1
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Bennett JJR, Stern AD, Zhang X, Birtwistle MR, Pandey G. Low-frequency ERK and Akt activity dynamics are predictive of stochastic cell division events. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:65. [PMID: 38834572 PMCID: PMC11150372 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00389-7] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of intracellular signaling pathways, such as ERK1/2 (ERK) and Akt1/2 (Akt), in the context of cell fate decisions is important for advancing our knowledge of cellular processes and diseases, particularly cancer. While previous studies have established associations between ERK and Akt activities and proliferative cell fate, the heterogeneity of single-cell responses adds complexity to this understanding. This study employed a data-driven approach to address this challenge, developing machine learning models trained on a dataset of growth factor-induced ERK and Akt activity time courses in single cells, to predict cell division events. The most predictive models were developed by applying discrete wavelet transforms (DWTs) to extract low-frequency features from the time courses, followed by using Ensemble Integration, a data integration and predictive modeling framework. The results demonstrated that these models effectively predicted cell division events in MCF10A cells (F-measure=0.524, AUC=0.726). ERK dynamics were found to be more predictive than Akt, but the combination of both measurements further enhanced predictive performance. The ERK model`s performance also generalized to predicting division events in RPE cells, indicating the potential applicability of these models and our data-driven methodology for predicting cell division across different biological contexts. Interpretation of these models suggested that ERK dynamics throughout the cell cycle, rather than immediately after growth factor stimulation, were associated with the likelihood of cell division. Overall, this work contributes insights into the predictive power of intra-cellular signaling dynamics for cell fate decisions, and highlights the potential of machine learning approaches in unraveling complex cellular behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J R Bennett
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan D Stern
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Marc R Birtwistle
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Gaurav Pandey
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Nussbaum DP, Martz CA, Waters AM, Barrera A, Liu A, Rutter JC, Cerda-Smith CG, Stewart AE, Wu C, Cakir M, Levandowski CB, Kantrowitz DE, McCall SJ, Pierobon M, Petricoin EF, Joshua Smith J, Reddy TE, Der CJ, Taatjes DJ, Wood KC. Mediator kinase inhibition impedes transcriptional plasticity and prevents resistance to ERK/MAPK-targeted therapy in KRAS-mutant cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:124. [PMID: 38822082 PMCID: PMC11143207 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance remains a major challenge for therapies targeting oncogene activated pathways. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, yet strategies targeting its downstream signaling kinases have failed to produce durable treatment responses. Here, we developed multiple models of acquired resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibitors across KRAS-mutant pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, and then probed the long-term events enabling survival against this class of drugs. These studies revealed that resistance emerges secondary to large-scale transcriptional adaptations that are diverse and cell line-specific. Transcriptional reprogramming extends beyond the well-established early response, and instead represents a dynamic, evolved process that is refined to attain a stably resistant phenotype. Mechanistic and translational studies reveal that resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibition is broadly susceptible to manipulation of the epigenetic machinery, and that Mediator kinase, in particular, can be co-targeted at a bottleneck point to prevent diverse, cell line-specific resistance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Nussbaum
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Colin A Martz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annie Liu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Justine C Rutter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christian G Cerda-Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy E Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Colorectal Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Merve Cakir
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - David E Kantrowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shannon J McCall
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- George Mason University, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- George Mason University, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - J Joshua Smith
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Colorectal Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dylan J Taatjes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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3
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Anderson JW, Vaisar D, Jones DN, Pegram LM, Vigers GP, Chen H, Moffat JG, Ahn NG. Conformation selection by ATP-competitive inhibitors and allosteric communication in ERK2. eLife 2024; 12:RP91507. [PMID: 38537148 PMCID: PMC10972564 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 (ERK2) by phosphorylation has been shown to involve changes in protein dynamics, as determined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and NMR relaxation dispersion measurements. These can be described by a global exchange between two conformational states of the active kinase, named 'L' and 'R,' where R is associated with a catalytically productive ATP-binding mode. An ATP-competitive ERK1/2 inhibitor, Vertex-11e, has properties of conformation selection for the R-state, revealing movements of the activation loop that are allosterically coupled to the kinase active site. However, the features of inhibitors important for R-state selection are unknown. Here, we survey a panel of ATP-competitive ERK inhibitors using HDX-MS and NMR and identify 14 new molecules with properties of R-state selection. They reveal effects propagated to distal regions in the P+1 and helix αF segments surrounding the activation loop, as well as helix αL16. Crystal structures of inhibitor complexes with ERK2 reveal systematic shifts in the Gly loop and helix αC, mediated by a Tyr-Tyr ring stacking interaction and the conserved Lys-Glu salt bridge. The findings suggest a model for the R-state involving small movements in the N-lobe that promote compactness within the kinase active site and alter mobility surrounding the activation loop. Such properties of conformation selection might be exploited to modulate the protein docking interface used by ERK substrates and effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake W Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - David Vaisar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | - David N Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CenterBoulderUnited States
| | - Laurel M Pegram
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
| | | | - Huifen Chen
- Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoUnited States
| | | | - Natalie G Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ColoradoBoulderUnited States
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4
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Tan YQ, Sun B, Zhang X, Zhang S, Guo H, Basappa B, Zhu T, Sethi G, Lobie PE, Pandey V. Concurrent inhibition of pBADS99 synergistically improves MEK inhibitor efficacy in KRAS G12D-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:173. [PMID: 38409090 PMCID: PMC10897366 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06551-7] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of KRAS-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has remained a significant challenge in clinical oncology. Direct targeting of KRAS has proven difficult, and inhibition of the KRAS effectors have shown limited success due to compensatory activation of survival pathways. Being a core downstream effector of the KRAS-driven p44/42 MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways governing intrinsic apoptosis, BAD phosphorylation emerges as a promising therapeutic target. Herein, a positive association of the pBADS99/BAD ratio with higher disease stage and worse overall survival of PDAC was observed. Homology-directed repair of BAD to BADS99A or small molecule inhibition of BADS99 phosphorylation by NCK significantly reduced PDAC cell viability by promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. NCK also abrogated the growth of preformed colonies of PDAC cells in 3D culture. Furthermore, high-throughput screening with an oncology drug library to identify potential combinations revealed a strong synergistic effect between NCK and MEK inhibitors in PDAC cells harboring either wild-type or mutant-KRAS. Mechanistically, both mutant-KRAS and MEK inhibition increased the phosphorylation of BADS99 in PDAC cells, an effect abrogated by NCK. Combined pBADS99-MEK inhibition demonstrated strong synergy in reducing cell viability, enhancing apoptosis, and achieving xenograft stasis in KRAS-mutant PDAC. In conclusion, the inhibition of BADS99 phosphorylation enhances the efficacy of MEK inhibition, and their combined inhibition represents a mechanistically based and potentially effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of KRAS-mutant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qin Tan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, 519087, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuwei Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Guo
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Basappa Basappa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Studies in Organic Chemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, 570006, Mysore, India
| | - Tao Zhu
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, People's Republic of China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering and Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Pegram L, Riccardi D, Ahn N. Activation Loop Plasticity and Active Site Coupling in the MAP Kinase, ERK2. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168309. [PMID: 37806554 PMCID: PMC10676806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168309] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies of the protein kinase, ERK2, using NMR and hydrogen-exchange measurements have shown changes in dynamics accompanying its activation by phosphorylation. However, knowledge about the conformational motions involved is incomplete. Here, we examined ERK2 using long conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations starting from crystal structures of phosphorylated (2P) and unphosphorylated (0P) forms. Individual trajectories were run for (5 to 25) μs, totaling 727 μs. The results show unexpected flexibility of the A-loop, with multiple long-lived (>5 μs) conformational states in both 2P- and 0P-ERK2. Differential contact network and principal component analyses reveal coupling between the A-loop fold and active site dynamics, with evidence for conformational selection in the kinase core of 2P-ERK2 but not 0P-ERK2. Simulations of 2P-ERK2 show A-loop states corresponding to restrained dynamics within the N-lobe, including regions around catalytic residues. One A-loop conformer forms lasting interactions with the L16 segment, leading to reduced RMSF and greater compaction in the active site. By contrast, simulations of 0P-ERK2 reveal excursions of A-loop residues away from the C-lobe, leading to greater active site mobility. Thus, the A-loop in ERK2 switches between distinct conformations that reflect coupling with the active site, possibly via the L16 segment. Crystal packing interactions suggest that lattice contacts with the A-loop may restrain its structural variation in X-ray structures of ERK2. The novel conformational states identified by MD expand our understanding of ERK2 regulation, by linking the activated state of the kinase to reduced dynamics and greater compaction surrounding the catalytic site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Pegram
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Demian Riccardi
- Thermodynamics Research Center, Applied Chemicals and Materials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Natalie Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80305, USA.
