation. Also, changes in availability to H-bonding concerning the different substituents and water can reflect on effects at complexation free energy due to variation at the desolvation energetic costs. Based on these results, we expect the obtained structural data provide systemic framework for rational chemical modification of STA-analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crisciele Fontana
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Caixa Postal 15005), Porto Alegre, CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - João Luiz de Meirelles
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Caixa Postal 15005), Porto Alegre, CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Hugo Verli
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Centro de Biotecnologia, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500 (Caixa Postal 15005), Porto Alegre, CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
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2
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Sokhi S, Lewis CW, Bukhari AB, Hadfield J, Xiao EJ, Fung J, Yoon YJ, Hsu WH, Gamper AM, Chan GK. Myt1 overexpression mediates resistance to cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint kinase inhibitors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1270542. [PMID: 38020882 PMCID: PMC10652759 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1270542] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle checkpoint kinases serve as important therapeutic targets for various cancers. When they are inhibited by small molecules, checkpoint abrogation can induce cell death or further sensitize cancer cells to other genotoxic therapies. Particularly aberrant Cdk1 activation at the G2/M checkpoint by kinase inhibitors causing unscheduled mitotic entry and mitotic arrest was found to lead to DNA damage and cell death selectively in cancer cells. Promising drugs inhibiting kinases like Wee1 (Adavosertib), Wee1+Myt1 (PD166285), ATR (AZD6738) and Chk1 (UCN-01) have been developed, but clinical data has shown variable efficacy for them with poorly understood mechanisms of resistance. Our lab recently identified Myt1 as a predictive biomarker of acquired resistance to the Wee1 kinase inhibitor, Adavosertib. Here, we investigate the role of Myt1 overexpression in promoting resistance to inhibitors (PD166285, UCN-01 and AZD6738) of other kinases regulating cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that Myt1 confers resistance by compensating Cdk1 inhibition in the presence of these different kinase inhibitors. Myt1 overexpression leads to reduced premature mitotic entry and decreased length of mitosis eventually leading to increased survival rates in Adavosertib treated cells. Elevated Myt1 levels also conferred resistance to inhibitors of ATR or Chk1 inhibitor. Our data supports that Myt1 overexpression is a common mechanism by which cancer cells can acquire resistance to a variety of drugs entering the clinic that aim to induce mitotic catastrophe by abrogating the G2/M checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargun Sokhi
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cody W. Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Amirali B. Bukhari
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joanne Hadfield
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Edric J. Xiao
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeremy Fung
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yea Jin Yoon
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wen-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Armin M. Gamper
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gordon K. Chan
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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3
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Aquino A, Bianchi N, Terrazzan A, Franzese O. Protein Kinase C at the Crossroad of Mutations, Cancer, Targeted Therapy and Immune Response. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1047. [PMID: 37626933 PMCID: PMC10451643 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The frequent PKC dysregulations observed in many tumors have made these enzymes natural targets for anticancer applications. Nevertheless, this considerable interest in the development of PKC modulators has not led to the expected therapeutic benefits, likely due to the complex biological activities regulated by PKC isoenzymes, often playing ambiguous and protective functions, further driven by the occurrence of mutations. The structure, regulation and functions of PKCs have been extensively covered in other publications. Herein, we focused on PKC alterations mostly associated with complete functional loss. We also addressed the modest yet encouraging results obtained targeting PKC in selected malignancies and the more frequent negative clinical outcomes. The reported observations advocate the need for more selective molecules and a better understanding of the involved pathways. Furthermore, we underlined the most relevant immune mechanisms controlled by PKC isoforms potentially impacting the immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade-mediated immune recovery. We believe that a comprehensive examination of the molecular features of the tumor microenvironment might improve clinical outcomes by tailoring PKC modulation. This approach can be further supported by the identification of potential response biomarkers, which may indicate patients who may benefit from the manipulation of distinctive PKC isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Aquino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.B.); (A.T.)
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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4
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Pandurangi RS, Cseh O, Luchman HA, Ma CX, Senadheera SN, Forrest ML. Rational Drug Design of Targeted and Enzyme-Cleavable Vitamin E Analogs as a Neoadjuvant to Chemotherapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation on Reduction of the Cardiotoxicity Side Effect of Doxorubicin. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:372-386. [PMID: 36926453 PMCID: PMC10012254 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Traditional drug design focuses on specific biological targets where specific receptors or biomarkers are overexpressed by cancer cells. Cancer cells circumvent the interventions by activating survival pathways and/or downregulating cell death pathways for their survival. A priori activation of apoptosis pathways of tumor (AAAPT) is a novel tumor-sensitizing technology that sensitizes tumor cells that are not responding well to the current treatments by targeting specific survival pathways involved in the desensitization of tumor cells and tries to revive them selectively in cancer cells, sparing normal cells. Several vitamin E derivatives (AMP-001, AMP-002, AMP-003, and AMP-004) were synthesized, characterized, and studied for their anti-tumorigenic properties and their synergistic potential with the standard chemotherapy doxorubicin in various cancer cells including brain cancer stem cells in vitro. Preliminary studies revealed that AAAPT drugs (a) reduced the invasive potential of brain tumor stem cells, (b) synergized with Federal Drug Application-approved doxorubicin, and (c) enhanced the therapeutic index of doxorubicin in the triple-negative breast cancer tumor rat model, preserving the ventricular function compared to cardiotoxic doxorubicin alone at therapeutic dose. The AAAPT approach has the advantage of inhibiting survival pathways and activating cell death pathways selectively in cancer cells by using targeting, linkers cleavable by tumor-specific Cathepsin B, and PEGylation technology to enhance the bioavailability. We propose AAAPT drugs as a neoadjuvant to chemotherapy and not as stand-alone therapy, which is shown to be effective in expanding the therapeutic index of doxorubicin and making it work at lower doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S. Pandurangi
- Sci-Engi-Medco
Solutions Inc. (SEMCO), 573, Lexington Landing Pl, St. Charles, Missouri 63303, United States
| | - Orsolya Cseh
- HRIC
2A25, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N, Canada
| | | | - Cynthia Xiuguang Ma
- Siteman
Cancer Center, Washington University School
of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Sanjeewa N. Senadheera
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Marcus Laird Forrest
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
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5
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Mehlich D, Marusiak AA. Kinase inhibitors for precision therapy of triple-negative breast cancer: Progress, challenges, and new perspectives on targeting this heterogeneous disease. Cancer Lett 2022; 547:215775. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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6
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Activators and Inhibitors of Protein Kinase C (PKC): Their Applications in Clinical Trials. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111748. [PMID: 34834162 PMCID: PMC8621927 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC), a family of phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinase, is classed into three subfamilies based on their structural and activation characteristics: conventional or classic PKC isozymes (cPKCs; α, βI, βII, and γ), novel or non-classic PKC isozymes (nPKCs; δ, ε, η, and θ), and atypical PKC isozymes (aPKCs; ζ, ι, and λ). PKC inhibitors and activators are used to understand PKC-mediated intracellular signaling pathways and for the diagnosis and treatment of various PKC-associated diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. Many clinical trials of PKC inhibitors in cancers showed no significant clinical benefits, meaning that there is a limitation to design a cancer therapeutic strategy targeting PKC alone. This review will focus on the activators and inhibitors of PKC and their applications in clinical trials.
