1
|
Perez DH, Antfolk D, Medina E, Gonzalez-Perez D, Luca VC, Bustos XE, Chang S, Ramadan AA, Rodriguez PC, Abate-Daga D. Engineering synthetic agonists for targeted activation of Notch signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.06.606897. [PMID: 39149362 PMCID: PMC11326249 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.06.606897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Notch signaling regulates cell fate decisions and has context-dependent tumorigenic or tumor suppressor functions. Although there are several classes of Notch inhibitors, the mechanical force requirement for Notch receptor activation has hindered attempts to generate soluble agonists. To address this problem, we engineered synthetic Notch agonist (SNAG) proteins by tethering affinity-matured Notch ligands to antibodies or cytokines that internalize their targets. This bispecific format enables SNAGs to 'pull' on mechanosensitive Notch receptors, triggering their activation in the presence of a desired biomarker. We successfully developed SNAGs targeting six independent surface markers, including the tumor antigens PDL1, CD19, and HER2, and the immunostimulatory receptor CD40. SNAGs targeting CD40 increase expansion of central memory γδ T cells from peripheral blood, highlighting their potential to improve the phenotype and yield of low-abundance T cell subsets. These insights have broad implications for the pharmacological activation of mechanoreceptors and will expand our ability to modulate Notch signaling in biotechnology.
Collapse
|
2
|
Medina E, Perez DH, Antfolk D, Luca VC. New tricks for an old pathway: emerging Notch-based biotechnologies and therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:934-948. [PMID: 37891017 PMCID: PMC10841456 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.011] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The Notch pathway regulates a diverse array of cell fate decisions, making it an enticing target in cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. During the early stages of Notch drug development, off-target toxicity precluded the approval of Notch inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. However, recent advances in our understanding of Notch structure and signaling have led to the development of several innovative Notch-based biotechnologies. In addition to new classes of inhibitors, pharmacological Notch activators have been shown to enhance osteogenesis and various aspects of T cell function. Furthermore, the mechanosensitive negative regulatory region (NRR) of the Notch receptor has been converted into synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors with fully customizable signaling circuits. We review emergent Notch-based compounds, biologics, and cell therapies while highlighting the challenges and opportunities they face on the path to clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Medina
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - David H Perez
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Antfolk
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Vincent C Luca
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ballhause TM, Jiang S, Xie W, Sevecke J, Dowling C, Dust T, Brandt S, Mertens PR, Yorgan TA, Schinke T, Frosch KH, Baranowsky A, Keller J. Fracture healing in a mouse model of Hajdu-Cheney-Syndrome with high turnover osteopenia results in decreased biomechanical stability. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11418. [PMID: 37452111 PMCID: PMC10349118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38638-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling regulates cell fate in multiple tissues including the skeleton. Hajdu-Cheney-Syndrome (HCS), caused by gain-of-function mutations in the Notch2 gene, is a rare inherited disease featuring early-onset osteoporosis and increased risk for fractures and non-union. As the impact of Notch2 overactivation on fracture healing is unknown, we studied bone regeneration in mice harboring a human HCS mutation. HCS mice, displaying high turnover osteopenia in the non-fractured skeleton, exhibited only minor morphologic alterations in the progression of bone regeneration, evidenced by static radiological and histological outcome measurements. Histomorphometry showed increased osteoclast parameters in the callus of HCS mice, which was accompanied by an increased expression of osteoclast and osteoblast markers. These observations were accompanied by inferior biomechanical stability of healed femora in HCS mice. Together, our data demonstrate that structural indices of bone regeneration are normal in HCS mice, which, however, exhibit signs of increased callus turnover and display impaired biomechanical stability of healed fractures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Malte Ballhause
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Weixin Xie
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Sevecke
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Dowling
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Dust
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Brandt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter R Mertens
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Timur Alexander Yorgan
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schinke
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Frosch
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Sports Traumatology, BG Hospital Hamburg, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Baranowsky
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Keller
