1
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An B, Fang Y, Wang L, Nie W, Wang M, Nie H, Wu C, Wang R. Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling by compound 5aa: A potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107374. [PMID: 38636433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107374] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been steadily increasing each year, posing significant challenges in its treatment. In this study, we conducted the design and synthesis of 23 new inhibitors that specifically target the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Initially, we employed a cell model of TGF-β-induced pulmonary fibrosis, using cell survival rate and HYP expression as indicators to identify the potent ingredient 5aa, which demonstrated significant anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity. Subsequently, we induced mice with bleomycin (BLM) to establish an experimental animal model of pulmonary fibrosis, and evaluated the pharmacodynamics of 5aa in vivo against pulmonary fibrosis. The alterations in HYP and collagen levels in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice were analyzed using ELISA and immunohistochemistry techniques. The results indicated that compound 5aa effectively suppressed the fibrotic response induced by TGF-β1, inhibited the expression of the fibrotic marker α-SMA, and hindered the EMT process in NIH3T3 cells. Additionally, oral administration of 5aa demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in a mouse model of IPF, comparable to the established drug Nintedanib. Moreover, compound 5aa exhibited higher bioavailability in vivo compared to Nintedanib. These collective outcomes suggest that 5aa holds promise as a potential inhibitor of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baijiao An
- The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Yanhua Fang
- The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China
| | - Lihan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Wenyan Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Mengxuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Haoran Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Chengjun Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of biomarker high throughput screening and target translation of breast and gastrointestinal tumor, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, No.6 Jiefang Street, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China.
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2
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Xie X, Chauhan GB, Edupuganti R, Kogawa T, Park J, Tacam M, Tan AW, Mughees M, Vidhu F, Liu DD, Taliaferro JM, Pitner MK, Browning LS, Lee JH, Bertucci F, Shen Y, Wang J, Ueno NT, Krishnamurthy S, Hortobagyi GN, Tripathy D, Van Laere SJ, Bartholomeusz G, Dalby KN, Bartholomeusz C. Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase is Associated with Metastasis in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1078-1092. [PMID: 37377604 PMCID: PMC10281291 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has high relapse and metastasis rates and a high proportion of cancer stem-like cells (CSC), which possess self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity. MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase), a protein kinase of the Snf1/AMPK kinase family, is known to promote CSC maintenance and malignant transformation. However, the role of MELK in TNBC metastasis is unknown; we sought to address this in the current study. We found that MELK mRNA levels were higher in TNBC tumors [8.11 (3.79-10.95)] than in HR+HER2- tumors [6.54 (2.90-9.26)]; P < 0.001]. In univariate analysis, patients with breast cancer with high-MELK-expressing tumors had worse overall survival (P < 0.001) and distant metastasis-free survival (P < 0.01) than patients with low-MELK-expressing tumors. In a multicovariate Cox regression model, high MELK expression was associated with shorter overall survival after adjusting for other baseline risk factors. MELK knockdown using siRNA or MELK inhibition using the MELK inhibitor MELK-In-17 significantly reduced invasiveness, reversed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and reduced CSC self-renewal and maintenance in TNBC cells. Nude mice injected with CRISPR MELK-knockout MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited suppression of lung metastasis and improved overall survival compared with mice injected with control cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, MELK-In-17 suppressed 4T1 tumor growth in syngeneic BALB/c mice (P < 0.001). Our findings indicate that MELK supports metastasis by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the CSC phenotype in TNBC. Significance These findings indicate that MELK is a driver of aggressiveness and metastasis in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Current Institution: Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Gaurav B. Chauhan
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ramakrishna Edupuganti
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Takahiro Kogawa
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jihyun Park
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Moises Tacam
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alex W. Tan
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mohd Mughees
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fnu Vidhu
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Diane D. Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Juliana M. Taliaferro
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mary Kathryn Pitner
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Luke S. Browning
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Ju-Hyeon Lee
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - François Bertucci
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Yu Shen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Naoto T. Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Current Institution: Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Savitri Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gabriel N. Hortobagyi
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven J. Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Wilrijk
- Department Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geoffrey Bartholomeusz
- Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kevin N. Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Chandra Bartholomeusz
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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3
