1
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Meléndez RA, Wynn DT, Merugu SB, Singh P, Kaplan KP, Robbins DJ. Exploring the role of casein kinase 1α splice variants across cancer cell lines. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 723:150189. [PMID: 38852281 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Casein kinase 1α (CK1α) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that acts in various cellular processes affecting cell division and signal transduction. CK1α is present as multiple splice variants that are distinguished by the presence or absence of a long insert (L-insert) and a short carboxyl-terminal insert (S-insert). When overexpressed, zebrafish CK1α splice variants exhibit different biological properties, such as subcellular localization and catalytic activity. However, whether endogenous, alternatively spliced CK1α gene products also differ in their biological functions has yet to be elucidated. Here, we identify a panel of splice variant specific CK1α antibodies and use them to show that four CK1α splice variants are expressed in mammals. We subsequently show that the relative abundance of CK1α splice variants varies across distinct mouse tissues and between various cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we identify pathways whose expression is noticeably altered in cell lines enriched with select splice variants of CK1α. Finally, we show that the S-insert of CK1α promotes the growth of HCT 116 cells as cells engineered to lack the S-insert display decreased cell growth. Together, we provide tools and methods to identify individual CK1α splice variants, which we use to begin to uncover the differential biological properties driven by specific splice variants of mammalian CK1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Meléndez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL, USA; Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Daniel T Wynn
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Siva Bharath Merugu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Prerna Singh
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Kenton P Kaplan
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA.
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2
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Zhang H, Tu Y, Tao Z, Gao L, Huang S, Gao M, Mao J, Zhou Y, Li Y, Li J, Zhou Y, Xu T. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 2,4-Diaminopyrimidine Derivatives as Potent CDK7 Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:1213-1220. [PMID: 39140066 PMCID: PMC11318012 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing selective CDK7 inhibitors has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment owing to the critical role of CDK7 in cancer progression. Starting from BTX-A51, a CK1α inhibitor that also targets CDK7 and CDK9, we designed and synthesized a series of 2,4-diaminopyrimidine derivatives as potent CDK7 inhibitors. The representative compound, 22, displayed significant enzymatic inhibitory activity and demonstrated a remarkable selectivity profile against a panel of kinases, including seven CDK subtypes. Modeling studies and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the sulfone group of 22 significantly enhanced the binding affinity, while the acetyl group contributed to the increased selectivity of CDK7 against CDK9. Compound 22 effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and CDK2 and resulted in G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MV4-11 cells. It appears to be a promising lead compound for the development of a CDK7 inhibitor for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Zhang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai
University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yutong Tu
- Zhongshan
Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 528400, China
- The
National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaofan Tao
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lixin Gao
- The
National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shengjie Huang
- State
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment,
International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of
Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug
Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Mingshan Gao
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jialuo Mao
- Zhongshan
Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 528400, China
- The
National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State
Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment,
International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of
Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug
Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Border Biomedical
Research Center, The University of Texas
at EI Paso, EI Paso, Texas 79902, United States
| | - Jia Li
- Zhongshan
Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 528400, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- Zhongshan
Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 528400, China
- The
National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai
Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School
of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University
of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School
of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced
Study, University of Chinese Academy of
Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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3
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Gybeľ T, Čada Š, Klementová D, Schwalm MP, Berger BT, Šebesta M, Knapp S, Bryja V. Splice variants of CK1α and CK1α-like: Comparative analysis of subcellular localization, kinase activity, and function in the Wnt signaling pathway. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107407. [PMID: 38796065 PMCID: PMC11255964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Members of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family are important regulators of multiple signaling pathways. CK1α is a well-known negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which promotes the degradation of β-catenin via its phosphorylation of Ser45. In contrast, the closest paralog of CK1α, CK1α-like, is a poorly characterized kinase of unknown function. In this study, we show that the deletion of CK1α, but not CK1α-like, resulted in a strong activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Wnt-3a treatment further enhanced the activation, which suggests there are at least two modes, a CK1α-dependent and Wnt-dependent, of β-catenin regulation. Rescue experiments showed that only two out of ten naturally occurring splice CK1α/α-like variants were able to rescue the augmented Wnt/β-catenin signaling caused by CK1α deficiency in cells. Importantly, the ability to phosphorylate β-catenin on Ser45 in the in vitro kinase assay was required but not sufficient for such rescue. Our compound CK1α and GSK3α/β KO models suggest that the additional nonredundant function of CK1α in the Wnt pathway beyond Ser45-β-catenin phosphorylation includes Axin phosphorylation. Finally, we established NanoBRET assays for the three most common CK1α splice variants as well as CK1α-like. Target engagement data revealed comparable potency of known CK1α inhibitors for all CK1α variants but not for CK1α-like. In summary, our work brings important novel insights into the biology of CK1α, including evidence for the lack of redundancy with other CK1 kinases in the negative regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway at the level of β-catenin and Axin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Gybeľ
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpán Čada
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Darja Klementová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin P Schwalm
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKTK Site Frankfurt-Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Šebesta
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKTK Site Frankfurt-Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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4
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Ichikawa S, Payne NC, Xu W, Chang CF, Vallavoju N, Frome S, Flaxman HA, Mazitschek R, Woo CM. The cyclimids: Degron-inspired cereblon binders for targeted protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1162-1175.e10. [PMID: 38320555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.01.003] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Cereblon (CRBN) is an E3 ligase substrate adapter widely exploited for targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies. However, achieving efficient and selective target degradation is a preeminent challenge with ligands that engage CRBN. Here, we report that the cyclimids, ligands derived from the C-terminal cyclic imide degrons of CRBN, exhibit distinct modes of interaction with CRBN and offer a facile approach for developing potent and selective bifunctional degraders. Quantitative TR-FRET-based characterization of 60 cyclimid degraders in binary and ternary complexes across different substrates revealed that ternary complex binding affinities correlated strongly with cellular degradation efficiency. Our studies establish the unique properties of the cyclimids as versatile warheads in TPD and a systematic biochemical approach for quantifying ternary complex formation to predict their cellular degradation activity, which together will accelerate the development of ligands that engage CRBN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Ichikawa
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - N Connor Payne
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Chia-Fu Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Nandini Vallavoju
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Spencer Frome
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Hope A Flaxman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Ralph Mazitschek
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Christina M Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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5
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Wang K, Jiang M, Liu H, Meng C, Li M, Lu H. Discovery of novel co-degradation CK1α and CDK7/9 PROTACs with p53 activation for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107319. [PMID: 38593529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Reactivating p53 activity to restore its anticancer function is an attractive cancer treatment strategy. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel PROTACs to reactivate p53 via the co-degradation of CK1α and CDK7/9 proteins. Bioactivity studies showed that the selected PROTAC 13i exhibited potency antiproliferative activity in MV4-11 (IC50 = 0.096 ± 0.012 μM) and MOLM-13 (IC50 = 0.072 ± 0.014 μM) cells, and induced apoptosis of MV4-11 cells. Western-blot analysis showed that PROTAC 13i triple CK1α and CDK7/9 protein degradation resulted in the significantly increased expression of p53. At the same time, the transcriptional repression due to the degradation significantly reduced downstream gene expression of MYC, MDM2, BCL-2 and MCL-1, and reduced the inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in PMBCs. These results indicate the beneficial impact of simultaneous CK1α and CDK7/9 degradation for acute myeloid leukemia therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis
- Casein Kinase Ialpha/metabolism
- Casein Kinase Ialpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Molecular Structure
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Drug Discovery
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Proteolysis/drug effects
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Proteolysis Targeting Chimera
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Activating Kinase
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Meixu Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huimin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chen Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Haibin Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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6
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Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Wu J, Zhang Y, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Design, synthesis and evaluation of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel potent CDK7 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107456. [PMID: 38761706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107456] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has become a highly desirable therapeutic approach in the field of oncology due to its dual role in regulating essential biological processes, encompassing cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. We have previously identified a highly selective thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-based CDK7 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal model. In this study, we sought to optimize the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core to discover a novel series of CDK7 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Through extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, compound 20 has emerged as the lead candidate due to its potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and remarkable efficacy on MDA-MB-453 cells, a representative triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, 20 has demonstrated favorable oral bioavailability and exhibited highly desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, making it a promising lead candidate for further structural optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Institute of Chemistry, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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7
