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Leśniewska A, Przybylski P. Seven-membered N-heterocycles as approved drugs and promising leads in medicinal chemistry as well as the metal-free domino access to their scaffolds. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116556. [PMID: 38879971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116556] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Azepanes or azepines are structural motifs of many drugs, drug candidates and evaluated lead compounds. Even though compounds having N-heterocyclic 7-membered rings are often found in nature (e.g. alkaloids), the natural compounds of this group are rather rare as approved therapeutics. Thus, recently studied and approved azepane or azepine-congeners predominantly consist of semi-synthetically or synthetically-obtained scaffolds. In this review a comparison of approved drugs and recently investigated leads was proposed taking into regard their structural aspects (stereochemistry), biological activities, pharmacokinetic properties and confirmed molecular targets. The 7-membered N-heterocycles reveal a wide range of biological activities, not only against CNS diseases, but also as e.g. antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic and against allergy agents. As most of the approved or investigated potential drugs or lead structures, belonging to 7-membered N-heterocycles, are synthetic scaffolds, this report also reveals different and efficient metal-free cascade approaches useful to synthesize both simple azepane or azepine-containing congeners and those of oligocyclic structures. Stereochemistry of azepane/azepine fused systems, in view of biological data and binding with the targets, is discussed. Apart from the approved drugs, we compare advances in SAR studies of 7-membered N-heterocycles (mainly from 2018 to 2023), whereas the related synthetic part concerning various domino strategies is focused on the last ten years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Leśniewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Przybylski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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2
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Chang CP, Yeh TK, Chen CT, Wang WP, Chen YT, Tsai CH, Chen YF, Ke YY, Wang JY, Chen CP, Hsieh TC, Wu MH, Huang CL, Chen YP, Zhuang H, Chi YH. Discovery of a Long Half-Life AURKA Inhibitor to Treat MYC-Amplified Solid Tumors as a Monotherapy and in Combination with Everolimus. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:766-779. [PMID: 38592383 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0602] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Aurora kinase inhibitors, such as alisertib, can destabilize MYC-family oncoproteins and have demonstrated compelling antitumor efficacy. In this study, we report 6K465, a novel pyrimidine-based Aurora A inhibitor, that reduces levels of c-MYC and N-MYC oncoproteins more potently than alisertib. In an analysis of the antiproliferative effect of 6K465, the sensitivities of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and breast cancer cell lines to 6K465 were strongly associated with the protein levels of c-MYC and/or N-MYC. We also report DBPR728, an acyl-based prodrug of 6K465 bearing fewer hydrogen-bond donors, that exhibited 10-fold improved oral bioavailability. DBPR728 induced durable tumor regression of c-MYC- and/or N-MYC-overexpressing xenografts including SCLC, triple-negative breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and medulloblastoma using a 5-on-2-off or once-a-week dosing regimen on a 21-day cycle. A single oral dose of DBPR728 at 300 mg/kg induced c-MYC reduction and cell apoptosis in the tumor xenografts for more than 7 days. The inhibitory effect of DBPR728 at a reduced dosing frequency was attributed to its uniquely high tumor/plasma ratio (3.6-fold within 7 days) and the long tumor half-life of active moiety 6K465. Furthermore, DBPR728 was found to synergize with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus to suppress c-MYC- or N-MYC-driven SCLC. Collectively, these results suggest DBPR728 has the potential to treat cancers overexpressing c-MYC and/or N-MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ping Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ping Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Fu Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yu Ke
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ping Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Chih Hsieh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Mine-Hsine Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Lung Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ping Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Hong Zhuang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chi
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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3
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Zacarías-Fluck MF, Soucek L, Whitfield JR. MYC: there is more to it than cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342872. [PMID: 38510176 PMCID: PMC10952043 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor involved in multiple cellular processes. While its mechanism of action and targets are not completely elucidated, it has a fundamental role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, ribogenesis, and bone and vascular development. Over 4 decades of research and some 10,000 publications linking it to tumorigenesis (by searching PubMed for "MYC oncogene") have led to MYC becoming a most-wanted target for the treatment of cancer, where many of MYC's physiological functions become co-opted for tumour initiation and maintenance. In this context, an abundance of reviews describes strategies for potentially targeting MYC in the oncology field. However, its multiple roles in different aspects of cellular biology suggest that it may also play a role in many additional diseases, and other publications are indeed linking MYC to pathologies beyond cancer. Here, we review these physiological functions and the current literature linking MYC to non-oncological diseases. The intense efforts towards developing MYC inhibitors as a cancer therapy will potentially have huge implications for the treatment of other diseases. In addition, with a complementary approach, we discuss some diseases and conditions where MYC appears to play a protective role and hence its increased expression or activation could be therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano F. Zacarías-Fluck