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Tang BF, Yan RC, Wang SW, Zeng ZC, Du SS. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase in tumor cell and tumor microenvironment: Emerging player and promising therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216126. [PMID: 36933780 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216126] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a member of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) protein family, which is widely and highly expressed in multiple cancer types. Through direct and indirect interactions with other proteins, it mediates various cascades of signal transduction processes and plays an important role in regulating tumor cell survival, growth, invasion and migration and other biological functions. Interestingly, MELK also plays an important role in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment, which can not only predict the responsiveness of immunotherapy, but also affect the function of immune cells to regulate tumor progression. In addition, more and more small molecule inhibitors have been developed for the target of MELK, which exert important anti-tumor effects and have achieved excellent results in a number of clinical trials. In this review, we outline the structural features, molecular biological functions, potential regulatory mechanisms and important roles of MELK in tumors and tumor microenvironment, as well as substances targeting MELK. Although many molecular mechanisms of MELK in the process of tumor regulation are still unknown, it is worth affirming that MELK is a potential tumor molecular therapeutic target, and its unique superiority and important role provide clues and confidence for subsequent basic research and scientific transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Fu Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo-Chen Yan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Chen S, Huang H, Li X, Ma X, Su J, Song Q. Difluorocarbene-Enabled Synthesis of 3-Alkenyl-2-oxindoles from ortho-Aminophenylacetylenes. Org Lett 2023; 25:1178-1182. [PMID: 36757765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a transition-metal-free [4 + 1] cyclization pathway from difluorocarbene and ortho-amino aryl alkynone, rendering an effective and universal strategy for the construction of 3-alkenyl-2-oxindoles. Our strategy starts from cheap and accessible ortho-amino aryl alkynone instead of the direct indole skeleton; moreover, in situ generated difluorocarbene from commercially available halogenated difluoroalkylative reagents enables the cleavage of a C-N bond and formation of new C-N bonds and C-C bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecule Synthesis and Function Discovery, Fujian Province University, College of Chemistry at Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Institute of Next Generation Matter Transformation, College of Material Sciences Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Next Generation Matter Transformation, College of Material Sciences Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Xingxing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecule Synthesis and Function Discovery, Fujian Province University, College of Chemistry at Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Jianke Su
- Institute of Next Generation Matter Transformation, College of Material Sciences Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian, China
| | - Qiuling Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecule Synthesis and Function Discovery, Fujian Province University, College of Chemistry at Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China.,Institute of Next Generation Matter Transformation, College of Material Sciences Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian, China.,State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China
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5
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Huang K, Yao H, Yan M, Zhang H, Yuan G, Wang Q, Xue J, Li J, Chen J. A MCL-1-targeted photosensitizer to combat triple-negative breast cancer with enhanced photodynamic efficacy, sensitization to ROS-induced damage, and immune response. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 237:111997. [PMID: 36137402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111997] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
As growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) are scarce in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), it is a great challenge to combat TNBC with high tumor specificity and therapeutic efficacy. Most traditional treatments including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy would more or less cause serious side effects and drug resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has huge potential in the treatment of TNBC for minimal invasiveness, low toxicity, less drug resistance and high spatiotemporal selectivity. Inspired by the advantages of small-molecule-targeted PDT and the sensitization effect of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) inhibitor, a novel photosensitizer BC-Pc was designed by conjugating MCL-1 inhibitor with zinc phthalocyanines. Owning to 3-chloro-6-methyl-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (BC) moiety, BC-Pc exhibits the high affinity towards MCL-1 and reduce its self-aggregation in TNBC cells. Therefore, MCL-1 targeted BC-Pc showed remarkable intracellular fluorescence and ROS generation in TNBC cells. Additionally, BC-Pc can selectively sensitize TNBC cells to ROS-induced damage, resulting in improved therapeutic effect to TNBC cells and negligible toxicity to normal cells. More importantly, BC-Pc can effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of TNBC cells, and enhance immune response, all of which will be beneficial to eradicate TNBC. To the best of our knowledge, BC-Pc is the novel MCL-targeted photosensitizer, which owns the amplified ROS-induced lethality and anticancer immune response for TNBC. Overall, our study provides a promising strategy to achieve targeting and highly efficient therapy of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunshan Huang
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Huiqiao Yao
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Meiqi Yan
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Han Zhang
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Gankun Yuan
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Qilu Wang
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Jinping Xue
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China.
