1
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Qiao X, Wu X, Chen S, Niu MM, Hua H, Zhang Y. Discovery of novel and potent dual-targeting AXL/HDAC2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment via structure-based pharmacophore modelling, virtual screening, and molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, and biological evaluation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2295241. [PMID: 38134358 PMCID: PMC10763849 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2295241] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Nowadays, owing to the complex mechanism of tumorigenesis, simultaneous inhibition of multiple targets is an important anticancer strategy. Recent studies have demonstrated receptor tyrosine kinase AXL (AXL) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) are closely associated with colorectal cancer. Herein, we identified five hit compounds concurrently targeting AXL and HDAC2 using virtual screening. Inhibitory experiments revealed these hit compounds potently inhibited AXL and HDAC2 in the nanomolar range. Among them, Hit-3 showed the strongest inhibitory effects which were better than that of the positive control groups. Additionally, MD assays showed that Hit-3 could bind stably to the AXL and HDAC2 active pockets. Further MTT assays demonstrated that Hit-3 showed potent anti-proliferative activity. Most importantly, Hit-3 exhibited significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in xenograft models. Collectively, this study is the first discovery of dual-targeting AXL/HDAC2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Shutong Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huilian Hua
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
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2
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Li MC, Lai YL, Kuo PH, Reddy JS, Chen CM, Manimala J, Wang PC, Wu MS, Chang CY, Yang CM, Lin CY, Huang YC, Chiu CH, Chang L, Lin WH, Yeh TK, Yen WC, Hsieh HP. Discovery of Dual MER/AXL Kinase Inhibitors as Bifunctional Small Molecules for Inhibiting Tumor Growth and Enhancing Tumor Immune Microenvironment. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10906-10927. [PMID: 38913493 PMCID: PMC11247487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
A series of bifunctional compounds have been discovered for their dual functionality as MER/AXL inhibitors and immune modulators. The furanopyrimidine scaffold, renowned for its suitability in kinase inhibitor discovery, offers at least three distinct pharmacophore access points. Insights from molecular modeling studies guided hit-to-lead optimization, which revealed that the 1,3-diketone side chain hybridized with furanopyrimidine scaffold that respectively combined amino-type substituent and 1H-pyrazol-4-yl substituent on the top and bottom of the aryl regions to produce 22 and 33, exhibiting potent antitumor activities in various syngeneic and xenograft models. More importantly, 33 demonstrated remarkable immune-modulating activity by upregulating the expression of total T-cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells, and helper CD4+ T-cells in the spleen. These findings underscored the bifunctional capabilities of 33 (BPR5K230) with excellent oral bioavailability (F = 54.6%), inhibiting both MER and AXL while modulating the tumor microenvironment and highlighting its diverse applicability for further studies to advance its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Chun Li
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
- Biomedical
Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei City 115202, Taiwan, ROC
| | - You-Liang Lai
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Hsien Kuo
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Julakanti Satyanarayana Reddy
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Ming Chen
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Julakanti Manimala
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Chen Wang
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Shiem Wu
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Yu Chang
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chen-Ming Yang
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chin-Yu Lin
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Chen Huang
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Hsien Chiu
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ling Chang
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Hsing Lin
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Ching Yen
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsing-Pang Hsieh
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350401, Taiwan, ROC
- Biomedical
Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei City 115202, Taiwan, ROC
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300044, Taiwan, ROC
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3
