1
|
Wang S, Li H, Liu J, Zhang Q, Xu W, Xiang J, Fang L, Xu P, Li Z. Integrative analysis of m3C associated genes reveals METTL2A as a potential oncogene in breast Cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:476. [PMID: 36266694 PMCID: PMC9583565 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation modifications, especially m6A mRNA modification, are known to be extensively involved in tumor development. However, the relationship between N3-methylcytidine (m3C) related genes and tumorigenesis has rarely been studied. In this research, we found that m3C-related genes were expressed at different levels and affected patients’ prognosis across multiple cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas and multi-omics levels. Importantly, methyltransferase-like proteins 2A (METTL2A) had a high amplification frequency (~ 7%) in patients with breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), and its overexpression was an independent predictor of poor overall survival. Enrichment analysis of associated genes revealed that METTL2A may activate DNA synthesis and cell proliferation pathways in BRCA cells. Through drug sensitivity analysis, Trifluridine, PD407824, and Taselisib were shown to be effective drugs for METTL2A-positive BRCA patients. Overall, our research conducts a holistic view of the expression level and prognostic signature of m3C-related genes with multiple malignancies. Importantly, METTL2A has been intensely explored as a potential oncogene in BRCA, to aid the development of potential drug agents for precision therapy in breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiting Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiheng Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Fang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Departments of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Esposito F, Giuffrida R, Raciti G, Puglisi C, Forte S. Wee1 Kinase: A Potential Target to Overcome Tumor Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910689. [PMID: 34639030 PMCID: PMC8508993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the cell cycle, DNA suffers several lesions that need to be repaired prior to entry into mitosis to preserve genome integrity in daughter cells. Toward this aim, cells have developed complex enzymatic machinery, the so-called DNA damage response (DDR), which is able to repair DNA, temporarily stopping the cell cycle to provide more time to repair, or if the damage is too severe, inducing apoptosis. This DDR mechanism is considered the main source of resistance to DNA-damaging therapeutic treatments in oncology. Recently, cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a small subset of tumor cells, were identified as tumor-initiating cells. CSCs possess self-renewal potential and persistent tumorigenic capacity, allowing for tumor re-growth and relapse. Compared with cancer cells, CSCs are more resistant to therapeutic treatments. Wee1 is the principal gatekeeper for both G2/M and S-phase checkpoints, where it plays a key role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair. From this perspective, Wee1 inhibition might increase the effectiveness of DNA-damaging treatments, such as radiotherapy, forcing tumor cells and CSCs to enter into mitosis, even with damaged DNA, leading to mitotic catastrophe and subsequent cell death.
Collapse
|
3
|
Moore KN, Hong DS, Patel MR, Pant S, Ulahannan SV, Jones S, Meric-Bernstam F, Wang JS, Aljumaily R, Hamilton EP, Wittchen ES, Wang X, Lin AB, Bendell JC. A Phase 1b Trial of Prexasertib in Combination with Standard-of-Care Agents in Advanced or Metastatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2021; 16:569-589. [PMID: 34559360 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-021-00835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) inhibitor prexasertib exhibited modest monotherapy antitumor activity in prior trials, suggesting that combination with chemotherapy or other targeted agents may be needed to maximize efficacy. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the recommended phase II dose and schedule of prexasertib in combination with either cisplatin, cetuximab, pemetrexed, or 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced and/or metastatic cancer, and to summarize preliminary antitumor activity of these combinations. PATIENTS AND METHODS This phase Ib, nonrandomized, open-label study comprised dose-escalation phase(s) with multiple sub-arms evaluating different prexasertib-drug combinations: Part A, prexasertib + cisplatin (n = 63); Part B, prexasertib + cetuximab (n = 41); Part C, prexasertib + pemetrexed (n = 3); Part D, prexasertib + 5-fluorouracil (n =8). Alternate dose schedules/regimens intended to mitigate toxicity and maximize dose exposure and efficacy were also explored in sub-parts. RESULTS In Part A, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of prexasertib in combination with cisplatin (75 mg/m2) was declared at 80 mg/m2, with cisplatin administered on Day 1 and prexasertib on Day 2 of a 21-day cycle. The overall objective response rate (ORR) in Part A was 12.7%, and 28 of 55 evaluable patients (50.9%) had a decrease in target lesions from baseline. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in Part A were hematologic, with the most common being white blood cell count decreased/neutrophil count decreased, experienced by 73.0% (any grade) and 66.7% (grade 3 or higher) of patients. In Part B, an MTD of 70 mg/m2 was established for prexasertib administered in combination with cetuximab (500 mg /m2), both administered on Day 1 of a 14-day cycle. The overall ORR in Part B was 4.9%, and 7 of 31 evaluable patients (22.6%) had decreased target lesions compared with baseline. White blood cell count decreased/neutrophil count decreased was also the most common treatment-related AE (56.1% any grade; 53.7% grade 3 or higher). In Parts A and B, hematologic toxicities, even with the addition of prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, resulted in frequent dose adjustments (> 60% of patients). In Part C, evaluation of prexasertib + pemetrexed was halted due to dose-limiting toxicities in two of the first three patients; MTD was not established. In Part D, the MTD of prexasertib in combination with 5-fluorouracil (label dose) was declared at 40 mg /m2, both administered on Day 1 of a 14-day cycle. In Part D, overall ORR was 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the proof-of-concept that prexasertib can be combined with cisplatin, cetuximab, and 5-fluorouracil. Schedule was a key determinant of the tolerability and feasibility of combining prexasertib with these standard-of-care agents. Reversible hematologic toxicity was the most frequent AE and was dose-limiting. Insights gleaned from this study will inform future combination strategies for the development of prexasertib and next-generation CHK1 inhibitors. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02124148 (date of registration 28 April 2014).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen N Moore
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L Young Blvd WP2350, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. .,Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David S Hong
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Manish R Patel
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L Young Blvd WP2350, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Susanna V Ulahannan
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L Young Blvd WP2350, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Judy S Wang
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Raid Aljumaily
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L Young Blvd WP2350, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.,Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Erika P Hamilton
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Johanna C Bendell
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kressin M, Fietz D, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Modelling the Functions of Polo-Like Kinases in Mice and Their Applications as Cancer Targets with a Special Focus on Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1176. [PMID: 34065956 PMCID: PMC8151477 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) belong to a five-membered family of highly conserved serine/threonine kinases (PLK1-5) that play differentiated and essential roles as key mitotic kinases and cell cycle regulators and with this in proliferation and cellular growth. Besides, evidence is accumulating for complex and vital non-mitotic functions of PLKs. Dysregulation of PLKs is widely associated with tumorigenesis and by this, PLKs have gained increasing significance as attractive targets in cancer with diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential. PLK1 has proved to have strong clinical relevance as it was found to be over-expressed in different cancer types and linked to poor patient prognosis. Targeting the diverse functions of PLKs (tumor suppressor, oncogenic) are currently at the center of numerous investigations in particular with the inhibition of PLK1 and PLK4, respectively in multiple cancer trials. Functions of PLKs and the effects of their inhibition have been extensively studied in cancer cell culture models but information is rare on how these drugs affect benign tissues and organs. As a step further towards clinical application as cancer targets, mouse models therefore play a central role. Modelling PLK function in animal models, e.g., by gene disruption or by treatment with small molecule PLK inhibitors offers promising possibilities to unveil the biological significance of PLKs in cancer maintenance and progression and give important information on PLKs' applicability as cancer targets. In this review we aim at summarizing the approaches of modelling PLK function in mice so far with a special glimpse on the significance of PLKs in ovarian cancer and of orthotopic cancer models used in this fatal malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kressin
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stover EH, Baco MB, Cohen O, Li YY, Christie EL, Bagul M, Goodale A, Lee Y, Pantel S, Rees MG, Wei G, Presser AG, Gelbard MK, Zhang W, Zervantonakis IK, Bhola PD, Ryan J, Guerriero JL, Montero J, Liang FJ, Cherniack AD, Piccioni F, Matulonis UA, Bowtell DDL, Sarosiek KA, Letai A, Garraway LA, Johannessen CM, Meyerson M. Pooled Genomic Screens Identify Anti-apoptotic Genes as Targetable Mediators of Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:2281-2293. [PMID: 31462500 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often sensitive to initial treatment with platinum and taxane combination chemotherapy, but most patients relapse with chemotherapy-resistant disease. To systematically identify genes modulating chemotherapy response, we performed pooled functional genomic screens in HGSOC cell lines treated with cisplatin, paclitaxel, or cisplatin plus paclitaxel. Genes in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis were among the top candidate resistance genes in both gain-of-function and loss-of-function screens. In an open reading frame overexpression screen, followed by a mini-pool secondary screen, anti-apoptotic genes including BCL2L1 (BCL-XL) and BCL2L2 (BCL-W) were associated with chemotherapy resistance. In a CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen, loss of BCL2L1 decreased cell survival whereas loss of proapoptotic genes promoted resistance. To dissect the role of individual anti-apoptotic proteins in HGSOC chemotherapy response, we evaluated overexpression or inhibition of BCL-2, BCL-XL, BCL-W, and MCL1 in HGSOC cell lines. Overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins decreased apoptosis and modestly increased cell viability upon cisplatin or paclitaxel treatment. Conversely, specific inhibitors of BCL-XL, MCL1, or BCL-XL/BCL-2, but not BCL-2 alone, enhanced cell death when combined with cisplatin or paclitaxel. Anti-apoptotic protein inhibitors also sensitized HGSOC cells to the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib. These unbiased screens highlight anti-apoptotic proteins as mediators of chemotherapy resistance in HGSOC, and support inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL1, alone or combined with chemotherapy or targeted agents, in treatment of primary and recurrent HGSOC. IMPLICATIONS: Anti-apoptotic proteins modulate drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and inhibitors of BCL-XL or MCL1 promote cell death in combination with chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Stover