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jonathan R. Whitfield
- Models of Cancer Therapies Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
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5
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Singh VK, Rajak N, Giri R, Garg N. Advances in non-covalent based inhibitors targeting Myc: a promising approach for cancer treatment. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:101-103. [PMID: 38084612 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vipendra Kumar Singh
- School of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, VPO Kamand, Mandi-175075, HP, India
| | - Naina Rajak
- Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, VPO Kamand, Mandi-175075, HP, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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6
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Long Q, Xiang M, Xiao L, Wang J, Guan X, Liu J, Liao C. The Biological Significance of AFF4: Promoting Transcription Elongation, Osteogenic Differentiation and Tumor Progression. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:1403-1412. [PMID: 37815186 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073241079230920082056] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the AF4/FMR2 (AFF) family, AFF4 is a scaffold protein in the superelongation complex (SEC). In this mini-view, we discuss the role of AFF4 as a transcription elongation factor that mediates HIV activation and replication and stem cell osteogenic differentiation. AFF4 also promotes the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, leukemia, breast cancer, bladder cancer and other malignant tumors. The biological function of AFF4 is largely achieved through SEC assembly, regulates SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), MYC, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1), c-Jun and noncanonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription and combines with fusion in sarcoma (FUS), unique regulatory cyclins (CycT1), or mixed lineage leukemia (MLL). We explore the prospects of using AFF4 as a therapeutic in Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and malignant tumors and its potential as a stemness regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Linlin Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
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7
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Tian S, Zhang J, Yuan S, Wang Q, Lv C, Wang J, Fang J, Fu L, Yang J, Zu X, Zhao J, Zhang W. Exploring pharmacological active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine by pharmacotranscriptomic map in ITCM. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:7017365. [PMID: 36719094 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of high-throughput technologies, computational screening based on gene expression profiles has become one of the most effective methods for drug discovery. More importantly, profile-based approaches remarkably enhance novel drug-disease pair discovery without relying on drug- or disease-specific prior knowledge, which has been widely used in modern medicine. However, profile-based systematic screening of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been scarcely performed due to inadequate pharmacotranscriptomic data. Here, we develop the largest-to-date online TCM active ingredients-based pharmacotranscriptomic platform integrated traditional Chinese medicine (ITCM) for the effective screening of active ingredients. First, we performed unified high-throughput experiments and constructed the largest data repository of 496 representative active ingredients, which was five times larger than the previous one built by our team. The transcriptome-based multi-scale analysis was also performed to elucidate their mechanism. Then, we developed six state-of-art signature search methods to screen active ingredients and determine the optimal signature size for all methods. Moreover, we integrated them into a screening strategy, TCM-Query, to identify the potential active ingredients for the special disease. In addition, we also comprehensively collected the TCM-related resource by literature mining. Finally, we applied ITCM to an active ingredient bavachinin, and two diseases, including prostate cancer and COVID-19, to demonstrate the power of drug discovery. ITCM was aimed to comprehensively explore the active ingredients of TCM and boost studies of pharmacological action and drug discovery. ITCM is available at http://itcm.biotcm.net.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jinbo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Rehabilitation Center of Joint Logistics Support Force, Tianjin, 300110, China
| | - Shunling Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qun Wang
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Lv
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jian Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xianpeng Zu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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8
