1
|
Structural, biological and computational study of oxamide derivative. JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/jsc211204114f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A dicarboxylato-diamide-type compound 2,2'-[(1,2-dioxoethane-1,2-
-diyl)diimino]dibenzoic acid (H4obbz) (1) was synthesized and characterized.
The crystal structure of K2H2obbz?2H2O (2) was determined by X-ray
diffracttion analysis. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds were
tested against four different cancer cell lines MCF-7, A549, HT-29, HeLa and
a human normal cell line MRC-5. The results indicate reasonable
dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the ligands that show selectivity against the
tested carcinoma and healthy cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis and
fluorescence microscopy showed that the most active compound, H4obbz,
induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, indicating blockage of DNA
synthesis as a possible mechanism that triggers apoptosis. Docking and
molecular dynamics simulations gave similar responses regarding interactions
(binding) between their ligands and chaperon Grp78. The MMGBSA determined ?G
binding energies were in the range from -104 to -140 kJ mol-1.
Collapse
|
2
|
Li X, Song Y. Structure, function and inhibition of critical protein-protein interactions involving mixed lineage leukemia 1 and its fusion oncoproteins. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33823889 PMCID: PMC8022399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1, also known as MLL or KMT2A) is an important transcription factor and histone-H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. It is a master regulator for transcription of important genes (e.g., Hox genes) for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. However, it is largely dispensable in matured cells. Dysregulation of MLL1 leads to overexpression of certain Hox genes and eventually leukemia initiation. Chromosome translocations involving MLL1 cause ~ 75% of acute leukemia in infants and 5–10% in children and adults with a poor prognosis. Targeted therapeutics against oncogenic fusion MLL1 (onco-MLL1) are therefore needed. Onco-MLL1 consists of the N-terminal DNA-interacting domains of MLL1 fused with one of > 70 fusion partners, among which transcription cofactors AF4, AF9 and its paralog ENL, and ELL are the most frequent. Wild-type (WT)- and onco-MLL1 involve numerous protein–protein interactions (PPI), which play critical roles in regulating gene expression in normal physiology and leukemia. Moreover, WT-MLL1 has been found to be essential for MLL1-rearranged (MLL1-r) leukemia. Rigorous studies of such PPIs have been performed and much progress has been achieved in understanding their structures, structure–function relationships and the mechanisms for activating gene transcription as well as leukemic transformation. Inhibition of several critical PPIs by peptides, peptidomimetic or small-molecule compounds has been explored as a therapeutic approach for MLL1-r leukemia. This review summarizes the biological functions, biochemistry, structure and inhibition of the critical PPIs involving MLL1 and its fusion partner proteins. In addition, challenges and perspectives of drug discovery targeting these PPIs for the treatment of MLL1-r leukemia are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santofimia-Castaño P, Rizzuti B, Xia Y, Abian O, Peng L, Velázquez-Campoy A, Neira JL, Iovanna J. Targeting intrinsically disordered proteins involved in cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1695-1707. [PMID: 31667555 PMCID: PMC7190594 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) do not have a well-defined structure under physiological conditions, but they have key roles in cell signaling and regulation, and they are frequently related to the development of diseases, such as cancer and other malignancies. This has converted IDPs in attractive therapeutic targets; however, targeting IDPs is challenging because of their dynamic nature. In the last years, different experimental and computational approaches, as well as the combination of both, have been explored to identify molecules to target either the hot-spots or the allosteric sites of IDPs. In this review, we summarize recent developments in successful targeting of IDPs, all of which are involved in different cancer types. The strategies used to develop and design (or in one particular example, to repurpose) small molecules targeting IDPs are, in a global sense, similar to those used in well-folded proteins: (1) screening of chemically diverse or target-oriented compound libraries; or (2) study of the interfaces involved in recognition of their natural partners, and design of molecular candidates capable of binding to such binding interface. We describe the outcomes of using these approaches in targeting IDPs involved in cancer, in the view to providing insight, to target IDPs in general. In a broad sense, the designed small molecules seem to target the most hydrophobic regions of the IDPs, hampering macromolecule (DNA or protein)-IDP interactions; furthermore, in most of the molecule-IDP complexes described so far, the protein remains disordered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Santofimia-Castaño
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS, UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 31 C, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Yi Xia
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Olga Abian
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ling Peng
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, UMR 7325, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundacion ARAID, Government of Aragon, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José L Neira