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6
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Montenegro MF, Martí-Díaz R, Navarro A, Tolivia J, Sánchez-Del-Campo L, Cabezas-Herrera J, Rodríguez-López JN. Targeting protein methylation in pancreatic cancer cells results in KRAS signaling imbalance and inhibition of autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:761. [PMID: 37996408 PMCID: PMC10667277 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06288-9] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer cells with mutant KRAS require strong basal autophagy for viability and growth. Here, we observed that some processes that allow the maintenance of basal autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells are controlled by protein methylation. Thus, by maintaining the methylation status of proteins such as PP2A and MRAS, these cells can sustain their autophagic activity. Protein methylation disruption by a hypomethylating treatment (HMT), which depletes cellular S-adenosylmethionine levels while inducing S-adenosylhomocysteine accumulation, resulted in autophagy inhibition and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. We observed that by reducing the membrane localization of MRAS, hypomethylation conditions produced an imbalance in KRAS signaling, resulting in the partial inactivation of ERK and hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT-mTORC1 pathway. Interestingly, HMT impeded CRAF activation by disrupting the ternary SHOC2 complex (SHOC2/MRAS/PP1), which functions as a CRAF-S259 holophosphatase. The demethylation events that resulted in PP2A inactivation also favored autophagy inhibition by preventing ULK1 activation while restoring the cytoplasmic retention of the MiT/TFE transcription factors. Since autophagy provides pancreatic cancer cells with metabolic plasticity to cope with various metabolic stress conditions, while at the same time promoting their pathogenesis and resistance to KRAS pathway inhibitors, this hypomethylating treatment could represent a therapeutic opportunity for pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Montenegro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, School of Biology, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
| | - Román Martí-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, School of Biology, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Navarro
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Grupo GECYEN del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Jorge Tolivia
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Grupo GECYEN del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis Sánchez-Del-Campo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, School of Biology, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Cabezas-Herrera
- Molecular Therapy and Biomarkers Research Group, University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Neptuno Rodríguez-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A, School of Biology, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
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7
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Anderson JW, Vaisar D, Jones DN, Pegram LM, Vigers GP, Chen H, Moffat JG, Ahn NG. Conformation Selection by ATP-competitive Inhibitors and Allosteric Communication in ERK2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557258. [PMID: 37745518 PMCID: PMC10515847 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase-2 (ERK2) by phosphorylation has been shown to involve changes in protein dynamics, as determined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and NMR relaxation dispersion measurements. These can be described by a global exchange between two conformational states of the active kinase, named "L" and "R", where R is associated with a catalytically productive ATP-binding mode. An ATP-competitive ERK1/2 inhibitor, Vertex-11e, has properties of conformation selection for the R-state, revealing movements of the activation loop that are allosterically coupled to the kinase active site. However, the features of inhibitors important for R-state selection are unknown. Here we survey a panel of ATP-competitive ERK inhibitors using HDX-MS and NMR and identify 14 new molecules with properties of R-state selection. They reveal effects propagated to distal regions in the P+1 and helix αF segments surrounding the activation loop, as well as helix αL16. Crystal structures of inhibitor complexes with ERK2 reveal systematic shifts in the Gly loop and helix αC, mediated by a Tyr-Tyr ring stacking interaction and the conserved Lys-Glu salt bridge. The findings suggest a model for the R-state involving small movements in the N-lobe that promote compactness within the kinase active site and alter mobility surrounding the activation loop. Such properties of conformation selection might be exploited to modulate the protein docking interface used by ERK substrates and effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Vaisar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
| | - David N. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Laurel M. Pegram
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
- Present address: Loxo Oncology, Louisville, CO 80027
| | - Guy P. Vigers
- Array BioPharma, Inc., Boulder, CO
- Present address: Allium Consulting LLC, Boulder, CO 80304
| | - Huifen Chen
- Genentech, Inc. South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Natalie G. Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
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8
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Wood K, Nussbaum D, Martz C, Waters A, Barrera A, Rutter J, Cerda-Smith C, Stewart A, Wu C, Cakir M, Levandowski C, Kantrowitz D, McCall S, Pierobon M, Petricoin E, Smith J, Der C, Taatjes D. Mediator Kinase Inhibition Impedes Transcriptional Plasticity and Prevents Resistance to ERK/MAPK-Targeted Therapy in KRAS-Mutant Cancers. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3511242. [PMID: 37961649 PMCID: PMC10635398 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3511242/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Acquired resistance remains a major challenge for therapies targeting oncogene activated pathways. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, yet strategies targeting its downstream signaling kinases have failed to produce durable treatment responses. Here, we developed multiple models of acquired resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibitors across KRAS-mutant pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, and then probed the long-term events enabling survival against this class of drugs. These studies revealed that resistance emerges secondary to large-scale transcriptional adaptations that are diverse and cell line-specific. Transcriptional reprogramming extends beyond the well-established early response, and instead represents a dynamic, evolved process that is refined to attain a stably resistant phenotype. Mechanistic and translational studies reveal that resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibition is broadly susceptible to manipulation of the epigenetic machinery, and that Mediator kinase, in particular, can be co-targeted at a bottleneck point to prevent diverse, cell line-specific resistance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chao Wu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University
| | | | - J Smith
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Channing Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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9
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Ram T, Singh AK, Kumar A, Singh H, Pathak P, Grishina M, Khalilullah H, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Verma A, Kumar P. MEK inhibitors in cancer treatment: structural insights, regulation, recent advances and future perspectives. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1837-1857. [PMID: 37859720 PMCID: PMC10583825 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00145h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MEK1/2 are critical components of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK or MAPK signalling pathway that regulates a variety of cellular functions including proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In 1997, a lung cancer cell line was first found to have a MEK mutation (encoding MEK2P298L). MEK is involved in various human cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), spurious melanoma, and pancreatic, colorectal, basal, breast, and liver cancer. To date, 4 MEK inhibitors i.e., trametinib, cobimetinib, selumetinib, and binimetinib have been approved by the FDA and several are under clinical trials. In this review, we have highlighted structural insights into the MEK1/2 proteins, such as the αC-helix, catalytic loop, P-loop, F-helix, hydrophobic pocket, and DFG motif. We have also discussed current issues with all FDA-approved MEK inhibitors or drugs under clinical trials and combination therapies to improve the efficacy of clinical drugs. Finally, this study addressed recent developments on synthetic MEK inhibitors (from their discovery in 1997 to 2022), their unique properties, and their relevance to MEK mutant inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teja Ram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Ankit Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Harshwardhan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Prateek Pathak
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University Chelyabinsk 454008 Russia
- Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GITAM School of Pharmacy at "Hyderabad Campus", GITAM (Deemed to be University) India
| | - Maria Grishina
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University Chelyabinsk 454008 Russia
| | - Habibullah Khalilullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University Unayzah 51911 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Med. Chem. Res., Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Prayagraj 211007 India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
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10
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Pegram L, Riccardi D, Ahn N. Activation loop plasticity and active site coupling in the MAP kinase, ERK2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.15.537040. [PMID: 37090603 PMCID: PMC10120733 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.15.537040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the dynamics of the protein kinase, ERK2, have been shown to accompany its activation by dual phosphorylation. However, our knowledge about the conformational changes represented by these motions is incomplete. Previous NMR relaxation dispersion studies showed that active, dual-phosphorylated ERK2 undergoes global exchange between at least two energetically similar conformations. These findings, combined with measurements by hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HX-MS), suggested that the global conformational exchange involves motions of the activation loop (A-loop) that are coupled to regions surrounding the kinase active site. In order to better understand the contribution of dynamics to the activation of ERK2, we applied long conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations starting from crystal structures of active, phosphorylated (2P), and inactive, unphosphorylated (0P) ERK2. Individual trajectories were run for (5 to 25) µ s and totaled 727 µ s. The results showed that the A-loop is unexpectedly flexible in both 2P- and 0P-ERK2, and able to adopt multiple long-lived (>5 µ s) conformational states. Simulations starting from the X-ray structure of 2P-ERK2 (2ERK) revealed A-loop states corresponding to restrained dynamics within the N-lobe, including regions surrounding catalytic residues. One A-loop conformer forms lasting interactions with the C-terminal L16 segment and shows reduced RMSF and greater compaction in the active site. By contrast, simulations starting from the most common X-ray conformation of 0P-ERK2 (5UMO) reveal frequent excursions of A-loop residues away from a C-lobe docking site pocket and towards a new state that shows greater dynamics in the N-lobe and disorganization around the active site. Thus, the A-loop in ERK2 appears to switch between distinct conformational states that reflect allosteric coupling with the active site, likely occurring via the L16 segment. Analyses of crystal packing interactions across many structural datasets suggest that the A-loop observed in X-ray structures of ERK2 may be driven by lattice contacts and less representative of the solution structure. The novel conformational states identified by MD expand our understanding of ERK2 regulation, by linking the activated state of the kinase to reduced dynamics and greater compaction surrounding the catalytic site.
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11
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Nano-Enabled Strategies for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: Potential Bottlenecks and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020473. [PMID: 36831009 PMCID: PMC9952953 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
On a global scale, lung cancer is acknowledged to be the major driver of cancer death attributable to treatment challenges and poor prognosis. Classical cancer treatment regimens, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can be used to treat lung cancer, but the appended adverse effects limit them. Because of the numerous side effects associated with these treatment modalities, it is crucial to strive to develop novel and better strategies for managing lung cancer. Attributes such as enhanced bioavailability, better in vivo stability, intestinal absorption pattern, solubility, prolonged and targeted distribution, and the superior therapeutic effectiveness of numerous anticancer drugs have all been boosted with the emergence of nano-based therapeutic systems. Lipid-based polymeric and inorganic nano-formulations are now being explored for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics for lung cancer treatment. Nano-based approaches are pioneering the route for primary and metastatic lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The implementation and development of innovative nanocarriers for drug administration, particularly for developing cancer therapies, is an intriguing and challenging task in the scientific domain. The current article provides an overview of the delivery methods, such as passive and active targeting for chemotherapeutics to treat lung cancer. Combinatorial drug therapy and techniques to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer cells, as potential ways to increase treatment effectiveness, are also discussed. In addition, the clinical studies of the potential therapies at different stages and the associated challenges are also presented. A summary of patent literature has also been included to keep readers aware of the new and innovative nanotechnology-based ways to treat lung cancer.
