1
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Dent LG, Curry N, Sparks H, Bousgouni V, Maioli V, Kumar S, Munro I, Butera F, Jones I, Arias-Garcia M, Rowe-Brown L, Dunsby C, Bakal C. Environmentally dependent and independent control of 3D cell shape. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114016. [PMID: 38636520 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
How cancer cells determine their shape in response to three-dimensional (3D) geometric and mechanical cues is unclear. We develop an approach to quantify the 3D cell shape of over 60,000 melanoma cells in collagen hydrogels using high-throughput stage-scanning oblique plane microscopy (ssOPM). We identify stereotypic and environmentally dependent changes in shape and protrusivity depending on whether a cell is proximal to a flat and rigid surface or is embedded in a soft environment. Environmental sensitivity metrics calculated for small molecules and gene knockdowns identify interactions between the environment and cellular factors that are important for morphogenesis. We show that the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF) TIAM2 contributes to shape determination in environmentally independent ways but that non-muscle myosin II, microtubules, and the RhoGEF FARP1 regulate shape in ways dependent on the microenvironment. Thus, changes in cancer cell shape in response to 3D geometric and mechanical cues are modulated in both an environmentally dependent and independent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Dent
- Dynamical Cell Systems Group, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Nathan Curry
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hugh Sparks
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Vicky Bousgouni
- Dynamical Cell Systems Group, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Vincent Maioli
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ian Munro
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Francesca Butera
- Dynamical Cell Systems Group, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- Dynamical Cell Systems Group, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Mar Arias-Garcia
- Dynamical Cell Systems Group, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Leo Rowe-Brown
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Chris Dunsby
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Chris Bakal
- Dynamical Cell Systems Group, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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2
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Zaky YA, Rashad MW, Zaater MA, El Kerdawy AM. Discovery of dual rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitors as a novel approach for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment. BMC Chem 2024; 18:2. [PMID: 38172941 PMCID: PMC10765837 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01081-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In the current study we suggest a novel approach to curb non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression, and we suggest privileged scaffolds for the design of novel compounds for this aim. NASH is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that can further progress into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a widely emerging disease affecting 25% of the global population and has no current approved treatments. Protein kinases are key regulators of cellular pathways, of which, Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) play an important role in the progression of NASH and they stand out as promising targets for NASH therapy. Interestingly, their kinase domains are found to be similar in sequence and topology; therefore, dual inhibition of ROCK1 and ASK1 is expected to be amenable and could achieve a more favourable outcome. To reach this goal, a training set of ROCK1 and ASK1 protein structures co-crystalized with type 1 (ATP-competitive) inhibitors was constructed to manually generate receptor-based pharmacophore models representing ROCK1 and ASK1 inhibitors' common pharmacophoric features. The models produced were assessed using a test set of both ROCK1 and ASK1 actives and decoys, and their performance was evaluated using different assessment metrics. The best pharmacophore model obtained, showing a Mathew's correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.71, was then used to screen the ZINC purchasable database retrieving 6178 hits that were filtered accordingly using several medicinal chemistry and pharmacokinetics filters returning 407 promising compounds. To confirm that these compounds are capable of binding to the target kinases, they were subjected to molecular docking simulations at both protein structures. The results were then assessed individually and filtered, setting the spotlight on various privileged scaffolds that could be exploited as the nucleus for designing novel ROCK1/ASK1 dual inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara A Zaky
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mai W Rashad
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Zaater
- Master Postgraduate Program, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- School of Pharmacy, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
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3
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Shi J, Wei L. Rho Kinases in Embryonic Development and Stem Cell Research. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2022; 70:4. [PMID: 35043239 PMCID: PMC8766376 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-022-00642-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs or Rho kinases) belong to the AGC (PKA/PKG/PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases and are major downstream effectors of small GTPase RhoA, a key regulator of actin-cytoskeleton reorganization. The ROCK family contains two members, ROCK1 and ROCK2, which share 65% overall identity and 92% identity in kinase domain. ROCK1 and ROCK2 were assumed to be functionally redundant, based largely on their major common activators, their high degree kinase domain homology, and study results from overexpression with kinase constructs or chemical inhibitors. ROCK signaling research has expanded to all areas of biology and medicine since its discovery in 1996. The rapid advance is befitting ROCK’s versatile functions in modulating various cell behavior, such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation, polarity, cytokinesis, and differentiation. The rapid advance is noticeably driven by an extensive linking with clinical medicine, including cardiovascular abnormalities, aberrant immune responsive, and cancer development and metastasis. The rapid advance during the past decade is further powered by novel biotechnologies including CRISPR-Cas and single cell omics. Current consensus, derived mainly from gene targeting and RNA interference approaches, is that the two ROCK isoforms have overlapping and distinct cellular, physiological and pathophysiology roles. In this review, we present an overview of the milestone discoveries in ROCK research. We then focus on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in embryonic development, current research status using knockout and knockin mouse models, and stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Shi
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-370, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5225, USA.
| | - Lei Wei
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-370, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5225, USA.
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4
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Chen Z, Zhang W, Selmi C, Ridgway WM, Leung PS, Zhang F, Gershwin ME. The myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrates (MARCKS): A membrane-anchored mediator of the cell function. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102942. [PMID: 34509657 PMCID: PMC9746065 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) and the MARCKS-related protein (MARCKSL1) are ubiquitous, highly conserved membrane-associated proteins involved in the structural modulation of the actin cytoskeleton, chemotaxis, motility, cell adhesion, phagocytosis, and exocytosis. MARCKS includes an N-terminal myristoylated domain for membrane binding, a highly conserved MARCKS Homology 2 (MH2) domain, and an effector domain (which is the phosphorylation site). MARCKS can sequester phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-diphosphate (PIP2) at lipid rafts in the plasma membrane of quiescent cells, an action reversed by protein kinase C (PKC), ultimately modulating the immune function. Being expressed mostly in innate immune cells, MARCKS promotes the inflammation-driven migration and adhesion of cells and the secretion of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). From a clinical point of view, MARCKS is overexpressed in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, while the brain level of MARCKS phosphorylation is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, MARCKS is associated with the development and progression of numerous types of cancers. Data in autoimmune diseases are limited to rheumatoid arthritis models in which a connection between MARCKS and the JAK-STAT pathway is mediated by miRNAs. We provide a comprehensive overview of the structure of MARCKS, its molecular characteristics and functions from a biological and pathogenetic standpoint, and will discuss the clinical implications of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilei Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States,Corresponding authors. (W. Zhang), (F. Zhang)
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - William M. Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Patrick S.C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China,Corresponding authors. (W. Zhang), (F. Zhang)
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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5
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Quadir H, Hakobyan K, Gaddam M, Ojinnaka U, Ahmed Z, Kannan A, Mostafa JA. Role of Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibition As Therapeutic Strategy for Parkinson's Disease: Dopaminergic Survival and Enhanced Mitophagy. Cureus 2021; 13:e16973. [PMID: 34377615 PMCID: PMC8349301 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The GTP-binding protein, Rho, plays a significant role in the cellular pathology of Parkinson’s disease. The downstream effector of Rho, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), performs several functions, including microglial inflammatory response and enhanced Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Its inhibition shows neuroprotective effects in carried studies. Parkinson’s disease pathology also rests on incomplete removal of damaged mitochondria, leading to neuronal impairment. ROCK has different isoforms, inhibition of which have been shown to decrease the adverse changes in microglia. There has also been evidence of a decreased release of inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in degradation of dopaminergic neurons on the addition of ROCK inhibitors. Additionally, ROCK inhibitors have recently been shown to increase the activity of hexokinase 2 (HK2), relocating it to mitochondria, and therefore leading to upregulated mitochondrial targeting. Understanding the cellular basis of ROCK activity and its inhibition may help us advance in creating new strategies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Quadir
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.,Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Knkush Hakobyan
- Diagnostic Radiology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mrunanjali Gaddam