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Zhuo L, Guo M, Zhang S, Wu J, Wang M, Shen Y, Peng X, Wang Z, Jiang W, Huang W. Structure-activity relationship study of 1,6-naphthyridinone derivatives as selective type II AXL inhibitors with potent antitumor efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116090. [PMID: 38169272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116090] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The role of AXL in various oncogenic processes has made it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Currently, kinase selectivity profiles, especially circumventing MET inhibition, remain a scientific issue of great interest in the discovery of selective type II AXL inhibitors. Starting from a dual MET/AXL-targeted lead structure from our previous work, we optimized a 1,6-naphthyridinone series using molecular modeling-assisted compound design to improve AXL potency and selectivity over MET, resulting in the potent and selective type II AXL-targeted compound 25c. This showed excellent AXL inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.1 nM) and 343-fold selectivity over the highly homologous kinase MET in biochemical assays. Moreover, compound 25c significantly inhibited AXL-driven cell proliferation, dose-dependently suppressed 4T1 cell migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. Compound 25c also showed noticeable antitumor efficacy in a BaF3/TEL-AXL xenograft model at well-tolerated doses. Overall, this study presented a potent and selective type II AXL-targeted lead compound for further drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsheng Zhuo
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Mengqin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Junbo Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Hengyang Central Hospital, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xue Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Weifan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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4
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Roskoski R. Properties of FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors: A 2024 update. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107059. [PMID: 38216005 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the dysregulation of protein kinase activity in many diseases including cancer, this enzyme family has become one of the most important drug targets in the 21st century. There are 80 FDA-approved therapeutic agents that target about two dozen different protein kinases and seven of these drugs were approved in 2023. Of the approved drugs, thirteen target protein-serine/threonine protein kinases, four are directed against dual specificity protein kinases (MEK1/2), twenty block nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and 43 inhibit receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. The data indicate that 69 of these drugs are prescribed for the treatment of neoplasms. Six drugs (abrocitinib, baricitinib, deucravacitinib, ritlecitinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib) are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and ulcerative colitis). Of the 80 approved drugs, nearly two dozen are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. The following seven drugs received FDA approval in 2023: capivasertib (HER2-positive breast cancer), fruquintinib (metastatic colorectal cancer), momelotinib (myelofibrosis), pirtobrutinib (mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma), quizartinib (Flt3-mutant acute myelogenous leukemia), repotrectinib (ROS1-positive lung cancer), and ritlecitinib (alopecia areata). All of the FDA-approved drugs are orally effective with the exception of netarsudil, temsirolimus, and trilaciclib. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties of all 80 FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors including the molecular weight, number of hydrogen bond donors/acceptors, polar surface area, potency, solubility, lipophilic efficiency, and ligand efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 221 Haywood Knolls Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791, United States.
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5
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Frumento D, Grossi G, Falesiedi M, Musumeci F, Carbone A, Schenone S. Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) for Glioblastoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1398. [PMID: 38338677 PMCID: PMC10855061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, many small molecules, usually characterized by heterocyclic scaffolds, have been designed and synthesized as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Among them, several compounds have been tested at preclinical and clinical levels to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GBM is the most common and aggressive type of cancer originating in the brain and has an unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of 15-16 months and a 5-year survival rate of 5%. Despite recent advances in treating GBM, it represents an incurable disease associated with treatment resistance and high recurrence rates. For these reasons, there is an urgent need for the development of new pharmacological agents to fight this malignancy. In this review, we reported the compounds published in the last five years, which showed promising activity in GBM preclinical models acting as TKIs. We grouped the compounds based on the targeted kinase: first, we reported receptor TKIs and then, cytoplasmic and peculiar kinase inhibitors. For each small molecule, we included the chemical structure, and we schematized the interaction with the target for some representative compounds with the aim of elucidating the mechanism of action. Finally, we cited the most relevant clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.F.); (G.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.F.); (G.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.)