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Yang H, Zhou X, Fu D, Le C, Wang J, Zhou Q, Liu X, Yuan Y, Ding K, Xiao Q. Targeting RAS mutants in malignancies: successes, failures, and reasons for hope. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:42-74. [PMID: 36316602 PMCID: PMC9859734 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes and play critical roles in the development and progression of malignancies. The mutation, isoform (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS), position, and type of substitution vary depending on the tissue types. Despite decades of developing RAS-targeted therapies, only small subsets of these inhibitors are clinically effective, such as the allele-specific inhibitors against KRASG12C . Targeting the remaining RAS mutants would require further experimental elucidation of RAS signal transduction, RAS-altered metabolism, and the associated immune microenvironment. This study reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of novel targeted therapies for different RAS mutants, including KRAS allele-specific inhibitors, combination therapies, immunotherapies, and metabolism-associated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Dongliang Fu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Chenqin Le
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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13
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Lei L, Cao Q, An G, Lv Y, Tang J, Yang J. DDI2 promotes tumor metastasis and resists antineoplastic drugs-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer. Apoptosis 2022; 28:458-470. [PMID: 36520320 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The normal colorectal mucosa undergoes precancerous lesions that can develop over time into colorectal cancer (CRC). In the stage of precancerous lesions, DNA replication stress may lead to genome instability. We have performed whole-exome sequencing on genomic DNA obtained from three cases of CRC tissues and identified a novel frameshift mutation of DNA damage inducible 1 homolog 2 gene (DDI2, c. 854 del T). To date, there is no direct evidence that DDI2 is involved in the carcinogenesis of CRC. In this study, we demonstrated that DDI2 is upregulated in the early stage of CRC based on clinical samples and public databases. We also found that 5FU, a standard chemotherapeutic agent for CRC treatment, increased DDI2 mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. Depression of DDI2 inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that DDI2 was involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, DDI2 resists a MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor (trametinib) and a PolyADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitor (talazoparib) induced apoptosis in CRC cells. Thus, our results indicate that DDI2 may play a vital role in the carcinogenesis of CRC and could serve as a promising therapeutic target for CRC.
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Inflammatory bone marrow signaling in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia distinguishes patients with poor outcomes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7186. [PMID: 36418348 PMCID: PMC9684530 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the bone marrow are associated with poor outcomes in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pAML), but its etiology remains unknown. Using RNA-seq data from pre-treatment bone marrows of 1489 children with pAML, we show that > 20% of patients have concurrent IL-6, IL-1, IFNα/β, and TNFα signaling activity and poorer outcomes. Targeted sequencing of pre-treatment bone marrow samples from affected patients (n = 181) revealed 5 highly recurrent patterns of somatic mutation. Using differential expression analyses of the most common genomic subtypes (~60% of total), we identify high expression of multiple potential drivers of inflammation-related treatment resistance. Regardless of genomic subtype, we show that JAK1/2 inhibition reduces receptor-mediated inflammatory signaling by leukemic cells in-vitro. The large number of high-risk pAML genomic subtypes presents an obstacle to the development of mutation-specific therapies. Our findings suggest that therapies targeting inflammatory signaling may be effective across multiple genomic subtypes of pAML.
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15
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Frank KJ, Mulero-Sánchez A, Berninger A, Ruiz-Cañas L, Bosma A, Görgülü K, Wu N, Diakopoulos KN, Kaya-Aksoy E, Ruess DA, Kabacaoğlu D, Schmidt F, Kohlmann L, van Tellingen O, Thijssen B, van de Ven M, Proost N, Kossatz S, Weber WA, Sainz B, Bernards R, Algül H, Lesina M, Mainardi S. Extensive preclinical validation of combined RMC-4550 and LY3214996 supports clinical investigation for KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100815. [PMID: 36384095 PMCID: PMC9729824 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over 90% of pancreatic cancers present mutations in KRAS, one of the most common oncogenic drivers overall. Currently, most KRAS mutant isoforms cannot be targeted directly. Moreover, targeting single RAS downstream effectors induces adaptive resistance mechanisms. We report here on the combined inhibition of SHP2, upstream of KRAS, using the allosteric inhibitor RMC-4550 and of ERK, downstream of KRAS, using LY3214996. This combination shows synergistic anti-cancer activity in vitro, superior disruption of the MAPK pathway, and increased apoptosis induction compared with single-agent treatments. In vivo, we demonstrate good tolerability and efficacy of the combination, with significant tumor regression in multiple pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mouse models. Finally, we show evidence that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to assess early drug responses in animal models. Based on these results, we will investigate this drug combination in the SHP2 and ERK inhibition in pancreatic cancer (SHERPA; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04916236) clinical trial, enrolling patients with KRAS-mutant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin J Frank
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Antonio Mulero-Sánchez
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Berninger
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Ruiz-Cañas
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) and Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Astrid Bosma
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kıvanç Görgülü
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Nan Wu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Kalliope N Diakopoulos
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Ezgi Kaya-Aksoy
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Dietrich A Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Derya Kabacaoğlu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Fränze Schmidt
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Larissa Kohlmann
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Thijssen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke van de Ven
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research, Preclinical Intervention Unit, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natalie Proost
- Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research, Preclinical Intervention Unit, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine at Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, 85748 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Weber
- Department of Nuclear Medicine at Klinikum Rechts der Isar and Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) and Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rene Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hana Algül
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marina Lesina
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Sara Mainardi
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Jiang S, Geng S, Luo X, Zhang C, Yu Y, Cheng M, Zhang S, Shi N, Dong M. Biomarkers of related driver genes predict anti-tumor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:995785. [PMID: 36189266 PMCID: PMC9521273 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.995785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with high morbidity and mortality in the world. In the past, the main treatment methods for cancer patients were surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, with early treatment, the recurrence rate of cancer is higher, and the drug resistance of cancer cells is faster. In recent years, with the discovery of immune escape mechanism of cancer cells, Immunotherapy, especially Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs), has made a breakthrough in the treatment of solid tumors, significantly prolonging the overall survival time and disease-free progression in some solid tumors, and its clinical benefits are more prominent than those of traditional anti-tumor drugs, which has become the hope of cancer patients after the failure of multi-line therapy. More and more studies have shown that there is a correlation between cancer driving genes and the clinical benefits of ICIs treatment, and the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions of ICIs can be predicted by the status of driving genes. Therefore, screening potential biomarkers of people who may benefit from immunotherapy in order to maximize the therapeutic benefits is a top priority. This review systematically summarizes the cancer driving genes that may affect the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and provides accurate scientific basis for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shuai Geng
- Department of Pharmacy, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Mengfei Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Mei Dong, ; Ning Shi,
| | - Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Mei Dong, ; Ning Shi,
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17
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Avery TY, Köhler N, Zeiser R, Brummer T, Ruess DA. Onco-immunomodulatory properties of pharmacological interference with RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway hyperactivation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:931774. [PMID: 35965494 PMCID: PMC9363660 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.931774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK cascade - a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway – has a well-known association with oncogenesis of leading tumor entities, including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Increasing evidence shows that genetic alterations leading to RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway hyperactivation mediate contact- and soluble-dependent crosstalk between tumor, tumor microenvironment (TME) and the immune system resulting in immune escape mechanisms and establishment of a tumor-sustaining environment. Consequently, pharmacological interruption of this pathway not only leads to tumor-cell intrinsic disruptive effects but also modification of the TME and anti-tumor immunomodulation. At the same time, the importance of ERK signaling in immune cell physiology and potentiation of anti-tumor immune responses through ERK signaling inhibition within immune cell subsets has received growing appreciation. Specifically, a strong case was made for targeted MEK inhibition due to promising associated immune cell intrinsic modulatory effects. However, the successful transition of therapeutic agents interrupting RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK hyperactivation is still being hampered by significant limitations regarding durable efficacy, therapy resistance and toxicity. We here collate and summarize the multifaceted role of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling in physiology and oncoimmunology and outline the rationale and concepts for exploitation of immunomodulatory properties of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK inhibition while accentuating the role of MEK inhibition in combinatorial and intermittent anticancer therapy. Furthermore, we point out the extensive scientific efforts dedicated to overcoming the challenges encountered during the clinical transition of various therapeutic agents in the search for the most effective and safe patient- and tumor-tailored treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Yul Avery
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Yul Avery, ; Dietrich Alexander Ruess,
| | - Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Deutsches Konsortium Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Yul Avery, ; Dietrich Alexander Ruess,
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Riudavets M, Cascetta P, Planchard D. Targeting BRAF-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: current status and future directions. Lung Cancer 2022; 169:102-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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19
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Werle SD, Ikonomi N, Schwab JD, Kraus JM, Weidner FM, Lenhard Rudolph K, Pfister AS, Schuler R, Kühl M, Kestler HA. Identification of dynamic driver sets controlling phenotypical landscapes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1603-1617. [PMID: 35465155 PMCID: PMC9010550 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling phenotypical landscapes is of vital interest to modern biology. This task becomes highly demanding because cellular decisions involve complex networks engaging in crosstalk interactions. Previous work on control theory indicates that small sets of compounds can control single phenotypes. However, a dynamic approach is missing to determine the drivers of the whole network dynamics. By analyzing 35 biologically motivated Boolean networks, we developed a method to identify small sets of compounds sufficient to decide on the entire phenotypical landscape. These compounds do not strictly prefer highly related compounds and show a smaller impact on the stability of the attractor landscape. The dynamic driver sets include many intervention targets and cellular reprogramming drivers in human networks. Finally, by using a new comprehensive model of colorectal cancer, we provide a complete workflow on how to implement our approach to shift from in silico to in vitro guided experiments.