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ugochi Ojinnaka
- Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Zubayer Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Amudhan Kannan
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND.,General Surgery Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Jihan A Mostafa
- Faculty Member, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, California, USA
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6
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Zhang J, Zhang S, Shi Q, Allen TD, You F, Yang D. A high-content screen identifies the vulnerability of MYC-overexpressing cells to dimethylfasudil. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248355. [PMID: 33760847 PMCID: PMC7990233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthetic lethal effect arises when a cancer-associated change introduces a unique vulnerability to cancer cells that makes them unusually susceptible to a drug’s inhibitory activity. The synthetic lethal approach is attractive because it enables targeting of cancers harboring specific genomic or epigenomic alterations, the products of which may have proven refractory to direct targeting. An example is cancer driven by overexpression of MYC. Here, we conducted a high-content screen for compounds that are synthetic lethal to elevated MYC using a small-molecule library to identify compounds that are closely related to, or are themselves, regulatory-approved drugs. The screen identified dimethylfasudil, a potent and reversible inhibitor of Rho-associated kinases, ROCK1 and ROCK2. Close analogs of dimethylfasudil are used clinically to treat neurologic and cardiovascular disorders. The synthetic lethal interaction was conserved in rodent and human cell lines and could be observed with activation of either MYC or its paralog MYCN. The synthetic lethality seems specific to MYC overexpressing cells as it could not be substituted by a variety of oncogenic manipulations and synthetic lethality was diminished by RNAi-mediated depletion of MYC in human cancer cell lines. Collectively, these data support investigation of the use of dimethylfasudil as a drug that is synthetic lethal for malignancies that specifically overexpress MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
| | - Shenqiu Zhang
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
| | - Thaddeus D. Allen
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (DY); (TDA)
| | - Fengming You
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dun Yang
- Anticancer Biosciences and the J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research, Chengdu, China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (DY); (TDA)
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7
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Zhang Y, Saradna A, Ratan R, Ke X, Tu W, Do DC, Hu C, Gao P. RhoA/Rho-kinases in asthma: from pathogenesis to therapeutic targets. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e01134. [PMID: 32355562 PMCID: PMC7190398 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic and heterogeneous disease characterised by airway inflammation and intermittent airway narrowing. The key obstacle in the prevention and treatment of asthma has been our incomplete understanding of its aetiology and biological mechanisms. The ras homolog family member A (RhoA) of the Rho family GTPases has been considered to be one of the most promising and novel therapeutic targets for asthma. It is well known that RhoA/Rho‐kinases play an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma, including airway smooth muscle contraction, airway hyper‐responsiveness, β‐adrenergic desensitisation and airway remodelling. However, recent advances have suggested novel roles for RhoA in regulating allergic airway inflammation. Specifically, RhoA has been shown to regulate allergic airway inflammation through controlling Th2 or Th17 cell differentiation and to regulate airway remodelling through regulating mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. In this review, we evaluate the literature regarding the recent advances in the activation of RhoA/Rho‐kinase, cytokine and epigenetic regulation of RhoA/Rho‐kinase, and the role of RhoA/Rho‐kinase in regulating major features of asthma, such as airway hyper‐responsiveness, remodelling and inflammation. We also discuss the importance of the newly identified role of RhoA/Rho‐kinase signalling in MSC differentiation and bronchial epithelial barrier dysfunction. These findings indicate the functional significance of the RhoA/Rho‐kinase pathway in the pathophysiology of asthma and suggest that RhoA/Rho‐kinase signalling may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China
| | - Arjun Saradna
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA.,Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo NY USA
| | - Rhea Ratan
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Xia Ke
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA.,Department of Respirology and Allergy Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Shenzhen China
| | - Danh C Do
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
| | - Chengping Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore MD USA
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8
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Diep DTV, Duong KHM, Choi H, Jun HS, Chun KH. KD025 (SLx-2119) suppresses adipogenesis at intermediate stage in human adipose-derived stem cells. Adipocyte 2019; 8:114-124. [PMID: 30860936 PMCID: PMC6768280 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2019.1590929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) have been reported to antagonize adipocyte differentiation, and inhibition of ROCKs by small molecules promotes adipogenesis. Surprisingly, our recent study revealed that the ROCK2-specific inhibitor KD025 (SLx-2119), suppresses differentiation at the intermediate stage in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. To address whether the anti-adipogenic activity of KD025 is a generalizable property, we examined the effect of KD025 in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). KD025 significantly suppressed the adipocyte differentiation of hADSCs with downregulation of the protein and mRNA expression of various adipogenic and lipogenic markers, including PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, Glut4 and FABP4. Notably, we observed that adipocyte differentiation is effectively suppressed by exposure to KD025 during the mid-to-late period of adipogenesis but not at the earlier stages, showing stage-specificity. Contrary to expectations, KD025 upregulated the insulin signaling, as confirmed by the increased phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3α/β, and the differentiation-promoting activity of insulin signaling was observed to be overwhelmed by the inhibitory activity. In addition, we observed that other ROCK inhibitors (Y-27632, fasudil, and H-1152P) did not suppress but promoted adipocyte differentiation. These results indicate that KD025 suppresses adipocyte differentiation by modulation of key factors activated at the intermediate stage of differentiation, and not by inhibition of ROCK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Trong Vien Diep
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Khue Ha Minh Duong
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojung Choi
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sook Jun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hoon Chun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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9
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Eliyahu E, Tirosh O, Dobesova M, Nachshon A, Schwartz M, Stern-Ginossar N. Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Kinase 1 Translocates to the Nucleus and Inhibits Human Cytomegalovirus Propagation. J Virol 2019; 93:e00453-19. [PMID: 31292242 PMCID: PMC6744247 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00453-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) protein is a central kinase that regulates numerous cellular functions, including cellular polarity, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that ROCK has antiviral properties, and inhibition of its activity results in enhanced propagation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We show that during HCMV infection, ROCK1 translocates to the nucleus and concentrates in the nucleolus, where it colocalizes with the stress-related chaperone heat shock cognate 71-kDa protein (Hsc70). Gene expression measurements show that inhibition of ROCK activity does not seem to affect the cellular stress response. We demonstrate that inhibition of myosin, one of the central targets of ROCK, also increases HCMV propagation, implying that the antiviral activity of ROCK might be mediated by activation of the actomyosin network. Finally, we demonstrate that inhibition of ROCK results in increased levels of the tegument protein UL32 and of viral DNA in the cytoplasm, suggesting ROCK activity hinders the efficient egress of HCMV particles out of the nucleus. Altogether, our findings illustrate ROCK activity restricts HCMV propagation and suggest this inhibitory effect may be mediated by suppression of capsid egress out of the nucleus.IMPORTANCE ROCK is a central kinase in cells that regulates numerous cellular functions, including cellular polarity, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. Here we reveal a novel antiviral activity of ROCK during infection with HCMV, a prevalent pathogen infecting most of the population worldwide. We reveal ROCK1 is translocated to the nucleus, where it mainly localizes to the nucleolus. Our findings suggest that ROCK's antiviral activity may be related to activation of the actomyosin network and inhibition of capsid egress out of the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erez Eliyahu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Osnat Tirosh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Martina Dobesova
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aharon Nachshon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noam Stern-Ginossar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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10
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Santos GL, Hartmann S, Zimmermann WH, Ridley A, Lutz S. Inhibition of Rho-associated kinases suppresses cardiac myofibroblast function in engineered connective and heart muscle tissues. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 134:13-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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11
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Amin F, Ahmed A, Feroz A, Khaki PSS, Khan MS, Tabrez S, Zaidi SK, Abdulaal WH, Shamsi A, Khan W, Bano B. An Update on the Association of Protein Kinases with Cardiovascular Diseases. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:174-183. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190312115140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Protein kinases are the enzymes involved in phosphorylation of different proteins which
leads to functional changes in those proteins. They belong to serine-threonine kinases family and are classified
into the AGC (Protein kinase A/ Protein kinase G/ Protein kinase C) families of protein and Rho-associated
kinase protein (ROCK). The AGC family of kinases are involved in G-protein stimuli, muscle contraction, platelet
biology and lipid signaling. On the other hand, ROCK regulates actin cytoskeleton which is involved in the
development of stress fibres. Inflammation is the main signal in all ROCK-mediated disease. It triggers the cascade
of a reaction involving various proinflammatory cytokine molecules.
