1
|
Zhu Y, Shuai W, Zhao M, Pan X, Pei J, Wu Y, Bu F, Wang A, Ouyang L, Wang G. Unraveling the Design and Discovery of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Inhibitors and Their Therapeutic Potential in Human Diseases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3758-3775. [PMID: 35200035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are encoded by three genes: jnk1, jnk2, and jnk3. JNKs are involved in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancers. Therefore, JNKs have become important therapeutic targets. Many JNK inhibitors have been discovered, and some have been introduced into clinical trials. However, the study of isoform-selective JNK inhibitors is still a challenging task. To further develop novel JNK inhibitors with clinical value, a comprehensive understanding of JNKs and their corresponding inhibitors is required. In this Perspective, we introduced the JNK signaling pathways and reviewed different chemical types of JNK inhibitors, focusing on their structure-activity relationships and biological activities. The challenges and strategies for the development of JNK inhibitors are also discussed. It is hoped that this Perspective will provide valuable references for the development of novel selective JNK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junping Pei
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faqian Bu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Massimino M, Vigneri P, Stella S, Tirrò E, Pennisi MS, Parrinello LN, Vetro C, Manzella L, Stagno F, Di Raimondo F. Combined Inhibition of Bcl2 and Bcr-Abl1 Exercises Anti-Leukemia Activity but Does Not Eradicate the Primitive Leukemic Cells. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235606. [PMID: 34884309 PMCID: PMC8658323 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The management of Philadelphia Chromosome-positive (Ph+) hematological malignancies is strictly correlated to the use of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, these drugs do not induce leukemic stem cells death and their persistence may generate a disease relapse. Published reports indicated that Venetoclax, a selective BCL2 inhibitor, could be effective in Ph+ diseases, as BCL2 anti-apoptotic activity is modulated by BCR-ABL1 kinase. We, therefore, investigated if BCL2 inhibition, alone or combined with Nilotinib, a BCR-ABL1 inhibitor, affects the primitive and committed Ph+ cells survival. Methods: We used Ph+ cells isolated from leukemic patients at diagnosis. To estimate the therapeutic efficacy of BCL2 and BCR-ABL1 inhibition we employed long-term culture, proliferation and apoptosis assay. Immunoblot was used to evaluate the ability of treatment to interfere with the down-stream targets of BCR-ABL1. Results: Blocking BCL2, we observed reduced proliferation and clonogenic potential of CML CD34-positive cells and this cytotoxicity was improved by combination with BCR-ABL1 inhibitor. However, BCL2 inhibition, alone or in combination regiment with BCR-ABL1 inhibitor, did not reduce the self-renewal of primitive leukemic cells, while strongly induced cell death on primary Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Conclusion: Our results suggest that primitive CML leukemic cells are not dependent on BCL2 for their persistence and support that committed CML and Ph + ALL cells are dependent by BCL2 and BCR-ABL1 cooperation for their survival. The antileukemic activity of BCL2 and BCR-ABL1 dual targeting may be a useful therapeutic strategy for Ph+ ALL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (P.V.); (S.S.); (E.T.); (M.S.P.); (L.M.)
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3781952; Fax: +39-095-3781949
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (P.V.); (S.S.); (E.T.); (M.S.P.); (L.M.)
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (P.V.); (S.S.); (E.T.); (M.S.P.); (L.M.)
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (P.V.); (S.S.); (E.T.); (M.S.P.); (L.M.)
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Pennisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (P.V.); (S.S.); (E.T.); (M.S.P.); (L.M.)
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Nunziatina Parrinello
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.N.P.); (C.V.); (F.S.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Calogero Vetro
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.N.P.); (C.V.); (F.S.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (P.V.); (S.S.); (E.T.); (M.S.P.); (L.M.)
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Stagno
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.N.P.); (C.V.); (F.S.); (F.D.R.)
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.N.P.); (C.V.); (F.S.); (F.D.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rehfeldt SCH, Laufer S, Goettert MI. A Highly Selective In Vitro JNK3 Inhibitor, FMU200, Restores Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Reduces Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in SH-SY5Y Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073701. [PMID: 33918172 PMCID: PMC8037381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are symptomatic and do not affect disease progression. Slowing this progression remains a crucial unmet need for patients and their families. c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) are related to several ND hallmarks including apoptosis, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. JNK inhibitors can play an important role in addressing neuroprotection. This research aims to evaluate the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of a synthetic compound (FMU200) with known JNK3 inhibitory activity in SH-SY5Y and RAW264.7 cell lines. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with FMU200 and cell damage was induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cell viability and neuroprotective effect were assessed with an MTT assay. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. The H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were evaluated by DCFDA and JC-1 assays, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells by ELISA assay. In undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells, FMU200 decreased neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA in approximately 20%. In RA-differentiated cells, FMU200 diminished cell death in approximately 40% and 90% after 24 and 48 h treatment, respectively. FMU200 reduced both early and late apoptotic cells, decreased ROS levels, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, and downregulated JNK phosphorylation after H2O2 exposure. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, FMU200 reduced TNF-α levels after a 3 h treatment. FMU200 protects neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against 6-OHDA- and H2O2-induced apoptosis, which may result from suppressing the JNK pathways. Our findings show that FMU200 can be a useful candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery (TüCAD2), D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (M.I.G.); Tel.: +55-(51)3714-7000 (ext. 5445) (M.I.G.)
