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Hushmandi K, Saadat SH, Mirilavasani S, Daneshi S, Aref AR, Nabavi N, Raesi R, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. The multifaceted role of SOX2 in breast and lung cancer dynamics. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155386. [PMID: 38861919 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast and lung cancers are leading causes of death among patients, with their global mortality and morbidity rates increasing. Conventional treatments often prove inadequate due to resistance development. The alteration of molecular interactions may accelerate cancer progression and treatment resistance. SOX2, known for its abnormal expression in various human cancers, can either accelerate or impede cancer progression. This review focuses on examining the role of SOX2 in breast and lung cancer development. An imbalance in SOX2 expression can promote the growth and dissemination of these cancers. SOX2 can also block programmed cell death, affecting autophagy and other cell death mechanisms. It plays a significant role in cancer metastasis, mainly by regulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, an imbalanced SOX2 expression can cause resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in these cancers. Genetic and epigenetic factors may affect SOX2 levels. Pharmacologically targeting SOX2 could improve the effectiveness of breast and lung cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Hushmandi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Seyed Hassan Saadat
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Seyedalireza Mirilavasani
- Campus Venlo, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health,School of Health,Jiroft University of Medical Sciences,Jiroft, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6 Canada
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Department of Nursing, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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2
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Gong Y, Li H. CDK7 in breast cancer: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:226. [PMID: 38605321 PMCID: PMC11010440 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) serves as a pivotal regulator in orchestrating cellular cycle dynamics and gene transcriptional activity. Elevated expression levels of CDK7 have been ubiquitously documented across a spectrum of malignancies and have been concomitantly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. This review delineates the biological roles of CDK7 and explicates the molecular pathways through which CDK7 exacerbates the oncogenic progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we synthesize the extant literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancement of CDK7-specific small-molecule inhibitors, encapsulating both preclinical and clinical findings in breast cancer contexts. The accumulated evidence substantiates the conceptualization of CDK7 as a propitious therapeutic target in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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3
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Du X, Wang H, Xu J, Zhang Y, Chen T, Li G. Profiling and integrated analysis of transcriptional addiction gene expression and prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204676. [PMID: 37171044 PMCID: PMC10188332 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation caused by genomic and epigenetic alterations in cancer is called "transcriptional addiction". Transcriptional addiction is an important pathogenic factor of tumor malignancy. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) genomes are highly heterogeneous, with many dysregulated genes. Our study analyzed the possibility that transcriptional addiction-related genes play a significant role in HCC. All data sources for conducting this study were public cancer databases and tissue microarrays. We identified 38 transcriptional addiction genes, and most were differentially expressed genes. Among patients of different groups, there were significant differences in overall survival rates. Both nomogram and risk score were independent predictors of HCC outcomes. Transcriptional addiction gene expression characteristics determine the sensitivity of patients to immunotherapy, cisplatin, and sorafenib. Besides, HDAC2 was identified as an oncogene, and its expression was correlated with patient survival time. Our study conclusively demonstrated that transcriptional addiction is crucial in HCC. We provided biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients, which can more precisely guide the patient's treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Du
- First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Zhang
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingsong Chen
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gao Li
- Second Department of Oncology, Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Kuempers C, Jagomast T, Heidel C, Paulsen FO, Bohnet S, Schierholz S, Dreyer E, Kirfel J, Perner S. CDK7 is a prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:927140. [PMID: 36212402 PMCID: PMC9540232 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.927140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death globally despite promising progress of personalized therapy approaches. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a kinase involved in transcription, overexpressed in a broad spectrum of cancer types and found to be associated with an unfavourable prognosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protein expression of CDK7 in a large cohort of NSCLC incorporating adenocarcinomas (adNSCLC) and squamous cell carcinomas (sqNSCLC) and to correlate its expression with clinicopathological data. Methods We performed immunohistochemical staining of CDK7 on our cohort of NSCLC including 258 adNSCLC and 101 sqNSCLC and measured protein expression via a semi-automated read out. According to the median value of CDK7 the cohort was stratified in a CDK7 high and low expressing group, respectively, and results were correlated with clinico-pathological data. Results CDK7 was significantly higher expressed in sqNSCLC than in adNSCLC. In the group of sqNSCLC, CDK7 expression was significantly higher in sqNSCLC with lymph node metastases than in sqNSCLC with N0 stage. We found a significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival for patients with CDK7 high expressing NSCLC. Conclusion Since a high CDK7 expression seems to be linked with a poor prognosis it might serve as a promising novel prognostic biomarker and its assessment could be implied in future routine diagnostic workup of NSCLC samples. Considering that CDK7 inhibitors are currently tested in several trials for advanced solid malignancies, it may also be a new target for future anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Kuempers