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6
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Rao VK, Ashtam A, Panda D, Guchhait SK. Natural-Product-Inspired Discovery of Trimethoxyphenyl-1,2,4-triazolosulfonamides as Potent Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300562. [PMID: 37975190 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300562] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
An approach of natural product-inspired strategy and incorporation of an NP-privileged motif has been investigated for the discovery of new tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Two series, N-Arylsulfonyl-3-arylamino-5-amino-1,2,4-triazole derivatives, and their isomers were considered. The compounds were synthesized by construction of the N-aryl-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine motif and sulfonylation. Although the chemo- and regioselectivity in sulfonylation were challenging due to multiple ring-tautomerizable-NH and exocyclic NH2 functionalities present in the molecular motifs, the developed synthetic method enabled the preparation of designed molecular skeletons with biologically important motifs. The approach also led to explore interesting molecular regio- and stereochemical aspects valuable for activity. The X-ray crystallography study indicated that the hydrogen bonding between the arylamine-NH and the arylsulfonyl-"O" unit and appropriate molecular-functionality topology allowed the cis-locking of two aryls, which is important for tubulin-binding and antiproliferative properties. All synthesized compounds majorly showed characteristic antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and four compounds exhibited potent antiproliferative activity. One compound potently bound to tubulin at the colchicine site and inhibited tubulin polymerization in vitro. The compound significantly depolymerized microtubules in MCF-7 cells, arrested the cells at the G2/M phase, and induced cell death. This study represents the importance of the design strategy in medicinal chemistry and the molecular structural features relevant to anticancer anti-tubulin properties. The explored molecules have the potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajja Krishna Rao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), 160062, S.A.S. Nagar, India
| | - Anvesh Ashtam
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, 400076, Mumbai, India
| | - Dulal Panda
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), 160062, S.A.S. Nagar, India
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, 400076, Mumbai, India
| | - Sankar K Guchhait
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), 160062, S.A.S. Nagar, India
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7
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Roskoski R. Cost in the United States of FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107036. [PMID: 38096958 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Because genetic alterations including mutations, overexpression, translocations, and dysregulation of protein kinases are involved in the pathogenesis of many illnesses, this enzyme family is the target of many drug discovery programs worldwide. The FDA has approved 80 small molecule protein kinase inhibitors with 77 drugs orally bioavailable. The data indicate that 69 of these medicinals are approved for the management of neoplasms including solid tumors such as breast and lung cancer as well as non-solid tumors such as leukemia. Moreover, the remaining 11 drugs target non-neoplastic diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. The cost of drugs was obtained from www.pharmacychecker.com using the FDA label to determine the dosage and number of tablets required per day. This methodology excludes any private or governmental insurance coverage, which would cover the entire cost or more likely a fraction of the stated price. The average monthly cost for the treatment of neoplastic diseases was $17,900 with a price of $44,000 for futibatinib (used to treat cholangiocarcinomas with FGFR2 fusions) and minimum of $5100 for binimetinib (melanoma). The average monthly cost for the treatment of non-neoplastic diseases was $6800 with a maximum of $17,000 for belumosudil (graft vs. host disease) and a minimum of $200 for netarsudil eye drops (glaucoma). There is a negative correlation of the cost of the drugs and the incidence of the targeted disease. Many of these agents are or were designated as orphan drugs meaning that there are fewer than 200,000 potential patients in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 221 Haywood Knolls Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791, United States.