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Abstract
Ras is the most mutated oncoprotein in cancer. Among the three oncogenic effectors of Ras - Raf, PI3 Kinase and RalGEF>Ral - signalling through RalGEF>Ral (Ras-like) is by far the least well understood. A variety of signals and binding partners have been defined for Ral, yet we know little of how Ral functions in vivo. This review focuses on previous research in Drosophila that defined a function for Ral in apoptosis and established indirect relationships among Ral, the CNH-domain MAP4 Kinase misshapen, and the JNK MAP kinase basket. Most of the described signalling components are not essential in C. elegans, facilitating subsequent analysis using developmental patterning of the C. elegans vulval precursor cells (VPCs). The functions of two paralogous CNH-domain MAP4 Kinases were defined relative to Ras>Raf, Notch and Ras>RalGEF>Ral signalling in VPCs. MIG-15, the nematode ortholog of misshapen, antagonizes both the Ral-dependent and Ras>Raf-dependent developmental outcomes. In contrast, paralogous GCK-2, the C. elegans ortholog of Drosophila happyhour, propagates the 2°-promoting signal of Ral. Manipulations via CRISPR of Ral signalling through GCK-2 coupled with genetic epistasis delineated a Ras>RalGEF>Ral>Exo84>GCK-2>MAP3KMLK-1> p38PMK-1 cascade. Thus, genetic analysis using invertebrate experimental organisms defined a cascade from Ras to p38 MAP kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J. Reiner
- Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA,CONTACT David J. Reiner Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX
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Drosten M, Barbacid M. Targeting KRAS mutant lung cancer: light at the end of the tunnel. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1057-1071. [PMID: 34951114 PMCID: PMC8895444 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) have been refractory to therapeutic strategies based on personalized medicine owing to the complexity of designing inhibitors to selectively target KRAS and downstream targets with acceptable toxicities. The recent development of selective KRASG12C inhibitors represents a landmark after 40 years of intense research efforts since the identification of KRAS as a human oncogene. Here, we discuss the mechanisms responsible for the rapid development of resistance to these inhibitors, as well as potential strategies to overcome this limitation. Other therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting KRAS oncogenic signaling by targeting either upstream activators or downstream effectors are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the effect of targeting the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, both based on the failure of MEK and ERK inhibitors in clinical trials, as well as on the recent identification of RAF1 as a potential target due to its MAPK‐independent activity. These new developments, taken together, are likely to open new avenues to effectively treat KRAS mutant LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Drosten
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Ritu K, Kumar P, Singh A, Nupur K, Spalgias S, Mrigpuri P, Rajkumar. Untangling the KRAS mutated lung cancer subsets and its therapeutic implications. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:40. [PMID: 34918209 PMCID: PMC8677854 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kirsten rat sarcoma virus transforming protein (KRAS) mutations (predominate in codons 12, 13, and 61) and genomically drive nearly one-third of lung carcinomas. These mutations have complex functions in tumorigenesis, and influence the tumor response to chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors resulting in a poorer patient prognosis. Recent attempts using targeted therapies against KRAS alone have met with little success. The existence of specific subsets of lung cancer based on KRAS mutations and coexisting mutations are suggested. Their interactions need further elaboration before newer promising targeted therapies for KRAS mutant lung cancers can be used as earlier lines of therapy. We summarize the existing knowledge of KRAS mutations and their coexisting mutations that is relevant to lung cancer treatment, in this review. We elaborate on the prognostic impact of clinical and pathologic characteristics of lung cancer patients associated with KRAS mutations. We briefly review the currently available techniques for KRAS mutation detection on biopsy and cytology samples. Finally, we discuss the new therapeutic strategies for targeting KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These may herald a new era in the treatment of KRASG12Cmutated NSCLC as well as be helpful to develop demographic subsets to predict targeted therapies and prognosis of lung cancer patients.
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Qiu Y, Wang Y, Chai Z, Ni D, Li X, Pu J, Chen J, Zhang J, Lu S, Lv C, Ji M. Targeting RAS phosphorylation in cancer therapy: Mechanisms and modulators. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3433-3446. [PMID: 34900528 PMCID: PMC8642438 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS, a member of the small GTPase family, functions as a binary switch by shifting between inactive GDP-loaded and active GTP-loaded state. RAS gain-of-function mutations are one of the leading causes in human oncogenesis, accounting for ∼19% of the global cancer burden. As a well-recognized target in malignancy, RAS has been intensively studied in the past decades. Despite the sustained efforts, many failures occurred in the earlier exploration and resulted in an ‘undruggable’ feature of RAS proteins. Phosphorylation at several residues has been recently determined as regulators for wild-type and mutated RAS proteins. Therefore, the development of RAS inhibitors directly targeting the RAS mutants or towards upstream regulatory kinases supplies a novel direction for tackling the anti-RAS difficulties. A better understanding of RAS phosphorylation can contribute to future therapeutic strategies. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the current advances in RAS phosphorylation and provided mechanistic insights into the signaling transduction of associated pathways. Importantly, the preclinical and clinical success in developing anti-RAS drugs targeting the upstream kinases and potential directions of harnessing allostery to target RAS phosphorylation sites were also discussed.
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Key Words
- ABL, Abelson
- APC, adenomatous polyposis coli
- Allostery
- CK1, casein kinase 1
- CML, chronic myeloid leukemia
- ER, endoplasmic reticulum
- GAPs, GTPase-activating proteins
- GEFs, guanine nucleotide exchange-factors
- GSK3, glycogen synthase kinase 3
- HVR, hypervariable region
- IP3R, inositol trisphosphate receptors
- LRP6, lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 6
- OMM, outer mitochondrial membrane
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
- PKC, protein kinase C
- PPIs, protein−protein interactions
- Phosphorylation
- Protein kinases
- RAS
- RIN1, RAB-interacting protein 1
- SHP2, SRC homology 2 domain containing phosphatase 2
- SOS, Son of Sevenless
- STK19, serine/threonine-protein kinase 19
- TKIs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors
- Undruggable
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuran Qiu
- Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuanhao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zongtao Chai
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Duan Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jun Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Chuan Lv
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Mingfei Ji
- Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
- Corresponding authors.
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24
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Zhu G, Herlyn M, Yang X. TRIM15 and CYLD regulate ERK activation via lysine-63-linked polyubiquitination. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:978-991. [PMID: 34497368 PMCID: PMC8440396 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 represent the foremost mitogenic pathway in mammalian cells, and their dysregulation drives tumorigenesis and confers therapeutic resistance. ERK1/2 are known to be activated by MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)-mediated phosphorylation. Here we show that ERK1/2 are also modified by Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains. We identify the tripartite motif-containing protein TRIM15 as a ubiquitin ligase, and the tumor suppressor CYLD as a deubiquitinase, for ERKs. TRIM15 and CYLD regulate ERK ubiquitination at defined lysine residues via mutually exclusive interactions as well as opposing activities. K63-linked polyubiquitination enhances ERK interaction with and activation by MEK. Down-regulation of TRIM15 inhibits growth of both drug-responsive and -resistant melanomas. Moreover, high TRIM15 expression and low CYLD expression are associated with poor prognosis of melanoma patients. These findings define a role of Lys63-linked polyubiquitination in the ERK signaling pathway and suggest a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixin Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaolu Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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25
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Rasmussen NR, Reiner DJ. Nuclear translocation of the tagged endogenous MAPK MPK-1 denotes a subset of activation events in C. elegans development. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:272044. [PMID: 34341823 PMCID: PMC8445601 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) that are utilized downstream of Ras to Raf to MEK signaling to control activation of a wide array of targets. Activation of ERKs is elevated in Ras-driven tumors and RASopathies, and thus is a target for pharmacological inhibition. Regulatory mechanisms of ERK activation have been studied extensively in vitro and in cultured cells, but little in living animals. In this study, we tagged the Caenorhabditis elegans ERK-encoding gene, mpk-1. MPK-1 is ubiquitously expressed with elevated expression in certain contexts. We detected cytosol-to-nuclear translocation of MPK-1 in maturing oocytes and hence validated nuclear translocation as a reporter of some activation events. During patterning of vulval precursor cells (VPCs), MPK-1 is necessary and sufficient for the central cell, P6.p, to assume the primary fate. Yet MPK-1 translocates to the nuclei of all six VPCs in a temporal and concentration gradient centered on P6.p. This observation contrasts with previous results using the ERK nuclear kinase translocation reporter of substrate activation, raising questions about mechanisms and indicators of MPK-1 activation. This system and reagent promise to provide critical insights into the regulation of MPK-1 activation within a complex intercellular signaling network. Summary: Tagged endogenous C. elegans MPK-1 shows activation-dependent cytosol-to-nuclear translocation. This tool provides novel insights into MPK-1 localization compared with other markers of in vivo ERK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal R Rasmussen
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Houston, 77030, USA
| | - David J Reiner
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Houston, 77030, USA
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26