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Maria B Baco
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ofir Cohen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Yvonne Y Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth L Christie
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mukta Bagul
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Goodale
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Yenarae Lee
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sasha Pantel
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew G Rees
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Guo Wei
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Adam G Presser
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maya K Gelbard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weiqun Zhang
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Patrick D Bhola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy Ryan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joan Montero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felice J Liang
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew D Cherniack
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Federica Piccioni
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ursula A Matulonis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David D L Bowtell
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristopher A Sarosiek
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anthony Letai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Cory M Johannessen
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Z, Chai Y, Zhao T, Li P, Zhao L, He F, Lang Y, Qin J, Ju H. Effect of PLK1 inhibition on cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:5904-5914. [PMID: 30488440 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effect of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibition on cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. METHODS The transcriptional level of PLK1 was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of PLK1 and its downstream mediators as well as autophagy-related protein LC3 I/LC3 II were detected by western blot. An 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine immunofluorescent staining were conducted to evaluate the cell viability and replication activity separately. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine the cell cycle status. The GFP-LC3 vector contributed toward tracking the formation and aggregation of autophagosomes. RESULTS Drug-resistant SGC-7901/DDP cells showed insignificant changes in all phases after DDP treatment, including DNA replication, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, whereas DDP could significantly improve the autophagy level of SGC-7901/DDP as well as PLK1expression. By downregulating the expression of PLK1, both BI2536 andsi-PLK1 enhanced SGC-7901/DDP sensitivity to DDP, suppressing the proliferation and autophagy as well as improving the apoptosis rate. PLK1 inhibition also resulted in the repression of cell division regulators CDC25C and cyclin B1. CONCLUSION Together, our experimental results illustrated that the DDP resistance of GC cells might be associated with the aberrant overexpression of PLK1. PLK1 inhibition, including si-PLK1 and BI2536 treatment, could restore the chemosensitivity of drug-resistant SGC-7901/DDP cells and enhance the efficacy of DDP, revealing the potential value of PLK1 inhibition in GC chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Chen
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanling Chai
- The Department of Respiratory Medicine, Second Ward, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
| | - Lihua Zhao
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang He
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Lang
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Qin
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
- The Respiratory System Disease Prevention and Control of Public Service Platform of Science and Technology in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Hongping Ju
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
- The Respiratory System Disease Prevention and Control of Public Service Platform of Science and Technology in Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carrassa L, Damia G. DNA damage response inhibitors: Mechanisms and potential applications in cancer therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 60:139-151. [PMID: 28961555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade the unravelling of the molecular mechanisms of the DNA damage response pathways and of the genomic landscape of human tumors have paved the road to new therapeutic approaches in oncology. It is now clear that tumors harbour defects in different DNA damage response steps, mainly signalling and repair, rendering them more dependent on the remaining pathways. We here focus on the proteins ATM, ATR, CHK1 and WEE1, reviewing their roles in the DNA damage response and as targets in cancer therapy. In the last decade specific inhibitors of these proteins have been designed, and their potential antineoplastic activity has been explored both in monotherapy strategies against tumors with specific defects (synthetic lethality approach) and in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapeutic or molecular targeted agents. The preclinical and clinical evidence of antitumor activity of these inhibitors emanating from these research efforts will be critically reviewed. Lastly, the potential therapeutic feasibility of combining together such inhibitors with the aim to target particular subsets of tumors will be also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carrassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Herůdková J, Paruch K, Khirsariya P, Souček K, Krkoška M, Vondálová Blanářová O, Sova P, Kozubík A, Hyršlová Vaculová A. Chk1 Inhibitor SCH900776 Effectively Potentiates the Cytotoxic Effects of Platinum-Based Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Human Colon Cancer Cells. Neoplasia 2017; 19:830-841. [PMID: 28888100 PMCID: PMC5591453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Chk1 kinase inhibitors are currently under clinical investigation as effective cancer cell sensitizers to the cytotoxic effects of numerous chemotherapeutics, there is still a considerable uncertainty regarding their role in modulation of anticancer potential of platinum-based drugs. Here we newly demonstrate the ability of one of the most specific Chk1 inhibitors, SCH900776 (MK-8776), to enhance human colon cancer cell sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of platinum(II) cisplatin and platinum(IV)- LA-12 complexes. The combined treatment with SCH900776 and cisplatin or LA-12 results in apparent increase in G1/S phase-related apoptosis, stimulation of mitotic slippage, and senescence of HCT116 cells. We further show that the cancer cell response to the drug combinations is significantly affected by the p21, p53, and PTEN status. In contrast to their wt counterparts, the p53- or p21-deficient cells treated with SCH900776 and cisplatin or LA-12 enter mitosis and become polyploid, and the senescence phenotype is strongly suppressed. While the cell death induced by SCH900776 and cisplatin or LA-12 is significantly delayed in the absence of p53, the anticancer action of the drug combinations is significantly accelerated in p21-deficient cells, which is associated with stimulation of apoptosis beyond G2/M cell cycle phase. We also show that cooperative killing action of the drug combinations in HCT116 cells is facilitated in the absence of PTEN. Our results indicate that SCH900776 may act as an important modulator of cytotoxic response triggered by platinum-based drugs in colon cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarmila Herůdková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Paruch
- Department of Chemistry, CZ Openscreen, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Prashant Khirsariya
- Department of Chemistry, CZ Openscreen, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Krkoška
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Vondálová Blanářová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Sova
- Platinum Pharmaceuticals, a.s., Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alois Kozubík
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Hyršlová Vaculová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
In vivo loss-of-function screens identify KPNB1 as a new druggable oncogene in epithelial ovarian cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E7301-E7310. [PMID: 28811376 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1705441114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a deadly cancer, and its prognosis has not been changed significantly during several decades. To seek new therapeutic targets for EOC, we performed an in vivo dropout screen in human tumor xenografts using a pooled shRNA library targeting thousands of druggable genes. Then, in follow-up studies, we performed a second screen using a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library. These screens identified 10 high-confidence drug targets that included well-known oncogenes such as ERBB2 and RAF1, and novel oncogenes, notably KPNB1, which we investigated further. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition showed that KPNB1 exerts its antitumor effects through multiphase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Mechanistically, proteomic studies revealed that KPNB1 acts as a master regulator of cell cycle-related proteins, including p21, p27, and APC/C. Clinically, EOC patients with higher expression levels of KPNB1 showed earlier recurrence and worse prognosis than those with lower expression levels of KPNB1. Interestingly, ivermectin, a Food and Drug Administration-approved antiparasitic drug, showed KPNB1-dependent antitumor effects on EOC, serving as an alternative therapeutic toward EOC patients through drug repositioning. Last, we found that the combination of ivermectin and paclitaxel produces a stronger antitumor effect on EOC both in vitro and in vivo than either drug alone. Our studies have thus identified a combinatorial therapy for EOC, in addition to a plethora of potential drug targets.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dhanjal JK, Radhakrishnan N, Sundar D. Identifying synthetic lethal targets using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Methods 2017; 131:66-73. [PMID: 28710008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic lethality occurs when co-occurrence of two genetic events is unfavorable for the survival of the cell or organism. The conventional approach of high throughput screening of synthetic lethal targets using chemical compounds has been replaced by RNAi technology. CRISPR/Cas9, an RNA guided endonuclease system is the most recent technology for this work. Here, we have discussed the major considerations involved in designing a CRISPR/Cas9 based screening experiment for identification of synthetic lethal targets. It mainly includes CRISPR library to be used, cell types for conducting the experiment, the most appropriate screening strategy and ways of selecting the desired phenotypes from the complete cell population. The complete knockdown of genes can be achieved using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout libraries. For higher quality loss-of-function screens, haploid cells with defective homology-directed DNA repair mechanism could be used. Two widely used screening formats include arrayed and pooled screens followed by negative or positive selection of the cells with desired phenotype. However, pooled screening format with negative selection of cells serves the best. The advantages of using CRISPR/Cas9 system over the other RNAi approaches have also been discussed. Finally, some studies using CRISPR/Cas9 for genome-wide knockout screening in human cells and computational approaches for identification of synthetic lethal interactions have been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Kaur Dhanjal
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Navaneethan Radhakrishnan