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7
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Hernandez Borrero L, Dicker DT, Santiago J, Sanders J, Tian X, Ahsan N, Lev A, Zhou L, El-Deiry WS. A subset of CB002 xanthine analogs bypass p53-signaling to restore a p53 transcriptome and target an S-phase cell cycle checkpoint in tumors with mutated-p53. eLife 2021; 10:70429. [PMID: 34324416 PMCID: PMC8321552 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in TP53 occur commonly in the majority of human tumors and confer aggressive tumor phenotypes, including metastasis and therapy resistance. CB002 and structural-analogs restore p53 signaling in tumors with mutant-p53 but we find that unlike other xanthines such as caffeine, pentoxifylline, and theophylline, they do not deregulate the G2 checkpoint. Novel CB002-analogs induce pro-apoptotic Noxa protein in an ATF3/4-dependent manner, whereas caffeine, pentoxifylline, and theophylline do not. By contrast to caffeine, CB002-analogs target an S-phase checkpoint associated with increased p-RPA/RPA2, p-ATR, decreased Cyclin A, p-histone H3 expression, and downregulation of essential proteins in DNA-synthesis and DNA-repair. CB002-analog #4 enhances cell death, and decreases Ki-67 in patient-derived tumor-organoids without toxicity to normal human cells. Preliminary in vivo studies demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy in mice. Thus, a novel class of anti-cancer drugs shows the activation of p53 pathway signaling in tumors with mutated p53, and targets an S-phase checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Hernandez Borrero
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - David T Dicker
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - John Santiago
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Jennifer Sanders
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Xiaobing Tian
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- COBRE Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, United States
| | - Avital Lev
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence, United States
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8
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Hernandez Borrero L, Dicker DT, Santiago J, Sanders J, Tian X, Ahsan N, Lev A, Zhou L, El-Deiry WS. A subset of CB002 xanthine analogs bypass p53-signaling to restore a p53 transcriptome and target an S-phase cell cycle checkpoint in tumors with mutated-p53. eLife 2021. [PMID: 34324416 DOI: 10.10.7554/elife.70429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in TP53 occur commonly in the majority of human tumors and confer aggressive tumor phenotypes, including metastasis and therapy resistance. CB002 and structural-analogs restore p53 signaling in tumors with mutant-p53 but we find that unlike other xanthines such as caffeine, pentoxifylline, and theophylline, they do not deregulate the G2 checkpoint. Novel CB002-analogs induce pro-apoptotic Noxa protein in an ATF3/4-dependent manner, whereas caffeine, pentoxifylline, and theophylline do not. By contrast to caffeine, CB002-analogs target an S-phase checkpoint associated with increased p-RPA/RPA2, p-ATR, decreased Cyclin A, p-histone H3 expression, and downregulation of essential proteins in DNA-synthesis and DNA-repair. CB002-analog #4 enhances cell death, and decreases Ki-67 in patient-derived tumor-organoids without toxicity to normal human cells. Preliminary in vivo studies demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy in mice. Thus, a novel class of anti-cancer drugs shows the activation of p53 pathway signaling in tumors with mutated p53, and targets an S-phase checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Hernandez Borrero
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - David T Dicker
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - John Santiago
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Jennifer Sanders
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Xiaobing Tian
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- COBRE Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, United States
| | - Avital Lev
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States
| | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States.,Cancer Center at Brown University, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, United States.,Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence, United States
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9
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Kawahara N, Yamada Y, Kobayashi H. CCNE1 Is a Putative Therapeutic Target for ARID1A-Mutated Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115869. [PMID: 34070839 PMCID: PMC8198755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is resistant to platinum chemotherapy and is characterized by poor prognosis. Today, the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, which is based on synthetic lethality strategy and characterized by cancer selectivity, is widely used for new types of molecular-targeted treatment of relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. However, it is less effective against OCCC. Methods: We conducted siRNA screening to identify synthetic lethal candidates for the ARID1A mutation; as a result, we identified Cyclin-E1 (CCNE1) as a potential target that affects cell viability. To further clarify the effects of CCNE1, human OCCC cell lines, namely TOV-21G and KOC7c (ARID1A mutant lines), and RMG-I and ES2 (ARID1A wild type lines) were transfected with siRNA targeting CCNE1 or a control vector. Results: Loss of CCNE1 reduced proliferation of the TOV-21G and KOC7c cells but not of the RMG-I and ES2 cells. Furthermore, in vivo interference of CCNE1 effectively inhibited tumor cell proliferation in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusion: This study showed for the first time that CCNE1 is a synthetic lethal target gene to ARID1A-mutated OCCC. Targeting this gene may represent a putative, novel, anticancer strategy in OCCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kawahara
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-744-29-8877; Fax: +81-(744)-23-6557
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10
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DNA damage response inhibitors: An avenue for TNBC treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188521. [PMID: 33556453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is critical for the maintenance of genomic stability by sensing DNA damage, regulating cell cycle and initiating DNA repair. Drugs targeting DDR pathways have been increasingly exploited in treating various tumors. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive tumor with constitutive activation of oncogenes, inducing replication stress and DNA damage, which require the DDR for survival. In addition, emerging studies have demonstrated that TNBC harbors aberrant genetic alterations in DDR pathways, such as a high frequency of p53 dysfunction and BRCA1/2 mutations. DDR alterations force TNBC to rely on the existing DDR pathways for survival, and make TNBC particularly sensitive to specific DDR inhibitors, such as high sensitivity of TNBC with BRCA1/2 mutations to PARP inhibitors. This review first and comprehensively covers the current status of the development of DDR inhibitors and discusses the mechanism of targeting the DDR in TNBC. Preclinical and clinical studies on inhibitors of the ATR-CHK1-WEE1 pathway and PARP inhibitors, the most studied inhibitors, and some other DDR inhibitors as monotherapy or combination therapy in TNBC are summarized. We also highlight the possible predictive biomarkers for these DDR inhibitors and their potential combination strategies with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other targeted agents to optimize the efficacy of DDR inhibitors in TNBC treatment. In conclusion, this review discussed the recent considerations related to the use of DDR inhibitors for TNBC and provides a perspective to address future directions and potential therapeutic strategies for patients with TNBC.
