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Beyrent E, Wei DT, Beacham GM, Park S, Zheng J, Paszek MJ, Hollopeter G. Dimerization activates the Inversin complex in C. elegans. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar127. [PMID: 39110529 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-05-0218] [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: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic, colocalization, and biochemical studies suggest that the ankyrin repeat-containing proteins Inversin (INVS) and ANKS6 function with the NEK8 kinase to control tissue patterning and maintain organ physiology. It is unknown whether these three proteins assemble into a static "Inversin complex" or one that adopts multiple bioactive forms. Through the characterization of hyperactive alleles in C. elegans, we discovered that the Inversin complex is activated by dimerization. Genome engineering of an RFP tag onto the nematode homologues of INVS (MLT-4) and NEK8 (NEKL-2) induced a gain-of-function, cyst-like phenotype that was suppressed by monomerization of the fluorescent tag. Stimulated dimerization of MLT-4 or NEKL-2 using optogenetics was sufficient to recapitulate the phenotype of a constitutively active Inversin complex. Further, dimerization of NEKL-2 bypassed a lethal MLT-4 mutant, demonstrating that the dimeric form is required for function. We propose that dynamic switching between at least two functionally distinct states - an active dimer and an inactive monomer - gates the output of the Inversin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Beyrent
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Derek T Wei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Gwendolyn M Beacham
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Sangwoo Park
- Field of Biophysics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Matthew J Paszek
- Field of Biophysics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Gunther Hollopeter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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2
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Li N, Zheng G, Fu L, Liu N, Chen T, Lu S. Designed dualsteric modulators: A novel route for drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104141. [PMID: 39168404 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104141] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Orthosteric and allosteric modulators, which constitute the majority of current drugs, bind to the orthosteric and allosteric sites of target proteins, respectively. However, the clinical efficacy of these agents is frequently compromised by poor selectivity or reduced potency. Dualsteric modulators feature two linked pharmacophores that bind to orthosteric and allosteric sites of the target proteins simultaneously, thereby offering a promising avenue to achieve both potency and specificity. In this review, we summarize recent structures available for dualsteric modulators in complex with their target proteins, elucidating detailed drug-target interactions and dualsteric action patterns. Moreover, we provide a design and optimization strategy for dualsteric modulators based on structure-based drug design approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Guodong Zheng
- Department of VIP Clinic, Changhai Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lili Fu
- Department of Nephrology, People's Hospital of Pudong New Area, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201299, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, Peptide & Protein Drug Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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3
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Burton JC, Royer F, Grimsey NJ. Spatiotemporal control of kinases and the biomolecular tools to trace activity. J Biol Chem 2024:107846. [PMID: 39362469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The delicate balance of cell physiology is implicitly tied to the expression and activation of proteins. Post-translational modifications offer a tool to dynamically switch protein activity on and off to orchestrate a wide range of protein-protein interactions to tune signal transduction during cellular homeostasis and pathological responses. There is a growing acknowledgment that subcellular locations of kinases define the spatial network of potential scaffolds, adaptors, and substrates. These highly ordered and localized biomolecular microdomains confer a spatially distinct bias in the outcomes of kinase activity. Furthermore, they may hold essential clues to the underlying mechanisms that promote disease. Developing tools to dissect the spatiotemporal activation of kinases is critical to reveal these mechanisms and promote the development of spatially targeted kinase inhibitors. Here, we discuss the spatial regulation of kinases, the tools used to detect their activity, and their potential impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C Burton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia Athens, 30602
| | - Fredejah Royer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia Athens, 30602
| | - Neil J Grimsey
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia Athens, 30602
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4
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Hayashi SY, Craddock BP, Miller WT. Effects of heterologous kinase domains on growth factor receptor specificity. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111307. [PMID: 39048037 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111307] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The kinase domains of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are highly conserved, yet they are able to discriminate among potential substrates to selectively activate downstream signaling pathways. In this study, we tested the importance of catalytic domain specificity by creating two series of chimeric RTKs. In one set, the kinase domain of insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R) was replaced by the kinase domains from insulin receptor (IR), macrophage stimulating protein 1 receptor/Ron (Ron) or Src. In the other set of chimeras, the kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was similarly replaced by the kinase domains of IR, Ron, or Src. We expressed the wild-type and chimeric forms of the receptors in mammalian cells. For some signaling events, such as recognition of IRS1, the identity of the tyrosine kinase catalytic domain did not appear to be crucial. In contrast, recognition of some sites, such as the C-terminal autophosphorylation sites on EGFR, did depend on the identity of the kinase domain. Our data also showed that ligand dependence was lost when the native kinase domains were replaced by Src, suggesting that the identity of the kinase domains could be important for proper receptor regulation. Overall, the results are consistent with the idea that the fidelity of RTK signaling depends on co-localization and targeting with substrates, as well as on the intrinsic specificity of the kinase domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Y Hayashi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA 11794
| | - Barbara P Craddock
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA 11794
| | - W Todd Miller
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA 11794; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA.
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5
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Jones K, Keddy C, Jenkins C, Nicholson K, Shinde U, Davare MA. Novel insight into mechanisms of ROS1 catalytic activation via loss of the extracellular domain. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22191. [PMID: 39333184 PMCID: PMC11437283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71687-7] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The ROS1 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) possesses the largest extracellular amino-terminal domain (ECD) among the human RTK family, yet the mechanisms regulating its activation are not fully understood. While chimeric ROS1 fusion proteins, resulting from chromosomal rearrangements, are well-known oncogenic drivers, their activation mechanisms also remain underexplored. To elucidate the role of the ROS1 ECD in catalytic regulation, we engineered a series of amino-terminal deletion mutants. Our functional studies compared the full-length ROS1 receptor, the CD74-ROS1 oncogenic fusion, and ECD-deleted ROS1 constructs, identifying the ECD regions that inhibit ROS1 tyrosine kinase activity. Notably, we found that deletion of the ROS1 ECD alone significantly increases constitutive catalytic activation and neoplastic transformation in the absence of an amino-terminal fusion partner, challenging the presumed necessity for a dimerization domain in the activation mechanism of kinase fusions in cancer. Our data suggest that inter-genic deletions resulting in the loss of the ECD may be underappreciated oncogenic drivers in cancer. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate that RNASE7 is not a ligand for the ROS1 receptor as previously reported, confirming that ROS1 remains an orphan receptor. Thus, the discovery of a ROS1 ligand remains an important future priority. These findings highlight the potential for disease-associated somatic aberrations or splice variants that modify the ROS1 ECD to promote constitutive receptor activation, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Clare Keddy
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Chelsea Jenkins
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Katelyn Nicholson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Ujwal Shinde
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Monika A Davare
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Papé Pediatric Research Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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6
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Levintov L, Gorai B, Vashisth H. Spontaneous Dimerization and Distinct Packing Modes of Transmembrane Domains in Receptor Tyrosine Kinases. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 39322977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) are homodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that transduce signals across the membrane on binding of extracellular peptide ligands. The structures of IR/IGF1R fragments in apo and liganded states have revealed that the extracellular subunits of these receptors adopt Λ-shaped configurations to which are connected the intracellular tyrosine kinase (TK) domains. The binding of peptide ligands induces structural transitions in the extracellular subunits leading to potential dimerization of transmembrane domains (TMDs) and autophosphorylation in TKs. However, the activation mechanisms of IR/IGF1R, especially the role of TMDs in coordinating signal-inducing structural transitions, remain poorly understood, in part due to the lack of structures of full-length receptors in apo or liganded states. While atomistic simulations of IR/IGF1R TMDs showed that these domains can dimerize in single component membranes, spontaneous unbiased dimerization in a plasma membrane having a physiologically representative lipid composition has not been observed. We address this limitation by employing coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics simulations to probe the dimerization propensity of IR/IGF1R TMDs. We observed that TMDs in both receptors spontaneously dimerized independent of their initial orientations in their dissociated states, signifying their natural propensity for dimerization. In the dimeric state, IR TMDs predominantly adopted X-shaped configurations with asymmetric helical packing and significant tilt relative to the membrane normal, while IGF1R TMDs adopted symmetric V-shaped or parallel configurations with either no tilt or a small tilt relative to the membrane normal. Our results suggest that IR/IGF1R TMDs spontaneously dimerize and adopt distinct dimerized configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Levintov
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Biswajit Gorai
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
- Integrated Applied Mathematics Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
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7
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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and Hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh.
