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Pozzato C, Outeiro-Pinho G, Galiè M, Ramadori G, Konstantinidou G. ERK5 suppression overcomes FAK inhibitor resistance in mutant KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s44321-024-00138-7. [PMID: 39271958 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00138-7] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutated KRAS serves as the oncogenic driver in 30% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and is associated with metastatic and therapy-resistant tumors. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) acts as a mediator in sustaining KRAS-driven lung tumors, and although FAK inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical development, clinical data indicated that their efficacy in producing long-term anti-tumor responses is limited. Here we revealed two FAK interactors, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), as key players underlying FAK-mediated maintenance of KRAS mutant NSCLC. Inhibition of ERK5 and CDK5 synergistically suppressed FAK function, decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis owing to exacerbated ROS-induced DNA damage. Accordingly, concomitant pharmacological inhibition of ERK5 and CDK5 in a mouse model of KrasG12D-driven lung adenocarcinoma suppressed tumor progression and promoted cancer cell death. Cancer cells resistant to FAK inhibitors showed enhanced ERK5-FAK signaling dampening DNA damage. Notably, ERK5 inhibition prevented the development of resistance to FAK inhibitors, significantly enhancing the efficacy of anti-tumor responses. Therefore, we propose ERK5 inhibition as a potential co-targeting strategy to counteract FAK inhibitor resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pozzato
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mirco Galiè
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ramadori
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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2
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Wang B, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Yin X. Therapeutic potential of ASK1 activators in cancer treatment: Current insights and future directions. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117214. [PMID: 39079264 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117214] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis signal-regulated kinase 1 (ASK1) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAP3K) family, whose activation and regulation are intricately associated with apoptosis. ASK1 is activated in response to oxidative stress, among other stimuli, subsequently triggering downstream JNK, p38 MAPK, and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling, which participate in the initiation of tumor cell apoptosis induced by various stimuli. Research has shown that ASK1 plays a crucial role in the apoptosis of lung cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer cells. Currently, the investigation of effective ASK1 activators is a hot topic in research on tumor cell apoptosis. Synthetic compounds such as human β-defensin, triazolothiazide derivatives and heat shock protein 27 inhibitors; natural compounds such as quercetin, Laminarina japonica polysaccharide-1 peptide and theabrownin; and nanomedicines such as cerium oxide nanoparticles, magnetite FeO nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles can activate ASK1 and induce apoptosis in various tumor cells. This review extensively investigates the roles and activation mechanisms of ASK1, explores its impact on a variety of apoptotic signaling pathways, and discusses the potential therapeutic applications of various ASK1 activators in cancer treatment. In addition, this paper provides an in-depth discussion of the future development of this field and proposes a promising method for further research and clinical progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun 130103, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun 130103, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun 130103, China.
| | - Xunzhe Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.
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3
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Mondru AK, Wilkinson B, Aljasir MA, Alrumayh A, Greaves G, Emmett M, Albohairi S, Pritchard-Jones R, Cross MJ. The ERK5 pathway in BRAFV600E melanoma cells plays a role in development of acquired resistance to dabrafenib but not vemurafenib. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:2011-2027. [PMID: 38977937 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis, frequently features BRAFV600E mutation resulting in activation of the MAPK pathway and melanocyte proliferation and survival. BRAFV600E inhibitors like vemurafenib and dabrafenib have enhanced patient survival, yet drug resistance remains a significant challenge. We investigated the role of the ERK5 pathway in BRAFV600E melanoma cells and cells with acquired resistance to PLX4720 (vemurafenib) and dabrafenib. In BRAFV600E melanoma, ERK5 inhibition minimally affected viability compared to ERK1/2 inhibition. In vemurafenib-resistant cells, ERK5 inhibition alone didn't impact viability or restore drug sensitivity to vemurafenib. However, in dabrafenib-resistant cells, ERK5 inhibition reduced viability and enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of MEK1/2 inhibition. Targeting the ERK5 pathway may represent a therapeutic opportunity in dabrafenib-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Mondru
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Beth Wilkinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Mohammad A Aljasir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Georgia Greaves
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Maxine Emmett
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Saad Albohairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Rowan Pritchard-Jones
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael J Cross
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK
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Sobierajski T, Małolepsza J, Pichlak M, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Błażewska KM. The impact of E3 ligase choice on PROTAC effectiveness in protein kinase degradation. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104032. [PMID: 38789027 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104032] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs) provide a novel therapeutic approach that is revolutionizing drug discovery. The success of PROTACs largely depends on the combination of their three fragments: E3 ligase ligand, linker and protein of interest (POI)-targeting ligand. We summarize the pivotal significance of the precise combination of the E3 ligase ligand with the POI-recruiting warhead, which is crucial for the successful execution of cellular processes and achieving the desired outcomes. Therefore, the key to our selection was the use of at least two ligands recruiting two different ligases. This approach enables a direct comparison of the impacts of the specific ligases on target degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sobierajski
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Małolepsza
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marta Pichlak
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
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Mushtaq A, Wu P, Naseer MM. Recent drug design strategies and identification of key heterocyclic scaffolds for promising anticancer targets. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108579. [PMID: 38160914 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108579] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer, a noncommunicable disease, is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and is anticipated to rise by 75% in the next two decades, reaching approximately 25 million cases. Traditional cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and surgery, have shown limited success in reducing cancer incidence. As a result, the focus of cancer chemotherapy has switched to the development of novel small molecule antitumor agents as an alternate strategy for combating and managing cancer rates. Heterocyclic compounds are such agents that bind to specific residues in target proteins, inhibiting their function and potentially providing cancer treatment. This review focuses on privileged heterocyclic pharmacophores with potent activity against carbonic anhydrases and kinases, which are important anticancer targets. Evaluation of ongoing pre-clinical and clinical research of heterocyclic compounds with potential therapeutic value against a variety of malignancies as well as the provision of a concise summary of the role of heterocyclic scaffolds in various chemotherapy protocols have also been discussed. The main objective of the article is to highlight key heterocyclic scaffolds involved in recent anticancer drug design that demands further attention from the drug development community to find more effective and safer targeted small-molecule anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Mushtaq
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Peng Wu
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn Str. 11, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Muhammad Moazzam Naseer
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn Str. 11, Dortmund 44227, Germany.