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11
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Huang Z, Kondoh E, Visco ZR, Baba T, Matsumura N, Dolan E, Whitaker RS, Konishi I, Fujii S, Berchuck A, Murphy SK. Targeting Dormant Ovarian Cancer Cells In Vitro and in an In Vivo Mouse Model of Platinum Resistance. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 20:85-95. [PMID: 33037137 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spheroids exhibit drug resistance and slow proliferation, suggesting involvement in cancer recurrence. The protein kinase C inhibitor UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine) has shown higher efficacy against slow proliferating and/or quiescent ovarian cancer cells. In this study, tumorigenic potential was assessed using anchorage-independent growth assays and spheroid-forming capacity, which was determined with ovarian cancer cell lines as well as primary ovarian cancers. Of 12 cell lines with increased anchorage-independent growth, 8 formed spheroids under serum-free culture conditions. Spheroids showed reduced proliferation (P < 0.0001) and Ki-67 immunostaining (8% vs. 87%) relative to monolayer cells. Spheroid formation was associated with increased expression of mitochondrial pathway genes (P ≤ 0.001) from Affymetrix HT U133A gene expression data. UCN-01, a kinase inhibitor/mitochondrial uncoupler that has been shown to lead to Puma-induced mitochondrial apoptosis as well as ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin, demonstrated effectiveness against spheroids, whereas spheroids were refractory to cisplatin and paclitaxel. By live in vivo imaging, ovarian cancer xenograft tumors were reduced after primary treatment with carboplatin. Continued treatment with carboplatin was accompanied by an increase in tumor signal, whereas there was little or no increase in tumor signal observed with subsequent treatment with UCN-01 or oltipraz. Taken together, our findings suggest that genes involved in mitochondrial function in spheroids may be an important therapeutic target in preventing disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Eiji Kondoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Zachary R Visco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tsukasa Baba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Iwate Medical University, Morioka Iwate, Japan
| | - Noriomi Matsumura
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Emma Dolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Regina S Whitaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shingo Fujii
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Kyoto Okamoto Memorial Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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12
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Liang C, Ding M, Weng XQ, Sheng Y, Wu J, Cai X. The combination of UCN-01 and ATRA triggers differentiation in ATRA resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines via RAF-1 independent activation of MEK/ERK. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 126:303-312. [PMID: 30840849 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
With the introduction of arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid, the prognosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia has greatly improved. However, all-trans retinoic acid resistance is still unresolved in acute promyelocytic leukemia relapsed patients. In this study, the clinical achievable concentration of 7-hydroxystaurosporine synergized with all-trans retinoic acid to induce terminal differentiation in all-trans retinoic acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia cell lines. Though 7-hydroxystaurosporine is a PKC inhibitor, PKC might not be involved in the combination-induced differentiation since other PKC selective inhibitors, Gö 6976 and rottlerin failed to cooperate with all-trans retinoic acid to trigger differentiation. The combination significantly enhanced the protein level of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and/or PU.1 as well as activated MEK/ERK. U0126 (MEK specific inhibitor) not only suppressed the combination-induced differentiation but also restored the protein level of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and/or PU.1. However, RAF-1 inhibitor had no inhibitory effect on MEK activation and the combination-induced differentiation. Therefore, the combination overcame differentiation block via RAF-1 independent MEK/ERK modulation of the protein level of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and/or PU.1. These findings may provide a preclinical rationale for the potential role of this combination in the treatment of all-trans retinoic acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Liang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Rui-jin Road II, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ming Ding
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Central Hospital of Minhang District, No. 170 Xin Song Road, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Xiang-Qin Weng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Rui-jin Road II, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Sheng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Rui-jin Road II, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Rui-jin Road II, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xun Cai
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Rui-jin Road II, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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13
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Shi Y, Jin J, Ji W, Guan X. Therapeutic landscape in mutational triple negative breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:99. [PMID: 30007403 PMCID: PMC6046102 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Genomic sequencing has detected a distinctive mutational portrait of both the germline and somatic alterations in TNBC, which is staggeringly different from other breast cancer subtypes. The clinical utility of sequencing germline BRCA1/2 genes has been well established in TNBC. However, for other predisposition genes, studies concerning the risk and penetrance to TNBC are relatively scarce. Very few recurrent mutations, including TP53 and PI3KCA mutations, together with a long tail of individually rare mutations occur in TNBC. These combined effects of genomic alterations drive TNBC progression. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of TNBC, clinical interpretation of the genomic alterations in TNBC may pave a new way for the treatment of TNBC. In this review, we summarized the germline and somatic mutation profiles of TNBC and discussed the current and upcoming therapeutic strategies targeting the mutant proteins or pathways to enable tailored-therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Juan Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Wenfei Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Clinical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210002, China. .,Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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14
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A Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) screen detects an AMPK inhibitor with selective toxicity toward human colon tumor cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3770. [PMID: 29491475 PMCID: PMC5830883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPK is a serine threonine kinase composed of a heterotrimer of a catalytic, kinase-containing α and regulatory β and γ subunits. Here we show that individual AMPK subunit expression and requirement for survival varies across colon cancer cell lines. While AMPKα1 expression is relatively consistent across colon cancer cell lines, AMPKα1 depletion does not induce cell death. Conversely, AMPKα2 is expressed at variable levels in colon cancer cells. In high expressing SW480 and moderate expressing HCT116 colon cancer cells, siRNA-mediated depletion induces cell death. These data suggest that AMPK kinase inhibition may be a useful component of future therapeutic strategies. We used Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) to screen a natural product library to identify compounds that were inhibitors of AMPK to test its potential for detecting small molecules with preferential toxicity toward human colon tumor cells. FUSION identified 5′-hydroxy-staurosporine, which competitively inhibits AMPK. Human colon cancer cell lines are notably more sensitive to 5′-hydroxy-staurosporine than are non-transformed human colon epithelial cells. This study serves as proof-of-concept for unbiased FUSION-based detection of small molecule inhibitors of therapeutic targets and highlights its potential to identify novel compounds for cancer therapy development.
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15
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Signore M, Buccarelli M, Pilozzi E, De Luca G, Cappellari M, Fanciulli M, Goeman F, Melucci E, Biffoni M, Ricci-Vitiani L. UCN-01 enhances cytotoxicity of irinotecan in colorectal cancer stem-like cells by impairing DNA damage response. Oncotarget 2018; 7:44113-44128. [PMID: 27286453 PMCID: PMC5190083 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9859] [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] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Despite recent progress, the prognosis of advanced stage CRC remains poor, mainly because of cancer recurrence and metastasis. The high morbidity and mortality of CRC has been recently ascribed to a small population of tumor cells that hold the potential of tumor initiation, i.e. cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play a pivotal role in cancer recurrence and metastasis and are not eradicated by current therapy. We screened CRC-SCs in vitro with a library of protein kinase inhibitors and showed that CRC-SCs are resistant to specific inhibition of the major signaling pathways involved in cell survival and proliferation. Nonetheless, broad-spectrum inhibition by the staurosporin derivative UCN-01 blocks CRC-SC growth and potentiates the activity of irinotecan in vitro and in vivo CRC-SC-derived models. Reverse-Phase Protein Microarrays (RPPA) revealed that, albeit CRC-SCs display individual phospho-proteomic profiles, sensitivity of CRC-SCs to UCN-01 relies on the interference with the DNA damage response mediated by Chk1. Combination of LY2603618, a specific Chk1/2 inhibitor, with irinotecan resulted in a significant reduction of CRC-SC growth in vivo, confirming that irinotecan treatment coupled to inhibition of Chk1 represents a potentially effective therapeutic approach for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Signore
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pilozzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Luca
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Cappellari
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- Scientific Direction, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Frauke Goeman
- Scientific Direction, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Melucci
- Scientific Direction, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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16
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Zhao D, Tahaney WM, Mazumdar A, Savage MI, Brown PH. Molecularly targeted therapies for p53-mutant cancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4171-4187. [PMID: 28643165 PMCID: PMC5664959 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 is lost or mutated in approximately half of human cancers. Mutant p53 not only loses its anti-tumor transcriptional activity, but also often acquires oncogenic functions to promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. Traditional strategies have been taken to directly target p53 mutants through identifying small molecular compounds to deplete mutant p53, or to restore its tumor suppressive function. Accumulating evidence suggest that cancer cells with mutated p53 often exhibit specific functional dependencies on secondary genes or pathways to survive, providing alternative targets to indirectly treat p53-mutant cancers. Targeting these genes or pathways, critical for survival in the presence of p53 mutations, holds great promise for cancer treatment. In addition, mutant p53 often exhibits novel gain-of-functions to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we review and discuss strategies targeting mutant p53, with focus on targeting the mutant p53 protein directly, and on the progress of identifying genes and pathways required in p53-mutant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dekuang Zhao