Methods:
Two ROCK isoforms are found in mammals and invertebrates. The first isoforms are present mainly in
the kidney, lung, spleen, liver, and testis. The second one is mainly distributed in the brain and heart.
Results:
ROCK proteins are ubiquitously present in all tissues and are involved in many ailments that include
hypertension, stroke, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, vasospasm, ischemia-reperfusion injury and heart
failure. Several ROCK inhibitors have shown positive results in the treatment of various disease including cardiovascular
diseases.
Conclusion:
ROCK inhibitors, fasudil and Y27632, have been reported for significant efficiency in dropping
vascular smooth muscle cell hyper-contraction, vascular inflammatory cell recruitment, cardiac remodelling and
endothelial dysfunction which highlight ROCK role in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhra Amin
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), India
| | - Azaj Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), India
| | - Anna Feroz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), India
| | | | - Mohd Shahnwaz Khan
- Protein Research Chair, Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shams Tabrez
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Kashif Zaidi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Metabolism and Epigenetic Unit, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), India
| | - Wajihullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), India
| | - Bilqees Bano
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), India
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Kai Y, Motegi M, Suzuki Y, Takeuchi H, Harada Y, Sato F, Chiba Y, Kamei J, Sakai H. Up-regulation of Rac1 in the bronchial smooth muscle of murine experimental asthma. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 125:8-15. [PMID: 30697954 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable research on the involvement of RhoA/Rho kinase signalling in smooth muscle contractions. However, only a few reports have addressed the specific role of Rac1, which is a member of the Rho GTPase superfamily. Therefore, this study investigated the role of Rac1-related pathways in bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) contractions. Bronchial rings isolated from mice were suspended in an organ bath, and the isometric contractions of circular smooth muscles were monitored. The phosphorylation of myosin light chains (MLCs) was analysed by immunoblotting. The Rac1 inhibitor EHT1864 inhibited carbachol (CCh)-induced BSM contractions, although high K+ depolarization-induced BSM contractions were not significantly attenuated by EHT1864. Moreover, high K+ - and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu; PKC activator)-induced contractions were not attenuated by Rac1 inhibition, whereas sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced force development was inhibited by EHT1864. The gene and protein expression of Rac1 was increased in the BSM of a murine model with antigen-induced airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). In addition, an increased force of the BSM contractions in AHR was suppressed by EHT1864 treatment, suggesting that the up-regulation of Rac1 is involved in AHR. These findings suggest that an increase in Rac1-mediated signalling is involved in the augmented contractions of BSMs in antigen-induced AHR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kai
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Momoko Motegi
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Suzuki
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Takeuchi
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yui Harada
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Sato
- Department of Analytical Pathophysiology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Chiba
- Department of Physiology and Molecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junzo Kamei
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Sakai
- Department of Biomolecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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ROCK inhibition in models of neurodegeneration and its potential for clinical translation. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 189:1-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Lee SH, Moon JS, Pak BY, Kim GW, Lee W, Cho H, Kim S, Kim SJ, Oh JW. HA1077 displays synergistic activity with daclatasvir against hepatitis C virus and suppresses the emergence of NS5A resistance-associated substitutions in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12469. [PMID: 30127498 PMCID: PMC6102265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinase C-related kinase 2 (PRK2), which phosphorylates hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA polymerase, is a proviral factor enhancing HCV replication. Here, we report on the in vivo anti-HCV efficacy of HA1077, which inhibits viral genome replication by targeting PRK2 and displays viral entry inhibitory activity by targeting Rho-associated kinase. HA1077 showed synergistic antiviral activity selectively with nonstructural protein 5 A (NS5A) inhibitors including daclatasvir (DCV). HA1077 oral administration substantially reduced serum viral loads in mice bearing HCV genotype 2a-replicating Huh7 xenografts. When administered with DCV, HA1077 potentiated the antiviral efficacy of DCV and suppressed the generation of DCV resistance-associated variants (RAVs). By deep-sequencing analysis, we uncovered an unprecedented DCV-induced polymorphism at the poly-proline motif (PxxPxxP) of NS5A. Coadministration of HA1077 reduced such a polymorphism. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential therapeutic benefit of combination therapy with HA1077 plus DCV for HCV patients carrying emerging or pre-existing RAVs toward NS5A inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jae-Su Moon
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Bo-Yeong Pak
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Geon-Woo Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Wooseong Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hee Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - SangKyu Kim
- Department of Systems Immunology, Gangwon National University, Gangwon-do, 24341, Korea
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Korea
| | - Jong-Won Oh
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
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Wienen-Schmidt B, Jonker HRA, Wulsdorf T, Gerber HD, Saxena K, Kudlinzki D, Sreeramulu S, Parigi G, Luchinat C, Heine A, Schwalbe H, Klebe G. Paradoxically, Most Flexible Ligand Binds Most Entropy-Favored: Intriguing Impact of Ligand Flexibility and Solvation on Drug–Kinase Binding. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5922-5933. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wienen-Schmidt
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik R. A. Jonker
- Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, N160-3.14, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Wulsdorf
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Gerber
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, N160-3.14, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Denis Kudlinzki
- Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, N160-3.14, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, N160-3.14, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Giacomo Parigi
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM/CIRMMP) and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM/CIRMMP) and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institut für Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, N160-3.14, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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Diep DTV, Hong K, Khun T, Zheng M, Ul-Haq A, Jun HS, Kim YB, Chun KH. Anti-adipogenic effects of KD025 (SLx-2119), a ROCK2-specific inhibitor, in 3T3-L1 cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2477. [PMID: 29410516 PMCID: PMC5802830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20821-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue is a specialized organ that synthesizes and stores fat. During adipogenesis, Rho and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) 2 are inactivated, which enhances the expression of pro-adipogenic genes and induces the loss of actin stress fibers. Furthermore, pan ROCK inhibitors enhance adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Here, we show that KD025 (formerly known as SLx-2119), a ROCK2-specific inhibitor, suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells partially through a ROCK2-independent mechanism. KD025 downregulated the expression of key adipogenic transcription factors PPARγ and C/EBPα during adipogenesis in addition to lipogenic factors FABP4 and Glut4. Interestingly, adipogenesis was blocked by KD025 during days 1~3 of differentiation; after differentiation terminated, lipid accumulation was unaffected. Clonal expansion occurred normally in KD025-treated cells. These results suggest that KD025 could function during the intermediate stage after clonal expansion. Data from depletion of ROCKs showed that KD025 suppressed cell differentiation partially independent of ROCK’s activity. Furthermore, no further loss of actin stress fibers emerged in KD025-treated cells during and after differentiation compared to control cells. These results indicate that in contrast to the pro-adipogenic effect of pan-inhibitors, KD025 suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells by regulating key pro-adipogenic factors. This outcome further implies that KD025 could be a potential anti-adipogenic/obesity agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Trong Vien Diep
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungki Hong
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Triyeng Khun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Mei Zheng
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Asad Ul-Haq
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sook Jun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea.,Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.,Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Hospital, Incheon, 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Bum Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States. .,Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwang-Hoon Chun
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Domokos D, Fülöp F, Falkay G, Gáspár R. Effects of newly synthetized isoquinoline derivatives on rat uterine contractility and ROCK II activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:466-469. [PMID: 29269216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases have an important role in signal transduction in the cellular system via protein phosphorylation. RhoA activated Rho-kinases have a pivotal role in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. ROCK I and ROCK II phosphorylate myosin-phosphatase and myosin-kinase, which induces contraction in the myometrium. Several studies have investigated the affinity of isoquinoline alkaloids (HA-1077, H1152P) to Rho-kinases, and these compounds notably inhibited the Ca2+-independent process. We measured the efficiency of 25 original, newly synthesized isoquinoline derivatives for the Rho-kinase activity using Rho-associated kinase activity assay and determined their effects on the non-pregnant, 20-day pregnant and parturient rat myometrial contraction in vitro. The IC50 values of 11 from among the 25 derivatives were significantly lower on the oxytocin-induced non-pregnant rat uterine contraction compared with Y-27632 and fasudil, although their maximal inhibitory effects were weaker than those of Y-27632 and fasudil. We measured the effects of 11 isoquinoline molecules with significant IC50 values on ROCK II activity. We found two isoquinolines out of 11 compounds (218 and 852) which decreased the active ROCK II level similarly as Y-27632. Then we found that 218 and 852 relaxed the 20th-day pregnant and parturient rat uterus with greater potency as compared with fasudil. The majority of the synthesized isoquinoline derivatives have uterus relaxant effects and two of them significantly suppress the Rho-kinase mediated myosin light chain phosphorylation. Our results may suggest that the isoquinoline structure has a promising prospect for the development of new and effective inhibitors of uterine contractions in preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Domokos
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6701, P.O. Box 121, Hungary
| | - F Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6701, P.O. Box 121, Hungary
| | - G Falkay
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6701, P.O. Box 121, Hungary
| | - R Gáspár
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, H-6701, P.O. Box 121, Hungary.
