1
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Lazo PA. Nuclear functions regulated by the VRK1 kinase. Nucleus 2024; 15:2353249. [PMID: 38753965 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2353249] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In the nucleus, the VRK1 Ser-Thr kinase is distributed in nucleoplasm and chromatin, where it has different roles. VRK1 expression increases in response to mitogenic signals. VRK1 regulates cyclin D1 expression at G0 exit and facilitates chromosome condensation at the end of G2 and G2/M progression to mitosis. These effects are mediated by the phosphorylation of histone H3 at Thr3 by VRK1, and later in mitosis by haspin. VRK1 regulates the apigenetic patterns of histones in processes requiring chromating remodeling, such as transcription, replication and DNA repair. VRK1 is overexpressed in tumors, facilitating tumor progression and resistance to genotoxic treatments. VRK1 also regulates the organization of Cajal bodies assembled on coilin, which are necessary for the assembly of different types of RNP complexes. VRK1 pathogenic variants cuase defects in Cajal bodies, functionally altering neurons with long axons and leading to neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic laterla sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, distal hereditay motor neuropathies and Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Lazo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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2
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de Souza Gama FH, Dutra LA, Hawgood M, Dos Reis CV, Serafim RAM, Ferreira MA, Teodoro BVM, Takarada JE, Santiago AS, Balourdas DI, Nilsson AS, Urien B, Almeida VM, Gileadi C, Ramos PZ, Salmazo A, Vasconcelos SNS, Cunha MR, Mueller S, Knapp S, Massirer KB, Elkins JM, Gileadi O, Mascarello A, Lemmens BBLG, Guimarães CRW, Azevedo H, Couñago RM. Novel Dihydropteridinone Derivatives As Potent Inhibitors of the Understudied Human Kinases Vaccinia-Related Kinase 1 and Casein Kinase 1δ/ε. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8609-8629. [PMID: 38780468 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) and the δ and ε isoforms of casein kinase 1 (CK1) are linked to various disease-relevant pathways. However, the lack of tool compounds for these kinases has significantly hampered our understanding of their cellular functions and therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the structure-based development of potent inhibitors of VRK1, a kinase highly expressed in various tumor types and crucial for cell proliferation and genome integrity. Kinome-wide profiling revealed that our compounds also inhibit CK1δ and CK1ε. We demonstrate that dihydropteridinones 35 and 36 mimic the cellular outcomes of VRK1 depletion. Complementary studies with existing CK1δ and CK1ε inhibitors suggest that these kinases may play overlapping roles in cell proliferation and genome instability. Together, our findings highlight the potential of VRK1 inhibition in treating p53-deficient tumors and possibly enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer therapies that target DNA stability or cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luiz A Dutra
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Michael Hawgood
- Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden, Tomtebodavägen 23A, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caio Vinícius Dos Reis
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Serafim
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Marcos A Ferreira
- Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A., Guarulhos, São Paulo 07034-904, Brazil
| | - Bruno V M Teodoro
- Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A., Guarulhos, São Paulo 07034-904, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Emi Takarada
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - André S Santiago
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dimitrios-Ilias Balourdas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Ann-Sofie Nilsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden, Tomtebodavägen 23A, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruno Urien
- Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden, Tomtebodavägen 23A, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vitor M Almeida
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Carina Gileadi
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Priscila Z Ramos
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Anita Salmazo
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Stanley N S Vasconcelos
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Micael R Cunha
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Susanne Mueller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Katlin B Massirer
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Jonathan M Elkins
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Opher Gileadi
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Bennie B L G Lemmens
- Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden, Tomtebodavägen 23A, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hatylas Azevedo
- Aché Laboratórios Farmacêuticos S.A., Guarulhos, São Paulo 07034-904, Brazil
| | - Rafael M Couñago
- Centro de Química Medicinal, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Dr. André Tosello 550, 13083-886 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
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3
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Rosenberger G, Li W, Turunen M, He J, Subramaniam PS, Pampou S, Griffin AT, Karan C, Kerwin P, Murray D, Honig B, Liu Y, Califano A. Network-based elucidation of colon cancer drug resistance mechanisms by phosphoproteomic time-series analysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3909. [PMID: 38724493 PMCID: PMC11082183 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47957-3] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant signaling pathway activity is a hallmark of tumorigenesis and progression, which has guided targeted inhibitor design for over 30 years. Yet, adaptive resistance mechanisms, induced by rapid, context-specific signaling network rewiring, continue to challenge therapeutic efficacy. Leveraging progress in proteomic technologies and network-based methodologies, we introduce Virtual Enrichment-based Signaling Protein-activity Analysis (VESPA)-an algorithm designed to elucidate mechanisms of cell response and adaptation to drug perturbations-and use it to analyze 7-point phosphoproteomic time series from colorectal cancer cells treated with clinically-relevant inhibitors and control media. Interrogating tumor-specific enzyme/substrate interactions accurately infers kinase and phosphatase activity, based on their substrate phosphorylation state, effectively accounting for signal crosstalk and sparse phosphoproteome coverage. The analysis elucidates time-dependent signaling pathway response to each drug perturbation and, more importantly, cell adaptive response and rewiring, experimentally confirmed by CRISPR knock-out assays, suggesting broad applicability to cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Rosenberger
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mikko Turunen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing He
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Prem S Subramaniam
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sergey Pampou
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron T Griffin
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Karan
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick Kerwin
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Murray
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barry Honig
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub New York, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Kim DY, Yun H, You JE, Lee JU, Kang DH, Ryu YS, Koh DI, Jin DH. Inactivation of VRK1 sensitizes ovarian cancer to PARP inhibition through regulating DNA-PK stability. Exp Cell Res 2024; 438:114036. [PMID: 38614421 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death. Among the most innovative anti-cancer approaches, the genetic concept of synthetic lethality is that mutations in multiple genes work synergistically to effect cell death. Previous studies found that although vaccinia-related kinase-1 (VRK1) associates with DNA damage repair proteins, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found high VRK1 expression in ovarian tumors, and that VRK1 depletion can significantly promote apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The effect of VRK1 knockdown on apoptosis was manifested by increased DNA damage, genomic instability, and apoptosis, and also blocked non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by destabilizing DNA-PK. Further, we verified that VRK1 depletion enhanced sensitivity to a PARP inhibitor (PARPi), olaparib, promoting apoptosis through DNA damage, especially in ovarian cancer cell lines with high VRK1 expression. Proteins implicated in DNA damage responses are suitable targets for the development of new anti-cancer therapeutic strategies, and their combination could represent an alternative form of synthetic lethality. Therefore, normal protective DNA damage responses are impaired by combining olaparib with elimination of VRK1 and could be used to reduce drug dose and its associated toxicity. In summary, VRK1 represents both a potential biomarker for PARPi sensitivity, and a new DDR-associated therapeutic target, in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Yeon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeseon Yun