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado, RS 95914-014, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (M.I.G.); Tel.: +55-(51)3714-7000 (ext. 5445) (M.I.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Inoue C, Sobue S, Mizutani N, Kawamoto Y, Nishizawa Y, Ichihara M, Takeuchi T, Hayakawa F, Suzuki M, Ito T, Nozawa Y, Murate T. Vaticanol C, a phytoalexin, induces apoptosis of leukemia and cancer cells by modulating expression of multiple sphingolipid metabolic enzymes. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2020; 82:261-280. [PMID: 32581406 PMCID: PMC7276413 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.82.2.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) has recently attracted keen interest because of its pleiotropic effects. It exerts a wide range of health-promoting effects. In addition to health-promoting effects, RSV possesses anti-carcinogenic activity. However, a non-physiological concentration is needed to achieve an anti-cancer effect, and its in vivo bioavailability is low. Therefore, the clinical application of phytochemicals requires alternative candidates that induce the desired effects at a lower concentration and with increased bioavailability. We previously reported a low IC50 of vaticanol C (VTC), an RSV tetramer, among 12 RSV derivatives (Ito T. et al, 2003). However, the precise mechanism involved remains to be determined. Here, we screened an in-house chemical library bearing RSV building blocks ranging from dimers to octamers for cytotoxic effects in several leukemia and cancer cell lines and their anti-cancer drug-resistant sublines. Among the compounds, VTC exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, which was partially inhibited by a caspase 3 inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. VTC decreased the expression of sphingosine kinase 1, sphingosine kinase 2 and glucosylceramide synthase by transcriptional or post-transcriptional mechanisms, and increased cellular ceramides/dihydroceramides and decreased sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). VTC-induced sphingolipid rheostat modulation (the ratio of ceramide/S1P) is thought to be involved in cellular apoptosis. Indeed, exogenous S1P addition modulated VTC cytotoxicity significantly. A combination of SPHK1, SPHK2, and GCS chemical inhibitors induced sphingolipid rheostat modulation, cell growth suppression, and cytotoxicity similar to that of VTC. These results suggest the involvement of sphingolipid metabolism in VTC-induced cytotoxicity, and indicate VTC is a promising prototype for translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Inoue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Sayaka Sobue
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Naoki Mizutani
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Nishizawa
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| | | | - Toshiyuki Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hayakawa
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoshi Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ito
- Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.,Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, Kakamigahara, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Murate
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kuhlen M, Klusmann JH, Hoell JI. Molecular Approaches to Treating Pediatric Leukemias. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:368. [PMID: 31555628 PMCID: PMC6742719 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, striking progress has been made in the treatment of pediatric leukemia, approaching 90% overall survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 75% in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This has mainly been achieved through multiagent chemotherapy including CNS prophylaxis and risk-adapted therapy within collaborative clinical trials. However, prognosis in children with refractory or relapsed leukemia remains poor and has not significantly improved despite great efforts. Hence, more effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed. Our understanding of disease biology, molecular drivers, drug resistance and, thus, the possibility to identify children at high-risk for treatment failure has significantly improved in recent years. Moreover, several new drugs targeting key molecular pathways involved in leukemia development, cell growth, and proliferation have been developed and approved. These striking achievements are linked to the great hope to further improve survival in children with refractory and relapsed leukemia. This review gives an overview on current molecularly targeted therapies in children with leukemia, including kinase, and proteasome inhibitors, epigenetic and enzyme targeting, as well as apoptosis regulators among others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kuhlen
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, University Children's Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Yuan L, Meng L, Fang M, Guo S, Wang D, Ma J, Wang L. Guanine and nucleotide binding protein 3 promotes odonto/osteogenic differentiation of apical papilla stem cells via JNK and ERK signaling pathways. Int J Mol Med 2018; 43:382-392. [PMID: 30431055 PMCID: PMC6257834 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Odonto/osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) is a key process in tooth root formation and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unknown. In the present study, it was identified that guanine and nucleotide binding protein 3 (GNAI3) was at least in part responsible for the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. GNAI3 was markedly induced in mouse tooth root development in vivo and in human SCAPs mineralization in vitro. Notably, knockdown of GNAI3 by lentiviral vectors expressing short-hairpin RNAs against GNAI3 significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell cycle progression and migration of SCAPs, as well as odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs in vitro, suggesting that GNAI3 may play an essential role in tooth root development. The promotive role of GNAI3 in odonto/osteogenic differentiation was further confirmed by downregulation of odonto/osteogenic makers in GNAI3-deficient SCAPs. In addition, knockdown of GNAI3 effectively suppressed activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways that was induced during SCAPs differentiation, suggesting that GNAI3 promotes SCAPs mineralization at least partially via JNK/ERK signaling. Taken together, the present results implicate GNAI3 as a critical regulator of odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs in tooth root development, and suggest a possible role of GNAI3 in regeneration processes in dentin or other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Lichan Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Li Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Mengru Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Shuyu Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Dongyue Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Junqing Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|