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China.
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6
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Bennison SA, Liu X, Toyo-Oka K. Nuak kinase signaling in development and disease of the central nervous system. Cell Signal 2022; 100:110472. [PMID: 36122883 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases represent important signaling hubs for a variety of biological functions. Many kinases are traditionally studied for their roles in cancer cell biology, but recent advances in neuroscience research show repurposed kinase function to be important for nervous system development and function. Two members of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) related family, NUAK1 and NUAK2, have drawn attention in neuroscience due to their mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and intellectual disability (ID). Furthermore, Nuak kinases have also been implicated in tauopathy and other disorders of aging. This review highlights what is known about the Nuak kinases in nervous system development and disease and explores the possibility of Nuak kinases as targets for therapeutic innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Bennison
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Kazuhito Toyo-Oka
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
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7
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Ren L, Guo JS, Li YH, Dong G, Li XY. Structural classification of MELK inhibitors and prospects for the treatment of tumor resistance: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113965. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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8
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Rácz A, Palkó R, Csányi D, Riedl Z, Bajusz D, Keserű GM. Consensus Virtual Screening Identified [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5-b]isoquinolines As MELK Inhibitor Chemotypes. ChemMedChem 2021; 17:e202100569. [PMID: 34632716 PMCID: PMC9298037 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100569] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Maternal Embryonic Leucine‐zipper Kinase (MELK) is a current oncotarget involved in a diverse range of human cancers, with the usage of MELK inhibitors being explored clinically. Here, we aimed to discover new MELK inhibitor chemotypes from our in‐house compound library with a consensus‐based virtual screening workflow, employing three screening concepts. After careful retrospective validation, prospective screening and in vitro enzyme inhibition testing revealed a series of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐b]isoquinolines as a new structural class of MELK inhibitors, with the lead compound of the series exhibiting a sub‐micromolar inhibitory activity. The structure‐activity relationship of the series was explored by testing further analogs based on a structure‐guided selection process. Importantly, the present work marks the first disclosure of the synthesis and bioactivity of this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Rácz
- Plasma Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.,Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Roberta Palkó
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.,Present affiliation: Organocatalysis Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Csányi
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Riedl
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
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9
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Functional genomics for breast cancer drug target discovery. J Hum Genet 2021; 66:927-935. [PMID: 34285339 PMCID: PMC8384626 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that develops through a multistep process via the accumulation of genetic/epigenetic alterations in various cancer-related genes. Current treatment options for breast cancer patients include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy including conventional cytotoxic and molecular-targeted anticancer drugs for each intrinsic subtype, such as endocrine therapy and antihuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapy. However, these therapies often fail to prevent recurrence and metastasis due to resistance. Overall, understanding the molecular mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis and progression will help to establish therapeutic modalities to improve treatment. The recent development of comprehensive omics technologies has led to the discovery of driver genes, including oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, contributing to the development of molecular-targeted anticancer drugs. Here, we review the development of anticancer drugs targeting cancer-specific functional therapeutic targets, namely, MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase), TOPK (T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase), and BIG3 (brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange protein 3), as identified through comprehensive breast cancer transcriptomics.
