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Tan Y, Xin L, Wang Q, Xu R, Tong X, Chen G, Ma L, Yang F, Jiang H, Zhang N, Wu J, Li X, Guo X, Wang C, Zhou H, Zhou F. FLT3-selective PROTAC: Enhanced safety and increased synergy with Venetoclax in FLT3-ITD mutated acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Lett 2024; 592:216933. [PMID: 38705564 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216933] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients carrying Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutations often face a poor prognosis. While some FLT3 inhibitors have been used clinically, challenges such as short efficacy and poor specificity persist. Proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC), with its lower ligand affinity requirement for target proteins, offers higher and rapid targeting capability. Gilteritinib, used as the ligand for the target protein, was connected with different E3 ligase ligands to synthesize several series of PROTAC targeting FLT3-ITD. Through screening and structural optimization, the optimal lead compound PROTAC Z29 showed better specificity than Gilteritinib. Z29 induced FLT3 degradation through the proteasome pathway and inhibited tumor growth in subcutaneous xenograft mice. We verified Z29's minimal impact on platelets in a patient-derived xenografts (PDX) model compared to Gilteritinib. The combination of Z29 and Venetoclax showed better anti-tumor effects, lower platelet toxicity, and lower hepatic toxicity in FLT3-ITD+ models. The FLT3-selective PROTAC can mitigate the platelet toxicity of small molecule inhibitors, ensuring safety and efficacy in monotherapy and combination therapy with Venetoclax. It is a promising strategy for FLT3-ITD+ patients, especially those with platelet deficiency or liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Tan
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rong Xu
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiqin Tong
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guopeng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Linlu Ma
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fuwei Yang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hongqiang Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jinxian Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinqi Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinyi Guo
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Haibing Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery (MOE) and Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Petiti J, Pignochino Y, Schiavon A, Giugliano E, Berrino E, Giordano G, Itri F, Dragani M, Cilloni D, Lo Iacono M. Comprehensive Molecular Profiling of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using RNAseq Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3631. [PMID: 38612443 PMCID: PMC11011776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex hematologic malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations occur in approximately 30% of AML cases, and NPM1-mutated AML is classified as a distinct entity. NPM1-mutated AML patients without additional genetic abnormalities have a favorable prognosis. Despite this, 30-50% of them experience relapse. This study aimed to investigate the potential of total RNAseq in improving the characterization of NPM1-mutated AML patients. We explored genetic variations independently of myeloid stratification, revealing a complex molecular scenario. We showed that total RNAseq enables the uncovering of different genetic alterations and clonal subtypes, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the real expression of exome transcripts in leukemic clones and the identification of aberrant fusion transcripts. This characterization may enhance understanding and guide improved treatment strategies for NPM1mut AML patients, contributing to better outcomes. Our findings underscore the complexity of NPM1-mutated AML, supporting the incorporation of advanced technologies for precise risk stratification and personalized therapeutic strategies. The study provides a foundation for future investigations into the clinical implications of identified genetic variations and highlights the importance of evolving diagnostic approaches in leukemia management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Petiti
- Division of Advanced Materials Metrology and Life Sciences, Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), 10135 Turin, Italy;
| | - Ymera Pignochino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (Y.P.); (A.S.); (F.I.); (D.C.)
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Aurora Schiavon
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (Y.P.); (A.S.); (F.I.); (D.C.)
| | - Emilia Giugliano
- Clinical and Microbiological Analysis Laboratory, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Giordano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (E.B.); (G.G.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Federico Itri
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (Y.P.); (A.S.); (F.I.); (D.C.)
| | - Matteo Dragani
- Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapies, San Martino Hospital, IRCCS, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Daniela Cilloni
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (Y.P.); (A.S.); (F.I.); (D.C.)
| | - Marco Lo Iacono
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (Y.P.); (A.S.); (F.I.); (D.C.)