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18
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Verónica Donoso M, Hernández F, Villalón T, Acuña-Castillo C, Pablo Huidobro-Toro J. Pharmacological dissection of the cellular mechanisms associated to the spontaneous and the mechanically stimulated ATP release by mesentery endothelial cells: roles of thrombin and TRPV. Purinergic Signal 2018; 14:121-139. [PMID: 29349673 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-017-9599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells participate in extracellular ATP release elicited by mechanosensors. To characterize the dynamic interactions between mechanical and chemical factors that modulate ATP secretion by the endothelium, we assessed and compared the mechanisms participating in the spontaneous (basal) and mechanically stimulated secretion using primary cultures of rat mesentery endothelial cells. ATP/metabolites were determined in the cell media prior to (basal) and after cell media displacement or a picospritzer buffer puff used as mechanical stimuli. Mechanical stimulation increased extracellular ATP that peaked within 1 min, and decayed to basal values in 10 min. Interruption of the vesicular transport route consistently blocked the spontaneous ATP secretion. Cells maintained in media lacking external Ca2+ elicited a spontaneous rise of extracellular ATP and adenosine, but failed to elicit a further extracellular ATP secretion following mechanical stimulation. 2-APB, a TRPV agonist, increased the spontaneous ATP secretion, but reduced the mechanical stimulation-induced nucleotide release. Pannexin1 or connexin blockers and gadolinium, a Piezo1 blocker, reduced the mechanically induced ATP release without altering spontaneous nucleotide levels. Moreover, thrombin or related agonists increased extracellular ATP secretion elicited by mechanical stimulation, without modifying spontaneous release. In sum, present results allow inferring that the spontaneous, extracellular nucleotide secretion is essentially mediated by ATP containing vesicles, while the mechanically induced secretion occurs essentially by connexin or pannexin1 hemichannel ATP transport, a finding fully supported by results from Panx1-/- rodents. Only the latter component is modulated by thrombin and related receptor agonists, highlighting a novel endothelium-smooth muscle signaling role of this anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Verónica Donoso
- Centro Desarrollo de NanoCiencia y Nanotecnología, CEDENNA y Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Alameda Lib. B. O'Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Hernández
- Centro Desarrollo de NanoCiencia y Nanotecnología, CEDENNA y Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Alameda Lib. B. O'Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tania Villalón
- Centro Desarrollo de NanoCiencia y Nanotecnología, CEDENNA y Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Alameda Lib. B. O'Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Acuña-Castillo
- Centro Desarrollo de NanoCiencia y Nanotecnología, CEDENNA y Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Alameda Lib. B. O'Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
| | - J Pablo Huidobro-Toro
- Centro Desarrollo de NanoCiencia y Nanotecnología, CEDENNA y Laboratorio de Farmacología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago, Alameda Lib. B. O'Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile.
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Inoue T, Tanihara H. Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate: targeting Rho kinase in the treatment of glaucoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017; 18:1669-1673. [PMID: 28893104 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2017.1378344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drugs used in a clinical setting, Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors lower IOP by a unique mechanism, namely the depolymerization of intracellular actin in the conventional outflow tissues: the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). Furthermore, ROCK inhibitors suppress the production of extracellular matrix by TM cells, which represents a potential alternative method of lowering IOP. Considering that conventional outflow is a dominant pathway in humans, IOP-lowering ROCK inhibitors, delivered in conjunction with other drugs, may be able to treat the glaucomatous eye. Areas covered: Ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate is the first ROCK inhibitor approved for clinical use in Japan (and worldwide) against glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The efficacy of ripasudil, as monotherapy and as an adjunctive medication to prostaglandin analogs and/or adrenergic β-receptor antagonists, has been confirmed in clinical trials. Expert opinion: Considering the unique ROCK-inhibiting mechanism by which ripasudil lowers IOP via its actions on TM and SC endothelial cells, it may be an ideal adjunctive medication for treating glaucoma in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Inoue
- a Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto City , Japan
| | - Hidenobu Tanihara
- a Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto City , Japan
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Whatcott CJ, Ng S, Barrett MT, Hostetter G, Von Hoff DD, Han H. Inhibition of ROCK1 kinase modulates both tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183871. [PMID: 28841710 PMCID: PMC5571985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
ROCK, or Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinase, is a member of the AGC kinase family and has been shown to play a role in cell migration, ECM synthesis, stress-fiber assembly, and cell contraction. Increased ROCK expression has been reported in multiple pathological conditions, including cancer. Here, we report increased expression of ROCK 1 in pancreatic tumor epithelial cells as well as in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF). In our analysis, 62% of tumor samples exhibited ≥2+ in staining intensity by IHC analysis, versus 40% of adjacent normal tissue samples (P<0.0001). Thus, we hypothesized that ROCKs may play a significant role in pancreatic cancer progression, and may serve as a suitable target for treatment. We report a low frequency (4/34) amplification of the ROCK1 gene locus at chromosome 18q11.1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patient tissue samples by aCGH analysis. Inhibition of ROCK kinase activity by a small molecule inhibitor (fasudil) resulted in moderate (IC50s of 6-71 μM) inhibition of PDAC cell proliferation, migration, and activation of co-cultured stellate cells. In the KPC mouse model for pancreatic cancer, fasudil decreased tumor collagen deposition. This translated to an enhanced overall survival of the mice and an increase in gemcitabine uptake. Though fasudil may target both the tumor epithelial cells and the CAFs, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that inhibition of tumor stroma enhances drug penetration and efficacy in PDAC. Overall, our data suggests that ROCK1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target to enhance current treatment regimens for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford J. Whatcott
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Serina Ng
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Barrett
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Galen Hostetter
- Laboratory of Analytical Pathology, The Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America
| | - Daniel D. Von Hoff
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Haiyong Han
- Molecular Medicine Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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ROCKII inhibition promotes the maturation of human pancreatic beta-like cells. Nat Commun 2017; 8:298. [PMID: 28824164 PMCID: PMC5563509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is linked to loss of pancreatic beta-cells. Pluripotent stem cells offer a valuable source of human beta-cells for basic studies of their biology and translational applications. However, the signalling pathways that regulate beta-cell development and functional maturation are not fully understood. Here we report a high content chemical screen, revealing that H1152, a ROCK inhibitor, promotes the robust generation of insulin-expressing cells from multiple hPSC lines. The insulin expressing cells obtained after H1152 treatment show increased expression of mature beta cell markers and improved glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Moreover, the H1152-treated beta-like cells show enhanced glucose stimulated insulin secretion and increased capacity to maintain glucose homeostasis after transplantation. Conditional gene knockdown reveals that inhibition of ROCKII promotes the generation and maturation of glucose-responding cells. This study provides a strategy to promote human beta-cell maturation and identifies an unexpected role for the ROCKII pathway in the development and maturation of beta-like cells.Our incomplete understanding of how pancreatic beta cells form limits the generation of beta-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). Here, the authors identify a ROCKII inhibitor H1152 as increasing insulin secreting cells from hPSCs and improving beta-cell maturation on transplantation in vivo.