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10
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Cao W, Jiang Y, Ji X, Guan X, Lin Q, Ma L. Identification of novel prognostic genes of triple-negative breast cancer using meta-analysis and weighted gene co-expressed network analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:205. [PMID: 33708832 PMCID: PMC7940929 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with high rates of metastasis and recurrence. Conventional clinical treatments are ineffective for it as it lacks therapeutic biomarkers. Figuring out the biomarkers related to TNBC will be beneficial for its clinical treatment and prognosis. Methods Five independent datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were merged to identify differentially expressed genes between TNBC and non-TNBC samples by using the MetaDE.ES method followed by mapping the differentially expressed genes into a protein-protein interaction network. Meanwhile, the weighted gene co-expressed network analysis (WGCNA) of The Cancer Genome Atlas data was performed to screen the hub genes. The gene functional analyses were conducted by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The correlation between gene expression level and patient overall survival was evaluated by survival analysis. Results A total of 11 differentially expressed genes (CDH1, SP1, MYC, FAF2, IFI16, MDM2, AR, DBN1, HSPB1, FLNA, YWHAB) were obtained from the protein-protein interaction network with degree >10. WGCNA revealed 5 hub genes (TPX2, CTPS1, KIF2C, MELK, CDCA8) that were significantly associated with TNBC. Cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, spliceosome were the pathways significantly enriched in these genes according to GO functionally annotated terms and KEGG pathways analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the expression levels of HSPB1, IFI16, TPX2 were significantly associated with the survival time of TNBC patients (P<0.05). Conclusions A total of 16 genes significantly associated with TNBC were identified by bioinformatic analyses. Among these 16 genes, HSPB1, IFI16, TPX2 might be able to be used as biomarkers of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenning Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yike Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejiao Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianyu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Faisal M, Kim JH, Yoo KH, Roh EJ, Hong SS, Lee SH. Development and Therapeutic Potential of NUAKs Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 64:2-25. [PMID: 33356242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
NUAK isoforms, NUAK1 (ARK5) and NUAK2 (SNARK), are important members of the AMPK family of protein kinases. They are involved in a broad spectrum of physiological and cellular events, and sometimes their biological roles overlap. NUAK isoform dysregulation is associated with numerous pathological disorders, including neurodegeneration, metastatic cancer, and diabetes. Therefore, they are promising therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases and cancers; consequently, various NUAK-targeted inhibitors have been disclosed. The first part of this review comprises a brief discussion of the homology, expression, structure, and characteristics of NUAK isoforms. The second part focuses on NUAK isoforms' involvement in crucial biological operations, including mechanistic findings, highlighting how their abnormal functioning contributes to disease progression and quality of life. The third part summarizes the key findings and applications of targeting NUAK isoforms for treating multiple cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. The final part systematically presents a critical review and analysis of the literature on NUAK isoform inhibitions through small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faisal
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Yoo
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Roh
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.,Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Sun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - So Ha Lee
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
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12
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Thangaraj K, Ponnusamy L, Natarajan SR, Manoharan R. MELK/MPK38 in cancer: from mechanistic aspects to therapeutic strategies. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2161-2173. [PMID: 33010478 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK)/Murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38) is a member of the AMP-related serine-threonine kinase family, which has been reported to be involved in the regulation of many cellular events, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism, partly by phosphorylation and regulation of several signaling molecules. The abnormal expression of MELK has been associated with tumorigenesis and malignant progression in various types of cancer. Currently, several small-molecule inhibitors of MELK are under investigation although only OTS167 has entered clinical trials. In this review, we elaborate on the relative contributions of MELK pathways in the physiological process, their oncogenic role in carcinogenesis, and targeted agents under development for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Thangaraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Lavanya Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Sathan Raj Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Ravi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India.