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Michaels YS, Durland LJ, Zandstra PW. Engineering T Cell Development for the Next Generation of Stem Cell-Derived Immunotherapies. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 2:106-119. [PMID: 37928777 PMCID: PMC10624212 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2023.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Engineered T cells are at the leading edge of clinical cell therapy. T cell therapies have had a remarkable impact on patient care for a subset of hematological malignancies. This foundation has motivated the development of off-the-shelf engineered cell therapies for a broad range of devastating indications. Achieving this vision will require cost-effective manufacturing of precision cell products capable of addressing multiple process and clinical-design challenges. Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived engineered T cells are emerging as a solution of choice. To unleash the full potential of PSC-derived T cell therapies, the field will require technologies capable of robustly orchestrating the complex series of time- and dose-dependent signaling events needed to recreate functional T cell development in the laboratory. In this article, we review the current state of allogenic T cell therapies, focusing on strategies to generate engineered lymphoid cells from PSCs. We highlight exciting recent progress in this field and outline timely opportunities for advancement with an emphasis on niche engineering and synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yale S. Michaels
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lauren J. Durland
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter W. Zandstra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gonzalez-Perez D, Das S, Antfolk D, Ahsan HS, Medina E, Dundes CE, Jokhai RT, Egan ED, Blacklow SC, Loh KM, Rodriguez PC, Luca VC. Affinity-matured DLL4 ligands as broad-spectrum modulators of Notch signaling. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:9-17. [PMID: 36050494 PMCID: PMC10132381 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway regulates cell fate decisions and is an emerging target for regenerative and cancer therapies. Recombinant Notch ligands are attractive candidates for modulating Notch signaling; however, their intrinsically low receptor-binding affinity restricts their utility in biomedical applications. To overcome this limitation, we evolved variants of the ligand Delta-like 4 with enhanced affinity and cross-reactivity. A consensus variant with maximized binding affinity, DeltaMAX, binds human and murine Notch receptors with 500- to 1,000-fold increased affinity compared with wild-type human Delta-like 4. DeltaMAX also potently activates Notch in plate-bound, bead-bound and cellular formats. When administered as a soluble decoy, DeltaMAX inhibits Notch in reporter and neuronal differentiation assays, highlighting its dual utility as an agonist or antagonist. Finally, we demonstrate that DeltaMAX stimulates increased proliferation and expression of effector mediators in T cells. Taken together, our data define DeltaMAX as a versatile tool for broad-spectrum activation or inhibition of Notch signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Satyajit Das
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Antfolk
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hadia S Ahsan
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elliot Medina
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Carolyn E Dundes
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rayyan T Jokhai
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily D Egan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen C Blacklow
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle M Loh
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Vincent C Luca
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bumping CAR T cells up a Notch. Blood 2022; 140:2185-2186. [PMID: 36422861 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
|
7
|
Canalis E, Yee SP, Economides AN, Schilling L, Yu J. Induction of a NOTCH3 Lehman syndrome mutation in osteocytes causes osteopenia in male C57BL/6J mice. Bone 2022; 162:116476. [PMID: 35760307 PMCID: PMC10870228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Lateral Meningocele or Lehman Syndrome (LMS) is associated with NOTCH3 mutations causing deletions of the PEST domain and a gain-of-NOTCH3 function. We demonstrated that Notch3em1Ecan mice harboring Notch3 mutations analogous to those found in LMS are osteopenic because of enhanced bone resorption. To determine the contribution of specific cell lineages to the phenotype, we created a conditional-by-inversion (Notch3COIN) model termed Notch3em2Ecan in which Cre recombination generates a Notch3INV allele expressing a NOTCH3 mutant lacking the PEST domain. Germ line Notch3COIN inversion caused osteopenia and phenocopied the Notch3em1Ecan mutant, validating the model. To induce the mutation in osteocytes, smooth muscle and endothelial cells, Notch3COIN mice were bred with mice expressing Cre from the Dmp1, Sm22a and Cdh5 promoters, respectively, creating experimental mice harboring Notch3INV alleles in Cre-expressing cells and control littermates harboring Notch3COIN alleles. Notch3COIN inversion in osteocytes led to femoral and vertebral cancellous bone osteopenia, whereas Notch3COIN inversion in mural Sm22a or endothelial Cdh5-expressing cells did not result in a skeletal phenotype. In conclusion, introduction of the LMS mutation in osteocytes but not in vascular cells causes osteopenia and phenocopies Notch3em1Ecan global mutant mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Canalis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States; Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States; UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States.