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Lacroix M, Beauchemin H, Khandanpour C, Möröy T. The RNA helicase DDX3 and its role in c-MYC driven germinal center-derived B-cell lymphoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1148936. [PMID: 37035206 PMCID: PMC10081492 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1148936] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DDX3X is an RNA helicase with many functions in RNA metabolism such as mRNA translation, alternative pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA stability, but also plays a role as a regulator of transcription as well as in the Wnt/beta-catenin- and Nf-κB signaling pathways. The gene encoding DDX3X is located on the X-chromosome, but escapes X-inactivation. Hence females have two active copies and males only one. However, the Y chromosome contains the gene for the male DDX3 homologue, called DDX3Y, which has a very high sequence similarity and functional redundancy with DDX3X, but shows a more restricted protein expression pattern than DDX3X. High throughput sequencing of germinal center (GC)-derived B-cell malignancies such as Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) and Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) samples showed a high frequency of loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the DDX3X gene revealing several features that distinguish this gene from others. First, DDX3X mutations occur with high frequency particularly in those GC-derived B-cell lymphomas that also show translocations of the c-MYC proto-oncogene, which occurs in almost all BL and a subset of DLBCL. Second, DDX3X LOF mutations occur almost exclusively in males and is very rarely found in females. Third, mutations in the male homologue DDX3Y have never been found in any type of malignancy. Studies with human primary GC B cells from male donors showed that a loss of DDX3X function helps the initial process of B-cell lymphomagenesis by buffering the proteotoxic stress induced by c-MYC activation. However, full lymphomagenesis requires DDX3 activity since an upregulation of DDX3Y expression is invariably found in GC derived B-cell lymphoma with DDX3X LOF mutation. Other studies with male transgenic mice that lack Ddx3x, but constitutively express activated c-Myc transgenes in B cells and are therefore prone to develop B-cell malignancies, also showed upregulation of the DDX3Y protein expression during the process of lymphomagenesis. Since DDX3Y is not expressed in normal human cells, these data suggest that DDX3Y may represent a new cancer cell specific target to develop adjuvant therapies for male patients with BL and DLBCL and LOF mutations in the DDX3X gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Lacroix
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, IRCM, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hugues Beauchemin
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, IRCM, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cyrus Khandanpour
- Klinik für Hämatologie und Onkologie, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, University Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tarik Möröy, ; Cyrus Khandanpour,
| | - Tarik Möröy
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, IRCM, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Tarik Möröy, ; Cyrus Khandanpour,
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Winkler R, Piskor EM, Kosan C. Lessons from Using Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of MYC-Induced Lymphoma. Cells 2022; 12:37. [PMID: 36611833 PMCID: PMC9818924 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic overexpression of MYC leads to the fatal deregulation of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, and cell growth. MYC rearrangements are found frequently among non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas enforcing MYC overexpression. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) were developed to understand MYC-induced B-cell lymphomagenesis. Here, we highlight the advantages of using Eµ-Myc transgenic mice. We thoroughly compiled the available literature to discuss common challenges when using such mouse models. Furthermore, we give an overview of pathways affected by MYC based on knowledge gained from the use of GEMMs. We identified top regulators of MYC-induced lymphomagenesis, including some candidates that are not pharmacologically targeted yet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Kosan
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
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10
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Donati G, Amati B. MYC and therapy resistance in cancer: risks and opportunities. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3828-3854. [PMID: 36214609 PMCID: PMC9627787 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC transcription factor, encoded by the c-MYC proto-oncogene, is activated by growth-promoting signals, and is a key regulator of biosynthetic and metabolic pathways driving cell growth and proliferation. These same processes are deregulated in MYC-driven tumors, where they become critical for cancer cell proliferation and survival. As other oncogenic insults, overexpressed MYC induces a series of cellular stresses (metabolic, oxidative, replicative, etc.) collectively known as oncogenic stress, which impact not only on tumor progression, but also on the response to therapy, with profound, multifaceted consequences on clinical outcome. On one hand, recent evidence uncovered a widespread role for MYC in therapy resistance in multiple cancer types, with either standard chemotherapeutic or targeted regimens. Reciprocally, oncogenic MYC imparts a series of molecular and metabolic dependencies to cells, thus giving rise to cancer-specific vulnerabilities that may be exploited to obtain synthetic-lethal interactions with novel anticancer drugs. Here we will review the current knowledge on the links between MYC and therapeutic responses, and will discuss possible strategies to overcome resistance through new, targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Donati
