Therapeutic targeting of TANK-binding kinase signaling towards anticancer drug development: Challenges and opportunities

ATG4B antagonizes antiviral immunity by GABARAP-directed autophagic degradation of TBK1

ABBREVIATIONS

Baf A1: bafilomycin A1; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GFP: green fluorescent protein; IFN: interferon; IKBKE/IKKi: inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit epsilon; IRF3: interferon regulatory factor 3; ISG: interferon-stimulated gene; ISRE: IFN-stimulated response element; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAVS: mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein; MOI: multiplicity of infection; PAMPs: pathogen-associated molecule patterns; RIGI/DDX58: RNA sensor RIG-I; SeV: Sendai virus; siRNA: small interfering RNA; TBK1: TANK binding kinase 1; WT: wild-type; VSV: vesicular stomatitis virus.

Therapeutic targeting of microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases

Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a member of the Ser/Thr protein kinase family, phosphorylates the microtubule-connected proteins and plays a vital role in causing cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This kinase modulates multiple signaling pathways, including mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, and Hippo-signaling, presumably responsible for cancer and Alzheimer's. MARK4 acts as a negative controller of the Hippo-kinase cassette for promoting YAP/TAZ action, and the loss of MARK4 detains the tumorigenic properties of cancer cells. MARK4 is involved in tau hyperphosphorylation that consequently affects neurodegeneration. MARK4 is a promising drug target for cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Developing the potent and selective inhibitors of MAKR4 are promising in the therapeutic management of associated diseases. Despite its great significance, a few reviews are available to discuss its structure, function and clinical significance. In the current review, we aimed to provide detailed information on the structural features of MARK4 targeted in drug development and its role in various signaling pathways related to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We further described the therapeutic potential of MARK4 inhibitors in preventing numerous diseases. Finally, the updated information on MARK4 will be helpful in the further development of effective therapeutic molecules.

Therapeutic Targeting of Regulated Signaling Pathways of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common cancer globally. Phytochemicals and small molecule inhibitors significantly prevent varying types of cancers, including NSCLC. These therapeutic molecules serve as important sources for new drugs that interfere with cellular proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis by regulating signaling pathways. These molecules affect several cellular signaling cascades, including p53, NF-κB, STAT3, RAS, MAPK/ERK, Wnt, and AKT/PI3K, and are thus implicated in the therapeutic management of cancers. This review aims to describe the bioactive compounds and small-molecule inhibitors, their anticancer action, and targeting cellular signaling cascades in NSCLC. We highlighted the therapeutic potential of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Perifosine, ABT-737, Thymoquinine, Quercetin, Venetoclax, Gefitinib, and Genistein. These compounds are implicated in the therapeutic management of NSCLC. This review further offers deeper mechanistic insights into different signaling pathways that could be targeted for NSCLC therapy by phytochemicals and small-molecule inhibitors.

Biochemical features and therapeutic potential of α-Mangostin: Mechanism of action, medicinal values, and health benefits

α-Mangostin (α-MG) is a natural xanthone obtained from the pericarps of mangosteen. It exhibits excellent potential, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and induces apoptosis. α-MG controls cell proliferation by modulating signaling molecules, thus implicated in cancer therapy. It possesses incredible pharmacological features and modulates crucial cellular and molecular factors. Due to its lesser water solubility and pitiable target selectivity, α-MG has limited clinical application. As a known antioxidant, α-MG has gained significant attention from the scientific community, increasing interest in extensive technical and biomedical applications. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems were designed to improve the pharmacological features and efficiency of α-MG. This review is focused on recent developments on the therapeutic potential of α-MG in managing cancer and neurological diseases, with a special focus on its mechanism of action. In addition, we highlighted biochemical and pharmacological features, metabolism, functions, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and pre-clinical applications of α-MG.

Investigating regulated signaling pathways in therapeutic targeting of non-small cell lung carcinoma

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common malignancy worldwide. The signaling cascades are stimulated via genetic modifications in upstream signaling molecules, which affect apoptotic, proliferative, and differentiation pathways. Dysregulation of these signaling cascades causes cancer-initiating cell proliferation, cancer development, and drug resistance. Numerous efforts in the treatment of NSCLC have been undertaken in the past few decades, enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development and moving forward to develop effective therapeutic approaches. Modifications of transcription factors and connected pathways are utilized to develop new treatment options for NSCLC. Developing designed inhibitors targeting specific cellular signaling pathways in tumor progression has been recommended for the therapeutic management of NSCLC. This comprehensive review provided deeper mechanistic insights into the molecular mechanism of action of various signaling molecules and their targeting in the clinical management of NSCLC.