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Guarducci C, Nardone A, Russo D, Nagy Z, Heraud C, Grinshpun A, Zhang Q, Freelander A, Leventhal MJ, Feit A, Cohen Feit G, Feiglin A, Liu W, Hermida-Prado F, Kesten N, Ma W, De Angelis C, Morlando A, O'Donnell M, Naumenko S, Huang S, Nguyen QD, Huang Y, Malorni L, Bergholz JS, Zhao JJ, Fraenkel E, Lim E, Schiff R, Shapiro GI, Jeselsohn R. Selective CDK7 Inhibition Suppresses Cell Cycle Progression and MYC Signaling While Enhancing Apoptosis in Therapy-resistant Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1889-1905. [PMID: 38381406 PMCID: PMC11061603 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2975] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) and CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) is a clinical challenge in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a candidate target in endocrine-resistant ER+ breast cancer models and selective CDK7 inhibitors (CDK7i) are in clinical development for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms responsible for the activity of CDK7i in ER+ breast cancer remain elusive. Herein, we sought to unravel these mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We conducted multi-omic analyses in ER+ breast cancer models in vitro and in vivo, including models with different genetic backgrounds. We also performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in CDK4/6i-resistant models. RESULTS We found that the on-target antitumor effects of CDK7 inhibition in ER+ breast cancer are in part p53 dependent, and involve cell cycle inhibition and suppression of c-Myc. Moreover, CDK7 inhibition exhibited cytotoxic effects, distinctive from the cytostatic nature of ET and CDK4/6i. CDK7 inhibition resulted in suppression of ER phosphorylation at S118; however, long-term CDK7 inhibition resulted in increased ER signaling, supporting the combination of ET with a CDK7i. Finally, genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens identified CDK7 and MYC signaling as putative vulnerabilities in CDK4/6i resistance, and CDK7 inhibition effectively inhibited CDK4/6i-resistant models. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings support the clinical investigation of selective CDK7 inhibition combined with ET to overcome treatment resistance in ER+ breast cancer. In addition, our study highlights the potential of increased c-Myc activity and intact p53 as predictors of sensitivity to CDK7i-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Guarducci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Agostina Nardone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas Russo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Capucine Heraud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Albert Grinshpun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allegra Freelander
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mathew Joseph Leventhal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Computational and Systems Biology PhD program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Avery Feit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gabriella Cohen Feit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ariel Feiglin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weihan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolas Kesten
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wen Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Morlando
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Madison O'Donnell
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sergey Naumenko
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shixia Huang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Quang-Dé Nguyen
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luca Malorni
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Johann S. Bergholz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean J. Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ernest Fraenkel
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Schiff
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Zhang Y, Shan L, Tang W, Ge Y, Li C, Zhang J. Recent Discovery and Development of Inhibitors that Target CDK9 and Their Therapeutic Indications. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5185-5215. [PMID: 38564299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00312] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CDK9 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays pivotal roles in multiple cellular functions including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular differentiation. Targeting CDK9 is considered an attractive strategy for antitumor therapy, especially for leukemia and lymphoma. Several potent small molecule inhibitors, exemplified by TG02 (4), have progressed to clinical trials. However, many of them face challenges such as low clinical efficacy and multiple adverse reactions and may necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to lead to success in the clinic. In this perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, biological functions, and preclinical status of CDK9 inhibitors. Our focus extends to various types of inhibitors, including pan-inhibitors, selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, degraders, PPI inhibitors, and natural products. The discussion encompasses chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), biological activities, selectivity, and therapeutic potential, providing detailed insight into the diverse landscape of CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
- West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 Sichuan, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Ge
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - ChengXian Li
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
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9
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Kanaoka D, Yamada M, Yokoyama H, Nishino S, Kunimura N, Satoyoshi H, Wakabayashi S, Urabe K, Ishii T, Nakanishi M. FPFT-2216, a Novel Anti-lymphoma Compound, Induces Simultaneous Degradation of IKZF1/3 and CK1α to Activate p53 and Inhibit NFκB Signaling. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:312-327. [PMID: 38265263 PMCID: PMC10846380 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Reducing casein kinase 1α (CK1α) expression inhibits the growth of multiple cancer cell lines, making it a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Herein, we evaluated the antitumor activity of FPFT-2216-a novel low molecular weight compound-in lymphoid tumors and elucidated its molecular mechanism of action. In addition, we determined whether targeting CK1α with FPFT-2216 is useful for treating hematopoietic malignancies. FPFT-2216 strongly degraded CK1α and IKAROS family zinc finger 1/3 (IKZF1/3) via proteasomal degradation. FPFT-2216 exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on human lymphoma cell proliferation than known thalidomide derivatives and induced upregulation of p53 and its transcriptional targets, namely, p21 and MDM2. Combining FPFT-2216 with an MDM2 inhibitor exhibited synergistic antiproliferative activity and induced rapid tumor regression in immunodeficient mice subcutaneously transplanted with a human lymphoma cell line. Nearly all tumors in mice disappeared after 10 days; this was continuously observed in 5 of 7 mice up to 24 days after the final FPFT-2216 administration. FPFT-2216 also enhanced the antitumor activity of rituximab and showed antitumor activity in a patient-derived diffuse large B-cell lymphoma xenograft model. Furthermore, FPFT-2216 decreased the activity of the CARD11/BCL10/MALT1 (CBM) complex and inhibited IκBα and NFκB phosphorylation. These effects were mediated through CK1α degradation and were stronger than those of known IKZF1/3 degraders. In conclusion, FPFT-2216 inhibits tumor growth by activating the p53 signaling pathway and inhibiting the CBM complex/NFκB pathway via CK1α degradation. Therefore, FPFT-2216 may represent an effective therapeutic agent for hematopoietic malignancies, such as lymphoma. SIGNIFICANCE We found potential vulnerability to CK1α degradation in certain lymphoma cells refractory to IKZF1/3 degraders. Targeting CK1α with FPFT-2216 could inhibit the growth of these cells by activating p53 signaling. Our study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of CK1α degraders, such as FPFT-2216, for treating lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Kanaoka
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Yamada
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Yokoyama
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoko Nishino
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoshi Kunimura
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Satoyoshi
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shota Wakabayashi
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazunori Urabe
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ishii
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masato Nakanishi
- Department of Scientific Research, Fujimoto Pharmaceutical Corporation, Nishi-otsuka, Matsubara, Osaka, Japan
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Li X, Zheng C, Liu Y, Sun H, Qian Y, Fan H. Co-overexpression of BRD4 and CDK7 promotes cell proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in HCC. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24389. [PMID: 38293462 PMCID: PMC10826729 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of critical components of the trans-acting super-enhancers (SE) complex contributes to the continuous and robust transcription of oncogenes in human cancers. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting core-transcriptional components such as transcriptional bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) and cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) have been developed and are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical testing in several malignant cancers. By analysis of TCGA data and clinical specimens, we demonstrated that BRD4 and CDK7 were frequently overexpressed in human HCCs and were associated with the poor prognosis. Shorter survival and poorly differentiated histology were linked to high BRD4 or CDK7 expression levels. Interestingly, co-overexpression of BRD4 and CDK7 was a more unfavorable prognostic factor in HCC. Treatment with JQ1 or THZ1 alone exhibited an inhibitory impact on the proliferation of HCC cells, while JQ1 synergized with THZ1 showed a more pronounced suppression. Concurrently, a combined JQ1 and THZ1 treatment abolished the transcription of oncogenes ETV4, MYC, NFE2L2. Our study suggested that BRD4 and CDK7 coupled can be a valuable biomarker in HCC diagnosis and the combination of JQ1 and THZ1 can be a promising therapeutic treatment against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxiu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuqian Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyan Qian
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Miyamoto DK, Curnutt NM, Park SM, Stavropoulos A, Kharas MG, Woo CM. Design and Development of IKZF2 and CK1α Dual Degraders. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16953-16979. [PMID: 38085607 PMCID: PMC11302056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01736] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Lenalidomide achieves its therapeutic efficacy by recruiting and removing proteins of therapeutic interest through the E3 ligase substrate adapter cereblon. Here, we report the design and characterization of 81 cereblon ligands for their ability to degrade the transcription factor Helios (IKZF2) and casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α). We identified a key naphthamide scaffold that depleted both intended targets in acute myeloid leukemia MOLM-13 cells. Structure-activity relationship studies for degradation of the desired targets over other targets (IKZF1, GSPT1) afforded an initial lead compound DEG-35. A subsequent scaffold replacement campaign identified DEG-77, which selectively degrades IKZF2 and CK1α, and possesses suitable pharmacokinetic properties, solubility, and selectivity for in vivo studies. Finally, we show that DEG-77 has antiproliferative activity in the diffuse large B cell lymphoma cell line OCI-LY3 and the ovarian cancer cell line A2780 indicating that the dual degrader strategy may have efficacy against additional types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K. Miyamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Nicole M. Curnutt
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Sun Mi Park
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alexios Stavropoulos
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Michael G. Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Christina M. Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Affiliate member, Broad Institute, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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12