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO) – IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Bruno Amati
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO) – IRCCSMilanItaly
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11
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Winkler R, Mägdefrau AS, Piskor EM, Kleemann M, Beyer M, Linke K, Hansen L, Schaffer AM, Hoffmann ME, Poepsel S, Heyd F, Beli P, Möröy T, Mahboobi S, Krämer OH, Kosan C. Targeting the MYC interaction network in B-cell lymphoma via histone deacetylase 6 inhibition. Oncogene 2022; 41:4560-4572. [PMID: 36068335 PMCID: PMC9525236 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of MYC is a genuine cancer driver in lymphomas and related to poor prognosis. However, therapeutic targeting of the transcription factor MYC remains challenging. Here, we show that inhibition of the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) using the HDAC6 inhibitor Marbostat-100 (M-100) reduces oncogenic MYC levels and prevents lymphomagenesis in a mouse model of MYC-induced aggressive B-cell lymphoma. M-100 specifically alters protein-protein interactions by switching the acetylation state of HDAC6 substrates, such as tubulin. Tubulin facilitates nuclear import of MYC, and MYC-dependent B-cell lymphoma cells rely on continuous import of MYC due to its high turn-over. Acetylation of tubulin impairs this mechanism and enables proteasomal degradation of MYC. M-100 targets almost exclusively B-cell lymphoma cells with high levels of MYC whereas non-tumor cells are not affected. M-100 induces massive apoptosis in human and murine MYC-overexpressing B-cell lymphoma cells. We identified the heat-shock protein DNAJA3 as an interactor of tubulin in an acetylation-dependent manner and overexpression of DNAJA3 resulted in a pronounced degradation of MYC. We propose a mechanism by which DNAJA3 associates with hyperacetylated tubulin in the cytoplasm to control MYC turnover. Taken together, our data demonstrate a beneficial role of HDAC6 inhibition in MYC-dependent B-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Winkler
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany.,Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Campus ICO-Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, 08916, Spain
| | - Ann-Sophie Mägdefrau
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Piskor
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Markus Kleemann
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Mandy Beyer
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Kevin Linke
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Lisa Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Schaffer
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | | | - Simon Poepsel
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, 50931, Germany
| | - Florian Heyd
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Petra Beli
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Tarik Möröy
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry I, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, 93040, Germany
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Christian Kosan
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, 07745, Germany.
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12
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Li Z, Seehawer M, Polyak K. Untangling the web of intratumour heterogeneity. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1192-1201. [PMID: 35941364 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) is a hallmark of cancer that drives tumour evolution and disease progression. Technological and computational advances have enabled us to assess ITH at unprecedented depths, yet this accumulating knowledge has not had a substantial clinical impact. This is in part due to a limited understanding of the functional relevance of ITH and the inadequacy of preclinical experimental models to reproduce it. Here, we discuss progress made in these areas and illuminate future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Zhang X, Zhu X, Bi X, Huang J, Zhou L. The Insulin Receptor: An Important Target for the Development of Novel Medicines and Pesticides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7793. [PMID: 35887136 PMCID: PMC9325136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) is a transmembrane protein that is activated by ligands in insulin signaling pathways. The IR has been considered as a novel therapeutic target for clinical intervention, considering the overexpression of its protein and A-isoform in multiple cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. Meanwhile, it may also serve as a potential target in pest management due to its multiple physiological influences in insects. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural and molecular biology of the IR, functions of IRs in humans and insects, physiological and nonpeptide small molecule modulators of the IR, and the regulating mechanisms of the IR. Xenobiotic compounds and the corresponding insecticidal chemicals functioning on the IR are also discussed. This review is expected to provide useful information for a better understanding of human IR-related diseases, as well as to facilitate the development of novel small-molecule activators and inhibitors of the IR for use as medicines or pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jiguang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticides & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.B.)
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticides & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.B.)
