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DA Costa Machado AK, Machado CB, DE Pinho Pessoa FMC, Barreto IV, Gadelha RB, DE Sousa Oliveira D, Ribeiro RM, Lopes GS, DE Moraesfilho MO, DE Moraes MEA, Khayat AS, Moreira-Nunes CA. Development and Clinical Applications of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Option for Leukemias. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2024; 4:9-24. [PMID: 38173664 PMCID: PMC10758851 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Leukemias are hematological neoplasms characterized by dysregulations in several cellular signaling pathways, prominently including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Since this pathway is associated with several important cellular mechanisms, such as proliferation, metabolism, survival, and cell death, its hyperactivation significantly contributes to the development of leukemias. In addition, it is a crucial prognostic factor, often correlated with therapeutic resistance. Changes in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are identified in more than 50% of cases of acute leukemia, especially in myeloid lineages. Furthermore, these changes are highly frequent in cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, especially those with a B cell phenotype, due to the correlation between the hyperactivation of B cell receptors and the abnormal activation of PI3Kδ. Thus, the search for new therapies that inhibit the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has become the objective of several clinical studies that aim to replace conventional oncological treatments that have high rates of toxicities and low specificity with target-specific therapies offering improved patient quality of life. In this review we describe the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transduction pathway and its implications in leukemogenesis. Furthermore, we provide an overview of clinical trials that employed PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors either as monotherapy or in combination with other cytotoxic agents for treating patients with various types of leukemias. The varying degrees of treatment efficacy are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Karolyna DA Costa Machado
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Caio Bezerra Machado
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Flávia Melo Cunha DE Pinho Pessoa
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Igor Valentim Barreto
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Renan Brito Gadelha
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Manoel Odorico DE Moraesfilho
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabete Amaral DE Moraes
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - André Salim Khayat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Caroline Aquino Moreira-Nunes
- Department of Medicine, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Clementino Fraga Group, Central Unity, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Sokhi S, Lewis CW, Bukhari AB, Hadfield J, Xiao EJ, Fung J, Yoon YJ, Hsu WH, Gamper AM, Chan GK. Myt1 overexpression mediates resistance to cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint kinase inhibitors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1270542. [PMID: 38020882 PMCID: PMC10652759 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1270542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle checkpoint kinases serve as important therapeutic targets for various cancers. When they are inhibited by small molecules, checkpoint abrogation can induce cell death or further sensitize cancer cells to other genotoxic therapies. Particularly aberrant Cdk1 activation at the G2/M checkpoint by kinase inhibitors causing unscheduled mitotic entry and mitotic arrest was found to lead to DNA damage and cell death selectively in cancer cells. Promising drugs inhibiting kinases like Wee1 (Adavosertib), Wee1+Myt1 (PD166285), ATR (AZD6738) and Chk1 (UCN-01) have been developed, but clinical data has shown variable efficacy for them with poorly understood mechanisms of resistance. Our lab recently identified Myt1 as a predictive biomarker of acquired resistance to the Wee1 kinase inhibitor, Adavosertib. Here, we investigate the role of Myt1 overexpression in promoting resistance to inhibitors (PD166285, UCN-01 and AZD6738) of other kinases regulating cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that Myt1 confers resistance by compensating Cdk1 inhibition in the presence of these different kinase inhibitors. Myt1 overexpression leads to reduced premature mitotic entry and decreased length of mitosis eventually leading to increased survival rates in Adavosertib treated cells. Elevated Myt1 levels also conferred resistance to inhibitors of ATR or Chk1 inhibitor. Our data supports that Myt1 overexpression is a common mechanism by which cancer cells can acquire resistance to a variety of drugs entering the clinic that aim to induce mitotic catastrophe by abrogating the G2/M checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargun Sokhi
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cody W. Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Amirali B. Bukhari
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joanne Hadfield
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Edric J. Xiao
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeremy Fung
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yea Jin Yoon
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wen-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Armin M. Gamper
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gordon K. Chan
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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3
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Aquino A, Bianchi N, Terrazzan A, Franzese O. Protein Kinase C at the Crossroad of Mutations, Cancer, Targeted Therapy and Immune Response. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1047. [PMID: 37626933 PMCID: PMC10451643 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The frequent PKC dysregulations observed in many tumors have made these enzymes natural targets for anticancer applications. Nevertheless, this considerable interest in the development of PKC modulators has not led to the expected therapeutic benefits, likely due to the complex biological activities regulated by PKC isoenzymes, often playing ambiguous and protective functions, further driven by the occurrence of mutations. The structure, regulation and functions of PKCs have been extensively covered in other publications. Herein, we focused on PKC alterations mostly associated with complete functional loss. We also addressed the modest yet encouraging results obtained targeting PKC in selected malignancies and the more frequent negative clinical outcomes. The reported observations advocate the need for more selective molecules and a better understanding of the involved pathways. Furthermore, we underlined the most relevant immune mechanisms controlled by PKC isoforms potentially impacting the immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade-mediated immune recovery. We believe that a comprehensive examination of the molecular features of the tumor microenvironment might improve clinical outcomes by tailoring PKC modulation. This approach can be further supported by the identification of potential response biomarkers, which may indicate patients who may benefit from the manipulation of distinctive PKC isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Aquino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.B.); (A.T.)