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8
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Huang G, Hucek D, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Applications of oxetanes in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115802. [PMID: 37713805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115802] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The compact and versatile oxetane motifs have gained significant attention in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry campaigns. This review presents an overview of the diverse applications of oxetanes in clinical and preclinical drug candidates targeting various human diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic disorders, and others. Special attention is given to biologically active oxetane-containing compounds and their disease-related targets, such as kinases, epigenetic and non-epigenetic enzymes, and receptors. The review also details the effect of the oxetane motif on important properties, including aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, pKa, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, metabolic stability, conformational preferences, toxicity profiles (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP) suppression and human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) inhibition), pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, potency, and target selectivity. We anticipate that this work will provide valuable insights that can drive future discoveries of novel bioactive oxetane-containing small molecules, enabling their effective application in combating a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Devon Hucek
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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9
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Fang F, Dai Y, Wang H, Ji Y, Liang X, Peng X, Li J, Zhao Y, Li C, Wang D, Li Y, Zhang D, Zhang D, Geng M, Liu H, Ai J, Zhou Y. Structure-based drug discovery of novel fused-pyrazolone carboxamide derivatives as potent and selective AXL inhibitors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4918-4933. [PMID: 38045061 PMCID: PMC10692477 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a novel and promising antitumor target, AXL plays an important role in tumor growth, metastasis, immunosuppression and drug resistance of various malignancies, which has attracted extensive research interest in recent years. In this study, by employing the structure-based drug design and bioisosterism strategies, we designed and synthesized in total 54 novel AXL inhibitors featuring a fused-pyrazolone carboxamide scaffold, of which up to 20 compounds exhibited excellent AXL kinase and BaF3/TEL-AXL cell viability inhibitions. Notably, compound 59 showed a desirable AXL kinase inhibitory activity (IC50: 3.5 nmol/L) as well as good kinase selectivity, and it effectively blocked the cellular AXL signaling. In turn, compound 59 could potently inhibit BaF3/TEL-AXL cell viability (IC50: 1.5 nmol/L) and significantly suppress GAS6/AXL-mediated cancer cell invasion, migration and wound healing at the nanomolar level. More importantly, compound 59 oral administration showed good pharmacokinetic profile and in vivo antitumor efficiency, in which we observed significant AXL phosphorylation suppression, and its antitumor efficacy at 20 mg/kg (qd) was comparable to that of BGB324 at 50 mg/kg (bid), the most advanced AXL inhibitor. Taken together, this work provided a valuable lead compound as a potential AXL inhibitor for the further antitumor drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuewu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xia Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yangrong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunpu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Danyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yazhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jing Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
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10
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Xin Y, Jiang Q, Liu C, Qiu J. Plumbagin has an inhibitory effect on the growth of TSCC PDX model and it enhances the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:12225-12250. [PMID: 37925175 PMCID: PMC10683608 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205175] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are the sixth most common malignant tumors worldwide. Tongue squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of this type, and it is associated with poor prognosis, a high rate of recurrence and a low survival rate. Plumbagin is derived from Plumbago zeylanica L, several studies report that plumbagin could inhibit cell, tumor metastasis, induce apoptosis in various cancer cells. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model can maintain the heterogeneity and microenvironment of human tumors, is a powerful research tool for developing potentially effective therapies for TSCC. METHODS Tumor tissues obtained from TSCC patients were implanted into immunodeficient mice to establish TSCC PDX models. Subsequently, the PDX models were used to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of plumbagin on TSCC. Furthermore, we conducted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and explored the mRNA expression profiles between the treatment and control groups. We selected eight mRNAs related to the characteristics and prognosis of TSCC patients for further analysis. RESULTS Plumbagin could inhibit the growth of TSCC PDX models and inhibit expression of Akt/mTOR pathway. In addition, plumbagin was shown to increase drug sensitivity to cisplatin. The eight mRNAs selected for further analysis, AXL, SCG5, VOPP1, DCBLD2 and DRAM1 are cancer-promoting genes, DUSP1, AQP5 and BLNK are cancer suppressor genes. And they were related to the diagnosis, growth, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration in TSCC patients. CONCLUSION Plumbagin exhibits an inhibitory effect on the growth of the PDX model of TSCC. Moreover, plumbagin enhances the inhibitory effects of cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Xin
