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Chen ZL, Xie C, Zeng W, Huang RQ, Yang JE, Liu JY, Chen YJ, Zhuang SM. Synergistic induction of mitotic pyroptosis and tumor remission by inhibiting proteasome and WEE family kinases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:181. [PMID: 38992067 PMCID: PMC11239683 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01896-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitotic catastrophe (MC), which occurs under dysregulated mitosis, represents a fascinating tactic to specifically eradicate tumor cells. Whether pyroptosis can be a death form of MC remains unknown. Proteasome-mediated protein degradation is crucial for M-phase. Bortezomib (BTZ), which inhibits the 20S catalytic particle of proteasome, is approved to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, but not solid tumors due to primary resistance. To date, whether and how proteasome inhibitor affected the fates of cells in M-phase remains unexplored. Here, we show that BTZ treatment, or silencing of PSMC5, a subunit of 19S regulatory particle of proteasome, causes G2- and M-phase arrest, multi-polar spindle formation, and consequent caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in M-phase (designated as mitotic pyroptosis). Further investigations reveal that inhibitor of WEE1/PKMYT1 (PD0166285), but not inhibitor of ATR, CHK1 or CHK2, abrogates the BTZ-induced G2-phase arrest, thus exacerbates the BTZ-induced mitotic arrest and pyroptosis. Combined BTZ and PD0166285 treatment (named BP-Combo) selectively kills various types of solid tumor cells, and significantly lessens the IC50 of both BTZ and PD0166285 compared to BTZ or PD0166285 monotreatment. Studies using various mouse models show that BP-Combo has much stronger inhibition on tumor growth and metastasis than BTZ or PD0166285 monotreatment, and no obvious toxicity is observed in BP-Combo-treated mice. These findings disclose the effect of proteasome inhibitors in inducing pyroptosis in M-phase, characterize pyroptosis as a new death form of mitotic catastrophe, and identify dual inhibition of proteasome and WEE family kinases as a promising anti-cancer strategy to selectively kill solid tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Li Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chen Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Rui-Qi Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jin-E Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jin-Yu Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Jing Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shi-Mei Zhuang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China.
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Adnan Awad S, Dufva O, Klievink J, Karjalainen E, Ianevski A, Pietarinen P, Kim D, Potdar S, Wolf M, Lotfi K, Aittokallio T, Wennerberg K, Porkka K, Mustjoki S. Integrated drug profiling and CRISPR screening identify BCR::ABL1-independent vulnerabilities in chronic myeloid leukemia. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101521. [PMID: 38653245 PMCID: PMC11148568 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BCR::ABL1-independent pathways contribute to primary resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and play a role in leukemic stem cell persistence. Here, we perform ex vivo drug screening of CML CD34+ leukemic stem/progenitor cells using 100 single drugs and TKI-drug combinations and identify sensitivities to Wee1, MDM2, and BCL2 inhibitors. These agents effectively inhibit primitive CD34+CD38- CML cells and demonstrate potent synergies when combined with TKIs. Flow-cytometry-based drug screening identifies mepacrine to induce differentiation of CD34+CD38- cells. We employ genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening for six drugs, and mediator complex, apoptosis, and erythroid-lineage-related genes are identified as key resistance hits for TKIs, whereas the Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 and mepacrine exhibit distinct resistance profiles. KCTD5, a consistent TKI-resistance-conferring gene, is found to mediate TKI-induced BCR::ABL1 ubiquitination. In summary, we delineate potential mechanisms for primary TKI resistance and non-BCR::ABL1-targeting drugs, offering insights for optimizing CML treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/genetics
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/metabolism
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Line, Tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady Adnan Awad
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, 11796 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Olli Dufva
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jay Klievink
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ella Karjalainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute for Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aleksandr Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute for Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paavo Pietarinen
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daehong Kim
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute for Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija Wolf
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute for Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kourosh Lotfi
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute for Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway; Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute for Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Biotech Research & Innovation Centre and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kimmo Porkka