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Heightman TD, Berdini V, Bevan L, Buck IM, Carr MG, Courtin A, Coyle JE, Day JEH, East C, Fazal L, Griffiths-Jones CM, Howard S, Kucia-Tran J, Martins V, Muench S, Munck JM, Norton D, O'Reilly M, Palmer N, Pathuri P, Peakman TM, Reader M, Rees DC, Rich SJ, Shah A, Wallis NG, Walton H, Wilsher NE, Woolford AJA, Cooke M, Cousin D, Onions S, Shannon J, Watts J, Murray CW. Discovery of ASTX029, A Clinical Candidate Which Modulates the Phosphorylation and Catalytic Activity of ERK1/2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12286-12303. [PMID: 34387469 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway frequently drives tumor growth, and the ERK1/2 kinases are positioned at a key node in this pathway, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention. Recently, a number of ERK1/2 inhibitors have been advanced to investigational clinical trials in patients with activating mutations in B-Raf proto-oncogene or Ras. Here, we describe the discovery of the clinical candidate ASTX029 (15) through structure-guided optimization of our previously published isoindolinone lead (7). The medicinal chemistry campaign focused on addressing CYP3A4-mediated metabolism and maintaining favorable physicochemical properties. These efforts led to the identification of ASTX029, which showed the desired pharmacological profile combining ERK1/2 inhibition with suppression of phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK) levels, and in addition, it possesses suitable preclinical pharmacokinetic properties predictive of once daily dosing in humans. ASTX029 is currently in a phase I-II clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom D Heightman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Valerio Berdini
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Luke Bevan
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Ildiko M Buck
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Maria G Carr
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Aurélie Courtin
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Joseph E Coyle
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - James E H Day
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Charlotte East
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Lynsey Fazal
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | | | - Steven Howard
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Justyna Kucia-Tran
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Vanessa Martins
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Sandra Muench
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Joanne M Munck
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - David Norton
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Marc O'Reilly
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Nicholas Palmer
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Puja Pathuri
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Torren M Peakman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Michael Reader
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - David C Rees
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Sharna J Rich
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Alpesh Shah
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Nicola G Wallis
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Hugh Walton
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Nicola E Wilsher
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | | | - Michael Cooke
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd., BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - David Cousin
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd., BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - Stuart Onions
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd., BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - Jonathan Shannon
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd., BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - John Watts
- Sygnature Discovery Ltd., BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
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27
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Tiwari A, Rahi S, Mehan S. Elucidation of Abnormal Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling and Associations with Syndromic and Non-syndromic Autism. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1071-1086. [PMID: 33081671 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201020155010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a highly inherited and extremely complex disorder in which results from various cases indicate chromosome anomalies, unusual single-gene mutations, and multiplicative effects of particular gene variants, characterized primarily by impaired speech and social interaction and restricted behavior. The precise etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently unclear. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling mechanism affects neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during the development of the central nervous mechanism. In this regard, the pathway of ERK has recently gained significant interest in the pathogenesis of ASD. The mutation occurs in a few ERK components. Besides, the ERK pathway dysfunction lies in the upstream of modified translation and contributes to synapse pathology in syndromic types of autism. In this review, we highlight the ERK pathway as a target for neurodevelopmental disorder autism. In addition, we summarize the regulation of the ERK pathway with ERK inhibitors in neurological disorders. In conclusion, a better understanding of the ERK signaling pathway provides a range of therapeutic options for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Tiwari
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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28
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Khojasteh Poor F, Keivan M, Ramazii M, Ghaedrahmati F, Anbiyaiee A, Panahandeh S, Khoshnam SE, Farzaneh M. Mini review: The FDA-approved prescription drugs that target the MAPK signaling pathway in women with breast cancer. Breast Dis 2021; 40:51-62. [PMID: 33896802 DOI: 10.3233/bd-201063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the prevalent type of malignancy among women. Multiple risk factors, including genetic changes, biological age, dense breast tissue, and obesity are associated with BC. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway has a pivotal role in regulating biological functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. It has become evident that the MAPK pathway is associated with tumorigenesis and may promote breast cancer development. The MAPK/RAS/RAF cascade is closely associated with breast cancer. RAS signaling can enhance BC cell growth and progression. B-Raf is an important kinase and a potent RAF isoform involved in breast tumor initiation and differentiation. Depending on the reasons for cancer, there are different strategies for treatment of women with BC. Till now, several FDA-approved treatments have been investigated that inhibit the MAPK pathway and reduce metastatic progression in breast cancer. The most common breast cancer drugs that regulate or inhibit the MAPK pathway may include Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs), Sorafenib, Vemurafenib, PLX8394, Dabrafenib, Ulixertinib, Simvastatin, Alisertib, and Teriflunomide. In this review, we will discuss the roles of the MAPK/RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in BC and summarize the FDA-approved prescription drugs that target the MAPK signaling pathway in women with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khojasteh Poor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mona Keivan
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramazii
- Kerman University of Medical Sciences, University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Samira Panahandeh
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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29
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Li S, Counter CM. Signaling levels mold the RAS mutation tropism of urethane. eLife 2021; 10:67172. [PMID: 33998997 PMCID: PMC8128437 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are commonly mutated in human cancer. Despite many possible mutations, individual cancer types often have a 'tropism' towards a specific subset of RAS mutations. As driver mutations, these patterns ostensibly originate from normal cells. High oncogenic RAS activity causes oncogenic stress and different oncogenic mutations can impart different levels of activity, suggesting a relationship between oncoprotein activity and RAS mutation tropism. Here, we show that changing rare codons to common in the murine Kras gene to increase protein expression shifts tumors induced by the carcinogen urethane from arising from canonical Q61 to biochemically less active G12 Kras driver mutations, despite the carcinogen still being biased towards generating Q61 mutations. Conversely, inactivating the tumor suppressor p53 to blunt oncogenic stress partially reversed this effect, restoring Q61 mutations. One interpretation of these findings is that the RAS mutation tropism of urethane arises from selection in normal cells for specific mutations that impart a narrow window of signaling that promotes proliferation without causing oncogenic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, United States
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30
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Kong D, Lu JY, Li X, Zhao S, Xu W, Fang J, Wang X, Ma X. Misshapen Disruption Cooperates with RasV12 to Drive Tumorigenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040894. [PMID: 33919765 PMCID: PMC8070713 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although RAS family genes play essential roles in tumorigenesis, effective treatments targeting RAS-related tumors are lacking, partly because of an incomplete understanding of the complex signaling crosstalk within RAS-related tumors. Here, we performed a large-scale genetic screen in Drosophila eye imaginal discs and identified Misshapen (Msn) as a tumor suppressor that synergizes with oncogenic Ras (RasV12) to induce c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and Hippo inactivation, then subsequently leads to tumor overgrowth and invasion. Moreover, ectopic Msn expression activates Hippo signaling pathway and suppresses Hippo signaling disruption-induced overgrowth. Importantly, we further found that Msn acts downstream of protocadherin Fat (Ft) to regulate Hippo signaling. Finally, we identified msn as a Yki/Sd target gene that regulates Hippo pathway in a negative feedback manner. Together, our findings identified Msn as a tumor suppressor and provide a novel insight into RAS-related tumorigenesis that may be relevant to human cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Kong
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China; (S.Z.); (J.F.)
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China;
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jin-Yu Lu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Hematology & Oncology, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sihua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China; (S.Z.); (J.F.)
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China;
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Wenyan Xu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China;
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jinan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China; (S.Z.); (J.F.)
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China;
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xing Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (X.M.)
| | - Xianjue Ma
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China; (S.Z.); (J.F.)
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China;
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (X.M.)