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. del Ferrocarril s/n, Elche, 03202, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS, UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Basu S, Nandy A, Biswas D. Keeping RNA polymerase II on the run: Functions of MLL fusion partners in transcriptional regulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194563. [PMID: 32348849 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the identification of key MLL fusion partners as transcription elongation factors regulating expression of HOX cluster genes during hematopoiesis, extensive work from the last decade has resulted in significant progress in our overall mechanistic understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation of diverse set of genes beyond just the HOX cluster. In this review, we are going to detail overall understanding of role of MLL fusion partner proteins in transcriptional regulation and thus provide mechanistic insights into possible MLL fusion protein-mediated transcriptional misregulation leading to aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subham Basu
- Laboratory of Transcription Biology, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 32, India
| | - Arijit Nandy
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Debabrata Biswas
- Laboratory of Transcription Biology, Molecular Genetics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 32, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shah KK, Whitaker RH, Busby T, Hu J, Shi B, Wang Z, Zang C, Placzek WJ, Jiang H. Specific inhibition of DPY30 activity by ASH2L-derived peptides suppresses blood cancer cell growth. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111485. [PMID: 31251903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DPY30 facilitates H3K4 methylation by directly binding to ASH2L in the SET1/MLL complexes and plays an important role in hematologic malignancies. However, the domain on DPY30 that regulates cancer growth is not evident, and the potential of pharmacologically targeting this chromatin modulator to inhibit cancer has not been explored. Here we have developed a peptide-based strategy to specifically target DPY30 activity. We have designed cell-penetrating peptides derived from ASH2L that can either bind to DPY30 or show defective or enhanced binding to DPY30. The DPY30-binding peptides specifically inhibit DPY30's activity in interacting with ASH2L and enhancing H3K4 methylation. Treatment with the DPY30-binding peptides significantly inhibited the growth of MLL-rearranged leukemia and other MYC-dependent hematologic cancer cells. We also revealed subsets of genes that may mediate the effect of the peptides on cancer cell growth, and showed that the DPY30-binding peptide sensitized leukemia to other types of epigenetic inhibitors. These results strongly support a critical role of the ASH2L-binding groove of DPY30 in promoting blood cancers, and demonstrate a proof-of-principle for the feasibility of pharmacologically targeting the ASH2L-binding groove of DPY30 for potential cancer inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kushani K Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States
| | - Robert H Whitaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States
| | - Theodore Busby
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Bi Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Zhenjia Wang
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Chongzhi Zang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA; Center for Public Health Genomics, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - William J Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35294, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Martinelli AHS, Lopes FC, John EBO, Carlini CR, Ligabue-Braun R. Modulation of Disordered Proteins with a Focus on Neurodegenerative Diseases and Other Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061322. [PMID: 30875980 PMCID: PMC6471803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) do not have rigid 3D structures, showing changes in their folding depending on the environment or ligands. Intrinsically disordered proteins are widely spread in eukaryotic genomes, and these proteins participate in many cell regulatory metabolism processes. Some IDPs, when aberrantly folded, can be the cause of some diseases such as Alzheimer′s, Parkinson′s, and prionic, among others. In these diseases, there are modifications in parts of the protein or in its entirety. A common conformational variation of these IDPs is misfolding and aggregation, forming, for instance, neurotoxic amyloid plaques. In this review, we discuss some IDPs that are involved in neurodegenerative diseases (such as beta amyloid, alpha synuclein, tau, and the “IDP-like” PrP), cancer (p53, c-Myc), and diabetes (amylin), focusing on the structural changes of these IDPs that are linked to such pathologies. We also present the IDP modulation mechanisms that can be explored in new strategies for drug design. Lastly, we show some candidate drugs that can be used in the future for the treatment of diseases caused by misfolded IDPs, considering that cancer therapy has more advanced research in comparison to other diseases, while also discussing recent and future developments in this area of research. Therefore, we aim to provide support to the study of IDPs and their modulation mechanisms as promising approaches to combat such severe diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne H S Martinelli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology & Department of Biophysics, Biosciences Institute-IB, (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Center for Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Elisa B O John
- Center for Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Célia R Carlini
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre CEP 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 91410-000, RS, Brazil.