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Durai Sundar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiao H, Qi R, Li T, Awuah SG, Zheng Y, Wei W, Kang X, Song H, Wang Y, Yu Y, Bird MA, Jing X, Yaffe MB, Birrer MJ, Ghoroghchian PP. Maximizing Synergistic Activity When Combining RNAi and Platinum-Based Anticancer Agents. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:3033-3044. [PMID: 28166401 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNAi approaches have been widely combined with platinum-based anticancer agents to elucidate cellular responses and to target gene products that mediate acquired resistance. Recent work has demonstrated that platination of siRNA prior to transfection may negatively influence RNAi efficiency based on the position and sequence of its guanosine nucleosides. Here, we used detailed spectroscopic characterization to demonstrate rapid formation of Pt-guanosine adducts within 30 min after coincubation of oxaliplatin [OxaPt(II)] or cisplatin [CisPt(II)] with either guanosine monophosphate or B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) siRNA. After 3 h of exposure to these platinum(II) agents, >50% of BCL-2 siRNA transcripts were platinated and unable to effectively suppress mRNA levels. Platinum(IV) analogues [OxaPt(IV) or CisPt(IV)] did not form Pt-siRNA adducts but did display decreased in vitro uptake and reduced potency. To overcome these challenges, we utilized biodegradable methoxyl-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(l-lysine) (mPEG-b-PCL-b-PLL) to generate self-assembled micelles that covalently conjugated OxaPt(IV) and/or electrostatically complexed siRNA. We then compared multiple strategies by which to combine BCL-2 siRNA with either OxaPt(II) or OxaPt(IV). Overall, we determined that the concentrations of siRNA (nM) and platinum(II)-based anticancer agents (μM) that are typically used for in vitro experiments led to rapid Pt-siRNA adduct formation and ineffective RNAi. Coincorporation of BCL-2 siRNA and platinum(IV) analogues in a single micelle enabled maximal suppression of BCL-2 mRNA levels (to <10% of baseline), augmented the intracellular levels of platinum (by ∼4×) and the numbers of resultant Pt-DNA adducts (by >5×), increased the cellular fractions that underwent apoptosis (by ∼4×), and enhanced the in vitro antiproliferative activity of the corresponding platinum(II) agent (by 10-100×, depending on the cancer cell line). When combining RNAi and platinum-based anticancer agents, this generalizable strategy may be adopted to maximize synergy during screening or for therapeutic delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haihua Xiao
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ruogu Qi
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ting Li
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Samuel G Awuah
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yaorong Zheng
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Xiang Kang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Haiqin Song
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yongheng Wang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yingjie Yu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Molly A Bird
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Xiabin Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael B Yaffe
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael J Birrer
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - P Peter Ghoroghchian
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Personalised Medicine: Genome Maintenance Lessons Learned from Studies in Yeast as a Model Organism. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1007:157-178. [PMID: 28840557 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60733-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Yeast research has been tremendously contributing to the understanding of a variety of molecular pathways due to the ease of its genetic manipulation, fast doubling time as well as being cost-effective. The understanding of these pathways did not only help scientists learn more about the cellular functions but also assisted in deciphering the genetic and cellular defects behind multiple diseases. Hence, yeast research not only opened the doors for transforming basic research into applied research, but also paved the roads for improving diagnosis and innovating personalized therapy of different diseases. In this chapter, we discuss how yeast research has contributed to understanding major genome maintenance pathways such as the S-phase checkpoint activation pathways, repair via homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining as well as topoisomerases-induced protein linked DNA breaks repair. Defects in these pathways lead to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Thus, the understanding of the exact genetic defects underlying these diseases allowed the development of personalized medicine, improving the diagnosis and treatment and overcoming the detriments of current conventional therapies such as the side effects, toxicity as well as drug resistance.
Collapse
|
13
|
Martens-de Kemp SR, Brink A, van der Meulen IH, de Menezes RX, te Beest DE, Leemans CR, van Beusechem VW, Braakhuis BJ, Brakenhoff RH. The FA/BRCA Pathway Identified as the Major Predictor of Cisplatin Response in Head and Neck Cancer by Functional Genomics. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 16:540-550. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
14
|
Leung AWY, de Silva T, Bally MB, Lockwood WW. Synthetic lethality in lung cancer and translation to clinical therapies. Mol Cancer 2016; 15:61. [PMID: 27686855 PMCID: PMC5041331 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0546-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease consisting of multiple histological subtypes each driven by unique genetic alterations. Despite the development of targeted therapies that inhibit the oncogenic mutations driving a subset of lung cancer cases, there is a paucity of effective treatments for the majority of lung cancer patients and new strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, the concept of synthetic lethality has been established as an effective approach for discovering novel cancer-specific targets as well as a method to improve the efficacy of existing drugs which provide partial but insufficient benefits for patients. In this review, we discuss the concept of synthetic lethality, the various types of synthetic lethal interactions in the context of oncology and the approaches used to identify these interactions, including recent advances that have transformed the ability to discover novel synthetic lethal combinations on a global scale. Lastly, we describe the specific synthetic lethal interactions identified in lung cancer to date and explore the pharmacological challenges and considerations in translating these discoveries to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada W. Y. Leung
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3 Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Rm. G227-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
| | - Tanya de Silva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Rm. G227-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3 Canada
| | - Marcel B. Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3 Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Rm. G227-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
- Centre for Drug Research and Development, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - William W. Lockwood
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Rm. G227-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5 Canada
- Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Azorsa DO, Turnidge MA, Arora S. Data Analysis for High-Throughput RNAi Screening. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2016; 1470:247-60. [PMID: 27581298 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6337-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput RNA interference (HT-RNAi) screening is an effective technology to help identify important genes and pathways involved in a biological process. Analysis of high-throughput RNAi screening data is a critical part of this technology, and many analysis methods have been described. Here, we summarize the workflow and types of analyses commonly used in high-throughput RNAi screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David O Azorsa
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA. .,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Megan A Turnidge
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Shilpi Arora
- Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tian Y, Qin L, Qiu H, Shi D, Sun R, Li W, Liu T, Wang J, Xu T, Guo W, Kang T, Huang W, Wang G, Deng W. RPS3 regulates melanoma cell growth and apoptosis by targeting Cyto C/Ca2+/MICU1 dependent mitochondrial signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 6:29614-25. [PMID: 26336993 PMCID: PMC4745750 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. Discovery and identification of novel therapeutic targets is urgently needed. In this study, we demonstrated that ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3) was a potential target involved in melanoma growth. Knockdown of RPS3 by siRNA suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Further mechanism studies showed that RPS3 knockdown in melanoma cells triggered the release of cytochrome C (Cyto C) from mitochondrial, increased the location of BID on mitochondrial membrane and the cleavage of the pro-apoptotic proteins (PARP, caspase-3 and -9), promoted the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the flooding of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) into the mitochondrial, and decreased the expression of the Ca(2+) gatekeeper MICU1 and its location on the mitochondrial. We also found that knockdown of RPS3 significantly inhibited tumor growth in a melanoma xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, we showed that RPS3 was highly expressed in melanoma cell lines and melanoma tumor tissues, and overexpression of RPS3 was associated with the poor prognosis of melanoma patients. Our results therefore demonstrate that RPS3 regulates melanoma growth through the modulation of the Cyto C/Ca(2+)/MICU1 dependent mitochondrial signaling and suggest that RPS3 is a potential therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Tian
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou China
| | - Huijuan Qiu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingbo Shi
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbing Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianze Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingshu Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenlin Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Targeted Drug for Tumors of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Double Bioproduct Inc., Guangzhou, China
| | - Guowen Wang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Targeted Drug for Tumors of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Double Bioproduct Inc., Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Targeting WEE1 Kinase in Cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:872-881. [PMID: 27427153 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