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Yang D, Peng D, Zhou Y, Qiang Z, Wan L, Fan X, Meng Y, Xu G, Meng Y. Alpha-Momorcharin, a type I ribosome inactivating protein, induced apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma SK-HEP-1 cells through mitochondrial pathway. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38126176 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2295915] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-Momorcharin (α-MMC), as one of the most important type I RIPs, has been reported to exert inhibitory effects against various tumour cells through its N-glycosidase activity. The present study was designed to propose an efficient purification strategy and explored its mechanism of apoptosis signalling pathway against human liver cancer cells SK-Hep-1. α-MMC can be successfully obtained by our purification strategy combining ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. The functional studies revealed that α-MMC obviously increased the level of ROS and apoptosis rate, induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, and depolarised MMP of SK-Hep-1 cells. To further confirm whether α-MMC could induce mitochondria involved apoptosis, we found that PARP-1, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and BCL-2 were downregulated upon α-MMC. Taken together, these results suggested that this natural purified α-MMC can induce apoptosis involved mitochondria and may serve as a potential novel therapeutic drug in the treatment of human liver cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Di Peng
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiping Zhou
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Jinniu Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zihao Qiang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Wan
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment Ministry of Education/Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanfa Meng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment Ministry of Education/Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ge Xu
- The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Meng
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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13
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Lv X, Murphy K, Murphy Z, Getman M, Rahman N, Nakamura Y, Blanc L, Gallagher PG, Palis J, Mohandas N, Steiner LA. HEXIM1 is an essential transcription regulator during human erythropoiesis. Blood 2023; 142:2198-2215. [PMID: 37738561 PMCID: PMC10733840 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022019495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Regulation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) activity is an essential process that governs gene expression; however, its contribution to the fundamental process of erythropoiesis remains unclear. hexamethylene bis-acetamide inducible 1 (HEXIM1) regulates RNAPII activity by controlling the location and activity of positive transcription factor β. We identified a key role for HEXIM1 in controlling erythroid gene expression and function, with overexpression of HEXIM1 promoting erythroid proliferation and fetal globin expression. HEXIM1 regulated erythroid proliferation by enforcing RNAPII pausing at cell cycle check point genes and increasing RNAPII occupancy at genes that promote cycle progression. Genome-wide profiling of HEXIM1 revealed that it was increased at both repressed and activated genes. Surprisingly, there were also genome-wide changes in the distribution of GATA-binding factor 1 (GATA1) and RNAPII. The most dramatic changes occurred at the β-globin loci, where there was loss of RNAPII and GATA1 at β-globin and gain of these factors at γ-globin. This resulted in increased expression of fetal globin, and BGLT3, a long noncoding RNA in the β-globin locus that regulates fetal globin expression. GATA1 was a key determinant of the ability of HEXIM1 to repress or activate gene expression. Genes that gained both HEXIM1 and GATA1 had increased RNAPII and increased gene expression, whereas genes that gained HEXIM1 but lost GATA1 had an increase in RNAPII pausing and decreased expression. Together, our findings reveal a central role for universal transcription machinery in regulating key aspects of erythropoiesis, including cell cycle progression and fetal gene expression, which could be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiurui Lv
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Kristin Murphy
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Zachary Murphy
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Michael Getman
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Nabil Rahman
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Rikagaku Kenkyūjyo (RIKEN) BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba Campus, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Lionel Blanc
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | | | - James Palis
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Narla Mohandas
- Red Cell Physiology Laboratory, Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY
| | - Laurie A. Steiner
- Center for Child Health Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
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14
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Kuang Z, Guo K, Cao Y, Jiang M, Wang C, Wu Q, Hu G, Ao M, Huang M, Qin J, Zhao T, Lu S, Sun C, Li M, Wu T, Liu W, Fang M. The novel CDK9 inhibitor, XPW1, alone and in combination with BRD4 inhibitor JQ1, for the treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1915-1929. [PMID: 37884683 PMCID: PMC10703862 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02464-y] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a highly lethal malignancy with few therapeutic options. Cyclin‑dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a potential therapeutic target of many cancers, has been recently observed to be upregulated in ccRCC patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of CDK9 in ccRCC and develop a novel CDK9 inhibitor with low toxicity for ccRCC treatment. METHODS The expression of CDK9 in ccRCC was checked using the online database and tissue microarray analysis. shRNA-mediated CDK9 knockdown and CDK inhibitor were applied to evaluate the effect of CDK9 on ccRCC. Medicinal chemistry methods were used to develop a new CDK9 inhibitor with drugability. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq experiments were conducted to explore the mechanism of action. MTS, western blotting, and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the anti-ccRCC effects of CDK9 knockdown and inhibition in vitro. The in vivo anti-tumour efficacy was evaluated in a xenograft model. RESULTS CDK9 is overexpressed and associated with poor survival in ccRCC. Knockdown or inhibition of CDK9 significantly suppressed ccRCC cells. XPW1 was identified as a new potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor with excellent anti-ccRCC activity and low toxicity. In mechanism, XPW1 transcriptionally inhibited DNA repair programmes in ccRCC cells, resulting in an excellent anti-tumour effect. CDK9 and BRD4 were two highly correlated transcriptional regulators in ccRCC patients, and the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 enhanced XPW1's anti-ccRCC effects in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This work provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of CDK9 in ccRCC. The CDK9 inhibitor XPW1 would be a novel therapeutic agent for targeting ccRCC, alone or in rational combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Kuang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Kaiqiang Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
- College of Arts, Sichuan University, 610207, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengxue Jiang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
- Jiangxi Cancer Hospital (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical Colloge), 519 East Beijing Rd, 330029, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiaoqiong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Guosheng Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingtao Ao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingfeng Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingbo Qin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Taige Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Cuiling Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingyu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
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15
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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16
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Gaur T, Poddutoori R, Khare L, Bagal B, Rashmi S, Patkar N, Tembhare P, Pg S, Shetty D, Dutt A, Zhang Q, Konopleva M, Platzbeckar U, Gupta S, Samajdar S, Ramchandra M, Khattry N, Hasan SK. Novel covalent CDK7 inhibitor potently induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia and synergizes with Venetoclax. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:186. [PMID: 37507802 PMCID: PMC10386772 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02750-w] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of resistance to the highly successful BCL2-directed therapy is a major unmet need in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive malignancy with poor survival rates. Towards identifying therapeutic options for AML patients who progress on BCL2-directed therapy, we studied a clinical-stage CDK7 inhibitor XL102, which is being evaluated in solid tumors (NCT04726332). MATERIALS AND METHODS To determine the anti-proliferative effects of XL102, we performed experiments including time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer, target occupancy, cell cycle and apoptosis-based assays. We also included genetically characterized primary myeloid blasts from de novo and relapsed/refractory AML patients. For mechanistic studies, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of CDK7 and c-Myc and immunoblotting were performed. NOD/SCID orthotropic and subcutaneous AML xenografts were used to determine anti-leukemic effects. To assess the synergistic effects of XL102 with Venetoclax, we performed RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis using Venetoclax sensitive and resistant model systems. RESULTS XL102, a highly specific, orally bioavailable covalent inhibitor of CDK7. Inhibitory effect on CDK7 by XL102 in primary myeloid blasts (n = 54) was in nanomolar range (mean = 300 nM; range = 4.0-952 nM). XL102 treated AML cells showed a reduction in phosphorylation levels of Serine 2/5/7 at carboxy-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. T-loop phosphorylation of CDK1(Thr161) and CDK2(Thr160) was inhibited by XL102 in dose-dependent manner leading to cell-cycle arrest. c-Myc downregulation and enhanced levels of p53 and p21 in XL102 treated cells were observed. Increased levels of p21 and activation of p53 by XL102 were mimicked by genetic ablation of CDK7, which supports that the observed effects of XL102 are due to CDK7 inhibition. XL102 treated AML xenografts showed remarkable reduction in hCD45 + marrow cells (mean = 0.60%; range = 0.04%-3.53%) compared to vehicle control (mean = 38.2%; range = 10.1%-78%), with corresponding increase in p53, p21 and decrease in c-Myc levels. The data suggests XL102 induces apoptosis in AML cells via CDK7/c-Myc/p53 axis. RNA-sequencing from paired Venetoclax-sensitive and Venetoclax-resistant cells treated with XL102 showed downregulation of genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Taken together, XL102 with Venetoclax led to synergistic effects in overcoming resistance and provided a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of XL102 as a single agent and in combination with Venetoclax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarang Gaur
- Hasan Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Ramulu Poddutoori
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Electronic City Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560100, India
| | - Leena Khare
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Electronic City Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560100, India
| | - Bhausaheb Bagal
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, 400014, India
| | - Sonal Rashmi
- Dutt Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
- Present Address: CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikhil Patkar
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Hematopathology Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Prashant Tembhare
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Hematopathology Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Subramanian Pg
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Hematopathology Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Dhanlaxmi Shetty
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Department of Cytogenetics, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Amit Dutt
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Dutt Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Uwe Platzbeckar
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic I, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, University Hospital Leipzig, Johannisallee 32, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sudeep Gupta
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, 400014, India
| | - Susanta Samajdar
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Electronic City Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560100, India
| | - Murali Ramchandra
- Aurigene Oncology Limited, Electronic City Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560100, India
| | - Navin Khattry
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, 400014, India.