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun You
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-U Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Kang
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Seong Ryu
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-In Koh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Jin
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Navarro-Carrasco E, Monte-Serrano E, Campos-Díaz A, Rolfs F, de Goeij-de Haas R, Pham TV, Piersma SR, González-Alonso P, Jiménez CR, Lazo PA. VRK1 Regulates Sensitivity to Oxidative Stress by Altering Histone Epigenetic Modifications and the Nuclear Phosphoproteome in Tumor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4874. [PMID: 38732093 PMCID: PMC11084957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094874] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The chromatin organization and its dynamic remodeling determine its accessibility and sensitivity to DNA damage oxidative stress, the main source of endogenous DNA damage. We studied the role of the VRK1 chromatin kinase in the response to oxidative stress. which alters the nuclear pattern of histone epigenetic modifications and phosphoproteome pathways. The early effect of oxidative stress on chromatin was studied by determining the levels of 8-oxoG lesions and the alteration of the epigenetic modification of histones. Oxidative stress caused an accumulation of 8-oxoG DNA lesions that were increased by VRK1 depletion, causing a significant accumulation of DNA strand breaks detected by labeling free 3'-DNA ends. In addition, oxidative stress altered the pattern of chromatin epigenetic marks and the nuclear phosphoproteome pathways that were impaired by VRK1 depletion. Oxidative stress induced the acetylation of H4K16ac and H3K9 and the loss of H3K4me3. The depletion of VRK1 altered all these modifications induced by oxidative stress and resulted in losses of H4K16ac and H3K9ac and increases in the H3K9me3 and H3K4me3 levels. All these changes were induced by the oxidative stress in the epigenetic pattern of histones and impaired by VRK1 depletion, indicating that VRK1 plays a major role in the functional reorganization of chromatin in the response to oxidative stress. The analysis of the nuclear phosphoproteome in response to oxidative stress detected an enrichment of the phosphorylated proteins associated with the chromosome organization and chromatin remodeling pathways, which were significantly decreased by VRK1 depletion. VRK1 depletion alters the histone epigenetic pattern and nuclear phosphoproteome pathways in response to oxidative stress. The enzymes performing post-translational epigenetic modifications are potential targets in synthetic lethality strategies for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Navarro-Carrasco
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.N.-C.); (E.M.-S.); (A.C.-D.); (P.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eva Monte-Serrano
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.N.-C.); (E.M.-S.); (A.C.-D.); (P.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Aurora Campos-Díaz
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.N.-C.); (E.M.-S.); (A.C.-D.); (P.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Frank Rolfs
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (F.R.); (R.d.G.-d.H.); (T.V.P.); (S.R.P.); (C.R.J.)
| | - Richard de Goeij-de Haas
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (F.R.); (R.d.G.-d.H.); (T.V.P.); (S.R.P.); (C.R.J.)
| | - Thang V. Pham
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (F.R.); (R.d.G.-d.H.); (T.V.P.); (S.R.P.); (C.R.J.)
| | - Sander R. Piersma
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (F.R.); (R.d.G.-d.H.); (T.V.P.); (S.R.P.); (C.R.J.)
| | - Paula González-Alonso
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.N.-C.); (E.M.-S.); (A.C.-D.); (P.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Connie R. Jiménez
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (F.R.); (R.d.G.-d.H.); (T.V.P.); (S.R.P.); (C.R.J.)
| | - Pedro A. Lazo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.N.-C.); (E.M.-S.); (A.C.-D.); (P.G.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007 Salamanca, Spain
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6
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He X, Zai G, Zhou L, Chen S, Wang G. Identification of VRK1 as a Novel Potential Biomarker for Prognosis and Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:1671-1683. [PMID: 38504696 PMCID: PMC10948335 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s452505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Research has indicated that VRK1 is essential for the tumor cell cycle. However, its prognostic and immunotherapeutic predictive significance has not been documented in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The TCGA, ICGC, and GSE14520 datasets were used to investigate VRK1 expression and its predictive significance of survival outcomes. The qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to confirm the findings. The immunotherapeutic response of VRK1 was anticipated by the IMvigor210 cohort. Lastly, the association between immune infiltration, m6A modification, and functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was investigated in connection to VRK1 expression. Results VRK1 expression was markedly elevated on both the mRNA and protein levels in HCC. In HCC patients, a high expression of VRK1 was linked to a poor prognosis. Furthermore, there was a substantial positive correlation seen between increased VRK1 expression and the response rate to anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Relationships between VRK1 and m6A-related genes as well as different immune cells were shown by correlation studies. Lastly, enrichment analysis revealed a tight relationship between VRK1 and important biological functions, including DNA replication, cell cycle control, and fatty acid metabolism. Conclusion Our research reveals the potential of VRK1 as a novel biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy response in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan He
- Department of Pathology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guozhen Zai
- Department of Pathology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lidan Zhou
- Department of Radiology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengyang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guizhi Wang
- Department of Pathology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Navarro-Carrasco E, Campos-Díaz A, Monte-Serrano E, Rolfs F, de Goeij-de Haas R, Pham TV, Piersma SR, Jiménez CR, Lazo PA. Loss of VRK1 alters the nuclear phosphoproteome in the DNA damage response to doxorubicin. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 391:110908. [PMID: 38367682 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic chromatin remodeling requires regulatory mechanisms for its adaptation to different nuclear function, which are likely to be mediated by signaling proteins. In this context, VRK1 is a nuclear Ser-Thr kinase that regulates pathways associated with transcription, replication, recombination, and DNA repair. Therefore, VRK1 is a potential regulatory, or coordinator, molecule in these processes. In this work we studied the effect that VRK1 depletion has on the basal nuclear and chromatin phosphoproteome, and their associated pathways. VRK1 depletion caused an alteration in the pattern of the nuclear phosphoproteome, which is mainly associated with nucleoproteins, ribonucleoproteins, RNA splicing and processing. Next, it was determined the changes in proteins associated with DNA damage that was induced by doxorubicin treatment. Doxorubicin alters the nuclear phosphoproteome affecting proteins implicated in DDR, including DSB repair proteins NBN and 53BP1, cellular response to stress and chromatin organization proteins. In VRK1-depleted cells, the effect of doxorubicin on protein phosphorylation was reverted to basal levels. The nuclear phosphoproteome patterns induced by doxorubicin are altered by VRK1 depletion, and is enriched in histone modification proteins and chromatin associated proteins. These results indicate that VRK1 plays a major role in processes requiring chromatin remodeling in its adaptation to different biological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Navarro-Carrasco