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christiane Kuempers,
| | - Tobias Jagomast
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carsten Heidel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Schoen Klinik Neustadt, Holstein, Germany
| | - Finn-Ole Paulsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Bohnet
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schierholz
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Eva Dreyer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Pathology, Research Center Borstel-Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Department Borstel, Borstel, Germany
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5
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Control of Expression of Key Cell Cycle Enzymes Drives Cell Line-Specific Functions of CDK7 in Human PDAC Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020812. [PMID: 35054996 PMCID: PMC8775745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the dual function cell cycle and transcription kinase CDK7 is known to affect the viability of cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth control remain poorly understood. Here, we employed a previously developed, highly specific small molecule inhibitor that non-covalently blocks ATP binding to CDK7 (LDC4297) to study the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth using a panel of genetically heterogeneous human pancreatic tumor lines as model system. Although LDC4297 diminished both transcription rates and CDK T-loop phosphorylation in a comparable manner, some PDAC lines displayed significantly higher sensitivity than others. We focused our analyses on two well-responsive lines (Mia-Paca2 and Panc89) that, however, showed significant differences in their viability upon extended exposure to limiting LDC4297 concentrations. Biochemical and RNAseq analysis revealed striking differences in gene expression and cell cycle control. Especially the downregulation of a group of cell cycle control genes, among them CDK1/2 and CDC25A/C, correlated well to the observed viability differences in Panc89 versus Mia-Paca2 cells. A parallel downregulation of regulatory pathways supported the hypothesis of a feedforward programmatic effect of CDK7 inhibitors, eventually causing hypersensitivity of PDAC lines.
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Qiao G, Wang HB, Duan XN, Yan XF. The effect and mechanism of miR-607/CANT1 axis in lung squamous carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:693-702. [PMID: 33675611 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) is the second most frequent subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. Rarely gene alterations are identified in LUSC. Therefore, identifying LUSC-related genes to explain the relevant molecular mechanism is urgently needed. A potential biomarker, calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1), was elevated in tissues of LUSC patients relative to normal cases based on the TCGA and/or GTEx database. CCK-8 and transwell tests were then implemented to measure the proliferative, invasive and migratory capacities, and showed that knockdown of CANT1 blocked LUSC cells proliferation. miR-607, predicted as an upstream factor for CANT1, was declined in LUSC using TargetScan analysis and luciferase activity test. Low miR-607 expression was related with unfavorable outcomes of LUSC patients. Moreover, miR-607 downregulation elevated cell viability, invasion and migration in LUSC cells, which was antagonized by si-CANT1. GEPIA website was accessed to estimate the relevance between CANT1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related positive factors. The protein levels of Fibronectin, Vimentin, Snail and β-catenin were altered due to the abnormal CANT1 and miR-607 expression. Together, these data unveiled that miR-607/CANT1 pair may exert a vital role in the progression of LUSC through mediating EMT process, which would furnish an available therapeutic therapy for LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Qiao
- Department of Integrative Medicine Oncology, Zibo Bashan Wanjie Hospital, Zibo
| | - Hai-Bo Wang
- Emergency department, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao
| | - Xiu-Na Duan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Central Hospital of Shan County, Shan County, Heze, Shandong People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Central Hospital of Shan County, Shan County, Heze, Shandong People's Republic of China
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Chow PM, Chang YW, Kuo KL, Lin WC, Liu SH, Huang KH. CDK7 inhibition by THZ1 suppresses cancer stemness in both chemonaïve and chemoresistant urothelial carcinoma via the hedgehog signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2021; 507:70-79. [PMID: 33741425 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common type of bladder cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of only 4.6% in metastatic UC. Despite the advances related to immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy, chemotherapy remains the standard of care for metastatic diseases, with a 50% response rate. The covalent cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1 interferes with transcription machinery and is reported to be effective in cancers without targetable mutations. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic effect of THZ1 on UC and examined possible mechanisms underlying its effects in both chemonaïve and chemosensitive cancers. CDK7 expression is increased in bladder cancer tissues, especially in patients with chemoresistance. THZ1 induced apoptosis and decreased viability in RT4, BFTC905, HT1376, T24, and T24/R UC cell lines. RNA-sequencing, immunoblotting, and sphere-formation assays confirmed that THZ1 suppressed cancer stemness. In the mouse xenograft model, THZ1 suppressed both chemonaïve and chemoresistant tumors. These results indicate that CDK7 inhibition-related cancer stemness suppression is a potential therapeutic strategy for both chemonaïve and chemoresistant UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ming Chow