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Qingkun Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Chenshu Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jiaxuan Qiu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
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11
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Gelebart P, Eriksen Gjerstad M, Benjaminsen S, Han J, Karlsen I, Safont MM, Leitch C, Fandalyuk Z, Popa M, Helgeland L, Papp B, Baran-Marszak F, McCormack E. Inhibition of a new AXL isoform, AXL3, induces apoptosis of mantle cell lymphoma cells. Blood 2023; 142:1478-1493. [PMID: 37339584 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma having a poor overall survival that is in need for the development of new therapeutics. In this study, we report the identification and expression of a new isoform splice variant of the tyrosine kinase receptor AXL in MCL cells. This new AXL isoform, called AXL3, lacks the ligand-binding domain of the commonly described AXL splice variants and is constitutively activated in MCL cells. Interestingly, functional characterization of AXL3, using CRISPR inhibition, revealed that only the knock down of this isoform leads to apoptosis of MCL cells. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of AXL activity resulted in a significant decrease in the activation of well-known proproliferative and survival pathways activated in MCL cells (ie, β-catenin, Ak strain transforming, and NF-κB). Therapeutically, preclinical studies using a xenograft mouse model of MCL indicated that bemcentinib is more effective than ibrutinib in reducing the tumor burden and to increase the overall survival. Our study highlights the importance of a previously unidentified AXL splice variant in cancer and the potential of bemcentinib as a targeted therapy for MCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Gelebart
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Hematology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Jianhua Han
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ida Karlsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Calum Leitch
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mihaela Popa
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Helgeland
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bela Papp
- INSERM, UMR U976, Institut Saint-Louis, Paris, France
- Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | | | - Emmet McCormack
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Hematology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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12
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Sharlow ER, Llaneza DC, Tewari BP, Mingledorff GA, Mendelson AJ, Sontheimer H, Bloom GS, Lazo JS. Pharmacological profiling identifies divergent chemosensitivities of differentiating and maturing iPSC-derived human cortical neuron populations. FEBS J 2023; 290:4950-4965. [PMID: 37428551 PMCID: PMC10592385 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation and maturation are extended developmental processes. To determine whether neurons at different developmental stages have divergent chemosensitivities, we screened differentiating and maturing neuronal populations using a small compound library comprising FDA-approved and investigational drugs. Using a neurotoxicity assay format, both respective neuronal population-based screening campaigns performed robustly (Z-factors = 0.7-0.8), although the hit rate for the differentiating neurons (2.8%) was slightly higher than for maturing neurons (1.9%). While the majority of hits were toxic to both neuronal populations, these hits predominantly represented promiscuous drugs. Other drugs were selectively neurotoxic, with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors disproportionally represented after confirmation. Ponatinib and amuvatinib were neuroinhibitory for differentiating and maturing neurons, respectively. Chemoinformatic analyses confirmed differences in potential drug targets that may be differentially expressed during neuronal development. Subsequent studies demonstrated neuronal expression of AXL, an amuvatinib target, in both neuronal populations. However, functional AXL activity was confirmed only in the maturing neuronal population as determined by AXL phosphorylation in response to GAS6, the cognate ligand of AXL, and concurrent STAT3Y705 phosphorylation. Differentiating neurons were unresponsive to the effects of GAS6 suggesting that the AXL-STAT3 signaling axis was nonfunctional. Amuvatinib treatment of maturing neuronal cultures significantly reduced pAXL levels. These studies indicate that neuronal developmental states may exhibit unique chemosensitivities and that drugs may have different neuro-inhibitory effects depending upon the developmental stage of the neuronal population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle C. Llaneza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908
| | - Bhanu P. Tewari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | | | - Anna J. Mendelson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - George S. Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - John S. Lazo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908
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13