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Aurora Campos-Díaz
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Eva Monte-Serrano
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Frank Rolfs
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Richard de Goeij-de Haas
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Thang V Pham
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sander R Piersma
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Connie R Jiménez
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, E-37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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8
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Chen D, Zhou W, Chen J, Wang J. Comprehensively prognostic and immunological analysis of VRK Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 in pan-cancer and identification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:15504-15524. [PMID: 38157278 PMCID: PMC10781469 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205389] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VRK1 is a member of the vaccinia-related kinase (VRK) family of serine/threonine protein kinases, which is related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. The expression pattern, predictive value, and biological function of VRK1 in various cancers remain largely elusive and warrant further investigation. METHODS Public databases, such as TCGA, GTEx, and UCEC, were utilized to comprehensively analyze the expression of VRK1 across multiple cancer types. Prognostic significance was assessed through Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Additionally, Spearman's correlation analysis was employed to explore the potential associations between VRK1 expression and various factors, including tumor microenvironment scores, immune cell infiltration, and immune-related genes. Moreover, to validate the findings, differential expression of VRK1 in HCC tissues and cell lines was further confirmed using qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry techniques. RESULTS The upregulation of VRK1 was observed in most cancer types, and was associated with worse prognosis in ACC, KICH, KIRP, LGG, LIHC, LUAD, MESO, and PCPG. In various cancers, VRK1 expression exhibited positive correlations with immune infiltrating cells, immune checkpoint-related genes, TMB, and MSI. Furthermore, the promoter methylation status of VRK1 varied across different tumor types, and this variation was associated with patient prognosis in certain cancers. In our experimental analyses, we observed significantly elevated expression of VRK1 in both HCC tissues and HCC cells. Functionally, we found that the downregulation of VRK1 had a profound impact on HCC cells, leading to a significant decrease in their proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities. CONCLUSION The expression of VRK1 exerts a notable influence on the prognosis of several tumors and exhibits a strong correlation with tumor immune infiltration. Moreover, in the context of HCC, VRK1 may act as an oncogene, actively promoting tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian 351100, China
| | - Wuhan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian 351100, China
| | - Jiafei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian 351100, China
| | - Jingui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, Fujian 351100, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
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Carrasco Apolinario ME, Umeda R, Teranishi H, Shan M, Phurpa, Sebastian WA, Lai S, Shimizu N, Shiraishi H, Shikano K, Hikida T, Hanada T, Ohta K, Hanada R. Behavioral and neurological effects of Vrk1 deficiency in zebrafish. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 675:10-18. [PMID: 37429068 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.07.005] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is a serine/threonine kinase, for which mutations have been reported cause to neurodegenerative diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy, characterized by microcephaly, motor dysfunction, and impaired cognitive function, in humans. Partial Vrk1 knockdown in mice has been associated with microcephaly and impaired motor function. However, the pathophysiological relationship between VRK1 and neurodegenerative disorders and the precise mechanism of VRK1-related microcephaly and motor function deficits have not been fully investigated. To address this, in this study, we established vrk1-deficient (vrk1-/-) zebrafish and found that they show mild microcephaly and impaired motor function with a low brain dopamine content. Furthermore, vrk1-/- zebrafish exhibited decreased cell proliferation, defects in nuclear envelope formation, and heterochromatin formation in the brain. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the important role of VRK1 in microcephaly and motor dysfunction in vivo using vrk1-/- zebrafish. These findings contribute to elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VRK1-mediated neurodegenerative diseases associated with microcephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryohei Umeda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan; Department of Advanced Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Teranishi
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Mengting Shan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Phurpa
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | | | - Shaohong Lai
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shimizu
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shiraishi
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Kenshiro Shikano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Hikida
- Laboratory for Advanced Brain Functions, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshikatsu Hanada
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ohta
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Reiko Hanada
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
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10
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Du N, Zhang B, Zhang Y. Downregulation of VRK1 Inhibits Progression of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma through DNA Damage. Can Respir J 2023; 2023:4533504. [PMID: 37547297 PMCID: PMC10403328 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4533504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a common malignancy. And the antitumor effect of bovine pox virus-associated kinase 1 (VRK1) is becoming a hot research topic. Methods VRK1 expression and prognosis in LUSC were analyzed using the GEPIA database. The expression of VRK1 mRNA was detected in 25 LUSC clinical tissue samples by RT-PCR. VRK1 shRNA was transfected into LUSC NCI-H520 and SK-MES-1 cell lines to interfere with VRK1 expression, and the efficiency of VRK1 shRNA interference was detected by the western blot. The effects of VRK1 downregulation on LUSC cell viability, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis were analyzed by the CCK8 assay, scratch assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The effect of VRK1 downregulation on DNA damage response (DDR) was examined by immunofluorescence staining and western blot assays and further validated by in vivo experiments. Results VRK1 was highly expressed in both LUSC tissues and cells. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival of LUSC patients with high VRK1 expression was significantly lower than that of LUSC patients with low VRK1 expression (P=0.0026). The expression level of the VRK1 gene was significantly higher in cancer tissues of LUSC patients than in paracancerous tissues. After transfection of VRK1 shRNA in both LUSC cells, cell activity decreased (P < 0.001), migration ability started to be inhibited (P < 0.001), the ratio of G0/G1 phase cells increased (P < 0.001), and apoptosis rate increased (P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence and western blot results showed that shVRK1 increased the level of γ-H2A.X (P < 0.001) and promoted apoptosis of tumor cells (P < 0.001). In addition, the results of animal experiments showed that shVRK1 had antitumor effects (P < 0.001) and a combined effect with DOX (P < 0.001). Conclusion The downregulation of VRK1 significantly affected the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and cell cycle progression of LUSC cells via DDR, suggesting that VRK1 is a suitable target for potential LUSC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Boxiang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