| | - Syed K Hasan
- Hasan Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi, Mumbai, 410210, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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17
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Liu J, Zhao Y, He D, Jones KM, Tang S, Allison DB, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhang Q, Wang X, Li C, Wang C, Li L, Liu X. A kinome-wide CRISPR screen identifies CK1α as a target to overcome enzalutamide resistance of prostate cancer. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101015. [PMID: 37075701 PMCID: PMC10140619 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101015] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Enzalutamide (ENZA), a second-generation androgen receptor antagonist, has significantly increased progression-free and overall survival of patients with metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). However, resistance remains a prominent obstacle in treatment. Utilizing a kinome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen, we identified casein kinase 1α (CK1α) as a therapeutic target to overcome ENZA resistance. Depletion or pharmacologic inhibition of CK1α enhanced ENZA efficacy in ENZA-resistant cells and patient-derived xenografts. Mechanistically, CK1α phosphorylates the serine residue S1270 and modulates the protein abundance of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a primary initiator of DNA double-strand break (DSB)-response signaling, which is compromised in ENZA-resistant cells and patients. Inhibition of CK1α stabilizes ATM, resulting in the restoration of DSB signaling, and thus increases ENZA-induced cell death and growth arrest. Our study details a therapeutic approach for ENZA-resistant PCa and characterizes a particular perspective for the function of CK1α in the regulation of DNA-damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daheng He
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Katelyn M Jones
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Shan Tang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Derek B Allison
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Yanquan Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Qiongsi Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Chaohao Li
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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18
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Toure MA, Koehler AN. Addressing Transcriptional Dysregulation in Cancer through CDK9 Inhibition. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1114-1123. [PMID: 36854448 PMCID: PMC10035036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Undermining transcriptional addiction, the dependence of cancers on selected transcriptional programs, is critically important for addressing cancers with high unmet clinical need. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has long been considered an actionable therapeutic target for modulating transcription in many diseases. This appeal is due to its role in coordinating the biochemical events that regulate RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) pause-release state, one that offers a way for attenuating transcriptional dysregulation driven by amplified or overexpressed transcription factors implicated in cancer. However, targeting CDK9 in the clinic has historically proven elusive, a challenge that stems from the often highly intolerable cytotoxicity attributed to its essentiality across many cell lineages and the polypharmacology of the first generation of pan-CDK inhibitors to reach the clinic. A new wave of highly selective molecules progressing through the early stages of clinical evaluation offers renewed hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Toure
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Angela N Koehler
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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19
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Němec V, Khirsariya P, Janovská P, Moyano PM, Maier L, Procházková P, Kebková P, Gybel' T, Berger BT, Chaikuad A, Reinecke M, Kuster B, Knapp S, Bryja V, Paruch K. Discovery of Potent and Exquisitely Selective Inhibitors of Kinase CK1 with Tunable Isoform Selectivity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217532. [PMID: 36625768 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217532] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Casein kinases 1 (CK1) are key signaling molecules that have emerged recently as attractive therapeutic targets in particular for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Herein, we report the identification of a new class of potent and highly selective inhibitors of CK1α, δ and ϵ. Based on their optimal in vitro and in vivo profiles and their exclusive selectivity, MU1250, MU1500 and MU1742 were selected as quality chemical probes for those CK1 isoforms. At proper concentrations, MU1250 and MU1500 allow for specific targeting of CK1δ or dual inhibition of CK1δ/ϵ in cells. The compound MU1742 also efficiently inhibits CK1α and, to our knowledge, represents the first potent and highly selective inhibitor of this enzyme. In addition, we demonstrate that the central 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-imidazole pharmacophore can be used as the basis of highly selective inhibitors of other therapeutically relevant protein kinases, e.g. p38α, as exemplified by the compound MU1299.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Němec
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekařská 53, Brno, 656 91, Czech Republic
| | - Prashant Khirsariya
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekařská 53, Brno, 656 91, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Janovská
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Paula Martín Moyano
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Maier
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekařská 53, Brno, 656 91, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Procházková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Kebková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Gybel'
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maria Reinecke
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany.,Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Paruch
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekařská 53, Brno, 656 91, Czech Republic
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20
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Wang Y, Guo H, He F. Circadian disruption: from mouse models to molecular mechanisms and cancer therapeutic targets. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:297-322. [PMID: 36513953 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The circadian clock is a timekeeping system for numerous biological rhythms that contribute to the regulation of numerous homeostatic processes in humans. Disruption of circadian rhythms influences physiology and behavior and is associated with adverse health outcomes, especially cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of circadian disruption-associated cancer initiation and development remain unclear. It is essential to construct good circadian disruption models to uncover and validate the detailed molecular clock framework of circadian disruption in cancer development and progression. Mouse models are the most widely used in circadian studies due to their relatively small size, fast reproduction cycle, easy genome manipulation, and economic practicality. Here, we reviewed the current mouse models of circadian disruption, including suprachiasmatic nuclei destruction, genetic engineering, light disruption, sleep deprivation, and other lifestyle factors in our understanding of the crosstalk between circadian rhythms and oncogenic signaling, as well as the molecular mechanisms of circadian disruption that promotes cancer growth. We focused on the discoveries made with the nocturnal mouse, diurnal human being, and cell culture and provided several circadian rhythm-based cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haidong Guo
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Feng He
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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21
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Wang Z, Mačáková M, Bugai A, Kuznetsov SG, Hassinen A, Lenasi T, Potdar S, Friedel CC, Barborič M. P-TEFb promotes cell survival upon p53 activation by suppressing intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1687-1706. [PMID: 36727434 PMCID: PMC9976905 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is the crucial player in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pause release that has emerged as a promising target in cancer. Because single-agent therapy may fail to deliver durable clinical response, targeting of P-TEFb shall benefit when deployed as a combination therapy. We screened a comprehensive oncology library and identified clinically relevant antimetabolites and Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) inhibitors as top compounds eliciting p53-dependent death of colorectal cancer cells in synergy with selective inhibitors of P-TEFb. While the targeting of P-TEFb augments apoptosis by anti-metabolite 5-fluorouracil, it switches the fate of cancer cells by the non-genotoxic MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a from cell-cycle arrest to apoptosis. Mechanistically, the fate switching is enabled by the induction of p53-dependent pro-apoptotic genes and repression of P-TEFb-dependent pro-survival genes of the PI3K-AKT signaling cascade, which stimulates caspase 9 and intrinsic apoptosis pathway in BAX/BAK-dependent manner. Finally, combination treatments trigger apoptosis of cancer cell spheroids. Together, co-targeting of P-TEFb and suppressors of intrinsic apoptosis could become a viable strategy to eliminate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Monika Mačáková
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Andrii Bugai
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sergey G Kuznetsov
- High-Throughput Biomedicine Unit (HTB), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Antti Hassinen
- High Content Imaging and Analysis Unit (HCA), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Tina Lenasi
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- High-Throughput Biomedicine Unit (HTB), Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Caroline C Friedel
- Institute for Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Matjaž Barborič
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
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22
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Wang L, Xu L, Wang Z, Hou T, Hao H, Sun H. Cooperation of structural motifs controls drug selectivity in cyclin-dependent kinases: an advanced theoretical analysis. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:6964518. [PMID: 36578163 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac544] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding drug selectivity mechanism is a long-standing issue for helping design drugs with high specificity. Designing drugs targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) with high selectivity is challenging because of their highly conserved binding pockets. To reveal the underlying general selectivity mechanism, we carried out comprehensive analyses from both the thermodynamics and kinetics points of view on a representative CDK12 inhibitor. To fully capture the binding features of the drug-target recognition process, we proposed to use kinetic residue energy analysis (KREA) in conjunction with the community network analysis (CNA) to reveal the underlying cooperation effect between individual residues/protein motifs to the binding/dissociating process of the ligand. The general mechanism of drug selectivity in CDKs can be summarized as that the difference of structural cooperation between the ligand and the protein motifs leads to the difference of the energetic contribution of the key residues to the ligand. The proposed mechanisms may be prevalent in drug selectivity issues, and the insights may help design new strategies to overcome/attenuate the drug selectivity associated problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou 213001, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | | | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Lab of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009 Nanjing, China
| | - Huiyong Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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23
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Fuchs O. Targeting cereblon in hematologic malignancies. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100994. [PMID: 35933246 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The protein cereblon (CRBN) is a substrate receptor of the cullin 4-really interesting new gene (RING) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex CRL4CRBN. Targeting CRBN mediates selective protein ubiquitination and subsequent degradation via the proteasome. This review describes novel thalidomide analogs, immunomodulatory drugs, also known as CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase modulators or molecular glues (avadomide, iberdomide, CC-885, CC-90009, BTX-1188, CC-92480, CC-99282, CFT7455, and CC-91633), and CRBN-based proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) with increased efficacy and potent activity for application in hematologic malignancies. Both types of CRBN-binding drugs, molecular glues, and PROTACs stimulate the interaction between CRBN and its neosubstrates, recruiting target disease-promoting proteins and the E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN. Proteins that are traditionally difficult to target (transcription factors and oncoproteins) can be polyubiquitinated and degraded in this way. The competition of CRBN neosubstrates with endogenous CRBN-interacting proteins and the pharmacology and rational combination therapies of and mechanisms of resistance to CRL4CRBN modulators or CRBN-based PROTACs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ota Fuchs
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 12800 Praha 2, Czech Republic.