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13
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McDonald IM, Graves LM. Enigmatic MELK: The controversy surrounding its complex role in cancer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8195-8203. [PMID: 32350113 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.013433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ser/Thr protein kinase MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase) has been considered an attractive therapeutic target for managing cancer since 2005. Studies using expression analysis have indicated that MELK expression is higher in numerous cancer cells and tissues than in their normal, nonneoplastic counterparts. Further, RNAi-mediated MELK depletion impairs proliferation of multiple cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and these growth defects can be rescued with exogenous WT MELK, but not kinase-dead MELK complementation. Pharmacological MELK inhibition with OTS167 (alternatively called OTSSP167) and NVS-MELK8a, among other small molecules, also impairs cancer cell growth. These collective results led to MELK being classified as essential for cancer proliferation. More recently, in 2017, the proliferation of TNBC and other cancer cell lines was reported to be unaffected by genetic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MELK deletion, calling into question the essentiality of this kinase in cancer. To date, the requirement of MELK in cancer remains controversial, and mechanisms underlying the disparate growth effects observed with RNAi, pharmacological inhibition, and CRISPR remain unclear. Our objective with this review is to highlight the evidence on both sides of this controversy, to provide commentary on the purported requirement of MELK in cancer, and to emphasize the need for continued elucidation of the functions of MELK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Mutant P53 induces MELK expression by release of wild-type P53-dependent suppression of FOXM1. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:2. [PMID: 31909186 PMCID: PMC6941974 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-019-0143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and is associated with a poor prognosis due to frequent distant metastasis and lack of effective targeted therapies. Previously, we identified maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) to be highly expressed in TNBCs as compared with ER-positive breast cancers. Here we determined the molecular mechanism by which MELK is overexpressed in TNBCs. Analysis of publicly available data sets revealed that MELK mRNA is elevated in p53-mutant breast cancers. Consistent with this observation, MELK protein levels are higher in p53-mutant vs. p53 wild-type breast cancer cells. Furthermore, inactivation of wild-type p53, by loss or mutation of the p53 gene, increases MELK expression, whereas overexpression of wild-type p53 in p53-null cells reduces MELK promoter activity and MELK expression. We further analyzed MELK expression in breast cancer data sets and compared that with known wild-type p53 target genes. This analysis revealed that MELK expression strongly correlates with genes known to be suppressed by wild-type p53. Promoter deletion studies identified a p53-responsive region within the MELK promoter that did not map to the p53 consensus response elements, but to a region containing a FOXM1-binding site. Consistent with this result, knockdown of FOXM1 reduced MELK expression in p53-mutant TNBC cells and expression of wild-type p53 reduced FOXM1 expression. ChIP assays demonstrated that expression of wild-type p53 reduces binding of E2F1 (a critical transcription factor controlling FOXM1 expression) to the FOXM1 promoter, thereby, reducing FOXM1 expression. These results show that wild-type p53 suppresses FOXM1 expression, and thus MELK expression, through indirect mechanisms. Overall, these studies demonstrate that wild-type p53 represses MELK expression by inhibiting E2F1A-dependent transcription of FOXM1 and that mutation-driven loss of wild-type p53, which frequently occurs in TNBCs, induces MELK expression by suppressing FOXM1 expression and activity in p53-mutant breast cancers.