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11
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Lazo PA, Morejón-García P. VRK1 variants at the cross road of Cajal body neuropathogenic mechanisms in distal neuropathies and motor neuron diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 183:106172. [PMID: 37257665 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106172] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Distal hereditary neuropathies and neuro motor diseases are complex neurological phenotypes associated with pathogenic variants in a large number of genes, but in some the origin is unknown. Recently, rare pathogenic variants of the human VRK1 gene have been associated with these neurological phenotypes. All VRK1 pathogenic variants are recessive, and their clinical presentation occurs in either homozygous or compound heterozygous patients. The pathogenic VRK1 gene pathogenic variants are located in three clusters within the protein sequence. The main, and initial, shared clinical phenotype among VRK1 pathogenic variants is a distal progressive loss of motor and/or sensory function, which includes diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia. In most cases, symptoms start early in infancy, or in utero, and are slowly progressive. Additional neurological symptoms vary among non-related patients, probably because of their different VRK1 variants and their genetic background. The underlying common pathogenic mechanism, by its functional impairment, is a likely consequence of the roles that the VRK1 protein plays in the regulation on the stability and assembly of Cajal bodies, which affect RNA maturation and processing, neuronal migration of RNPs along axons, and DNA-damage responses. Alterations of these processes are associated with several neuro sensory or motor syndromes. The clinical heterogeneity of the neurological phenotypes associated with VRK1 is a likely consequence of the protein complexes in which VRK1 is integrated, which include several proteins known to be associated with Cajal bodies and DNA damage responses. Several hereditary distal neurological diseases are a consequence of pathogenic variants in genes that alter these cellular functions. We conclude that VRK1-related distal hereditary neuropathies and motor neuron diseases represent a novel subgroup of Cajal body related neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Patricia Morejón-García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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12
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Terrazzan A, Crudele F, Corrà F, Ancona P, Palatini J, Bianchi N, Volinia S. Inverse Impact of Cancer Drugs on Circular and Linear RNAs in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:ncrna9030032. [PMID: 37218992 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has previously been investigated in breast cancer. However, little is known about the effects of drugs on their regulation and relationship with the cognate linear transcript (linRNA). We analyzed the dysregulation of both 12 cancer-related circRNAs and their linRNAs in two breast cancer cell lines undergoing various treatments. We selected 14 well-known anticancer agents affecting different cellular pathways and examined their impact. Upon drug exposure circRNA/linRNA expression ratios increased, as a result of the downregulation of linRNA and upregulation of circRNA within the same gene. In this study, we highlighted the relevance of identifying the drug-regulated circ/linRNAs according to their oncogenic or anticancer role. Interestingly, VRK1 and MAN1A2 were increased by several drugs in both cell lines. However, they display opposite effects, circ/linVRK1 favors apoptosis whereas circ/linMAN1A2 stimulates cell migration, and only XL765 did not alter the ratio of other dangerous circ/linRNAs in MCF-7. In MDA-MB-231 cells, AMG511 and GSK1070916 decreased circGFRA1, as a good response to drugs. Furthermore, some circRNAs might be associated with specific mutated pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT in MCF-7 cells with circ/linHIPK3 correlating to cancer progression and drug-resistance, or NHEJ DNA repair pathway in TP-53 mutated MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Crudele
- Genetics Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Corrà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jeffrey Palatini
- Genomics Core Facility, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Centrum Nauk Biologiczno-Chemicznych (Biological and Chemical Research Centre), University of Warsaw, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Monte-Serrano E, Morejón-García P, Campillo-Marcos I, Campos-Díaz A, Navarro-Carrasco E, Lazo PA. The pattern of histone H3 epigenetic posttranslational modifications is regulated by the VRK1 chromatin kinase. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:18. [PMID: 37179361 PMCID: PMC10182654 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00494-7] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynamic chromatin remodeling is associated with changes in the epigenetic pattern of histone acetylations and methylations required for processes based on dynamic chromatin remodeling and implicated in different nuclear functions. These histone epigenetic modifications need to be coordinated, a role that may be mediated by chromatin kinases such as VRK1, which phosphorylates histones H3 and H2A. METHODS The effect of VRK1 depletion and VRK1 inhibitor, VRK-IN-1, on the acetylation and methylation of histone H3 in K4, K9 and K27 was determined under different conditions, arrested or proliferating cells, in A549 lung adenocarcinoma and U2OS osteosarcoma cells. RESULTS Chromatin organization is determined by the phosphorylation pattern of histones mediated by different types of enzymes. We have studied how the VRK1 chromatin kinase can alter the epigenetic posttranslational modifications of histones by using siRNA, a specific inhibitor of this kinase (VRK-IN-1), and of histone acetyl and methyl transferases, as well as histone deacetylase and demethylase. Loss of VRK1 implicated a switch in the state of H3K9 posttranslational modifications. VRK1 depletion/inhibition causes a loss of H3K9 acetylation and facilitates its methylation. This effect is similar to that of the KAT inhibitor C646, and to KDM inhibitors as iadademstat (ORY-1001) or JMJD2 inhibitor. Alternatively, HDAC inhibitors (selisistat, panobinostat, vorinostat) and KMT inhibitors (tazemetostat, chaetocin) have the opposite effect of VRK1 depletion or inhibition, and cause increase of H3K9ac and a decrease of H3K9me3. VRK1 stably interacts with members of these four enzyme families. However, VRK1 can only play a role on these epigenetic modifications by indirect mechanisms in which these epigenetic enzymes are likely targets to be regulated and coordinated by VRK1. CONCLUSIONS The chromatin kinase VRK1 regulates the epigenetic patterns of histone H3 acetylation and methylation in lysines 4, 9 and 27. VRK1 is a master regulator of chromatin organization associated with its specific functions, such as transcription or DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Monte-Serrano
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Morejón-García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ignacio Campillo-Marcos
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Aurora Campos-Díaz
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Carrasco
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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14