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31
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Catalano A, Adlesic M, Kaltenbacher T, Klar RFU, Albers J, Seidel P, Brandt LP, Hejhal T, Busenhart P, Röhner N, Zodel K, Fritsch K, Wild PJ, Duyster J, Fritsch R, Brummer T, Frew IJ. Sensitivity and Resistance of Oncogenic RAS-Driven Tumors to Dual MEK and ERK Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081852. [PMID: 33924486 PMCID: PMC8069437 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mutations in RAS-family genes frequently cause different types of human cancers. Inhibitors of the MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) protein kinases that function downstream of RAS proteins have shown some clinical benefits when used for the treatment of these cancers, but drug resistance frequently emerges. Here we show that combined treatment with MEK and ERK inhibitors blocks the emergence of resistance to either drug alone. However, if cancer cells have already developed resistance to MEK inhibitors or to ERK inhibitors, the combined therapy is frequently ineffective. These findings imply that these inhibitors should be used together for cancer therapy. We also show that drug resistance involves complex patterns of rewiring of cellular kinase signaling networks that do not overlap between each different cancer cell line. Nonetheless, we show that MAP4K4 is required for efficient cell proliferation in several different MEK/ERK inhibitor resistant cancer cell lines, uncovering a potential new therapeutic target. Abstract Oncogenic mutations in RAS family genes arise frequently in metastatic human cancers. Here we developed new mouse and cellular models of oncogenic HrasG12V-driven undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma metastasis and of KrasG12D-driven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis. Through analyses of these cells and of human oncogenic KRAS-, NRAS- and BRAF-driven cancer cell lines we identified that resistance to single MEK inhibitor and ERK inhibitor treatments arise rapidly but combination therapy completely blocks the emergence of resistance. The prior evolution of resistance to either single agent frequently leads to resistance to dual treatment. Dual MEK inhibitor plus ERK inhibitor therapy shows anti-tumor efficacy in an HrasG12V-driven autochthonous sarcoma model but features of drug resistance in vivo were also evident. Array-based kinome activity profiling revealed an absence of common patterns of signaling rewiring in single or double MEK and ERK inhibitor resistant cells, showing that the development of resistance to downstream signaling inhibition in oncogenic RAS-driven tumors represents a heterogeneous process. Nonetheless, in some single and double MEK and ERK inhibitor resistant cell lines we identified newly acquired drug sensitivities. These may represent additional therapeutic targets in oncogenic RAS-driven tumors and provide general proof-of-principle that therapeutic vulnerabilities of drug resistant cells can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Catalano
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Mojca Adlesic
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Thorsten Kaltenbacher
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Rhena F. U. Klar
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Albers
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Seidel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Laura P. Brandt
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Hejhal
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Busenhart
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Röhner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Kyra Zodel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Kornelia Fritsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Peter J. Wild
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Fritsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian J. Frew
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-71831
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Barbosa R, Acevedo LA, Marmorstein R. The MEK/ERK Network as a Therapeutic Target in Human Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:361-374. [PMID: 33139506 PMCID: PMC7925338 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway is the most well-studied of the MAPK cascades and is critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Abnormalities in regulation resulting from mutations in components of this pathway, particularly in upstream proteins, RAS and RAF, are responsible for a significant fraction of human cancers and nearly all cutaneous melanomas. Activation of receptor tyrosine kinases by growth factors and various extracellular signals leads to the sequential activation of RAS, RAF, MEK, and finally ERK, which activates numerous transcription factors and facilitates oncogenesis in the case of aberrant pathway activation. While extensive studies have worked to elucidate the activation mechanisms and structural components of upstream MAPK components, comparatively less attention has been directed toward the kinases, MEK and ERK, due to the infrequency of oncogenic-activating mutations in these kinases. However, acquired drug resistance has become a major issue in the treatment of RAS- and RAF-mutated cancers. Targeting the terminal kinases in the MAPK cascade has shown promise for overcoming many of these resistance mechanisms and improving treatment options for patients with MAPK-aberrant cancers. Here, we will describe the role of MEK and ERK in MAPK signaling and summarize the current understanding of their interaction and activation mechanisms. We will also discuss existing approaches for targeting MEK and ERK, and the benefits of alternative strategies. Areas requiring further exploration will be highlighted to guide future research endeavors and aid in the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to combat surmounting drug resistance in treating MAPK-mediated cancers. VISUAL OVERVIEW: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/19/3/361/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Barbosa
- School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lucila A Acevedo
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ronen Marmorstein
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mutations in kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) are the most frequently observed genomic alterations in human cancers. No KRAS targeting therapy has been approved despite more than three decades of efforts. Encouraging progress has been made in targeting KRASG12C with KRASG12C specific covalent inhibitors in the past few years. Herein, we review the recent breakthroughs in KRAS targeting. RECENT FINDINGS KRASG12C mutation was found in 14% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 3% of colorectal cancer. Recently, highly potent KRASG12C specific inhibitors have been developed and demonstrated potent activity in preclinical models. Early results from phase 1 clinical trials with sotorasib and MRTX849 show promising antitumor activity in NSCLC, colorectal cancer and other solid tumors harboring KRASG12C mutation. For the first time, the preclinical success of targeting KRAS has translated into clinical benefits, which holds the potential of transforming clinical management of KRAS mutated solid tumors. Additional efforts are needed to identify biomarkers that predict response to KRAS inhibition in patients with KRASG12C as well as to develop strategies to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongkai Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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The ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling network: the final frontier in RAS signal transduction. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:253-267. [PMID: 33544118 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is aberrantly activated in a diverse set of human cancers and the RASopathy group of genetic developmental disorders. This protein kinase cascade is one of the most intensely studied cellular signaling networks and has been frequently targeted by the pharmaceutical industry, with more than 30 inhibitors either approved or under clinical evaluation. The ERK-MAPK cascade was originally depicted as a serial and linear, unidirectional pathway that relays extracellular signals, such as mitogenic stimuli, through the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, we now appreciate that this three-tiered protein kinase cascade is a central core of a complex network with dynamic signaling inputs and outputs and autoregulatory loops. Despite our considerable advances in understanding the ERK-MAPK network, the ability of cancer cells to adapt to the inhibition of key nodes reveals a level of complexity that remains to be fully understood. In this review, we summarize important developments in our understanding of the ERK-MAPK network and identify unresolved issues for ongoing and future study.
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35
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ERK-dependent suicide gene therapy for selective targeting of RTK/RAS-driven cancers. Mol Ther 2020; 29:1585-1601. [PMID: 33333291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicide gene therapies provide a unique ability to target cancer cells selectively, often based on modification of viral tropism or transcriptional regulation of therapeutic gene expression. We designed a novel suicide gene therapy approach wherein the gene product (herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase or yeast cytosine deaminase) is phosphorylated and stabilized in expression by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which is overactive in numerous cancers with elevated expression or mutation of receptor tyrosine kinases or the GTPase RAS. In contrast to transcriptional strategies for selectivity, regulation of protein stability by ERK allows for high copy expression via constitutive viral promoters, while maintaining tumor selectivity in contexts of elevated ERK activity. Thus, our approach turns a signaling pathway often coopted by cancer cells for survival into a lethal disadvantage in the presence of a chimeric protein and prodrug, as highlighted by a series of in vitro and in vivo examples explored here.
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36
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Abstract
The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of organ growth and tumorigenesis. In Drosophila, oncogenic RasV12 cooperates with loss-of-cell polarity to promote Hippo pathway-dependent tumor growth. To identify additional factors that modulate this signaling, we performed a genetic screen utilizing the Drosophila Ras V12 /lgl -/- in vivo tumor model and identified Rox8, a RNA-binding protein (RBP), as a positive regulator of the Hippo pathway. We found that Rox8 overexpression suppresses whereas Rox8 depletion potentiates Hippo-dependent tissue overgrowth, accompanied by altered Yki protein level and target gene expression. Mechanistically, Rox8 directly binds to a target site located in the yki 3' UTR, recruits and stabilizes the targeting of miR-8-loaded RISC, which accelerates the decay of yki messenger RNA (mRNA). Moreover, TIAR, the human ortholog of Rox8, is able to promote the degradation of yki mRNA when introduced into Drosophila and destabilizes YAP mRNA in human cells. Thus, our study provides in vivo evidence that the Hippo pathway is posttranscriptionally regulated by the collaborative action of RBP and microRNA (miRNA), which may provide an approach for modulating Hippo pathway-mediated tumorigenesis.
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Marshall CB, KleinJan F, Gebregiworgis T, Lee KY, Fang Z, Eves BJ, Liu NF, Gasmi-Seabrook GMC, Enomoto M, Ikura M. NMR in integrated biophysical drug discovery for RAS: past, present, and future. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:531-554. [PMID: 32804298 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in RAS oncogenes occur in ~ 30% of human cancers, with KRAS being the most frequently altered isoform. RAS proteins comprise a conserved GTPase domain and a C-terminal lipid-modified tail that is unique to each isoform. The GTPase domain is a 'switch' that regulates multiple signaling cascades that drive cell growth and proliferation when activated by binding GTP, and the signal is terminated by GTP hydrolysis. Oncogenic RAS mutations disrupt the GTPase cycle, leading to accumulation of the activated GTP-bound state and promoting proliferation. RAS is a key target in oncology, however it lacks classic druggable pockets and has been extremely challenging to target. RAS signaling has thus been targeted indirectly, by harnessing key downstream effectors as well as upstream regulators, or disrupting the proper membrane localization required for signaling, by inhibiting either lipid modification or 'carrier' proteins. As a small (20 kDa) protein with multiple conformers in dynamic equilibrium, RAS is an excellent candidate for NMR-driven characterization and screening for direct inhibitors. Several molecules have been discovered that bind RAS and stabilize shallow pockets through conformational selection, and recent compounds have achieved substantial improvements in affinity. NMR-derived insight into targeting the RAS-membrane interface has revealed a new strategy to enhance the potency of small molecules, while another approach has been development of peptidyl inhibitors that bind through large interfaces rather than deep pockets. Remarkable progress has been made with mutation-specific covalent inhibitors that target the thiol of a G12C mutant, and these are now in clinical trials. Here we review the history of RAS inhibitor development and highlight the utility of NMR and integrated biophysical approaches in RAS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Fenneke KleinJan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Teklab Gebregiworgis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ben J Eves
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ningdi F Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Masahiro Enomoto
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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ERK2 Phosphorylates PFAS to Mediate Posttranslational Control of De Novo Purine Synthesis. Mol Cell 2020; 78:1178-1191.e6. [PMID: 32485148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS-ERK/MAPK (RAS-extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway integrates growth-promoting signals to stimulate cell growth and proliferation, at least in part, through alterations in metabolic gene expression. However, examples of direct and rapid regulation of the metabolic pathways by the RAS-ERK pathway remain elusive. We find that physiological and oncogenic ERK signaling activation leads to acute metabolic flux stimulation through the de novo purine synthesis pathway, thereby increasing building block availability for RNA and DNA synthesis, which is required for cell growth and proliferation. We demonstrate that ERK2, but not ERK1, phosphorylates the purine synthesis enzyme PFAS (phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase) at T619 in cells to stimulate de novo purine synthesis. The expression of nonphosphorylatable PFAS (T619A) decreases purine synthesis, RAS-dependent cancer cell-colony formation, and tumor growth. Thus, ERK2-mediated PFAS phosphorylation facilitates the increase in nucleic acid synthesis required for anabolic cell growth and proliferation.