| | - S P Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States
| | - A N Economides
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10531, United States
| | - L Schilling
- UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States
| | - J Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States; UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hounjet J, Vooijs M. The Role of Intracellular Trafficking of Notch Receptors in Ligand-Independent Notch Activation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091369. [PMID: 34572582 PMCID: PMC8466058 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Notch signaling has been found in a broad range of human malignancies. Consequently, small molecule inhibitors and antibodies targeting Notch signaling in human cancers have been developed and tested; however, these have failed due to limited anti-tumor efficacy because of dose-limiting toxicities in normal tissues. Therefore, there is an unmet need to discover novel regulators of malignant Notch signaling, which do not affect Notch signaling in healthy tissues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the role of intracellular trafficking in ligand-independent Notch receptor activation, the possible mechanisms involved, and possible therapeutic opportunities for inhibitors of intracellular trafficking in Notch targeting.
Collapse
|
9
|
Xiu M, Wang Y, Li B, Wang X, Xiao F, Chen S, Zhang L, Zhou B, Hua F. The Role of Notch3 Signaling in Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:694141. [PMID: 34195229 PMCID: PMC8237348 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.694141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Notch signaling profoundly affects cancer progression. Especially the Notch3 receptor was found to be dysregulated in cancer, where its expression is correlated with worse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. The activation of Notch3 signaling is closely related to the activation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation in cancer that is responsible for cancer progression. In addition, Notch3 signaling also contributes to tumor chemoresistance against several drugs, including doxorubicin, platinum, taxane, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and gemcitabine, through complex mechanisms. In this review, we mainly focus on discussing the molecular mechanisms by which Notch3 modulates cancer stemness and chemoresistance, as well as other cancer behaviors including metastasis and angiogenesis. What’s more, we propose potential treatment strategies to block Notch3 signaling, such as non-coding RNAs, antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, providing a comprehensive reference for research on precise targeted cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoli Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Shoulin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Lieliang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Notch signaling is a conserved system of communication between adjacent cells, influencing numerous cell fate decisions in the development of multicellular organisms. Aberrant signaling is also implicated in many human pathologies. At its core, Notch has a mechanotransduction module that decodes receptor-ligand engagement at the cell surface under force to permit proteolytic cleavage of the receptor, leading to the release of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD). NICD enters the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional effector to regulate expression of Notch-responsive genes. In this article, we review and integrate current understanding of the detailed molecular basis for Notch signal transduction, highlighting quantitative, structural, and dynamic features of this developmentally central signaling mechanism. We discuss the implications of this mechanistic understanding for the functionality of the signaling pathway in different molecular and cellular contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Sprinzak
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel;
| | - Stephen C Blacklow
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Relevance of Notch Signaling for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031325. [PMID: 33572704 PMCID: PMC7865281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch1-4 receptors and their signaling pathways are expressed in almost all organ systems and play a pivotal role in cell fate decision by coordinating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Differential expression and activation of Notch signaling pathways has been observed in a variety of organs and tissues under physiological and pathological conditions. Bone tissue represents a dynamic system, which is constantly remodeled throughout life. In bone, Notch receptors have been shown to control remodeling and regeneration. Numerous functions have been assigned to Notch receptors and ligands, including osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization, osteoclast recruitment and cell fusion and osteoblast/osteoclast progenitor cell proliferation. The expression and function of Notch1-4 in the skeleton are distinct and closely depend on the temporal expression at different differentiation stages. This review addresses the current knowledge on Notch signaling in adult bone with emphasis on metabolism, bone regeneration and degenerative skeletal disorders, as well as congenital disorders associated with mutant Notch genes. Moreover, the crosstalk between Notch signaling and other important pathways involved in bone turnover, including Wnt/β-catenin, BMP and RANKL/OPG, are outlined.
Collapse
|
12
|
Therapeutic Targeting of Notch Signaling Pathway in Hematological Malignancies. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2019; 11:e2019037. [PMID: 31308913 PMCID: PMC6613627 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2019.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch pathway plays a key role in several processes, including stem-cell self-renewal, proliferation, and cell differentiation. Several studies identified recurrent mutations in hematological malignancies making Notch one of the most desirable targets in leukemia and lymphoma. The Notch signaling mediates resistance to therapy and controls cancer stem cells supporting the development of on-target therapeutic strategies to improve patients’ outcome. In this brief review, we outline the therapeutic potential of targeting Notch pathway in T-cell acute jlymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and mantle cell lymphoma.