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15
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McDonald IM, Grant GD, East MP, Gilbert TSK, Wilkerson EM, Goldfarb D, Beri J, Herring LE, Vaziri C, Cook JG, Emanuele MJ, Graves LM. Mass spectrometry-based selectivity profiling identifies a highly selective inhibitor of the kinase MELK that delays mitotic entry in cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:2359-2374. [PMID: 31896573 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011083] [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] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) has been implicated in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation. RNAi-mediated MELK depletion impairs growth and causes G2/M arrest in numerous cancers, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. Furthermore, the MELK inhibitor OTSSP167 has recently been shown to have poor selectivity for MELK, complicating the use of this inhibitor as a tool compound to investigate MELK function. Here, using a cell-based proteomics technique called multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads/mass spectrometry (MIB/MS), we profiled the selectivity of two additional MELK inhibitors, NVS-MELK8a (8a) and HTH-01-091. Our results revealed that 8a is a highly selective MELK inhibitor, which we further used for functional studies. Resazurin and crystal violet assays indicated that 8a decreases triple-negative breast cancer cell viability, and immunoblotting revealed that impaired growth is due to perturbation of cell cycle progression rather than induction of apoptosis. Using double-thymidine synchronization and immunoblotting, we observed that MELK inhibition delays mitotic entry, which was associated with delayed activation of Aurora A, Aurora B, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Following this delay, cells entered and completed mitosis. Using live-cell microscopy of cells harboring fluorescent proliferating cell nuclear antigen, we confirmed that 8a significantly and dose-dependently lengthens G2 phase. Collectively, our results provide a rationale for using 8a as a tool compound for functional studies of MELK and indicate that MELK inhibition delays mitotic entry, likely via transient G2/M checkpoint activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Gavin D Grant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael P East
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Thomas S K Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Emily M Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Dennis Goldfarb
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Joshua Beri
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Cyrus Vaziri
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Jeanette Gowen Cook
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
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16
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Wang R, Chen Y, Yang B, Yu S, Zhao X, Zhang C, Hao C, Zhao D, Cheng M. Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling of novel 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives as potential anti-tumor agents. Bioorg Chem 2019; 94:103474. [PMID: 31859010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A class of 3-substituted 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro biological activities against maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK). Among these derivatives, the optimized compound 16h exhibited potent enzyme inhibition (IC50 = 32 nM) and excellent anti-proliferative effect with IC50 values from 0.109 μM to 0.245 μM on A549, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines. The results of flow cytometry indicated that 16h promoted apoptosis of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner and effectively arrested A549 cells in the G0/G1 phase. Further investigation indicated that compound 16h potently suppressed the migration of A549 cells, had moderate stability in rat liver microsomes and showed moderate inhibitory activity against various subtypes of human cytochrome P450. However, compound 16h is a multi-target kinase inhibitor and recently several studies reported MELK expression is not required for cancer growth, suggesting that compound 16h suppressed the proliferation and migration of cancer cells should through an off-target mechanism. Collectively, compound 16h has the potential to serve as a new lead compound for further anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Sijia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiangxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- The School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chenzhou Hao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
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17
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Maes A, Maes K, Vlummens P, De Raeve H, Devin J, Szablewski V, De Veirman K, Menu E, Moreaux J, Vanderkerken K, De Bruyne E. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase is a novel target for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:87. [PMID: 31740676 PMCID: PMC6861269 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are among the most aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) plays a role in cancer cell cycle progression and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer cell types. In this study, the role of MELK in DLBCL and MCL and the therapeutic potential of MELK targeting is evaluated. MELK is highly expressed in DLBCL and MCL patient samples, correlating with a worse clinical outcome in DLBCL. Targeting MELK, using the small molecule OTSSP167, impaired cell growth and survival and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in the lymphoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that MELK targeting decreased the phosphorylation of FOXM1 and the protein levels of EZH2 and several mitotic regulators, such as Cdc25B, cyclin B1, Plk-1, and Aurora kinases. In addition, OTSSP167 also sensitized the lymphoma cells to the clinically relevant Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax by strongly reducing Mcl1 levels. Finally, OTSSP167 treatment of A20-inoculated mice resulted in a significant prolonged survival. In conclusion, targeting MELK with OTSSP167 induced strong anti-lymphoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that MELK could be a potential new target in these aggressive B cell malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Naphthyridines/pharmacology