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Singh G, Thakur N, Kumar U. RAS: Circuitry and therapeutic targeting. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110505. [PMID: 36341985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has affected the lives of millions worldwide and is truly regarded as a devastating disease process. Despite advanced understanding of the genomic underpinning of cancer development and progression, therapeutic challenges are still persistent. Among all the human cancers, around 33% are attributed to mutations in RAS oncogene, a crucial component of the signaling pathways. With time, our understanding of RAS circuitry has improved and now the fact that it activates several downstream effectors, depending on the type and grades of cancer has been established. The circuitry is controlled via post-transcriptional mechanisms and frequent distortions in these mechanisms lead to important metabolic as well as immunological states that favor cancer cells' growth, survival, plasticity and metastasis. Therefore, understanding RAS circuitry can help researchers/clinicians to develop novel and potent therapeutics that, in turn, can save the lives of patients suffering from RAS-mutant cancers. There are many challenges presented by resistance and the potential strategies with a particular focus on novel combinations for overcoming these, that could move beyond transitory responses in the direction of treatment. Here in this review, we will look at how understanding the circuitry of RAS can be put to use in making strategies for developing therapeutics against RAS- driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Neelam Thakur
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India; Department of Zoology, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Government College Campus, Paddal, Kartarpur, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, India.
| | - Umesh Kumar
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), Adhyatmik Nagar, NH09, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201015, India.
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Binding Studies and Lead Generation of Pteridin-7(8H)-one Derivatives Targeting FLT3. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147696. [PMID: 35887060 PMCID: PMC9319409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ligand modification by substituting chemical groups within the binding pocket is a popular strategy for kinase drug development. In this study, a series of pteridin-7(8H)-one derivatives targeting wild-type FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) and its D835Y mutant (FL3D835Y) were studied using a combination of molecular modeling techniques, such as docking, molecular dynamics (MD), binding energy calculation, and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies. We determined the protein–ligand binding affinity by employing molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann/generalized Born surface area (MM-PB/GBSA), fast pulling ligand (FPL) simulation, linear interaction energy (LIE), umbrella sampling (US), and free energy perturbation (FEP) scoring functions. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was conducted using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), and the results were emphasized as a SAR scheme. In both the CoMFA and CoMSIA models, satisfactory correlation statistics were obtained between the observed and predicted inhibitory activity. The MD and SAR models were co-utilized to design several new compounds, and their inhibitory activities were anticipated using the CoMSIA model. The designed compounds with higher predicted pIC50 values than the most active compound were carried out for binding free energy evaluation to wild-type and mutant receptors using MM-PB/GBSA, LIE, and FEP methods.
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Wachholz V, Mustafa AHM, Zeyn Y, Henninger SJ, Beyer M, Dzulko M, Piée-Staffa A, Brachetti C, Haehnel PS, Sellmer A, Mahboobi S, Kindler T, Brenner W, Nikolova T, Krämer OH. Inhibitors of class I HDACs and of FLT3 combine synergistically against leukemia cells with mutant FLT3. Arch Toxicol 2021; 96:177-193. [PMID: 34665271 PMCID: PMC8748367 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03174-1] [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: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) is a clinically unresolved problem. AML cells frequently have a dysregulated expression and activity of epigenetic modulators of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family. Therefore, we tested whether a combined inhibition of mutant FLT3 and class I HDACs is effective against AML cells. Low nanomolar doses of the FLT3 inhibitor (FLT3i) AC220 and an inhibition of class I HDACs with nanomolar concentrations of FK228 or micromolar doses of the HDAC3 specific agent RGFP966 synergistically induce apoptosis of AML cells that carry hyperactive FLT3 with an internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD). This does not occur in leukemic cells with wild-type FLT3 and without FLT3, suggesting a preferential toxicity of this combination against cells with mutant FLT3. Moreover, nanomolar doses of the new FLT3i marbotinib combine favorably with FK228 against leukemic cells with FLT3-ITD. The combinatorial treatments potentiated their suppressive effects on the tyrosine phosphorylation and stability of FLT3-ITD and its downstream signaling to the kinases ERK1/ERK2 and the inducible transcription factor STAT5. The beneficial pro-apoptotic effects of FLT3i and HDACi against leukemic cells with mutant FLT3 are associated with dose- and drug-dependent alterations of cell cycle distribution and DNA damage. This is linked to a modulation of the tumor-suppressive transcription factor p53 and its target cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. While HDACi induce p21, AC220 suppresses the expression of p53 and p21. Furthermore, we show that both FLT3-ITD and class I HDAC activity promote the expression of the checkpoint kinases CHK1 and WEE1, thymidylate synthase, and the DNA repair protein RAD51 in leukemic cells. A genetic depletion of HDAC3 attenuates the expression of such proteins. Thus, class I HDACs and hyperactive FLT3 appear to be valid targets in AML cells with mutant FLT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Wachholz