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Kim CK, Wang D, Bokesch HR, Fuller RW, Smith E, Henrich CJ, Durrant DE, Morrison DK, Bewley CA, Gustafson KR. Swinhopeptolides A and B: Cyclic Depsipeptides from the Sponge Theonella swinhoei That Inhibit Ras/Raf Interaction. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:1288-1294. [PMID: 32191460 PMCID: PMC7183427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Two new cyclic depsipeptides named swinhopeptolides A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei cf. verrucosa, collected from Papua New Guinea. They each contain 11 diverse amino acid residues and 13-carbon polyketide moieties attached at the N-terminus. Compounds 1 and 2 each exist as two conformers in DMSO-d6 due to cis/trans isomerism of the proline residue, and their structures were successfully assigned by extensive NMR analyses complemented by chemical degradation and derivatization studies. Swinhopeptolide B (2) contains a previously undescribed 2,6,8-trimethyldeca-(2E,4E,6E)-trienoic acid moiety N-linked to a terminal serine residue. Swinhopeptolides A (1) and B (2) showed significant inhibition of the Ras/Raf signaling pathway with IC50 values of 5.8 and 8.5 μM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Kwon Kim
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Heidi R. Bokesch
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Richard W. Fuller
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Emily Smith
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Curtis J. Henrich
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - David E. Durrant
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Deborah K. Morrison
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Carole A. Bewley
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - Kirk R. Gustafson
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
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40
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Drosten M, Barbacid M. Targeting the MAPK Pathway in KRAS-Driven Tumors. Cancer Cell 2020; 37:543-550. [PMID: 32289276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
KRAS mutations occur in a quarter of all of human cancers, yet no selective drug has been approved to treat these tumors. Despite the recent development of drugs that block KRASG12C, the majority of KRAS oncoproteins remain undruggable. Here, we review recent efforts to validate individual components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as targets to treat KRAS-mutant cancers by comparing genetic information derived from experimental mouse models of KRAS-driven lung and pancreatic tumors with the outcome of selective MAPK inhibitors in clinical trials. We also review the potential of RAF1 as a key target to block KRAS-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Drosten
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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41
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Fei Q, Zou Z, Roundtree IA, Sun HL, He C. YTHDF2 promotes mitotic entry and is regulated by cell cycle mediators. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000664. [PMID: 32267835 PMCID: PMC7170294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates mRNA stability and translation. Here, we show that transcriptomic m6A modification can be dynamic and the m6A reader protein YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2) promotes mRNA decay during cell cycle. Depletion of YTHDF2 in HeLa cells leads to the delay of mitotic entry due to overaccumulation of negative regulators of cell cycle such as Wee1-like protein kinase (WEE1). We demonstrate that WEE1 transcripts contain m6A modification, which promotes their decay through YTHDF2. Moreover, we found that YTHDF2 protein stability is dependent on cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) activity. Thus, CDK1, YTHDF2, and WEE1 form a feedforward regulatory loop to promote mitotic entry. We further identified Cullin 1 (CUL1), Cullin 4A (CUL4A), damaged DNA-binding protein 1 (DDB1), and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) as components of E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes that mediate YTHDF2 proteolysis. Our study provides insights into how cell cycle mediators modulate transcriptomic m6A modification, which in turn regulates the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qili Fei
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhongyu Zou
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Roundtree
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hui-Lung Sun
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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42
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Sinha S, Dwivedi N, Tao S, Jamadar A, Kakade VR, Neil MO, Weiss RH, Enders J, Calvet JP, Thomas SM, Rao R. Targeting the vasopressin type-2 receptor for renal cell carcinoma therapy. Oncogene 2020; 39:1231-1245. [PMID: 31616061 PMCID: PMC7007354 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1059-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its type-2 receptor (V2R) play an essential role in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis by the kidneys. V2R activation also stimulates proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro. The current studies investigated V2R expression and activity in human RCC tumors, and its role in RCC tumor growth. Examination of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, and analysis of human RCC tumor tissue microarrays, cDNA arrays and tumor biopsy samples demonstrated V2R expression and activity in clear cell RCC (ccRCC). In vitro, V2R antagonists OPC31260 and Tolvaptan, or V2R gene silencing reduced wound closure and cell viability of 786-O and Caki-1 human ccRCC cell lines. Similarly in mouse xenograft models, Tolvaptan and OPC31260 decreased RCC tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while increasing apoptosis. In contrast, the V2R agonist dDAVP significantly increased tumor growth. High intracellular cAMP levels and ERK1/2 activation were observed in human ccRCC tumors. In mouse tumors and Caki-1 cells, V2R agonists reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation, while dDAVP treatment had the reverse effect. V2R gene silencing in Caki-1 cells also reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation. These results provide novel evidence for a pathogenic role of V2R signaling in ccRCC, and suggest that inhibitors of the AVP-V2R pathway, including the FDA-approved drug Tolvaptan, could be utilized as novel ccRCC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Sinha
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Nidhi Dwivedi
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Shixin Tao
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Abeda Jamadar
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Vijayakumar R Kakade
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Maura O' Neil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Robert H Weiss
- Division of Nephrology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Medical Service, VA Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Enders
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - James P Calvet
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sufi M Thomas
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Reena Rao
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Pandian J, Panneerpandian P, Devanandan HJ, Sekar BT, Balakrishnan K, Selvarasu K, Muthupandi K, Ganesan K. Identification of the targeted therapeutic potential of doxycycline for a subset of gastric cancer patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1467:94-111. [PMID: 31944316 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The identification of new drugs for the targeted therapy of gastric cancer remains an important need. The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK/ELK1 signaling cascade is activated in many cancers, including gastric cancer. To identify the targetable inhibitors of the ERK/MAPK pathway, we performed a repurposing screening of a panel of antimicrobial agents in gastric cancer cells using an ERK/MAPK-driven firefly luciferase reporter assay. Multiple antibiotics were identified to inhibit ERK-mediated transcriptional activity. Among them, doxycycline showed high inhibition of ERK/MAPK-regulated transcriptional activity and the levels of ERK proteins. Doxycycline was further identified to inhibit the proliferation and the colony- and spheroid-forming potential of gastric cancer cells. By in vitro signaling pathway and genome-wide expression profiling analyses, doxycycline was identified to inhibit signaling pathways and transcriptional activities regulated by ER, Myc, E2F1, Wnt, SMAD2/3/4, Notch, and OCT4. Doxycycline was also found to activate p53-, ATF6-, NRF1/2-, and MTF1-mediated transcription and inhibit the transcription of histones, proteasomal genes, fibroblast growth factor, and other oncogenic factors. These observations show the multitargeting and targeted therapeutic features of doxycycline for a subset of gastric tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaishree Pandian
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Ponmathi Panneerpandian
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Helen Jemimah Devanandan
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Balaji T Sekar
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Karthik Balakrishnan
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Karthikeyan Selvarasu
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Karthikeyan Muthupandi
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Kumaresan Ganesan
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
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Hobbs GA, Baker NM, Miermont AM, Thurman RD, Pierobon M, Tran TH, Anderson AO, Waters AM, Diehl JN, Papke B, Hodge RG, Klomp JE, Goodwin CM, DeLiberty JM, Wang J, Ng RWS, Gautam P, Bryant KL, Esposito D, Campbell SL, Petricoin EF, Simanshu DK, Aguirre AJ, Wolpin BM, Wennerberg K, Rudloff U, Cox AD, Der CJ. Atypical KRAS G12R Mutant Is Impaired in PI3K Signaling and Macropinocytosis in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:104-123. [PMID: 31649109 PMCID: PMC6954322 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Allele-specific signaling by different KRAS alleles remains poorly understood. The KRAS G12R mutation displays uneven prevalence among cancers that harbor the highest occurrence of KRAS mutations: It is rare (∼1%) in lung and colorectal cancers, yet relatively common (∼20%) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), suggesting context-specific properties. We evaluated whether KRASG12R is functionally distinct from the more common KRASG12D- or KRASG12V-mutant proteins (KRASG12D/V). We found that KRASG12D/V but not KRASG12R drives macropinocytosis and that MYC is essential for macropinocytosis in KRASG12D/V- but not KRASG12R-mutant PDAC. Surprisingly, we found that KRASG12R is defective for interaction with a key effector, p110α PI3K (PI3Kα), due to structural perturbations in switch II. Instead, upregulated KRAS-independent PI3Kγ activity was able to support macropinocytosis in KRASG12R-mutant PDAC. Finally, we determined that KRASG12R-mutant PDAC displayed a distinct drug sensitivity profile compared with KRASG12D-mutant PDAC but is still responsive to the combined inhibition of ERK and autophagy. SIGNIFICANCE: We determined that KRASG12R is impaired in activating a key effector, p110α PI3K. As such, KRASG12R is impaired in driving macropinocytosis. However, overexpression of PI3Kγ in PDAC compensates for this deficiency, providing one basis for the prevalence of this otherwise rare KRAS mutant in pancreatic cancer but not other cancers.See related commentary by Falcomatà et al., p. 23.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Aaron Hobbs
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nicole M Baker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Ryan D Thurman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Timothy H Tran
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | | | - Andrew M Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - J Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Bjoern Papke
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Richard G Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer E Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Craig M Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan M DeLiberty
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Junning Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raymond W S Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Prson Gautam
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsten L Bryant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Andrew J Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Brian M Wolpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Udo Rudloff
- Thoracic and GI Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland.