- Brain Institute-InsCer, Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre CEP 90050-170, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Targeting protein-protein interactions in hematologic malignancies: still a challenge or a great opportunity for future therapies? Immunol Rev 2015; 263:279-301. [PMID: 25510283 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the past several years, there has been an increasing research effort focused on inhibition of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancer, including hematologic malignancies. These efforts have led to development of small molecule inhibitors of PPIs, some of which already advanced to the stage of clinical trials while others are at different stages of preclinical optimization, emphasizing PPIs as an emerging and attractive class of drug targets. Here, we review several examples of recently developed inhibitors of PPIs highly relevant to hematologic cancers. We address the existing skepticism about feasibility of targeting PPIs and emphasize potential therapeutic benefit from blocking PPIs in hematologic malignancies. We then use these examples to discuss the approaches for successful identification of PPI inhibitors and provide analysis of the protein-protein interfaces, with the goal to address 'druggability' of new PPIs relevant to hematology. We discuss lessons learned to improve the success of targeting new PPIs and evaluate prospects and limits of the research in this field. We conclude that not all PPIs are equally tractable for blocking by small molecules, and detailed analysis of PPI interfaces is critical for selection of those with the highest chance of success. Together, our analysis uncovers patterns that should help to advance drug discovery in hematologic malignancies by successful targeting of new PPIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang Y, Cao H, Liu Z. Binding cavities and druggability of intrinsically disordered proteins. Protein Sci 2015; 24:688-705. [PMID: 25611056 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
To assess the potential of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) as drug design targets, we have analyzed the ligand-binding cavities of two datasets of IDPs (containing 37 and 16 entries, respectively) and compared their properties with those of conventional ordered (folded) proteins. IDPs were predicted to possess more binding cavity than ordered proteins at similar length, supporting the proposed advantage of IDPs economizing genome and protein resources. The cavity number has a wide distribution within each conformation ensemble for IDPs. The geometries of the cavities of IDPs differ from the cavities of ordered proteins, for example, the cavities of IDPs have larger surface areas and volumes, and are more likely to be composed of a single segment. The druggability of the cavities was examined, and the average druggable probability is estimated to be 9% for IDPs, which is almost twice that for ordered proteins (5%). Some IDPs with druggable cavities that are associated with diseases are listed. The optimism versus obstacles for drug design for IDPs is also briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yugang Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Watson VG, Drake KM, Peng Y, Napper AD. Development of a high-throughput screening-compatible assay for the discovery of inhibitors of the AF4-AF9 interaction using AlphaScreen technology. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2014; 11:253-68. [PMID: 23679849 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2012.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearrangements of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene occur predominately in pediatric leukemia cases and are generally predictors of a poor prognosis. These chromosomal rearrangements result in fusion of the protein MLL to one of more than 60 protein partners. MLL fusions are potent inducers of leukemia through activation of oncogene expression; therefore, targeting this transcriptional activation function may arrest MLL-rearranged (MLL-R) leukemia. Leukemic cell lines harboring the most common fusion protein, MLL-AF4, require the direct interaction of AF4 with the transcription factor AF9 to survive and self-renew; disrupting this interaction with a cell-penetrating AF4-derived peptide results in