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Al-Hassan M Mustafa
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sven J Henninger
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mandy Beyer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Melanie Dzulko
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrea Piée-Staffa
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christina Brachetti
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patricia S Haehnel
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,German Consortia for Translational Cancer Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Sellmer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kindler
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,German Consortia for Translational Cancer Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Walburgis Brenner
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Women's Health, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Teodora Nikolova
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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6
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Pons M, Zeyn Y, Zahn S, Mahendrarajah N, Page BDG, Gunning PT, Moriggl R, Brenner W, Butter F, Krämer OH. Oncogenic Kinase Cascades Induce Molecular Mechanisms That Protect Leukemic Cell Models from Lethal Effects of De Novo dNTP Synthesis Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3464. [PMID: 34298678 PMCID: PMC8304262 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor hydroxyurea suppresses de novo dNTP synthesis and attenuates the hyperproliferation of leukemic blasts. Mechanisms that determine whether cells undergo apoptosis in response to hydroxyurea are ill-defined. We used unbiased proteomics to uncover which pathways control the transition of the hydroxyurea-induced replication stress into an apoptotic program in chronic and acute myeloid leukemia cells. We noted a decrease in the serine/threonine kinase RAF1/c-RAF in cells that undergo apoptosis in response to clinically relevant doses of hydroxyurea. Using the RAF inhibitor LY3009120, we show that RAF activity determines the sensitivity of leukemic cells toward hydroxyurea. We further disclose that pharmacological inhibition of the RAF downstream target BCL-XL with the drug navitoclax and RNAi combine favorably with hydroxyurea against leukemic cells. BCR-ABL1 and hyperactive FLT3 are tyrosine kinases that causally contribute to the development of leukemia and induce RAF1 and BCL-XL. Accordingly, the ABL inhibitor imatinib and the FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib sensitize leukemic cells to pro-apoptotic effects of hydroxyurea. Moreover, hydroxyurea and navitoclax kill leukemic cells with mutant FLT3 that are resistant to quizartinib. These data reveal cellular susceptibility factors toward hydroxyurea and how they can be exploited to eliminate difficult-to-treat leukemic cells with clinically relevant drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pons
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Stella Zahn
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Nisintha Mahendrarajah
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Brent D. G. Page
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Patrick T. Gunning
- Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Walburgis Brenner
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Women’s Health, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Oliver H. Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (S.Z.); (N.M.)
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Healy FM, Prior IA, MacEwan DJ. The importance of Ras in drug resistance in cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2844-2867. [PMID: 33634485 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we analyse the impact of oncogenic Ras mutations in mediating cancer drug resistance and the progress made in the abrogation of this resistance, through pharmacological targeting. At a physiological level, Ras is implicated in many cellular proliferation and survival pathways. However, mutations within this small GTPase can be responsible for the initiation of cancer, therapeutic resistance and failure, and ultimately disease relapse. Often termed "undruggable," Ras is notoriously difficult to target directly, due to its structure and intrinsic activity. Thus, Ras-mediated drug resistance remains a considerable pharmacological problem. However, with advances in both analytical techniques and novel drug classes, the therapeutic landscape against Ras is changing. Allele-specific, direct Ras-targeting agents have reached clinical trials for the first time, indicating there may, at last, be hope of targeting such an elusive but significant protein for better more effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Healy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian A Prior
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David J MacEwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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