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8
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Farag AB, Othman AH, El-Ashrey MK, Abbas SES, Elwaie TA. New 6-nitro-4-substituted quinazoline derivatives targeting epidermal growth factor receptor: design, synthesis and in vitro anticancer studies. Future Med Chem 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39230501 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2389772] [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: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Twenty compounds of 6-nitro-4-substituted quinazolines were synthesized.Materials & methods: The new derivatives were evaluated for their epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitory activity. The most potent derivatives were assessed for their cytotoxicity against colon cancer and lung cancer cells, in addition to normal fibroblast cells.Results & discussion: compound 6c showed a superior to nearly equal cytotoxicity in comparison to gefitinib, it also revealed a good safety profile. Compound 6c caused a cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in addition to induction of apoptosis. A molecular docking study was conducted on the most active compounds to gain insights of their binding mode in the active site of EGFR enzyme besides ADME prediction of their physicochemical properties and drug likeness profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman B Farag
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aya H Othman
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed K El-Ashrey
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr Elini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), South Sinai, 46612, Egypt
| | - Safinaz E-S Abbas
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr Elini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Tamer A Elwaie
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr Elini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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9
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Kumar R, Goel H, Solanki R, Rawat L, Tabasum S, Tanwar P, Pal S, Sabarwal A. Recent developments in receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A promising mainstay in targeted cancer therapy. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 23:100195. [PMID: 39281823 PMCID: PMC11393807 DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2024.100195] [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] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, significant advances have been made in the discovery and development of targeted inhibitors aimed at improving the survival rates of cancer patients. Among the multitude of potential therapeutic targets identified thus far, Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) are of particular importance. Dysregulation of RTKs has been implicated in numerous human diseases, particularly cancer, where aberrant signaling pathways contribute to disease progression. RTKs have a profound impact on intra and intercellular communication, and they also facilitate post-translational modifications, notably phosphorylation, which intricately regulates a multitude of cellular processes. Prolonged phosphorylation or the disruption of kinase regulation may lead to significant alterations in cell signaling. The emergence of small molecule kinase inhibitors has revolutionized cancer therapy by offering a targeted and strategic approach that surpasses the efficacy of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. Over the last two decades, a plethora of targeted inhibitors have been identified or engineered and have undergone clinical evaluation to enhance the survival rates of cancer patients. In this review, we have compared the expression of different RTKs, including Met, KDR/VEGFR2, EGFR, BRAF, BCR, and ALK across different cancer types in TCGA samples. Additionally, we have summarized the recent development of small molecule inhibitors and their potential in treating various malignancies. Lastly, we have discussed the mechanisms of acquired therapeutic resistance with a focus on kinase inhibitors in EGFR mutant and ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer and BCR-ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kumar
- Dr B. R. A.-Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Harsh Goel
- Dr B. R. A.-Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Raghu Solanki
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Laxminarayan Rawat
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saba Tabasum
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pranay Tanwar
- Dr B. R. A.-Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumitro Pal
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Akash Sabarwal
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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10
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Levintov L, Gorai B, Vashisth H. Spontaneous Dimerization and Distinct Packing Modes of Transmembrane Domains in Receptor Tyrosine Kinases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593448. [PMID: 38798363 PMCID: PMC11118388 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) are homodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that transduce signals across the membrane on binding of extracellular peptide ligands. The structures of IR/IGF1R fragments in apo and liganded states have revealed that the extracellular subunits of these receptors adopt Λ-shaped configurations to which are connected the intracellular tyrosine kinase (TK) domains. The binding of peptide ligands induces structural transitions in the extracellular subunits leading to potential dimerization of transmembrane domains (TMDs) and autophosphorylation in TKs. However, the activation mechanisms of IR/IGF1R, especially the role of TMDs in coordinating signal-inducing structural transitions, remain poorly understood, in part due to the lack of structures of full-length receptors in apo or liganded states. While atomistic simulations of IR/IGF1R TMDs showed that these domains can dimerize in single component membranes, spontaneous unbiased dimerization in a plasma membrane having physiologically representative lipid composition has not been observed. We address this limitation by employing coarsegrained (CG) molecular dynamics simulations to probe the dimerization propensity of IR/IGF1R TMDs. We observed that TMDs in both receptors spontaneously dimerized independent of their initial orientations in their dissociated states, signifying their natural propensity for dimerization. In the dimeric state, IR TMDs predominantly adopted X-shaped configurations with asymmetric helical packing and significant tilt relative to the membrane normal, while IGF1R TMDs adopted symmetric V-shaped or parallel configurations with either no tilt or a small tilt relative to the membrane normal. Our results suggest that IR/IGF1R TMDs spontaneously dimerize and adopt distinct dimerized configurations. TOC Graphic
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11
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Tomuleasa C, Tigu AB, Munteanu R, Moldovan CS, Kegyes D, Onaciu A, Gulei D, Ghiaur G, Einsele H, Croce CM. Therapeutic advances of targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:201. [PMID: 39138146 PMCID: PMC11323831 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01899-w] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a category of transmembrane receptors, have gained significant clinical attention in oncology due to their central role in cancer pathogenesis. Genetic alterations, including mutations, amplifications, and overexpression of certain RTKs, are critical in creating environments conducive to tumor development. Following their discovery, extensive research has revealed how RTK dysregulation contributes to oncogenesis, with many cancer subtypes showing dependency on aberrant RTK signaling for their proliferation, survival and progression. These findings paved the way for targeted therapies that aim to inhibit crucial biological pathways in cancer. As a result, RTKs have emerged as primary targets in anticancer therapeutic development. Over the past two decades, this has led to the synthesis and clinical validation of numerous small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), now effectively utilized in treating various cancer types. In this manuscript we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the RTKs in the context of cancer. We explored the various alterations and overexpression of specific receptors across different malignancies, with special attention dedicated to the examination of current RTK inhibitors, highlighting their role as potential targeted therapies. By integrating the latest research findings and clinical evidence, we seek to elucidate the pivotal role of RTKs in cancer biology and the therapeutic efficacy of RTK inhibition with promising treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Adrian-Bogdan Tigu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian-Silviu Moldovan
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Kegyes
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Onaciu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Department of Leukemia, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Medizinische Klinik II, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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12
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Gao H, Bianba Z, Mo X, Hu W, Feng Z, Zhou F, Zhang T. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling Involves Echinococcus-Host Intercommunication: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Hepatic Echinococcosis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:175. [PMID: 39195613 PMCID: PMC11360685 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9080175] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis, one of the most serious and life-threatening parasitic forms of zoonosis worldwide, is caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) and Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Various drugs are being applied clinically to treat zoonosis; however, their therapeutic efficacy remains a great challenge, especially with albendazole as the preferred drug of choice. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling controls normal cellular proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism in humans and mammals, which are intermediate hosts of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Disruption of RTK signaling can cause various forms of carcinogenesis and exacerbate the progression of certain forms of parasitic disease. As a result, a significant number of studies on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been conducted for the treatment of cancer and parasitic infection, with some TKIs already approved for clinical use for cancer. Notably, RTK signaling has been identified in the parasites E. granulosus and E. multilocularis; however, the mechanisms of RTK signaling response in Echinococcus-host intercommunication are not fully understood. Thus, understanding the RTK signaling response in Echinococcus-host intercommunication and the potential effect of RTK signaling is crucial for identifying new drug targets for echinococcosis. The present review illustrates that RTK signaling in the host is over-activated following infection by E. granulosus or E. multilocularis and can further facilitate the development of metacestodes in vitro. In addition, some TKIs exert strong parasitostatic effects on E. granulosus or E. multilocularis, both in vitro and/or in vivo, through downregulation of RTK signaling molecules. The summarized findings suggest that RTK signaling may be a promising drug target and that TKIs could be potential anti-Echinococcus drugs warranting further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital (Affiliated Fifth People’s Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The Second Clinical Medical College), Chengdu 611130, China;
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.M.); (W.H.); (Z.F.)
| | - Zhuoma Bianba
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis Prevention and Control, Xizang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa 850000, China;
| | - Xiaojin Mo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.M.); (W.H.); (Z.F.)
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis Prevention and Control, Xizang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa 850000, China;
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.M.); (W.H.); (Z.F.)