- Naphthyridines/therapeutic use
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik De Raeve
- Department of Pathology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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18
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Lim B, Greer Y, Lipkowitz S, Takebe N. Novel Apoptosis-Inducing Agents for the Treatment of Cancer, a New Arsenal in the Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081087. [PMID: 31370269 PMCID: PMC6721450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion from apoptosis is an important hallmark of cancer cells. Alterations of apoptosis pathways are especially critical as they confer resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapeutics, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapeutics. Thus, successful induction of apoptosis using novel therapeutics may be a key strategy for preventing recurrence and metastasis. Inhibitors of anti-apoptotic molecules and enhancers of pro-apoptotic molecules are being actively developed for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors in particular over the last decade. However, due to the complicated apoptosis process caused by a multifaceted connection with cross-talk pathways, protein–protein interaction, and diverse resistance mechanisms, drug development within the category has been extremely challenging. Careful design and development of clinical trials incorporating predictive biomarkers along with novel apoptosis-inducing agents based on rational combination strategies are needed to ensure the successful development of these molecules. Here, we review the landscape of currently available direct apoptosis-targeting agents in clinical development for cancer treatment and update the related biomarker advancement to detect and validate the efficacy of apoptosis-targeted therapies, along with strategies to combine them with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Lim
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yoshimi Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Early Clinical Trials Development, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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19
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Harger M, Lee JH, Walker B, Taliaferro JM, Edupuganti R, Dalby KN, Ren P. Computational insights into the binding of IN17 inhibitors to MELK. J Mol Model 2019; 25:151. [PMID: 31069524 PMCID: PMC7105934 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-019-4036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The protein kinase MELK is an important kinase in cell signaling and has shown to be a promising anti-cancer target. Recent work has resulted in a novel small molecule scaffold targeting MELK, IN17. However, there has been little structural information or physical understanding of MELK-IN17 interactions. Using Tinker-OpenMM on GPUs, we have performed free energy simulations on MELK binding with IN17 and 11 derivatives. This series of studies provides structural insights into how substitution on IN17 leads to differences in complex structure and binding thermodynamics. In addition, this study serves as an assessment of the current capabilities of the AMOEBA forcefield, accelerated by GPU computing, to serve as a molecular-dynamics-based free energy simulation platform for lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Harger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ju-Hyeon Lee
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Brandon Walker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Juliana M Taliaferro
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Edupuganti
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Pengyu Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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20
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Boutard N, Sabiniarz A, Czerwińska K, Jarosz M, Cierpich A, Kolasińska E, Wiklik K, Gluza K, Commandeur C, Buda A, Stasiowska A, Bobowska A, Galek M, Fabritius CH, Bugaj M, Palacz E, Mazan A, Zarębski A, Krawczyńska K, Żurawska M, Zawadzki P, Milik M, Węgrzyn P, Dobrzańska M, Brzózka K, Kowalczyk P. 5-Keto-3-cyano-2,4-diaminothiophenes as selective maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 29:607-613. [PMID: 30626559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is involved in several key cellular processes and displays increased levels of expression in numerous cancer classes (colon, breast, brain, ovary, prostate and lung). Although no selective MELK inhibitors have yet been approved, increasing evidence suggest that inhibition of MELK would constitute a promising approach for cancer therapy. A weak high-throughput screening hit (17, IC50 ≈ 5 μM) with lead-like properties was optimized for MELK inhibition. The early identification of a plausible binding mode by molecular modeling offered guidance in the choice of modifications towards compound 52 which displayed a 98 nM IC50. A good selectivity profile was achieved for a representative member of the series (29) in a 486 protein kinase panel. Future elaboration of 52 has the potential to deliver compounds for further development with chemotherapeutic aims.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna Cierpich
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Buda
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Mariusz Galek
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Marta Bugaj
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
| | - Edyta Palacz
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mazan
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Mariusz Milik
- Selvita S.A, Bobrzyńskiego, 14, 30-338 Kraków, Poland
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21