WEE1 kinase plays a crucial role in the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint arrest for DNA repair before mitotic entry. Normal cells repair damaged DNA during G1 arrest; however, cancer cells often have a deficient G1-S checkpoint and depend on a functional G2-M checkpoint for DNA repair. WEE1 is expressed at high levels in various cancer types including breast cancers, leukemia, melanoma, and adult and pediatric brain tumors. Many of these cancers are treated with DNA-damaging agents; therefore, targeting WEE1 for inhibition and compromising the G2-M checkpoint presents an opportunity to potentiate therapy. In this review we summarize the current WEE1 inhibitors, the potential for further inhibitor development, and the challenges in the clinic for the WEE1 inhibitor strategy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Helmke C, Raab M, Rödel F, Matthess Y, Oellerich T, Mandal R, Sanhaji M, Urlaub H, Rödel C, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Ligand stimulation of CD95 induces activation of Plk3 followed by phosphorylation of caspase-8. Cell Res 2016; 26:914-34. [PMID: 27325299 PMCID: PMC4973331 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2016.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon interaction of the CD95 receptor with its ligand, sequential association of the adaptor molecule FADD (MORT1), pro-forms of caspases-8/10, and the caspase-8/10 regulator c-FLIP leads to the formation of a death-inducing signaling complex. Here, we identify polo-like kinase (Plk) 3 as a new interaction partner of the death receptor CD95. The enzymatic activity of Plk3 increases following interaction of the CD95 receptor with its ligand. Knockout (KO) or knockdown of caspase-8, CD95 or FADD prevents activation of Plk3 upon CD95 stimulation, suggesting a requirement of a functional DISC for Plk3 activation. Furthermore, we identify caspase-8 as a new substrate for Plk3. Phosphorylation occurs on T273 and results in stimulation of caspase-8 proapoptotic function. Stimulation of CD95 in cells expressing a non-phosphorylatable caspase-8-T273A mutant in a rescue experiment or in Plk3-KO cells generated by CRISPR/Cas9 reduces the processing of caspase-8 prominently. Low T273 phosphorylation correlates significantly with low Plk3 expression in a cohort of 95 anal tumor patients. Our data suggest a novel mechanism of kinase activation within the Plk family and propose a new model for the stimulation of the extrinsic death pathway in tumors with high Plk3 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Helmke
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yves Matthess
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medicine II, Hematology/Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ranadip Mandal
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytics, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claus Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Leung AWY, Dragowska WH, Ricaurte D, Kwok B, Mathew V, Roosendaal J, Ahluwalia A, Warburton C, Laskin JJ, Stirling PC, Qadir MA, Bally MB. 3'-Phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthase 1 (PAPSS1) knockdown sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells to DNA damaging agents. Oncotarget 2016. [PMID: 26220590 PMCID: PMC4627299 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with no known driver mutation is platinum-based chemotherapy, which has a response rate of only 30–33%. Through an siRNA screen, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) synthase 1 (PAPSS1), an enzyme that synthesizes the biologically active form of sulfate PAPS, was identified as a novel platinum-sensitizing target in NSCLC cells. PAPSS1 knockdown in combination with low-dose (IC10) cisplatin reduces clonogenicity of NSCLC cells by 98.7% (p < 0.001), increases DNA damage, and induces G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. PAPSS1 silencing also sensitized NSCLC cells to other DNA crosslinking agents, radiation, and topoisomerase I inhibitors, but not topoisomerase II inhibitors. Chemo-sensitization was not observed in normal epithelial cells. Knocking out the PAPSS1 homolog did not sensitize yeast to cisplatin, suggesting that sulfate bioavailability for amino acid synthesis is not the cause of sensitization to DNA damaging agents. Rather, sensitization may be due to sulfation reactions involved in blocking the action of DNA damaging agents, facilitating DNA repair, promoting cancer cell survival under therapeutic stress or reducing the bioavailability of DNA damaging agents. Our study demonstrates for the first time that PAPSS1 could be targeted to improve the activity of multiple anticancer agents used to treat NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada W Y Leung
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Wieslawa H Dragowska
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Daniel Ricaurte
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Brian Kwok
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Veena Mathew
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jeroen Roosendaal
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, TB, 3508, The Netherlands
| | - Amith Ahluwalia
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Corinna Warburton
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Janessa J Laskin
- Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Peter C Stirling
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Qadir
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Marcel B Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Centre for Drug Research and Development, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Leung AWY, Hung SS, Backstrom I, Ricaurte D, Kwok B, Poon S, McKinney S, Segovia R, Rawji J, Qadir MA, Aparicio S, Stirling PC, Steidl C, Bally MB. Combined Use of Gene Expression Modeling and siRNA Screening Identifies Genes and Pathways Which Enhance the Activity of Cisplatin When Added at No Effect Levels to Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150675. [PMID: 26938915 PMCID: PMC4777418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based combination chemotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While cisplatin is effective, its use is not curative and resistance often emerges. As a consequence of microenvironmental heterogeneity, many tumour cells are exposed to sub-lethal doses of cisplatin. Further, genomic heterogeneity and unique tumor cell sub-populations with reduced sensitivities to cisplatin play a role in its effectiveness within a site of tumor growth. Being exposed to sub-lethal doses will induce changes in gene expression that contribute to the tumour cell’s ability to survive and eventually contribute to the selective pressures leading to cisplatin resistance. Such changes in gene expression, therefore, may contribute to cytoprotective mechanisms. Here, we report on studies designed to uncover how tumour cells respond to sub-lethal doses of cisplatin. A microarray study revealed changes in gene expressions that occurred when A549 cells were exposed to a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) of cisplatin (e.g. the IC10). These data were integrated with results from a genome-wide siRNA screen looking for novel therapeutic targets that when inhibited transformed a NOEL of cisplatin into one that induced significant increases in lethality. Pathway analyses were performed to identify pathways that could be targeted to enhance cisplatin activity. We found that over 100 genes were differentially expressed when A549 cells were exposed to a NOEL of cisplatin. Pathways associated with apoptosis and DNA repair were activated. The siRNA screen revealed the importance of the hedgehog, cell cycle regulation, and insulin action pathways in A549 cell survival and response to cisplatin treatment. Results from both datasets suggest that RRM2B, CABYR, ALDH3A1, and FHL2 could be further explored as cisplatin-enhancing gene targets. Finally, pathways involved in repairing double-strand DNA breaks and INO80 chromatin remodeling were enriched in both datasets, warranting further research into combinations of cisplatin and therapeutics targeting these pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada W. Y. Leung
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Stacy S. Hung
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancers, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ian Backstrom
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Ricaurte
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian Kwok
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Steven Poon
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Steven McKinney
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Romulo Segovia
- Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenna Rawji
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohammed A. Qadir
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samuel Aparicio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Christian Steidl
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancers, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marcel B. Bally
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Drug Research and Development, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
RNAi screening of mammalian cells is often performed using siRNAs and cationic lipids as transfection reagents. Efficiency of transfection depends on growth characteristics of the cells and the cationic lipid used. With a large selection of cationic lipids available, it can often be difficult to select the optimal lipid and lipid:siRNA (vol:wt) ratio. Here, we describe the process of optimizing siRNA transfection conditions for efficient reverse transfection of mammalian cells using specific positive and negative siRNA controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Montoya
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - David O Azorsa
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Singh Y, Tomar S, Khan S, Meher JG, Pawar VK, Raval K, Sharma K, Singh PK, Chaurasia M, Surendar Reddy B, Chourasia MK. Bridging small interfering RNA with giant therapeutic outcomes using nanometric liposomes. J Control Release 2015; 220:368-387. [PMID: 26528900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The scope of RNAi based therapeutics is unquestionable. However, if we dissect the current trend of clinical trials for afore mentioned drug class, some stark trends appear: 1) naked siRNA only exerts influence in topical mode whilst systemic delivery requires a carrier and 2) even after two decades of extensive efforts, not even a single siRNA containing product is commercially available. It was therefore felt that a perspective simplifying the unique intricacies of working with a merger of siRNA and liposomes from a pharmaceutical viewpoint could draw the attention of a wider array of interested researchers. We begin from the beginning and attempt to conduit the gap between theoretical logic and experimental/actual constraints. This, in turn could stimulate the next generation of investigators, gearing them to tackle the conundrum, which is siRNA delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuvraj Singh
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sandeep Tomar
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Shariq Khan
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Jaya Gopal Meher
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Vivek K Pawar
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Kavit Raval
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Komal Sharma
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Mohini Chaurasia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Lucknow, UP 226028, India
| | - B Surendar Reddy
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Manish K Chourasia
- Pharmaceutics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Screening analysis of ubiquitin ligases reveals G2E3 as a potential target for chemosensitizing cancer cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:617-32. [PMID: 25593194 PMCID: PMC4359243 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is widely used against various tumors, but resistance is commonly encountered. By inducing DNA crosslinks, cisplatin triggers DNA damage response (DDR) and cell death. However, the molecular determinants of how cells respond to cisplatin are incompletely understood. Since ubiquitination plays a major role in DDR, we performed a high-content siRNA screen targeting 327 human ubiquitin ligases and 92 deubiquitinating enzymes in U2OS cells, interrogating the response to cisplatin. We quantified γH2AX by immunofluorescence and image analysis as a read-out for DNA damage. Among known mediators of DDR, the screen identified the ubiquitin ligase G2E3 as a new player in the response to cisplatin. G2E3 depletion led to decreased γH2AX levels and decreased phosphorylation of the checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) upon cisplatin. Moreover, loss of G2E3 triggered apoptosis and decreased proliferation of cancer cells. Treating cells with the nucleoside analogue gemcitabine led to increased accumulation of single-stranded DNA upon G2E3 depletion, pointing to a defect in replication. Furthermore, we show that endogenous G2E3 levels in cancer cells were down-regulated upon chemotherapeutic treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that G2E3 is a molecular determinant of the DDR and cell survival, and that its loss sensitizes tumor cells towards DNA-damaging treatment.