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24
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Cheng J, Lau B, Thoms M, Ameismeier M, Berninghausen O, Hurt E, Beckmann R. The nucleoplasmic phase of pre-40S formation prior to nuclear export. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11924-11937. [PMID: 36321656 PMCID: PMC9723619 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Biogenesis of the small ribosomal subunit in eukaryotes starts in the nucleolus with the formation of a 90S precursor and ends in the cytoplasm. Here, we elucidate the enigmatic structural transitions of assembly intermediates from human and yeast cells during the nucleoplasmic maturation phase. After dissociation of all 90S factors, the 40S body adopts a close-to-mature conformation, whereas the 3' major domain, later forming the 40S head, remains entirely immature. A first coordination is facilitated by the assembly factors TSR1 and BUD23-TRMT112, followed by re-positioning of RRP12 that is already recruited early to the 90S for further head rearrangements. Eventually, the uS2 cluster, CK1 (Hrr25 in yeast) and the export factor SLX9 associate with the pre-40S to provide export competence. These exemplary findings reveal the evolutionary conserved mechanism of how yeast and humans assemble the 40S ribosomal subunit, but reveal also a few minor differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdong Cheng
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich LMU, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Fudan University, Dong’an Road 131, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Benjamin Lau
- BZH, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Thoms
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich LMU, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ameismeier
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich LMU, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Otto Berninghausen
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, University of Munich LMU, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Ed Hurt
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Ed Hurt.
| | - Roland Beckmann
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 89 218076900; Fax: +49 89 218076945;
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25
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Cao Z, Shu Y, Wang J, Wang C, Feng T, Yang L, Shao J, Zou L. Super enhancers: Pathogenic roles and potential therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genes Dis 2022; 9:1466-1477. [PMID: 36157504 PMCID: PMC9485276 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematological tumor with disordered oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes and limited treatments. The potent anti-cancer effects of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors, targeting the key component of super enhancers, in early clinical trials on AML patients, implies the critical role of super enhancers in AML. Here, we review the concept and characteristic of super enhancer, and then summarize the current researches about super enhancers in AML pathogenesis, diagnosis and classification, followed by illustrate the potential super enhancer-related targets and drugs, and propose the future directions of super enhancers in AML. This information provides integrated insight into the roles of super enhancers in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Cao
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Yi Shu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Laboratory Medicine of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Tienan Feng
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jingbo Shao
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Lin Zou
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Center for Clinical Molecular Laboratory Medicine of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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26
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Koo BK, Choi EJ, Hur EH, Moon JH, Kim JY, Park HS, Choi Y, Lee JH, Lee KH, Choi EK, Kim J, Lee JH. Antileukemic activity of YPN-005, a CDK7 inhibitor, inducing apoptosis through c-MYC and FLT3 suppression in acute myeloid leukemia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11004. [PMID: 36276757 PMCID: PMC9579003 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with a high rate of relapse associated with adverse survival outcomes, especially in elderly patients. An aberrant expression of cyclin dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is associated with poor outcomes and CDK7 inhibition has showed antitumor activities in various cancers. We investigated the efficacy of YPN-005, a CDK7 inhibitor in AML cell lines, xenograft mouse model, and primary AML cells. YPN-005 effectively inhibited the proliferation of AML cells by inducing apoptosis and reducing phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II. The c-MYC expression decreased with treatment of YPN-005, and the effect of YPN-005 was negatively correlated with c-MYC expression. YPN-005 also showed antileukemic activities in primary AML cells, especially those harboring FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation and in in vivo mouse model. Phosphorylated FLT3/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) was decreased and FLT3/STAT5 was downregulated with YPN-005 treatment. Our data suggest that YPN-005 has a role in treating AML by suppressing c-MYC and FLT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bon-Kwan Koo
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Choi
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Corresponding author.
| | - Eun-Hye Hur
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Corresponding author.
| | - Ju Hyun Moon
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Yun Kim
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Seung Park
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yunsuk Choi
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoo-Hyung Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Choi
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhwan Kim
- R&D Institute, Yungjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, South Korea
| | - Je-Hwan Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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27
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Zhang P, Brinton LT, Gharghabi M, Sher S, Williams K, Cannon M, Walker JS, Canfield D, Beaver L, Cempre CB, Phillips H, Chen X, Yan P, Lehman A, Scherle P, Wang M, Vaddi K, Baiocchi R, Wang R, Sampath D, Alinari L, Blachly JS, Lapalombella R. Targeting OXPHOS de novo purine synthesis as the nexus of FLT3 inhibitor-mediated synergistic antileukemic actions. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabp9005. [PMID: 36112677 PMCID: PMC9481139 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp9005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identified CDK9, DHODH, and PRMT5 as synthetic lethal partners with gilteritinib treatment in fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-internal tandem duplication (ITD) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and genetically and pharmacologically validated their roles in gilteritinib sensitivity. The presence of FLT3-ITD is associated with an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, rendering leukemia cells highly sensitive to inhibition of glycolysis. Supportive of this, our data show the enrichment of single guide RNAs targeting 28 glycolysis-related genes upon gilteritinib treatment, suggesting that switching from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) may represent a metabolic adaption of AML in gilteritinib resistance. CDK9i/FLT3i, DHODHi/FLT3i, and PRMT5i/FLT3i pairs mechanistically converge on OXPHOS and purine biosynthesis blockade, implying that targeting the metabolic functions of these three genes and/or proteins may represent attractive strategies to sensitize AML to gilteritinib treatment. Our findings provide the basis for maximizing therapeutic impact of FLT3-ITD inhibitors and a rationale for a clinical trial of these novel combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lindsey T. Brinton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mehdi Gharghabi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Outcomes and Translational Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katie Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Cannon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janek S. Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Canfield
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Larry Beaver
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Casey B. Cempre
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hannah Phillips
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Hematology/Oncology and BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy Lehman
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Min Wang
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kris Vaddi
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Robert Baiocchi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Hematology/Oncology and BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deepa Sampath
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James S. Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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28
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van der Noord VE, van de Water B, Le Dévédec SE. Targeting the Heterogeneous Genomic Landscape in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer through Inhibitors of the Transcriptional Machinery. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4353. [PMID: 36139513 PMCID: PMC9496798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer defined by lack of the estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Although TNBC tumors contain a wide variety of oncogenic mutations and copy number alterations, the direct targeting of these alterations has failed to substantially improve therapeutic efficacy. This efficacy is strongly limited by interpatient and intratumor heterogeneity, and thereby a lack in uniformity of targetable drivers. Most of these genetic abnormalities eventually drive specific transcriptional programs, which may be a general underlying vulnerability. Currently, there are multiple selective inhibitors, which target the transcriptional machinery through transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 and bromodomain extra-terminal motif (BET) proteins, including BRD4. In this review, we discuss how inhibitors of the transcriptional machinery can effectively target genetic abnormalities in TNBC, and how these abnormalities can influence sensitivity to these inhibitors. These inhibitors target the genomic landscape in TNBC by specifically suppressing MYC-driven transcription, inducing further DNA damage, improving anti-cancer immunity, and preventing drug resistance against MAPK and PI3K-targeted therapies. Because the transcriptional machinery enables transcription and propagation of multiple cancer drivers, it may be a promising target for (combination) treatment, especially of heterogeneous malignancies, including TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sylvia E. Le Dévédec
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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29
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Mi X, Li M, Huang D, Song T, Qi X, Yang M. Elevation of effective p53 expression sensitizes wild-type p53 breast cancer cells to CDK7 inhibitor THZ1. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:96. [PMID: 36058938 PMCID: PMC9442925 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00837-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1 represses multiple cancer cells. However, its tumor-repressive efficiency in wild-type p53 breast cancer cells remains controversial. Methods We conducted various assays, including CCK8, colony formation, flow cytometry, western blotting, and lactate dehydrogenase release detection, to clarify whether p53 elevation sensitizes breast cancer cells to THZ1. Results We found that upregulating functional p53 contributes to the increased sensitivity of breast cancer cells to THZ1. Increased THZ1 sensitivity requires active p53 and an intact p53 pathway, which was confirmed by introducing exogenous wild-type p53 and the subsequent elevation of THZ1-mediated tumor suppression in breast cancer cells carrying mutant p53. We confirmed that p53 accumulates in the nucleus and mitochondria during cell death. Furthermore, we identified extensive transcriptional disruption, rather than solely CDK7 inhibition, as the mechanism underlying the nutlin-3 and THZ1-induced death of breast cancer cells. Finally, we observed the combined nutlin-3 and THZ1 treatment amplified gasdermin E cleavage. Conclusion Enhanced sensitivity of breast cancer cells to THZ1 can be achieved by increasing effective p53 expression. Our approach may serve as a potential treatment for patients with breast cancer resistant to regular therapies. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00837-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuguang Mi
