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Lotfi M, Maharati A, Hamidi AA, Taghehchian N, Moghbeli M. MicroRNA-532 as a probable diagnostic and therapeutic marker in cancer patients. Mutat Res 2024; 829:111874. [PMID: 38986233 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2024.111874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The high mortality rate in cancer patients is always one of the main challenges of the health systems globally. Several factors are involved in the high rate of cancer related mortality, including late diagnosis and drug resistance. Cancer is mainly diagnosed in the advanced stages of tumor progression that causes the failure of therapeutic strategies and increases the death rate in these patients. Therefore, assessment of the molecular mechanisms associated with the occurrence of cancer can be effective to introduce early tumor diagnostic markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the stable non-coding RNAs in the biological body fluids are involved in regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. MiR-532 deregulation has been reported in different tumor types. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the role of miR-532 during tumor growth. It has been shown that miR-532 has mainly a tumor suppressor role through the regulation of transcription factors, chemokines, and signaling pathways such as NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT. In addition to the independent role of miR-532 in regulation of cellular processes, it also functions as a mediator of lncRNAs and circRNAs. Therefore, miR-532 can be considered as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Lotfi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maharati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Hamidi
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Balaji S, Rao A, Saraswathi KK, Sethu Nagarajan R, Santhi R, Kim U, Muthukkaruppan V, Vanniarajan A. Focused cancer pathway analysis revealed unique therapeutic targets in retinoblastoma. Med Oncol 2024; 41:168. [PMID: 38834895 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric cancer of the eye that occurs in 1/15000 live births worldwide. Albeit RB is initiated by the inactivation of RB1 gene, the disease progression relies largely on transcriptional alterations. Therefore, evaluating gene expression is vital to unveil the therapeutic targets in RB management. In this study, we employed an RT2 Profiler™ PCR array for a focused analysis of 84 cancer-specific genes in RB. An interaction network was built with gene expression data to identify the dysregulated pathways in RB. The key transcript alterations identified in 13 tumors by RT2 Profiler™ PCR array was further validated in 15 tumors by independent RT-qPCR. Out of 84 cancer-specific genes, 68 were dysregulated in RB tumors. Among the 68 genes, 23 were chosen for further analysis based on statistical significance and abundance across multiple tumors. Pathway analysis of altered genes showed the frequent perturbations of cell cycle, angiogenesis and apoptotic pathways in RB. Notably, upregulation of MCM2, MKI67, PGF, WEE1, CDC20 and downregulation of COX5A were found in all the tumors. Western blot confirmed the dysregulation of identified targets at protein levels as well. These alterations were more prominent in invasive RB, correlating with the disease pathogenesis. Our molecular analysis thus identified the potential therapeutic targets for improving retinoblastoma treatment. We also suggest that PCR array can be used as a tool for rapid and cost-effective gene expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sekaran Balaji
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, 1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
| | - Anindita Rao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, 1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
| | - Karuvel Kannan Saraswathi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, 1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
- Department of Molecular Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation - Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Rathinavel Sethu Nagarajan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, 1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
- Department of Molecular Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation - Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Santhi
- Department of Pathology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
| | - Usha Kim
- Department of Orbit, Oculoplasty and Ocular Oncology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
| | - Veerappan Muthukkaruppan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India
| | - Ayyasamy Vanniarajan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, 1, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625 020, India.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation - Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India.
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Chen D, Hong R, Cao Y, Wu Q, Wang Y, Chen J, Li J, Zhang W, Zhan Q. Combined Wee1 and EGFR inhibition reveals synergistic antitumor effect in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2023; 44:451-462. [PMID: 37279554 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most common amplified and overexpressed oncogenes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), while the clinical efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapy in ESCC is dismal. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of dual blockage using monoclonal antibody against EGFR (Nimotuzumab) and an Wee1 inhibitor (AZD1775) in ESCC. We found that the mRNA and protein expression of EGFR and Wee1 were positively correlated in ESCC. Nimotuzumab-AZD1775 co-treatment inhibited tumor growth in PDX models with different drug susceptibility. Transcriptome sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis indicated that higher sensitive models showed enrichment of the PI3K/Akt or MAPK signaling pathway in Nimotuzumab-AZD1775 group compared with control group. In vitro experiments showed that the combination further inhibit PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways compared to their monotherapy as indicated by downregulation of pAKT, pS6, pMEK, pErk and p-p38 MAPK. Furthermore, AZD1775 potentiated Nimotuzumab's antitumor effect through inducing apoptosis. Meanwhile, the bioinformatics analysis suggests the POLR2A might be candidate molecule of EGFR/Wee1 downstream. In conclusion, our work uncovers that EGFR-mAb Nimotuzumab combined with Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 elicited potentiated anticancer activity against ESCC cell line and PDXs partially through PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways blockade. These preclinical data raise the promising that ESCC patients may benefit from dual target EGFR and Wee1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongshao Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ruoxi Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Youjun Cao
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Qingnan Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jinting Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Increased susceptibility to doxorubicin-induced cell death in acute lymphocytic leukemia cells by inhibiting serine/threonine WEE1 kinase expression using the chitosan-carboxymethyl dextran-polyethylene glycol-TAT nanoparticles. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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5
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Cho JG, Kim SW, Lee A, Jeong HN, Yun E, Choi J, Jeong SJ, Chang W, Oh S, Yoo KH, Lee JB, Yoon S, Lee MS, Park JH, Jung MH, Kim SW, Kim KH, Suh DS, Choi KU, Choi J, Kim J, Kwon BS. MicroRNA-dependent inhibition of WEE1 controls cancer stem-like characteristics and malignant behavior in ovarian cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:803-822. [PMID: 36159587 PMCID: PMC9463562 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Bukhari AB, Chan GK, Gamper AM. Targeting the DNA Damage Response for Cancer Therapy by Inhibiting the Kinase Wee1. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828684. [PMID: 35251998 PMCID: PMC8891215 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells typically heavily rely on the G2/M checkpoint to survive endogenous and exogenous DNA damage, such as genotoxic stress due to genome instability or radiation and chemotherapy. The key regulator of the G2/M checkpoint, the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), is tightly controlled, including by its phosphorylation state. This posttranslational modification, which is determined by the opposing activities of the phosphatase cdc25 and the kinase Wee1, allows for a more rapid response to cellular stress than via the synthesis or degradation of modulatory interacting proteins, such as p21 or cyclin B. Reducing Wee1 activity results in ectopic activation of CDK1 activity and drives premature entry into mitosis with unrepaired or under-replicated DNA and causing mitotic catastrophe. Here, we review efforts to use small molecule inhibitors of Wee1 for therapeutic purposes, including strategies to combine Wee1 inhibition with genotoxic agents, such as radiation therapy or drugs inducing replication stress, or inhibitors of pathways that show synthetic lethality with Wee1. Furthermore, it become increasingly clear that Wee1 inhibition can also modulate therapeutic immune responses. We will discuss the mechanisms underlying combination treatments identifying both cell intrinsic and systemic anti-tumor activities.