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Zheng Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.M.); (W.H.); (Z.F.)
| | - Fangye Zhou
- Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital (Affiliated Fifth People’s Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; The Second Clinical Medical College), Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Ting Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.M.); (W.H.); (Z.F.)
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis Prevention and Control, Xizang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa 850000, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
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13
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Su J, Song Y, Zhu Z, Huang X, Fan J, Qiao J, Mao F. Cell-cell communication: new insights and clinical implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:196. [PMID: 39107318 PMCID: PMC11382761 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01888-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms are composed of diverse cell types that must coordinate their behaviors through communication. Cell-cell communication (CCC) is essential for growth, development, differentiation, tissue and organ formation, maintenance, and physiological regulation. Cells communicate through direct contact or at a distance using ligand-receptor interactions. So cellular communication encompasses two essential processes: cell signal conduction for generation and intercellular transmission of signals, and cell signal transduction for reception and procession of signals. Deciphering intercellular communication networks is critical for understanding cell differentiation, development, and metabolism. First, we comprehensively review the historical milestones in CCC studies, followed by a detailed description of the mechanisms of signal molecule transmission and the importance of the main signaling pathways they mediate in maintaining biological functions. Then we systematically introduce a series of human diseases caused by abnormalities in cell communication and their progress in clinical applications. Finally, we summarize various methods for monitoring cell interactions, including cell imaging, proximity-based chemical labeling, mechanical force analysis, downstream analysis strategies, and single-cell technologies. These methods aim to illustrate how biological functions depend on these interactions and the complexity of their regulatory signaling pathways to regulate crucial physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis, cell development, and immune responses in diseases. In addition, this review enhances our understanding of the biological processes that occur after cell-cell binding, highlighting its application in discovering new therapeutic targets and biomarkers related to precision medicine. This collective understanding provides a foundation for developing new targeted drugs and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimeng Su
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Song
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhu
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Huang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jibiao Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengbiao Mao
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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14
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Eshaq AM, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Al Asheikh SA, Al-Amoudi WA, Santourlidis S, Hassan SL, Alamodi MO, Bendhack ML, Alamodi MO, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Hassan M. Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Their Structure and Mechanistic Role in Tumor Progression and Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2754. [PMID: 39123481 PMCID: PMC11311543 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152754] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) function as key molecules in the signaling pathways in addition to their impact as a therapeutic target for the treatment of many human diseases, including cancer. PTKs are characterized by their ability to phosphorylate serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues and can thereby rapidly and reversibly alter the function of their protein substrates in the form of significant changes in protein confirmation and affinity for their interaction with protein partners to drive cellular functions under normal and pathological conditions. PTKs are classified into two groups: one of which represents tyrosine kinases, while the other one includes the members of the serine/threonine kinases. The group of tyrosine kinases is subdivided into subgroups: one of them includes the member of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), while the other subgroup includes the member of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs). Both these kinase groups function as an "on" or "off" switch in many cellular functions. NRTKs are enzymes which are overexpressed and activated in many cancer types and regulate variable cellular functions in response to extracellular signaling-dependent mechanisms. NRTK-mediated different cellular functions are regulated by kinase-dependent and kinase-independent mechanisms either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus. Thus, targeting NRTKs is of great interest to improve the treatment strategy of different tumor types. This review deals with the structure and mechanistic role of NRTKs in tumor progression and resistance and their importance as therapeutic targets in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz M. Eshaq
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sara A. Al Asheikh
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Waleed A. Al-Amoudi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Institute of Cell Therapeutics and Diagnostics, University Medical Center of Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Maryam O. Alamodi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Marcelo L. Bendhack
- Department of Urology, Red Cross University Hospital, Positivo University, Rua Mauá 1111, Curitiba 80030-200, Brazil;
| | - Mohammed O. Alamodi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mossad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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15
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Rowe LW, Ciulla TA. Long-acting delivery and therapies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:799-814. [PMID: 38953649 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2374869] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) represents a leading cause of severe visual impairment in individuals over 50 years of age in developed nations. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections have become the standard of care for treating nAMD; however, monthly or bimonthly dosing represents significant time and cost burden due to the disease's chronic nature and limited medication half-life. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes innovative therapeutics and delivery methods for nAMD. Emerging methods for extended drug delivery include high molar concentration anti-VEGF drugs, intravitreal sustained-release polymers and devices, reservoirs for intravitreal delivery, suprachoroidal delivery of small molecular suspensions and gene therapy biofactories. In addition to VEGF-A, therapies targeting inhibition of VEGF-C and D, the angiopoetin-2 (Ang-2)/Tie-2 pathway, tyrosine kinases, and integrins are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION The evolving therapeutic landscape of nAMD is rapidly expanding our toolkit for effective and durable treatment. Recent FDA approvals of faricimab (Vabysmo) and high-dose aflibercept (Eylea HD) for nAMD with potential extension of injection intervals up to four months have been promising developments for patients and providers alike. Further research and innovation, including novel delivery techniques and pharmacologic targets, is necessary to validate the efficacy of developing therapeutics and characterize real-world outcomes, demonstrating promise in expanding treatment durability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W Rowe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas A Ciulla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Retina Service, Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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16
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Rigopoulos C, Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Zaravinos A. A Multi-Omics Analysis of an Exhausted T Cells' Molecular Signature in Pan-Cancer. J Pers Med 2024; 14:765. [PMID: 39064019 PMCID: PMC11278172 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070765] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells are essential tumor suppressors in cancer immunology, but their dysfunction induced by cancer cells can result in T cell exhaustion. Exhausted T cells (Tex) significantly influence the tumor immune environment, and thus, there is a need for their thorough investigation across different types of cancer. Here, we address the role of Tex cells in pan-cancer, focusing on the expression, mutations, methylation, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity of a molecular signature comprising of the genes HAVCR2, CXCL13, LAG3, LAYN, TIGIT, and PDCD1across multiple cancer types, using bioinformatics analysis of TCGA data. Our analysis revealed that the Tex signature genes are differentially expressed across 14 cancer types, being correlated with patient survival outcomes, with distinct survival trends. Pathway analysis indicated that the Tex genes influence key cancer-related pathways, such as apoptosis, EMT, and DNA damage pathways. Immune infiltration analysis highlighted a positive correlation between Tex gene expression and immune cell infiltration in bladder cancer, while mutations in these genes were associated with specific immune cell enrichments in UCEC and SKCM. CNVs in Tex genes were widespread across cancers. We also highlight high LAYN methylation in most tumors and a negative correlation between methylation levels and immune cell infiltration in various cancers. Drug sensitivity analysis identified numerous correlations, with CXCL13 and HAVCR2 expressions influencing sensitivity to several drugs, including Apitolisib, Belinostat, and Docetaxel. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of reviving exhausted T cells to enhance the treatment efficacy to significantly boost anti-tumor immunity and achieve better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Rigopoulos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
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17