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Chang X, Tamauchi S, Yoshida K, Yoshihara M, Yokoi A, Shimizu Y, Ikeda Y, Yoshikawa N, Kiyono T, Yamamoto Y, Kajiyama H. Downregulating vaccinia-related kinase 1 by luteolin suppresses ovarian cancer cell proliferation by activating the p53 signaling pathway. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 173:31-40. [PMID: 37075494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.04.003] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian cancer constitutes one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths, and preventing chemotherapy resistance and recurrence in patients with ovarian cancer remains a challenge. Herein, we aimed to identify the effect of luteolin, a novel therapeutic agent targeting vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1), on high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). METHODS Phosphokinase array, RNA sequencing, and cell cycle and apoptosis assays were conducted to determine the underlying mechanism of the effect of luteolin on HGSOC cells. The anticancer effects of oral and intraperitoneal luteolin administration were assessed in patient-derived xenograft models via several methods, including the assessment of tumor size and immunohistochemistry of phospho-p53, phosphor-HistoneH3 and cleaved caspase 3. RESULTS Luteolin reduced HGSOC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M. Compared with controls, several genes were dysregulated in luteolin-treated cells, and luteolin activated the p53 signaling pathway. The human phosphokinase array revealed distinct p53 upregulation in luteolin-treated cells, as confirmed by p53 phosphorylation at ser15 and ser46 using western blot analysis. In patient-derived xenograft models, oral or intraperitoneal luteolin administration substantially suppressed tumor growth. Moreover, combination treatment involving luteolin and cisplatin inhibited tumor cell proliferation, especially in cisplatin-resistant HGSOC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Luteolin demonstrated considerable anticancer effect on HGSOC cells, reduced VRK1 expression, and activated the p53 signaling pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G2/M and inhibiting cell proliferation. Furthermore, luteolin exhibited a synergistic effect with cisplatin both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, luteolin can be considered a promising cotreatment option for HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuboya Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tamauchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shimizu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Yoshikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Project for Prevention of HPV-related Cancer, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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VRK1 Kinase Activity Modulating Histone H4K16 Acetylation Inhibited by SIRT2 and VRK-IN-1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054912. [PMID: 36902348 PMCID: PMC10003087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The accessibility of DNA to different cellular functions requires a dynamic regulation of chromatin organization that is mediated by different epigenetic modifications, which regulate chromatin accessibility and degree of compaction. These epigenetic modifications, particularly the acetylation of histone H4 in lysine 14 (H4K16ac), determine the degree of chromatin accessibility to different nuclear functions, as well as to DNA damage drugs. H4K16ac is regulated by the balance between two alternative histone modifications, acetylation and deacetylation, which are mediated by acetylases and deacetylases. Tip60/KAT5 acetylates, and SIRT2 deacetylates histone H4K16. However, the balance between these two epigenetic enzymes is unknown. VRK1 regulates the level of H4K16 acetylation by activating Tip60. We have shown that the VRK1 and SIRT2 are able to form a stable protein complex. For this work, we used in vitro interaction, pull-down and in vitro kinase assays. In cells, their interaction and colocalization were detected by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. The kinase activity of VRK1 is inhibited by a direct interaction of its N-terminal kinase domain with SIRT2 in vitro. This interaction causes a loss of H4K16ac similarly to the effect of a novel VRK1 inhibitor (VRK-IN-1) or VRK1 depletion. The use of specific SIRT2 inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma cells induces H4K16ac, contrary to the novel VRK-IN-1 inhibitor, which prevents H4K16ac and a correct DNA damage response. Therefore, the inhibition of SIRT2 can cooperate with VRK1 in the accessibility of drugs to chromatin in response to DNA damage caused by doxorubicin.
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Mendaluk A, Caussinus E, Boutros M, Lehner CF. A genome-wide RNAi screen for genes important for proliferation of cultured Drosophila cells at low temperature identifies the Ball/VRK protein kinase. Chromosoma 2023; 132:31-53. [PMID: 36746786 PMCID: PMC9981717 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-023-00787-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A change in ambient temperature is predicted to disrupt cellular homeostasis by affecting all cellular processes in an albeit non-uniform manner. Diffusion is generally less temperature-sensitive than enzymes, for example, and each enzyme has a characteristic individual temperature profile. The actual effects of temperature variation on cells are still poorly understood at the molecular level. Towards an improved understanding, we have performed a genome-wide RNA interference screen with S2R + cells. This Drosophila cell line proliferates over a temperature range comparable to that tolerated by the parental ectothermic organism. Based on effects on cell counts and cell cycle profile after knockdown at 27 and 17 °C, respectively, genes were identified with an apparent greater physiological significance at one or the other temperature. While 27 °C is close to the temperature optimum, the substantially lower 17 °C was chosen to identify genes important at low temperatures, which have received less attention compared to the heat shock response. Among a substantial number of screen hits, we validated a set successfully in cell culture and selected ballchen for further evaluation in the organism. This gene encodes the conserved metazoan VRK protein kinase that is crucial for the release of chromosomes from the nuclear envelope during mitosis. Our analyses in early embryos and larval wing imaginal discs confirmed a higher requirement for ballchen function at temperatures below the optimum. Overall, our experiments validate the genome-wide screen as a basis for future characterizations of genes with increased physiological significance at the lower end of the readily tolerated temperature range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mendaluk
- Department of Molecular Life Science (DMLS), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Caussinus
- Department of Molecular Life Science (DMLS), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian F Lehner
- Department of Molecular Life Science (DMLS), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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17
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Rosenberger G, Li W, Turunen M, He J, Subramaniam PS, Pampou S, Griffin AT, Karan C, Kerwin P, Murray D, Honig B, Liu Y, Califano A. Network-based elucidation of colon cancer drug resistance by phosphoproteomic time-series analysis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528736. [PMID: 36824919 PMCID: PMC9949144 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant signaling pathway activity is a hallmark of tumorigenesis and progression, which has guided targeted inhibitor design for over 30 years. Yet, adaptive resistance mechanisms, induced by rapid, context-specific signaling network rewiring, continue to challenge therapeutic efficacy. By leveraging progress in proteomic technologies and network-based methodologies, over the past decade, we developed VESPA-an algorithm designed to elucidate mechanisms of cell response and adaptation to drug perturbations-and used it to analyze 7-point phosphoproteomic time series from colorectal cancer cells treated with clinically-relevant inhibitors and control media. Interrogation of tumor-specific enzyme/substrate interactions accurately inferred kinase and phosphatase activity, based on their inferred substrate phosphorylation state, effectively accounting for signal cross-talk and sparse phosphoproteome coverage. The analysis elucidated time-dependent signaling pathway response to each drug perturbation and, more importantly, cell adaptive response and rewiring that was experimentally confirmed by CRISPRko assays, suggesting broad applicability to cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Rosenberger
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mikko Turunen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing He
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Present address: Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Prem S Subramaniam
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sergey Pampou
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron T Griffin
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Karan
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick Kerwin
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Murray
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barry Honig