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit Number: 1360, Room Number: CPB6.3468, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - William M Tahaney
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit Number: 1360, Room Number: CPB6.3468, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abhijit Mazumdar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit Number: 1360, Room Number: CPB6.3468, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michelle I Savage
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit Number: 1360, Room Number: CPB6.3468, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Powel H Brown
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit Number: 1360, Room Number: CPB6.3468, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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Ke B, Tian M, Li J, Liu B, He G. Targeting Programmed Cell Death Using Small-Molecule Compounds to Improve Potential Cancer Therapy. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:983-1035. [PMID: 27357603 DOI: 10.1002/med.21398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Mao Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Gu He
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
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18
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Roskoski R. Cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitors including palbociclib as anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:249-275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Manic G, Obrist F, Sistigu A, Vitale I. Trial Watch: Targeting ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways for anticancer therapy. Mol Cell Oncol 2015; 2:e1012976. [PMID: 27308506 PMCID: PMC4905354 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2015.1012976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ataxia telangiectasia mutated serine/threonine kinase (ATM)/checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2, best known as CHK2) and the ATM and Rad3-related serine/threonine kinase (ATR)/CHEK1 (best known as CHK1) cascades are the 2 major signaling pathways driving the DNA damage response (DDR), a network of processes crucial for the preservation of genomic stability that act as a barrier against tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Mutations and/or deletions of ATM and/or CHK2 are frequently found in tumors and predispose to cancer development. In contrast, the ATR-CHK1 pathway is often upregulated in neoplasms and is believed to promote tumor growth, although some evidence indicates that ATR and CHK1 may also behave as haploinsufficient oncosuppressors, at least in a specific genetic background. Inactivation of the ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways efficiently sensitizes malignant cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, ATR and CHK1 inhibitors selectively kill tumor cells that present high levels of replication stress, have a deficiency in p53 (or other DDR players), or upregulate the ATR-CHK1 module. Despite promising preclinical results, the clinical activity of ATM, ATR, CHK1, and CHK2 inhibitors, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, has not yet been fully demonstrated. In this Trial Watch, we give an overview of the roles of the ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways in cancer initiation and progression, and summarize the results of clinical studies aimed at assessing the safety and therapeutic profile of regimens based on inhibitors of ATR and CHK1, the only 2 classes of compounds that have so far entered clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florine Obrist
- Université Paris-Sud/Paris XI; Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM, UMRS1138; Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labelisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus; Villejuif, France
| | | | - Ilio Vitale
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute; Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “TorVergata”; Rome, Italy
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20
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Gurpinar E, Vousden KH. Hitting cancers' weak spots: vulnerabilities imposed by p53 mutation. Trends Cell Biol 2015; 25:486-95. [PMID: 25960041 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor protein p53 plays a critical role in limiting malignant development and progression. Almost all cancers show loss of p53 function, through either mutation in the p53 gene itself or defects in the mechanisms that activate p53. While reactivation of p53 can effectively limit tumor growth, this is a difficult therapeutic goal to achieve in the many cancers that do not retain wild type p53. An alternative approach focuses on identifying vulnerabilities imposed on cancers by virtue of the loss of or alterations in p53, to identify additional pathways that can be targeted to specifically kill or inhibit the growth of p53 mutated cells. These indirect ways of exploiting mutations in p53 - which occur in more than half of all human cancers - provide numerous exciting therapeutic possibilities.
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21
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Tomao F, Papa A, Zaccarelli E, Rossi L, Caruso D, Minozzi M, Vici P, Frati L, Tomao S. Triple-negative breast cancer: new perspectives for targeted therapies. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:177-93. [PMID: 25653541 PMCID: PMC4303459 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s67673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing a large number of entities showing different morphological features and having clinical behaviors. It has became apparent that this diversity may be justified by distinct patterns of genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic aberrations. The identification of gene-expression microarray-based characteristics has led to the identification of at least five breast cancer subgroups: luminal A, luminal B, normal breast-like, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and basal-like. Triple-negative breast cancer is a complex disease diagnosed by immunohistochemistry, and it is characterized by malignant cells not expressing estrogen receptors or progesterone receptors at all, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Along with this knowledge, recent data show that triple-negative breast cancer has specific molecular features that could be possible targets for new biological targeted drugs. The aim of this article is to explore the use of new drugs in this particular setting, which is still associated with poor prognosis and high risk of distant recurrence and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tomao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Rome, Italy
| | - Anselmo Papa
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zaccarelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Luigi Rossi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Davide Caruso
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Marina Minozzi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Vici
- Division of Medical Oncology B, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Frati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Rome, Italy
| | - Silverio Tomao
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
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22
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Gallala H, Winter J, Veit N, Nowak M, Perner S, Courts C, Kraus D, Janzen V, Probstmeier R. Staurosporine analogs promote distinct patterns of process outgrowth and polyploidy in small cell lung carcinoma cells. Tumour Biol 2014; 36:2725-35. [PMID: 25487614 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2897-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that staurosporine mediates the conversion of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells into a neuron-like process-bearing phenotype. Here, we have extended these studies to the staurosporine analogs K252a, lestaurtinib, PKC412, stauprimide, and UCN-01 and analyzed their influence on process extension, cell cycle distribution, and induction of polyploidy in four SCLC cell lines. In GLC-2 cells, all compounds provoked extensive process formation with the exception of PKC412 that showed no response. In H1184 cells, process formation was predominantly induced by staurosporine and, to lesser extent, in lestaurtinib-, stauprimide-, and UCN-01-treated cells. In the presence of K252a or PKC412, cells became bipolar and spindle shaped or showed pronounced cell flattening. In GLC-36 and SCLC-24H cells, only cell flattening was detectable. Process formation was reversible upon drug removal as shown for GLC-2 and H1184 cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicated the induction of polyploidy in all staurosporine and in two out of four stauprimide-treated SCLC cell lines. For other staurosporine analogs, polyploidy was observed only in UCN-01-treated GLC-36 cells and in K252a-treated H1184 and GLC-36 cells. The presence of staurosporine or its analogs did not alter the constitutive activation pattern of the canonical Akt/PI3K or MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathways nor could we detect an influence of stauprimide application on the expression level of the c-Myc oncogene. These data demonstrate that in SCLC cells, albeit a higher substrate specificity, staurosporine analogs can induce staurosporine-comparable effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Gallala
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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23
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Li Y, Gao W, Li F, Wang J, Zhang J, Yang Y, Zhang S, Yang L. An in silico exploration of the interaction mechanism of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine type CDK2 inhibitors. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 9:2266-81. [PMID: 23864105 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70186g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CDK2, which interacts with cyclin A and cyclin E, is an important member of the CDK family. Having been proved to be associated with many diseases for its vital role in cell cycle, CDK2 is a promising target of anti-cancer drugs dealing with cell cycle disorders. In the present work, a total of 111 pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines (PHTPPs) as CDK2/cyclin A inhibitors were studied to conduct three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity (3D-QSAR) analyses. The optimal comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) model shows that Q(2) = 0.516, Rncv(2) = 0.912, Rpre(2) = 0.914, Rm(2) = 0.843, SEP = 0.812, SEE = 0.347 with 10 components using steric, hydrophobic and H-bond donor field descriptors, indicating its effective internal and external predictive capacity. The contour maps further indicate that (1) bulky substituents in R1 are beneficial while H-bond donor groups at this position are detrimental; (2) hydrophobic contributions in the R2 area are favorable; (3) large and hydrophilic groups are well tolerated at the R3 position (a close H-bond donor moiety is favorable while a distal H-bond donor moiety in this area is disfavored); (4) bulky and hydrophobic features in the R4 region are beneficial for the biological activities and (5) the 7-N-aryl substitution is crucial to boost the inhibitory activities of the PHTPP inhibitors. Finally, docking and MD simulations demostrate that PHTPP derivatives are stabilized in a 'flying bat' conformation mainly through the H-bond interactions and hydrophobic contacts. Comparative studies indicate that PHTPP derivatives fit well within the ATP binding cleft in CDK2, with the core heterocyclic ring overlapping significantly with the adenine group of ATP despite a small deflection. In comparison to numerous other inhibitors binding to the ATP pocket, PHTPP analogues follow the binding fashion of purine inhibitors of this kinase. It is anticipated that the binding mechanism and structural features of PHTPP inhibitors studied in the present work will benefit the discovery of more potent CDK2 inhibitors, and the valid pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-N-yl inhibitors will soon emerge from the large number of screening programmes to enter in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China.