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Mogwera KSP, Chibale K, Arendse LB. Developing kinase inhibitors for malaria: an opportunity or liability? Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:720-731. [PMID: 37385921 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.001] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Highly druggable and essential to almost all aspects of cellular life, the protein and phosphoinositide kinase gene families offer a wealth of potential targets for pharmacological modulation for both noncommunicable and infectious diseases. Despite the success of kinase inhibitors in oncology and other disease indications, targeting kinases comes with significant challenges. Key hurdles for kinase drug discovery include selectivity and acquired resistance. The phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase beta inhibitor MMV390048 showed good efficacy in Phase 2a clinical trials, demonstrating the potential of kinase inhibitors for malaria treatment. Here we argue that the potential benefits of Plasmodium kinase inhibitors outweigh the risks, and we highlight the opportunity for designed polypharmacology to reduce the risk of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koketso S P Mogwera
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Lauren B Arendse
- Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D), South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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14
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Sakemura RL, Hefazi M, Cox MJ, Siegler EL, Sinha S, Hansen MJ, Stewart CM, Feigin JM, Roman CM, Schick KJ, Can I, Tapper EE, Horvei P, Adada MM, Bezerra ED, Fonkoua LAK, Ruff MW, Forsman CL, Nevala WK, Boysen JC, Tschumper RC, Grand CL, Kuchimanchi KR, Mouritsen L, Foulks JM, Warner SL, Call TG, Parikh SA, Ding W, Kay NE, Kenderian SS. AXL Inhibition Improves the Antitumor Activity of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1222-1236. [PMID: 37378662 PMCID: PMC10530462 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase MER family and plays pleiotropic roles in cancer progression. AXL is expressed in immunosuppressive cells, which contributes to decreased efficacy of immunotherapy. Therefore, we hypothesized that AXL inhibition could serve as a strategy to overcome resistance to chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T)-cell therapy. To test this, we determined the impact of AXL inhibition on CD19-targeted CAR T (CART19)-cell functions. Our results demonstrate that T cells and CAR T cells express high levels of AXL. Specifically, higher levels of AXL on activated Th2 CAR T cells and M2-polarized macrophages were observed. AXL inhibition with small molecules or via genetic disruption in T cells demonstrated selective inhibition of Th2 CAR T cells, reduction of Th2 cytokines, reversal of CAR T-cell inhibition, and promotion of CAR T-cell effector functions. AXL inhibition is a novel strategy to enhance CAR T-cell functions through two independent, but complementary, mechanisms: targeting Th2 cells and reversing myeloid-induced CAR T-cell inhibition through selective targeting of M2-polarized macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Leo Sakemura
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mehrdad Hefazi
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth L. Siegler
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sutapa Sinha
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Carli M. Stewart
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Claudia Manriquez Roman
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Ismail Can
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Mohamad M. Adada
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Michael W. Ruff
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cory L. Grand
- Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Oncology, Inc. Lehi, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Ding
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Neil E. Kay
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Saad S. Kenderian
- T Cell Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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15
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Roskoski R. Rule of five violations among the FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106774. [PMID: 37075870 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Because genetic alterations including mutations, overexpression, translocations, and dysregulation of protein kinases are involved in the pathogenesis of many illnesses, this enzyme family is the target of many drug discovery programs in the pharmaceutical industry. Overall, the US FDA has approved 74 small molecule protein kinase inhibitors, nearly all of which are orally effective. Of the 74 approved drugs, forty block receptor protein-tyrosine kinases, eighteen target nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, twelve are directed against protein-serine/threonine protein kinases, and four target dual specificity protein kinases. The data indicate that 63 of these medicinals are approved for the management of neoplasms (51 against solid tumors such as breast, colon, and lung cancers, eight against nonsolid tumors such as leukemia, and four against both types of tumors). Seven of the FDA-approved kinase inhibitors form covalent bonds with their target enzymes and they are accordingly classified as TCIs (targeted covalent inhibitors). Medicinal chemists have examined the physicochemical properties of drugs that are orally effective. Lipinski's rule of five (Ro5) is a computational procedure that is used to estimate solubility, membrane permeability, and pharmacological effectiveness in the drug-discovery setting. It relies on four parameters including molecular weight, number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, and the Log of the partition coefficient. Other important descriptors include the lipophilic efficiency, the polar surface area, and the number of rotatable bonds and aromatic rings. We tabulated these and other properties of the FDA-approved kinase inhibitors. Of the 74 approved drugs, 30 fail to comply with the rule of five.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 221 Haywood Knolls Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791-8717, United States.