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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Gama SM, Varela VA, Ribeiro NM, Bizzarro B, Hernandes C, Aloia TPA, Amano MT, Pereira WO. AKT inhibition interferes with the expression of immune checkpoint proteins and increases NK-induced killing of HL60-AML cells. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2023; 21:eAO0171. [PMID: 37341216 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023ao0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the role of the AKT pathway in the regulating of natural Killer-induced apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells and to characterize the associated molecular mechanisms. METHODS BALB/c nude mice were injected with HL60 cells to induce a xenogenic model of subcutaneous leukemic tumors. Mice were treated with perifosine, and their spleens were analyzed using biometry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis in leukemia cells was performed by real-time PCR. Protein analysis of leukemia and natural Killer cells was performed by flow cytometry. AKT inhibition in HL60 cells, followed by co-culture with natural Killer cells was performed to assess cytotoxicity. Apoptosis rate was quantified using flow cytometry. RESULTS Perifosine treatment caused a reduction in leukemic infiltration in the spleens of BALB/c nude mice. In vitro , AKT inhibition reduced HL60 resistance to natural Killer-induced apoptosis. AKT inhibition suppressed the immune checkpoint proteins PD-L1, galectin-9, and CD122 in HL60 cells, but did not change the expression of their co-receptors PD1, Tim3, and CD96 on the natural Killer cell surface. In addition, the death receptors DR4, TNFR1, and FAS were overexpressed by AKT inhibition, thus increasing the susceptibility of HL60 cells to the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. CONCLUSION The AKT pathway is involved in resistance to natural Killer-induced apoptosis in HL60 cells by regulating the expression of immune suppressor receptors. These findings highlight the importance of AKT in contributing to immune evasion mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia and suggests the potential of AKT inhibition as an adjunct to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Mônaco Gama
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Vanessa Araújo Varela
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Natalia Mazini Ribeiro
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Bruna Bizzarro
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Camila Hernandes
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Thiago Pinheiro Arrais Aloia
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Mariane Tami Amano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology , Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
| | - Welbert Oliveira Pereira
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil
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5
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Chen N, Qi Y, Ma X, Xiao X, Liu Q, Xia T, Xiang J, Zeng J, Tang J. Rediscovery of Traditional Plant Medicine: An Underestimated Anticancer Drug of Chelerythrine. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906301. [PMID: 35721116 PMCID: PMC9198297 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In many studies, the extensive and significant anticancer activity of chelerythrine (CHE) was identified, which is the primary natural active compound in four traditional botanical drugs and can be applied as a promising treatment in various solid tumors. So this review aimed to summarize the anticancer capacities and the antitumor mechanism of CHE. The literature searches revolving around CHE have been carried out on PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE databases. Increasing evidence indicates that CHE, as a benzophenanthridine alkaloid, exhibits its excellent anticancer activity as CHE can intervene in tumor progression and inhibit tumor growth in multiple ways, such as induction of cancer cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, prevention of tumor invasion and metastasis, autophagy-mediated cell death, bind selectively to telomeric G-quadruplex and strongly inhibit the telomerase activity through G-quadruplex stabilization, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and PKC. The role of CHE against diverse types of cancers has been investigated in many studies and has been identified as the main antitumor drug candidate in drug discovery programs. The current complex data suggest the potential value in clinical application and the future direction of CHE as a therapeutic drug in cancer. Furthermore, the limitations and the present problems are also highlighted in this review. Despite the unclearly delineated molecular targets of CHE, extensive research in this area provided continuously fresh data exploitable in the clinic while addressing the present requirement for further studies such as toxicological studies, combination medication, and the development of novel chemical methods or biomaterials to extend the effects of CHE or the development of its derivatives and analogs, contributing to the effective transformation of this underestimated anticancer drug into clinical practice. We believe that this review can provide support for the clinical application of a new anticancer drug in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianzhi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Qi
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Geriatric Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Li G, Wu D, Xu Y, He W, Wang D, Zhu W, Wang L. Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Staurosporine Derivatives. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221103036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty-four derivatives of staurosporine were synthesized by modification at the 3′- N, 3- and 7-positions. Of these compounds, 16 were synthesized for the first time and their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopy, ECD, and HRESIMS. Their inhibitory activities against seven tumor cell lines, MV4-11 (leukemia), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), HCT-116 (colon cancer), TE-1 (esophageal carcinoma), PATU8988 T (pancreatic cancer), HOS (osteosarcoma) and GBC-SD (gallbladder cancer), and human normal liver cell L-02 were evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8. The IC50 values for 7-oxo-3′- N-benzoylstaurosporin (4) on MV4-11 and PATU8988 T cells were 0.078 and 0.666 μmol/L, and the selection indexes were 1254 and 147, respectively. The IC50 values of 7-oxo-3-chloro-3′- N-benzoylstaurosporine (5) and (7 R)-7-hydroxy-3-bromo-3′- N-acetylstaurosporine (24) on MCF-7 cells were 0.029 and 0.021 μmol/L, and the selection indexes were 102 and 221, respectively. The above compounds have the potential to be developed further into antitumor drugs due to the advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Dan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Yanchao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Wenwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Dongyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
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Activators and Inhibitors of Protein Kinase C (PKC): Their Applications in Clinical Trials. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111748. [PMID: 34834162 PMCID: PMC8621927 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC), a family of phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinase, is classed into three subfamilies based on their structural and activation characteristics: conventional or classic PKC isozymes (cPKCs; α, βI, βII, and γ), novel or non-classic PKC isozymes (nPKCs; δ, ε, η, and θ), and atypical PKC isozymes (aPKCs; ζ, ι, and λ). PKC inhibitors and activators are used to understand PKC-mediated intracellular signaling pathways and for the diagnosis and treatment of various PKC-associated diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. Many clinical trials of PKC inhibitors in cancers showed no significant clinical benefits, meaning that there is a limitation to design a cancer therapeutic strategy targeting PKC alone. This review will focus on the activators and inhibitors of PKC and their applications in clinical trials.