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24
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Fokas E, Prevo R, Hammond EM, Brunner TB, McKenna WG, Muschel RJ. Targeting ATR in DNA damage response and cancer therapeutics. Cancer Treat Rev 2014; 40:109-17. [PMID: 23583268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) plays an important role in maintaining genome integrity during DNA replication through the phosphorylation and activation of Chk1 and regulation of the DNA damage response. Preclinical studies have shown that disruption of ATR pathway can exacerbate the levels of replication stress in oncogene-driven murine tumors to promote cell killing. Additionally, inhibition of ATR can sensitise tumor cells to radiation or chemotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting ATR can selectively sensitize cancer cells but not normal cells to DNA damage. Furthermore, in hypoxic conditions, ATR blockade results in overloading replication stress and DNA damage response causing cell death. Despite the attractiveness of ATR inhibition in the treatment of cancer, specific ATR inhibitors have remained elusive. In the last two years however, selective ATR inhibitors suitable for in vitro and - most recently - in vivo studies have been identified. In this article, we will review the literature on ATR function, its role in DDR and the potential of ATR inhibition to enhance the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Fokas
- Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, Department of Oncology, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Song H, Zhou S, Wang R, Li S. Kinesin spindle protein (KSP) inhibitors in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for cancer therapy. ChemMedChem 2013; 8:1736-49. [PMID: 23964020 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A diverse group of proteins, the activities of which are precisely orchestrated during mitosis, have emerged as targets for cancer therapeutics; these include the Aurora kinases (AKs), Polo-like kinases (PLKs), and the kinesin spindle protein (KSP). KSP is essential for the proper separation of spindle poles during mitosis. Agents that target KSP selectively act on cells undergoing cell division, which means that KSP inhibitors are mitosis-specific drugs, and have demonstrated remarkable activities in vitro. However, a significant obstacle to the success of KSP inhibitors is that these compounds, with tremendous efficacy in vitro, have demonstrated little or even no antitumor activity in vivo. Accumulated data suggest that a combination of KSP inhibitors with various cytostatic drugs will result in a more powerful tumor-killing effect than monotherapy. Combination therapies might predominate and represent the next frontier in the discovery research of KSP inhibitors as potential anticancer drugs. Few published studies have reviewed combination therapy using KSP inhibitors. Herein we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on KSP inhibitor monotherapy and therapeutic combinations. The current state and problems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualong Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai (PR China)
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Sobhia ME, Grewal BK, Ml SP, Patel J, Kaur A, Haokip T, Kokkula A. Protein kinase C inhibitors: a patent review (2008 - 2009). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2013; 23:1297-315. [PMID: 23795914 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2013.805205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of multifunctional isoenzymes involved in apoptosis, migration, adhesion, tumorgenesis, cardiac hypertrophy, angiogenesis, platelet function and inflammation. It also plays a vital role in the regulation of signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation through positive and negative regulation of the cell cycle. In this work, we reviewed the existing PKC inhibitors and several patents linked to PKC inhibitors. AREAS COVERED Thorough survey on the PKC inhibitors having clinical importance and patents filed for these inhibitors from 2008 - 2009 is reported. EXPERT OPINION PKCs are highly potential therapeutic targets for treating diabetic complications, oncological, inflammatory, immunological and dermatological disorders. The clinical trial candidates of PKCs mainly target the catalytic domain, which is highly conserved throughout the PKC family making it difficult to target a particular isoform selectively. Relatively less chemical space and fewer bisubstrate inhibitors targeting both ATP and regulatory domain are explored for PKCs, more research in these areas will be helpful in overcoming existing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Sobhia
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Department of Pharmacoinformatics , Sector 67, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab , India
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Li F, Zhao C, Wang L. Molecular-targeted agents combination therapy for cancer: developments and potentials. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1257-69. [PMID: 23649791 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although chemotherapy has advanced into the era of targeted drugs, the antitumor efficacies of current therapies are limited, most likely because of the high degree of cancer clonal heterogeneity, intratumor genetic heterogeneity and cell signal complexity. As shutdown of a single target does not necessarily eradicate the cancer, the use of combinations of molecular-targeted agents (MATs) has been proposed, and some pioneering research has been conducted to examine the efficacy of this strategy. In this article, the clinical and preclinical studies that are underway in an attempt to improve the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapies through combination strategies are summarized. Studies of combining cytotoxic agents with MATs, coinhibiting two or more targets in a single pathway or coinhibiting parallel or compensatory pathways as well as specific combinations will be introduced, and the antitumor potentials of each combination strategy will be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Gene Engineering and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Matthews TP, Jones AM, Collins I. Structure-based design, discovery and development of checkpoint kinase inhibitors as potential anticancer therapies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:621-40. [PMID: 23594139 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.788496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Checkpoint kinase (CHK) inhibitors offer the promise of enhancing the effectiveness of widely prescribed cancer chemotherapies and radiotherapy by inhibiting the DNA damage response, as well as the potential for single agent efficacy. AREAS COVERED This article surveys structural insights into the checkpoint kinases CHK1 and CHK2 that have been exploited to enhance the selectivity and potency of small molecule inhibitors. Furthermore, the authors review the use of mechanistic cellular assays to guide the optimisation of inhibitors. Finally, the authors discuss the status of the current clinical candidates and emerging new clinical contexts for CHK1 and CHK2 inhibitors, including the prospects for single agent efficacy. EXPERT OPINION Protein-bound water molecules play key roles in structural features that can be targeted to gain high selectivity for either enzyme. The results of early phase clinical trials of checkpoint inhibitors have been mixed, but significant progress has been made in testing the combination of CHK1 inhibitors with genotoxic chemotherapy. Second-generation CHK1 inhibitors are likely to benefit from increased selectivity and oral bioavailability. While the optimum therapeutic context for CHK2 inhibition remains unclear, the emergence of single agent preclinical efficacy for CHK1 inhibitors in specific tumour types exhibiting constitutive replication stress represents exciting progress in exploring the therapeutic potential of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Matthews
- Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, London SM2 5NG, UK
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Wu G, Lin N, Xu L, Liu B, Feitelson MA. UCN-01 induces S and G2/M cell cycle arrest through the p53/p21(waf1) or CHK2/CDC25C pathways and can suppress invasion in human hepatoma cell lines. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:167. [PMID: 23537372 PMCID: PMC3618254 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine), a protein kinase inhibitor, has attracted a great deal of attention as a potent antitumour agent. Several clinical trials of UCN-01 alone or in combination with other agents for different tumour types are currently underway, and some of these trials have had positive results. Hepatocellular carcinoma has high incidence rates and is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. METHODS Three different hepatoma cell lines (Huh7, HepG2, and Hep3B) were treated with different concentrations of UCN-01, and the anti-tumour effects of UCN-01 were evaluated. Following UCN-01 treatment, cell growth was measured using an MTT assay, cell cycle arrest was assayed using flow cytometry, and the mechanisms of cell cycle arrest and invasion inhibition were investigated through western blotting and a Matrigel invasion assay. RESULTS After a 72-h UCN-01 treatment, the growth of different hepatoma cell lines was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 69.76 to 222.74 nM. Flow cytometry results suggested that UCN-01 inhibits proliferation in the hepatoma cells by inducing S and G2/M phase arrest, but not G1/S arrest, which differs from previous reports that used other tumour cell lines. Western blot results illustrated that UCN-01 induces a G2/M phase arrest, regardless of the status of the p53/P21(waf1) pathway, whereas the CHK2/CDC25C pathway and the p53/p21(waf1)pathway were involved in the UCN-01-induced S phase arrest. UCN-01 remarkably inhibited Huh7 cell invasion in a time-dependent manner. Suppression of Huh7 cell invasion may be due to the down-regulation of phosphorylated β-catenin by UCN-01. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that UCN-01 induces hepatoma cell growth inhibition by regulating the p53/p21(waf1) and CHK2/CDC25 pathways. Suppression of Huh7 cell invasion by UCN-01 may be due to the down-regulation of phosphorylated β-catenin. These data lend support for further studies on UCN-01 as a promising anti-HCC candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, GuangZhou 510630, PR China