cell death, suggesting that the AF4-AF9 interaction could be a viable target for a novel MLL-R leukemia therapy. Here we describe the use of AlphaScreen technology to develop a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to detect nonpeptidic inhibitors of AF4-AF9 binding. The assay is economical, requiring only low nanomolar concentrations of biotinylated AF4-derived peptide and FLAG-tagged AF9 in low-volume 384-well plates. A Z'-factor of 0.71 and a signal-to-background ratio of 21.3 showed the assay to be robust, and sensitivity to inhibition was demonstrated with competing AF4-derived peptides. Two pilot screens comprising 5,680 compounds served as validation for HTS at Nemours and the Broad Institute. Assay artifacts were excluded using a counterscreen comprising a biotinylated FLAG peptide. This is the first reported HTS-compatible assay to identify compounds that inhibit a key binding interaction of an MLL fusion partner, and the results presented here demonstrate suitability for screening large chemical libraries in high-density, low-volume plate formats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venita Gresham Watson
- High-Throughput Screening and Drug Discovery Lab, Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Barretto NN, Karahalios DS, You D, Hemenway CS. An AF9/ENL-targted peptide with therapeutic potential in mixed lineage leukemias. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS AND ONCOLOGY 2014; 10:293-300. [PMID: 25509985 PMCID: PMC5172450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Misregulation of transcription elongation is proposed to underlie the pathobiology of MLL leukemia. AF4, AF9, and ENL, common MLL fusion partners, are found in complex with positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb). AF9 and its homolog ENL directly interact with AF4 within these complexes. Previously, we designed a peptide that mimics the AF9 binding domain of AF4 and reported that MLL leukemia cell lines are inhibited by it. Extending these studies, we have modified the peptide design in order to avoid recognition by proteases. The peptide is as effective as its predecessor in vitro and enhances survival in mice bearing MLL leukemia cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha N. Barretto
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue Maywood, IL 60153 USA
| | - Dean S. Karahalios
- College of Arts and Sciences, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 West Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60660 USA
| | - Dewen You
- Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue Maywood, IL 60153 USA
| | - Charles S. Hemenway
- Department of Pediatrics and the Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue Maywood, IL 60153 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Interference with RUNX1/ETO leukemogenic function by cell-penetrating peptides targeting the NHR2 oligomerization domain. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:297692. [PMID: 23865046 PMCID: PMC3707205 DOI: 10.1155/2013/297692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The leukemia-associated fusion protein RUNX1/ETO is generated by the chromosomal translocation t(8;21) which appears in about 12% of all de novo acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). Essential for the oncogenic potential of RUNX1/ETO is the oligomerization of the chimeric fusion protein through the nervy homology region 2 (NHR2) within ETO. In previous studies, we have shown that the intracellular expression of peptides containing the NHR2 domain inhibits RUNX1/ETO oligomerization, thereby preventing cell proliferation and inducing differentiation of RUNX1/ETO transformed cells. Here, we show that introduction of a recombinant TAT-NHR2 fusion polypeptide into the RUNX1/ETO growth-dependent myeloid cell line Kasumi-1 results in decreased cell proliferation and increased numbers of apoptotic cells. This effect was highly specific and mediated by binding the TAT-NHR2 peptide to ETO sequences, as TAT-polypeptides containing the oligomerization domain of BCR did not affect cell proliferation or apoptosis in Kasumi-1 cells. Thus, the selective interference with NHR2-mediated oligomerization by peptides represents a challenging but promising strategy for the inhibition of the leukemogenic potential of RUNX1/ETO in t(8;21)-positive leukemia.