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Li R, Chen J, Gao X, Jiang G. Transcription factor KLF2 enhances the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to cisplatin by suppressing kinase WEE1. Cancer Biol Ther 2021; 22:465-477. [PMID: 34486497 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2021.1949228] [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: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent in facilitating the inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in cancerous cells. However, the detailed mechanism of the regulation by cisplatin of human breast cancer cells is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) transcription factor in cisplatin therapy for breast cancer. RT-qPCR was performed to quantify the expression of KLF2 and WEE1 in clinical tissue samples from breast cancer patients and in MDA-MB-231 cells. ChIP assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to analyze the potential-binding sites of KLF2 and WEE1 promoter. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were used to manipulate KLF2 and WEE1 in cisplatin-treated MDA-MB-231 cells, and the mechanism of KLF2 in breast cancer was evaluated both via CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and Western blot. Further validation of the KLF2 was performed on nude mouse models. Breast cancer tissues and cells showed a relative decline of KLF2 expression and abundant WEE1 expression. Cisplatin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Overexpression of KLF2 enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on the malignant characteristics of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. KLF2 targeted WEE1 and negatively regulated its expression, thus enhancing the sensitivity to cisplatin of breast cancer cells as well as tumor-bearing mice. Overall, these results suggest that KLF2 can potentially inhibit WEE1 expression and sensitize breast cancer cells to cisplatin, thus presenting a promising adjunct treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Li
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow P.R. China
| | - Jiejing Chen
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou P.R. China
| | - Xiaokang Gao
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou P.R. China
| | - Guoqin Jiang
- Department of Throat and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow P.R. China
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Fallah Y, Demas DM, Jin L, He W, Shajahan-Haq AN. Targeting WEE1 Inhibits Growth of Breast Cancer Cells That Are Resistant to Endocrine Therapy and CDK4/6 Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:681530. [PMID: 34277427 PMCID: PMC8281892 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.681530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of antiestrogens in extending overall survival of patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast tumors, resistance to these therapies is prevalent. ER+ tumors that progress on antiestrogens are treated with antiestrogens and CDK4/6 inhibitors. However, 20% of these tumors never respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors due to intrinsic resistance. Here, we used endocrine sensitive ER+ MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cells to generate long-term estrogen deprived (LTED) endocrine resistant cells that are intrinsically resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Since treatment with antiestrogens arrests cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, we hypothesized that a defective G1 checkpoint allows resistant cells to escape this arrest but increases their dependency on G2 checkpoint for DNA repair and growth, and hence, targeting the G2 checkpoint will induce cell death. Indeed, inhibition of WEE1, a crucial G2 checkpoint regulator, with AZD1775 (Adavosertib), significantly decreased cell proliferation and increased G2/M arrest, apoptosis and gamma-H2AX levels (a marker for DNA double stranded breaks) in resistant cells compared with sensitive cells. Thus, targeting WEE1 is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy in standard therapy resistant ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassi Fallah
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Diane M Demas
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lu Jin
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wei He
- Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, VT Biological Transport, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Ayesha N Shajahan-Haq
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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Sun Y, Liu Y, Ma X, Hu H. The Influence of Cell Cycle Regulation on Chemotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6923. [PMID: 34203270 PMCID: PMC8267727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle regulation is orchestrated by a complex network of interactions between proteins, enzymes, cytokines, and cell cycle signaling pathways, and is vital for cell proliferation, growth, and repair. The occurrence, development, and metastasis of tumors are closely related to the cell cycle. Cell cycle regulation can be synergistic with chemotherapy in two aspects: inhibition or promotion. The sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs can be improved with the cooperation of cell cycle regulation strategies. This review presented the mechanism of the commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs and the effect of the cell cycle on tumorigenesis and development, and the interaction between chemotherapy and cell cycle regulation in cancer treatment was briefly introduced. The current collaborative strategies of chemotherapy and cell cycle regulation are discussed in detail. Finally, we outline the challenges and perspectives about the improvement of combination strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Qingdao Institute of Measurement Technology, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Hao Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.S.); (Y.L.)
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Ma T, Ma Y, Du Y, Wei Z, Wang J, Jun Y, Xiao F. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0013958 Functions as an Oncogenic Gene Through Modulating miR-532-3p/WEE1 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:585172. [PMID: 33937016 PMCID: PMC8082454 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.585172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background circ0013958 was identified as a biomarker, which can be used for the diagnosis and screening of lung cancer. However, the role of circ0013958 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Methods In our study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the levels of circ0013958 in HCC tissues and cell lines. EdU, CCK-8, transwell, flow cytometry and tumorigenesis assays were applied to assess the functions of circ0013958 in HCC in vitro and in vivo. Western blot assay was to detect the expression of WEE1. Luciferase reporter assay, bioinformatics analysis and rescue experiments were used to examine the interaction among circ0013958, miR-532-3p and WEE1. Results It revealed that circ0013958 was significantly up-regulated in HCC, which was positively correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Circ0013958 promoted HCC cell proliferation and invasion, inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumorigenesis in vivo. Circ0013958 acted as a miR-532-3p sponge to regulate WEE1 expression, thus promoting the progression of HCC. Conclusions Circ0013958 promotes HCC progression through miR-532-3p/WEE1 axis. Circ0013958 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongjun Du
- Department of Proctology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongheng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jianchu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yufu Jun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenqiang Xiao
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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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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Lheureux S, Cristea MC, Bruce JP, Garg S, Cabanero M, Mantia-Smaldone G, Olawaiye AB, Ellard SL, Weberpals JI, Wahner Hendrickson AE, Fleming GF, Welch S, Dhani NC, Stockley T, Rath P, Karakasis K, Jones GN, Jenkins S, Rodriguez-Canales J, Tracy M, Tan Q, Bowering V, Udagani S, Wang L, Kunos CA, Chen E, Pugh TJ, Oza AM. Adavosertib plus gemcitabine for platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory recurrent ovarian cancer: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet 2021; 397:281-292. [PMID: 33485453 PMCID: PMC10792546 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wee1 (WEE1hu) inhibitor adavosertib and gemcitabine have shown preclinical synergy and promising activity in early phase clinical trials. We aimed to determine the efficacy of this combination in patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS In this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, women with measurable recurrent platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory high-grade serous ovarian cancer were recruited from 11 academic centres in the USA and Canada. Women were eligible if they were aged 18 years or older, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, a life expectancy of more than 3 months, and normal organ and marrow function. Women with ovarian cancer of non-high-grade serous histology were eligible for enrolment in a non-randomised exploratory cohort. Eligible participants with high-grade serous ovarian cancer were randomly assigned (2:1), using block randomisation (block size of three and six) and no stratification, to receive intravenous gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15) with either oral adavosertib (175 mg) or identical placebo once daily on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16, in 28-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients and the team caring for each patient were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. The safety and efficacy analysis population comprised all patients who received at least one dose of treatment. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02151292, and is closed to accrual. FINDINGS Between Sept 22, 2014, and May 30, 2018, 124 women were enrolled, of whom 99 had high-grade serous ovarian cancer and were randomly assigned to adavosertib plus gemcitabine (65 [66%]) or placebo plus gemcitabine (34 [34%]). 25 women with non-high-grade serous ovarian cancer were enrolled in the exploratory cohort. After randomisation, five patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer were found to be ineligible (four in the experimental group and one in the control group) and did not receive treatment. Median age for all treated patients (n=119) was 62 years (IQR 54-67). Progression-free survival was longer with adavosertib plus gemcitabine (median 4·6 months [95% CI 3·6-6·4] with adavosertib plus gemcitabine vs 3·0 months [1·8-3·8] with placebo plus gemcitabine; hazard ratio 0·55 [95% CI 0·35-0·90]; log-rank p=0·015). The most frequent grade 3 or worse adverse events were haematological (neutropenia in 38 [62%] of 61 participants in the adavosertib plus gemcitabine group vs ten [30%] of 33 in the placebo plus gemcitabine group; thrombocytopenia in 19 [31%] of 61 in the adavosertib plus gemcitabine group vs two [6%] of 33 in the placebo plus gemcitabine group). There were no treatment-related deaths; two patients (one in each group in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer cohort) died while on study medication (from sepsis in the experimental group and from disease progression in the control group). INTERPRETATION The observed clinical efficacy of a Wee1 inhibitor combined with gemcitabine supports ongoing assessment of DNA damage response drugs in high-grade serous ovarian cancer, a TP53-mutated tumour type with high replication stress. This therapeutic approach might be applicable to other tumour types with high replication stress; larger confirmatory studies are required. FUNDING US National Cancer Institute Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, US Department of Defense, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and AstraZeneca.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Swati Garg
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prisni Rath
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gemma N Jones
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Suzanne Jenkins
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Michael Tracy
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Qian Tan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Lisa Wang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Eric Chen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor J Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Sundara Rajan S, Ludwig KR, Hall KL, Jones TL, Caplen NJ. Cancer biology functional genomics: From small RNAs to big dreams. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1343-1361. [PMID: 33043516 PMCID: PMC7702050 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first publications reporting the discovery of the gene silencing mechanism, RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells. Along with the many studies that delineated the proteins and substrates that form the RNAi pathway, this finding changed our understanding of the posttranscriptional regulation of mammalian gene expression. Furthermore, the development of methods that exploited the RNAi pathway began the technological revolution that eventually enabled the interrogation of mammalian gene function-from a single gene to the whole genome-in only a few days. The needs of the cancer research community have driven much of this progress. In this perspective, we highlight milestones in the development and application of RNAi-based methods to study carcinogenesis. We discuss how RNAi-based functional genetic analysis of exemplar tumor suppressors and oncogenes furthered our understanding of cancer initiation and progression and explore how such studies formed the basis of genome-wide scale efforts to identify cancer or cancer-type specific vulnerabilities, including studies conducted in vivo. Furthermore, we examine how RNAi technologies have revealed new cancer-relevant molecular targets and the implications for cancer of the first RNAi-based drugs. Finally, we discuss the future of functional genetic analysis, highlighting the increasing availability of complementary approaches to analyze cancer gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katelyn R. Ludwig
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katherine L. Hall
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Tamara L. Jones
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
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14
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Du X, Li J, Luo X, Li R, Li F, Zhang Y, Shi J, He J. Structure-activity relationships of Wee1 inhibitors: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112524. [PMID: 32688199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Wee1 kinase plays an important role in regulating G2/M checkpoint and S phase, and the inhibition of it will lead to mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells with p53 mutation or deletion. Therefore, the mechanism of Wee1 kinase in cancer treatment and the development of its inhibitors have become a research hotspot. However, although a variety of Wee1 inhibitors with different scaffolds and considerable activity have been successfully identified, so far no one has systematically summarized the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of Wee1 inhibitors. Previous reviews mainly focused on its mechanism and clinical application. To facilitate the rational design and development of Wee1 inhibitors in the future, this paper systematically summarizes its structural types, SARs and binding modes according to the Wee1 inhibitors reported in scientific journals, and also summarizes the regulatory effect of Wee1 kinase on cell cycle and the progress of its inhibitors in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaojiao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rong Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Feng Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Vaidya A, Jain S, Sahu S, Jain PK, Pathak K, Pathak D, Kumar R, Jain SK. Anticancer Agents Based on Vulnerable Components in a Signalling Pathway. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:886-907. [DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200212105417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy
that are clinically beneficial, but are associated with drawbacks such as drug resistance and side
effects. In quest for better treatment, many new molecular targets have been introduced in the last few
decades. Finding new molecular mechanisms encourages researchers to discover new anticancer agents.