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Research advances in kinase enzymes and inhibitors for cardiovascular disease treatment. Future Sci OA 2017; 3:FSO204. [PMID: 29134113 PMCID: PMC5674217 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2017-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The targeting of protein kinases has great future potential for the design of new drugs against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Enormous efforts have been made toward achieving this aim. Unfortunately, kinase inhibitors designed to treat CVDs have suffered from numerous limitations such as poor selectivity, bad permeability and toxicity. So, where are we now in terms of discovering effective kinase targeting drugs to treat CVDs? Various drug design techniques have been approached for this purpose since the discovery of the inhibitory activity of Staurosporine against protein kinase C in 1986. This review aims to provide context for the status of several emerging classes of direct kinase modulators to treat CVDs and discuss challenges that are preventing scientists from finding new kinase drugs to treat heart disease.
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Cai C, Wu Q, Luo Y, Ma H, Shen J, Zhang Y, Yang L, Chen Y, Wen Z, Wang Q. In silico prediction of ROCK II inhibitors by different classification approaches. Mol Divers 2017; 21:791-807. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-017-9772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Meekins LC, Rosado-Adames N, Maddala R, Zhao JJ, Rao PV, Afshari NA. Corneal Endothelial Cell Migration and Proliferation Enhanced by Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitors in In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:6731-6738. [PMID: 27951595 PMCID: PMC6018452 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the role of Rho-associated kinases (ROCK) in corneal physiology and regeneration, and the effects of suppressing its activity in stimulating corneal endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect RhoA and ROCK-1 and ROCK-2 in human corneal tissue. Adult porcine corneal endothelial cells (CECs) were isolated, grown to confluence, and further characterized. Under the treatment of ROCK inhibitors, changes in the cellular distribution profile of ZO-1 and F-actin were examined by immunofluorescence staining. Corneal endothelial cells migration was evaluated by scratch assay and analyzed with Axiovision software. Cell proliferation was quantified using Click-iT EdU HCS Assay. In vivo, the corneal endothelia of rabbits were surgically injured and H-1152 was topically applied for 10 days. Progress of wound healing was evaluated daily by monitoring corneal edema, inflammation, and thickness using slit-lamp examination, photography, and pachymetry. Rabbits were euthanized and enucleated for further evaluation. Results H-1152 exhibited significant stimulatory effect on CEC migration and proliferation in vitro compared with both untreated and Y-27632–treated cells. Furthermore, topical administration of H-1152 led to marked reduction in corneal edema and formation of multinucleate CECs in vivo suggestive of proliferation associated with healing. Conclusions H-1152 exhibited a better stimulatory effect on CEC migration and proliferation in vitro than Y-27632. Our findings suggest that topical administration of H-1152 promotes healing of injured corneal endothelium in vivo. These results demonstrate the efficacy of ROCK inhibitors as a potential topical therapy for patients with corneal endothelial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon C Meekins
- Duke University Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Noel Rosado-Adames
- Duke University Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Rupalatha Maddala
- Duke University Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jiagang J Zhao
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ponugoti V Rao
- Duke University Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Natalie A Afshari
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
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RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibition by fasudil suppresses the vasculogenic mimicry of U2OS osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Anticancer Drugs 2017; 28:514-521. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Ungefroren H, Witte D, Lehnert H. The role of small GTPases of the Rho/Rac family in TGF-β-induced EMT and cell motility in cancer. Dev Dyn 2017; 247:451-461. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery; UKSH, Campus Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - David Witte
- First Department of Medicine; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Hendrik Lehnert
- First Department of Medicine; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
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Miranda-Rodríguez JR, Salas-Vidal E, Lomelí H, Zurita M, Schnabel D. RhoA/ROCK pathway activity is essential for the correct localization of the germ plasm mRNAs in zebrafish embryos. Dev Biol 2016; 421:27-42. [PMID: 27836552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish germ plasm is composed of mRNAs such as vasa and nanos and of proteins such as Bucky ball, all of which localize symmetrically in four aggregates at the distal region of the first two cleavage furrows. The coordination of actin microfilaments, microtubules and kinesin is essential for the correct localization of the germ plasm. Rho-GTPases, through their effectors, coordinate cytoskeletal dynamics. We address the participation of RhoA and its effector ROCK in germ plasm localization during the transition from two- to eight-cell embryos. We found that active RhoA is enriched along the cleavage furrow during the first two division cycles, whereas ROCK localizes at the distal region of the cleavage furrows in a similar pattern as the germ plasm mRNAs. Specific inhibition of RhoA and ROCK affected microtubules organization at the cleavage furrow; these caused the incorrect localization of the germ plasm mRNAs. The incorrect localization of the germ plasm led to a dramatic change in the number of germ cells during the blastula and 24hpf embryo stages without affecting any other developmental processes. We demonstrate that the Rho/ROCK pathway is intimately related to the determination of germ cells in zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerónimo Roberto Miranda-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor. 62250, Mexico
| | - Enrique Salas-Vidal
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor. 62250, Mexico
| | - Hilda Lomelí
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor. 62250, Mexico
| | - Mario Zurita
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor. 62250, Mexico
| | - Denhi Schnabel
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor. 62250, Mexico.
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Fischer PM. Approved and Experimental Small-Molecule Oncology Kinase Inhibitor Drugs: A Mid-2016 Overview. Med Res Rev 2016; 37:314-367. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Fischer
- School of Pharmacy and Centre for Biomolecular Sciences; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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Loirand G. Rho Kinases in Health and Disease: From Basic Science to Translational Research. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:1074-95. [PMID: 26419448 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are key regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics downstream of Rho GTPases that participate in the control of important physiologic functions, S including cell contraction, migration, proliferation, adhesion, and inflammation. Several excellent review articles dealing with ROCK function and regulation have been published over the past few years. Although a brief overview of general molecular, biochemical, and functional properties of ROCKs is included, an effort has been made to produce an original work by collecting and synthesizing recent studies aimed at translating basic discoveries from cell and experimental models into knowledge of human physiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and medical therapeutics. This review points out the specificity and distinct roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms highlighted in the last few years. Results obtained from genetically modified mice and genetic analysis in humans are discussed. This review also addresses the involvement of ROCKs in human diseases and the potential use of ROCK activity as a biomarker or a pharmacological target for specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1087, Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
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Shah S, Savjani J. A review on ROCK-II inhibitors: From molecular modelling to synthesis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:2383-2391. [PMID: 27080184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.03.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinase enzyme expressed in different disease conditions and involved in mediating vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling in the pathogenesis. There are two isoforms of Rho kinases, namely ROCK I and ROCK II, responsible for different physiological function due to difference in distribution, but almost similar in structure. The Rho kinase 2 belongs to AGC family and is widely distributed in brain, heart and muscles. It is responsible for contraction of vascular smooth muscles by calcium sensitization. Its defective and unwanted expression can lead to many medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, myocardial ischemia, inflammatory responses, etc. Many Rho kinase 1 and 2 inhibitors have been designed for Rho/Rho kinase pathway by use of molecular modeling studies. Most of the designed compounds have been modeled based on ROCK 1 enzyme. This article is focused on Rho kinase 2 inhibitors as there are many ways to improvise by use of Computer aided drug designing as very less quantum of research work carried out. Herein, the article highlights different stages of designing like docking, SAR and synthesis of ROCK inhibitors and recent advances. It also highlights future prospective to improve the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surmil Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Jignasa Savjani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India.