- Tumor Biotherapy Center, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, Republic of China
| | - Mingxi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Qi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Wang X, Liu X, Huang J, Liu C, Li H, Wang C, Hong Q, Lei Y, Xia J, Yu Z, Dong R, Xu J, Tu Z, Duan C, Li S, Lu T, Tang W, Chen Y. Discovery of 2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one derivatives as potent and selective CDK9 inhibitors that enable transient target engagement for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114461. [PMID: 35605362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114461] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a transcriptional regulator and a potential therapeutic target in hematologic malignancies. Selective and transient CDK9 inhibition reduces Mcl-1 expression and induces apoptosis in Mcl-1-dependent tumor cells for survival. Here, we describe our efforts to discover a novel series of 2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one as CDK9 inhibitors. Compound 32k was identified as a selective CDK9 inhibitor with short pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties suitable for intravenous administration. Short-term treatment with 32k resulted in a rapid dose-dependent decrease in cellular p-Ser2-RNAPII, Mcl-1 and c-Myc, leading to apoptosis in the MV4-11 cell line. Correspondingly, significant in vivo antitumor efficacy was observed in xenograft models derived from multiple hematological tumors with intermittent 32k dosing. These results provide evidence that selective transient CDK9 inhibitors could be used for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinren Wang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Jianhang Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Chenhe Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Cong Wang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Qianqian Hong
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Yan Lei
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Jiawei Xia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Ziheng Yu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Ruinan Dong
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Junyu Xu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Zhenlin Tu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - ChunQi Duan
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Shuwen Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Weifang Tang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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31
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Xiao Q, Xiao Y, Li LY, Chen MK, Wu M. Multifaceted regulation of enhancers in cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194839. [PMID: 35750313 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Enhancer is one kind of cis-elements regulating gene transcription, whose activity is tightly controlled by epigenetic enzymes and histone modifications. Active enhancers are classified into typical enhancers, super-enhancers and over-active enhancers, according to the enrichment and location of histone modifications. Epigenetic factors control the level of histone modifications on enhancers to determine their activity, such as histone methyltransferases and acetylases. Transcription factors, cofactors and mediators co-operate together and are required for enhancer functions. In turn, abnormalities in these trans-acting factors affect enhancer activity. Recent studies have revealed enhancer dysregulation as one of the important features for cancer. Variations in enhancer regions and mutations of enhancer regulatory genes are frequently observed in cancer cells, and altering the activity of onco-enhancers is able to repress oncogene expression, and suppress tumorigenesis and metastasis. Here we summarize the recent discoveries about enhancer regulation in cancer and discuss their potential application in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Xiao
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Lian-Yun Li
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Ming-Kai Chen
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
| | - Min Wu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Hubei Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
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32
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Transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:3303-3315. [PMID: 35568739 PMCID: PMC9187515 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation has emerged as a hallmark of several cancer types. In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a stage in which systemic androgen deprivation therapies fail to show clinical benefit, transcriptional addiction to the androgen receptor is maintained in most patients. This has led to increased efforts to find novel therapies that prevent oncogenic transactivation of the androgen receptor. In this context, a group of druggable protein kinases, known as transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases (tCDKs), show great potential as therapeutic targets. Despite initial reservations about targeting tCDKs due to their ubiquitous and prerequisite nature, preclinical studies showed that selectively inhibiting such kinases could provide sufficient therapeutic window to exert antitumour effects in the absence of systemic toxicity. As a result, several highly specific inhibitors are currently being trialled in solid tumours, including prostate cancer. This article summarises the roles of tCDKs in regulating gene transcription and highlights rationales for their targeting in prostate cancer. It provides an overview of the most recent developments in this therapeutic area, including the most recent clinical advances, and discusses the utility of tCDK inhibitors in combination with established cancer agents.
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33
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Shi Z, Tian L, Qiang T, Li J, Xing Y, Ren X, Liu C, Liang C. From Structure Modification to Drug Launch: A Systematic Review of the Ongoing Development of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors for Multiple Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6390-6418. [PMID: 35485642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we discuss more than 50 cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors that have been approved or have undergone clinical trials and their therapeutic application in multiple cancers. This review discusses the design strategies, structure-activity relationships, and efficacy performances of these selective or nonselective CDK inhibitors. The theoretical basis of early broad-spectrum CDK inhibitors is similar to the scope of chemotherapy, but because their toxicity is greater than the benefit, there is no clinical therapeutic window. The notion that selective CDK inhibitors have a safer therapeutic potential than pan-CDK inhibitors has been widely recognized during the research process. Four CDK4/6 inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of breast cancer or for prophylactic administration during chemotherapy to protect bone marrow and immune system function. Furthermore, the emerging strategies in the field of CDK inhibitors are summarized briefly, and CDKs continue to be widely pursued as emerging anticancer drug targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfeng Shi
- Department of Urology Surgery Center, The People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830002, P. R. China
| | - Lei Tian
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Taotao Qiang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Yue Xing
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519030, P. R. China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China
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34
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Liu Q, Guo L, Lou Z, Xiang X, Shao J. Super-enhancers and novel therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:228. [PMID: 35277481 PMCID: PMC8917125 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors, cofactors, chromatin regulators, and transcription apparatuses interact with transcriptional regulatory elements, including promoters, enhancers, and super-enhancers (SEs), to coordinately regulate the transcription of target genes and thereby control cell behaviors. Among these transcriptional regulatory components and related elements, SEs often play a central role in determining cell identity and tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, oncogenic SEs, which are generated within cancer cells in oncogenes and other genes important in tumor pathogenesis, have emerged as attractive targets for novel cancer therapeutic strategies in recent years. Herein, we review the identification, formation and activation modes, and regulatory mechanisms for downstream genes and pathways of oncogenic SEs. We also review the therapeutic strategies and compounds targeting oncogenic SEs in colorectal cancer and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, and Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Guo
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, and Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Lou
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, and Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueping Xiang
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, and Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jimin Shao
- Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, and Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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35
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CK1 Is a Druggable Regulator of Microtubule Dynamics and Microtubule-Associated Processes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051345. [PMID: 35267653 PMCID: PMC8909099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases of the Casein Kinase 1 family play a vital role in the regulation of numerous cellular processes. Apart from functions associated with regulation of proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis, localization of several Casein Kinase 1 isoforms to the centrosome and microtubule asters also implicates regulatory functions in microtubule dynamic processes. Being localized to the spindle apparatus during mitosis Casein Kinase 1 directly modulates microtubule dynamics by phosphorylation of tubulin isoforms. Additionally, site-specific phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins can be related to the maintenance of genomic stability but also microtubule stabilization/destabilization, e.g., by hyper-phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein 1A and RITA1. Consequently, approaches interfering with Casein Kinase 1-mediated microtubule-specific functions might be exploited as therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. Currently pursued strategies include the development of Casein Kinase 1 isoform-specific small molecule inhibitors and therapeutically useful peptides specifically inhibiting kinase-substrate interactions.
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36
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Zhou L, Zhang Z, Nice E, Huang C, Zhang W, Tang Y. Circadian rhythms and cancers: the intrinsic links and therapeutic potentials. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:21. [PMID: 35246220 PMCID: PMC8896306 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian rhythm is an evolutionarily conserved time-keeping system that comprises a wide variety of processes including sleep-wake cycles, eating-fasting cycles, and activity-rest cycles, coordinating the behavior and physiology of all organs for whole-body homeostasis. Acute disruption of circadian rhythm may lead to transient discomfort, whereas long-term irregular circadian rhythm will result in the dysfunction of the organism, therefore increasing the risks of numerous diseases especially cancers. Indeed, both epidemiological and experimental evidence has demonstrated the intrinsic link between dysregulated circadian rhythm and cancer. Accordingly, a rapidly increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms is opening new options for cancer therapy, possibly by modulating the circadian clock. In this review, we first describe the general regulators of circadian rhythms and their functions on cancer. In addition, we provide insights into the mechanisms underlying how several types of disruption of the circadian rhythm (including sleep-wake, eating-fasting, and activity-rest) can drive cancer progression, which may expand our understanding of cancer development from the clock perspective. Moreover, we also summarize the potential applications of modulating circadian rhythms for cancer treatment, which may provide an optional therapeutic strategy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Edouard Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yong Tang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Chronobiology Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610075, China.