Exploring the mechanism of action also facilitates anticipation of potential resistance mechanisms and
optimization of rational combination therapies. The write up describes the leading molecular mechanisms
for cancer therapy, including mTOR, tyrosine Wee1 kinase (WEE1), Janus kinases, PI3K/mTOR
signaling pathway, serine/threonine protein kinase AKT, checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), maternal embryonic
leucine-zipper kinase (MELK), DNA methyltransferase I (DNMT1), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase
(PARP)-1/-2, sphingosine kinase-2 (SK2), pan-FGFR, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), murine double minute
2 (MDM2), Bcl-2 family protein and reactive oxygen species 1 (ROS1). Additionally, the manuscript
reviews the anticancer drugs currently under clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Vaidya
- Pharmacy College Saifai, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), India
| | - Shweta Jain
- Sir MadanLal Institute of Pharmacy, Etawah (U.P.), India
| | - Sanjeev Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Jain
- Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), India
| | - Kamla Pathak
- Pharmacy College Saifai, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), India
| | - Devender Pathak
- Pharmacy College Saifai, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
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16
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Liu W, Zeng X, Yin Y, Li C, Yang W, Wan W, Shi L, Wang G, Tao K, Zhang P. Targeting the WEE1 kinase strengthens the antitumor activity of imatinib via promoting KIT autophagic degradation in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Gastric Cancer 2020; 23:39-51. [PMID: 31197522 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-019-00977-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activating mutation of KIT or PDGFRA is the primary molecular mechanism for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Although imatinib has a revolutionary effect on GIST therapeutics, the benefits are not durable. Increasing reports have demonstrated that cell cycle checkpoint plays critical roles in GIST. Here, we explore the role of WEE1 kinase in GIST progression. METHODS Oncomine public database, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze WEE1 expression in GISTs. Using MTT assays, colony formation analysis, and flow cytometry, we examined the role of WEE1 in GIST cells and the antitumor activity of the inhibitor MK1775 alone, or in combination with imatinib. Cycloheximide chase assay and pharmacological inhibition of autophagy and proteasome pathway were performed to analyze KIT expression. Additionally, autophagic markers Beclin1 and LC3B were detected by western blotting. RESULTS Upregulated WEE1 expression was observed in GIST tissues and correlated with tumor size, mitotic count, and risk grade. Inhibition of WEE1 significantly suppressed GIST cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Imatinib and MK1775 co-treatment markedly enhanced the antitumor activity. Targeting WEE1 decreased the expression of KIT expression. Moreover, WEE1 stabilized KIT protein and KIT reduction observed upon WEE1 inhibition could be reversed by pharmacological inhibition of autophagy, but not proteasome pathway. WEE1 inhibition also increased Beclin1 expression and LC3B II/I ratio in GIST cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that WEE1 plays a pivotal role in GIST proliferation. WEE1 inhibition could promote KIT autophagic degradation and, therefore, targeting WEE1 might represent a novel strategy for GIST therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiangyu Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuping Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chengguo Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenchang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenze Wan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Guobin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Kaixiong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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17
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Nojima H, Homma H, Onozato Y, Kaida A, Harada H, Miura M. Differential properties of mitosis-associated events following CHK1 and WEE1 inhibitor treatments in human tongue carcinoma cells. Exp Cell Res 2020; 386:111720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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Liu Y, Qi J, Dou Z, Hu J, Lu L, Dai H, Wang H, Yang W. Systematic expression analysis of WEE family kinases reveals the importance of PKMYT1 in breast carcinogenesis. Cell Prolif 2019; 53:e12741. [PMID: 31837068 PMCID: PMC7046476 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many cancer cells depend on G2 checkpoint mechanism regulated by WEE family kinases to maintain genomic integrity. The PKMYT1 gene, as a member of WEE family kinases, participates in G2 checkpoint surveillance and probably links with tumorigenesis, but its role in breast cancer remains largely unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we used a set of bioinformatic tools to jointly analyse the expression of WEE family kinases and investigate the prognostic value of PKMYT1 in breast cancer. RESULTS The results indicated that PKMYT1 is the only frequently overexpressed member of WEE family kinases in breast cancer. KM plotter data suggests that abnormally high expression of PKMYT1 predicts poor prognosis, especially for some subtypes, such as luminal A/B and triple-negative (TNBC) types. Moreover, the up-regulation of PKMYT1 was associated with HER2-positive (HER2+), basal-like (Basal-like), TNBC statuses and increased classifications of Scarff, Bloom and Richardson (SBR). Co-expression analysis showed PKMYT1 has a strong positive correlation with Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), implying they may cooperate in regulating cancer cell proliferation by synchronizing rapid cell cycle with high quality of genome maintenance. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study demonstrates that overexpression of PKMYT1 is always found in breast cancer and predicts unfavourable prognosis, implicating it as an appealing therapeutic target for breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Dou
- Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiliang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical Collage of Jinan University), Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of Anatomy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haiming Dai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Wulin Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China.,Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, China
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19
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Lewis CW, Bukhari AB, Xiao EJ, Choi WS, Smith JD, Homola E, Mackey JR, Campbell SD, Gamper AM, Chan GK. Upregulation of Myt1 Promotes Acquired Resistance of Cancer Cells to Wee1 Inhibition. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5971-5985. [PMID: 31594837 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adavosertib (also known as AZD1775 or MK1775) is a small-molecule inhibitor of the protein kinase Wee1, with single-agent activity in multiple solid tumors, including sarcoma, glioblastoma, and head and neck cancer. Adavosertib also shows promising results in combination with genotoxic agents such as ionizing radiation or chemotherapy. Previous studies have investigated molecular mechanisms of primary resistance to Wee1 inhibition. Here, we investigated mechanisms of acquired resistance to Wee1 inhibition, focusing on the role of the Wee1-related kinase Myt1. Myt1 and Wee1 kinases were both capable of phosphorylating and inhibiting Cdk1/cyclin B, the key enzymatic complex required for mitosis, demonstrating their functional redundancy. Ectopic activation of Cdk1 induced aberrant mitosis and cell death by mitotic catastrophe. Cancer cells with intrinsic adavosertib resistance had higher levels of Myt1 compared with sensitive cells. Furthermore, cancer cells that acquired resistance following short-term adavosertib treatment had higher levels of Myt1 compared with mock-treated cells. Downregulating Myt1 enhanced ectopic Cdk1 activity and restored sensitivity to adavosertib. These data demonstrate that upregulating Myt1 is a mechanism by which cancer cells acquire resistance to adavosertib. SIGNIFICANCE: Myt1 is a candidate predictive biomarker of acquired resistance to the Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody W Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amirali B Bukhari
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Edric J Xiao
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Won-Shik Choi
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanne D Smith
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ellen Homola
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John R Mackey
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Medical Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shelagh D Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Armin M Gamper
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gordon K Chan
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. .,Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Takashima Y, Kikuchi E, Kikuchi J, Suzuki M, Kikuchi H, Maeda M, Shoji T, Furuta M, Kinoshita I, Dosaka‐Akita H, Sakakibara‐Konishi J, Konno S. Bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibition synergizes with WEE1‐inhibitor AZD1775 effect by impairing nonhomologous end joining and enhancing DNA damage in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:1114-1124. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Takashima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Eiki Kikuchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Junko Kikuchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Motofumi Suzuki
- Laboratory for Bioanalysis and Molecular ImagingGraduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Hajime Kikuchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
- First Department of MedicineJA Obihiro Kosei Hospital Obihiro Japan
| | - Makie Maeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Tetsuaki Shoji
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Megumi Furuta
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Ichiro Kinoshita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Dosaka‐Akita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Jun Sakakibara‐Konishi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Satoshi Konno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of MedicineHokkaido University Sapporo Japan
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21
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Greer YE, Gilbert SF, Gril B, Narwal R, Peacock Brooks DL, Tice DA, Steeg PS, Lipkowitz S. MEDI3039, a novel highly potent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor 2 agonist, causes regression of orthotopic tumors and inhibits outgrowth of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:27. [PMID: 30777098 PMCID: PMC6380056 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor agonists are attractive anti-tumor agents because of their capability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by activating death receptors (DR) 4 and 5 with little toxicity against normal cells. Despite an attractive mechanism of action, previous clinical efforts to use TRAIL receptor agonists have been unsuccessful. In this study, we examined MEDI3039, a highly potent multivalent DR5 agonist, in breast cancer cell lines and in vivo models. Methods As in vitro model systems, we used 19 breast cancer cell lines that are categorized into four subtypes: ER+, HER2 amplified, basal A (triple-negative breast cancer) TNBC, and basal B TNBC. Cell viability was analyzed by MTS and RealTime live/dead assays. As in vivo model systems, MDA-MB231T orthotopic primary tumor growth in the mammary fat pad (MFP) and two experimental lung metastasis models were used. The effect of MEDI3039 on MFP tumors was assessed with immunohistochemical analysis. Lung metastases were analyzed with Bouin’s and H&E staining. Results MEDI3039 killed multiple breast cancer cell lines, but the sensitivity varied among different subtypes. Sensitivity was basal B TNBC >> basal A TNBC > HER2 amplified > ER+ (average IC50 = 1.4, 203, 314, 403 pM, respectively). While the pattern of relative sensitivity was similar to GST-TRAIL in most cell lines, MEDI3039 was at least two orders of magnitude more potent compared with GST-TRAIL. In the MFP model, weekly treatment with 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg MEDI3039 for 5 weeks inhibited tumor growth by 99.05% or 100% (median), respectively, compared with the control group, and extended animal survival (p = 0.08 or p = 0.0032 at 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg, respectively). MEDI3039-induced caspase activation was confirmed in tumors grown in MFP (p < 0.05). In an experimental pulmonary metastasis model, MEDI3039 significantly suppressed outgrowth of surface (p < 0.0001) and microscopic metastases (p < 0.05). In an established lung metastasis model, MEDI3039 significantly inhibited growth of metastases (p < 0.01 in surface [> 4 mm], p < 0.01 in tumor percentage) and extended animal survival (p < 0.0001). Conclusion MEDI3039 is a potent DR5 agonist in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and has potential as a cancer drug in breast cancer patients, especially those with basal B TNBC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1116-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Endo Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1361, USA
| | - Samuel F Gilbert
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1361, USA
| | - Brunilde Gril
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1361, USA
| | | | - Danielle L Peacock Brooks
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1361, USA
| | | | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1361, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1361, USA.