Collapse
|
24
|
Targeting the Checkpoint to Kill Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2015; 5:1912-37. [PMID: 26295265 PMCID: PMC4598780 DOI: 10.3390/biom5031912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and most of the chemotherapies act by damaging DNA of cancer cells. Upon DNA damage, cells stop proliferation at cell cycle checkpoints, which provides them time for DNA repair. Inhibiting the checkpoint allows entry to mitosis despite the presence of DNA damage and can lead to cell death. Importantly, as cancer cells exhibit increased levels of endogenous DNA damage due to an excessive replication stress, inhibiting the checkpoint kinases alone could act as a directed anti-cancer therapy. Here, we review the current status of inhibitors targeted towards the checkpoint effectors and discuss mechanisms of their actions in killing of cancer cells.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang Y, Chang S, Sun J, Zhu S, Pu C, Li Y, Zhu Y, Wang Z, Xu RX. Targeted Microbubbles for Ultrasound Mediated Short Hairpin RNA Plasmid Transfection to Inhibit Survivin Gene Expression and Induce Apoptosis of Ovarian Cancer A2780/DDP Cells. Mol Pharm 2015. [PMID: 26212628 DOI: 10.1021/mp500835z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine, Chongqing 400010,China
| | - Shufang Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Jiangchuan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Shenyin Zhu
- Department
of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Caixiu Pu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yaowei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Ronald X. Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pharmacologic inhibition of ATR and ATM offers clinically important distinctions to enhancing platinum or radiation response in ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer cells. Gynecol Oncol 2015; 136:554-61. [PMID: 25560806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Significant reductions in gynecologic (GYN) cancer mortality and morbidity require treatments that prevent and reverse resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. The objective of this study was to determine if pharmacologic inhibition of key DNA damage response kinases in GYN cancers would enhance cell killing by platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation. METHODS A panel of human ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer cell lines were treated with platinum drugs or ionizing radiation (IR) along with small molecule pharmacological kinase inhibitors of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATM and Rad-3-related (ATR). RESULTS Pharmacologic inhibition of ATR significantly enhanced platinum drug response in all GYN cancer cell lines tested, whereas inhibition of ATM did not enhance the response to platinum drugs. Co-inhibition of ATM and ATR did not enhance platinum kill beyond that observed by inhibition of ATR alone. By contrast, inhibiting either ATR or ATM enhanced the response to IR in all GYN cancer cells, with further enhancement achieved with co-inhibition. CONCLUSIONS These studies highlight actionable mechanisms operative in GYN cancer cells with potential to maximize response of platinum agents and radiation in newly diagnosed as well as recurrent gynecologic cancers.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kawasumi M, Bradner JE, Tolliday N, Thibodeau R, Sloan H, Brummond KM, Nghiem P. Identification of ATR-Chk1 pathway inhibitors that selectively target p53-deficient cells without directly suppressing ATR catalytic activity. Cancer Res 2014; 74:7534-45. [PMID: 25336189 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to DNA-damaging chemotherapy is a barrier to effective treatment that appears to be augmented by p53 functional deficiency in many cancers. In p53-deficient cells in which the G1-S checkpoint is compromised, cell viability after DNA damage relies upon intact intra-S and G2-M checkpoints mediated by the ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related) and Chk1 kinases. Thus, a logical rationale to sensitize p53-deficient cancers to DNA-damaging chemotherapy is through the use of ATP-competitive inhibitors of ATR or Chk1. To discover small molecules that may act on uncharacterized components of the ATR pathway, we performed a phenotype-based screen of 9,195 compounds for their ability to inhibit hydroxyurea-induced phosphorylation of Ser345 on Chk1, known to be a critical ATR substrate. This effort led to the identification of four small-molecule compounds, three of which were derived from known bioactive library (anthothecol, dihydrocelastryl, and erysolin) and one of which was a novel synthetic compound termed MARPIN. These compounds all inhibited ATR-selective phosphorylation and sensitized p53-deficient cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents in vitro and in vivo. Notably, these compounds did not inhibit ATR catalytic activity in vitro, unlike typical ATP-competitive inhibitors, but acted in a mechanistically distinct manner to disable ATR-Chk1 function. Our results highlight a set of novel molecular probes to further elucidate druggable mechanisms to improve cancer therapeutic responses produced by DNA-damaging drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaoki Kawasumi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - James E Bradner
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicola Tolliday
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Renee Thibodeau
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Heather Sloan
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kay M Brummond
- University of Pittsburgh Center for Chemical Methodologies and Library Development, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Musiani D, Hammond DE, Cirillo L, Erriquez J, Olivero M, Clague MJ, Di Renzo MF. PIM2 kinase is induced by cisplatin in ovarian cancer cells and limits drug efficacy. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:4970-82. [PMID: 25099161 DOI: 10.1021/pr500651n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy is widely used to treat various cancers, but many patients ultimately relapse due to drug resistance. We employed phosphoproteomic analysis and functional assays of the response of SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin as a strategy to identify kinases as candidate druggable targets to sensitize cells to platinum. A SILAC-based approach combined with TiO2-based phosphopeptide enrichment allowed the direct identification of ERK1/2, p90RSK, and ERBB2 as kinases whose phosphorylation is regulated by cisplatin. Bioinformatic analysis revealed enrichment in linear phosphorylation motifs predicted to be targets of p38MAPK, CDK2, and PIM2. All three PIM kinases were found expressed in a panel of 10 ovarian cancer cell lines, with the oncogenic PIM2 being the most commonly induced by cisplatin. Targeting PIM2 kinase by either biochemical inhibitors or RNA interference impaired cell growth, decreased cisplatin-triggered BAD phosphorylation, and sensitized ovarian cancer cells to drug-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of PIM2 triggered anchorage-independent growth and resulted in increased BAD phosphorylation and cell resistance to DNA damaging agents. The data show that the PIM2 kinase plays a role in the response of ovarian cancer cells to platinum drugs and suggest that PIM inhibitors may find clinical application as an adjunct to platinum-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Musiani
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine , 10060 Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liu X, Gao Y, Lu Y, Zhang J, Li L, Yin F. Downregulation of NEK11 is associated with drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1266-74. [PMID: 24969318 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
NEKs [NIMA (never in mitosis gene A)-related expressed kinase] are involved in ovarian cancer development and progression, while their association with drug resistance is limited, especially NEK11, and its relationship with drug resistance has never been reported. In this study, on the basis of comprehensive bioinformatic analyses, including mRNA expression according to microarray data, protein/gene interaction, protein-small molecule interaction, annotation of biological process and microRNA-mRNA interaction analysis, we revealed that the NEK11 mRNA was significantly downregulated in 586 cases of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinomas and cisplatin-resistant A2780 ovarian cancer cells, and interacted with 22 proteins and 4 small molecules which all were contributed to drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, seven cell cycle-related biological processes were annotated with NEK11, drug resistance and ovarian cancer, suggesting that NEK11 potentially was involved in the drug resistance in ovarian cancer via its regulatory roles in the cell cycle. In addition, among the eight microRNAs predicted to be most strongly targeting NEK11, the majority were involved in drug resistance in ovarian and other cancers. All those results provide a very strong possibility that the notable downregulation of NEK11 in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells was involved in drug resistance, via its interactions with drug resistance-related genes, proteins, small molecules, microRNAs and biological processes, particularly the cell cycle-related processes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of NEK11 with drug resistance in cancer, and it would pave the way for further investigation of the drug resistance-related functions of this gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yutao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Chaoyang, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Yi Lu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Medical Scientific Research Centre, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Fuqiang Yin