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Faber EB, Wang N, Georg GI. Review of rationale and progress toward targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) for male contraception†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:357-367. [PMID: 32543655 PMCID: PMC7523694 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a member of the larger cell cycle regulating CDK family of kinases, activated by binding partner cyclins as its name suggests. Despite its canonical role in mitosis, CDK2 knockout mice are viable but sterile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms for loss of CDK2 in mitosis but not meiosis. Here, we review the literature surrounding the role of CDK2 in meiosis, particularly a cyclin-independent role in complex with another activator, Speedy 1 (SPY1). From this evidence, we suggest that CDK2 could be a viable nonhormonal male contraceptive target. Finally, we review the literature of pertinent CDK2 inhibitors from the preclinical to clinical stages, mostly developed to treat various cancers. To date, there is no potent yet selective CDK2 inhibitor that could be repurposed as a contraceptive without appreciable off-target toxicity. To achieve selectivity for CDK2 over closely related kinases, developing compounds that bind outside the conserved adenosine triphosphate-binding site may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik B Faber
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Gunda I Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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9
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Therapeutic approaches targeting splicing factor mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Curr Opin Hematol 2021; 28:73-79. [PMID: 33492002 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mutations in components of the spliceosome are the most common acquired lesions in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and are frequently identified in other myeloid malignancies with a high rate of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and primary myelofibrosis. The only curative option for these disorders remains allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality in these patients. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent therapeutic developments and strategies being pursued for clinical benefit in splicing factor mutant myeloid malignancies. RECENT FINDINGS Cells harboring splicing factor mutations have increased aberrant splicing leading to R-loop formation and cell cycle stalling that create dependencies on Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) activation and canonical splicing maintained by protein arginine methyltransferase activity. Both targeting of the spliceosome and targeting of the downstream consequences of splicing factor mutation expression show promise as selective strategies for the treatment of splicing factor-mutant myeloid malignancies. SUMMARY An improved understanding of the therapeutic vulnerabilities in splicing factor-mutant MDS and AML has led to the development of clinical trials of small molecule inhibitors that target the spliceosome, ataxia telangectasia and Rad3 related (ATR)-CHK1 pathway, and methylation of splicing components.
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10
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Zhanghuang C, Chen S, Li L, Yang Z, Xie Y, Li J, Tang H, He X, Dong L, Yan B. Clinical and Molecular Differentiation Between Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor of the Kidney and Normal Tissue: A Two-Case Report. Front Oncol 2021; 11:659709. [PMID: 33859949 PMCID: PMC8042314 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.659709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) is a rare type of tumor that lacks typical clinical manifestations. Herein, we presented clinical data of 2 children with MRTK. In addition, we used a high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), GO analysis, and KEGG signaling pathway analysis to examine gene expression differences at the transcripts level between 2 patients with MRTK and 3 patients with non-tumor diseases without other symptoms. CASE REPORT Preoperative B-scan ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) examination in 2 cases suggested nephroblastoma. Both patients were treated with radical nephrectomy. After the operation, MRTK was confirmed by pathological examination. Child 1 and Child 2 then received 7 courses and 12 courses of regular chemotherapy, respectively. Child 1 was followed up for 2 years, and Child 2 for 3.1 years without showing symptoms. RNA-seq results showed 2203 differential genes (DEGs) in the kidney tissue of children with MRTK compared to normal tissue (p <0.01). GO analysis suggested that most DEGs participate in protein binding. KEGG results showed that the DEGs were mainly involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and microRNA-related proteins. CONCLUSION The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and microRNA-related proteins as targets have extremely high potential value for the diagnosis and treatment of MRTK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Disease Research Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Oncology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Yucheng Xie
- Department of Pathology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- Department of Pathology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Haoyu Tang
- Department of Urology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoli He
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children’s Major Disease Research Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Liuyi Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Department of Urology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
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11
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Gaillard B, Remy JS, Pons F, Lebeau L. Dual Gene Delivery Reagents From Antiproliferative Alkylphospholipids for Combined Antitumor Therapy. Front Chem 2020; 8:581260. [PMID: 33134279 PMCID: PMC7566913 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.581260] [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: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkylphospholipids (APLs) have elicited great interest as antitumor agents due to their unique mode of action on cell membranes. However, their clinical applications have been limited so far by high hemolytic activity. Recently, cationic prodrugs of erufosine, a most promising APL, have been shown to mediate efficient intracellular gene delivery, while preserving the antiproliferative properties of the parent APL. Here, cationic prodrugs of the two APLs that are currently used in the clinic, miltefosine, and perifosine, are investigated and compared to the erufosine prodrugs. Their synthesis, stability, gene delivery and self-assembly properties, and hemolytic activity are discussed in detail. Finally, the potential of the pro-miltefosine and pro-perifosine compounds ME12 and PE12 in combined antitumor therapy is demonstrated using pUNO1-hTRAIL, a plasmid DNA encoding TRAIL, a member of the TNF superfamily. With these pro-APL compounds, we provide a proof of concept for a new promising strategy for cancer therapy combining gene therapy and APL-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean-Serge Remy
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Françoise Pons
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Luc Lebeau
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
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12
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ATR-CHK1 pathway as a therapeutic target for acute and chronic leukemias. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 88:102026. [PMID: 32592909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progress in cancer therapy changed the outcome of many patients and moved therapy from chemotherapy agents to targeted drugs. Targeted drugs already changed the clinical practice in treatment of leukemias, such as imatinib (BCR/ABL inhibitor) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), ibrutinib (Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), venetoclax (BCL2 inhibitor) in CLL and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or midostaurin (FLT3 inhibitor) in AML. In this review, we focused on DNA damage response (DDR) inhibition, specifically on inhibition of ATR-CHK1 pathway. Cancer cells harbor often defects in different DDR pathways, which render them vulnerable to DDR inhibition. Some DDR inhibitors showed interesting single-agent activity even in the absence of cytotoxic drug especially in cancers with underlying defects in DDR or DNA replication. Almost no mutations were found in ATR and CHEK1 genes in leukemia patients. Together with the fact that ATR-CHK1 pathway is essential for cell development and survival of leukemia cells, it represents a promising therapeutic target for treatment of leukemia. ATR-CHK1 inhibition showed excellent results in preclinical testing in acute and chronic leukemias. However, results in clinical trials are so far insufficient. Therefore, the ongoing and future clinical trials will decide on the success of ATR/CHK1 inhibitors in clinical practice of leukemia treatment.