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Samanta R, Harmalkar A, Prathima P, Gray JJ. Advancing membrane-associated protein docking with improved sampling and scoring in Rosetta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.09.602802. [PMID: 39026849 PMCID: PMC11257521 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.09.602802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The oligomerization of protein macromolecules on cell membranes plays a fundamental role in regulating cellular function. From modulating signal transduction to directing immune response, membrane proteins (MPs) play a crucial role in biological processes and are often the target of many pharmaceutical drugs. Despite their biological relevance, the challenges in experimental determination have hampered the structural availability of membrane proteins and their complexes. Computational docking provides a promising alternative to model membrane protein complex structures. Here, we present Rosetta-MPDock, a flexible transmembrane (TM) protein docking protocol that captures binding-induced conformational changes. Rosetta-MPDock samples large conformational ensembles of flexible monomers and docks them within an implicit membrane environment. We benchmarked this method on 29 TM-protein complexes of variable backbone flexibility. These complexes are classified based on the root-mean-square deviation between the unbound and bound states (RMSDUB) as: rigid (RMSDUB <1.2 Å), moderately-flexible (RMSDUB ∈ [1.2, 2.2) Å), and flexible targets (RMSDUB > 2.2 Å). In a local docking scenario, i.e. with membrane protein partners starting ≈10 Å apart embedded in the membrane in their unbound conformations, Rosetta-MPDock successfully predicts the correct interface (success defined as achieving 3 near-native structures in the 5 top-ranked models) for 67% moderately flexible targets and 60% of the highly flexible targets, a substantial improvement from the existing membrane protein docking methods. Further, by integrating AlphaFold2-multimer for structure determination and using Rosetta-MPDock for docking and refinement, we demonstrate improved success rates over the benchmark targets from 64% to 73%. Rosetta-MPDock advances the capabilities for membrane protein complex structure prediction and modeling to tackle key biological questions and elucidate functional mechanisms in the membrane environment. The benchmark set and the code is available for public use at github.com/Graylab/MPDock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Samanta
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Current affiliation: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ameya Harmalkar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Current affiliation: Generate Biomedicines Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Priyamvada Prathima
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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18
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Silvia R, Fadilah F, Jusuf AA, Maidarti M, Erlina L, Wiweko B. Forecasting the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Follicle Development Following Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Network Interaction Analysis. Pak J Biol Sci 2024; 27:384-397. [PMID: 39300675 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2024.384.397] [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] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objective:</b> Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is proposed to have a potential regenerative effect on the ovaries following premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), however, the main impact on the process of follicle development (folliculogenesis) remains unclear. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) or network interaction analysis enables us to predict the targets of PRP's biomolecules using biological data through public databases and platforms. Therefore, this method is more efficient in time and cost than traditional laboratory procedures. The purpose of this study was to predict the targets of PRP's biomolecules on folliculogenesis following POI using PPI analysis and to clarify if those predictive targets integrate into PI3K/Akt signaling pathway which is an important pathway in folliculogenesis. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Mining data targets of POI, PRP and folliculogenesis was done by GeneCards. Only genes with "protein-coding" category were analyzed further. Network analysis was performed using Cytoscape and STRING. Finally, STRING, Enricher and ShinyGO platforms were conducted to analyze gene ontology, including biological processes, molecular function and cellular components, as well as pathways. <b>Results:</b> Network analysis with Cytoscape and STRING discovered 107 gene hubs for POI, PRP and folliculogenesis. Analysis of KEGG pathway using STRING, Enricher and ShinyGO identified 43 genes integrated into PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. From the KEGG pathway, PI3K and Akt were revealed as two main targets following PRP treatment for POI patients. <b>Conclusion:</b> Biomolecules in PRP may recover ovarian follicle development following POI through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Thawornkuno C, Srisuksai K, Simanon N, Adisakwattana P, Ampawong S, Boonyuen U, Limpanont Y, Chusongsang P, Chusongsang Y, Kiangkoo N, Reamtong O. A reanalysis and integration of transcriptomics and proteomics datasets unveil novel drug targets for Mekong schistosomiasis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12969. [PMID: 38839835 PMCID: PMC11153569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63869-0] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma trematodes, is a significant global health concern, particularly affecting millions in Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite efforts to combat it, the rise of praziquantel (PZQ) resistance underscores the need for new treatment options. Protein kinases (PKs) are vital in cellular signaling and offer potential as drug targets. This study focused on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a candidate for anti-schistosomal therapy. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of adult S. mekongi worms identified FAK as a promising target due to its upregulation and essential role in cellular processes. Molecular docking simulations assessed the binding energy of FAK inhibitors to Schistosoma FAK versus human FAK. FAK inhibitor 14 and PF-03814735 exhibited strong binding to Schistosoma FAK with minimal binding for human FAK. In vitro assays confirmed significant anti-parasitic activity against S. mekongi, S. mansoni, and S. japonicum, comparable to PZQ, with low toxicity in human cells, indicating potential safety. These findings highlight FAK as a promising target for novel anti-schistosomal therapies. However, further research, including in vivo studies, is necessary to validate efficacy and safety before clinical use. This study offers a hopeful strategy to combat schistosomiasis and reduce its global impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charin Thawornkuno
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Krittika Srisuksai
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattapon Simanon
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Usa Boonyuen
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yupa Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttapohn Kiangkoo
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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20
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Giudice G, Chen H, Koutsandreas T, Petsalaki E. phuEGO: A Network-Based Method to Reconstruct Active Signaling Pathways From Phosphoproteomics Datasets. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100771. [PMID: 38642805 PMCID: PMC11134849 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100771] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signaling networks are critical for virtually all cell functions. Our current knowledge of cell signaling has been summarized in signaling pathway databases, which, while useful, are highly biased toward well-studied processes, and do not capture context specific network wiring or pathway cross-talk. Mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics data can provide a more unbiased view of active cell signaling processes in a given context, however, it suffers from low signal-to-noise ratio and poor reproducibility across experiments. While progress in methods to extract active signaling signatures from such data has been made, there are still limitations with respect to balancing bias and interpretability. Here we present phuEGO, which combines up-to-three-layer network propagation with ego network decomposition to provide small networks comprising active functional signaling modules. PhuEGO boosts the signal-to-noise ratio from global phosphoproteomics datasets, enriches the resulting networks for functional phosphosites and allows the improved comparison and integration across datasets. We applied phuEGO to five phosphoproteomics data sets from cell lines collected upon infection with SARS CoV2. PhuEGO was better able to identify common active functions across datasets and to point to a subnetwork enriched for known COVID-19 targets. Overall, phuEGO provides a flexible tool to the community for the improved functional interpretation of global phosphoproteomics datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Giudice
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Haoqi Chen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Thodoris Koutsandreas
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Petsalaki
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.
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21
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Beyrent E, Wei DT, Beacham GM, Park S, Zheng J, Paszek MJ, Hollopeter G. Dimerization activates the Inversin complex in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.17.594761. [PMID: 38798613 PMCID: PMC11118560 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.17.594761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Genetic, colocalization, and biochemical studies suggest that the ankyrin repeat-containing proteins Inversin (INVS) and ANKS6 function with the NEK8 kinase to control tissue patterning and maintain organ physiology. It is unknown whether these three proteins assemble into a static "Inversin complex" or one that adopts multiple bioactive forms. Through characterization of hyperactive alleles in C. elegans , we discovered that the Inversin complex is activated by dimerization. Genome engineering of an RFP tag onto the nematode homologs of INVS (MLT-4) and NEK8 (NEKL-2) induced a gain-of-function, cyst-like phenotype that was suppressed by monomerization of the fluorescent tag. Stimulated dimerization of MLT-4 or NEKL-2 using optogenetics was sufficient to recapitulate the phenotype of a constitutively active Inversin complex. Further, dimerization of NEKL-2 bypassed a lethal MLT-4 mutant, demonstrating that the dimeric form is required for function. We propose that dynamic switching between at least two functionally distinct states-an active dimer and an inactive monomer-gates the output of the Inversin complex.