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22
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Abstract
As synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) against antitumoral gene targets show promise for cancer treatment, different siRNA delivery systems have sparkled intense investigations. To develop tumor-specific carriers for cytosolic and systemic siRNA delivery, our laboratory has recently generated folate-conjugated targeted combinatorial siRNA polyplexes based on sequence-defined oligomer platform compatible with solid-phase-supported synthesis. These polyplexes presented efficient siRNA-mediated gene silencing in folate receptor-expressing tumors in vitro and in vivo. In this chapter, we provide a brief background on the formulation design and detailed protocols to evaluate polyplex formation, gene silencing efficiency, and receptor-directed cell killing in cancer cells using targeted combinatorial siRNA polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Jang Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), Munich, Germany.
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23
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Hu Y, Zhou L, Zhu X, Dai D, Bao Y, Qiu Y. Pharmacophore modeling, multiple docking, and molecular dynamics studies on Wee1 kinase inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:2703-2715. [PMID: 30052133 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1495576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Wee1-like protein kinase (Wee1) is a tyrosine kinase that regulates the G2 checkpoint and prevents entry into mitosis in response to DNA damage. Based on a series of signaling pathways initiated by Wee1, Wee1 has been recognized as a potential target for cancer therapy. To discover potent Wee1 inhibitors with novel scaffolds, ligand-based pharmacophore model has been built based on 101 known Wee1 inhibitors. Then the best pharmacophore model, AADRRR.340, with good partial least square (PLS) statistics (R2 = 0.9212, Q2 = 0.7457), was selected and validated. The validated model was used as a three-dimensional (3D) search query for databases virtual screening. The filtered molecules were further analyzed and refined by Lipinski's rule of 5, multiple docking procedures (high throughput virtual screening (HTVS), standard precision (SP), genetic optimization for ligand docking (GOLD), extra precision (XP), and unique quantum polarized ligand docking (QPLD)); absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) screening; and the Prime/molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) method binding free energy calculations. Eight leads were identified as potential Wee1 inhibitors, and a 50 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out for top four inhibitors to predict the stability of ligand-protein complex. Molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) based on MD simulation and the energy contribution per residue to the binding energy were calculated. In the end, three hits with good stabilization and affinity to protein were identified. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Hu
- a College of Chemical Engineering , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Lu Zhou
- a College of Chemical Engineering , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Xiaohong Zhu
- a College of Chemical Engineering , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Duoqian Dai
- a College of Chemical Engineering , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yinfeng Bao
- a College of Chemical Engineering , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yaping Qiu
- a College of Chemical Engineering , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
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24
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Shi CJ, Tian R, Wang M, Zhao Y, Qin RY. Effect of WEE1 inhibitor MK-1775 on self-renewal of gallbladder cancer stem cells. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2018; 26:1586-1591. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v26.i27.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the inhibitory effect of Wee1 inhibitor MK-1775 on self-renewal of cancer stem like cells in GBC-SD cells.
METHODS The GBC-SD cell line was cultured in vitro, and the suspended cancer stem cell spheres were cultured in serum free stem cell culture medium containing MK-1775. The expression of Wee1 was detected by Western blot, and the changes of the sphere size and sphere formation rate were analyzed. After the establishment of a subcutaneously transplanted tumor model in nude mice, MK-17751 was given for 2 wk, and the weight of the transplanted tumors was detected 2 wk later.
RESULTS After 8 d of culture with MK-1775, the expression of Wee1 in GBC-SD cells was downregulated and the sphere size and sphere formation rate were reduced. After MK-17751 treatment, the growth of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice was inhibited.
CONCLUSION MK-1775 can inhibit the self-renewal of cancer stem like cell in gallbladder cancer GBC-SD cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jian Shi
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ren-Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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25
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Wee1 Inhibitor AZD1775 Combined with Cisplatin Potentiates Anticancer Activity against Gastric Cancer by Increasing DNA Damage and Cell Apoptosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5813292. [PMID: 29977914 PMCID: PMC6011131 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5813292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Based on the mechanisms by which Wee1 inhibitor and cisplatin played their own role, a promising strategy of Wee1 inhibitor combined with cisplatin was proposed, which was investigated in gastric cancer (GC). Either Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 or cisplatin alone had a certain inhibitory effect on in vitro cell proliferation; however, the inhibitory effect was more significant when AZD1775 combined with cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanisms unveiled that the increased DNA damage indicated by increased γH2AX protein, as well as augmented cell apoptosis indicated by upregulated proapoptotic proteins, was responsible for the significant inhibitory effect of AZD1775 plus cisplatin. Moreover, compared to any single drug, in vitro cell migration and invasion abilities were further attenuated by AZD1775 combined with cisplatin. There were suggestive results that the potentiated cytotoxicity between AZD1775 and cisplatin deserved a deep exploration in the future.