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13
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The PI3K-Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082907. [PMID: 32326335 PMCID: PMC7215987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Malignant cell growth is characterized by disruption of normal intracellular signaling, caused by mutations or aberrant external signaling. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway) is among one of the intracellular pathways aberrantly upregulated in cancers including AML. Activation of this pathway seems important in leukemogenesis, and given the central role of this pathway in metabolism, the bioenergetics of AML cells may depend on downstream signaling within this pathway. Furthermore, observations suggest that constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway differs between patients, and that increased activity within this pathway is an adverse prognostic parameter in AML. Pharmacological targeting of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway with specific inhibitors results in suppression of leukemic cell growth. However, AML patients seem to differ regarding their susceptibility to various small-molecule inhibitors, reflecting biological heterogeneity in the intracellular signaling status. These findings should be further investigated in both preclinical and clinical settings, along with the potential use of this pathway as a prognostic biomarker, both in patients receiving intensive curative AML treatment and in elderly/unfit receiving AML-stabilizing treatment.
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14
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Ramezani S, Vousooghi N, Joghataei MT, Chabok SY. The Role of Kinase Signaling in Resistance to Bevacizumab Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 34:345-354. [PMID: 31411929 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2018.2651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor and is characterized by vascular hyperplasia, necrosis, and high cell proliferation. Despite current standard therapies, including surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy, GBM patients survive for only about 15 months after diagnosis. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an antiangiogenesis medication for recurrent GBM-bevacizumab-which has improved progression-free survival in GBM patients. Although bevacizumab has resulted in significant early clinical benefit, it inescapably predisposes tumor to relapse that can be represented as an infiltrative phenotype. Fundamentally, bevacizumab antagonizes the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), which is consistently released on both endothelial cells (ECs) and GBM cells. Actually, VEGFA inhibition on the ECs leads to the suppression of vascular progression, permeability, and the vasogenic edema. However, the consequence of the VEGFA pathway blockage on the GBM cells remains controversial. Nevertheless, a piece of evidence supports the relationship between bevacizumab application and compensatory activation of kinase signaling within GBM cells, leading to a tumor cell invasion known as the main mechanism of bevacizumab-induced tumor resistance. A complete understanding of kinase responses associated with tumor invasion in bevacizumab-resistant GBMs offers new therapeutic opportunities. Thus, this study aimed at presenting a brief overview of preclinical and clinical data of the tumor invasion and resistance induced by bevacizumab administration in GBMs, with a focus on the kinase responses during treatment. The novel therapeutic strategies to overcome this resistance by targeting protein kinases have also been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ramezani
- 1Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,2Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- 3Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,4Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,5Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- 6Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,7Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Yousefzadeh Chabok
- 1Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,2Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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15
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Gaillard B, Seguin C, Remy JS, Pons F, Lebeau L. Erufosine (ErPC3) Cationic Prodrugs as Dual Gene Delivery Reagents for Combined Antitumor Therapy. Chemistry 2019; 25:15662-15679. [PMID: 31549752 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201903976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sixteen cationic prodrugs of the antitumor alkylphospholipid (APL) erufosine were rationally synthesized to provide original gene delivery reagents with improved cytotoxicity profile. The DNA complexation properties of these cationic lipids were determined and associated transfection rates were measured. Furthermore, the self-assembly properties of the pro-erufosine compounds were investigated and their critical aggregation concentration was determined. Their hydrolytic stability under pH conditions mimicking the extracellular environment and the late endosome milieu was measured. Hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity of the compounds were investigated. The results obtained in various cell lines demonstrate that the prodrugs of erufosine display antineoplastic activity similar to that of the parent antitumor drug but are not associated with hemolytic toxicity, which is a dose-limiting side effect of APLs and a major obstacle to their use in anticancer therapeutic regimen. Furthermore, by using lipoplexes prepared from a prodrug of erufosine and a plasmid DNA encoding a pro-apoptotic protein (TRAIL), evidence was provided for selective cytotoxicity towards tumor cells while nontumor cells were resistant. This study demonstrates that the combination approach involving well tolerated erufosine cationic prodrugs and cancer gene therapy holds significant promise in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin-BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Cendrine Seguin
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin-BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Jean-Serge Remy
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin-BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Françoise Pons
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin-BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Luc Lebeau
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR 7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin-BP 60024, 67401, Illkirch, France
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16
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Alzahrani AS. PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in cancer: At the bench and bedside. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:125-132. [PMID: 31323288 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 621] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the major cellular signaling pathways that plays an important role in basic intracellular functions. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulates cell proliferation, growth, cell size, metabolism, and motility. Component genes of this pathway have been extensively studied and found to be commonly activated in human cancer. Inhibition of this pathway has been shown to lead to regression of human tumors and has been studied in preclinical setup and evaluated in many clinical trials at various levels. Some inhibitors of this pathway are approved by the Food and Drug Administration after their potency and safety have been shown in clinical trials. This review discusses the recent trends in exploiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway towards the molecular targeted therapy using small molecule inhibitors in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali S Alzahrani
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box 3354, Research Center (MBC 03), Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
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17
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Kaleağasıoğlu F, Zaharieva MM, Konstantinov SM, Berger MR. Alkylphospholipids are Signal Transduction Modulators with Potential for Anticancer Therapy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:66-91. [PMID: 30318001 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666181012093056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkylphospholipids (APLs) are synthetically derived from cell membrane components, which they target and thus modify cellular signalling and cause diverse effects. This study reviews the mechanism of action of anticancer, antiprotozoal, antibacterial and antiviral activities of ALPs, as well as their clinical use. METHODS A literature search was used as the basis of this review. RESULTS ALPs target lipid rafts and alter phospholipase D and C signalling cascades, which in turn will modulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathways. By feedback coupling, the SAPK/JNK signalling chain is also affected. These changes lead to a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and subsequently induce programmed cell death. The available knowledge on inhibition of AKT phosphorylation, mTOR phosphorylation and Raf down-regulation renders ALPs as attractive candidates for modern medical treatment, which is based on individualized diagnosis and therapy. Corresponding to their unusual profile of activities, their side effects result from cholinomimetic activity mainly and focus on the gastrointestinal tract. These aspects together with their bone marrow sparing features render APCs well suited for modern combination therapy. Although the clinical success has been limited in cancer diseases so far, the use of miltefosine against leishmaniosis is leading the way to better understanding their optimized use. CONCLUSION Recent synthetic programs generate congeners with the increased therapeutic ratio, liposomal formulations, as well as diapeutic (or theranostic) derivatives with optimized properties. It is anticipated that these innovative modifications will pave the way for the further successful development of ALPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Maya M Zaharieva