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A systematic review on topoisomerase 1 inhibition in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 138:347-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Origanti S, Cai SR, Munir AZ, White LS, Piwnica-Worms H. Synthetic lethality of Chk1 inhibition combined with p53 and/or p21 loss during a DNA damage response in normal and tumor cells. Oncogene 2013; 32:577-88. [PMID: 22430210 PMCID: PMC3381958 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cell cycle checkpoints ensure genome integrity and are frequently compromised in human cancers. A therapeutic strategy being explored takes advantage of checkpoint defects in p53-deficient tumors in order to sensitize them to DNA-damaging agents by eliminating Chk1-mediated checkpoint responses. Using mouse models, we demonstrated that p21 is a key determinant of how cells respond to the combination of DNA damage and Chk1 inhibition (combination therapy) in normal cells as well as in tumors. Loss of p21 sensitized normal cells to the combination therapy much more than did p53 loss and the enhanced lethality was partially blocked by CDK inhibition. In addition, basal pools of p21 (p53 independent) provided p53 null cells with protection from the combination therapy. Our results uncover a novel p53-independent function for p21 in protecting cells from the lethal effects of DNA damage followed by Chk1 inhibition. As p21 levels are low in a significant fraction of colorectal tumors, they are predicted to be particularly sensitive to the combination therapy. Results reported in this study support this prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Origanti
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
- BRIGHT Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Shi-rong Cai
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
- BRIGHT Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Amir Z. Munir
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
- BRIGHT Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Lynn S. White
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
- BRIGHT Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Helen Piwnica-Worms
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
- BRIGHT Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 S. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
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Turner N, Moretti E, Siclari O, Migliaccio I, Santarpia L, D'Incalci M, Piccolo S, Veronesi A, Zambelli A, Del Sal G, Di Leo A. Targeting triple negative breast cancer: is p53 the answer? Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 39:541-50. [PMID: 23321033 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers, which are defined by lack of expression of estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors, represent approximately 15% of all breast cancers, although they account for a much higher proportional of breast cancer mortality. This is due both to their innate aggressive biological characteristics, but also to lack of effective therapies. Conventional chemotherapy is currently the only treatment option, thus there is a critical need to find new and effective targeted therapies in this disease. While investigation of agents such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and EGFR inhibitors continues, results from recent clinical trials indicate that these therapies are not as active in sporadic triple negative breast cancers as initially hoped. It is important therefore to consider other emerging therapeutic agents. Mutation in p53 is found in the vast majority of triple negative breast cancers, and as such is a target of particular interest. Within this review, several agents with potential activity against aberrant p53 signaling have been considered, as a novel approach to finding an effective targeted therapy for this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Turner
- Sandro Pitigliani Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy
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Ma CX, Ellis MJC, Petroni GR, Guo Z, Cai SR, Ryan CE, Craig Lockhart A, Naughton MJ, Pluard TJ, Brenin CM, Picus J, Creekmore AN, Mwandoro T, Yarde ER, Reed J, Ebbert M, Bernard PS, Watson M, Doyle LA, Dancey J, Piwnica-Worms H, Fracasso PM. A phase II study of UCN-01 in combination with irinotecan in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2012; 137:483-92. [PMID: 23242585 PMCID: PMC3539064 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-012-2378-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in TP53 lead to a defective G1 checkpoint and the dependence on checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) for G2 or S phase arrest in response to DNA damage. In preclinical studies, Chk1 inhibition resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity of several chemotherapeutic agents. The high frequency of TP53 mutations in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC: negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2) make Chk1 an attractive therapeutic target. UCN-01, a non-selective Chk1 inhibitor, combined with irinotecan demonstrated activity in advanced TNBC in our Phase I study. The goal of this trial was to further evaluate this treatment in women with TNBC. Patients with metastatic TNBC previously treated with anthracyclines and taxanes received irinotecan (100–125 mg/m2 IV days 1, 8, 15, 22) and UCN-01 (70 mg/m2 IV day 2, 35 mg/m2 day 23 and subsequent doses) every 42-day cycle. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and tumor specimens were collected. Twenty five patients were enrolled. The overall response (complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)) rate was 4 %. The clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + stable disease ≥6 months) was 12 %. Since UCN-01 inhibits PDK1, phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (pS6) in PBMC was assessed. Although reduced 24 h post UCN-01, pS6 levels rose to baseline by day 8, indicating loss of UCN-01 bioavailability. Immunostains of γH2AX and pChk1S296 on serial tumor biopsies from four patients demonstrated an induction of DNA damage and Chk1 activation following irinotecan. However, Chk1 inhibition by UCN-01 was not observed in all tumors. Most tumors were basal-like (69 %), and carried mutations in TP53 (53 %). Median overall survival in patients with TP53 mutant tumors was poor compared to wild type (5.5 vs. 20.3 months, p = 0.004). This regimen had limited activity in TNBC. Inconsistent Chk1 inhibition was likely due to the pharmacokinetics of UCN-01. TP53 mutations were associated with a poor prognosis in metastatic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia X Ma
- Section of Breast Oncology, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8056, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Bennett CN, Tomlinson CC, Michalowski AM, Chu IM, Luger D, Mittereder LR, Aprelikova O, Shou J, Piwinica-Worms H, Caplen NJ, Hollingshead MG, Green JE. Cross-species genomic and functional analyses identify a combination therapy using a CHK1 inhibitor and a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2012; 14:R109. [PMID: 22812567 PMCID: PMC3680937 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is diagnosed in approximately 15% of all human breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Currently, no targeted therapies exist for this subtype of BrCa and prognosis remains poor. Our laboratory has previously identified a proliferation/DNA repair/cell cycle gene signature (Tag signature) that is characteristic of human TNBC. We hypothesize that targeting the dysregulated biological networks in the Tag gene signature will lead to the identification of improved combination therapies for TNBC. Methods Cross-species genomic analysis was used to identify human breast cancer cell lines that express the Tag signature. Knock-down of the up-regulated genes in the Tag signature by siRNA identified several genes that are critical for TNBC cell growth. Small molecule inhibitors to two of these genes were analyzed, alone and in combination, for their effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Synergy between the two drugs was analyzed by the Chou-Talalay method. Results A custom siRNA screen was used to identify targets within the Tag signature that are critical for growth of TNBC cells. Ribonucleotide reductase 1 and 2 (RRM1 and 2) and checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) were found to be critical targets for TNBC cell survival. Combination therapy, to simultaneously attenuate cell cycle checkpoint control through inhibition of CHK1 while inducing DNA damage with gemcitabine, improved therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in xenograft models of TNBC. Conclusions This combination therapy may have translational value for patients with TNBC and improve therapeutic response for this aggressive form of breast cancer.