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26
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Zhou ZR, Yang ZZ, Yu XL, Guo XM. Highlights on molecular targets for radiosensitization of breast cancer cells: Current research status and prospects. Cancer Med 2018; 7:3110-3117. [PMID: 29856131 PMCID: PMC6051209 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, searching for effective radiotherapy sensitization molecular targets and improving the radiation sensitivity of malignant tumors was the hot topic for the oncologists, but with little achievements. We will summarize the research results about breast cancer irradiation sensitization molecular targets over the past two decades; we mainly focus on the following aspects: DNA damage repair and radiation sensitization, cell cycle regulation and radiation sensitization, cell autophagy regulation and radiation sensitization, and radiation sensitivity prediction and breast cancer radiotherapy scheme making. And based on this summary, we will put forward some of our viewpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Rui Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Zhi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Li Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Mao Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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27
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Jin J, Fang H, Yang F, Ji W, Guan N, Sun Z, Shi Y, Zhou G, Guan X. Combined Inhibition of ATR and WEE1 as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Neoplasia 2018; 20:478-488. [PMID: 29605721 PMCID: PMC5915994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that poses a clinical challenge. Thus, new therapy strategies are urgently needed. The selective WEE1 inhibitor, AZD1775, has shown strong anti-proliferative effects on a variety of tumors. Here, we first demonstrate that inhibition of ATR by selective inhibitor AZD6738 can enhance AZD1775-caused growth inhibition in TNBC. Our results show that the enhanced cell death is attributed to repressed DNA damage repair and excessive replication stress, thereby causing increased DNA damage reflected by accumulation of the DNA double-strand-break marker γH2AX. On the other hand, combined treatment with AZD6738 and AZD1775 forces mitotic entry of cells with DNA damages by activating CDK1 activity, inducing severely aberrant mitosis and mitotic catastrophe, ultimately resulting in cell death. Dual inhibition of WEE1 and ATR also inactivated RAD51-mediated homologous recombination, which sensitized TNBC cells to cisplatin and PARP inhibitor. Here, based on the preclinical results that ATR inhibition synergizes with WEE1 inhibition in TNBC, we propose that this combination therapy alone, or in parallel with chemotherapy, represents an innovative and potent targeted therapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hehui Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenfei Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Guan
- International Department American Division, Nanjing Jinling High School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zijia Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guohua Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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28
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Yang GJ, Zhong HJ, Ko CN, Wong SY, Vellaisamy K, Ye M, Ma DL, Leung CH. Identification of a rhodium(iii) complex as a Wee1 inhibitor against TP53-mutated triple-negative breast cancer cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:2463-2466. [PMID: 29367998 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc09384e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rhodium(iii) complex 1 was identified as a potent Wee1 inhibitor in vitro and in cellulo. It decreased Wee1 activity and unscheduled mitotic entry, and induced cell damage and death in TP53-mutated triple-negative breast cancer cells. 1 represents a promising scaffold for further development of more potent metal-based Wee1 antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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29
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Kim HY, Cho Y, Kang H, Yim YS, Kim SJ, Song J, Chun KH. Targeting the WEE1 kinase as a molecular targeted therapy for gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:49902-49916. [PMID: 27363019 PMCID: PMC5226556 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wee1 is a member of the Serine/Threonine protein kinase family and is a key regulator of cell cycle progression. It has been known that WEE1 is highly expressed and has oncogenic functions in various cancers, but it is not yet studied in gastric cancers. In this study, we investigated the oncogenic role and therapeutic potency of targeting WEE1 in gastric cancer. At first, higher expression levels of WEE1 with lower survival probability were determined in stage 4 gastric cancer patients or male patients with accompanied lymph node metastasis. To determine the function of WEE1 in gastric cancer cells, we determined that WEE1 ablation decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion, while overexpression of WEE1 increased these effects in gastric cancer cells. We also validated the clinical application of WEE1 targeting by a small molecule, AZD1775 (MK-1775), which is a WEE1 specific inhibitor undergoing clinical trials. AZD1775 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cells, which was more effective in WEE1 high-expressing gastric cancer cells. Moreover, we performed combination treatments with AZD1775 and anti-cancer agents, 5- fluorouracil or Paclitaxel in gastric cancer cells and in gastric cancer orthotopic-transplanted mice to maximize the therapeutic effect and safety of AZD1775. The combination treatments dramatically inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and tumor burdens in stomach orthotopic-transplanted mice. Taken together, we propose that WEE1 is over-expressed and could enhance gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, we suggest that WEE1 is a potent target for gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Young Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yunhee Cho
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PlusProject for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - HyeokGu Kang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PlusProject for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Ye-Seal Yim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PlusProject for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Seok-Jun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PlusProject for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jaewhan Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Chun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PlusProject for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
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30
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Liu C, Ren L, Wang Y, Liu Y, Xiao J. The interaction between RACK1 and WEE1 regulates the growth of gastric cancer cell line HGC27. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4784-4792. [PMID: 29085480 PMCID: PMC5649583 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor of activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) is an essential scaffold and anchoring protein, which serves an important role in multiple tumorigenesis signaling pathways. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of RACK1 in gastric cancer (GC), and its association with the occurrence and development of GC. In addition, the effect and mechanism of RACK1 overexpression on the growth, and proliferation of GC cells was examined. Firstly, the protein expression of RACK1 was detected in 70 cases of GC tissues and 30 cases of noncancerous tissues using immunohistochemical staining, and the association between clinical and pathological features of GC was analyzed. Secondly, the mRNA and protein expression of RACK1 was determined in the poorly-differentiated human gastric cancer cell line HGC27 and gastric epithelial cell line GES-1. The growth of HGC27 cells following the upregulation of RACK1 was detected using MTT method. Subsequently, the interaction and co-location between RACK1, and WEE1 homolog (S. pombe) (WEE1) in HGC27 cells was confirmed using co-immunoprecipitation and indirect immunofluorescence. The expression level of RACK1 in GC was significantly lower compared with that in pericarcinous tissues (P<0.05). The protein level of RACK1 expression correlated with tumor node metastasis stage, tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis. The mRNA and protein levels of RACK1 in HGC27 cells were significantly reduced, and overexpressed RACK1 downregulated WEE1 protein expression, thus inhibiting the growth of HGC27 cells. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence confirmed that RACK1, and WEE1 interacted and co-located in the cytoplasm of HGC27 cells. Therefore, the abnormal expression of RACK1 in GC tissues was identified to be involved in the occurrence and development of GC. Overexpression of RACK1 was able to inhibit the growth of HGC27 cells. The current study suggests that low expression of RACK1 is an important indicator of poor prognosis of GC. RACK1 and WEE1 interact to regulate the growth of HGC27 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Lili Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Yizhao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Yimeng Liu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Jianying Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
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31
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Ku BM, Bae YH, Koh J, Sun JM, Lee SH, Ahn JS, Park K, Ahn MJ. Mutational status of TP53 defines the efficacy of Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:67526-67537. [PMID: 28978051 PMCID: PMC5620191 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is frequently mutated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, direct targeting of KRAS has proven to be challenging, and inhibition of KRAS effectors has resulted in limited clinical efficacy. Wee1 kinase is an important regulator of the G2 checkpoint and is overexpressed in various cancers. Inhibition of Wee1 exerts anticancer effects as a monotherapy or in combination with DNA-damaging agents when cancer cells harbor TP53 mutations. However, its role in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, especially as a single agent, has not been explored. Here, we investigate the anticancer potential of Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 as a monotherapy and uncover a possible cellular context underlying sensitivity to AZD1775. Our data show that treatment with AZD1775 significantly inhibited cell survival, growth, and proliferation of TP53-mutant (TP53MUT) compared to TP53 wild-type (TP53WT) in KRAS-mutant (KRASMUT) NSCLC cells. In KRASMUT/TP53MUT cells, AZD1775 treatment led to DNA damage, a decrease of survival signaling, and cell death by apoptosis. Interestingly, cell death through apoptosis was found to be heavily dependent on specific cellular genetic context, rather than inhibition of Wee1 kinase activity alone. In addition, AZD1775 treatment was well tolerated and displayed single-agent efficacy in a mouse xenograft model. This study provides rationale for inhibiting Wee1 using AZD1775 as a potential anticancer therapy against the TP53MUT subgroup of KRASMUT NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Mi Ku
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon-Hee Bae
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jiae Koh
- Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Mu Sun
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Seok Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keunchil Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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32
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Geenen JJ, Schellens JH. Molecular Pathways: Targeting the Protein Kinase Wee1 in Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:4540-4544. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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33
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Ge XC, Wu F, Li WT, Zhu XJ, Liu JW, Wang BL. Upregulation of WEE1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:4341-4348. [PMID: 28599436 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