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu J, Siebel CW, Schilling L, Canalis E. An antibody to Notch3 reverses the skeletal phenotype of lateral meningocele syndrome in male mice. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:210-220. [PMID: 31188489 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lateral meningocele syndrome (LMS), a genetic disorder characterized by meningoceles and skeletal abnormalities, is associated with NOTCH3 mutations. We created a mouse model of LMS (Notch3tm1.1Ecan ) by introducing a tandem termination codon in the Notch3 locus upstream of the proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S) and threonine (T) domain. Microcomputed tomography demonstrated that Notch3tm1.1Ecan mice exhibit osteopenia. The cancellous bone osteopenia was no longer observed after the intraperitoneal administration of antibodies directed to the negative regulatory region (NRR) of Notch3. The anti-Notch3 NRR antibody suppressed the expression of Hes1, Hey1, and Hey2 (Notch target genes), and decreased Tnfsf11 (receptor activator of NF Kappa B ligand) messenger RNA in Notch3tm1.1Ecan osteoblast (OB) cultures. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from Notch3tm1.1Ecan mutants exhibited enhanced osteoclastogenesis in culture, and this was increased in cocultures with Notch3tm1.1Ecan OB. Osteoclastogenesis was suppressed by anti-Notch3 NRR antibodies in Notch3tm1.1Ecan OB/BMM cocultures. In conclusion, the cancellous bone osteopenia of Notch3tm1.1Ecan mutants is reversed by anti-Notch3 NRR antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut.,The UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Christian W Siebel
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California
| | - Lauren Schilling
- The UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Ernesto Canalis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut.,The UConn Musculoskeletal Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut.,Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hayward AN, Aird EJ, Gordon WR. A toolkit for studying cell surface shedding of diverse transmembrane receptors. eLife 2019; 8:e46983. [PMID: 31172946 PMCID: PMC6586460 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis of transmembrane receptors is a critical cellular communication mechanism dysregulated in disease, yet decoding proteolytic regulation mechanisms of hundreds of shed receptors is hindered by difficulties controlling stimuli and unknown fates of cleavage products. Notch proteolytic regulation is a notable exception, where intercellular forces drive exposure of a cryptic protease site within a juxtamembrane proteolytic switch domain to activate transcriptional programs. We created a Synthetic Notch Assay for Proteolytic Switches (SNAPS) that exploits the modularity and unequivocal input/response of Notch proteolysis to screen surface receptors for other putative proteolytic switches. We identify several new proteolytic switches among receptors with structural homology to Notch. We demonstrate SNAPS can detect shedding in chimeras of diverse cell surface receptors, leading to new, testable hypotheses. Finally, we establish the assay can be used to measure modulation of proteolysis by potential therapeutics and offer new mechanistic insights into how DECMA-1 disrupts cell adhesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Hayward
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and BiophysicsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Eric J Aird
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and BiophysicsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Wendy R Gordon
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and BiophysicsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
MS-based conformation analysis of recombinant proteins in design, optimization and development of biopharmaceuticals. Methods 2018; 144:134-151. [PMID: 29678586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS)-based methods for analyzing protein higher order structures have gained increasing application in the field of biopharmaceutical development. The predominant methods used in this area include native MS, hydrogen deuterium exchange-MS, covalent labeling, cross-linking and limited proteolysis. These MS-based methods will be briefly described in this article, followed by a discussion on how these methods contribute at different stages of discovery and development of protein therapeutics.
