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Wang Y, Xu C, Jiang Y, Tu Z, Yan J, Guo L, Dong C, Liu J, Yang X, Wang Z, Lu T, Feng J, Chen Y. Advanced Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Highly Selective Wee1 Inhibitors: Enhancing Pharmacokinetics and Antitumor Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9927-9949. [PMID: 38847373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02434] [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: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Wee1 is a kinase that regulates cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. Wee1 inhibition is a potential strategy to suppress the growth of tumors with defective p53 or DNA repair pathways. However, the development of Wee1 inhibitors faces some challenges. AZD1775, the first-in-class Wee1 inhibitor, has poor kinase selectivity and dose-limiting toxicity. Here, we report the discovery of 12h, a highly selective and potent Wee1 inhibitor with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. 12h showed strong antiproliferative effects against Lovo cells, a colorectal cancer cell line, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, 12h showed a clean kinase profile and effectively induced cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that 12h is a promising drug candidate for further development as a novel anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Chunyue Xu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Yiqing Jiang
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Zhenlin Tu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Jingxue Yan
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Leyi Guo
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Chao Dong
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Xiulong Yang
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Schcool of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jie Feng
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
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Zhang W, Li Q, Yin R. Targeting WEE1 Kinase in Gynecological Malignancies. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2449-2460. [PMID: 38915863 PMCID: PMC11195673 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s462056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
WEE1 kinase is involved in the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint control and DNA damage repair. A functional G2/M checkpoint is crucial for DNA repair in cancer cells with p53 mutations since they lack a functional G1/S checkpoint. Targeted inhibition of WEE1 kinase may cause tumor cell apoptosis, primarily, in the p53-deficient tumor, via bypassing the G2/M checkpoint without properly repairing DNA damage, resulting in genome instability and chromosomal deletion. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the biological role of WEE1 kinase and the potential of WEE1 inhibitor (WEE1i) for treating gynecological malignancies. We conducted a thorough literature search from 2001 to September 2023 in prominent databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, utilizing appropriate keywords of WEE1i and gynecologic oncology. WEE1i has been shown to inhibit tumor activity and enhance the sensitivity of chemotherapy or radiotherapy in preclinical models, particularly in p53-mutated gynecologic cancer models, although not exclusively. Recently, WEE1i alone or combined with genotoxic agents has confirmed its efficacy and safety in Phase I/II gynecological malignancies clinical trials. Furthermore, it has become increasingly clear that other inhibitors of DNA damage pathways show synthetic lethality with WEE1i, and WEE1 modulates therapeutic immune responses, providing a rationale for the combination of WEE1i and immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, we summarize the biological function of WEE1 kinase, development of WEE1i, and outline the preclinical and clinical data available on the investigation of WEE1i for treating gynecologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingli Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rutie Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Gu L, Liu M, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Wang Y, Xu ZX. Telomere-related DNA damage response pathways in cancer therapy: prospective targets. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1379166. [PMID: 38910895 PMCID: PMC11190371 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining the structural integrity of genomic chromosomal DNA is an essential role of cellular life and requires two important biological mechanisms: the DNA damage response (DDR) mechanism and telomere protection mechanism at chromosome ends. Because abnormalities in telomeres and cellular DDR regulation are strongly associated with human aging and cancer, there is a reciprocal regulation of telomeres and cellular DDR. Moreover, several drug treatments for DDR are currently available. This paper reviews the progress in research on the interaction between telomeres and cellular DNA damage repair pathways. The research on the crosstalk between telomere damage and DDR is important for improving the efficacy of tumor treatment. However, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingdi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Stiegeler N, Garsed DW, Au-Yeung G, Bowtell DDL, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V, Zwimpfer TA. Homologous recombination proficient subtypes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer: treatment options for a poor prognosis group. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1387281. [PMID: 38894867 PMCID: PMC11183307 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1387281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 50% of tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) have functional homologous recombination-mediated (HR) DNA repair, so-called HR-proficient tumors, which are often associated with primary platinum resistance (relapse within six months after completion of first-line therapy), minimal benefit from poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, and shorter survival. HR-proficient tumors comprise multiple molecular subtypes including cases with CCNE1 amplification, AKT2 amplification or CDK12 alteration, and are often characterized as "cold" tumors with fewer infiltrating lymphocytes and decreased expression of PD-1/PD-L1. Several new treatment approaches aim to manipulate these negative prognostic features and render HR-proficient tumors more susceptible to treatment. Alterations in multiple different molecules and pathways in the DNA damage response are driving new drug development to target HR-proficient cancer cells, such as inhibitors of the CDK or P13K/AKT pathways, as well as ATR inhibitors. Treatment combinations with chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors and agents targeting DNA replication stress have shown promising preclinical and clinical results. New approaches in immunotherapy are also being explored, including vaccines or antibody drug conjugates. Many approaches are still in the early stages of development and further clinical trials will determine their clinical relevance. There is a need to include HR-proficient tumors in ovarian cancer trials and to analyze them in a more targeted manner to provide further evidence for their specific therapy, as this will be crucial in improving the overall prognosis of HGSC and ovarian cancer in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dale W. Garsed
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - George Au-Yeung
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David D. L. Bowtell
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Tibor A. Zwimpfer
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Wang Y, Lin X, Wang Y, Wang G. Synergistic effect of adavosertib and fimepinostat on acute myeloid leukemia cells by enhancing the induction of DNA damage. Invest New Drugs 2024; 42:70-79. [PMID: 38085423 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01415-x] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, a number of novel pharmaceutical agents have received approval for the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there is still ample opportunity for enhancing efficacy. The Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib (ADA) shows promise for the treatment of AML. Based on the effect of drugs on DNA damage, we conducted a combination study involving ADA and fimepinostat (CUDC-907), a dual inhibitor of PI3K and histone deacetylase (HDAC). We observed that the combination of CUDC-907 and ADA exhibited a synergistic effect in enhancing the antileukemic activity in both AML cell lines and primary patient samples, demonstrating through flow cytometry analysis and MTT assay, respectively. Additionally, our study revealed that CUDC-907 has the ability to augment ADA-induced DNA damage, as determined by the measurement of γH2AX levels and the implementation of the alkaline comet assay. Through the utilization of western blotting analyses, targeted inhibitors, and ectopic overexpression, we propose that the downregulation of Wee1, CHK1, RNR, and c-Myc are the potential mechanisms. Our data support the development of ADA in combination with CUDC-907 for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xingyu Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China.
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Moufarrij S, O’Cearbhaill RE. Novel Therapeutics in Ovarian Cancer: Expanding the Toolbox. Curr Oncol 2023; 31:97-114. [PMID: 38248092 PMCID: PMC10814452 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010007] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite high response rates to initial therapy, most patients with ovarian cancer will ultimately recur and go on to develop resistance to standard treatments. Novel therapies have been developed to overcome drug resistance and alter the tumor immune microenvironment by targeting oncogenic pathways, activating the innate immune response, and enhancing drug delivery. In this review, we discuss the current and future roles of chemotherapy, targeted agents such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, bevacizumab, and mirvetuximab in the treatment of ovarian cancer. We explore the emerging role of therapeutic targets, including DNA repair pathway inhibitors and novel antibody-drug conjugates. Furthermore, we delve into the role of immunotherapeutic agents such as interleukins as well as immune-promoting agents such as oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines. Innovative combination therapies using these agents have led to a rapidly evolving treatment landscape and promising results for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moufarrij
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Roisin E. O’Cearbhaill
- Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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El Bairi K, Madariaga A, Trapani D, Al Jarroudi O, Afqir S. New horizons for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: insights from the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meetings. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023:ijgc-2023-004927. [PMID: 38101815 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis. Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have limited treatment options and often have a limited benefit from existing chemotherapeutic agents. There is a lack of contemporary effective anticancer drugs and reliable predictive biomarkers for this aggressive cancer. Recent cutting-edge research presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meetings has provided insights into several potential therapeutic targets, such as DNA damage repair proteins, cell-cycle regulators, and immune-modulating agents. In addition, antibody-drug conjugates have provided new practice-changing results in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Here, we review the results of research presented at this annual event, with a focus on clinical trials investigating novel treatment approaches for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, in addition to predictive and prognostic biomarkers for optimal patient selection, and other topics, such as real-world evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid El Bairi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Mohammed 6 Polytechnic, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Ainhoa Madariaga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dario Trapani
- European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ouissam Al Jarroudi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed Ist University, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Said Afqir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed Ist University, Oujda, Morocco
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