- Medical Scientific Research Centre, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
![]()
The
concept of synthetic lethality (the creation of a lethal phenotype
from the combined effects of mutations in two or more genes) has recently
been exploited in various efforts to develop new genotype-selective
anticancer therapeutics. These efforts include screening for novel
anticancer agents, identifying novel therapeutic targets, characterizing
mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy, and improving efficacies
through the rational design of combination therapy. This review discusses
recent developments in synthetic lethality anticancer therapeutics,
including poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors for BRCA1- and BRCA2-mutant cancers, checkpoint inhibitors
for p53 mutant cancers, and small molecule agents targeting RAS gene mutant cancers. Because cancers are caused by mutations
in multiple genes and abnormalities in multiple signaling pathways,
synthetic lethality for a specific tumor suppressor gene or oncogene
is likely cell context-dependent. Delineation of the mechanisms underlying
synthetic lethality and identification of treatment response biomarkers
will be critical for the success of synthetic lethality anticancer
therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Unit 1489, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Clinical targeting of mutated and wild-type protein tyrosine kinases in cancer. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:1722-32. [PMID: 24567371 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01592-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical therapies for cancer have evolved from toxic, nontargeted agents to manageable, highly targeted therapies. Protein tyrosine kinases are a family of signaling molecules implicated in nearly every cancer type and are the foundation for the development of modern targeted agents. Recent genomic analyses have identified activating mutations, translocations, and amplifications of tyrosine kinases. Selective targeting of these genetically altered tyrosine kinases has resulted in significant clinical advances, including increased patient survival. This indicates that altered protein tyrosine kinases are the main drivers of many different cancers. However, lost during analyses of genetic lesions are the contributions of activated, wild-type kinases on tumor-dependent pathways. New approaches in phosphoproteomic technologies have identified several wild-type tyrosine kinase activation states, suggesting that non-genetically altered kinases can be essential "nodes" for signal transduction. Here, we summarize the evidence supporting the common mechanisms of protein tyrosine kinase activation in cancer and provide a personal perspective on the kinases BCR-ABL and BTK, as well as nonmutated kinase targets in prostate cancer, through our work. We outline the mechanisms of tyrosine kinase activation in the absence of direct mutation and discuss whether non-genetically altered tyrosine kinases or their associated downstream signaling pathways can be effectively targeted.
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Gene silencing through RNA interference has provided researchers with an effective way to study gene function. High-throughput RNA interference (HT-RNAi) screening has further permitted researchers to identify functionally relevant mediators of cellular response on a large scale. These screens have greatly expedited the discovery of novel targets and pathway mediators. Here, we describe the methodology for performing HT-RNAi screening of HeLa cells transfected with short interfering RNA (siRNA) libraries in 384-well microplate format. Using this plate format, the HT-RNAi assay can be easily adapted to semi-automated or fully automated platforms. The library siRNA are introduced into the cells through reverse transfection using cationic lipids. HT-RNAi screening for modulators of cell proliferation can be accomplished using a single read out reagent. This type of RNAi screening can be used with most plate-based cellular assays and can be optimized for most cultured cells lines, thus becoming a powerful tool to identify specific gene modulators and targets for drug discovery.
Collapse
|
33
|
WEE1 inhibition and genomic instability in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2013; 1836:227-35. [PMID: 23727417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer is genomic instability controlled by cell cycle checkpoints. The G1 and G2 checkpoints allow DNA damage responses, whereas the mitotic checkpoint enables correct seggregation of the sister chromosomes to prevent aneuploidy. Cancer cells often lack a functional G1 arrest and rely on G2 arrest for DNA damage responses. WEE1 kinase is an important regulator of the G2 checkpoint and is overexpressed in various cancer types. Inhibition of WEE1 is a promising strategy in cancer therapy in combination with DNA-damaging agents, especially when cancer cells harbor p53 mutations, as it causes mitotic catastrophy when DNA is not repaired during G2 arrest. Cancer cell response to WEE1 inhibition monotherapy has also been demonstrated in various types of cancer, including p53 wild-type cancers. We postulate that chromosomal instability can explain tumor response to WEE1 monotherapy. Therefore, chromosomal instability may need to be taken into account when determining the most effective strategy for the use of WEE1 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang Y, Hunter T. Roles of Chk1 in cell biology and cancer therapy. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1013-23. [PMID: 23613359 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionally conserved DNA damage response (DDR) and cell cycle checkpoints preserve genome integrity. Central to these genome surveillance pathways is a protein kinase, Chk1. DNA damage induces activation of Chk1, which then transduces the checkpoint signal and facilitates cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair. Significant progress has been made recently toward our understanding of Chk1 regulation and its implications in cancer etiology and therapy. Specifically, a model that involves both spatiotemporal and conformational changes of proteins has been proposed for Chk1 activation. Further, emerging evidence suggests that Chk1 does not appear to be a tumor suppressor; instead, it promotes tumor growth and may contribute to anticancer therapy resistance. Recent data from our laboratory suggest that activating, but not inhibiting, Chk1 in the absence of chemotherapy might represent an innovative approach to suppress tumor growth. These findings suggest unique regulation of Chk1 in cell biology and cancer etiology, pointing to novel strategies for targeting Chk1 in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Silencing of the STAT3 signaling pathway reverses the inherent and induced chemoresistance of human ovarian cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 435:188-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.04.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
36
|
Carreras Puigvert J, von Stechow L, Siddappa R, Pines A, Bahjat M, Haazen LCJM, Olsen JV, Vrieling H, Meerman JHN, Mullenders LHF, van de Water B, Danen EHJ. Systems biology approach identifies the kinase Csnk1a1 as a regulator of the DNA damage response in embryonic stem cells. Sci Signal 2013; 6:ra5. [PMID: 23354688 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2003208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In pluripotent stem cells, DNA damage triggers loss of pluripotency and apoptosis as a safeguard to exclude damaged DNA from the lineage. An intricate DNA damage response (DDR) signaling network ensures that the response is proportional to the severity of the damage. We combined an RNA interference screen targeting all kinases, phosphatases, and transcription factors with global transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics to map the DDR in mouse embryonic stem cells treated with the DNA cross-linker cisplatin. Networks derived from canonical pathways shared in all three data sets were implicated in DNA damage repair, cell cycle and survival, and differentiation. Experimental probing of these networks identified a mode of DNA damage-induced Wnt signaling that limited apoptosis. Silencing or deleting the p53 gene demonstrated that genotoxic stress elicited Wnt signaling in a p53-independent manner. Instead, this response occurred through reduced abundance of Csnk1a1 (CK1α), a kinase that inhibits β-catenin. Together, our findings reveal a balance between p53-mediated elimination of stem cells (through loss of pluripotency and apoptosis) and Wnt signaling that attenuates this response to tune the outcome of the DDR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Carreras Puigvert