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Khater I, Nassar A. Targeting EGFR and VEGFR-2 Kinases With Nanoparticles: A Computational Approach for Cancer Therapy Advancement. Cancer Invest 2024; 42:176-185. [PMID: 38486424 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2328529] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The study investigates titanium and zinc nanoparticles as inhibitors for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), pivotal regulators of cell processes. VEGFR-2 activation fuels tumor angiogenesis in cancer cells, sustaining malignant tissue expansion. Molecular docking analysis illustrates the nanoparticles' binding to the active sites, inhibiting the phosphorylation of key proteins in downstream signaling. This inhibition offers a promising therapeutic approach to impede cancer-related signaling, potentially slowing down aberrant protein cascades controlled by EGFR and VEGFR-2. The findings propose a novel avenue for cancer treatment, targeting abnormal growth pathways using titanium and zinc nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Khater
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Aaya Nassar
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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23
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Mugiya T, Mothibe M, Khathi A, Ngubane P, Sibiya N. Glycaemic abnormalities induced by small molecule tryosine kinase inhibitors: a review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1355171. [PMID: 38362147 PMCID: PMC10867135 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1355171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of the expected increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus due to an aging population, sedentary lifestyles, an increase in obesity, and unhealthy diets, there is a need to identify potential pharmacological agents that can heighten the risk of developing diabetes. Similarly, it is equally important to also identify those agents that show blood glucose-lowering properties. Amongst these agents are tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat certain types of cancers. Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the use of targeted chemotherapy for cancers such as renal cell carcinoma, chronic leukaemia, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been at the forefront of targeted chemotherapy. Studies have shown that small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors can alter glycaemic control and glucose metabolism, with some demonstrating hypoglycaemic activities whilst others showing hyperglycaemic properties. The mechanism by which small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors cause glycaemic dysregulation is not well understood, therefore, the clinical significance of these chemotherapeutic agents on glucose handling is also poorly documented. In this review, the effort is directed at mapping mechanistic insights into the effect of various small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors on glycaemic dysregulation envisaged to provide a deeper understanding of these chemotherapeutic agents on glucose metabolism. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors may elicit these observed glycaemic effects through preservation of β-cell function, improving insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. These compounds bind to a spectrum of receptors and proteins implicated in glucose regulation for example, non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC and ABL. Then receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR, PDGFR, and FGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takudzwa Mugiya
- Pharmacology Division, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Mamosheledi Mothibe
- Pharmacology Division, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Phikelelani Ngubane
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ntethelelo Sibiya
- Pharmacology Division, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
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Wang X, Wu H, Tang L, Fu W, He Y, Zeng C, Wang WE. The novel antibody fusion protein rhNRG1-HER3i promotes heart regeneration by enhancing NRG1-ERBB4 signaling pathway. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 187:26-37. [PMID: 38150867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Stimulating cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult heart has emerged as a promising strategy for cardiac regeneration following myocardial infarction (MI). The NRG1-ERBB4 signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation. However, the therapeutic potential of recombinant human NRG1 (rhNRG1) has been limited due to the low expression of ERBB4 in adult cardiomyocytes. Here, we investigated whether a fusion protein of rhNRG1 and an ERBB3 inhibitor (rhNRG1-HER3i) could enhance the affinity of NRG1 for ERBB4 and promote adult cardiomyocyte proliferation. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted using postnatal day 1 (P1), P7, and adult cardiomyocytes. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression and activity of ERBB4. Cardiomyocyte proliferation was evaluated using Ki67 and pH 3 immunostaining, while fibrosis was assessed using Masson staining. Our results indicate that rhNRG1-HER3i, but not rhNRG1, promoted P7 and adult cardiomyocyte proliferation. Furthermore, rhNRG1-HER3i improved cardiac function and reduced cardiac fibrosis in post-MI hearts. Administration of rhNRG1-HER3i inhibited ERBB3 phosphorylation while increasing ERBB4 phosphorylation in adult mouse hearts. Additionally, rhNRG1-HER3i enhanced angiogenesis following MI compared to rhNRG1. In conclusion, our findings suggest that rhNRG1-HER3i is a viable therapeutic approach for promoting adult cardiomyocyte proliferation and treating MI by enhancing NRG1-ERBB4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Wang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Luxun Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Wenbin Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Yanji He
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; Department of Cardiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Cardiovascular Research Center of Chongqing College, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400722, China; Heart Center of Fujian Province, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China.
| | - Wei Eric Wang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing 400042, China.
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Vincenzi M, Mercurio FA, Leone M. EPHA2 Receptor as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Viral Infections. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5670-5701. [PMID: 37828671 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673256638231003111234] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 plays a role in many diseases, like cancer, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Interestingly, it has also been linked to viral infections. OBJECTIVE Herein, current literature has been reviewed to clarify EphA2 functions in viral infections and explore its potential role as a target in antiviral drug discovery strategies. METHODS Research and review articles along with preprints connecting EphA2 to different viruses have been searched through PubMed and the web. Structures of complexes between EphA2 domains and viral proteins have been retrieved from the PDB database. RESULTS EphA2 assumes a key role in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infections by directly binding, through its ligand binding domain, viral glycoproteins. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the role of EphA2 in maintaining virus latency state, through cooperation with specific viral proteins, has also been speculated. In certain cells, with high EphA2 expression levels, following ligand stimulation, receptor activation might contribute to severe symptoms accompanying a few viral infections, including lung injuries often related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). CONCLUSION Since EphA2 works as a host receptor for certain viruses, it might be worth more deeply investigating known compounds targeting its extracellular ligand binding domain as antiviral therapeutics. Due to EphA2's function in inflammation, its possible correlation with SARS-CoV-2 cannot be excluded, but more experimental studies are needed in this case to undoubtedly attribute the role of this receptor in viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Vincenzi
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IBB), Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IBB), Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IBB), Naples, Italy
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26
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Pienkowski T, Kowalczyk T, Cysewski D, Kretowski A, Ciborowski M. Glioma and post-translational modifications: A complex relationship. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189009. [PMID: 37913943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are common covalent processes in biochemical pathways that alter protein function and activity. These modifications occur through proteolytic cleavage or attachment of modifying groups, such as phosphoryl, methyl, glycosyl, or acetyl groups, with one or more amino acid residues of a single protein. Some PTMs also present crosstalk abilities that affect both protein functionality and structure, creating new proteoforms. Any alteration in organism homeostasis may be a cancer hallmark. Cataloging PTMs and consequently, emerging proteoforms, present new therapeutic targets, approaches, and opportunities to discover additional discriminatory biomarkers in disease diagnostics. In this review, we focus on experimentally confirmed PTMs and their potential crosstalk in glioma research to introduce new opportunities for this tumor type, which emerge within the PTMomics area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Pienkowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kowalczyk
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dominik Cysewski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Kretowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michal Ciborowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland.
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Pratap Reddy Gajulapalli V. Development of Kinase-Centric Drugs: A Computational Perspective. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200693. [PMID: 37442809 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Kinases are prominent drug targets in the pharmaceutical and research community due to their involvement in signal transduction, physiological responses, and upon dysregulation, in diseases such as cancer, neurological and autoimmune disorders. Several FDA-approved small-molecule drugs have been developed to combat human diseases since Gleevec was approved for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Kinases were considered "undruggable" in the beginning. Several FDA-approved small-molecule drugs have become available in recent years. Most of these drugs target ATP-binding sites, but a few target allosteric sites. Among kinases that belong to the same family, the catalytic domain shows high structural and sequence conservation. Inhibitors of ATP-binding sites can cause off-target binding. Because members of the same family have similar sequences and structural patterns, often complex relationships between kinases and inhibitors are observed. To design and develop drugs with desired selectivity, it is essential to understand the target selectivity for kinase inhibitors. To create new inhibitors with the desired selectivity, several experimental methods have been designed to profile the kinase selectivity of small molecules. Experimental approaches are often expensive, laborious, time-consuming, and limited by the available kinases. Researchers have used computational methodologies to address these limitations in the design and development of effective therapeutics. Many computational methods have been developed over the last few decades, either to complement experimental findings or to forecast kinase inhibitor activity and selectivity. The purpose of this review is to provide insight into recent advances in theoretical/computational approaches for the design of new kinase inhibitors with the desired selectivity and optimization of existing inhibitors.