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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3
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Rodríguez-Vázquez GO, Diaz-Quiñones AO, Chorna N, Salgado-Villanueva IK, Tang J, Ortiz WIS, Maldonado HM. Synergistic interactions of cytarabine-adavosertib in leukemic cell lines proliferation and metabolomic endpoints. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115352. [PMID: 37633054 PMCID: PMC10530627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug synergy allows reduced dosing, side effects and tolerance. Optimization of drug synergy chemotherapy is fundamental in acute lymphocytic leukemia and other cancers. This study aimed to analyze the pharmacodynamic synergy between the anti-metabolite cytarabine and WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib on acute leukemia cell lines CCRF-CEM and Jurkat. In both cell lines analysis of concentration-inhibition curves of adavosertib-cytarabine combinations and synergy matrixes supported mutually synergistic drug interactions. Overall mean ( ± SD) synergy scores were higher in Jurkat than CCRF-CEM: Jurkat, ZIP 22.51 ± 1.1, Bliss 22.49 ± 1.1, HSA 23.44 ± 1.0, Loewe 14.16 ± 1.2; and, CCRF-CEM, ZIP 9.17 ± 1.9, Bliss 8.13 ± 2.1, HSA 11.48 ± 1.9 and Loewe 4.99 ± 1.8. Jurkat also surpassed CCRF-CEM in high-degree synergistic adavosertib-cytarabine interactions with mean across-models synergy values of ∼89.1% ± 2.9 for 63 nM cytarabine-97 nM adavosertib (91.4% inhibition synergy barometer). Combination sensitivity scores scatter plots confirmed combination's synergy efficacy. This combined approach permitted identification and prioritization of 63 nM cytarabine-97 nM adavosertib for multiple endpoints analysis. This combination did not affect PBMC viability, while exhibiting Jurkat selective synergy. Immunoblots also revealed Jurkat selective synergistically increased γH2AX phosphorylation, while CDC2 phosphorylation effects were attributed to adavosertib's WEE1 inhibition. In conclusion, the high synergistic efficacy combination of cytarabine (63 nM) and adavosertib (97 nM) was associated with remarkable alterations in metabolites related to the Krebs cycle in Jurkat. The metabolic pathways and processes are related to gluconeogenesis, amino acids, nucleotides, glutathione, electron transport and Warburg effect. All above relate to cell survival, apoptosis, and cancer progression. Our findings could pave the way for novel biomarkers in treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis of leukemia and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel O Rodríguez-Vázquez
- Pharmacology Department, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, PO Box 60327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
| | - Adriana O Diaz-Quiñones
- Pharmacology Department, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, PO Box 60327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
| | - Nataliya Chorna
- Biochemistry Department, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA
| | - Iris K Salgado-Villanueva
- Pharmacology Department, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, PO Box 60327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00290, Finland; Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Walter I Silva Ortiz
- Physiology Department, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA.
| | - Héctor M Maldonado
- Pharmacology Department, Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, PO Box 60327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
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4
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Della Monica R, Buonaiuto M, Cuomo M, Pagano C, Trio F, Costabile D, de Riso G, Cicala FS, Raia M, Franca RA, Del Basso De Caro M, Sorrentino D, Navarra G, Coppola L, Tripodi L, Pastore L, Hench J, Frank S, Schonauer C, Catapano G, Bifulco M, Chiariotti L, Visconti R. Targeted inhibition of the methyltransferase SETD8 synergizes with the Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib in restraining glioblastoma growth. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:638. [PMID: 37758718 PMCID: PMC10533811 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06167-3] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite intense research efforts, glioblastoma remains an incurable brain tumor with a dismal median survival time of 15 months. Thus, identifying new therapeutic targets is an urgent need. Here, we show that the lysine methyltransferase SETD8 is overexpressed in 50% of high-grade gliomas. The small molecule SETD8 inhibitor UNC0379, as well as siRNA-mediated inhibition of SETD8, blocked glioblastoma cell proliferation, by inducing DNA damage and activating cell cycle checkpoints. Specifically, in p53-proficient glioblastoma cells, SETD8 inhibition and DNA damage induced p21 accumulation and G1/S arrest whereas, in p53-deficient glioblastoma cells, DNA damage induced by SETD8 inhibition resulted in G2/M arrest mediated by Chk1 activation. Checkpoint abrogation, by the Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib, induced glioblastoma cell lines and primary cells, DNA-damaged by UNC0379, to progress to mitosis where they died by mitotic catastrophe. Finally, UNC0379 and adavosertib synergized in restraining glioblastoma growth in a murine xenograft model, providing a strong rationale to further explore this novel pharmacological approach for adjuvant glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Della Monica
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.