Pharmacological Inhibition of IKK to Tackle Latency and Hyperinflammation in Chronic HIV-1 Infection

HIV latent infection may be associated with disrupted viral RNA sensing, interferon (IFN) signaling, and/or IFN stimulating genes (ISG) activation. Here, we evaluated the use of compounds selectively targeting at the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) complex subunits and related kinases (TBK1) as a novel pathway to reverse HIV-1 latency in latently infected non-clonal lymphoid and myeloid cell in vitro models. IKK inhibitors (IKKis) triggered up to a 1.8-fold increase in HIV reactivation in both, myeloid and lymphoid cell models. The best-in-class IKKis, targeting TBK-1 (MRT67307) and IKKβ (TCPA-1) respectively, were also able to significantly induce viral reactivation in CD4+ T cells from people living with HIV (PLWH) ex vivo. More importantly, although none of the compounds tested showed antiviral activity, the combination of the distinct IKKis with ART did not affect the latency reactivation nor blockade of HIV infection by ART. Finally, as expected, IKKis did not upregulate cell activation markers in primary lymphocytes and innate immune signaling was blocked, resulting in downregulation of inflammatory cytokines. Overall, our results support a dual role of IKKis as immune modulators being able to tackle the HIV latent reservoir in lymphoid and myeloid cellular models and putatively control the hyperinflammatory responses in chronic HIV-1 infection.

Mutational analysis and protein profiling predict drug sensitivity in multiple myeloma cell lines

INTRODUCTION

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease where cancer-driver mutations and aberrant signaling may lead to disease progression and drug resistance. Drug responses vary greatly, and there is an unmet need for biomarkers that can guide precision cancer medicine in this disease.

METHODS

To identify potential predictors of drug sensitivity, we applied integrated data from drug sensitivity screening, mutational analysis and functional signaling pathway profiling in 9 cell line models of MM. We studied the sensitivity to 33 targeted drugs and their association with the mutational status of cancer-driver genes and activity level of signaling proteins.

RESULTS

We found that sensitivity to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors correlated with mutations in NRAS/KRAS, and PI3K family genes, respectively. Phosphorylation status of MEK1 and protein kinase B (AKT) correlated with sensitivity to MEK and PI3K inhibition, respectively. In addition, we found that enhanced phosphorylation of proteins, including Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), as well as high expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), correlated with low sensitivity to MEK inhibitors.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, this study shows that mutational status and signaling protein profiling might be used in further studies to predict drug sensitivities and identify resistance markers in MM.

Frustration analysis of TBK1 missense mutations reported in ALS/FTD and cancer patients

Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a multifunctional kinase having essential roles in cellular processes, autophagy/mitophagy, and selective clearance of damaged proteins. More than 90 mutations in the TBK1 gene are linked with multiple cancer types, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Some of these missense mutations disrupt the abilities of TBK1 to dimerize, associate with the mitophagy receptor optineurin (OPTN), autoactivate, or catalyze phosphorylation. Some mutations may cause severe dysregulation of the pathway, while others induce a limited disruption. Here, we have studied those mutations reported in cancer, ALS and FTD, and subsequently investigated the effect of missense mutations on the structure and function of TBK1 for localized residual frustration change. Out of 33 ALS/FTD causing mutations and 28 oncogenic mutations, 10 mutations and 12 oncogenic mutations showed significant change in the residual frustration. The local frustration plays an important role in the conformation of protein structure in active and inactive kinases. Our analysis reports the change in residual frustration state, conformational change and effect on active and inactive TBK1 function due to ALS/FTD causing and oncogenic missense mutations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03240-0.

Structure-guided design and development of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors: A review on therapeutic implications

Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (EC 2.7.11.22) play significant roles in numerous biological processes and triggers cell cycle events. CDK6 controlled the transcriptional regulation. A dysregulated function of CDK6 is linked with the development of progression of multiple tumor types. Thus, it is considered as an effective drug target for cancer therapy. Based on the direct roles of CDK4/6 in tumor development, numerous inhibitors developed as promising anti-cancer agents. CDK4/6 inhibitors regulate the G1 to S transition by preventing Rb phosphorylation and E2F liberation, showing potent anti-cancer activity in several tumors, including HR+/HER2- breast cancer. CDK4/6 inhibitors such as abemaciclib, palbociclib, and ribociclib, control cell cycle, provoke cell senescence, and induces tumor cell disturbance in pre-clinical studies. Here, we discuss the roles of CDK6 in cancer along with the present status of CDK4/6 inhibitors in cancer therapy. We further discussed, how structural features of CDK4/6 could be implicated in the design and development of potential anti-cancer agents. In addition, the therapeutic potential and limitations of available CDK4/6 inhibitors are described in detail. Recent pre-clinical and clinical information for CDK4/6 inhibitors are highlighted. In addition, combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with other drugs for the therapeutic management of cancer are discussed.