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da Silva Dambroz CM, Aono AH, de Andrade Silva EM, Pereira WA. Genome-wide analysis and characterization of the LRR-RLK gene family provides insights into anthracnose resistance in common bean. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13455. [PMID: 37596307 PMCID: PMC10439169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40054-3] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthracnose, caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is a damaging disease of common beans that can drastically reduce crop yield. The most effective strategy to manage anthracnose is the use of resistant cultivars. There are many resistance loci that have been identified, mapped and associated with markers in common bean chromosomes. The Leucine-rich repeat kinase receptor protein (LRR-RLK) family is a diverse group of transmembrane receptors, which potentially recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns and activates an immune response. In this study, we performed in silico analyses to identify, classify, and characterize common bean LRR-RLKs, also evaluating their expression profile in response to the infection by C. lindemuthianum. By analyzing the entire genome of Phaseolus vulgaris, we could identify and classify 230 LRR-RLKs into 15 different subfamilies. The analyses of gene structures, conserved domains and motifs suggest that LRR-RLKs from the same subfamily are consistent in their exon/intron organization and composition. LRR-RLK genes were found along the 11 chromosomes of the species, including regions of proximity with anthracnose resistance markers. By investigating the duplication events within the LRR-RLK family, we associated the importance of such a family with an expansion resulting from a strong stabilizing selection. Promoter analysis was also performed, highlighting cis-elements associated with the plant response to biotic stress. With regard to the expression pattern of LRR-RLKs in response to the infection by C. lindemuthianum, we could point out several differentially expressed genes in this subfamily, which were associated to specific molecular patterns of LRR-RLKs. Our work provides a broad analysis of the LRR-RLK family in P. vulgaris, allowing an in-depth structural and functional characterization of genes and proteins of this family. From specific expression patterns related to anthracnose response, we could infer a direct participation of RLK-LRR genes in the mechanisms of resistance to anthracnose, highlighting important subfamilies for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandre Hild Aono
- Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Center (CBMEG), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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29
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Zhang J, Chen C, Yang Y, Zhang B. Surgical resection following therapy with anlotinib in locally advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case description. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:5456-5462. [PMID: 37581053 PMCID: PMC10423380 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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30
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Nam K, Tao Y, Ovchinnikov V. Molecular Simulations of Conformational Transitions within the Insulin Receptor Kinase Reveal Consensus Features in a Multistep Activation Pathway. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:5789-5798. [PMID: 37363953 PMCID: PMC10332359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c01804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Modulating the transitions between active and inactive conformations of protein kinases is the primary means of regulating their catalytic activity, achieved by phosphorylation of the activation loop (A-loop). To elucidate the mechanism of this conformational activation, we applied the string method to determine the conformational transition path of insulin receptor kinase between the active and inactive conformations and the corresponding free-energy profiles with and without A-loop phosphorylation. The conformational change was found to proceed in three sequential steps: first, the flipping of the DFG motif of the active site; second, rotation of the A-loop; finally, the inward movement of the αC helix. The main energetic bottleneck corresponds to the conformational change in the A-loop, while changes in the DFG motif and αC helix occur before and after A-loop conformational change, respectively. In accordance with this, two intermediate states are identified, the first state just after the DFG flipping and the second state after the A-loop rotation. These intermediates exhibit structural features characteristic of the corresponding inactive and active conformations of other protein kinases. To understand the impact of A-loop phosphorylation on kinase conformation, the free energies of A-loop phosphorylation were determined at several states along the conformational transition path using the free-energy perturbation simulations. The calculated free energies reveal that while the unphosphorylated kinase interconverts between the inactive and active conformations, A-loop phosphorylation restricts access to the inactive conformation, thereby increasing the active conformation population. Overall, this study suggests a consensus mechanism of conformational activation between different protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangho Nam
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Yunwen Tao
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, United States
| | - Victor Ovchinnikov
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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31
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Balendran T, Lim K, Hamilton JA, Achuthan AA. Targeting transcription factors for therapeutic benefit in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196931. [PMID: 37457726 PMCID: PMC10339812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a destructive inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain and disability. Many of the currently available drugs for treating RA patients are aimed at halting the progression of the disease and alleviating inflammation. Further, some of these treatment options have drawbacks, including disease recurrence and adverse effects due to long-term use. These inefficiencies have created a need for a different approach to treating RA. Recently, the focus has shifted to direct targeting of transcription factors (TFs), as they play a vital role in the pathogenesis of RA, activating key cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and enzymes. In light of this, synthetic drugs and natural compounds are being explored to target key TFs or their signaling pathways in RA. This review discusses the role of four key TFs in inflammation, namely NF-κB, STATs, AP-1 and IRFs, and their potential for being targeted to treat RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thivya Balendran
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Keith Lim
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - John A. Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian A. Achuthan
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Prömer J, Barresi C, Herbst R. From phosphorylation to phenotype - Recent key findings on kinase regulation, downstream signaling and disease surrounding the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK. Cell Signal 2023; 104:110584. [PMID: 36608736 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is the key regulator of neuromuscular junction development. MuSK acts via several distinct pathways and is responsible for pre- and postsynaptic differentiation. MuSK is unique among receptor tyrosine kinases as activation and signaling are particularly tightly regulated. Initiation of kinase activity requires Agrin, a heparan sulphate proteoglycan derived from motor neurons, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-4 (Lrp4) and the intracellular adaptor protein Dok-7. There is a great knowledge gap between MuSK activation and downstream signaling. Recent studies using omics techniques have addressed this knowledge gap, thereby greatly contributing to a better understanding of MuSK signaling. Impaired MuSK signaling causes severe muscle weakness as described in congenital myasthenic syndromes or myasthenia gravis but the underlying pathophysiology is often unclear. This review focuses on recent advances in deciphering MuSK activation and downstream signaling. We further highlight latest break-throughs in understanding and treatment of MuSK-related disorders and discuss the role of MuSK in non-muscle tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Prömer
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cinzia Barresi
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ruth Herbst
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Wu J, Ge F, Zhu L, Liu N. Potential Toxic Mechanisms of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Rice: Inhibiting Auxin-Mediated Signal Transduction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4852-4862. [PMID: 36926880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate application of pesticides not only causes sub-lethal effects on ecosystem service providers but also reduces crop yield and quality. As a xenobiotic signal molecule, pesticides may interact with signal transduction receptors in crops, resulting in oxidative damage and even metabolic perturbations. We discovered that three neonicotinoid insecticides (NIs), namely, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin, at 0.06-0.12 kg ai/ha significantly inhibited the auxin signal pathway in rice leaves, thereby reducing the intracellular auxin (IAA) content. Molecular simulation further confirmed that NIs occupied the binding site where auxin transporter-like proteins 1 (LAX11) and 2 (LAX12), in which Thr253 and Asn66 of LAX11, as well as Thr244 and Asn57 of LAX12, were bound to the nitroguanidine of NIs via H-bonds. Meanwhile, Asn66 of LAX11 and Asn57 of LAX12 interacted with nitroguanidine via aromatic H-bonds. Moreover, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis was significantly disturbed because of the inhibited auxin signal pathway. Notably, peroxidase-coding genes were downregulated with a maximum value greater than 10-fold, resulting in decreased antioxidant metabolites flavone (37.82%) and lignin content (20.15%). Ultimately, rice biomass was reduced by up to 25.41% due to the decline in IAA content and antioxidant capacity. This study deeply explored the molecular mechanism of metabolic perturbations in crops stressed by pesticides, thus providing a scientific basis for pesticide environmental risk assessment and agricultural product safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Wu
- Department of Environment, College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Environment, College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Environment, College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
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34
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Ang HL, Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Leong HC, Makvandi P, Rangappa KS, Bishayee A, Kumar AP, Sethi G. Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929669 DOI: 10.1002/med.21948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process with a primordial role in cellular transformation whereby an epithelial cell transforms and acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and self-renewal, and exacerbates resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. EMT can be initiated and promoted by deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways, hypoxia, and cells in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a loss-of-epithelial cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and enhanced invasive/migratory properties. Numerous transcriptional regulators, such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/ZEB2 induce EMT through the downregulation of epithelial markers and gain-of-expression of the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, signaling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B, receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, and transforming growth factor-β pathways regulate EMT whereas they are often deregulated in cancers leading to aberrant EMT. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and epigenetic alterations are also involved in the modulation of EMT. Therefore, the regulation of EMT is a vital strategy to control the aggressive metastatic characteristics of tumor cells. Despite the vast amount of preclinical data on EMT in cancer progression, there is a lack of clinical translation at the therapeutic level. In this review, we have discussed thoroughly the role of the aforementioned transcription factors, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA), signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and tumor-derived exosomes in the regulation of EMT in cancers. We have also emphasized the contribution of EMT to drug resistance and possible therapeutic interventions using plant-derived natural products, their semi-synthetic derivatives, and nano-formulations that are described as promising EMT blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li Ang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hin Chong Leong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Centre for Materials Interface, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
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Proteome-Wide Detection and Annotation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs): RTK-PRED and the TyReK Database. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020270. [PMID: 36830638 PMCID: PMC9953206 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) form a highly important group of protein receptors of the eukaryotic cell membrane. They control many vital cellular functions and are involved in the regulation of complex signaling networks. Mutations in RTKs have been associated with different types of cancers and other diseases. Although they are very important for proper cell function, they have been experimentally studied in a limited range of eukaryotic species. Currently, there is no available database for RTKs providing information about their function, expression, and interactions. Therefore, the identification of RTKs in multiple organisms, the documentation of their characteristics, and the collection of related information would be very useful. In this paper, we present a novel RTK detection pipeline (RTK-PRED) and the Receptor Tyrosine Kinases Database (TyReK-DB). RTK-PRED combines profile HMMs with transmembrane topology prediction to identify and classify potential RTKs. Proteins of all eukaryotic reference proteomes of the UniProt database were used as input in RTK-PRED leading to a filtered dataset of 20,478 RTKs. Based on the information collected for these RTKs from multiple databases, the relational TyReK database was created.