Collapse
|
16
|
Bernasconi-Elias P, Hu T, Jenkins D, Firestone B, Gans S, Kurth E, Capodieci P, Deplazes-Lauber J, Petropoulos K, Thiel P, Ponsel D, Hee Choi S, LeMotte P, London A, Goetcshkes M, Nolin E, Jones MD, Slocum K, Kluk MJ, Weinstock DM, Christodoulou A, Weinberg O, Jaehrling J, Ettenberg SA, Buckler A, Blacklow SC, Aster JC, Fryer CJ. Characterization of activating mutations of NOTCH3 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and anti-leukemic activity of NOTCH3 inhibitory antibodies. Oncogene 2016; 35:6077-6086. [PMID: 27157619 PMCID: PMC5102827 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Notch receptors have been implicated as oncogenic drivers in several cancers, the most notable example being NOTCH1 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). To characterize the role of activated NOTCH3 in cancer, we generated an antibody that detects the neo-epitope created upon gamma-secretase cleavage of NOTCH3 to release its intracellular domain (ICD3), and sequenced the negative regulatory region (NRR) and PEST domain coding regions of NOTCH3 in a panel of cell lines. We also characterize NOTCH3 tumor-associated mutations that result in activation of signaling and report new inhibitory antibodies. We determined the structural basis for receptor inhibition by obtaining the first co-crystal structure of a NOTCH3 antibody with the NRR protein and defined two distinct epitopes for NRR antibodies. The antibodies exhibit potent anti-leukemic activity in cell lines and tumor xenografts harboring NOTCH3 activating mutations. Screening of primary T-ALL samples reveals that two of 40 tumors examined show active NOTCH3 signaling. We also identified evidence of NOTCH3 activation in 12 of 24 patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models, two of which exhibit activation of NOTCH3 without activation of NOTCH1. Our studies provide additional insights into NOTCH3 activation and offer a path forward for identification of cancers that are likely to respond to therapy with NOTCH3 selective inhibitory antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Bernasconi-Elias
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - T Hu
- Center for Proteomic Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - D Jenkins
- Department of Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - B Firestone
- Department of Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - S Gans
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - E Kurth
- Department of Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P Capodieci
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - J Deplazes-Lauber
- Discovery Alliances and Technologies, MorphoSys AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - K Petropoulos
- Discovery Alliances and Technologies, MorphoSys AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - P Thiel
- Discovery Alliances and Technologies, MorphoSys AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - D Ponsel
- Discovery Alliances and Technologies, MorphoSys AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - S Hee Choi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P LeMotte
- Department of Biologics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A London
- Department of Biologics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - M Goetcshkes
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - E Nolin
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - M D Jones
- Department of Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - K Slocum
- Department of Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - M J Kluk
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D M Weinstock
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Christodoulou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - O Weinberg
- Pathology Children Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Jaehrling
- Discovery Alliances and Technologies, MorphoSys AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - S A Ettenberg
- Department of Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A Buckler
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - S C Blacklow
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J C Aster
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C J Fryer
- Developmental and Molecular Pathways, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Astudillo L, Da Silva TG, Wang Z, Han X, Jin K, VanWye J, Zhu X, Weaver K, Oashi T, Lopes PEM, Orton D, Neitzel LR, Lee E, Landgraf R, Robbins DJ, MacKerell AD, Capobianco AJ. The Small Molecule IMR-1 Inhibits the Notch Transcriptional Activation Complex to Suppress Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2016; 76:3593-603. [PMID: 27197169 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In many cancers, aberrant Notch activity has been demonstrated to play a role in the initiation and maintenance of the neoplastic phenotype and in cancer stem cells, which may allude to its additional involvement in metastasis and resistance to therapy. Therefore, Notch is an exceedingly attractive therapeutic target in cancer, but the full range of potential targets within the pathway has been underexplored. To date, there are no small-molecule inhibitors that directly target the intracellular Notch pathway or the assembly of the transcriptional activation complex. Here, we describe an in vitro assay that quantitatively measures the assembly of the Notch transcriptional complex on DNA. Integrating this approach with computer-aided drug design, we explored potential ligand-binding sites and screened for compounds that could disrupt the assembly of the Notch transcriptional activation complex. We identified a small-molecule inhibitor, termed Inhibitor of Mastermind Recruitment-1 (IMR-1), that disrupted the recruitment of Mastermind-like 1 to the Notch transcriptional activation complex on chromatin, thereby attenuating Notch target gene transcription. Furthermore, IMR-1 inhibited the growth of Notch-dependent cell lines and significantly abrogated the growth of patient-derived tumor xenografts. Taken together, our findings suggest that a novel class of Notch inhibitors targeting the transcriptional activation complex may represent a new paradigm for Notch-based anticancer therapeutics, warranting further preclinical characterization. Cancer Res; 76(12); 3593-603. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisana Astudillo
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Thiago G Da Silva
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Xiaoqing Han