WEE1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that inactivates cell division cycle 2 and is therefore a critical cell cycle regulator. Increased WEE1 expression has been observed in numerous types of human malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and melanoma. WEE1 inhibition also results in evident anti-tumor effects in several human tumor cells including colon cancer cells, suggesting WEE1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. However, the expression pattern of WEE1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In the present study, WEE1 mRNA expression in 43 cases of CRC tissues matched with adjacent normal tissues was determined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that WEE1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in CRC tissues and that this upregulation correlated significantly with hepatic metastasis, distant metastasis and high tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage of CRC. Additionally, WEE1 protein in 102 CRC tissue samples was detected by immunohistochemistry, and positive staining of WEE1 was identified in more than half of patients with CRC. WEE1 staining scores were also observed to be associated with distant metastasis and high TNM stage of CRC. In addition, patients with CRC with high WEE1 staining score (2+ or 3+) exhibited either poorer overall survival or poorer disease-free survival compared with those with low WEE1 staining score (0 or 1+). The multivariable Cox model also identified a high WEE1 staining score as well as high TNM stage to be independent prognostic factors for CRC. In conclusion, WEE1 upregulation is associated with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis of CRC, suggesting WEE1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chuan Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Xuan-Jin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
| | - Bai-Lin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510220, P.R. China
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34
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Ronco C, Martin AR, Demange L, Benhida R. ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2 and WEE1 inhibitors in cancer and cancer stem cells. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016; 8:295-319. [PMID: 30108746 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00439c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA inevitably undergoes a high number of damages throughout the cell cycle. To preserve the integrity of the genome, cells have developed a complex enzymatic machinery aimed at sensing and repairing DNA lesions, pausing the cell cycle to provide more time to repair, or induce apoptosis if damages are too severe. This so-called DNA-damage response (DDR) is yet considered as a major source of resistance to DNA-damaging treatments in oncology. Recently, it has been hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSC), a sub-population of cancer cells particularly resistant and with tumour-initiating ability, allow tumour re-growth and cancer relapse. Therefore, DDR appears as a relevant target to sensitize cancer cells and cancer stem cells to classical radio- and chemotherapies as well as to overcome resistances. Moreover, the concept of synthetic lethality could be particularly efficiently exploited in DDR. Five kinases play pivotal roles in the DDR: ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2 and WEE1. Herein, we review the drugs targeting these proteins and the inhibitors used in the specific case of CSC. We also suggest molecules that may be of interest for preclinical and clinical researchers studying checkpoint inhibition to sensitize cancer and cancer stem cells to DNA-damaging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Ronco
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143
| | - Anthony R Martin
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143
| | - Luc Demange
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143.,Université Paris Descartes , Sorbonne Paris Cité , UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques , 4 avenue de l'Observatoire , Paris Fr-75006 , France.,Université Paris Descartes , Sorbonne Paris Cité , UFR Biomédicale des Saints Pères , 45 rue des Saints Pères , France
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143
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35
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Anania M, Gasparri F, Cetti E, Fraietta I, Todoerti K, Miranda C, Mazzoni M, Re C, Colombo R, Ukmar G, Camisasca S, Pagliardini S, Pierotti M, Neri A, Galvani A, Greco A. Identification of thyroid tumor cell vulnerabilities through a siRNA-based functional screening. Oncotarget 2016; 6:34629-48. [PMID: 26431489 PMCID: PMC4741478 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid carcinoma is rapidly increasing. Although generally associated with good prognosis, a fraction of thyroid tumors are not cured by standard therapy and progress to aggressive forms for which no effective treatments are currently available. In order to identify novel therapeutic targets for thyroid carcinoma, we focused on the discovery of genes essential for sustaining the oncogenic phenotype of thyroid tumor cells, but not required to the same degree for the viability of normal cells (non-oncogene addiction paradigm). We screened a siRNA oligonucleotide library targeting the human druggable genome in thyroid cancer BCPAP cell line in comparison with immortalized normal human thyrocytes (Nthy-ori 3–1). We identified a panel of hit genes whose silencing interferes with the growth of tumor cells, while sparing that of normal ones. Further analysis of three selected hit genes, namely Cyclin D1, MASTL and COPZ1, showed that they represent common vulnerabilities for thyroid tumor cells, as their inhibition reduced the viability of several thyroid tumor cell lines, regardless the histotype or oncogenic lesion. This work identified non-oncogenes essential for sustaining the phenotype of thyroid tumor cells, but not of normal cells, thus suggesting that they might represent promising targets for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anania
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Gasparri
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Elena Cetti
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Fraietta
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Katia Todoerti
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS-CROB, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Claudia Miranda
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Mazzoni
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Re
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Riccardo Colombo
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Giorgio Ukmar
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Stefano Camisasca
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Sonia Pagliardini
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Pierotti
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Arturo Galvani
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Angela Greco
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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36
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Targeting WEE1 Kinase in Cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:872-881. [PMID: 27427153 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
WEE1 kinase plays a crucial role in the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint arrest for DNA repair before mitotic entry. Normal cells repair damaged DNA during G1 arrest; however, cancer cells often have a deficient G1-S checkpoint and depend on a functional G2-M checkpoint for DNA repair. WEE1 is expressed at high levels in various cancer types including breast cancers, leukemia, melanoma, and adult and pediatric brain tumors. Many of these cancers are treated with DNA-damaging agents; therefore, targeting WEE1 for inhibition and compromising the G2-M checkpoint presents an opportunity to potentiate therapy. In this review we summarize the current WEE1 inhibitors, the potential for further inhibitor development, and the challenges in the clinic for the WEE1 inhibitor strategy.
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Zhong N, Shi S, Wang H, Wu G, Wang Y, Ma Q, Wang H, Liu Y, Wang J. Silencing Aurora-A with siRNA inhibits cell proliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:1028-38. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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38
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Kim JY, Stewart PA, Borne AL, Fang B, Welsh EA, Chen YA, Eschrich SA, Koomen JM, Haura EB. Activity-Based Proteomics Reveals Heterogeneous Kinome and ATP-Binding Proteome Responses to MEK Inhibition in KRAS Mutant Lung Cancer. Proteomes 2016; 4:16. [PMID: 28154798 PMCID: PMC5217344 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes4020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One way cancer cells can escape from targeted agents is through their ability to evade drug effects by rapidly rewiring signaling networks. Many protein classes, such as kinases and metabolic enzymes, are regulated by ATP binding and hydrolysis. We hypothesized that a system-level profiling of drug-induced alterations in ATP-binding proteomes could offer novel insights into adaptive responses. Here, we mapped global ATP-binding proteomes perturbed by two clinical MEK inhibitors, AZD6244 and MEK162, in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells as a model system harnessing a desthiobiotin-ATP probe coupled with LC-MS/MS. We observed strikingly unique ATP-binding proteome responses to MEK inhibition, which revealed heterogeneous drug-induced pathway signatures in each cell line. We also identified diverse kinome responses, indicating each cell adapts to MEK inhibition in unique ways. Despite the heterogeneity of kinome responses, decreased probe labeling of mitotic kinases and an increase of kinases linked to autophagy were identified to be common responses. Taken together, our study revealed a diversity of adaptive ATP-binding proteome and kinome responses to MEK inhibition in KRAS mutant lung cancer cells, and our study further demonstrated the utility of our approach to identify potential candidates of targetable ATP-binding enzymes involved in adaptive resistance and to develop rational drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Young Kim
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (J.-Y.K.); (P.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Paul A. Stewart
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (J.-Y.K.); (P.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Adam L. Borne
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (J.-Y.K.); (P.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Eric A. Welsh
- Cancer Informatics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Yian Ann Chen
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (Y.A.C.); (S.A.E.)
| | - Steven A. Eschrich
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (Y.A.C.); (S.A.E.)
| | - John M. Koomen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Eric B. Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (J.-Y.K.); (P.A.S.); (A.L.B.)
- Correspondance: ; Tel.: +1-813-745-6827
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Li J, Fang B, Kinose F, Bai Y, Kim JY, Chen YA, Rix U, Koomen JM, Haura EB. Target Identification in Small Cell Lung Cancer via Integrated Phenotypic Screening and Activity-Based Protein Profiling. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:334-42. [PMID: 26772203 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To overcome hurdles in identifying key kinases in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), we integrated a target-agnostic phenotypic screen of kinase inhibitors with target identification using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) in which a desthiobiotin-ATP probe was used. We screened 21 SCLC cell lines with known c-MYC amplification status for alterations in viability using a chemical library of 235 small-molecule kinase inhibitors. One screen hit compound was interrogated with ABPP, and, through this approach, we reidentified Aurora kinase B as a critical kinase in MYC-amplified SCLC cells. We next extended the platform to a second compound that had activity in SCLC cell lines lacking c-MYC amplification and identified TANK-binding kinase 1, a kinase that affects cell viability, polo-like kinase-1 signaling, G2-M arrest, and apoptosis in SCLC cells lacking MYC amplification. These results demonstrate that phenotypic screening combined with ABPP can identify key disease drivers, suggesting that this approach, which combines new chemical probes and disease cell screens, has the potential to identify other important targets in other cancer types. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(2); 334-42. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannong Li
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Fumi Kinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Yun Bai
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jae-Young Kim
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Yian A Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - John M Koomen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Eric B Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.