- Division of Toxicology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, P. O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Maugeri-Saccà M, Bartucci M, De Maria R. Checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitors for potentiating systemic anticancer therapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2012. [PMID: 23207059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is a key component of the DNA damage response, a molecular network deputed to maintain genome integrity. Nevertheless, cancer cells aberrantly exploit these circuits to overcome chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity. Chk1 inhibitors have been developed as a chemopotentiating strategy and different molecular mechanisms underlying the synergism with chemotherapeutics have been uncovered. The monotherapy with Chk1 inhibitors seems to be endowed with antitumor activity against cancer cells characterized by specific defects in the DNA damage machinery or characterized by elevated levels of oncogene-induced replication stress. In this biological framework Chk1 neutralization represents a synthetic lethality-based therapeutic approach. Moreover, a dual targeting of the DNA damage machinery has been proposed envisioning the association of Chk1 abrogation with poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors. The spectrum of antitumor properties of Chk1 antagonists is completed by the activity against cancer stem cells, the prominent tumorigenic population that is equipped to survive stressful conditions through multiple and interconnected mechanisms. Although the clinical development of the first generation of Chk1 antagonists was hindered by off-target effects and an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile, a new wave of early clinical trials with more selective compounds are currently being carried out. To this end, the identification of predictive biomarkers and an in-depth characterization of molecular circuits governed by Chk1 are issues that need to be addressed for sharpening the therapeutic potential of Chk1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Maugeri-Saccà
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi, n. 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Khan MA, Sengupta J, Mittal S, Ghosh D. Genome-wide expressions in autologous eutopic and ectopic endometrium of fertile women with endometriosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:84. [PMID: 23006437 PMCID: PMC3533745 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to obtain a lead of the pathophysiology of endometriosis, genome-wide expressional analyses of eutopic and ectopic endometrium have earlier been reported, however, the effects of stages of severity and phases of menstrual cycle on expressional profiles have not been examined. The effect of genetic heterogeneity and fertility history on transcriptional activity was also not considered. In the present study, a genome-wide expression analysis of autologous, paired eutopic and ectopic endometrial samples obtained from fertile women (n=18) suffering from moderate (stage 3; n=8) or severe (stage 4; n=10) ovarian endometriosis during proliferative (n=13) and secretory (n=5) phases of menstrual cycle was performed. METHODS Individual pure RNA samples were subjected to Agilent's Whole Human Genome 44K microarray experiments. Microarray data were validated (P<0.01) by estimating transcript copy numbers by performing real time RT-PCR of seven (7) arbitrarily selected genes in all samples. The data obtained were subjected to differential expression (DE) and differential co-expression (DC) analyses followed by networks and enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The reproducibility of prediction based on GSEA implementation of DC results was assessed by examining the relative expressions of twenty eight (28) selected genes in RNA samples obtained from fresh pool of eutopic and ectopic samples from confirmed ovarian endometriosis patients with stages 3 and 4 (n=4/each) during proliferative and secretory (n=4/each) phases. RESULTS Higher clustering effect of pairing (cluster distance, cd=0.1) in samples from same individuals on expressional arrays among eutopic and ectopic samples was observed as compared to that of clinical stages of severity (cd=0.5) and phases of menstrual cycle (cd=0.6). Post hoc analysis revealed anomaly in the expressional profiles of several genes associated with immunological, neuracrine and endocrine functions and gynecological cancers however with no overt oncogenic potential in endometriotic tissue. Dys-regulation of three (CLOCK, ESR1, and MYC) major transcription factors appeared to be significant causative factors in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis. A novel cohort of twenty-eight (28) genes representing potential marker for ovarian endometriosis in fertile women was discovered. CONCLUSIONS Dysfunctional expression of immuno-neuro-endocrine behaviour in endometrium appeared critical to endometriosis. Although no overt oncogenic potential was evident, several genes associated with gynecological cancers were observed to be high in the expressional profiles in endometriotic tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meraj A Khan
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayasree Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Suneeta Mittal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Debabrata Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pouliot LM, Chen YC, Bai J, Guha R, Martin SE, Gottesman MM, Hall MD. Cisplatin sensitivity mediated by WEE1 and CHK1 is mediated by miR-155 and the miR-15 family. Cancer Res 2012; 72:5945-55. [PMID: 22942255 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-1400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to platinum-based therapies arises by multiple mechanisms, including by alterations to cell-cycle kinases that mediate G(2)-M phase arrest. In this study, we conducted parallel high-throughput screens for microRNAs (miRNA) that could restore sensitivity to cisplatin-resistant cells, and we screened for kinases targeted by miRNAs that mediated cisplatin resistance. Overexpression of the cell-cycle kinases WEE1 and CHK1 occurred commonly in cisplatin-resistant cells. miRNAs in the miR-15/16/195/424/497 family were found to sensitize cisplatin-resistant cells to apoptosis by targeting WEE1 and CHK1. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies showed that miR-15 family members controlled the expression of WEE1 and CHK1. Supporting these results, we found that in the presence of cisplatin altering expression of miR-16 or related genes altered cell cycle distribution. Our findings reveal critical regulation of miRNAs and their cell-cycle-associated kinase targets in mediating resistance to cisplatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M Pouliot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Molecular resistance fingerprint of pemetrexed and platinum in a long-term survivor of mesothelioma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40521. [PMID: 22905093 PMCID: PMC3414492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pemetrexed, a multi-folate inhibitor combined with a platinum compound is the first-line treatment of malignant mesothelioma, but median survival is still one year. Intrinsic and acquired resistance to pemetrexed is common, but its biological basis is obscure. Here we report for the first time a genome-wide profile of acquired resistance in the tumour from an exceptional case with advanced pleural mesothelioma and almost six years survival after 39 cycles of second-line pemetrexed/carboplatin treatment. Methodology and Principal Findings Genome-wide analysis with Illumina BeadChip Kit of 25,000 genes was performed on mRNA from pre-treatment and post-resistance biopsies from this individual as well on case and control samples from our previously published study (in total 17 samples). Cell specific expression of proteins encoded by selected genes were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Serial serum levels of CA125, CYFRA21-1 and SMRP levels were examined. TS protein, the main target of pemetrexed was overexpressed. Proteins and genes related to DNA damage response, elongation and telomere extension and repair related directly and indirectly to platinum resistance were overexpressed, as the CHK1 protein and the genes CHEK2, LIG3, POLD1, POLA2, FANCD2, PRPF19, RECQ5 respectively, the last two not previously described in mesothelioma. We observed a down-regulation of leukocyte transendothelial migration and cell adhesion molecules pathways. Silencing of NT5C in two mesothelioma cell lines did not sensitize the cells to Pemetrexed. Proposed resistance markers are TS, KRT7/ CK7, TYMP/ thymidine phosphorylase and down-regulated SPARCL1 and CDKN1B. Moreover, comparison of the primary expression of the sensitive versus a primary resistant case showed multi-fold overexpressed DNA repair, cell cycle, cytokinesis, and spindle formation in the latter. Serum CA125 and SMRP reflected the clinical and radiological course and tumour burden. Conclusions Genome-wide microarray of mesothelioma pre- and post-resistance biopsies indicated a novel resistance signature to pemetrexed/carboplatin that deserve validation in a larger cohort.