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14
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Allison DB, Rueckert J, Cornea V, Lee CY, Dueber J, Bocklage T. Thyroid Carcinoma with NSD3::NUTM1 Fusion: a Case with Thyrocyte Differentiation and Colloid Production. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:315-326. [PMID: 34997561 PMCID: PMC9135820 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we present a high-grade thyroid carcinoma with an NSD3::NUTM1 fusion detected on expanded next-generation sequencing testing. Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinomas comprise high-grade, aggressive tumors characterized by rearrangements of the NUTM1 gene with various partner genes, most commonly the bromodomain protein genes BRD4 and BRD3. Approximately 10% of NUT carcinomas contain an NSD3::NUTM1 fusion. NUT carcinomas manifest as poorly differentiated or undifferentiated squamous carcinomas, and 33% show areas of mature squamous differentiation. Only exceptionally have NUT carcinomas shown histology discordant from poorly differentiated/undifferentiated squamous carcinoma, and a thyroid NUT carcinoma with histologic thyrocyte differentiation has not been described to date. Our patient's tumor exhibited mixed cytologic features suggestive of squamoid cells or papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Overt squamous differentiation was absent, and the tumor produced colloid in poorly formed follicles. Immunophenotypically, the carcinoma was consistent with thyrocyte differentiation with expression of monoclonal PAX8, TTF1, and thyroglobulin (the last predominantly in extracellular colloid). There was zero to < 2% reactivity for proteins typically diffusely expressed in NUT carcinoma: p40, p63, and cytokeratins 5/6. NUT protein expression was equivocal, but fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed a NUTM1 rearrangement. This exceptional case suggests that NUTM1 fusions may occur in an unknown number of aggressive thyroid carcinomas, possibly with distinctive histologic features but with thyrocyte differentiation. Recognition of this entity potentially has significant prognostic implications. Moreover, thyroid carcinomas with NUTM1 fusions may be amenable to treatment with NUT carcinoma-targeted therapy such as a bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein small molecular inhibitor (BETi).
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek B Allison
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Justin Rueckert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Virgilius Cornea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Cortney Y Lee
- Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Julie Dueber
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Therese Bocklage
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
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15
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Genetic Mutations of Pancreatic Cancer and Genetically Engineered Mouse Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010071. [PMID: 35008235 PMCID: PMC8750056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy. Recent multi-gene analysis approaches such as next-generation sequencing have provided useful information on the molecular characterization of pancreatic tumors. Different types of pancreatic cancer and precursor lesions are characterized by specific molecular alterations. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of PDAC are useful tools to understand the roles of altered genes. Most GEMMs are driven by oncogenic Kras, and can recapitulate the histological and molecular hallmarks of human PDAC and comparable precursor lesions. In this review, we summarize the main molecular alterations found in pancreatic neoplasms and GEMMs developed based on these alterations. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, and the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. An improved understanding of tumor biology and novel therapeutic discoveries are needed to improve overall survival. Recent multi-gene analysis approaches such as next-generation sequencing have provided useful information on the molecular characterization of pancreatic tumors. Different types of pancreatic cancer and precursor lesions are characterized by specific molecular alterations. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of PDAC are useful to understand the roles of altered genes. Most GEMMs are driven by oncogenic Kras, and can recapitulate the histological and molecular hallmarks of human PDAC and comparable precursor lesions. Advanced GEMMs permit the temporally and spatially controlled manipulation of multiple target genes using a dual-recombinase system or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. GEMMs that express fluorescent proteins allow cell lineage tracing to follow tumor growth and metastasis to understand the contribution of different cell types in cancer progression. GEMMs are widely used for therapeutic optimization. In this review, we summarize the main molecular alterations found in pancreatic neoplasms, developed GEMMs, and the contribution of GEMMs to the current understanding of PDAC pathobiology. Furthermore, we attempted to modify the categorization of altered driver genes according to the most updated findings.
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16
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Schneider G, Wirth M, Keller U, Saur D. Rationale for MYC imaging and targeting in pancreatic cancer. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:104. [PMID: 34637026 PMCID: PMC8511206 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and lethality of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will continue to increase in the next decade. For most patients, chemotherapeutic combination therapies remain the standard of care. The development and successful implementation of precision oncology in other gastrointestinal tumor entities point to opportunities also for PDAC. Therefore, markers linked to specific therapeutic responses and important subgroups of the disease are needed. The MYC oncogene is a relevant driver in PDAC and is linked to drug resistance and sensitivity. Here, we update recent insights into MYC biology in PDAC, summarize the connections between MYC and drug responses, and point to an opportunity to image MYC non-invasively. In sum, we propose MYC-associated biology as a basis for the development of concepts for precision oncology in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter Schneider
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic II, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TU Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Wirth
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Keller
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203, Berlin, Germany.,Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Insititute for Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, MRI, TU Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
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