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Dine JL, O'Sullivan CC, Voeller D, Greer YE, Chavez KJ, Conway CM, Sinclair S, Stone B, Amiri-Kordestani L, Merchant AS, Hewitt SM, Steinberg SM, Swain SM, Lipkowitz S. The TRAIL receptor agonist drozitumab targets basal B triple-negative breast cancer cells that express vimentin and Axl. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2016; 155:235-51. [PMID: 26759246 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we found that GST-tagged tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand preferentially killed triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with a mesenchymal phenotype by activating death receptor 5 (DR5). The purpose of this study was to explore the sensitivity of breast cancer cell lines to drozitumab, a clinically tested DR5-specific agonist; identify potential biomarkers of drozitumab-sensitive breast cancer cells; and determine if those biomarkers were present in tumors from patients with TNBC. We evaluated viability, caspase activity, and sub-G1 DNA content in drozitumab-treated breast cancer cell lines and we characterized expression of potential biomarkers by immunoblot. Expression levels of vimentin and Axl were then explored in 177 TNBC samples from a publically available cDNA microarray dataset and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor tissue samples obtained from 53 African-American women with TNBC. Drozitumab-induced apoptosis in mesenchymal TNBC cell lines but not in cell lines from other breast cancer subtypes. The drozitumab-sensitive TNBC cell lines expressed the mesenchymal markers vimentin and Axl. Vimentin and Axl mRNA and protein were expressed in a subset of human TNBC tumors. By IHC, ~15 % of TNBC tumors had vimentin and Axl expression in the top quartile for both. These findings indicate that drozitumab-sensitive mesenchymal TNBC cells express vimentin and Axl, which can be identified in a subset of human TNBC tumors. Thus, vimentin and Axl may be useful to identify TNBC patients who would be most likely to benefit from a DR5 agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Dine
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Ciara C O'Sullivan
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yoshimi E Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn J Chavez
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catherine M Conway
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Sinclair
- Washington Cancer Institute, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brandon Stone
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laleh Amiri-Kordestani
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anand S Merchant
- Center for Cancer Research Bioinformatics Core, Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics & Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sandra M Swain
- Washington Cancer Institute, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 4B54, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Penas C, Mishra JK, Wood SD, Schürer SC, Roush WR, Ayad NG. GSK3 inhibitors stabilize Wee1 and reduce cerebellar granule cell progenitor proliferation. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:417-24. [PMID: 25616418 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.974439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis is required for transition from one cell cycle phase to another. For instance, the mitosis inhibitor Wee1 is targeted for degradation during S phase and G2 to allow mitotic entry. Wee1 is an essential tyrosine kinase required for the G2/M transition and S-phase progression. Although several studies have concentrated on Wee1 regulation during mitosis, few have elucidated its degradation during interphase. Our prior studies have demonstrated that Wee1 is degraded via CK1δ dependent phosphorylation during the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Here we demonstrate that GSK3β may work in concert with CK1δ to induce Wee1 destruction during interphase. We generated small molecules that specifically stabilized Wee1. We profiled these compounds against 296 kinases and found that they inhibit GSK3α and GSK3β, suggesting that Wee1 may be targeted for proteolysis by GSK3. Consistent with this notion, known GSK3 inhibitors stabilized Wee1 and GSK3β depletion reduced Wee1 turnover. Given Wee1's central role in cell cycle progression, we predicted that GSK3 inhibitors should limit cell proliferation. Indeed, we demonstrate that GSK3 inhibitors potently inhibited proliferation of the most abundant cell in the mammalian brain, the cerebellar granule cell progenitor (GCP). These studies identify a previously unappreciated role for GSK3β mediated regulation of Wee1 during the cell cycle and in neurogenesis. Furthermore, they suggest that pharmacological inhibition of Wee1 may be therapeutically attractive in some cancers where GSK-3β or Wee1 are dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Penas
- a Center for Therapeutic Innovation; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences ; University of Miami ; LPLC ; Miami , FL USA
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42
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Tanaka N, Patel AA, Wang J, Frederick MJ, Kalu NN, Zhao M, Fitzgerald AL, Xie TX, Silver NL, Caulin C, Zhou G, Skinner HD, Johnson FM, Myers JN, Osman AA. Wee-1 Kinase Inhibition Sensitizes High-Risk HPV+ HNSCC to Apoptosis Accompanied by Downregulation of MCl-1 and XIAP Antiapoptotic Proteins. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:4831-44. [PMID: 26124202 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the majority of patients with HPV(+) oropharyngeal cancers have a favorable prognosis, there are some patients with tumors that are resistant to aggressive chemoradiotherapy with unusual patterns of locoregional and systemic recurrences. Therefore, more effective therapies are needed. In this study, we investigated the chemosensitizing efficacy of the selective Wee-1 kinase inhibitor, AZD-1775, in HPV(+) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Clonogenic survival assays and an orthotopic mouse model of HPV(+) oral cancer were used to examine the in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of HPV(+) HNSCC cell lines to AZD-1775 in combination with cisplatin, respectively. Cell-cycle analysis, DNA damage (γH2AX), homologous recombination (HR), and apoptosis were examined to dissect molecular mechanisms. RESULTS We found that AZD-1775 displays single-agent activity and enhances the response of HPV(+) HNSCC cells to cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. The sensitivity of the HPV(+) HNSCC cells to AZD-1775 alone or in combination with cisplatin was associated with G2 checkpoint abrogation, persistent DNA damage, and apoptosis induction. This finding of AZD-1775 increasing the sensitivity of HPV(+) HNSCC cells to cisplatin through apoptosis was not seen previously in the HPV(-) HNSCC cancer cells and is accompanied by a decreased expression of the antiapoptotic proteins, MCl-1and XIAP, which appear to be cleaved following AZD-1775 treatment. CONCLUSIONS AZD-1775 selectively sensitizes HPV(+) HNSCC cells and orthotopic oral xenografts to cisplatin through apoptosis and support the clinical investigation of AZD-1775 in combination with cisplatin particularly in patients with advanced and recurrent metastatic HPV(+) HNSCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Tanaka
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ameeta A Patel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jiping Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mitchell J Frederick
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nene N Kalu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alison L Fitzgerald
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tong-xin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Natalie L Silver
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Carlos Caulin
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ge Zhou
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Heath D Skinner
- Department of Thoracic Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Abdullah A Osman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Magnussen GI, Emilsen E, Giller Fleten K, Engesæter B, Nähse-Kumpf V, Fjær R, Slipicevic A, Flørenes VA. Combined inhibition of the cell cycle related proteins Wee1 and Chk1/2 induces synergistic anti-cancer effect in melanoma. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:462. [PMID: 26054341 PMCID: PMC4460948 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma has an increasing incidence rate and the metastatic disease is notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapy. Loss of cell cycle checkpoints is frequently found in many cancer types and makes the cells reliant on compensatory mechanisms to control progression. This feature may be exploited in therapy, and kinases involved in checkpoint regulation, such as Wee1 and Chk1/2, have thus become attractive therapeutic targets. METHODS In the present study we combined a Wee1 inhibitor (MK1775) with Chk1/2 inhibitor (AZD7762) in malignant melanoma cell lines grown in vitro (2D and 3D cultures) and in xenografts models. RESULTS Our in vitro studies showed that combined inhibition of Wee1 and Chk1/2 synergistically decreased viability and increased apoptosis (cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP), which may be explained by accumulation of DNA-damage (increased expression of γ-H2A.X)--and premature mitosis of S-phase cells. Compared to either inhibitor used as single agents, combined treatment reduced spheroid growth and led to greater tumour growth inhibition in melanoma xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a rationale for further evaluation of the combination of Wee1 and Chk1/2 inhibitors in malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Irene Magnussen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Norwegian Radium Hospital, N-0310, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Elisabeth Emilsen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Norwegian Radium Hospital, N-0310, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karianne Giller Fleten
- Department of Tumour Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Birgit Engesæter
- Department of Tumour Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Viola Nähse-Kumpf
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Roar Fjær
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ana Slipicevic
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Norwegian Radium Hospital, N-0310, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vivi Ann Flørenes
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Norwegian Radium Hospital, N-0310, Oslo, Norway.