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Wang Y, Li BB, Li J, Roberts TM, Zhao JJ. A Conditional Dependency on MELK for the Proliferation of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. iScience 2018; 9:149-160. [PMID: 30391850 PMCID: PMC6215964 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.10.015] [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: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of maternal and embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) in cancer cell proliferation has been contentious, with recent studies arriving at disparate conclusions. We investigated the in vitro dependency of cancer cells on MELK under a range of assay conditions. Abrogation of MELK expression has little effect under common culture conditions, in which cells are seeded at high densities and reach confluence in 3–5 days. However, MELK dependency becomes clearly apparent in clonogenic growth assays using either RNAi or CRISPR technologies to modulate MELK expression. This dependency is in sharp contrast to that of essential genes, such as those encoding classic mitotic kinases, but is similar to that of other oncogenes including MYC and KRAS. Our study provides an example demonstrating some of the challenges encountered in cancer target validation, and reveals how subtle, but important, technical variations can ultimately lead to divergent outcomes and conclusions. Inhibiting MELK expression compromises clonogenic growth of cancer cells MELK depletion minimally affects non-clonogenic cell growth MELK depletion by RNAi or CRISPR has similar effects on cell growth Cancer cell dependency on MELK is similar to that on classic oncogenes
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubao Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Ben B Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Thomas M Roberts
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jean J Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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22
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Settleman J, Sawyers CL, Hunter T. Challenges in validating candidate therapeutic targets in cancer. eLife 2018; 7:e32402. [PMID: 29417929 PMCID: PMC5805407 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 30 published articles have suggested that a protein kinase called MELK is an attractive therapeutic target in human cancer, but three recent reports describe compelling evidence that it is not. These reports highlight the caveats associated with some of the research tools that are commonly used to validate candidate therapeutic targets in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tony Hunter
- Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
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23
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Guan S, Lu J, Zhao Y, Yu Y, Li H, Chen Z, Shi Z, Liang H, Wang M, Guo K, Chen X, Sun W, Bieerkehazhi S, Xu X, Sun S, Agarwal S, Yang J. MELK is a novel therapeutic target in high-risk neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2017; 9:2591-2602. [PMID: 29416794 PMCID: PMC5788662 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is known to modulate intracellular signaling and control cellular processes. However, the role of MELK in oncogenesis is not well defined. In this study, using two microarray datasets of neuroblastoma (NB) patients, we identified that MELK expression is significantly correlated to poor overall survival, unfavorable prognosis, and high-risk status. We found that MELK is a direct transcription target of MYCN and MYC in NB, and MYCN increases MELK expression via direct promoter binding. Interestingly, knockdown of MELK expression significantly reduced the phosphorylation of target protein Retinoblastoma (pRb) and inhibited NB cell growth. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of MELK activity by small-molecule inhibitor OTSSP167 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, anchorage-independent colony formation, blocked cell cycle progression, and induced apoptosis in different NB cell lines including a drug-resistant cell line. Additionally, OTSSP167 suppressed NB tumor growth in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Overall, our data suggest that MELK is a novel therapeutic target for NB and its inhibitor OTSSP167 is a promising drug for further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Guan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiaxiong Lu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Zhenghu Chen
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haoqian Liang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mopei Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Tumor Chemotherapy and Radiation Sickness, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kevin Guo
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shayahati Bieerkehazhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Surong Sun
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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24
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Pitner MK, Taliaferro JM, Dalby KN, Bartholomeusz C. MELK: a potential novel therapeutic target for TNBC and other aggressive malignancies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:849-859. [PMID: 28764577 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1363183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an unmet need in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients for targeted therapies. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a promising target for inhibition based on the abundance of correlative and functional data supporting its role in various cancer types. Areas covered: This review endeavors to outline the role of MELK in cancer. Studies covering a range of biological functions including proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cell phenotypes, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and therapy resistance are discussed here in order to understand the potential of MELK as a clinically significant target for TNBC patients. Expert opinion: Targeting MELK may offer a novel therapeutic opportunity in TNBC and other cancers. Despite the abundance of correlative data, there is still much we do not know. There are a lack of potent, specific inhibitors against MELK, as well as an insufficient understanding of MELK's downstream substrates. Addressing these issues is the first step toward identifying a patient population that could benefit from MELK inhibition in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kathryn Pitner
- a Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Juliana M Taliaferro
- b Division of Medicinal Chemistry , The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- b Division of Medicinal Chemistry , The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy , Austin , TX , USA
| | - Chandra Bartholomeusz
- a Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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