| | - Michela Buonaiuto
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariella Cuomo
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Trio
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
| | - Davide Costabile
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
- SEMM-European School of Molecular Medicine, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulia de Riso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Sveva Cicala
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Maddalena Raia
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Coppola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorella Tripodi
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Juergen Hench
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Pathology, Basel University Hospitals, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Pathology, Basel University Hospitals, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.
| | - Roberta Visconti
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies "Franco Salvatore", Napoli, Italy.
- Institute for the Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore", National Council of Research of Italy, Napoli, Italy.
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5
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Chen YW, Rini BI, Beckermann KE. Emerging Targets in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4843. [PMID: 36230766 PMCID: PMC9561986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual immune checkpoint blockade targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 (ipilimumab/nivolumab) or the IO combinations targeting PD-1 and anti-VEGF TKIs (pembrolizumab/axitinib, nivolumab/cabozantinib, pembrolizumab/lenvatinib) have demonstrated an overall survival benefit in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite this significant improvement in clinical outcomes in the frontline setting from IO/IO or the IO/TKI combinations, there is a subset of patients of advanced ccRCC that do not respond to such combinations or will lose the initial efficacy and have disease progression. Therefore, a remarkable unmet need exists to develop new therapeutics to improve outcomes. With an enhanced understanding of ccRCC biology and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment, several new therapies are under development targeting ccRCC metabolism, cytokine-signaling, alternative immune checkpoint proteins, and novel biological pathways. In addition, microbiome products enhancing IO response, antibody-drug conjugates, and targeted radionuclides are also being investigated. This review summarizes selected emerging agents that are under development in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brian I. Rini
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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6
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Vakili-Samiani S, Turki Jalil A, Abdelbasset WK, Yumashev AV, Karpisheh V, Jalali P, Adibfar S, Ahmadi M, Hosseinpour Feizi AA, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Targeting Wee1 kinase as a therapeutic approach in Hematological Malignancies. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 107:103203. [PMID: 34390915 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies include various diseases that develop from hematopoietic stem cells of bone marrow or lymphatic organs. Currently, conventional DNA-damage-based chemotherapy drugs are approved as standard therapeutic regimens for these malignancies. Although many improvements have been made, patients with relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies have a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel and practical therapeutic approaches are required for the treatment of these diseases. Interestingly several studies have shown that targeting Wee1 kinase in the Hematological malignancies, including AML, ALL, CML, CLL, DLBCL, BL, MCL, etc., can be an effective therapeutic strategy. It plays an essential role in regulating the cell cycle process by abrogating the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint, which provides time for DNA damage repair before mitotic entry. Consistently, Wee1 overexpression is observed in various Hematological malignancies. Also, in healthy normal cells, repairing DNA damages occurs due to G1-S checkpoint function; however, in the cancer cells, which have an impaired G1-S checkpoint, the damaged DNA repair process depends on the G2-M checkpoint function. Thus, Wee1 inhibition could be a promising target in the presence of DNA damage in order to potentiate multiple therapeutic drugs. This review summarized the potentials and challenges of Wee1 inhibition combined with other therapies as a novel effective therapeutic strategy in Hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Vakili-Samiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia; Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pooya Jalali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sara Adibfar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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7