Collapse
|
12
|
Leach BI, Kuntimaddi A, Schmidt CR, Cierpicki T, Johnson SA, Bushweller JH. Leukemia fusion target AF9 is an intrinsically disordered transcriptional regulator that recruits multiple partners via coupled folding and binding. Structure 2012; 21:176-183. [PMID: 23260655 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins cause oncogenic transformation of hematopoietic cells by constitutive recruitment of elongation factors to HOX promoters, resulting in overexpression of target genes. The structural basis of transactivation by MLL fusion partners remains undetermined. We show that the ANC1 homology domain (AHD) of AF9, one of the most common MLL translocation partners, is intrinsically disordered and recruits multiple transcription factors through coupled folding and binding. We determined the structure of the AF9 AHD in complex with the elongation factor AF4 and show that aliphatic residues, which are conserved in each of the AF9 binding partners, form an integral part of the hydrophobic core of the complex. Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation measurements show that AF9 retains significant dynamic behavior which may facilitate exchange between disordered partners. We propose that AF9 functions as a signaling hub that regulates transcription through dynamic recruitment of cofactors in normal hematopoiesis and in acute leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin I Leach
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Aravinda Kuntimaddi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Charles R Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Stephanie A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ballabio E, Milne TA. Molecular and Epigenetic Mechanisms of MLL in Human Leukemogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2012; 4:904-44. [PMID: 24213472 PMCID: PMC3712720 DOI: 10.3390/cancers4030904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is often defined as the study of heritable changes in gene expression or chromosome stability that don’t alter the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are established through multiple mechanisms that include DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs and the covalent modification of specific residues on histone proteins. It is becoming clear not only that aberrant epigenetic changes are common in many human diseases such as leukemia, but that these changes by their very nature are malleable, and thus are amenable to treatment. Epigenetic based therapies have so far focused on the use of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, which tend to have more general and widespread effects on gene regulation in the cell. However, if a unique molecular pathway can be identified, diseases caused by epigenetic mechanisms are excellent candidates for the development of more targeted therapies that focus on specific gene targets, individual binding domains, or specific enzymatic activities. Designing effective targeted therapies depends on a clear understanding of the role of epigenetic mutations during disease progression. The Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) protein is an example of a developmentally important protein that controls the epigenetic activation of gene targets in part by methylating histone 3 on lysine 4. MLL is required for normal development, but is also mutated in a subset of aggressive human leukemias and thus provides a useful model for studying the link between epigenetic cell memory and human disease. The most common MLL mutations are chromosome translocations that fuse the MLL gene in frame with partner genes creating novel fusion proteins. In this review, we summarize recent work that argues MLL fusion proteins could function through a single molecular pathway, but we also highlight important data that suggests instead that multiple independent mechanisms underlie MLL mediated leukemogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Ballabio
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shuck SC, Turchi JJ. Targeted inhibition of Replication Protein A reveals cytotoxic activity, synergy with chemotherapeutic DNA-damaging agents, and insight into cellular function. Cancer Res 2010; 70:3189-98. [PMID: 20395205 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-3422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeting uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics with a single agent has significant potential in cancer treatment. Replication protein A (RPA), the eukaryotic ssDNA-binding protein, is essential for genomic maintenance and stability via roles in both DNA replication and repair. We have identified a novel small molecule that inhibits the in vitro and cellular ssDNA-binding activity of RPA, prevents cell cycle progression, induces cytotoxicity, and increases the efficacy of chemotherapeutic DNA-damaging agents. These results provide new insight into the mechanism of RPA-ssDNA interactions in chromosome maintenance and stability. This represents the first molecularly targeted eukaryotic DNA-binding inhibitor and reveals the utility of targeting a protein-DNA interaction as a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Shuck