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Ghannam IAY, El Kerdawy AM, Mounier MM, Abo-Elfadl MT, Ali IH. Novel 2-oxo-2-phenylethoxy and benzyloxy diaryl urea hybrids as VEGFR-2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200341. [PMID: 36398495 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200341] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two series of diaryl urea derivatives, 6a-k and 7a-n, were synthesized. All the newly synthesized compounds were tested against the NCI (US) cancer cell lines via SRB assay. The p-chloro-m-trifluoromethyl phenyl derivatives 6e-g and 7e-g showed the most potent cytotoxic activity with a GI50 value range of 1.2-15.9 µM. Furthermore, the p-fluorobenzyloxy diaryl urea derivative 7g revealed the most potent cytotoxicity against eight cancer cell lines in the MTT assay with IC50 values below 5 µM. Compounds 6a-k and 7a-n were tested for their vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) kinase inhibitory activities. The p-chloro-m-trifluoromethyl diaryl urea benzyloxy derivatives 7e-i and the p-methoxydiaryl urea benzyloxy derivatives 7k, 7l, and 7n were found to be the most active compounds as VEGFR-2 inhibitors in the benzyloxy series 7, with an IC50 range of 0.09-4.15 µM. In the 2-oxo-2-phenylethoxy series 6, compounds 6e-g and 6i were reported with IC50 values of 0.94, 0.54, 2.71, and 4.81 µM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 7e and 7g induced apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In addition, 7g showed an antimigratory effect in A-375 cells and inhibited the VEGFR-2 expression in an immunohistofluorescence study. Molecular docking simulations on VEGFR-2 as well as ADME properties prediction were also performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman A Y Ghannam
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Mounier
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud T Abo-Elfadl
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt.,Biochemistry Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Islam H Ali
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
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Zhang H, He F, Gao G, Lu S, Wei Q, Hu H, Wu Z, Fang M, Wang X. Approved Small-Molecule ATP-Competitive Kinases Drugs Containing Indole/Azaindole/Oxindole Scaffolds: R&D and Binding Patterns Profiling. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28030943. [PMID: 36770611 PMCID: PMC9920796 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinases are among the most important families of biomolecules and play an essential role in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and other critical physiological processes. The dysregulation and gene mutation of kinases are linked to the occurrence and development of various human diseases, especially cancer. As a result, a growing number of small-molecule drugs based on kinase targets are being successfully developed and approved for the treatment of many diseases. The indole/azaindole/oxindole moieties are important key pharmacophores of many bioactive compounds and are generally used as excellent scaffolds for drug discovery in medicinal chemistry. To date, 30 ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors bearing the indole/azaindole/oxindole scaffold have been approved for the treatment of diseases. Herein, we summarize their research and development (R&D) process and describe their binding models to the ATP-binding sites of the target kinases. Moreover, we discuss the significant role of the indole/azaindole/oxindole skeletons in the interaction of their parent drug and target kinases, providing new medicinal chemistry inspiration and ideas for the subsequent development and optimization of kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haofan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Fengming He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guiping Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qiaochu Wei
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hongyu Hu
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi 321004, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Meijuan Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiumin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (X.W.)
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Ito K, Matsuda Y, Mine A, Miyairi K, Kikuchi Y, Konishi A. Bacterially Secretable Single-Chain Tandem Macrocyclic Peptides for High Affinity and Inhibitory Activity. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200599. [PMID: 36409290 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200599] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is an effective approach for therapy. Owing to their large binding surface areas to target proteins, macrocyclic peptides are suitable molecules for PPI inhibition. In this study, we developed single-chain tandem macrocyclic peptides (STaMPtides) that inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR2). They were artificially designed to comprise two different VEGFR2-binding macrocyclic peptides linked in tandem by peptide linkers and secreted by Corynebacterium glutamicum. Most potent VEGFR2-inhibitory STaMPtides with length-optimized linkers exhibited >1000 times stronger inhibitory activity than their parental monomeric peptides, possibly due to the avidity effect of heterodimerization. Our approach of using STaMPtides for PPI inhibition may be used to inhibit other extracellular factors, such as growth factors and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Ito
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Matsuda
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ayako Mine
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kyohei Miyairi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Konishi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Kanagawa, Japan
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40
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Imaging strategies for receptor tyrosine kinase dimers in living cells. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:67-82. [PMID: 36190534 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the essential regulators of cell signal transduction pathways and play important roles in biological processes. RTK dimerization is generally considered the first step in receptor activation and cell communication. And the abnormal expression of RTK dimers is closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Therefore, the visualization of RTK dimerization is of great significance for monitoring physiological processes. The genetic and nongenetic imaging strategies have attracted widespread attention due to their high efficiency and high sensitivity. In this review, the RTKs and their dimers as well as the advances in strategies for imaging RTK dimers are introduced. Furthermore, we analyze the limitations of existing imaging strategies and put forward suggestions for the future development of imaging probes. We expect that this review will inspire more in-depth investigation of RTK dimers, which will also broaden the application of strategies of RTK dimers in biomedical areas.
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Baek S, Kwon SH, Jeon JY, Lee GY, Ju HS, Yun HJ, Cho DJ, Lee KP, Nam MH. Radotinib attenuates TGFβ -mediated pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo: exploring the potential of drug repurposing. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:93. [PMID: 36522756 PMCID: PMC9753032 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine kinase (TK) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we aimed to investigate whether radotinib (Rb) could inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting TK in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The antifibrotic effects of Rb in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)1-stimulated A549 cells were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry assays. Rb inhibition of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats was determined by histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Rb-interfering metabolites were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Rb concentrations of up to 1000 nM did not affect the viability of A549 cells, but Rb (30 nM) significantly reduced expression of TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL)-induced ECM factors, such as Snail, Twist, and F-actin. Rb also regulated TGF-β1-overexpressed signal cascades, such as fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin. Furthermore, Rb attenuated the phosphorylation of Smad2 and phosphorylation of kinases, such as, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and protein kinase B. In the inhibitory test against bleomycin (5 mg/kg)-induced lung fibrosis, the Rb (30 mg/kg/daily)-treated group showed a half-pulmonary fibrosis region compared to the positive control group. In addition, Rb significantly reduced collagen type I and fibronectin expression in the bleomycin-induced fibrotic region of SD rats. Further, the identified metabolite pantothenic acid was not altered by Rb. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicate that Rb inhibits TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that Rb may be an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis-related disorders and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suji Baek
- Research and Development Center, UMUST R&D Corporation, 84, Madeul-ro 13-gil, Dobong-gu, 01411, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hae Kwon
- Seoul Center, Korean Basic Science Institute, 02841, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Yeong Jeon
- Seoul Center, Korean Basic Science Institute, 02841, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gong Yeal Lee
- Il Yang Pharm Co.,Ltd, 37, Hagal-ro 136 Beon-gil, Giheung-gu, 17096, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Ju
- Il Yang Pharm Co.,Ltd, 37, Hagal-ro 136 Beon-gil, Giheung-gu, 17096, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Yun
- Il Yang Pharm Co.,Ltd, 37, Hagal-ro 136 Beon-gil, Giheung-gu, 17096, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Jin Cho
- Il Yang Pharm Co.,Ltd, 37, Hagal-ro 136 Beon-gil, Giheung-gu, 17096, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Pa Lee
- Research and Development Center, UMUST R&D Corporation, 84, Madeul-ro 13-gil, Dobong-gu, 01411, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myung Hee Nam
- Seoul Center, Korean Basic Science Institute, 02841, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors for the Potential Treatment of Human Cancers. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Vidal S, Bouzaher YH, El Motiam A, Seoane R, Rivas C. Overview of the regulation of the class IA PI3K/AKT pathway by SUMO. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:51-61. [PMID: 34753687 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway is a major regulator of metabolism, migration, survival, proliferation, and antiviral immunity. Both an overactivation and an inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway are related to different pathologies. Activation of this signaling pathway is tightly controlled through a multistep process and its deregulation can be associated with aberrant post-translational modifications including SUMOylation. Here, we review the complex modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by SUMOylation and we discuss its putative incvolvement in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Vidal
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Yanis Hichem Bouzaher
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ahmed El Motiam
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health Systems, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, and Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Rocío Seoane