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Ghelli Luserna di Rorà A, Cerchione C, Martinelli G, Simonetti G. A WEE1 family business: regulation of mitosis, cancer progression, and therapeutic target. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:126. [PMID: 32958072 PMCID: PMC7507691 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in the treatment of cancer has recently gained interest, and different DDR inhibitors have been developed. Among them, the most promising ones target the WEE1 kinase family, which has a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage identification and repair in both nonmalignant and cancer cells. This review recapitulates and discusses the most recent findings on the biological function of WEE1/PKMYT1 during the cell cycle and in the DNA damage repair, with a focus on their dual role as tumor suppressors in nonmalignant cells and pseudo-oncogenes in cancer cells. We here report the available data on the molecular and functional alterations of WEE1/PKMYT1 kinases in both hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, we summarize the preclinical information on 36 chemo/radiotherapy agents, and in particular their effect on cell cycle checkpoints and on the cellular WEE1/PKMYT1-dependent response. Finally, this review outlines the most important pre-clinical and clinical data available on the efficacy of WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibitors in monotherapy and in combination with chemo/radiotherapy agents or with other selective inhibitors currently used or under evaluation for the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ghelli Luserna di Rorà
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
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8
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Co-operation of ABT-199 and gemcitabine in impeding DNA damage repair and inducing cell apoptosis for synergistic therapy of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 30:138-148. [PMID: 30320607 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a high-risk subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with limited therapeutic options available. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the combination of the Bcl-2 antagonist ABT-199 and cytotoxic agent gemcitabine in T-ALL cell lines. Our results showed that the combination of ABT-199 and gemcitabine exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity and induced significant apoptosis in human T-ALL cell lines (Jurkat and Molt4). The augmented apoptosis induced by combination treatment was accompanied by the greater extent of mitochondrial depolarization and enhanced DNA damage. Importantly, single agent induced DNA damage alone but did not inhibit RAD51/BRCA1-mediated repair for DNA double-strand breaks. In contrast, the combination of ABT-199 and gemcitabine disrupted RAD51/BRCA1-dependent DNA repair and remarkably activated caspase-3 and PARP to trigger apoptosis. Moreover, ABT-199 exerted an antagonistic action towards Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, but to a certain extent moderately increased Mcl-1 level that could be compromised by gemcitabine. In conclusion, our study showed that the combination of ABT-199 and gemcitabine exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity in T-ALL cells by cooperatively targeting DNA damage repair pathway and Bcl-2 family proteins.
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Garcia TB, Uluisik RC, van Linden AA, Jones KL, Venkataraman S, Vibhakar R, Porter CC. Increased HDAC Activity and c-MYC Expression Mediate Acquired Resistance to WEE1 Inhibition in Acute Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 10:296. [PMID: 32195191 PMCID: PMC7066074 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
WEE1 is a cell cycle and DNA damage response kinase that is emerging as a therapeutic target for cancer. AZD1775 is a small molecule inhibitor of WEE1, currently in early phase clinical trials as a single agent and in combination with more conventional anti-neoplastic agents. As resistance to kinase inhibitors is frequent, we sought to identify mechanisms of resistance to WEE1 inhibition in acute leukemia. We found that AZD1775 resistant cell lines are dependent upon increased HDAC activity for their survival, in part due to increased KDM5A activity. In addition, gene expression analyses demonstrate HDAC dependent increase in MYC expression and c-MYC activity in AZD1775 treated resistant cells. Overexpression of c-MYC confers resistance to AZD1775 in cell lines with low baseline expression. Pharmacologic inhibition of BRD4, and thereby c-MYC, partially abrogated resistance to AZD1775. Thus, acquired resistance to WEE1 inhibition may be reversed by HDAC or BRD4 inhibition in leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara B. Garcia
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rizvan C. Uluisik
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Annemie A. van Linden