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Kim YM, Jeong IH, Pyo H. Celecoxib Enhances the Radiosensitizing Effect of 7-Hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) in Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2012; 83:e399-407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Hong J, Hu K, Yuan Y, Sang Y, Bu Q, Chen G, Yang L, Li B, Huang P, Chen D, Liang Y, Zhang R, Pan J, Zeng YX, Kang T. CHK1 targets spleen tyrosine kinase (L) for proteolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:2165-75. [PMID: 22585575 DOI: 10.1172/jci61380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies resistant to current chemotherapies or radiotherapies, which makes it urgent to identify new therapeutic targets for HCC. In this study, we found that checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) was frequently overexpressed and correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with HCC. We further showed that the CHK1 inhibitor GÖ6976 was capable of sensitizing HCC cells to cisplatin, indicating that CHK1 may have oncogenic function in HCC. We found that CHK1 phosphorylated the tumor suppressor spleen tyrosine kinase (L) (SYK[L]) and identified the phosphorylation site at Ser295. Furthermore, CHK1 phosphorylation of SYK(L) promoted its subsequent proteasomal degradation. Expression of a nonphosphorylated mutant of SYK(L) was more efficient at suppressing proliferation, colony formation, mobility, and tumor growth in HCC lines. Importantly, a strong inverse correlation between the expression levels of CHK1 and SYK(L) was observed in patients with HCC. Collectively, our data demonstrate that SYK(L) is a substrate of CHK1 in tumor cells and suggest that targeting the CHK1/SYK(L) pathway may be a promising strategy for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China
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Ma CX, Cai S, Li S, Ryan CE, Guo Z, Schaiff WT, Lin L, Hoog J, Goiffon RJ, Prat A, Aft RL, Ellis MJ, Piwnica-Worms H. Targeting Chk1 in p53-deficient triple-negative breast cancer is therapeutically beneficial in human-in-mouse tumor models. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:1541-52. [PMID: 22446188 DOI: 10.1172/jci58765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) - defined by lack of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression as well as lack of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification - have a poor prognosis. There is a need for targeted therapies to treat this condition. TNBCs frequently harbor mutations in TP53, resulting in loss of the G1 checkpoint and reliance on checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) to arrest cells in response to DNA damage. Previous studies have shown that inhibition of Chk1 in a p53-deficient background results in apoptosis [corrected] in response to DNA damage. We therefore tested whether inhibition of Chk1 could potentiate the cytotoxicity of the DNA damaging agent irinotecan in TNBC using xenotransplant tumor models. Tumor specimens from patients with TNBC were engrafted into humanized mammary fat pads of immunodeficient mice to create 3 independent human-in-mouse TNBC lines: 1 WT (WU-BC3) and 2 mutant for TP53 (WU-BC4 and WU-BC5). These lines were tested for their response to irinotecan and a Chk1 inhibitor (either UCN-01 or AZD7762), either as single agents or in combination. The combination therapy induced checkpoint bypass and apoptosis in WU-BC4 and WU-BC5, but not WU-BC3, tumors. Moreover, combination therapy inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival of mice bearing the WU-BC4 line, but not the WU-BC3 line. In addition, knockdown of p53 sensitized WU-BC3 tumors to the combination therapy. These results demonstrate that p53 is a major determinant of how TNBCs respond to therapies that combine DNA damage with Chk1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia X Ma
- Section of Breast Oncology, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093, USA
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Abstract
Loss or functional impairment of p53 occurs in many human cancers, and its absence is often associated with a poor response to conventional chemotherapy. Hence, much effort is currently devoted to developing novel treatments for p53-deficient malignancies. One approach is to target pathways that are selectively required for the survival of p53-deficient cancer cells, thus exploiting a synthetic lethal interaction. Previous studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) and checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) pathway in p53-deficient cells can induce such a synthetic lethal outcome. In this issue of the JCI, Ma et al. take these findings a step closer to the clinic by demonstrating that highly specific inhibitors of Chk1 synergize with chemotherapy to stem progression of p53-deficient triple-negative breast cancers in a xenotransplant model of this disease. Together with other recent studies, this report highlights the promise of ATR and Chk1 inhibitors in targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Schoppy
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6160, USA
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Morandell S, Yaffe MB. Exploiting synthetic lethal interactions between DNA damage signaling, checkpoint control, and p53 for targeted cancer therapy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2012; 110:289-314. [PMID: 22749150 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-387665-2.00011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage signaling and checkpoint control pathways are among the most commonly mutated networks in human tumors. Emerging data suggest that synthetic lethal interactions between mutated oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes with molecules involved in the DNA damage response and DNA repair pathways can be therapeutically exploited to preferentially kill cancer cells. In this review, we discuss the concept of synthetic lethality with a focus on p53, a commonly lost tumor suppressor gene, in the context of DNA damage signaling. We describe several recent examples in which this concept was successfully applied to target tumor cells in culture or in mouse models, as well as in human cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Morandell
- Department of Biology, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Aris SM, Pommier Y. Potentiation of the novel topoisomerase I inhibitor indenoisoquinoline LMP-400 by the cell checkpoint and Chk1-Chk2 inhibitor AZD7762. Cancer Res 2011; 72:979-89. [PMID: 22189968 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-2579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Novel topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors are in clinical development to circumvent the drawbacks of camptothecins (CPT). Here, we report molecular investigations into LMP-400, an indenoisoquinoline Top1 inhibitor in phase 1 clinical trial, by itself and in combination with the cell-cycle checkpoint inhibitor AZD7762. We examined drug effects on DNA replication and killing of cancer cells and found that LMP-400 showed synergistic antiproliferative activity when combined with AZD7762 in human colon carcinoma cells. Inhibition of S-phase progression and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation were similarly induced by LMP-400 and CPT and were abrogated by AZD7762. Replication studied by single DNA molecule analyses and immunofluorescence microscopy (molecular combing) showed rapid inhibition of fork progression in response to LMP-400 treatment with subsequent recapitulation after AZD7762 addition. AZD7762 inhibited both the activation/autophosphosphorylation of Chk1 and Chk2 at nanomolar concentrations in LMP-400-treated cells. This potent dual inhibition of Chk1 and Chk2 by AZD7762 was below the drug concentrations required to abrogate cell-cycle inhibition and produce synergism with LMP-400. Also, the synergism was independent of Chk2 both in Chk2-complemented cells and Chk2 knockout cells, suggesting additional mechanisms for cell-cycle abrogation by AZD7762. Together, our findings show a rationale for combining cell-cycle checkpoint inhibitors with the novel non-CPT indenoisoquinoline Top1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena M Aris
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Chen T, Stephens PA, Middleton FK, Curtin NJ. Targeting the S and G2 checkpoint to treat cancer. Drug Discov Today 2011; 17:194-202. [PMID: 22192883 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell survival following DNA damage depends on activating checkpoints to arrest proliferation. Most cancer cells have dysregulated G1 checkpoints making them dependent on their S and G2 checkpoints, which are activated by ATR/Chk1 signalling. Thus, inhibiting ATR or Chk1 should selectively sensitise cancer cells to DNA damage. Genetic inactivation of ATR and Chk1 abrogates cell cycle arrest and enhances cytotoxicity following exposure to DNA-damaging agents. Similar effects were seen with small-molecule Chk1 inhibitors in preclinical studies, and clinical trial data are starting to emerge. Recently, potent ATR inhibitors have been identified that also sensitise cancer cells in vitro. ATR and Chk1 inhibitors might also cause 'synthetic lethality' in tumour cells defective in defined DNA repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Newcastle University, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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Abstract
DNA-damaging therapies represent the most frequently used non-surgical anticancer strategies in the treatment of human tumors. These therapies can kill tumor cells, but at the same time they can be particularly damaging and mutagenic to healthy tissues. The efficacy of DNA-damaging treatments can be improved if tumor cell death is selectively enhanced, and the recent application of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in BRCA1/2-deficient tumors is a successful example of this. DNA damage is known to trigger cell-cycle arrest through activation of DNA-damage checkpoints. This arrest can be reversed once the damage has been repaired, but irreparable damage can promote apoptosis or senescence. Alternatively, cells can reenter the cell cycle before repair has been completed, giving rise to mutations. In this review we discuss the mechanisms involved in the activation and inactivation of DNA-damage checkpoints, and how the transition from arrest and cell-cycle re-entry is controlled. In addition, we discuss recent attempts to target the checkpoint in anticancer strategies.