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Le QT, Shirato H, Giaccia AJ, Koong AC. Emerging Treatment Paradigms in Radiation Oncology. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3393-401. [PMID: 25991820 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rapid advancements in radiotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies have resulted in the development of potential paradigm-shifting use of radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. In this review, we discuss some of the most promising therapeutic approaches in the field of radiation oncology. These strategies include the use of highly targeted stereotactic radiotherapy and particle therapy as well as combining radiotherapy with agents that modulate the DNA damage response, augment the immune response, or protect normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
| | - Hiroki Shirato
- Global Station for Quantum Medical Science and Engineering, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Amato J Giaccia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Albert C Koong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Mei Z, Su T, Ye J, Yang C, Zhang S, Xie C. The miR-15 family enhances the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells by targeting G2 checkpoints. Radiat Res 2015; 183:196-207. [PMID: 25594541 DOI: 10.1667/rr13784.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing radiosensitivity is an important area of investigation for improving breast cancer therapy outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the miR-15 family in the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) encoded by the miR-15 cluster are known to induce G1 arrest and apoptosis by targeting G1 checkpoints and the anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) gene. However, the effect of the miR-15 family on G2/M arrest and radiosensitivity remains poorly understood. In the current study, cells transfected with miR-15a/15b/16 mimic or inhibitor were irradiated and examined by: clonogenic assays, phosphorylated H2AX assay, flow cytometry, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), real-time PCR and Western blot. Real-time PCR was also used to monitor time-dependent changes of miR-15a/15b/16 expression after irradiation. A putative target site for miR-15a/15b/16 within the Chk1 and Wee1 3' UTRs was confirmed using luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, siRNA was used to validate the effect of Chk1 and Wee1 on radiosensitivity in breast cancer cells. In our study, we investigated the effects of radiation on the miR-15 family and found a time-dependent change in the expression of miR-15a/15b/16 in breast cancer cells postirradiation, as well as an increase in miR-15 family-mediated sensitization of breast cancer cells to radiation. The increase in radiosensitivity induced by the miR-15 family was associated with persistent unrepaired DNA damage, abrogation of radiation-induced G2 arrest and suppressed cell proliferation, and appear to involve both the checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) and Wee1. In addition, we found that inhibition of the miR-15 family could not induce cell resistance to radiation. These findings suggest that the expression of the miR-15 family contributes to increased radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells by influencing G2/M checkpoint proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Mei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
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46
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Ghiasi N, Habibagahi M, Rosli R, Ghaderi A, Yusoff K, Hosseini A, Abdullah S, Jaberipour M. Tumour suppressive effects of WEE1 gene silencing in breast cancer cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 14:6605-11. [PMID: 24377575 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.11.6605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND WEE1 is a G2/M checkpoint regulator protein. Various studies have indicated that WEE1 could be a good target for cancer therapy. The main aim of this study was to asssess the tumor suppressive potential of WEE1 silencing in two different breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 which carries the wild-type p53 and MDA-MB468 which contains a mutant type. MATERIALS AND METHODS After WEE1 knockdown with specific shRNAs downstream effects on cell viability and cell cycle progression were determined using MTT and flow cytometry analyses, respectively. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were conducted to assess the effect of WEE1 inhibition on the expression of apoptotic (p53) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) factors and also a growth marker (VEGF). RESULTS The results showed that WEE1 inhibition could cause a significant decrease in the viability of both MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines by more than 50%. Interestingly, DNA content assays showed a significant increase in apoptotic cells following WEE1 silencing. WEE1 inhibition also induced up- regulation of the apoptotic marker, p53, in breast cancer cells. A significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and Bcl-2 was observed following WEE1 inhibition in both cell lines. CONCLUSIONS In concordance with previous studies, our data showed that WEE1 inhibition could induce G2 arrest abrogation and consequent cell death in breast cancer cells. Moreover, in this study, the observed interactions between the pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and decrease in the angiogenesis marker expression confirm the susceptibility to apoptosis and validate the tumor suppressive effect of WEE1 inhibition in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the levels of the sensitivity to WEE1 silencing in breast cancer cells, MCF7 and MDA-MB468, seem to be in concordance with the level of p53 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Ghiasi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran E-mail :
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47
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Lal S, Burkhart RA, Beeharry N, Bhattacharjee V, Londin ER, Cozzitorto JA, Romeo C, Jimbo M, Norris ZA, Yeo CJ, Sawicki JA, Winter JM, Rigoutsos I, Yen TJ, Brody JR. HuR posttranscriptionally regulates WEE1: implications for the DNA damage response in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Res 2014; 74:1128-40. [PMID: 24536047 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-1915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
HuR (ELAV1), an RNA-binding protein abundant in cancer cells, primarily resides in the nucleus, but under specific stress (e.g., gemcitabine), HuR translocates to the cytoplasm in which it tightly modulates the expression of mRNA survival cargo. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that stressing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells by treatment with DNA-damaging anticancer agents (mitomycin C, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, carboplatin, and a PARP inhibitor) results in HuR's translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Importantly, silencing HuR in PDA cells sensitized the cells to these agents, whereas overexpressing HuR caused resistance. HuR's role in the efficacy of DNA-damaging agents in PDA cells was, in part, attributed to the acute upregulation of WEE1 by HuR. WEE1, a mitotic inhibitor kinase, regulates the DNA damage repair pathway, and therapeutic inhibition of WEE1 in combination with chemotherapy is currently in early phase trials for the treatment of cancer. We validate WEE1 as a HuR target in vitro and in vivo by demonstrating (i) direct binding of HuR to WEE1's mRNA (a discrete 56-bp region residing in the 3' untranslated region) and (ii) HuR siRNA silencing and overexpression directly affects the protein levels of WEE1, especially after DNA damage. HuR's positive regulation of WEE1 increases γ-H2AX levels, induces Cdk1 phosphorylation, and promotes cell-cycle arrest at the G2-M transition. We describe a novel mechanism that PDA cells use to protect against DNA damage in which HuR posttranscriptionally regulates the expression and downstream function of WEE1 upon exposure to DNA-damaging agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Lal
- Authors' Affiliations: Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Jefferson Medical College; Computational Medicine Center; Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia; and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
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Indovina P, Marcelli E, Di Marzo D, Casini N, Forte IM, Giorgi F, Alfano L, Pentimalli F, Giordano A. Abrogating G₂/M checkpoint through WEE1 inhibition in combination with chemotherapy as a promising therapeutic approach for mesothelioma. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:380-8. [PMID: 24365782 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.27623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related neoplasm of the serous membranes, whose incidence is increasing worldwide. Although the introduction of new drug combinations, such as cisplatin plus pemetrexed/gemcitabine, has determined an improvement in the patient quality of life, MM remains a universally fatal disease. The observation that key G 1/S checkpoint regulators are often functionally inactivated in MM prompted us to test whether the use of G 2/M checkpoint inhibitors, able to sensitize G 1/S checkpoint-defective cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, could be successful in MM. We treated six MM cell lines, representative of different histotypes (epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid), with cisplatin in combination with MK-1775, an inhibitor of the G 2/M checkpoint kinase WEE1. We observed that MK-1775 enhanced the cisplatin cytotoxic effect in all MM cell lines, except the sarcomatoid cell line, which is representative of the most aggressive histotype. As expected, the enhancement in cisplatin toxicity was accompanied by a decrease in the inactive phosphorylated form of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key substrate of WEE1, which is indicative of G 2/M checkpoint inactivation. Consistently, we also observed a decrease in G 2/M accumulation and an increase in mitotic entry of DNA-damaged cells and apoptosis, probably due to the loss of the cell ability to arrest cell cycle in response to DNA damage, irrespectively of p53 mutational status. Notably, this treatment did not increase cisplatin cytotoxicity on normal cells, thus suggesting a possible use of MK-1775 in combination with cisplatin for a safe and efficient treatment of epithelioid and biphasic MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Indovina
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Eleonora Marcelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Marzo
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Casini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Iris Maria Forte
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Alfano
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA; Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
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49
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Chen B, Duan L, Yin G, Tan J, Jiang X. miR-381, a novel intrinsic WEE1 inhibitor, sensitizes renal cancer cells to 5-FU by up-regulation of Cdc2 activities in 786-O. J Chemother 2013; 25:229-38. [DOI: 10.1179/1973947813y.0000000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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50
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Boynak NY, Rojas F, D’Alessio C, Vilchez Larrea SC, Rodriguez V, Ghiringhelli PD, Téllez-Iñón MT. Identification of a Wee1-like kinase gene essential for procyclic Trypanosoma brucei survival. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79364. [PMID: 24223931 PMCID: PMC3818516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of eukaryotic cell cycle progression requires sequential activation and inactivation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Activation of the cyclin B-cdc2 kinase complex is a pivotal step in mitotic initiation and the tyrosine kinase Wee1 is a key regulator of cell cycle sequence during G2/M transition and inhibits mitotic entry by phosphorylating the inhibitory tyrosine 15 on the cdc2 M-phase-inducing kinase. Wee1 degradation is essential for the exit from the G2 phase. In trypanosomatids, little is known about the genes that regulate cyclin B-cdc2 complexes at the G2/M transition of their cell cycle. Although canonical tyrosine kinases are absent in the genome of trypanosomatids, phosphorylation on protein tyrosine residues has been reported in Trypanosoma brucei. Here, we characterized a Wee1-like protein kinase gene from T. brucei. Expression of TbWee1 in a Schizosaccharomyces pombe strain null for Wee1 inhibited cell division and caused cell elongation. This demonstrates the lengthening of G2, which provided cells with extra time to grow before dividing. The Wee1-like protein kinase was expressed in the procyclic and bloodstream proliferative slender forms of T. brucei and the role of Wee1 in cell cycle progression was analyzed by generating RNA interference cell lines. In the procyclic form of T. brucei, the knock-down of TbWee1 expression by RNAi led to inhibition of parasite growth. Abnormal phenotypes showing an increase in the percentage of cells with 1N0K, 0N1K and 2N1K were observed in these RNAi cell lines. Using parasites with a synchronized cell cycle, we demonstrated that TbWee1 is linked to the G2/M phase. We also showed that TbWee1 is an essential gene necessary for proper cell cycle progression and parasite growth in T. brucei. Our results provide evidence for the existence of a functional Wee1 in T. brucei with a potential role in cell division at G2/M.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Y. Boynak
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”, (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Rojas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”, (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia D’Alessio
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, Fundación Instituto Leloir and Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Salomé C. Vilchez Larrea
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”, (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Rodriguez
- Department of Science and Technology, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo D. Ghiringhelli
- Department of Science and Technology, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María T. Téllez-Iñón
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular “Dr. Héctor N. Torres”, (INGEBI-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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