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sujatha Venkataraman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rajeev Vibhakar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christopher C. Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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10
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Koppenhafer SL, Goss KL, Terry WW, Gordon DJ. Inhibition of the ATR-CHK1 Pathway in Ewing Sarcoma Cells Causes DNA Damage and Apoptosis via the CDK2-Mediated Degradation of RRM2. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:91-104. [PMID: 31649026 PMCID: PMC6942212 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, causes DNA replication stress and activates the ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related protein (ATR)-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) pathway. Notably, a number of different cancers, including Ewing sarcoma tumors, are sensitive to the combination of RNR and ATR-CHK1 inhibitors. However, multiple, overlapping mechanisms are reported to underlie the toxicity of ATR-CHK1 inhibitors, both as single agents and in combination with RNR inhibitors, toward cancer cells. Here, we identified a feedback loop in Ewing sarcoma cells in which inhibition of the ATR-CHK1 pathway depletes RRM2, the small subunit of RNR, and exacerbates the DNA replication stress and DNA damage caused by RNR inhibitors. Mechanistically, we identified that the inhibition of ATR-CHK1 activates CDK2, which targets RRM2 for degradation via the proteasome. Similarly, activation of CDK2 by inhibition or knockdown of the WEE1 kinase also depletes RRM2 and causes DNA damage and apoptosis. Moreover, we show that the concurrent inhibition of ATR and WEE1 has a synergistic effect in Ewing sarcoma cells. Overall, our results provide novel insight into the response to DNA replication stress, as well as a rationale for targeting the ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 pathways, in Ewing sarcoma tumors. IMPLICATIONS: Targeting the ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 kinases in Ewing sarcoma cells activates CDK2 and increases DNA replication stress by promoting the proteasome-mediated degradation of RRM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacia L Koppenhafer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kelli L Goss
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - William W Terry
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David J Gordon
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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11
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Liu Q, Gao J, Zhao C, Guo Y, Wang S, Shen F, Xing X, Luo Y. To control or to be controlled? Dual roles of CDK2 in DNA damage and DNA damage response. DNA Repair (Amst) 2019; 85:102702. [PMID: 31731257 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.102702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2), a member of the CDK family, has been shown to play a role in many cellular activities including cell cycle progression, apoptosis and senescence. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that CDK2 is involved in DNA damage and DNA repair response (DDR). When DNA is damaged by internal or external genotoxic stresses, CDK2 activity is required for proper DNA repair in vivo and in vitro, whereas inactivation of CDK2 by siRNA techniques or by inhibitors could result in DNA damage and stimulate DDR. Hence, CDK2 seems to play dual roles in DNA damage and DDR. On one aspect, it is activated and stimulates DDR to repair DNA damage when DNA damage occurs; on the other hand, its inactivation directly leads to DNA damage and evokes DDR. Here, we describe the roles of CDK2 in DNA damage and DDR, and discuss the potential application of CDK2 inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Jinlan Gao
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yingying Guo
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Shiquan Wang
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Fei Shen
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Xuesha Xing
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yang Luo
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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12
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Diab A, Kao M, Kehrli K, Kim HY, Sidorova J, Mendez E. Multiple Defects Sensitize p53-Deficient Head and Neck Cancer Cells to the WEE1 Kinase Inhibition. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1115-1128. [PMID: 30679201 PMCID: PMC6497558 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The p53 gene is the most commonly mutated gene in solid tumors, but leveraging p53 status in therapy remains a challenge. Previously, we determined that p53 deficiency sensitizes head and neck cancer cells to AZD1775, a WEE1 kinase inhibitor, and translated our findings into a phase I clinical trial. Here, we investigate how p53 affects cellular responses to AZD1775 at the molecular level. We found that p53 modulates both replication stress and mitotic deregulation triggered by WEE1 inhibition. Without p53, slowing of replication forks due to replication stress is exacerbated. Abnormal, γH2AX-positive mitoses become more common and can proceed with damaged or underreplicated DNA. p53-deficient cells fail to properly recover from WEE1 inhibition and exhibit fewer 53BP1 nuclear bodies despite evidence of unresolved damage. A faulty G1-S checkpoint propagates this damage into the next division. Together, these deficiencies can intensify damages in each consecutive cell cycle in the drug. IMPLICATIONS: The data encourage the use of AZD1775 in combination with genotoxic modalities against p53-deficient head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Diab