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Infectious Microbiology, The "Stephan Angeloff" Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Spiro M Konstantinov
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Visnjic D, Dembitz V, Lalic H. The Role of AMPK/mTOR Modulators in the Therapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2208-2229. [PMID: 29345570 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180117105522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia with all-trans retinoic acid represents the most successful pharmacological therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Numerous studies demonstrate that drugs that inhibit mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and activate AMP-kinase (AMPK) have beneficial effects in promoting differentiation and blocking proliferation of AML. Most of these drugs are already in use for other purposes; rapalogs as immunosuppressants, biguanides as oral antidiabetics, and 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAr, acadesine) as an exercise mimetic. Although most of these pharmacological modulators have been widely used for decades, their mechanism of action is only partially understood. In this review, we summarize the role of AMPK and mTOR in hematological malignancies and discuss the possible role of pharmacological modulators in proliferation and differentiation of leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Visnjic
- Department of Physiology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vilma Dembitz
- Department of Physiology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Lalic
- Department of Physiology and Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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19
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Review of Chromatographic Bioanalytical Assays for the Quantitative Determination of Marine-Derived Drugs for Cancer Treatment. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16070246. [PMID: 30041477 PMCID: PMC6071085 DOI: 10.3390/md16070246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of marine-derived compounds for the treatment of cancer has seen a vast increase over the last few decades. Bioanalytical assays are pivotal for the quantification of drug levels in various matrices to construct pharmacokinetic profiles and to link drug concentrations to clinical outcomes. This review outlines the different analytical methods that have been described for marine-derived drugs in cancer treatment hitherto. It focuses on the major parts of the bioanalytical technology, including sample type, sample pre-treatment, separation, detection, and quantification.
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20
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STK3 is a therapeutic target for a subset of acute myeloid leukemias. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25458-25473. [PMID: 29876001 PMCID: PMC5986655 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of immature myeloblasts, which impair normal hematopoiesis. While this definition categorizes the disease into a distinctive group, the large number of different genetic and epigenetic alterations actually suggests that AML is not a single disease, but a plethora of malignancies. Still, most AML patients are not treated with targeted medication but rather by uniform approaches such as chemotherapy. The identification of novel treatment options likely requires the identification of cancer cell vulnerabilities that take into account the different genetic and epigenetic make-up of the individual tumors. Here we show that STK3 depletion by knock-down, knock-out or chemical inhibition results in apoptotic cells death in some but not all AML cell lines and primary cells tested. This effect is mediated by a premature activation of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) in presence of elevated cyclin B1 levels. The anti-leukemic effects seen in both bulk and progenitor AML cells suggests that STK3 might be a promising target in a subset of AML patients.
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21
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Ren H, Sun L, Yan H. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 1,4-Bis(2,3-dihydro-5-oxopyrrol-4-yl)-1,3-butadienes as Potential Chk1 Inhibitors. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363217120490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Ricciardi MR, Mirabilii S, Licchetta R, Piedimonte M, Tafuri A. Targeting the Akt, GSK-3, Bcl-2 axis in acute myeloid leukemia. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 65:36-58. [PMID: 28549531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, there has been significant progress in the understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). However, despite important advances in elucidating molecular mechanisms, the treatment of AML has not improved significantly, remaining anchored at the standard chemotherapy regimen "3 + 7", with the prognosis of patients remaining severe, especially for the elderly and for those not eligible for transplant procedures. The biological and clinical heterogeneity of AML represents the major obstacle that hinders the improvement of prognosis and the identification of new effective therapeutic approaches. To date, abundant information has been collected on the genetic and molecular alterations of AML carrying prognostic significance. However, not enough is known on how AML progenitors regulate proliferation and survival by redundant and cross-talking signal transduction pathways (STP). Furthermore, it remains unclear how such complicated network affects prognosis and therapeutic treatment options, although many of these molecular determinants are potentially attractive for their druggable characteristics. In this review, some of the key STP frequently deregulated in AML, such as PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway, GSK3 and components of Bcl-2 family of proteins, are summarized, highlighting in addition their interplay. Based on this information, we reviewed new targeted therapeutic approaches, focusing on the aberrant networks that sustain the AML blast proliferation, survival and drug resistance, aiming to improve disease treatment. Finally, we reported the approaches aimed at disrupting key signaling cross-talk overcoming resistances based on the combination of different targeting therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Ricciardi
- Hematology, "Sant'Andrea" Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Mirabilii
- Hematology, "Sant'Andrea" Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Licchetta
- Hematology, "Sant'Andrea" Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Piedimonte
- Hematology, "Sant'Andrea" Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Agostino Tafuri
- Hematology, "Sant'Andrea" Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Rome, Italy
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23
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Perifosine enhances bevacizumab-induced apoptosis and therapeutic efficacy by targeting PI3K/AKT pathway in a glioblastoma heterotopic model. Apoptosis 2017; 22:1025-1034. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-017-1382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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24
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Abstract
PI3K/AKT signalling is commonly disrupted in human cancers, with AKT being a central component of the pathway, influencing multiple processes that are directly involved in tumourigenesis. Targeting AKT is therefore a highly attractive anti-cancer strategy with multiple AKT inhibitors now in various stages of clinical development. In this review, we summarise the role and regulation of AKT signalling in normal cellular physiology. We highlight the mechanisms by which AKT signalling can be hyperactivated in cancers and discuss the past, present and future clinical strategies for AKT inhibition in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Udai Banerji
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SM2 5PT, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK.