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Kümper S, Mardakheh FK, McCarthy A, Yeo M, Stamp GW, Paul A, Worboys J, Sadok A, Jørgensen C, Guichard S, Marshall CJ. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) function is essential for cell cycle progression, senescence and tumorigenesis. eLife 2016; 5:e12994. [PMID: 26765561 PMCID: PMC4798951 DOI: 10.7554/elife.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1/2) are Rho-GTPase effectors that control key aspects of the actin cytoskeleton, but their role in proliferation and cancer initiation or progression is not known. Here, we provide evidence that ROCK1 and ROCK2 act redundantly to maintain actomyosin contractility and cell proliferation and that their loss leads to cell-cycle arrest and cellular senescence. This phenotype arises from down-regulation of the essential cell-cycle proteins CyclinA, CKS1 and CDK1. Accordingly, while the loss of either Rock1 or Rock2 had no negative impact on tumorigenesis in mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, loss of both blocked tumor formation, as no tumors arise in which both Rock1 and Rock2 have been genetically deleted. Our results reveal an indispensable role for ROCK, yet redundant role for isoforms 1 and 2, in cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis, possibly through the maintenance of cellular contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kümper
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Faraz K Mardakheh
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Afshan McCarthy
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maggie Yeo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon W Stamp
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Paul
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Worboys
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Amine Sadok
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claus Jørgensen
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sabrina Guichard
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Zhou Y, Wang J, Gu Z, Wang S, Zhu W, Aceña JL, Soloshonok VA, Izawa K, Liu H. Next Generation of Fluorine-Containing Pharmaceuticals, Compounds Currently in Phase II-III Clinical Trials of Major Pharmaceutical Companies: New Structural Trends and Therapeutic Areas. Chem Rev 2016; 116:422-518. [PMID: 26756377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1806] [Impact Index Per Article: 225.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhanni Gu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuni Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - José Luis Aceña
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Paseo Manuel Lardizábal 3, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Autónoma University of Madrid , Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vadim A Soloshonok
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Paseo Manuel Lardizábal 3, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, María Díaz de Haro 3, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Kunisuke Izawa
- Hamari Chemicals Ltd., 1-4-29 Kunijima, Higashi-Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan 533-0024
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Hartmann S, Ridley AJ, Lutz S. The Function of Rho-Associated Kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:276. [PMID: 26635606 PMCID: PMC4653301 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are serine/threonine kinases that are downstream targets of the small GTPases RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC. ROCKs are involved in diverse cellular activities including actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion and motility, proliferation and apoptosis, remodeling of the extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cell contraction. The role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 has long been considered to be similar; however, it is now clear that they do not always have the same functions. Moreover, depending on their subcellular localization, activation, and other environmental factors, ROCK signaling can have different effects on cellular function. With respect to the heart, findings in isoform-specific knockout mice argue for a role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, respectively. Increased ROCK activity could play a pivotal role in processes leading to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, angina pectoris, vasospastic angina, heart failure, and stroke, and thus ROCK activity is a potential new biomarker for heart disease. Pharmacological ROCK inhibition reduces the enhanced ROCK activity in patients, accompanied with a measurable improvement in medical condition. In this review, we focus on recent findings regarding ROCK signaling in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, with a special focus on differences between ROCK1 and ROCK2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Hartmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Göttingen, Germany
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Anne J. Ridley
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Susanne Lutz
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Göttingen, Germany
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Feng Y, LoGrasso PV, Defert O, Li R. Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitors and Their Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2015; 59:2269-300. [PMID: 26486225 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinases (ROCKs) belong to the serine-threonine family, the inhibition of which affects the function of many downstream substrates. As such, ROCK inhibitors have potential therapeutic applicability in a wide variety of pathological conditions including asthma, cancer, erectile dysfunction, glaucoma, insulin resistance, kidney failure, neuronal degeneration, and osteoporosis. To date, two ROCK inhibitors have been approved for clinical use in Japan (fasudil and ripasudil) and one in China (fasudil). In 1995 fasudil was approved for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm, and more recently, ripasudil was approved for the treatment of glaucoma in 2014. In this Perspective, we present a comprehensive review of the physiological and biological functions for ROCK, the properties and development of over 170 ROCK inhibitors as well as their therapeutic potential, the current status, and future considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olivier Defert
- Amakem Therapeutics , Agoralaan A bis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Rongshi Li
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Cancer Genes and Molecular Regulation Program, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center , 986805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
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Yoon C, Cho SJ, Aksoy BA, Park DJ, Schultz N, Ryeom SW, Yoon SS. Chemotherapy Resistance in Diffuse-Type Gastric Adenocarcinoma Is Mediated by RhoA Activation in Cancer Stem-Like Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:971-83. [PMID: 26482039 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Lauren diffuse type of gastric adenocarcinoma (DGA), as opposed to the intestinal type (IGA), often harbors mutations in RHOA, but little is known about the role of RhoA in DGA. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We examined RhoA activity and RhoA pathway inhibition in DGA cell lines and in two mouse xenograft models. RhoA activity was also assessed in patient tumor samples. RESULTS RhoA activity was higher in DGA compared with IGA cell lines and was further increased when grown as spheroids to enrich for cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) or when sorted using the gastric CSC marker CD44. RhoA shRNA or the RhoA inhibitor Rhosin decreased expression of the stem cell transcription factor, Sox2, and decreased spheroid formation by 78% to 81%. DGA spheroid cells had 3- to 5-fold greater migration and invasion than monolayer cells, and this activity was Rho-dependent. Diffuse GA spheroid cells were resistant in a cytotoxicity assay to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin chemotherapy, and this resistance could be reversed with RhoA pathway inhibition. In two xenograft models, cisplatin inhibited tumor growth by 40% to 50%, RhoA inhibition by 32% to 60%, and the combination by 77% to 83%. In 288 patient tumors, increased RhoA activity correlated with worse overall survival in DGA patients (P = 0.017) but not in IGA patients (P = 0.612). CONCLUSIONS RhoA signaling promotes CSC phenotypes in DGA cells. Increased RhoA activity is correlated with worse overall survival in DGA patients, and RhoA inhibition can reverse chemotherapy resistance in DGA CSC and in tumor xenografts. Thus, the RhoA pathway is a promising new target in DGA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhwan Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Soo-Jeong Cho
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bülent Arman Aksoy
- Computational Biology Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Do Joong Park
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Computational Biology Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Sandra W Ryeom
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sam S Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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Calcium signaling and the novel anti-proliferative effect of the UTP-sensitive P2Y11 receptor in rat cardiac myofibroblasts. Cell Calcium 2015; 58:518-33. [PMID: 26324417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During myocardial ischemia and reperfusion both purines and pyrimidines are released into the extracellular milieu, thus creating a signaling wave that propagates to neighboring cells via membrane-bound P2 purinoceptors activation. Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are important players in heart remodeling, electrophysiological changes and hemodynamic alterations following myocardial infarction. Here, we investigated the role UTP on calcium signaling and proliferation of CF cultured from ventricles of adult rats. Co-expression of discoidin domain receptor 2 and α-smooth muscle actin indicate that cultured CF are activated myofibroblasts. Intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) signals were monitored in cells loaded with Fluo-4 NW. CF proliferation was evaluated by the MTT assay. UTP and the selective P2Y4 agonist, MRS4062, caused a fast desensitizing [Ca(2+)]i rise originated from thapsigargin-sensitive internal stores, which partially declined to a plateau providing the existence of Ca(2+) in the extracellular fluid. The biphasic [Ca(2+)]i response to UTP was attenuated respectively by P2Y4 blockers, like reactive blue-2 and suramin, and by the P2Y11 antagonist, NF340. UTP and the P2Y2 receptor agonist MRS2768 increased, whereas the selective P2Y11 agonist NF546 decreased, CF growth; MRS4062 was ineffective. Blockage of the P2Y11 receptor or its coupling to adenylate cyclase boosted UTP-induced CF proliferation. Confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y11 receptors. Data indicate that besides P2Y4 and P2Y2 receptors which are responsible for UTP-induced [Ca(2+)]i transients and growth of CF, respectively, synchronous activation of the previously unrecognized P2Y11 receptor may represent an important target for anti-fibrotic intervention in cardiac remodeling.
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Li YH, Yu JZ, Xin YL, Feng L, Chai Z, Liu JC, Zhang HZ, Zhang GX, Xiao BG, Ma CG. Protective effect of a novel Rho kinase inhibitor WAR-5 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by modulating inflammatory response and neurotrophic factors. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 99:220-8. [PMID: 26112093 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Fasudil has proven beneficial in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Given the small safety window of Fasudil, we are looking for novel ROCK inhibitors, which have similar or stronger effect on EAE with greater safety. In this study, we report that WAR-5, a Y-27632 derivative, alleviates the clinical symptoms, attenuates myelin damage and reduces CNS inflammatory responses in EAE C57BL/6 mice at an extent similar to Fasudil, while exhibits less vasodilator and adverse reaction in vivo. WAR-5 inhibits ROCK activity, and selectively suppresses the expression of ROCK II in spleen, brain and spinal cord of EAE mice, especially in spinal cord, accompanied by decreased expression of Nogo. WAR-5 also regulates the imbalance of Th1/Th17 T cells and regulatory T cells, inhibits inflammatory microenvironment induced with NF-κB-IL-1β pathway. Importantly, WAR-5 converts M1 toward M2 microglia/macrophages that are positively correlated with BDNF and NT-3 production. Taken together, WAR-5 exhibits therapeutic potential in EAE by more selectively inhibits ROCK II, with a greater safety than Fasudil, and is worthy of further clinical study to clarify its clinical value.