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Migliozzi S, Oh YT, Hasanain M, Garofano L, D'Angelo F, Najac RD, Picca A, Bielle F, Di Stefano AL, Lerond J, Sarkaria JN, Ceccarelli M, Sanson M, Lasorella A, Iavarone A. Integrative multi-omics networks identify PKCδ and DNA-PK as master kinases of glioblastoma subtypes and guide targeted cancer therapy. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:181-202. [PMID: 36732634 PMCID: PMC9970878 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00510-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite producing a panoply of potential cancer-specific targets, the proteogenomic characterization of human tumors has yet to demonstrate value for precision cancer medicine. Integrative multi-omics using a machine-learning network identified master kinases responsible for effecting phenotypic hallmarks of functional glioblastoma subtypes. In subtype-matched patient-derived models, we validated PKCδ and DNA-PK as master kinases of glycolytic/plurimetabolic and proliferative/progenitor subtypes, respectively, and qualified the kinases as potent and actionable glioblastoma subtype-specific therapeutic targets. Glioblastoma subtypes were associated with clinical and radiomics features, orthogonally validated by proteomics, phospho-proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and acetylomics analyses, and recapitulated in pediatric glioma, breast and lung squamous cell carcinoma, including subtype specificity of PKCδ and DNA-PK activity. We developed a probabilistic classification tool that performs optimally with RNA from frozen and paraffin-embedded tissues, which can be used to evaluate the association of therapeutic response with glioblastoma subtypes and to inform patient selection in prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Migliozzi
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Young Taek Oh
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mohammad Hasanain
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Luciano Garofano
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fulvio D'Angelo
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ryan D Najac
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Picca
- AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Neurologie 2, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Equipe labellissée LNCC, Paris, France
| | - Franck Bielle
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Equipe labellissée LNCC, Paris, France.,Department of Neuropathology, Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Anna Luisa Di Stefano
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Equipe labellissée LNCC, Paris, France.,Department of Neurology, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, Paris, France.,Neurosurgery Unit, Spedali Riuniti, Livorno, Italy
| | - Julie Lerond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Equipe labellissée LNCC, Paris, France
| | - Jann N Sarkaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Marc Sanson
- AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Neurologie 2, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Equipe labellissée LNCC, Paris, France.,Onconeurotek Tumor Bank, Paris Brain Institute ICM, Paris, France
| | - Anna Lasorella
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Antonio Iavarone
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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19
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Immune and spermatogenesis-related loci are involved in the development of extreme patterns of male infertility. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1220. [PMID: 36357561 PMCID: PMC9649734 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04192-0] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a genome-wide association study in a large population of infertile men due to unexplained spermatogenic failure (SPGF). More than seven million genetic variants were analysed in 1,274 SPGF cases and 1,951 unaffected controls from two independent European cohorts. Two genomic regions were associated with the most severe histological pattern of SPGF, defined by Sertoli cell-only (SCO) phenotype, namely the MHC class II gene HLA-DRB1 (rs1136759, P = 1.32E-08, OR = 1.80) and an upstream locus of VRK1 (rs115054029, P = 4.24E-08, OR = 3.14), which encodes a protein kinase involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis. The SCO-associated rs1136759 allele (G) determines a serine in the position 13 of the HLA-DRβ1 molecule located in the antigen-binding pocket. Overall, our data support the notion of unexplained SPGF as a complex trait influenced by common variation in the genome, with the SCO phenotype likely representing an immune-mediated condition. A GWAS in a large case-control cohort of European ancestry identifies two genomic regions, the MHC class II gene HLA-DRB1 and an upstream locus of VRK1, that are associated with the most severe phenotype of spermatogenic failure.
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20
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Shields JA, Meier SR, Bandi M, Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Hajdari N, Ferdinez MD, Engel JL, Silver DJ, Shen B, Zhang W, Hubert CG, Mitchell K, Shakya S, Zhao SC, Bejnood A, Zhang M, Tjin Tham Sjin R, Wilker E, Lathia JD, Andersen JN, Chen Y, Li F, Weber B, Huang A, Emmanuel N. VRK1 Is a Synthetic-Lethal Target in VRK2-Deficient Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4044-4057. [PMID: 36069976 PMCID: PMC9627132 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic lethality is a genetic interaction that results in cell death when two genetic deficiencies co-occur but not when either deficiency occurs alone, which can be co-opted for cancer therapeutics. Pairs of paralog genes are among the most straightforward potential synthetic-lethal interactions by virtue of their redundant functions. Here, we demonstrate a paralog-based synthetic lethality by targeting vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) in glioblastoma (GBM) deficient of VRK2, which is silenced by promoter methylation in approximately two thirds of GBM. Genetic knockdown of VRK1 in VRK2-null or VRK2-methylated cells resulted in decreased activity of the downstream substrate barrier to autointegration factor (BAF), a regulator of post-mitotic nuclear envelope formation. Reduced BAF activity following VRK1 knockdown caused nuclear lobulation, blebbing, and micronucleation, which subsequently resulted in G2-M arrest and DNA damage. The VRK1-VRK2 synthetic-lethal interaction was dependent on VRK1 kinase activity and was rescued by ectopic expression of VRK2. In VRK2-methylated GBM cell line-derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models, knockdown of VRK1 led to robust tumor growth inhibition. These results indicate that inhibiting VRK1 kinase activity could be a viable therapeutic strategy in VRK2-methylated GBM. SIGNIFICANCE A paralog synthetic-lethal interaction between VRK1 and VRK2 sensitizes VRK2-methylated glioblastoma to perturbation of VRK1 kinase activity, supporting VRK1 as a drug discovery target in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nicole Hajdari
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelly Mitchell
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sajina Shakya
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fang Li
- Tango Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Alan Huang
- Tango Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natasha Emmanuel
- Tango Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Author: Natasha Emmanuel, Tango Therapeutics, 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 901, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 857-320-4900, E-mail:
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21
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The VRK1 chromatin kinase regulates the acetyltransferase activity of Tip60/KAT5 by sequential phosphorylations in response to DNA damage. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA (BBA) - GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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22