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Genomic rearrangements of the locus 11q23 are frequently observed in aggressive acute leukemias with poor prognosis. These chromosomal aberrations fuse the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene to one of more than 50 partners. The resulting mixed-lineage leukemia fusions often code for chimeric transcriptional activators, which are able to transform normal hematopoietic cells through the deregulation of leukemogenic target genes. This review provides a concise overview about the known functions encoded in MLL and the respective fusion partners. Additionally, the roles of some target genes, as well as co-factors of mixed-lineage leukemia fusion proteins, are described with an emphasis on recent advances potentially uncovering novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bach
- Department of Genetics, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mueller D, García-Cuéllar MP, Bach C, Buhl S, Maethner E, Slany RK. Misguided transcriptional elongation causes mixed lineage leukemia. PLoS Biol 2009; 7:e1000249. [PMID: 19956800 PMCID: PMC2774266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigation of the activity of a family of fusion proteins that cause aggressive leukemia suggests transcriptional elongation as a new mechanism for oncogenic transformation. Fusion proteins composed of the histone methyltransferase mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) and a variety of unrelated fusion partners are highly leukemogenic. Despite their prevalence, particularly in pediatric acute leukemia, many molecular details of their transforming mechanism are unknown. Here, we provide mechanistic insight into the function of MLL fusions, demonstrating that they capture a transcriptional elongation complex that has been previously found associated with the eleven-nineteen leukemia protein (ENL). We show that this complex consists of a tight core stabilized by recursive protein–protein interactions. This central part integrates histone H3 lysine 79 methylation, RNA Polymerase II (RNA Pol II) phosphorylation, and MLL fusion partners to stimulate transcriptional elongation as evidenced by RNA tethering assays. Coimmunoprecipitations indicated that MLL fusions are incorporated into this complex, causing a constitutive recruitment of elongation activity to MLL target loci. Chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIP) of the homeobox gene A cluster confirmed a close relationship between binding of MLL fusions and transcript levels. A time-resolved ChIP utilizing a conditional MLL fusion singled out H3K79 methylation as the primary parameter correlated with target expression. The presence of MLL fusion proteins also kept RNA Pol II in an actively elongating state and prevented accumulation of inhibitory histone methylation on target chromatin. Hox loci remained open and productive in the presence of MLL fusion activity even under conditions of forced differentiation. Finally, MLL-transformed cells were particularly sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of RNA Pol II phosphorylation, pointing to a potential treatment for MLL. In summary, we show aberrant transcriptional elongation as a novel mechanism for oncogenic transformation. The expression level of a gene needs to be precisely adjusted to ensure proper function. Adjustments can be imposed at different stages during the overall process of gene expression, including transcription initiation, transcript elongation, and transcript processing. If control of one of these mechanisms fails, aberrant gene expression can occur, which may have severe consequences such as cellular transformation and the development of cancer. Here, we show that a class of aberrant fusion proteins that are causal in mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) hijacks a transcriptional elongation complex. We analyze the architecture of this transcriptional elongation complex and demonstrate that the complex is targeted by MLL fusion proteins to genes that should normally be silenced to allow maturation of hematopoietic cells. We show that this mistargeting causes constitutive expression of the respective genes, which likely leads to inhibition of blood cell differentiation at a precursor cell stage in which the cells are highly proliferative. Such abnormal precursor cells have been shown previously to be resistant to normal differentiation signals and to form the leukemia-initiating population. We further show here that cells carrying MLL fusion proteins are more sensitive to chemical inhibition of transcriptional elongation than leukemic cells of different etiology. Our results propose transcriptional elongation as a new oncogenic mechanism and point to a potential specific therapy for this hard-to-cure leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Bach
- Department of Genetics, University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Buhl
- Department of Genetics, University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Robert K. Slany