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Ke Jin
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Jeffrey VanWye
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Kelly Weaver
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Taiji Oashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pedro E M Lopes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Leif R Neitzel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ralf Landgraf
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - David J Robbins
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Alexander D MacKerell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anthony J Capobianco
- Molecular Oncology Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yahyanejad S, Theys J, Vooijs M. Targeting Notch to overcome radiation resistance. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7610-28. [PMID: 26713603 PMCID: PMC4884942 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy represents an important therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancer cells. However, it often fails to eliminate all tumor cells because of the intrinsic or acquired treatment resistance, which is the most common cause of tumor recurrence. Emerging evidences suggest that the Notch signaling pathway is an important pathway mediating radiation resistance in tumor cells. Successful targeting of Notch signaling requires a thorough understanding of Notch regulation and the context-dependent interactions between Notch and other therapeutically relevant pathways. Understanding these interactions will increase our ability to design rational combination regimens that are more likely to be safe and effective. Here we summarize the role of Notch in mediating resistance to radiotherapy, the different strategies to block Notch in cancer cells and how treatment scheduling can improve tumor response. Finally, we discuss a need for reliable Notch related biomarkers in specific tumors to measure pathway activity and to allow identification of a subset of patients who are likely to benefit from Notch targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Yahyanejad
- Department of Radiotherapy (MAASTRO)/GROW, School for Developmental Biology and Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- Department of Radiotherapy (MAASTRO)/GROW, School for Developmental Biology and Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Vooijs
- Department of Radiotherapy (MAASTRO)/GROW, School for Developmental Biology and Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory
F. Pirrone
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115 United States
| | - Roxana E. Iacob
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115 United States
| | - John R. Engen
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02115 United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Engen JR, Wales TE. Analytical Aspects of Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2015; 8:127-48. [PMID: 26048552 PMCID: PMC4989240 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-062011-143113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the analytical aspects of measuring hydrogen exchange by mass spectrometry (HX MS). We describe the nature of analytical selectivity in hydrogen exchange, then review the analytical tools required to accomplish fragmentation, separation, and the mass spectrometry measurements under restrictive exchange quench conditions. In contrast to analytical quantitation that relies on measurements of peak intensity or area, quantitation in HX MS depends on measuring a mass change with respect to an undeuterated or deuterated control, resulting in a value between zero and the maximum amount of deuterium that can be incorporated. Reliable quantitation is a function of experimental fidelity and to achieve high measurement reproducibility, a large number of experimental variables must be controlled during sample preparation and analysis. The method also reports on important qualitative aspects of the sample, including conformational heterogeneity and population dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Janero DR. The future of drug discovery: enabling technologies for enhancing lead characterization and profiling therapeutic potential. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:847-58. [PMID: 24965547 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.925876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Technology often serves as a handmaiden and catalyst of invention. The discovery of safe, effective medications depends critically upon experimental approaches capable of providing high-impact information on the biological effects of drug candidates early in the discovery pipeline. This information can enable reliable lead identification, pharmacological compound differentiation and successful translation of research output into clinically useful therapeutics. The shallow preclinical profiling of candidate compounds promulgates a minimalistic understanding of their biological effects and undermines the level of value creation necessary for finding quality leads worth moving forward within the development pipeline with efficiency and prognostic reliability sufficient to help remediate the current pharma-industry productivity drought. Three specific technologies discussed herein, in addition to experimental areas intimately associated with contemporary drug discovery, appear to hold particular promise for strengthening the preclinical valuation of drug candidates by deepening lead characterization. These are: i) hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry for characterizing structural and ligand-interaction dynamics of disease-relevant proteins; ii) activity-based chemoproteomics for profiling the functional diversity of mammalian proteomes; and iii) nuclease-mediated precision gene editing for developing more translatable cellular and in vivo models of human diseases. When applied in an informed manner congruent with the clinical understanding of disease processes, technologies such as these that span levels of biological organization can serve as valuable enablers of drug discovery and potentially contribute to reducing the current, unacceptably high rates of compound clinical failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Janero
- Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Entrepreneurs , 360 Huntington Avenue, 116 Mugar Life Sciences Hall, Boston, MA 02115-5000 , USA +1 617 373 2208 ; +1 617 373 7493 ;
| |
Collapse
|