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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Abdallah AE, Mabrouk RR, Al Ward MMS, Eissa SI, Elkaeed EB, Mehany ABM, Abo-Saif MA, El-Feky OA, Alesawy MS, El-Zahabi MA. Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking of new series of antitumor and apoptosis inducers designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:573-591. [PMID: 35012403 PMCID: PMC8757611 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.2017911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on quinazoline, quinoxaline, and nitrobenzene scaffolds and on pharmacophoric features of VEGFR-2 inhibitors, 17 novel compounds were designed and synthesised. VEGFR-2 IC50 values ranged from 60.00 to 123.85 nM for the new derivatives compared to 54.00 nM for sorafenib. Compounds 15a, 15b, and 15d showed IC50 from 17.39 to 47.10 µM against human cancer cell lines; hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), prostate cancer (PC3), and breast cancer (MCF-7). Meanwhile, the first in terms of VEGFR-2 inhibition was compound 15d which came second with regard to antitumor assay with IC50 = 24.10, 40.90, and 33.40 µM against aforementioned cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, Compound 15d increased apoptosis rate of HepG2 from 1.20 to 12.46% as it significantly increased levels of Caspase-3, BAX, and P53 from 49.6274, 40.62, and 42.84 to 561.427, 395.04, and 415.027 pg/mL, respectively. Moreover, 15d showed IC50 of 253 and 381 nM against HER2 and FGFR, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah E. Abdallah
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda R. Mabrouk
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maged Mohammed Saleh Al Ward
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally I. Eissa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eslam B. Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed B. M. Mehany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam A. Abo-Saif
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta university, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ola A. El-Feky
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta university, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S. Alesawy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Li R, Li T, Lu G, Cao Z, Chen B, Wang Y, Du J, Li P. Programming cell-surface signaling by phase-separation-controlled compartmentalization. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1351-1360. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01192-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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De Meyts P. [The insulin receptor discovery is 50 years old - A review of achieved progress]. Biol Aujourdhui 2022; 216:7-28. [PMID: 35876517 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022007] [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: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of insulin from the pancreas and its purification to a degree permitting its safe administration to type 1 diabetic patients were accomplished 100 years ago at the University of Toronto by Banting, Best, Collip and McLeod and constitute undeniably one of the major medical therapeutic revolutions, recognized by the attribution of the 1923 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Banting and McLeod. The clinical spin off was immediate as well as the internationalization of insulin's commercial production. The outcomes regarding basic research were much slower, in particular regarding the molecular mechanisms of insulin action on its target cells. It took almost a half-century before the determination of the tri-dimensional structure of insulin in 1969 and the characterization of its cell receptor in 1970-1971. The demonstration that the insulin receptor is in fact an enzyme named tyrosine kinase came in the years 1982-1985, and the crystal structure of the intracellular kinase domain 10 years later. The crystal structure of the first intracellular kinase substrate (IRS-1) in 1991 paved the way for the elucidation of the intracellular signalling pathways but it took 15 more years to obtain the complete crystal structure of the extracellular receptor domain (without insulin) in 2006. Since then, the determination of the structure of the whole insulin-receptor complex in both the inactive and activated states has made considerable progress, not least due to recent improvement in the resolution power of cryo-electron microscopy. I will here review the steps in the development of the concept of hormone receptor, and of our knowledge of the structure and molecular mechanism of activation of the insulin receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre De Meyts
- de Duve Institute, Department of Cell Signalling, Avenue Hippocrate 74, B-1200 Bruxelles, Belgique - Novo Nordisk A/S, Department of Stem Cell Research, Novo Nordisk Park 1, DK-2760 Maaloev, Danemark
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Yang J, Surapaneni M, Schiffer CA. An evaluation of ponatinib as a therapy in adult patients with resistant/intolerant chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:393-402. [PMID: 35544670 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2077187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic myeloid leukemia is now a highly treatable leukemia due to the availability of multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inhibiting the BCR-ABL1 oncogene. Some patients with CML can display resistance or intolerance to multiple TKIs, oftentimes due to the presence of mutations in BCR-ABL1, such as T315I, which limits effective treatment options. Ponatinib is a third-generation, rationally-designed TKI with clinically meaningful activity in this difficult-to-treat population. Ponatinib is associated with an increased risk of arterial occlusive events (AOEs) which has required a re-examination of its dosing in order to limit the risk of these events. AREAS COVERED This review will provide an overview of the mechanism of action of ponatinib and the safety and efficacy data from clinical trials in chronic myeloid leukemia. EXPERT OPINION Ponatinib is a potent pan-BCR-ABL1 TKI with substantial activity in patients with more resistant or advanced CML. Its efficacy needs to be balanced with the increased risk of vascular events, which seems to be at least partially diminished by the implementation of mitigation strategies aimed at modifying cardiovascular risk factors and adaptive dosing of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Yang
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201-2013, United States.,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201-1928, United States
| | - Malini Surapaneni
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201-2013, United States
| | - Charles A Schiffer
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan 48201-2013, United States.,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201-1928, United States
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Pascarelli S, Laurino P. Inter-paralog amino acid inversion events in large phylogenies of duplicated proteins. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010016. [PMID: 35377869 PMCID: PMC9009777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Connecting protein sequence to function is becoming increasingly relevant since high-throughput sequencing studies accumulate large amounts of genomic data. In order to go beyond the existing database annotation, it is fundamental to understand the mechanisms underlying functional inheritance and divergence. If the homology relationship between proteins is known, can we determine whether the function diverged? In this work, we analyze different possibilities of protein sequence evolution after gene duplication and identify “inter-paralog inversions”, i.e., sites where the relationship between the ancestry and the functional signal is decoupled. The amino acids in these sites are masked from being recognized by other prediction tools. Still, they play a role in functional divergence and could indicate a shift in protein function. We develop a method to specifically recognize inter-paralog amino acid inversions in a phylogeny and test it on real and simulated datasets. In a dataset built from the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) sequences found in 88 fish species, we identify 19 amino acid sites that went through inversion after gene duplication, mostly located at the ligand-binding extracellular domain. Our work uncovers an outcome of protein duplications with direct implications in protein functional annotation and sequence evolution. The developed method is optimized to work with large protein datasets and can be readily included in a targeted protein analysis pipeline. Proteins are critical components of living systems because they facilitate most biological processes like protein synthesis, DNA replication, chemical catalysis, etc. Proteins are encoded in their genes. During evolution, genes accumulate mutations that get translated at the protein level. These mutations can be “neutral” if they do not affect the protein function immediately and directly; otherwise, mutations can be functional if they directly modify protein function. An event that provides an opportunity to study protein function is gene duplication namely, when two copies of a gene encoding the same protein appear. One copy of the protein often retains the same function while the other is free to diverge and specialize to a different function. This work sheds light on an alternative outcome of gene duplication that might be critical to discern between neutral and functional mutations. By looking at 88 fish genomes, we found proteins in which the evolution of their sequences does not follow the expected pattern of divergence after gene duplication. In this case, the protein sequence of a subgroup of species diverges in the copy expected to retain its function, while the sequence is retained in the expectedly divergent one. We called this event “inter-paralog amino acid inversion”. Our data shows that this “inversion” event is correlated to function, and its detection has to be considered for assigning protein functions correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pascarelli
- Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Paola Laurino
- Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Su Y, Peng X, Shen S. Identification of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK) genes in paper mulberry and their potential roles in response to cold stress. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 97:107622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Somatilaka BN, Sadek A, McKay RM, Le LQ. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: models, biology, and translation. Oncogene 2022; 41:2405-2421. [PMID: 35393544 PMCID: PMC9035132 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive, invasive cancer that comprise around 10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and develop in about 8-13% of patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1. They are associated with poor prognosis and are the leading cause of mortality in NF1 patients. MPNSTs can also develop sporadically or following exposure to radiation. There is currently no effective targeted therapy to treat MPNSTs and surgical removal remains the mainstay treatment. Unfortunately, surgery is not always possible due to the size and location of the tumor, thus, a better understanding of MPNST initiation and development is required to design novel therapeutics. Here, we provide an overview of MPNST biology and genetics, discuss findings regarding the developmental origin of MPNST, and summarize the various model systems employed to study MPNST. Finally, we discuss current management strategies for MPNST, as well as recent developments in translating basic research findings into potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandarigoda N. Somatilaka
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Ali Sadek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M. McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q. Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine,
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas,
75390-9069, USA,O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75390-9069, USA
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