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25
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Choi M, Kipps T, Kurzrock R. ATM Mutations in Cancer: Therapeutic Implications. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1781-91. [PMID: 27413114 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Activation of checkpoint arrest and homologous DNA repair are necessary for maintenance of genomic integrity during DNA replication. Germ-line mutations of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene result in the well-characterized ataxia telangiectasia syndrome, which manifests with an increased cancer predisposition, including a 20% to 30% lifetime risk of lymphoid, gastric, breast, central nervous system, skin, and other cancers. Somatic ATM mutations or deletions are commonly found in lymphoid malignancies, as well as a variety of solid tumors. Such mutations may result in chemotherapy resistance and adverse prognosis, but may also be exploited by existing or emerging targeted therapies that produce synthetic lethal states. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1781-91. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Choi
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California.
| | - Thomas Kipps
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, and Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California
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26
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Ke B, Tian M, Li J, Liu B, He G. Targeting Programmed Cell Death Using Small-Molecule Compounds to Improve Potential Cancer Therapy. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:983-1035. [PMID: 27357603 DOI: 10.1002/med.21398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Mao Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Gu He
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu 610041 China
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27
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Roskoski R. Cyclin-dependent protein kinase inhibitors including palbociclib as anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Res 2016; 107:249-275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Cani A, Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Tabellini G, Ultimo S, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Triple Akt inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 6:6597-610. [PMID: 25788264 PMCID: PMC4466637 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive neoplastic disorder in which chemotherapy resistance and refractory relapses occur, with a poorer prognostic outcome. Constitutively active PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is a common feature of T-ALL upregulating cell proliferation, survival and drug resistance. This pathway is currently under clinical trials with small molecules inhibitors (SMI). To verify whether a multi-inhibition treatment against Akt protein could enhance the efficacy of individual drug administration and overcome drug resistance as well as to obtain a decrease in single drug concentration, we tested on T-ALL cell lines the effects of combined treatments with three Akt inhibitors with different mode of action, GSK690693, MK-2206 and Perifosine. In cells with hyperactivated Akt, combined administration of the drugs displayed a significant synergistic and cytotoxic effect and affected PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway at much lower concentration than single drug use. Highest synergistic effect for full inhibition of Akt was also related to the timing of every drug administration. Furthermore the triple treatment had greater efficacy in inducing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and both apoptosis and autophagy. Targeting Akt as a key protein of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway with multiple drugs might represent a new and promising pharmacological strategy for treatment of T-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tabellini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Investigation of the Lipid Binding Properties of the Marburg Virus Matrix Protein VP40. J Virol 2015; 90:3074-85. [PMID: 26719280 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02607-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Marburg virus (MARV), which belongs to the virus family Filoviridae, causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates that is often fatal. MARV is a lipid-enveloped virus that during the replication process extracts its lipid coat from the plasma membrane of the host cell it infects. MARV carries seven genes, one of which encodes its matrix protein VP40 (mVP40), which regulates the assembly and budding of the virions. Currently, little information is available on mVP40 lipid binding properties. Here, we have investigated the in vitro and cellular mechanisms by which mVP40 associates with lipid membranes. mVP40 associates with anionic membranes in a nonspecific manner that is dependent upon the anionic charge density of the membrane. These results are consistent with recent structural determination of mVP40, which elucidated an mVP40 dimer with a flat and extensive cationic lipid binding interface. IMPORTANCE Marburg virus (MARV) is a lipid-enveloped filamentous virus from the family Filoviridae. MARV was discovered in 1967, and yet little is known about how its seven genes are used to assemble and form a new viral particle in the host cell it infects. The MARV matrix protein VP40 (mVP40) underlies the inner leaflet of the virus and regulates budding from the host cell plasma membrane. In vitro and cellular assays in this study investigated the mechanism by which mVP40 associates with lipids. The results demonstrate that mVP40 interactions with lipid vesicles or the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane are electrostatic but nonspecific in nature and are dependent on the anionic charge density of the membrane surface. Small molecules that can disrupt lipid trafficking or reduce the anionic charge of the plasma membrane interface may be useful in inhibiting assembly and budding of MARV.
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[Advances in leukemia inhibitors targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2015; 36:888-93. [PMID: 26477776 PMCID: PMC7364943 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2015.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Manic G, Obrist F, Sistigu A, Vitale I. Trial Watch: Targeting ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways for anticancer therapy. Mol Cell Oncol 2015; 2:e1012976. [PMID: 27308506 PMCID: PMC4905354 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2015.1012976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The ataxia telangiectasia mutated serine/threonine kinase (ATM)/checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2, best known as CHK2) and the ATM and Rad3-related serine/threonine kinase (ATR)/CHEK1 (best known as CHK1) cascades are the 2 major signaling pathways driving the DNA damage response (DDR), a network of processes crucial for the preservation of genomic stability that act as a barrier against tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Mutations and/or deletions of ATM and/or CHK2 are frequently found in tumors and predispose to cancer development. In contrast, the ATR-CHK1 pathway is often upregulated in neoplasms and is believed to promote tumor growth, although some evidence indicates that ATR and CHK1 may also behave as haploinsufficient oncosuppressors, at least in a specific genetic background. Inactivation of the ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways efficiently sensitizes malignant cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, ATR and CHK1 inhibitors selectively kill tumor cells that present high levels of replication stress, have a deficiency in p53 (or other DDR players), or upregulate the ATR-CHK1 module. Despite promising preclinical results, the clinical activity of ATM, ATR, CHK1, and CHK2 inhibitors, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, has not yet been fully demonstrated. In this Trial Watch, we give an overview of the roles of the ATM-CHK2 and ATR-CHK1 pathways in cancer initiation and progression, and summarize the results of clinical studies aimed at assessing the safety and therapeutic profile of regimens based on inhibitors of ATR and CHK1, the only 2 classes of compounds that have so far entered clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florine Obrist
- Université Paris-Sud/Paris XI; Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- INSERM, UMRS1138; Paris, France
- Equipe 11 labelisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer; Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers; Paris, France
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus; Villejuif, France
| | | | - Ilio Vitale
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute; Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “TorVergata”; Rome, Italy
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Targeting the Mitotic Catastrophe Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:146282. [PMID: 26491220 PMCID: PMC4600505 DOI: 10.1155/2015/146282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic catastrophe, as defined in 2012 by the International Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death, is a bona fide intrinsic oncosuppressive mechanism that senses mitotic failure and responds by driving a cell to an irreversible antiproliferative fate of death or senescence. Thus, failed mitotic catastrophe can promote the unrestrained growth of defective cells, thereby representing a major gateway to tumour development. Furthermore, the activation of mitotic catastrophe offers significant therapeutic advantage which has been exploited in the action of conventional and targeted anticancer agents. Yet, despite its importance in tumour prevention and treatment, the molecular mechanism of mitotic catastrophe is not well understood. A better understanding of the signals that determine cell fate following failed or defective mitosis will reveal new opportunities to selectively target and enhance the programme for therapeutic benefit and reveal biomarkers to predict patient response. This review is focused on the molecular mechanism of mitotic catastrophe induction and signalling and highlights current strategies to exploit the process in cancer therapy.