Collapse
|
41
|
Martin SE, Wu ZH, Gehlhaus K, Jones TL, Zhang YW, Guha R, Miyamoto S, Pommier Y, Caplen NJ. RNAi screening identifies TAK1 as a potential target for the enhanced efficacy of topoisomerase inhibitors. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2012; 11:976-86. [PMID: 21834757 DOI: 10.2174/156800911797264734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to develop strategies that improve the efficacy of existing anticancer agents, we have conducted a siRNA-based RNAi screen to identify genes that, when targeted by siRNA, improve the activity of the topoisomerase I (Top1) poison camptothecin (CPT). Screening was conducted using a set of siRNAs corresponding to over 400 apoptosisrelated genes in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. During the course of these studies, we identified the silencing of MAP3K7 as a significant enhancer of CPT activity. Follow-up analysis of caspase activity and caspase-dependent phosphorylation of histone H2AX demonstrated that the silencing of MAP3K7 enhanced CPT-associated apoptosis. Silencing MAP3K7 also sensitized cells to additional compounds, including CPT clinical analogs. This activity was not restricted to MDA-MB-231 cells, as the silencing of MAP3K7 also sensitized the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. However, MAP3K7 silencing did not affect compound activity in the comparatively normal mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A, as well as some additional tumorigenic lines. MAP3K7 encodes the TAK1 kinase, an enzyme that is central to the regulation of many processes associated with the growth of cancer cells (e.g. NF- κB, JNK, and p38 signaling). An analysis of TAK1 signaling pathway members revealed that the silencing of TAB2 also sensitizes MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cells towards CPT. These findings may offer avenues towards lowering the effective doses of Top1 inhibitors in cancer cells and, in doing so, broaden their application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Martin
- Gene Silencing Section, Genetics Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mahajan K, Coppola D, Chen YA, Zhu W, Lawrence HR, Lawrence NJ, Mahajan NP. Ack1 tyrosine kinase activation correlates with pancreatic cancer progression. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 180:1386-93. [PMID: 22322295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a significant cause of cancer mortality worldwide as the disease has advanced significantly in patients before symptoms are evident. The signal transduction pathways that promote this rapid progression are not well understood. Ack1 or TNK2, an ubiquitously expressed oncogenic non-receptor tyrosine kinase, integrates signals from ligand-activated receptor tyrosine kinases to modulate intracellular signaling cascades. In the present study, we investigated the Ack1 activation profile in a pancreatic cancer tumor microarray, and observed that expression levels of activated Ack1 and pTyr284-Ack1 positively correlated with the severity of disease progression and inversely correlated with the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. To explore the mechanisms by which Ack1 promotes tumor progression, we investigated the role of AKT/PKB, an oncogene and Ack1-interacting protein. Ack1 activates AKT directly in pancreatic and other cancer cell lines by phosphorylating AKT at Tyr176 to promote cell survival. In addition, the Ack1 inhibitor AIM-100 not only inhibited Ack1 activation but also suppressed AKT tyrosine phosphorylation, leading to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. This effect resulted in a significant decrease in the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and induction of apoptosis. Collectively, our data indicate that activated Ack1 could be a prognostic marker for ascertaining early or advanced pancreatic cancer. Thus, Ack1 inhibitors hold promise for therapeutic intervention to inhibit pancreatic tumor growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Mahajan
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Simpson KJ, Davis GM, Boag PR. Comparative high-throughput RNAi screening methodologies in C. elegans and mammalian cells. N Biotechnol 2012; 29:459-70. [PMID: 22306616 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans has generated a paradigm shift in how research is performed. Targeted gene knockdown using high throughput screening approaches is becoming a routine feature of the scientific landscape, and researchers can now evaluate the function of each gene in the genome in a relatively short period of time. This review compares and contrasts high throughput screening methodologies in C. elegans and mammalian cells and highlights the breadth of applications of this technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaylene J Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Charlaftis N, Fearon DT, Schoenemeyer A, Morley PJ. siRNA high-throughput kinase library screen identifies protein kinase, DNA-activated catalytic polypeptide to play a role in MyD88-induced IFNA2 activation and IL-8 secretion. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2012; 59:6-14. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
45
|
Abstract
To identify rational therapeutic combinations with cytarabine (Ara-C), we developed a high-throughput, small-interference RNA (siRNA) platform for myeloid leukemia cells. Of 572 kinases individually silenced in combination with Ara-C, silencing of 10 (1.7%) and 8 (1.4%) kinases strongly increased Ara-C activity in TF-1 and THP-1 cells, respectively. The strongest molecular concepts emerged around kinases involved in cell-cycle checkpoints and DNA-damage repair. In confirmatory siRNA assays, inhibition of WEE1 resulted in more potent and universal sensitization across myeloid cell lines than siRNA inhibition of PKMYT1, CHEK1, or ATR. Treatment of 8 acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines with commercial and the first-in-class clinical WEE1 kinase inhibitor MK1775 confirmed sensitization to Ara-C up to 97-fold. Ex vivo, adding MK1775 substantially reduced viability in 13 of 14 AML, CML, and myelodysplastic syndrome patient samples compared with Ara-C alone. Maximum sensitization occurred at lower to moderate concentrations of both drugs. Induction of apoptosis was increased using a combination of Ara-C and MK1775 compared with using either drug alone. WEE1 is expressed in primary AML, ALL, and CML specimens. Data from this first siRNA-kinome sensitizer screen suggests that inhibiting WEE1 in combination with Ara-C is a rational combination for the treatment of myeloid and lymphoid leukemias.
Collapse
|
46
|
RBM3-regulated genes promote DNA integrity and affect clinical outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer. Transl Oncol 2011; 4:212-21. [PMID: 21804916 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.11106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) was initially discovered as a putative cancer biomarker based on its differential expression in various cancer forms in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). We previously reported an association between high expression of RBM3 and prolonged survival in breast and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Because the function of RBM3 has not been fully elucidated, the aim of this study was to use gene set enrichment analysis to identify the underlying biologic processes associated with RBM3 expression in a previously analyzed EOC cohort (cohort 1, n = 267). This revealed an association between RBM3 expression and several cellular processes involved in the maintenance of DNA integrity. RBM3-regulated genes were subsequently screened in the HPA to select for putative prognostic markers, and candidate proteins were analyzed in the ovarian cancer cell line A2780, whereby an up-regulation of Chk1, Chk2, and MCM3 was demonstrated in siRBM3-treated cells compared to controls. The prognostic value of these markers was assessed at the messenger RNA level in cohort 1 and the protein level in an independent EOC cohort (cohort 2, n = 154). High expression levels of Chk1, Chk2, and MCM3 were associated with a significantly shorter survival in both cohorts, and phosphorylated Chk2 was an adverse prognostic marker in cohort 2. These results uncover a putative role for RBM3 in DNA damage response, which might, in part, explain its cisplatin-sensitizing properties and good prognostic value in EOC. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that Chk1, Chk2, and MCM3 are poor prognostic markers in EOC.
Collapse
|
47
|
Henderson MC, Gonzales IM, Arora S, Choudhary A, Trent JM, Von Hoff DD, Mousses S, Azorsa DO. High-throughput RNAi screening identifies a role for TNK1 in growth and survival of pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res 2011; 9:724-32. [PMID: 21536687 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To identify novel targets in pancreatic cancer cells, we used high-throughput RNAi (HT-RNAi) to select genes that, when silenced, would decrease viability of pancreatic cancer cells. The HT-RNAi screen involved reverse transfecting the pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC3 with a siRNA library targeting 572 kinases. From replicate screens, approximately 32 kinases were designated as hits, of which 22 kinase targets were selected for confirmation and validation. One kinase identified as a hit from this screen was tyrosine kinase nonreceptor 1 (TNK1), a kinase previously identified as having tumor suppressor-like properties in embryonic stem cells. Silencing of TNK1 with siRNA showed reduced proliferation in a panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we showed that silencing of TNK1 led to increased apoptosis through a caspase-dependent pathway and that targeting TNK1 with siRNA can synergize with gemcitabine treatment. Despite previous reports that TNK1 affects Ras and NF-κB signaling, we did not find similar correlations with these pathways in pancreatic cancer cells. Our results suggest that TNK1 in pancreatic cancer cells does not possess the same tumor suppressor properties seen in embryonic cells but seems to be involved in growth and survival. The application of functional genomics by using HT-RNAi screens has allowed us to identify TNK1 as a growth-associated kinase in pancreatic cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith C Henderson
- Clinical Translational Research Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Anticancer therapy with checkpoint inhibitors: what, where and when? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2011; 32:308-16. [PMID: 21458083 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2011.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Research into inhibitors of the protein kinases controlling the cellular response to DNA damage has reached an exciting stage, particularly for the checkpoint kinases CHK1 and CHK2. Selective inhibitors are now being tested in clinical trials in cancer patients. In this review, we highlight recent data from cellular and in vivo preclinical models that provide insight into the clinical contexts for checkpoint kinase inhibition (e.g. the timing of treatment and what type of inhibitor would be most appropriate). Although it has been shown that CHK1 inhibition potentiates the efficacy of various DNA-damaging therapies, the context for selective CHK2 inhibition is not yet as well defined. Distinct effects of selective CHK1 or CHK2 inhibition are observed when combined with DNA-damaging agents. It has also been shown that both CHK1 and CHK2 inhibitors potentiate the effects of other molecular targeted therapeutics [e.g. poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors]. We also consider the single-agent activity of checkpoint kinase inhibitors for tumours with defined genetic backgrounds.
Collapse
|
49
|
Gabra H. Back to the future: Targeting molecular changes for platinum resistance reversal. Gynecol Oncol 2010; 118:210-1. [PMID: 20691332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2010.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|