- Rare Tumor Initiative, Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Jung J, Venkatachalam K. TRPML1 and RAS-driven cancers - exploring a link with great therapeutic potential. Channels (Austin) 2019; 13:374-381. [PMID: 31526156 PMCID: PMC6768051 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2019.1666457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the RAS family of proto-oncogenes represent some of the leading causes of cancer. Unmitigated proliferation of cells harboring oncogenic RAS mutations is accompanied by a massive increase in cellular bioenergetic demands, which offers unique opportunities for therapeutic intervention. To withstand the steep requirements for metabolic intermediates, RAS-driven cancer cells enhance endolysosome and autophagosome biogenesis. By degrading cellular macromolecules into metabolites that can be used by biosynthetic pathways, endolysosomes permit continued proliferation and survival in otherwise detrimental conditions. We recently showed that human cancers with activating mutations in HRAS elevate the expression of MCOLN1, which encodes an endolysosomal cation channel called TRPML1. Increased TRPML1 activity in HRAS-driven cancer cells is needed for the restoration of plasma membrane cholesterol that gets collaterally internalized during endocytosis. Inhibition of TRPML1 or knockdown of MCOLN1 leads to mislocalization of cholesterol from the plasma membrane to endolysosomes, loss of oncogenic HRAS from the cell surface, and attenuation of downstream signaling. Here, we discuss the implications of our findings and suggest strategies to leverage pathways that impinge upon TRPML1 as novel anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewon Jung
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kartik Venkatachalam
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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Ferreira HJ, de Almeida EM, da Silva WMB, Teixeira EH, do Nascimento Neto LG. Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Antitumor Activity of Isolated Lectins from Marine Organisms: A Systematic Review. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 21:616-625. [PMID: 31763966 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666191122113850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor cells may present several molecular alterations that favor their malignancy, among which there is the expression of tumor-related antigens, such as truncated T-glycans, Thomsen-nouvelle, sialyl-Lewis X and sialyl Tn, which may help in the diagnosis and treatment using specific target molecules. Lectins are ubiquitous proteins capable of interacting with specific carbohydrates. Lectins isolated from marine organisms have important characteristics such as low immunogenicity and can bind to complex glycans compared to plant lectins. OBJECTIVE This work evaluated, through a systematic review, the molecular mechanisms of antitumor activity of lectins isolated from marine organisms. METHODOLOGY The Pubmed, Lilacs, Science Direct, Wiley and Scopus databases were reviewed using the descriptors: marine lectin and cancer. Articles in English, published between January 2008 and December 2018, which proposed the molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity of lectins from marine organisms were eligible for the study. RESULTS 17 articles were eligible. The lectins showed promising performance against cancer cells, presenting specific cytotoxicity for some types of malignant cells. The articles presented several lectins specific to different carbohydrates, modulating: pro and anti-apoptotic proteins, transcription factor E2F-1, via mitogen-activated protein kinase. In addition, exogenous lectin expression in cancer cells has been shown to be a promising way to treat cancer. CONCLUSION This review showed the various studies that described the molecular mechanisms caused by marine lectins with antineoplastic potential. This knowledge is relevant for the development and use of the next generations of lectins isolated from marine organisms, supporting their potential in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Jefferson Ferreira
- Biomedicine College, Christus University Center, Fortaleza - CE, Brazil.,Integrated Laboratory of Biomolecules (LIBS), Federal University of Ceara, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, 60430-160, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Evandro Moreira de Almeida
- Biomedicine College, Christus University Center, Fortaleza - CE, Brazil.,Integrated Laboratory of Biomolecules (LIBS), Federal University of Ceara, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, 60430-160, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Edson Holanda Teixeira
- Integrated Laboratory of Biomolecules (LIBS), Federal University of Ceara, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, 60430-160, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga do Nascimento Neto
- Integrated Laboratory of Biomolecules (LIBS), Federal University of Ceara, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, 60430-160, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.,Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte Campus, 62930-000, Limoeiro do Norte, Ceara, Brazil
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ERK Inhibitor LY3214996 Targets ERK Pathway–Driven Cancers: A Therapeutic Approach Toward Precision Medicine. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:325-336. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Caiola E, Iezzi A, Tomanelli M, Bonaldi E, Scagliotti A, Colombo M, Guffanti F, Micotti E, Garassino MC, Minoli L, Scanziani E, Broggini M, Marabese M. LKB1 Deficiency Renders NSCLC Cells Sensitive to ERK Inhibitors. J Thorac Oncol 2019; 15:360-370. [PMID: 31634668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Serine/threonine kinase 11 (LKB1/STK11) is one of the most mutated genes in NSCLC accounting for approximately one-third of cases and its activity is impaired in approximately half of KRAS-mutated NSCLC. At present, these patients cannot benefit from any specific therapy. METHODS Through CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we systematically deleted LKB1 in both wild-type (WT) and KRAS-mutated human NSCLC cells. By using these isogenic systems together with genetically engineered mouse models we investigated the cell response to ERK inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS In all the systems used here, the loss of LKB1 creates vulnerability and renders these cells particularly sensitive to ERK inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo. The same cells expressing a WT LKB1 poorly respond to these drugs. At the molecular level, in the absence of LKB1, ERK inhibitors induced a marked inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase activation, which in turn abolished S6 protein activation, promoting the cytotoxic effect. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that ERK inhibitors are effective in LKB1 and LKB1/KRAS-mutated tumors, thus offering a therapeutic strategy for this prognostically unfavorable subgroup of patients. Because ERK inhibitors are already in clinical development, our findings could be easily translatable to the clinic. Importantly, the lack of effect in cells expressing WT LKB1, predicts that treatment of LKB1-mutated tumors with ERK inhibitors should have a favorable toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Caiola
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Iezzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Tomanelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Bonaldi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Scagliotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marika Colombo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Guffanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Micotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Minoli
- Mouse & Animal Pathology Lab, Fondazione Filarete, Milan, Italy; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Mouse & Animal Pathology Lab, Fondazione Filarete, Milan, Italy; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Broggini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mirko Marabese
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Gianni M, Qin Y, Wenes G, Bandstra B, Conley AP, Subbiah V, Leibowitz-Amit R, Ekmekcioglu S, Grimm EA, Roszik J. High-Throughput Architecture for Discovering Combination Cancer Therapeutics. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2019; 2:1-12. [PMID: 30652536 PMCID: PMC6873994 DOI: 10.1200/cci.17.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The amount of available next-generation sequencing data of tumors, in combination with relevant molecular and clinical data, has significantly increased in the last decade and transformed translational cancer research. Even with the progress made through data-sharing initiatives, there is a clear unmet need for easily accessible analyses tools. These include capabilities to efficiently process large sequencing database projects to present them in a straightforward and accurate way. Another urgent challenge in cancer research is to identify more effective combination therapies. METHODS We have created a software architecture that allows the user to integrate and analyze large-scale sequencing, clinical, and other datasets for efficient prediction of potential combination drug targets. This architecture permits predictions for all genes pairs; however, Food and Drug Administration-approved agents are currently lacking for most of the identified gene targets. RESULTS By applying this approach, we performed a comprehensive study and analyzed all possible combination partners and identified potentially synergistic target pairs for 38 approved targets currently in clinical use. We further showed which genes could be synergistic prediction markers and potential targets with MAPK/ERK inhibitors for the treatment of melanoma. Moreover, we integrated a graph analytics technique in this architecture to identify pathways that could be targeted synergistically to enhance the efficacy of certain therapeutics in cancer. CONCLUSION The architecture and the results presented provide a foundation for discovering effective combination therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Gianni
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yong Qin
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Geert Wenes
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Becca Bandstra
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Anthony P Conley
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Raya Leibowitz-Amit
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Suhendan Ekmekcioglu
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Elizabeth A Grimm
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Jason Roszik
- Matt Gianni, Geert Wenes, and Becca Bandstra, Cray Inc, Seattle, WA; Yong Qin, Anthony P. Conley, Vivek Subbiah, Suhendan Ekmekcioglu, Elizabeth A. Grimm, and Jason Roszik, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Raya Leibowitz-Amit, Tel Aviv University Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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Mottini C, Tomihara H, Carrella D, Lamolinara A, Iezzi M, Huang JK, Amoreo CA, Buglioni S, Manni I, Robinson FS, Minelli R, Kang Y, Fleming JB, Kim MP, Bristow CA, Trisciuoglio D, Iuliano A, Del Bufalo D, Di Bernardo D, Melisi D, Draetta GF, Ciliberto G, Carugo A, Cardone L. Predictive Signatures Inform the Effective Repurposing of Decitabine to Treat KRAS-Dependent Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5612-5625. [PMID: 31492820 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutated KRAS protein is a pivotal tumor driver in pancreatic cancer. However, despite comprehensive efforts, effective therapeutics that can target oncogenic KRAS are still under investigation or awaiting clinical approval. Using a specific KRAS-dependent gene signature, we implemented a computer-assisted inspection of a drug-gene network to in silico repurpose drugs that work like inhibitors of oncogenic KRAS. We identified and validated decitabine, an FDA-approved drug, as a potent inhibitor of growth in pancreatic cancer cells and patient-derived xenograft models that showed KRAS dependency. Mechanistically, decitabine efficacy was linked to KRAS-driven dependency on nucleotide metabolism and its ability to specifically impair pyrimidine biosynthesis in KRAS-dependent tumors cells. These findings also showed that gene signatures related to KRAS dependency might be prospectively used to inform on decitabine sensitivity in a selected subset of patients with KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer. Overall, the repurposing of decitabine emerged as an intriguing option for treating pancreatic tumors that are addicted to mutant KRAS, thus offering opportunities for improving the arsenal of therapeutics for this extremely deadly disease. SIGNIFICANCE: Decitabine is a promising drug for cancer cells dependent on RAS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mottini
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Hideo Tomihara
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Diego Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Justin K Huang
- Department of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Carla A Amoreo
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Buglioni
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Animal Facility (SAFU), IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Frederick S Robinson
- Department of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rosalba Minelli
- Department of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ya'an Kang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Michael P Kim
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Christopher A Bristow
- Department of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Davide Melisi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulio F Draetta
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Alessandro Carugo
- Department of Therapeutics Discovery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Luca Cardone
- Department of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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