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MESH Headings
- 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine/analogs & derivatives
- 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine/pharmacology
- Amides/pharmacology
- Aminopyridines/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/prevention & control
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Immunoblotting
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/immunology
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microglia/drug effects
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Nerve Growth Factors/metabolism
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- rho-Associated Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- rho-Associated Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-hua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Jie-zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Yan-le Xin
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Jian-chun Liu
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Hong-zhen Zhang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Guang-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Bao-guo Xiao
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Cun-gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rho GTPases are master regulators of actomyosin structure and dynamics and play pivotal roles in a variety of cellular processes including cell morphology, gene transcription, cell cycle progression, and cell adhesion. Because aberrant Rho GTPase signaling activities are widely associated with human cancer, key components of Rho GTPase signaling pathways have attracted increasing interest as potential therapeutic targets. Similar to Ras, Rho GTPases themselves were, until recently, deemed "undruggable" because of structure-function considerations. Several approaches to interfere with Rho GTPase signaling have been explored and show promise as new ways for tackling cancer cells. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the recent progress in targeting the signaling activities of three prototypical Rho GTPases, that is, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. The authors describe the involvement of these Rho GTPases, their key regulators and effectors in cancer. Furthermore, the authors discuss the current approaches for rationally targeting aberrant Rho GTPases along their signaling cascades, upstream and downstream of Rho GTPases, and posttranslational modifications at a molecular level. EXPERT OPINION To date, while no clinically effective drugs targeting Rho GTPase signaling for cancer treatment are available, tool compounds and lead drugs that pharmacologically inhibit Rho GTPase pathways have shown promise. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting Rho GTPase signaling may add new treatment options for future precision cancer therapy, particularly in combination with other anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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40
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El-Yazbi AF, Abd-Elrahman KS, Moreno-Dominguez A. PKC-mediated cerebral vasoconstriction: Role of myosin light chain phosphorylation versus actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 95:263-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Gosal K, Dunlop K, Dhaliwal R, Ivanovska J, Kantores C, Desjardins JF, Connelly KA, McNamara PJ, Jain A, Jankov RP. Rho Kinase Mediates Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Rats with Chronic Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 52:717-27. [DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0201oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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42
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Sadok A, McCarthy A, Caldwell J, Collins I, Garrett MD, Yeo M, Hooper S, Sahai E, Kuemper S, Mardakheh FK, Marshall CJ. Rho kinase inhibitors block melanoma cell migration and inhibit metastasis. Cancer Res 2015; 75:2272-84. [PMID: 25840982 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic opportunities for metastatic melanoma. Fragment-based screening has led to the discovery of orally available, ATP-competitive AKT kinase inhibitors, AT13148 and CCT129254. These compounds also inhibit the Rho-kinases ROCK 1 and ROCK 2 and we show they potently inhibit ROCK activity in melanoma cells in culture and in vivo. Treatment of melanoma cells with CCT129254 or AT13148 dramatically reduces cell invasion, impairing both "amoeboid-like" and mesenchymal-like modes of invasion in culture. Intravital imaging shows that CCT129254 or AT13148 treatment reduces the motility of melanoma cells in vivo. CCT129254 inhibits melanoma metastasis when administered 2 days after orthotopic intradermal injection of the cells, or when treatment starts after metastases have arisen. Mechanistically, our data suggest that inhibition of ROCK reduces the ability of melanoma cells to efficiently colonize the lungs. These results suggest that these novel inhibitors of ROCK may be beneficial in the treatment of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Sadok
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Afshan McCarthy
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Caldwell
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Collins
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle D Garrett
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Maggie Yeo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Hooper
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Sahai
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Kuemper
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Faraz K Mardakheh
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Xia Y, Cai XY, Fan JQ, Zhang LL, Ren JH, Chen J, Li ZY, Zhang RG, Zhu F, Wu G. Rho Kinase Inhibitor Fasudil Suppresses the Vasculogenic Mimicry of B16 Mouse Melanoma Cells Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1582-90. [PMID: 25934709 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the biologic role of the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil in the vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of B16 mouse melanoma cells. It was previously reported that RhoA plays a critical role in angiogenesis by coordinating endothelial cell cytoskeleton remodeling and promoting endothelial cell motility. Although RhoA has been implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis, little has been described regarding its control of these tumor cell-lined channels. In this study, we established an in vitro model of VM using 3-dimensional cell culturing of mouse B16 melanoma cells and studied VM in vivo by transplanting B16 cells into C57/BL mice. Next, we explored the effect of RhoA and Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) on VM formation using the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil. We provide direct evidence that fasudil leads to reduced vascular-like channels in Matrigel. Additional experiments suggested that fasudil prevents both initial cellular architecture changes and cell migration in vitro. Finally, we provide in-depth evidence for the underlying mechanisms of fasudil-induced VM destruction using the Rho-GTPase agonist lysophosphatidic acid. In vivo studies revealed that fasudil reduced B16 melanoma cell xenograft tumor growth without causing significant toxicity in mice. Fasudil-treated tumors also displayed fewer VM channels. These results suggest that fasudil may be an emerging therapeutic option for targeting cancer VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Xia
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xian-Yi Cai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji-Quan Fan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Ling Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing-Hua Ren
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui-Guang Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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44
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Fujita Y, Yamashita T. Axon growth inhibition by RhoA/ROCK in the central nervous system. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:338. [PMID: 25374504 PMCID: PMC4205828 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine kinase and a downstream target of the small GTPase Rho. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is associated with various neuronal functions such as migration, dendrite development, and axonal extension. Evidence from animal studies reveals that RhoA/ROCK signaling is involved in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including optic nerve and spinal cord injuries, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Given that RhoA/ROCK plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of CNS diseases, the development of therapeutic agents targeting this pathway is expected to contribute to the treatment of CNS diseases. The RhoA/ROCK pathway mediates the effects of myelin-associated axon growth inhibitors—Nogo, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), and repulsive guidance molecule (RGM). Blocking RhoA/ROCK signaling can reverse the inhibitory effects of these molecules on axon outgrowth, and promotes axonal sprouting and functional recovery in animal models of CNS injury. To date, several RhoA/ROCK inhibitors have been under development or in clinical trials as therapeutic agents for neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in neurological disorders. We also discuss the potential therapeutic approaches of RhoA/ROCK inhibitors for various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fujita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University Osaka, Japan ; Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University Osaka, Japan ; Japan Science and Technology Agency, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Tokyo, Japan
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45
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Kolluru GK, Majumder S, Chatterjee S. Rho-kinase as a therapeutic target in vascular diseases: striking nitric oxide signaling. Nitric Oxide 2014; 43:45-54. [PMID: 25196952 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2014.09.002] [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] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a globular, monomeric group of small signaling G-protein molecules. Rho-associated protein kinase/Rho-kinase (ROCK) is a downstream effector protein of the Rho GTPase. Rho-kinases are the potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we have primarily discussed the intriguing roles of ROCK in cardiovascular health in relation to nitric oxide signaling. Further, we highlighted the biphasic effects of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor under shear stress, which acts as an agonist of nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. The biphasic effects of this inhibitor raised the question of safety of the drug usage in treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syamantak Majumder
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Suvro Chatterjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India; Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai, India.