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Pandey R, Kapur R. Targeting phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway for the treatment of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:118. [PMID: 26062813 PMCID: PMC4464249 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0388-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a diverse group of chronic hematological disorders that involve unregulated clonal proliferation of white blood cells. Sevearl of them are associated with mutations in receptor tyrosine kinases or cytokine receptor associated tyrosine kinases rendering them independent of cytokine-mediated regulation. Classically they have been broadly divided into BCR-ABL1 fusion + ve (Ph + ve) or -ve (Ph-ve) MPNs. Identification of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase as a driver of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and successful application of small molecule inhibitors of the tyrosine kinases in the clinic have triggered the search for kinase dependent pathways in other Ph-ve MPNs. In the past few years, identification of mutations in JAK2 associated with a majority of MPNs raised the hopes for similar success with specific targeting of JAK2. However, targeting JAK2 kinase activity has met with limited success. Subsequently, mutations in genes other than JAK2 have been identified. These mutations specifically associate with certain MPNs and can drive cytokine independent growth. Therefore, targeting alternate molecules and pathways may be more successful in management of MPNs. Among other pathways, phosphatidylinositol -3 kinase (PI3K) has emerged as a promising target as different cell surface receptor induced signaling pathways converge on the PI3K signaling axis to regulate cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, and survival. Herein, we will review the clinically relevant inhibitors of the PI3K pathway that have been evaluated or hold promise for the treatment of Ph-ve MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Reuben Kapur
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Fransecky L, Mochmann LH, Baldus CD. Outlook on PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition in acute leukemia. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2015; 3:2. [PMID: 26056603 PMCID: PMC4452048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Technological advances allowing high throughput analyses across numerous cancer tissues have allowed much progress in understanding complex cellular signaling. In the future, the genetic landscape in cancer may have more clinical relevance than diagnosis based on tumor origin. This progress has emphasized PI3K/AKT/mTOR, among others, as a central signaling center of cancer development due to its governing control in cellular growth, survival, and metabolism. The discovery of high frequencies of mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in different cancer entities has sparked interest to inhibit elements of this pathway. In acute leukemia pharmacological interruption has yet to achieve desirable efficacy as targetable downstream mutations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR are absent. Nevertheless, mutations in membrane-associated genes upstream of PI3K/AKT/mTOR are frequent in acute leukemia and are associated with aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR thus providing a good rationale for further exploration. This review attempts to summarize key findings leading to aberrant activation and to reflect on both promises and challenges of targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR in acute leukemia. Our emphasis lies on the insights gained through high-throughput data acquisition that open up new avenues for identifying specific subgroups of acute leukemia as ideal candidates for PI3K/AKT/mTOR targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Fransecky
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Liliana H Mochmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia D Baldus
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
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Fransecky L, Mochmann LH, Baldus CD. Outlook on PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition in acute leukemia. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2015; 3:2. [PMID: 26056603 PMCID: PMC4452048 DOI: 10.1186/s40591-015-0040-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Technological advances allowing high throughput analyses across numerous cancer tissues have allowed much progress in understanding complex cellular signaling. In the future, the genetic landscape in cancer may have more clinical relevance than diagnosis based on tumor origin. This progress has emphasized PI3K/AKT/mTOR, among others, as a central signaling center of cancer development due to its governing control in cellular growth, survival, and metabolism. The discovery of high frequencies of mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in different cancer entities has sparked interest to inhibit elements of this pathway. In acute leukemia pharmacological interruption has yet to achieve desirable efficacy as targetable downstream mutations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR are absent. Nevertheless, mutations in membrane-associated genes upstream of PI3K/AKT/mTOR are frequent in acute leukemia and are associated with aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR thus providing a good rationale for further exploration. This review attempts to summarize key findings leading to aberrant activation and to reflect on both promises and challenges of targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR in acute leukemia. Our emphasis lies on the insights gained through high-throughput data acquisition that open up new avenues for identifying specific subgroups of acute leukemia as ideal candidates for PI3K/AKT/mTOR targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Fransecky
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Liliana H Mochmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia D Baldus
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
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Murray M, Hraiki A, Bebawy M, Pazderka C, Rawling T. Anti-tumor activities of lipids and lipid analogues and their development as potential anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 150:109-28. [PMID: 25603423 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipids have the potential for development as anticancer agents. Endogenous membrane lipids, such as ceramides and certain saturated fatty acids, have been found to modulate the viability of tumor cells. In addition, many tumors over-express cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase or cytochrome P450 enzymes that mediate the biotransformation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to potent eicosanoid regulators of tumor cell proliferation and cell death. In contrast, several analogous products from the biotransformation of ω-3 PUFAs impair particular tumorigenic pathways. For example, the ω-3 17,18-epoxide of eicosapentaenoic acid activates anti-proliferative and proapoptotic signaling cascades in tumor cells and the lipoxygenase-derived resolvins are effective inhibitors of inflammatory pathways that may drive tumor expansion. However, the development of potential anti-cancer drugs based on these molecules is complex, with in vivo stability a major issue. Nevertheless, recent successes with the antitumor alkyl phospholipids, which are synthetic analogues of naturally-occurring membrane phospholipid esters, have provided the impetus for development of further molecules. The alkyl phospholipids have been tested against a range of cancers and show considerable activity against skin cancers and certain leukemias. Very recently, it has been shown that combination strategies, in which alkyl phospholipids are used in conjunction with established anticancer agents, are promising new therapeutic approaches. In future, the evaluation of new lipid-based molecules in single-agent and combination treatments may also be assessed. This could provide a range of important treatment options in the management of advanced and metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murray
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Adam Hraiki
- Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development Group, Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mary Bebawy
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Curtis Pazderka