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Kim YM, Pyo H. Cooperative enhancement of radiosensitivity after combined treatment of 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and celecoxib in human lung and colon cancer cell lines. DNA Cell Biol 2011; 31:15-29. [PMID: 21830942 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2011.1342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether the combined treatment of 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), an inhibitor of heat-shock protein 90 (hsp90), and celecoxib, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, can cooperatively enhance the radiosensitivity of various human cancer cells. Combined treatment with 17-AAG and celecoxib, at clinically relevant concentrations, cooperatively induced radiosensitization in all tested cancer cells, but not in normal cells. Cooperative radiosensitization by the drug combination was also shown in a human tumor xenograft system. We found that ataxia-telangiectasia and rad3-related (ATR) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) are novel client proteins of hsp90. Combined treatment with 17-AAG and celecoxib cooperatively induced downregulation of ATR and ATM. In conclusion, combined treatment with 17-AAG and celecoxib at clinically relevant concentrations may significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Mee Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Gilad O, Nabet BY, Ragland RL, Schoppy DW, Smith KD, Durham AC, Brown EJ. Combining ATR suppression with oncogenic Ras synergistically increases genomic instability, causing synthetic lethality or tumorigenesis in a dosage-dependent manner. Cancer Res 2010; 70:9693-702. [PMID: 21098704 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-2286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that oncogenic stress activates the ATR-Chk1 pathway. Here, we show that ATR-Chk1 pathway engagement is essential for limiting genomic instability following oncogenic Ras transformation. ATR pathway inhibition in combination with oncogenic Ras expression synergistically increased genomic instability, as quantified by chromatid breaks, sister chromatid exchanges, and H2AX phosphorylation. This level of instability was significantly greater than that observed following ATR suppression in untransformed control cells. In addition, consistent with a deficiency in long-term genome maintenance, hypomorphic ATR pathway reduction to 16% of normal levels was synthetic lethal with oncogenic Ras expression in cultured cells. Notably, elevated genomic instability and synthetic lethality following suppression of ATR were not due to accelerated cycling rates in Ras-transformed cells, indicating that these synergistic effects were generated on a per-cell-cycle basis. In contrast to the synthetic lethal effects of hypomorphic ATR suppression, subtle reduction of ATR expression (haploinsufficiency) in combination with endogenous levels of K-ras(G12D) expression elevated the incidence of lung adenocarcinoma, spindle cell sarcoma, and thymic lymphoma in p53 heterozygous mice. K-ras(G12D)-induced tumorigenesis in ATR(+/-)p53(+/-) mice was associated with intrachromosomal deletions and loss of wild-type p53. These findings indicate that synergistic increases in genomic instability following ATR reduction in oncogenic Ras-transformed cells can produce 2 distinct biological outcomes: synthetic lethality upon significant suppression of ATR expression and tumor promotion in the context of ATR haploinsufficiency. These results highlight the importance of the ATR pathway both as a barrier to malignant progression and as a potential target for cancer treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/pharmacology
- Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Checkpoint Kinase 1
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, ras/genetics
- Genomic Instability
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Protein Kinases/genetics
- Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- RNA Interference
- Recombination, Genetic/drug effects
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Signal Transduction
- Tamoxifen/pharmacology
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Gilad
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Death by releasing the breaks: CHK1 inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. Trends Mol Med 2010; 17:88-96. [PMID: 21087899 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Defects in p53 function, which occur frequently in human cancers due to mutations in TP53 or disruptions in the p53 regulatory pathway, render cells dependent on CHK1 (Checkpoint Kinase 1) to activate cell cycle checkpoints. In the presence of DNA damage or replication stress, inhibition of CHK1 leads to "mitotic catastrophe" and cell death in p53-deficient tumors while sparing p53-proficient cells. CHK1 inhibitors sensitize tumors to a variety of DNA-damaging agents or antimetabolites in preclinical models and are being evaluated in early phase clinical trials. In this review, we summarize recent advances and controversies in the development and application of CHK1 inhibitors as cancer therapeutics.
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Li T, Christensen SD, Frankel PH, Margolin KA, Agarwala SS, Luu T, Mack PC, Lara PN, Gandara DR. A phase II study of cell cycle inhibitor UCN-01 in patients with metastatic melanoma: a California Cancer Consortium trial. Invest New Drugs 2010; 30:741-8. [PMID: 20967484 PMCID: PMC3277821 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-010-9562-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic abnormalities in cell cycle control are common in malignant melanoma. UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine) is an investigational agent that exhibits antitumor activity by perturbing the cancer cell cycle. A patient with advanced melanoma experienced a partial response in a phase I trial of single agent UCN-01. We sought to determine the activity of UCN-01 against refractory metastatic melanoma in a phase II study. Patients and methods Patients with advanced melanoma received UCN-01 at 90 mg/m(2) over 3 h on cycle 1, reduced to 45 mg/m(2) over 3 h for subsequent cycles, every 21 days. Primary endpoint was tumor response. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A two-stage (17 + 16), single arm phase II design was employed. A true response rate of ≥ 20% (i.e., at least one responder in the first stage, or at least four responders overall) was to be considered promising for further development of UCN-01 in this setting. Results Seventeen patients were accrued in the first stage. One patient was inevaluable for response. Four (24%) patients had stable disease, and 12 (71%) had disease progression. As there were no responders in the first stage, the study was closed to further accrual. Median PFS was 1.3 months (95% CI, 1.2-3.0) while median OS was 7.3 months (95% CI, 3.4-18.4). One-year and two year OS rates were 41% and 12%, respectively. A median of two cycles were delivered (range, 1-18). Grade 3 treatment-related toxicities include hyperglycemia (N = 2), fatigue (N = 1), and diarrhea (N = 1). One patient experienced grade 4 creatinine elevation and grade 4 anemia possibly due to UCN-01. No dose modification was required as these patients had disease progression. Conclusion Although well tolerated, UCN-01 as a single agent did not have sufficient clinical activity to warrant further study in refractory melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhong Li
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of California Davis Cancer Center, 4501 X Street, Suite 3016, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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