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So J, Mabe NW, Englinger B, Chow KH, Moyer SM, Yerrum S, Trissal MC, Marques JG, Kwon JJ, Shim B, Pal S, Panditharatna E, Quinn T, Schaefer DA, Jeong D, Mayhew DL, Hwang J, Beroukhim R, Ligon KL, Stegmaier K, Filbin MG, Hahn WC. VRK1 as a synthetic lethal target in VRK2 promoter-methylated cancers of the nervous system. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e158755. [PMID: 36040810 PMCID: PMC9675470 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Collateral lethality occurs when loss of a gene/protein renders cancer cells dependent on its remaining paralog. Combining genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function screens with RNA sequencing in over 900 cancer cell lines, we found that cancers of nervous system lineage, including adult and pediatric gliomas and neuroblastomas, required the nuclear kinase vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) for their survival in vivo. VRK1 dependency was inversely correlated with expression of its paralog VRK2. VRK2 knockout sensitized cells to VRK1 loss, and conversely, VRK2 overexpression increased cell fitness in the setting of VRK1 loss. DNA methylation of the VRK2 promoter was associated with low VRK2 expression in human neuroblastomas and adult and pediatric gliomas. Mechanistically, depletion of VRK1 reduced barrier-to-autointegration factor phosphorylation during mitosis, resulting in DNA damage and apoptosis. Together, these studies identify VRK1 as a synthetic lethal target in VRK2 promoter-methylated adult and pediatric gliomas and neuroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan So
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Mabe
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kin-Hoe Chow
- Department of Oncologic Pathology and
- Center for Patient Derived Models, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sydney M Moyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Smitha Yerrum
- Department of Oncologic Pathology and
- Center for Patient Derived Models, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria C Trissal
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joana G Marques
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason J Kwon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian Shim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sangita Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eshini Panditharatna
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Quinn
- Department of Oncologic Pathology and
- Center for Patient Derived Models, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel A Schaefer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daeun Jeong
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Mayhew
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin Hwang
- Department of Medicine and
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rameen Beroukhim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keith L Ligon
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Oncologic Pathology and
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariella G Filbin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William C Hahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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23
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Lazo PA. Targeting Histone Epigenetic Modifications and DNA Damage Responses in Synthetic Lethality Strategies in Cancer? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164050. [PMID: 36011043 PMCID: PMC9406467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic lethality strategies are likely to be integrated in effective and specific cancer treatments. These strategies combine different specific targets, either in similar or cooperating pathways. Chromatin remodeling underlies, directly or indirectly, all processes of tumor biology. In this context, the combined targeting of proteins associated with different aspects of chromatin remodeling can be exploited to find new alternative targets or to improve treatment for specific individual tumors or patients. There are two major types of proteins, epigenetic modifiers of histones and nuclear or chromatin kinases, all of which are druggable targets. Among epigenetic enzymes, there are four major families: histones acetylases, deacetylases, methylases and demethylases. All these enzymes are druggable. Among chromatin kinases are those associated with DNA damage responses, such as Aurora A/B, Haspin, ATM, ATR, DNA-PK and VRK1-a nucleosomal histone kinase. All these proteins converge on the dynamic regulation chromatin organization, and its functions condition the tumor cell viability. Therefore, the combined targeting of these epigenetic enzymes, in synthetic lethality strategies, can sensitize tumor cells to toxic DNA-damage-based treatments, reducing their toxicity and the selective pressure for tumor resistance and increasing their immunogenicity, which will lead to an improvement in disease-free survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-IBSAL, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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24
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Zhang Z, Mi T, Jin L, Li M, Zhanghuang C, Wang J, Tan X, Lu H, Shen L, Long C, Wei G, He D. Comprehensive proteomic analysis of exosome mimetic vesicles and exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:312. [PMID: 35841000 PMCID: PMC9284776 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to have effective application prospects in the medical field, but exosome yield is very low. The production of exosome mimetic vesicles (EMVs) by continuous cell extrusion leads to more EMVs than exosomes, but whether the protein compositions of MSC-derived EMVs (MSC-EMVs) and exosomes (MSC-exosomes) are substantially different remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive proteomic analysis of MSC-EMVs and MSC-exosomes and to simply explore the effects of exosomes and EMVs on wound healing ability. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of EMVs and exosomes. METHODS In this study, EMVs from human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC MSCs) were isolated by continuous extrusion, and exosomes were identified after hUC MSC ultracentrifugation. A proteomic analysis was performed, and 2315 proteins were identified. The effects of EMVs and exosomes on the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated by cell counting kit-8, scratch wound, transwell and tubule formation assays. A mouse mode was used to evaluate the effects of EMVs and exosomes on wound healing. RESULTS Bioinformatics analyses revealed that 1669 proteins in both hUC MSC-EMVs and hUC MSC-exosomes play roles in retrograde vesicle-mediated transport and vesicle budding from the membrane. The 382 proteins unique to exosomes participate in extracellular matrix organization and extracellular structural organization, and the 264 proteins unique to EMVs target the cell membrane. EMVs and exosomes can promote wound healing and angiogenesis in mice and promote the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS This study presents a comprehensive proteomic analysis of hUC MSC-derived exosomes and EMVs generated by different methods. The tissue repair function of EMVs and exosomes was herein verified by wound healing experiments, and these results reveal their potential applications in different fields based on analyses of their shared and unique proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Mi
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Jin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Mujie Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghao Zhanghuang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinkui Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Tan
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxu Lu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China. .,China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Dissecting the roles of Haspin and VRK1 in histone H3 phosphorylation during mitosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11210. [PMID: 35778595 PMCID: PMC9249732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15339-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases that phosphorylate histones are ideally-placed to influence the behavior of chromosomes during cell division. Indeed, a number of conserved histone phosphorylation events occur prominently during mitosis and meiosis in most eukaryotes, including on histone H3 at threonine-3 (H3T3ph). At least two kinases, Haspin and VRK1 (NHK-1/ballchen in Drosophila), have been proposed to carry out this modification. Phosphorylation of H3 by Haspin has defined roles in mitosis, but the significance of VRK1 activity towards histones in dividing cells has been unclear. Here, using in vitro kinase assays, KiPIK screening, RNA interference, and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, we were unable to substantiate a direct role for VRK1, or its paralogue VRK2, in the phosphorylation of threonine-3 or serine-10 of Histone H3 in mitosis, although loss of VRK1 did slow cell proliferation. We conclude that the role of VRKs, and their more recently identified association with neuromuscular disease and importance in cancers of the nervous system, are unlikely to involve mitotic histone kinase activity. In contrast, Haspin is required to generate H3T3ph during mitosis.