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Yang X, Chang L, Liu Z, Geng X, Wang R, Yin X, Fan W, Zhao BQ. Neddylation in the chronically hypoperfused corpus callosum: MLN4924 reduces blood-brain barrier injury via ERK5/KLF2 signaling. Exp Neurol 2024; 371:114587. [PMID: 37914067 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and cerebrovascular dysfunction may contribute to the pathology in white matter lesions and consequent cognitive decline caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. Neddylation is the process of attaching a ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8 (neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8) to specific targets. By modifying protein substrates, neddylation plays critical roles in various important biological processes. However, whether neddylation influences the pathogenesis of hypoperfused brain remains unclear. In the present study, cerebral hypoperfusion-induced white matter lesions were produced by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis in mice. The function of the neddylation pathway, BBB integrity, cerebrovascular dysfunction, myelin density in the corpus callosum and cognitive function were determined. We show that NEDD8 conjugation aberrantly amplified in microvascular endothelium in the corpus callosum following cerebral hypoperfusion. MLN4924, a small-molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme currently in clinical trials, preserved BBB integrity, attenuated glial activation and enhanced oligodendrocyte differentiation, and reduced hypoperfusion-induced white matter lesions in the corpus callosum and thus improved cognitive performance via inactivating cullin-RING E3 ligase (CRL). Administration of MLN4924 caused the accumulation of ERK5 and KLF2. The ERK5 inhibitor BIX 02189, down-regulated MLN4924-induced activation of KLF2 and reversed MLN4924-mediated increase in pericyte coverage and junctional proteins. Furthermore, BIX 02189 blocked MLN4924-afforded protection against BBB disruption and white matter lesions in the corpus callosum. Collectively, our results revealed that neddylation impairs vascular function and thus exacerbated the pathology of hypoperfused brain and that inhibition of neddylation with MLN4924 may offer novel therapeutic opportunities for cerebral hypoperfusion-associated cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Yang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Luping Chang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhongwang Liu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xue Geng
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ranran Wang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xuhui Yin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wenying Fan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Bing-Qiao Zhao
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Zhang Q, Gao X, Duan X, Liang H, Gao M, Dong D, Guo C, Huang L. Design, synthesis and SAR of novel 7-azaindole derivatives as potential Erk5 kinase inhibitor with anticancer activity. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 95:117503. [PMID: 37862935 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117503] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (Erk5) signaling plays a crucial role in cancer, and regulating its activity may have potential in cancer chemotherapy. In this study, a series of novel 7-azaindole derivatives (4a-5o) were designed and synthesized. Their antitumor activities on human lung cancer A549 cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and colony formation assay. Among them, compounds 4a, 4 h, 5d and 5j exhibited good anti-proliferative activity with the IC50 values of 6.23 µg/mL, 8.52 µg/mL, 7.33 µg/mL and 4.56 µg/mL, respectively, equivalent to Erk5 positive control XMD8-92 (IC50 = 5.36 µg/mL). The results of structure-activity relationships (SAR) showed that double bond on the piperidine ring and N atoms at the N7 position of 7-azaindole was essential for their antiproliferative activity. Furthermore, compounds 4a and 5j exhibited good inhibition on Erk5 kinase through Western blot analysis and possible action site of compounds with Erk5 kinase was elucidated by molecular docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xintao Gao
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiyu Duan
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Han Liang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Mingyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dianquan Dong
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanlong Guo
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Longjiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 266042 Qingdao, Shandong, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, China.
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8
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Pan P, Geng T, Li Z, Ding X, Shi M, Li Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Wu J, Zhong L, Ji D, Li Z, Meng X. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras as Highly Selective and Efficient Degraders of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13568-13586. [PMID: 37751283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is recognized as a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and is involved in tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the results of ERK5 inhibition in multiple studies are controversial, and a highly specific ERK5-targeting agent is required to confirm physiological functions. Using proteolysis-targeting chimera technology, we designed the selective ERK5 degrader PPM-3 and examined its biological effect on cancer cells. Interestingly, the selective degradation of ERK5 with PPM-3 did not influence tumor cell growth directly. Based on proteomics analysis, the ERK5 deletion may be associated with tumor immunity. PPM-3 influences tumor development by affecting the differentiation of macrophages. Therefore, PPM-3 is an effective small-molecule tool for studying ERK5 and a promising immunotherapy drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tongtong Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuyang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yang Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yashuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengbo Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhongjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiangbao Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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