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Carneiro BA, Kaplan JB, Altman JK, Giles FJ, Platanias LC. Targeting mTOR signaling pathways and related negative feedback loops for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:648-56. [PMID: 25801978 PMCID: PMC4622839 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2015.1026510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An accumulating understanding of the complex pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) continues to lead to promising therapeutic approaches. Among the key aberrant intracellular signaling pathways involved in AML, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) axis is of major interest. This axis modulates a wide array of critical cellular functions, including proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Pharmacologic inhibitors of components of this pathway have been developed over the past decade, but none has an established role in the treatment of AML. This review will discuss the preclinical data and clinical results driving ongoing attempts to exploit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in patients with AML and address issues related to negative feedback loops that account for leukemic cell survival. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is of high interest for the treatment of AML, but combination therapies with other targeted agents may be needed to block negative feedback loops in leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedito A Carneiro
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute; Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jason B Kaplan
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute; Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica K Altman
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute; Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francis J Giles
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute; Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute; Northwestern University; Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology; Department of Medicine; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center; Chicago, IL, USA
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Gojo I, Karp JE. New strategies in acute myelogenous leukemia: leukemogenesis and personalized medicine. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:6233-41. [PMID: 25324141 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular technology have unraveled the complexity of leukemogenesis and provided the opportunity to design more personalized and pathophysiology-targeted therapeutic strategies. Despite the use of intensive chemotherapy, relapse remains the most common cause for therapeutic failure in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The interactions between leukemia stem cells (LSC) and marrow microenvironment appear to be critical in promoting therapeutic resistance through progressive acquisition of genetic and epigenetic changes within leukemia cells and immune evasion, resulting in leukemia cell survival. With advances in genomic-sequencing efforts, epigenetic and phenotypic characterization, personalized therapeutic strategies aimed at critical leukemia survival mechanisms may be feasible in the near future. Here, we review select novel approaches to therapy of AML such as targeting LSC, altering leukemia/marrow microenvironment interactions, inhibiting DNA repair or cell-cycle checkpoints, and augmenting immune-based antileukemia activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Gojo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Judith E Karp
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Current clinical regulation of PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR signalling in treatment of human cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:671-89. [PMID: 25146530 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1803-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE PTEN is an essential tumour suppressor gene which encodes a phosphatase protein that antagonises the PI3K/Akt/mTOR antiapoptotic pathway. Impairment of this tumour suppressor pathway potentially becomes a causal factor for development of malignancies. This review aims to assess current understanding of mechanisms of dysfunction involving the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway linked to tumorigenesis and evaluate the evidence for targeted therapy directed at this signalling axis. METHODS Relevant articles in scientific databases were identified using a combination of search terms, including "malignancies", "targeted therapy", "PTEN", and "combination therapy". These databases included Medline, Embase, Cochrane Review, Pubmed, and Scopus. RESULTS PI3K/PTEN expression is frequently deregulated in a majority of malignancies through genetic, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional modifications. This contributes to the upregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway which has been the focus of intense clinical studies. Targeted agents aimed at this pathway offer a novel treatment approach in a variety of haematologic malignancies and solid tumours. Compared to single-agent use, greater response rates were obtained in combination regimens, supporting further investigation of suitable drug combinations in a broad spectrum of malignancies. CONCLUSION Activation of the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway is implicated both in the pathogenesis of malignancies and development of resistance to anticancer therapies. Therefore, PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors are a promising therapeutic option, in association with systemic cytotoxic and biological therapies, to enable sustained clinical outcomes in cancer treatment. Therapeutic strategies could be tailored according to appropriate biomarkers and patient-specific mutation profiles to maximise benefit of combination therapies.
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Abstract
![]()
The
concept of synthetic lethality (the creation of a lethal phenotype
from the combined effects of mutations in two or more genes) has recently
been exploited in various efforts to develop new genotype-selective
anticancer therapeutics. These efforts include screening for novel
anticancer agents, identifying novel therapeutic targets, characterizing
mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy, and improving efficacies
through the rational design of combination therapy. This review discusses
recent developments in synthetic lethality anticancer therapeutics,
including poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors for BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutant cancers, checkpoint inhibitors
for p53 mutant cancers, and small molecule agents targeting RAS gene mutant cancers. Because cancers are caused by mutations
in multiple genes and abnormalities in multiple signaling pathways,
synthetic lethality for a specific tumor suppressor gene or oncogene
is likely cell context-dependent. Delineation of the mechanisms underlying
synthetic lethality and identification of treatment response biomarkers
will be critical for the success of synthetic lethality anticancer
therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Unit 1489, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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Abstract
Recent groundbreaking discoveries have revealed that IGF-1, Ras, MEK, AMPK, TSC1/2, FOXO, PI3K, mTOR, S6K, and NFκB are involved in the aging process. This is remarkable because the same signaling molecules, oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, are well-known targets for cancer therapy. Furthermore, anti-cancer drugs aimed at some of these targets have been already developed. This arsenal could be potentially employed for anti-aging interventions (given that similar signaling molecules are involved in both cancer and aging). In cancer, intrinsic and acquired resistance, tumor heterogeneity, adaptation, and genetic instability of cancer cells all hinder cancer-directed therapy. But for anti-aging applications, these hurdles are irrelevant. For example, since anti-aging interventions should be aimed at normal postmitotic cells, no selection for resistance is expected. At low doses, certain agents may decelerate aging and age-related diseases. Importantly, deceleration of aging can in turn postpone cancer, which is an age-related disease.
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