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26
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Sun X, Zhao W, Wang Q, Zhao J, Yang D, Yang Y. Inhibition of VRK1 suppresses proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and intima hyperplasia after injury via mTORC1/β-catenin axis. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 35410639 PMCID: PMC9152580 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.5.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterized by abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), neointima hyperplasia is a hallmark of vascular restenosis after percutaneous vascular interventions. Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is a stress adaption-associated ser/thr protein kinase that can induce the proliferation of various types of cells. However, the role of VRK1 in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and neointima hyperplasia after vascular injury remains unknown. We observed increased expression of VRK1 in VSMCs subjected to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB by western blotting. Silencing VRK1 by shVrk1 reduced the number of Ki-67-positive VSMCs and attenuated the migration of VSMCs. Mechanistically, we found that relative expression levels of β-catenin and effectors of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) such as phospho (p)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-S6, and p-4EBP1 were decreased after silencing VRK1. Restoration of β-catenin expression by SKL2001 and re-activation of mTORC1 by Tuberous sclerosis 1 siRNA (siTsc1) both abolished shVrk1-mediated inhibitory effect on VSMC proliferation and migration. siTsc1 also rescued the reduced expression of β-catenin caused by VRK1 inhibition. Furthermore, mTORC1 re-activation failed to recover the attenuated proliferation and migration of VSMC resulting from shVrk1 after silencing β-catenin. We also found that the vascular expression of VRK1 was increased after injury. VRK1 inactivation in vivo inhibited vascular injury-induced neointima hyperplasia in a β-catenindependent manner. These results demonstrate that inhibition of VRK1 can suppress the proliferation and migration of VSMC and neointima hyperplasia after vascular injury via mTORC1/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongshan Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Dachun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Yongjian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610083, China
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27
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Lei T, Du S, Peng Z, Chen L. Multifaceted regulation and functions of 53BP1 in NHEJ‑mediated DSB repair (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:90. [PMID: 35583003 PMCID: PMC9162042 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5145] [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: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is crucial for the preservation of genomic integrity and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant repair mechanism for any type of DNA DSB during the majority of the cell cycle. NHEJ defects regulate tumor sensitivity to ionizing radiation and anti-neoplastic agents, resulting in immunodeficiencies and developmental abnormalities in malignant cells. p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) is a key mediator involved in DSB repair, which functions to maintain a balance in the repair pathway choices and in preserving genomic stability. 53BP1 promotes DSB repair via NHEJ and antagonizes DNA end overhang resection. At present, novel lines of evidence have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the recruitment of 53BP1 and DNA break-responsive effectors to DSB sites, and the promotion of NHEJ-mediated DSB repair via 53BP1, while preventing homologous recombination. In the present review article, recent advances made in the elucidation of the structural and functional characteristics of 53BP1, the mechanisms of 53BP1 recruitment and interaction with the reshaping of the chromatin architecture around DSB sites, the post-transcriptional modifications of 53BP1, and the up- and downstream pathways of 53BP1 are discussed. The present review article also focuses on the application perspectives, current challenges and future directions of 53BP1 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Suya Du
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
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28
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Wu J, Li T, Ji H, Chen Z, Zhai B. VRK1 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Bladder Cancer Growth and Metastasis In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:874235. [PMID: 35559251 PMCID: PMC9086458 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.874235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the urinary system with growing morbidity and diagnostic rate in recent years. Therefore, identifying new molecular biomarkers that inhibit the progression of bladder cancer is needed for developing further therapeutics. This study found a new potential treatment target: vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) and explored the function and mechanism of VRK1 in the development of bladder cancer. First, TCGA database and tissue microarray analysis showed that VRK1 was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicates that the OS and PFS of the VRK1 high expression group were significantly lower than the VRK1 low expression group (p = 0.002, p = 0.005). Cox multi-factor analysis results show that VRK1 expression is an independent risk factor affecting tumor progress. The maximum tumor diameter, staging, and adjuvant chemotherapy also have a certain impact on tumor progression (p < 0.05). In internal validation, the column C index is 0.841 (95% CI, 0.803-0.880). In addition, cell functional studies have shown that VRK1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of bladder cancer cells. In vivo, nude mice transplanted tumors further prove that low VRK1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation capacity of bladder cancer cells. In summary, VRK1 expression is significantly related to the staging, grade, and poor prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. At the same time, in vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that downregulation of VRK1 can significantly inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells. These findings provide a basis for using VRK1 as a potential therapeutic target for patients with bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Longquanyi District, Chengdu, China
| | - Baoqian Zhai
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Yancheng No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, China
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29
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Campillo-Marcos I, Monte-Serrano E, Navarro-Carrasco E, García-González R, Lazo PA. Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibitors Impair H4K20me2 and 53BP1 Foci in Response to DNA Damage in Sarcomas, a Synthetic Lethality Strategy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:715126. [PMID: 34540832 PMCID: PMC8446283 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.715126] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chromatin is dynamically remodeled to adapt to all DNA-related processes, including DNA damage responses (DDR). This adaptation requires DNA and histone epigenetic modifications, which are mediated by several types of enzymes; among them are lysine methyltransferases (KMTs). Methods KMT inhibitors, chaetocin and tazemetostat (TZM), were used to study their role in the DDR induced by ionizing radiation or doxorubicin in two human sarcoma cells lines. The effect of these KMT inhibitors was tested by the analysis of chromatin epigenetic modifications, H4K16ac and H4K20me2. DDR was monitored by the formation of γH2AX, MDC1, NBS1 and 53BP1 foci, and the induction of apoptosis. Results Chaetocin and tazemetostat treatments caused a significant increase of H4K16 acetylation, associated with chromatin relaxation, and increased DNA damage, detected by the labeling of free DNA-ends. These inhibitors significantly reduced H4K20 dimethylation levels in response to DNA damage and impaired the recruitment of 53BP1, but not of MDC1 and NBS1, at DNA damaged sites. This modification of epigenetic marks prevents DNA repair by the NHEJ pathway and leads to cell death. Conclusion KMT inhibitors could function as sensitizers to DNA damage-based therapies and be used in novel synthetic lethality strategies for sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Campillo-Marcos
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Monte-Serrano
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Carrasco
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raúl García-González
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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30
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Navarro-Carrasco E, Lazo PA. VRK1 Depletion Facilitates the Synthetic Lethality of Temozolomide and Olaparib in Glioblastoma Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683038. [PMID: 34195200 PMCID: PMC8237761 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastomas treated with temozolomide frequently develop resistance to pharmacological treatments. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative drug targets to reduce treatment resistance based on tumor dependencies. A possibility is to target simultaneously two proteins from different DNA-damage repair pathways to facilitate tumor cell death. Therefore, we tested whether targeting the human chromatin kinase VRK1 by RNA interference can identify this protein as a novel molecular target to reduce the dependence on temozolomide in combination with olaparib, based on synthetic lethality. Materials and Methods Depletion of VRK1, an enzyme that regulates chromatin dynamic reorganization and facilitates resistance to DNA damage, was performed in glioblastoma cells treated with temozolomide, an alkylating agent used for GBM treatment; and olaparib, an inhibitor of PARP-1, used as sensitizer. Two genetically different human glioblastoma cell lines, LN-18 and LN-229, were used for these experiments. The effect on the DNA-damage response was followed by determination of sequential steps in this process: H4K16ac, γH2AX, H4K20me2, and 53BP1. Results The combination of temozolomide and olaparib increased DNA damage detected by labeling free DNA ends, and chromatin relaxation detected by H4K16ac. The combination of both drugs, at lower doses, resulted in an increase in the DNA damage response detected by the formation of γH2AX and 53BP1 foci. VRK1 depletion did not prevent the generation of DNA damage in TUNEL assays, but significantly impaired the DNA damage response induced by temozolomide and olaparib, and mediated by γH2AX, H4K20me2, and 53BP1. The combination of these drugs in VRK1 depleted cells resulted in an increase of glioblastoma cell death detected by annexin V and the processing of PARP-1 and caspase-3. Conclusion Depletion of the chromatin kinase VRK1 promotes tumor cell death at lower doses of a combination of temozolomide and olaparib treatments, and can be a novel alternative target for therapies based on synthetic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Navarro-Carrasco
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-IBSAL, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-IBSAL, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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