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37
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Borowczak J, Szczerbowski K, Ahmadi N, Szylberg Ł. CDK9 inhibitors in multiple myeloma: a review of progress and perspectives. Med Oncol 2022; 39:39. [PMID: 35092513 PMCID: PMC8800928 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01636-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Currently, multiple myeloma is not yet considered a curable disease. Despite the recent advances in therapy, the average patient lifespan is still unsatisfactory. Recently, CDK9 inhibitors emerged as a suitable agent to overcome resistance and prolong survival in patients with poor diagnoses. Downregulation of c-MYC, XIAP, Mcl-1 and restoration of p53 tumor-suppressive functions seems to play a key role in achieving clinical response. The applicability of the first generation of CDK9 inhibitors was limited due to relatively high toxicity, but the introduction of novel, highly selective drugs, seems to reduce the effects of off-target inhibition. CDK9 inhibitors were able to induce dose-dependent cytotoxicity in Doxorubicin-resistant, Lenalidomide-resistant and Bortezomib-resistant cell lines. They seem to be effective in cell lines with unfavorable prognostic factors, such as p53 deletion, t(4; 14) and t(14; 16). In preclinical trials, the application of CDK9 inhibitors led to tumor cells apoptosis, tumor growth inhibition and tumor mass reduction. Synergistic effects between CDK9 inhibitors and either Venetoclax, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide or Erlotinib have been proven and are awaiting verification in clinical trials. Although conclusions should be drawn with due care, obtained reports suggest that including CDK9 inhibitors into the current drug regimen may turn out to be beneficial, especially in poor prognosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Szczerbowski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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38
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Belloucif Y, Lobry C. Super-Enhancers Dysregulations in Hematological Malignancies. Cells 2022; 11:196. [PMID: 35053311 PMCID: PMC8774084 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies affecting either the lymphoid or the myeloid lineages involve epigenetic mutations or dysregulation in the majority of cases. These epigenetic abnormalities can affect regulatory elements in the genome and, particularly, enhancers. Recently, large regulatory elements known as super-enhancers, initially identified for their critical roles in cell-type specific expression regulation of genes controlling cell identity, have been shown to also be involved in tumorigenesis in many cancer types and hematological malignancies via the regulation of numerous oncogenes, including MYC. In this review, we highlight the existing links between super-enhancers and hematological malignancies, with a particular focus on acute myeloid leukemia, a clonal hematopoietic neoplasm with dismal outcomes, resulting in an uncontrolled proliferation of myeloblasts, abnormally blocked during differentiation and accumulating within the patient's bone marrow. We report recent works, performed during the last few years, treating this subject and consider the possibility of targeting oncogenic regulatory elements, as well as the effectiveness and limitations reported so far for such strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Lobry
- INSERM U944, CNRS UMR7212, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, 75010 Paris, France;
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Huang Z, Wang T, Wang C, Fan Y. CDK9 Inhibitors in Cancer Research. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:688-710. [PMID: 35814933 PMCID: PMC9215160 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00040g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) played an essential role in regulating transcriptional elongation. Aberrations in CDK9 activity have been observed in various cancers, which made CDK9 was an attractive therapeutic...
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences Hefei 230031 China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
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40
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Overcoming IMiD Resistance in T-cell Lymphomas Through Potent Degradation of ZFP91 and IKZF1. Blood 2021; 139:2024-2037. [PMID: 34936696 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory (IMiD) agents like lenalidomide and pomalidomide induce the recruitment of IKZF1 and other targets to the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase, resulting in their ubiquitination and degradation. These agents are highly active in B-cell lymphomas and a subset of myeloid diseases but have compromised effects in T-cell lymphomas (TCLs). Here we show that two factors determine resistance to IMiDs among TCLs. First, limited CRBN expression reduces IMiD activity in TCLs but can be overcome by newer-generation degrader CC-92480. Using mass spectrometry, we show that CC-92480 selectively degrades IKZF1 and ZFP91 in TCL cells with greater potency than pomalidomide. As a result, CC-92480 is highly active against multiple TCL subtypes and showed greater efficacy than pomalidomide across 4 in vivo TCL models. Second, we demonstrate that ZFP91 functions as a bona fide transcription factor that co-regulates cell survival with IKZF1 in IMiD-resistant TCLs. By activating keynote genes from WNT, NF-kB, and MAP kinase signaling, ZFP91 directly promotes resistance to IKZF1 loss. Moreover, lenalidomide-sensitive TCLs can acquire stable resistance via ZFP91 rewiring, which involves casein kinase 2 (CK2) mediated c-Jun inactivation. Overall, these findings identify a critical transcription factor network within TCLs and provide clinical proof of concept for the novel therapy using next-generation degraders.
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41
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Shafie A, Khan S, Zehra, Mohammad T, Anjum F, Hasan GM, Yadav DK, Hassan MI. Identification of Phytoconstituents as Potent Inhibitors of Casein Kinase-1 Alpha Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2157. [PMID: 34959438 PMCID: PMC8707374 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Casein kinase-1 alpha (CK1α) is a multifunctional protein kinase that belongs to the serine/threonine kinases of the CK1α family. It is involved in various signaling pathways associated with chromosome segregation, cell metabolism, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy, etc. It has been known to involve in the progression of many diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, obesity, and behavioral disorders. The elevated expression of CK1α in diseased conditions facilitates its selective targeting for therapeutic management. Here, we have performed virtual screening of phytoconstituents from the IMPPAT database seeking potential inhibitors of CK1α. First, a cluster of compounds was retrieved based on physicochemical parameters following Lipinski's rules and PAINS filter. Further, high-affinity hits against CK1α were obtained based on their binding affinity score. Furthermore, the ADMET, PAINS, and PASS evaluation was carried out to select more potent hits. Finally, following the interaction analysis, we elucidated three phytoconstituents, Semiglabrinol, Curcusone_A, and Liriodenine, posturing considerable affinity and specificity towards the CK1α binding pocket. The result was further evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, dynamical cross-correlation matrix (DCCM), and principal components analysis (PCA), which revealed that binding of the selected compounds, especially Semiglabrinol, stabilizes CK1α and leads to fewer conformational fluctuations. The MM-PBSA analysis suggested an appreciable binding affinity of all three compounds toward CK1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Shafie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (F.A.)
| | - Shama Khan
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa;
| | - Zehra
- Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Taj Mohammad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Farah Anjum
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (F.A.)
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon City 21924, Korea
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India;
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Manni S, Fregnani A, Quotti Tubi L, Spinello Z, Carraro M, Scapinello G, Visentin A, Barilà G, Pizzi M, Dei Tos AP, Vianello F, Zambello R, Gurrieri C, Semenzato G, Trentin L, Piazza F. Protein Kinase CK1α Sustains B-Cell Receptor Signaling in Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:733848. [PMID: 34722279 PMCID: PMC8551451 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.733848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is still an incurable B-cell malignancy characterized by poor prognosis and frequent relapses. B Cell Receptor (BCR) signaling inhibitors, in particular of the kinases BTK and PI3Kγ/δ, have demonstrated clinically meaningful anti-proliferative effects in B cell tumors. However, refractoriness to these drugs may develop, portending a dismal prognosis. Protein kinase CK1α is an emerging pro-growth enzyme in B cell malignancies. In multiple myeloma, this kinase sustains β-catenin and AKT-dependent survival and is involved in the activation of NF-κB in B cells. In this study, we analyzed the role of CK1α on MCL cell survival and proliferation, on the regulation of BCR-related BTK, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT signaling cascades and the effects of CK1α chemical inhibition or gene silencing in association with the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib or the PI3Kγ/δ inhibitor Duvelisib. CK1α was found highly expressed in MCL cells as compared to normal B cells. The inactivation/loss of CK1α caused MCL cell apoptosis and proliferation arrest. CK1α sustained BCR signaling, in particular the NF-κB, AKT and BTK pathways by modulating the phosphorylation of Ser 652 on CARD11, Ser 536 p65 on NF-κB, Ser 473 on AKT, Tyr 223 on BTK, as well as the protein levels. We also provided evidence that CK1α-mediated regulation of CARD11 and BTK likely implicates a physical interaction. The combination of CK1α inhibition with Ibrutinib or Duvelisib synergistically increased cytotoxicity, leading to a further decrease of the activation of BCR signaling pathways. Therefore, CK1α sustains MCL growth through the regulation of BCR-linked survival signaling cascades and protects from Ibrutinib/Duvelisib-induced apoptosis. Thus, CK1α could be considered as a rational molecular target for the treatment of MCL, in association with novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Manni
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Fregnani
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Quotti Tubi
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Zaira Spinello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Carraro
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Greta Scapinello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Gregorio Barilà
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Pizzi
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vianello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Renato Zambello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Carmela Gurrieri
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Semenzato
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Piazza
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
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43
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Zhang W, Ma Q, Long B, Sun Z, Liu L, Lin D, Zhao M. Runt-Related Transcription Factor 3 Promotes Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:725336. [PMID: 34722267 PMCID: PMC8549545 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.725336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with high relapse/refractory rate. Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities are driving factors for leukemogenesis. RUNX1 and RUNX2 from the Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family played important roles in AML pathogenesis. However, the relationship between RUNX3 and AML remains unclear. Here, we found that RUNX3 was a super-enhancer-associated gene and highly expressed in AML cells. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database showed high expression of RUNX3 correlated with poor prognosis of AML patients. We observed that Runx3 knockdown significantly inhibited leukemia progression by inducing DNA damage to enhance apoptosis in murine AML cells. By chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis, we discovered that RUNX3 in AML cells mainly bound more genes involved in DNA-damage repair and antiapoptosis pathways compared to that in normal bone marrow cells. Runx3 knockdown obviously inhibited the expression of these genes in AML cells. Overall, we identified RUNX3 as an oncogene overexpressed in AML cells, and Runx3 knockdown suppressed AML progression by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Long
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhangyi Sun
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongjun Lin
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China
| | - Minyi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, ShenZhen, China
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44