- Department of Genetics, University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Erkizan HV, Kong Y, Merchant M, Schlottmann S, Barber-Rotenberg JS, Abaan OD, Chou TH, Dakshanamurthy S, Brown ML, Üren A, Toretsky JA. A small molecule blocking oncogenic protein EWS-FLI1 interaction with RNA helicase A inhibits growth of Ewing's sarcoma. Nat Med 2009; 15:750-6. [PMID: 19584866 PMCID: PMC2777681 DOI: 10.1038/nm.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 05/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Many sarcomas and leukemias carry nonrandom chromosomal translocations encoding tumor-specific mutant fusion transcription factors that are essential to their molecular pathogenesis. Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs) contain a characteristic t(11;22) translocation leading to expression of the oncogenic fusion protein EWS-FLI1. EWS-FLI1 is a disordered protein that precludes standard structure-based small-molecule inhibitor design. EWS-FLI1 binding to RNA helicase A (RHA) is important for its oncogenic function. We therefore used surface plasmon resonance screening to identify compounds that bind EWS-FLI1 and might block its interaction with RHA. YK-4-279, a derivative of the lead compound from the screen, blocks RHA binding to EWS-FLI1, induces apoptosis in ESFT cells and reduces the growth of ESFT orthotopic xenografts. These findings provide proof of principle that inhibiting the interaction of mutant cancer-specific transcription factors with the normal cellular binding partners required for their oncogenic activity provides a promising strategy for the development of uniquely effective, tumor-specific anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey A. Toretsky
- Corresponding author Jeffrey A Toretsky 3970 Reservoir Rd NW New Research Building W311 Washington DC, 20007 Phone: 202-687-8655 Fax: 202-687-1434
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia is a very aggressive blood cancer that predominantly occurs in pediatric patients. In contrast to other types of childhood acute leukemias, mixed lineage leukemia presents with a dismal prognosis and despite the availability of advanced treatment methods cure rates have stagnated over the last years. Mixed lineage leukemia is characterized by the presence of MLL fusion proteins that are the result of chromosomal translocations affecting the MLL gene at 11q23. These events juxtapose the amino-terminus of the histone methyltransferase MLL with a variety of different fusion partners that destroy normal histone methyltransferase function of MLL and replace it by heterologous functions contributed by the fusion partner. The resulting chimeras are transcriptional regulators that take control of targets normally controlled by MLL with the clustered HOX homeobox genes as prominent examples. Recent studies suggested that MLL fusion partners activate transcription by two different mechanisms. Some of these proteins are themselves chromatin modifiers that introduce histone acetylation whereas other fusion partners can recruit histone methyltransferases. In particular, histone H3 specific methylation at lysine 79 catalyzed by DOT1L has been recognized as a hallmark of chromatin activated by MLL fusion proteins. Interestingly, several frequent MLL fusion partners seem to coordinate DOT1L activity with a protein complex that stimulates the elongation phase of transcription by phosphorylating the carboxy-terminal repeat domain of RNA polymerase II. The discovery of these novel enzymatic activities that are essentially involved in MLL fusion protein function presents potential new targets for a rational drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Slany
- Department of Genetics, University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Abstract
Treatment of hematologic malignancies is evolving from a uniform approach to targeted therapies directed at the underlying molecular abnormalities of disease. The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) proto-oncogene is a recurrent site of genetic rearrangements in acute leukemias; and since its discovery in 1992, many advances have been made in understanding its role in leukemogenesis. A variety of MLL translocation partners have been described, and detailed structure/function studies have identified functional domains that are required for transformation. Proteins associated with the MLL core complex or its fusion partners have been isolated and characterized for their critical roles in leukemia pathogenesis. Downstream mediators of MLL transcriptional regulation and multiple collaborating signaling pathways have been described and characterized. These advances in our understanding of MLL-related leukemogenesis provide a foundation for ongoing and future efforts to develop novel therapeutic strategies that will hopefully result in better treatment outcomes.
Collapse
|
21
|
Molecular targeting of MLL-rearranged leukemia cell lines with the synthetic peptide PFWT synergistically enhances the cytotoxic effect of established chemotherapeutic agents. Leuk Res 2009; 33:937-47. [PMID: 19232721 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Revised: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MLL leukemias are characterized cytogenetically by reciprocal translocations of the MLL gene at 11q23 and clinically by unfavorable outcomes. Evidence indicating that MLL leukemias are resistant to apoptosis encourages the identification of agents that induce cell death by other mechanisms. The AF4-mimetic peptide PFWT induces necrosis in the t(4;11) leukemia cell line, MV4-11. Treatment of MV4-11 cells with PFWT in combination with four chemotherapeutic compounds results in sequence-dependent synergy, induction of both apoptotic and necrotic cell death, and inhibition of MV4-11 clonogenicity. Therefore, PFWT holds promise as a therapy for MLL leukemias that augments the effects of several clinically available chemotherapeutic agents.
Collapse
|