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46
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Fagan-Solis KD, Schneider SS, Pentecost BT, Bentley BA, Otis CN, Gierthy JF, Arcaro KF. The RhoA pathway mediates MMP-2 and MMP-9-independent invasive behavior in a triple-negative breast cancer cell line. J Cell Biochem 2014; 114:1385-94. [PMID: 23255405 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that varies in its biology and response to therapy. A foremost threat to patients is tumor invasion and metastasis, with the greatest risk among patients diagnosed with triple-negative and/or basal-like breast cancers. A greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer cell spreading is needed as 90% of cancer-associated deaths result from metastasis. We previously demonstrated that the Tamoxifen-selected, MCF-7 derivative, TMX2-28, lacks expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and is highly invasive, yet maintains an epithelial morphology. The present study was designed to further characterize TMX2-28 cells and elucidate their invasion mechanism. We found that TMX2-28 cells do not express human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and progesterone receptor (PR), in addition to lacking ERα, making the cells triple-negative. We then determined that TMX2-28 cells lack expression of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and other genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) suggesting that TMX2-28 may not utilize mesenchymal invasion. In contrast, TMX2-28 cells have high expression of Ras Homolog Gene Family Member, A (RhoA), a protein known to play a critical role in amoeboid invasion. Blocking RhoA activity with the RhoA pathway specific inhibitor H-1152, or a RhoA specific siRNA, resulted in inhibition of invasive behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that TMX2-28 breast cancer cells exploit a RhoA-dependent, proteolytic-independent invasion mechanism. Targeting the RhoA pathway in triple-negative, basal-like breast cancers that have a proteolytic-independent invasion mechanism may provide therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with increased risk of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina D Fagan-Solis
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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47
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Malik M, Britten J, Segars J, Catherino WH. Leiomyoma cells in 3-dimensional cultures demonstrate an attenuated response to fasudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, when compared to 2-dimensional cultures. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1126-38. [PMID: 25084783 PMCID: PMC4212347 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114545240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomata are common benign tumors in women of reproductive age and demonstrate an attenuated response to mechanical signaling that involves Rho and integrins. To further characterize the impairment in Rho signaling, we studied the effect of Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil, on extracellular matrix production, in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) cultures of leiomyoma and myometrial cells. Leiomyoma 2D cultures demonstrated a rapid decrease in gene transcripts and protein for fibronectin, procollagen 1A, and versican. In 3D cultures, fibronectin and procollagen 1A proteins demonstrated increased levels at lower concentrations of fasudil, followed by a concentration-dependent decrease. Versican protein increased up to 3-fold, whereas fibromodulin demonstrated a significant decrease of 1.92-fold. Myometrial 2D or 3D cultures demonstrated a decrease in all proteins after 72 hours of treatment. The 3D leiomyoma cultures demonstrated a significant increase in active RhoA, followed by a concentration-dependent decrease at higher concentrations. A concentration-dependent increase in phospho-extracellular regulated signal kinase and proapoptotic protein Bax was observed in 3D leiomyoma cultures. Fasudil relaxed the contraction of the 3D collagen gels caused by myometrium and leiomyoma cell growth. These findings indicate that the altered state of Rho signaling in leiomyoma was more clearly observed in 3D cultures. The results also suggest that fasudil may have clinical applicability for treatment of uterine leiomyoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minnie Malik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joy Britten
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James Segars
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William H Catherino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Noronha-Matos JB, Coimbra J, Sá-e-Sousa A, Rocha R, Marinhas J, Freitas R, Guerra-Gomes S, Ferreirinha F, Costa MA, Correia-de-Sá P. P2X7-induced zeiosis promotes osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of postmenopausal bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. FASEB J 2014; 28:5208-22. [PMID: 25169056 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-257923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphisms of the P2X7 receptor have been associated with increased risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. Although both osteoblasts and osteoclasts express P2X7 receptors, their function in osteogenesis remains controversial. Here, we investigated the role of the P2X7 receptor on osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) cultures from postmenopausal women (age 71±3 yr, n=18). We focused on the mechanisms related to intracellular [Ca(2+)]i oscillations and plasma membrane-dynamics. ATP, and the P2X7 agonist BzATP (100 μM), increased [Ca(2+)]i in parallel to the formation of membrane pores permeable to TO-PRO-3 dye uptake. ATP and BzATP elicited reversible membrane blebs (zeiosis) in 38 ± 1 and 70 ± 1% of the cells, respectively. P2X7-induced zeiosis was Ca(2+) independent, but involved phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and Rho-kinase activation. BzATP (100 μM) progressively increased the expression of Runx-2 and Osterix transcription factors by 452 and 226% (at d 21), respectively, alkaline phosphatase activity by 88% (at d 28), and mineralization by 329% (at d 43) of BMSC cultures in a Rho-kinase-dependent manner. In summary, reversible plasma membrane zeiosis involving cytoskeleton rearrangements due to activation of the P2X7-Rho-kinase axis promotes osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of BMSCs, thus providing new therapeutic targets for postmenopausal bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Bernardo Noronha-Matos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
| | - João Coimbra
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
| | - Ana Sá-e-Sousa
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
| | - Rui Rocha
- Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - José Marinhas
- Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Rolando Freitas
- Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Sónia Guerra-Gomes
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
| | - Fátima Ferreirinha
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
| | - Maria Adelina Costa
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Departamento de Química, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
| | - Paulo Correia-de-Sá
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia and Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal; and
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Genetic and pharmacological evidence that G2019S LRRK2 confers a hyperkinetic phenotype, resistant to motor decline associated with aging. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 71:62-73. [PMID: 25107341 PMCID: PMC4194318 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 mutation G2019S in the kinase-domain is the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease. To investigate the impact of the G2019S mutation on motor activity in vivo, a longitudinal phenotyping approach was developed in knock-in (KI) mice bearing this kinase-enhancing mutation. Two cohorts of G2019S KI mice and wild-type littermates (WT) were subjected to behavioral tests, specific for akinesia, bradykinesia and overall gait ability, at different ages (3, 6, 10, 15 and 19 months). The motor performance of G2019S KI mice remained stable up to the age of 19 months and did not show the typical age-related decline in immobility time and stepping activity of WT. Several lines of evidence suggest that enhanced LRRK2 kinase activity is the main contributor to the observed hyperkinetic phenotype of G2019S KI mice: i) KI mice carrying a LRRK2 kinase-dead mutation (D1994S KD) showed a similar progressive motor decline as WT; ii) two LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, H-1152 and Nov-LRRK2-11, acutely reversed the hyperkinetic phenotype of G2019S KI mice, while being ineffective in WT or D1994S KD animals. LRRK2 target engagement in vivo was further substantiated by reduction of LRRK2 phosphorylation at Ser935 in the striatum and cortex at efficacious doses of Nov-LRRK2-11, and in the striatum at efficacious doses of H-1152. In summary, expression of the G2019S mutation in the mouse LRRK2 gene confers a hyperkinetic phenotype that is resistant to age-related motor decline, likely via enhancement of LRRK2 kinase activity. This study provides an in vivo model to investigate the effects of LRRK2 inhibitors on motor function. The LRRK2 G2019S mutation confers a hyperkinetic phenotype. The LRRK2 D1994S kinase-dead mutation does not affect motor phenotype. The LRRK2 kinase inhibitors reverse motor phenotype of G2019S mice. The LRRK2 kinase inhibitors inhibit LRRK2 phosphorylation at Ser935 ex-vivo.
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50
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Vigil D, Der CJ. Inhibitors of the ROCK serine/threonine kinases: key effectors of the RhoA small GTPase. Enzymes 2014; 33 Pt A:193-212. [PMID: 25033806 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416749-0.00009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the RhoA small GTPase has been implicated in cancer and other human diseases. Therefore, inhibitors of RhoA may have important therapeutic value. However, similar to the Ras small GTPases, RhoA itself is not considered a tractable target and is currently considered to be "undruggable." While recent efforts suggest that direct inhibitors of the Ras oncoprotein may yet be developed, the most promising directions for anti-Ras inhibitors involve inhibitors of protein kinases that are activated downstream of Ras. By analogy, protein kinases activated downstream of RhoA may provide more attractive directions for the development of anti-RhoA inhibitors. Among the multitude of RhoA effectors, the ROCK serine/threonine kinases have emerged as attractive targets for anti-RhoA drug discovery. In this review, we summarize the current status of the development of small molecule inhibitors of ROCK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominico Vigil
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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