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Fink A, Hung E, Singh I, Ben-Neriah Y. Immunity in acute myeloid leukemia: Where the immune response and targeted therapy meet. Eur J Immunol 2021; 52:34-43. [PMID: 34648664 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive disease with high relapse and mortality rates. Recent years have shown a surge in novel therapeutic development for AML, both in clinical and preclinical stages. These developments include targeted therapies based on AML-specific molecular signatures as well as more general immune modulation and vaccination studies. In this review, we will explore the evolving arena of AML therapy and suggest some intriguing connections between immune system modulation and targeted therapy. Improved understanding of the immune system involvement in various stages of the disease and the crosstalk between immune effectors, targeted therapy, and AML cells can provide a better framework for designing the next generation of AML therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avner Fink
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eric Hung
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Indranil Singh
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yinon Ben-Neriah
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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45
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Bhurta D, Bharate SB. Analyzing the scaffold diversity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and revisiting the clinical and preclinical pipeline. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:654-709. [PMID: 34605036 DOI: 10.1002/med.21856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kinases have gained an important place in the list of vital therapeutic targets because of their overwhelming clinical success in the last two decades. Among various clinically validated kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) are one of the extensively studied drug targets for clinical development. Food and Drug Administration has approved three CDK inhibitors for therapeutic use, and at least 27 inhibitors are under active clinical development. In the last decade, research and development in this area took a rapid pace, and thus the analysis of scaffold diversity is essential for future drug design. Available reviews lack the systematic study and discussion on the scaffold diversity of CDK inhibitors. Herein we have reviewed and critically analyzed the chemical diversity present in the preclinical and clinical pipeline of CDK inhibitors. Our analysis has shown that although several scaffolds represent CDK inhibitors, only the amino-pyrimidine is a well-represented scaffold. The three-nitrogen framework of amino-pyrimidine is a fundamental hinge-binding unit. Further, we have discussed the selectivity aspects among CDKs, the clinical trial dose-limiting toxicities, and highlighted the most advanced clinical candidates. We also discuss the changing paradigm towards selective inhibitors and an overview of ATP-binding pockets of all druggable CDKs. We carefully analyzed the clinical pipeline to unravel the candidates that are currently under active clinical development. In addition to the plenty of dual CDK4/6 inhibitors, there are many selective CDK7, CDK9, and CDK8/19 inhibitors in the clinical pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deendyal Bhurta
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sandip B Bharate
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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46
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Hu Q, Poulose N, Girmay S, Helevä A, Doultsinos D, Gondane A, Steele RE, Liu X, Loda M, Liu S, Tang D, Mills IG, Itkonen HM. Inhibition of CDK9 activity compromises global splicing in prostate cancer cells. RNA Biol 2021; 18:722-729. [PMID: 34592899 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.1983287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) phosphorylates RNA polymerase II to promote productive transcription elongation. Here we show that short-term CDK9 inhibition affects the splicing of thousands of mRNAs. CDK9 inhibition impairs global splicing and there is no evidence for a coordinated response between the alternative splicing and the overall transcriptome. Alternative splicing is a feature of aggressive prostate cancer (CRPC) and enables the generation of the anti-androgen resistant version of the ligand-independent androgen receptor, AR-v7. We show that CDK9 inhibition results in the loss of AR and AR-v7 expression due to the defects in splicing, which sensitizes CRPC cells to androgen deprivation. Finally, we demonstrate that CDK9 expression increases as PC cells develop CRPC-phenotype both in vitro and also in patient samples. To conclude, here we show that CDK9 inhibition compromises splicing in PC cells, which can be capitalized on by targeting the PC-specific addiction androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ninu Poulose
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuel Girmay
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alma Helevä
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dimitrios Doultsinos
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Aishwarya Gondane
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rebecca E Steele
- PCUK/Movember Centre of Excellence for Prostate Cancer Research, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB), Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Xiaozhuo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Massimo Loda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and Mit, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,The New York Genome Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Dean Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ian G Mills
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.,PCUK/Movember Centre of Excellence for Prostate Cancer Research, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB), Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Harri M Itkonen
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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47
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Shen C, Nayak A, Neitzel LR, Adams AA, Silver-Isenstadt M, Sawyer LM, Benchabane H, Wang H, Bunnag N, Li B, Wynn DT, Yang F, Garcia-Contreras M, Williams CH, Dakshanamurthy S, Hong CC, Ayad NG, Capobianco AJ, Ahmed Y, Lee E, Robbins DJ. The E3 ubiquitin ligase component, Cereblon, is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of Wnt signaling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5263. [PMID: 34489457 PMCID: PMC8421366 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are important for the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Binding of IMiDs to Cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase, induces cancer cell death by targeting key neo-substrates for degradation. Despite this clinical significance, the physiological regulation of CRBN remains largely unknown. Herein we demonstrate that Wnt, the extracellular ligand of an essential signal transduction pathway, promotes the CRBN-dependent degradation of a subset of proteins. These substrates include Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), a negative regulator of Wnt signaling that functions as a key component of the β-Catenin destruction complex. Wnt stimulation induces the interaction of CRBN with CK1α and its resultant ubiquitination, and in contrast with previous reports does so in the absence of an IMiD. Mechanistically, the destruction complex is critical in maintaining CK1α stability in the absence of Wnt, and in recruiting CRBN to target CK1α for degradation in response to Wnt. CRBN is required for physiological Wnt signaling, as modulation of CRBN in zebrafish and Drosophila yields Wnt-driven phenotypes. These studies demonstrate an IMiD-independent, Wnt-driven mechanism of CRBN regulation and provide a means of controlling Wnt pathway activity by CRBN, with relevance for development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anmada Nayak
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Leif R Neitzel
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amber A Adams
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | - Leah M Sawyer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hassina Benchabane
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Huilan Wang
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nawat Bunnag
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel T Wynn
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Contreras
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Charles C Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nagi G Ayad
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anthony J Capobianco
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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48
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CSNK1A1, KDM2A, and LTB4R2 Are New Druggable Vulnerabilities in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143477. [PMID: 34298691 PMCID: PMC8305418 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The main histological subtypes of lung cancer are small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is further subdivided into squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AD). Despite the recent introduction of innovative therapies, lung cancer is still the first cause of cancer-related human death, indicating that the discovery of new therapeutic targets is still a compelling need for this disease. In the present work, we performed a functional genomics analysis on different lung cancer histotypes, combining data derived from different omics resources with in vitro validation. Through this approach, we identified and validated CSNK1A1, KDMA2, and LTB4R2 as new druggable vulnerabilities in lung cancer. These results open new possibilities for the development of innovative therapies for lung cancer patients. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related human death. It is a heterogeneous disease, classified in two main histotypes, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is further subdivided into squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AD) subtypes. Despite the introduction of innovative therapeutics, mainly designed to specifically treat AD patients, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor. In particular, available treatments for SCLC and SCC patients are currently limited to platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this work, we used an integrative approach to identify novel vulnerabilities in lung cancer. First, we compared the data from a CRISPR/Cas9 dependency screening performed in our laboratory with Cancer Dependency Map Project data, essentiality comprising information on 73 lung cancer cell lines. Next, to identify relevant therapeutic targets, we integrated dependency data with pharmacological data and TCGA gene expression information. Through this analysis, we identified CSNK1A1, KDM2A, and LTB4R2 as relevant druggable essentiality genes in lung cancer. We validated the antiproliferative effect of genetic or pharmacological inhibition of these genes in two lung cancer cell lines. Overall, our results identified new vulnerabilities associated with different lung cancer histotypes, laying the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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49
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Cheng S, Yang GJ, Wang W, Ma DL, Leung CH. Discovery of a tetrahydroisoquinoline-based CDK9-cyclin T1 protein–protein interaction inhibitor as an anti-proliferative and anti-migration agent against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1674-1688. [PMID: 36157485 PMCID: PMC9485199 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, PR China
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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50
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Higashijima Y, Kanki Y. Potential roles of super enhancers in inflammatory gene transcription. FEBS J 2021; 289:5762-5775. [PMID: 34173323 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute and chronic inflammation is a basic pathological event that contributes to atherosclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases, and immune disorders. Inflammation is an adaptive process to both external and internal stimuli experienced by the human body. Although the mechanism of gene transcription is highly complicated and orchestrated in a timely and spatial manner, recent developments in next-generation sequencing, genome-editing, cryo-electron microscopy, and single cell-based technologies could provide us with insights into the roles of super enhancers (SEs). Initially, SEs were implicated in determining cell fate; subsequent studies have clarified that SEs are associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer and inflammatory diseases. Recent technological advances have unveiled the molecular mechanisms of SEs, which involve epigenetic histone modifications, chromatin three-dimensional structures, and phase-separated condensates. In this review, we discuss the relationship between inflammation and SEs and the therapeutic potential of SEs for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Higashijima
- Department of Proteomics, The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yasuharu Kanki
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Laboratory/Sports Medicine, Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan
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