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael Kao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Keffy Kehrli
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Hee Yeon Kim
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Julia Sidorova
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Eduardo Mendez
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
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13
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SETD2 mutations confer chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia partly through altered cell cycle checkpoints. Leukemia 2019; 33:2585-2598. [PMID: 30967619 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0456-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SETD2, an epigenetic tumor suppressor, is frequently mutated in MLL-rearranged (MLLr) leukemia and relapsed acute leukemia (AL). To clarify the impact of SETD2 mutations on chemotherapy sensitivity in MLLr leukemia, two loss-of-function (LOF) Setd2-mutant alleles (Setd2F2478L/WT or Setd2Ex6-KO/WT) were generated and introduced, respectively, to the Mll-Af9 knock-in leukemia mouse model. Both alleles cooperated with Mll-Af9 to accelerate leukemia development that resulted in resistance to standard Cytarabine-based chemotherapy. Mechanistically, Setd2-mutant leukemic cells showed downregulated signaling related to cell cycle progression, S, and G2/M checkpoint regulation. Thus, after Cytarabine treatment, Setd2-mutant leukemic cells exit from the S phase and progress to the G2/M phase. Importantly, S and G2/M cell cycle checkpoint inhibition could resensitize the Mll-Af9/Setd2 double-mutant cells to standard chemotherapy by causing DNA replication collapse, mitotic catastrophe, and increased cell death. These findings demonstrate that LOF SETD2 mutations confer chemoresistance on AL to DNA-damaging treatment by S and G2/M checkpoint defects. The combination of S and G2/M checkpoint inhibition with chemotherapy can be explored as a promising therapeutic strategy by exploiting their unique vulnerability and resensitizing chemoresistant AL with SETD2 or SETD2-like epigenetic mutations.
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14
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Premature activation of Cdk1 leads to mitotic events in S phase and embryonic lethality. Oncogene 2018; 38:998-1018. [PMID: 30190546 PMCID: PMC6756125 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell cycle regulation, especially faithful DNA replication and mitosis, are crucial to maintain genome stability. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)/cyclin complexes drive most processes in cellular proliferation. In response to DNA damage, cell cycle surveillance mechanisms enable normal cells to arrest and undergo repair processes. Perturbations in genomic stability can lead to tumor development and suggest that cell cycle regulators could be effective targets in anticancer therapy. However, many clinical trials ended in failure due to off-target effects of the inhibitors used. Here, we investigate in vivo the importance of WEE1- and MYT1-dependent inhibitory phosphorylation of mammalian CDK1. We generated Cdk1AF knockin mice, in which two inhibitory phosphorylation sites are replaced by the non-phosphorylatable amino acids T14A/Y15F. We uncovered that monoallelic expression of CDK1AF is early embryonic lethal in mice and induces S phase arrest accompanied by γH2AX and DNA damage checkpoint activation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The chromosomal fragmentation in Cdk1AF MEFs does not rely on CDK2 and is partly caused by premature activation of MUS81-SLX4 structure-specific endonuclease complexes, as well as untimely onset of chromosome condensation followed by nuclear lamina disassembly. We provide evidence that tumor development in liver expressing CDK1AF is inhibited. Interestingly, the regulatory mechanisms that impede cell proliferation in CDK1AF expressing cells differ partially from the actions of the WEE1 inhibitor, MK-1775, with p53 expression determining the sensitivity of cells to the drug response. Thus, our work highlights the importance of improved therapeutic strategies for patients with various cancer types and may explain why some patients respond better to WEE1 inhibitors.
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