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Wei Chang
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Lin Kuo
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chou Lin
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
| | - Shing-Hwa Liu
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
| | - Kuo-How Huang
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan; Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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8
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Ji W, Choi YJ, Kang MH, Sung KJ, Kim DH, Jung S, Choi CM, Lee JC, Rho JK. Efficacy of the CDK7 Inhibitor on EMT-Associated Resistance to 3rd Generation EGFR-TKIs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122596. [PMID: 33287368 PMCID: PMC7761809 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with resistance during EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. Here, we investigated whether EMT is associated with acquired resistance to 3rd generation EGFR-TKIs, and we explored the effects of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors on EMT-mediated EGFR-TKIs resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We established 3rd generation EGFR-TKI resistant cell lines (H1975/WR and H1975/OR) via repeated exposure to WZ4002 and osimertinib. The two resistant cell lines showed phenotypic changes to a spindle-cell shape, had a reduction of epithelial marker proteins, an induction of vimentin expression, and enhanced cellular mobility. The EMT-related resistant cells had higher sensitivity to THZ1 than the parental cells, although THZ1 treatment did not inhibit EGFR activity. This phenomenon was also observed in TGF-β1 induced EMT cell lines. THZ1 treatment induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all of the cell lines. In addition, THZ1 treatment led to drug-tolerant, EMT-related resistant cells, and these THZ1-tolerant cells partially recovered their sensitivity to 3rd generation EGFR-TKIs. Taken together, EMT was associated with acquired resistance to 3rd generation EGFR-TKIs, and CDK7 inhibitors could potentially be used as a therapeutic strategy to overcome EMT associated EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjun Ji
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (W.J.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - Yun Jung Choi
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (Y.J.C.); (M.-H.K.); (K.J.S.); (D.H.K.)
| | - Myoung-Hee Kang
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (Y.J.C.); (M.-H.K.); (K.J.S.); (D.H.K.)
| | - Ki Jung Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (Y.J.C.); (M.-H.K.); (K.J.S.); (D.H.K.)
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (Y.J.C.); (M.-H.K.); (K.J.S.); (D.H.K.)
| | - Sangyong Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea;
| | - Chang-Min Choi
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (W.J.); (C.-M.C.)
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.C.L.); (J.K.R.); Tel.: +82-2-3010-3208 (J.C.L.); +82-2-3010-2974 (J.K.R.); Fax: +82-2-3010-6961 (J.C.L. & J.K.R.)
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea; (W.J.); (C.-M.C.)
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.C.L.); (J.K.R.); Tel.: +82-2-3010-3208 (J.C.L.); +82-2-3010-2974 (J.K.R.); Fax: +82-2-3010-6961 (J.C.L. & J.K.R.)
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9
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A review on kinases phosphorylating the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II-Biological functions and inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104318. [PMID: 33142427 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) plays a major role in gene transcription for eukaryote. One of the major modes of regulation in eukaryotes is the phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA Pol II. The current study found that the phosphorylation of Ser2, Ser5, Ser7, Thr4 and Tyr1 among the heptapeptide repeats of CTD plays a key role in the transcription process. We therefore review the biological functions and inhibitors of kinases that phosphorylate these amino acid residues including transcriptional cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs), bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), Polo-like kinases 3 (Plk3) and Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene 1 and 2 (c-Abl1/2).
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10
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Attia YM, Shouman SA, Salama SA, Ivan C, Elsayed AM, Amero P, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G. Blockade of CDK7 Reverses Endocrine Therapy Resistance in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082974. [PMID: 32340192 PMCID: PMC7215326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-7 inhibitors are emerging as promising drugs for the treatment of different types of cancer that show chemotherapy resistance. Evaluation of the effects of CDK7 inhibitor, THZ1, alone and combined with tamoxifen is of paramount importance. Thus, in the current work, we assessed the effects of THZ1 and/or tamoxifen in two estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) and its tamoxifen resistant counterpart (LCC2) in vitro and in xenograft mouse models of breast cancer. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of CDK7 in clinical samples from breast cancer patients. Cell viability, apoptosis, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation and tamoxifen resistance were determined. Tumor volume and weight, proliferation marker (Ki67), angiogenic marker (CD31), and apoptotic markers were assayed. Bioinformatic data indicated CDK7 expression was associated with negative prognosis, enhanced pro-oncogenic pathways, and decreased response to tamoxifen. Treatment with THZ1 enhanced tamoxifen-induced cytotoxicity, while it inhibited genes involved in tumor progression in MCF-7 and LCC2 cells. In vivo, THZ1 boosted the effect of tamoxifen on tumor weight and tumor volume, reduced Ki67 and CD31 expression, and increased apoptotic cell death. Our findings identify CDK7 as a possible therapeutic target for breast cancer whether it is sensitive or resistant to tamoxifen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin M. Attia
- Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al Eini Street, Fom El Khalig, Cairo 11796, Egypt; (Y.M.A.); (S.A.S.)
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
| | - Samia A. Shouman
- Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al Eini Street, Fom El Khalig, Cairo 11796, Egypt; (Y.M.A.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Salama A. Salama
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11675, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +20-109-550-8894
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Abdelrahman M. Elsayed
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11675, Egypt
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Overexpression of Sal-like protein 4 in head and neck cancer: epigenetic effects and clinical correlations. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:631-641. [PMID: 32240499 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), an embryonic stem cell factor, has been reported to play an essential role in embryogenesis and oncogenesis. As yet, however, the expression and role of this transcription factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been established. METHODS We assessed SALL4 mRNA expression in a well-characterised dataset of 230 HNSCC samples (test cohort 110 cases and validation cohort 120 cases). We also transfected HNSCC cells (FaDu and UM-SCC-6) with SALL4 siRNA and assessed its effects on proliferation and expression of specific epigenetic factors in order to uncover the role of SALL4 in HNSCC. RESULTS Overexpression of SALL4 was detected in tumour samples of both cohorts. HNSCC cells treated with SALL4 siRNA showed a reduction in growth and a decrease in DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) expression. In the patient cohorts, SALL4 overexpression was found to significantly correlate with disease recurrence (p < 0.001) and SALL4 methylation status (p = 0.002). We also found that DNMT3A was significantly upregulated upon SALL4 upregulation (p < 0.001). High expression levels of SALL4 correlated with decreases in disease-free survival (DFS) rates (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that SALL4 expression served as an independent prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio: 2.566, 95% confidence interval: 1.598-4.121; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that SALL4 upregulation correlates with HNSCC tumour aggressiveness and an adverse patient outcome. Our findings also indicate that DNMT3A may synergistically contribute to the regulatory effects of SALL4. Our findings provide insight into SALL4-mediated HNSCC development via epigenetic modulation.
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Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) plays crucial roles in the regulation of cell cycle and transcription that are tightly associated with cancer development and metastasis. The recent identification of the first covalent inhibitor which possesses high specificity against CDK7 prompts intense studies on designing highly selective CDK7 inhibitors and exploring their applications in cancer treatments. This review summarizes the latest biological studies on CDK7 and reviews the development of CDK7 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical evaluations, along with the prospects and potential challenges in this research area. CDK7 is an attractive anticancer target, and the discovery and development of CDK7 inhibitors has received much attention.
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Diab S, Yu M, Wang S. CDK7 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: The Sweet Smell of Success? J Med Chem 2020; 63:7458-7474. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Diab
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Zhang B, Zhong X, Sauane M, Zhao Y, Zheng ZL. Modulation of the Pol II CTD Phosphorylation Code by Rac1 and Cdc42 Small GTPases in Cultured Human Cancer Cells and Its Implication for Developing a Synthetic-Lethal Cancer Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030621. [PMID: 32143485 PMCID: PMC7140432 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases, including Rho, Cdc42, Rac and ROP subfamilies, are key signaling molecules in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcriptional control. Our prior work has shown that plant ROP and yeast Cdc42 GTPases similarly modulate Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation status of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the Pol II largest subunit by regulating CTD phosphatase degradation. Here, we present genetic and pharmacological evidence showing that Cdc42 and Rac1 GTPase signaling modulates a similar CTD Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation code in cultured human cancer cells. While siRNA knockdown of Cdc42 and Rac1, respectively, in HeLa cells increased the level of CTD Ser phosphatases RPAP2 and FCP1, they both decreased the level of CTD kinases CDK7 and CDK13. In addition, the protein degradation inhibitor MG132 reversed the effect of THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor which could decrease the cell number and amount of CDK7 and CDK13, accompanied by a reduction in the level of CTD Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation and DOCK4 and DOCK9 (the activators for Rac1 and Cdc42, respectively). Conversely, treatments of Torin1 or serum deprivation, both of which promote protein degradation, could enhance the effect of THZ1, indicating the involvement of protein degradation in controlling CDK7 and CDK13. Our results support an evolutionarily conserved signaling shortcut model linking Rho GTPases to Pol II transcription across three kingdoms, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia, and could lead to the development of a potential synthetic-lethal strategy in controlling cancer cell proliferation or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Department of Biology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325060, China
| | - Xuelin Zhong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Moira Sauane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yihong Zhao
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies and Department of Applied Psychology, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Zhi-Liang Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Correspondence:
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Recent advances in the development of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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