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16
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Takahashi S, Ferdousi F, Yamamoto S, Hirano A, Nukaga S, Nozaki H, Isoda H. Botryococcus terribilis Ethanol Extract Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects on Murine RAW264 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076666. [PMID: 37047640 PMCID: PMC10095501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Botryococcus terribilis ethanol extract (BTEE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264 cells. BTEE significantly attenuated LPS-induced nitric oxide production and inflammatory cytokines release, including Ccl2, Cox2, and Il6. On the other hand, several anti-inflammatory mediators, such as Pgc1β and Socs1, were increased in BTEE-treated cells. Further, we performed an untargeted whole-genome microarray analysis to explore the anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of BTEE. Enrichment analysis showed BTEE significantly downregulated ‘response to stimulus’, ‘locomotion’, and ‘immune system response’ and upregulated ‘cell cycle’ gene ontologies in both 6- and 17-h post-LPS stimulation conditions. Pathway analysis revealed BTEE could downregulate the expressions of chemokines of the CC and CXC subfamily, and cytokines of the TNF family, TGFβ family, IL1-like, and class I helical. PPI analysis showed AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl), a receptor tyrosine kinase from the TAM family, and its upstream transcription factors were downregulated in both conditions. Node neighborhood analysis showed several Axl coexpressed genes were also downregulated. Further, kinase enrichment and chemical perturbation analyses supported Axl inhibition in BTEE-treated conditions. Altogether, these findings suggest anti-inflammatory effects of BTEE that are mediated via the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and predict its potential as an Axl inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Takahashi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Farhana Ferdousi
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Seri Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hirano
- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Tokyo 100-8560, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nukaga
- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Tokyo 100-8560, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nozaki
- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., Tokyo 100-8560, Japan
| | - Hiroko Isoda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
- Alliance for Research on the Mediterranean and North Africa (ARENA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
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17
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Zhang D, Zhao Y, You X, He S, Li E. Repurposing Axl Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0148722. [PMID: 36853000 PMCID: PMC10019287 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01487-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection persists as a common pathogen of pulmonary infection in infants and in the elderly with high morbidity and mortality. However, no specific therapeutics are available. Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk) family receptor kinases, is a pleiotropic inhibitor of the innate immune response and functions as a negative regulator of interferon pathway activation. In this report, we investigated Axl inhibitors for their effects against RSV infection. Axl inhibition with kinase inhibitors, including BMS-777607, R428, and TP-0903, or Axl ablation resulted in a significant reduction of RSV infection in cell-based assays. In an animal model of pulmonary RSV infection, treatment with BMS-777607, R428, or TP-0903 ameliorated pulmonary pathology with a significant reduction of RSV titers in the lung tissues and, consequently, decreased the expression of proinflammatory genes. The host promotes ISG expression for the antiviral response and for viral clearance. We found that Axl inhibition led to more robust IFN-β expression and antiviral gene induction. Thus, the results of this study imply that Axl kinase inhibitors may possess a broad spectrum of antiviral effects by promoting ISG expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanhui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Yancheng People's 1st Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxin You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Yancheng People's 1st Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Wu J, Ohura T, Ogura R, Wang J, Choi JH, Kobori H, D’Alessandro-Gabazza CN, Toda M, Yasuma T, Gabazza EC, Takikawa Y, Hirai H, Kawagishi H. Bioactive Compounds from the Mushroom-Forming Fungus Chlorophyllum molybdites. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:596. [PMID: 36978462 PMCID: PMC10044768 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel compound (1) along with two known compounds (2 and 3) were isolated from the culture broth of Chlorophyllum molybdites, and three known compounds (4-6) were isolated from its fruiting bodies. The planar structure of 1 was determined by the interpretation of spectroscopic data. By comparing the specific rotation of the compound with that of the analog compound, the absolute configuration of 1 was determined to be R. This is the first time that compounds 2-4 were isolated from a mushroom-forming fungus. Compound 2 showed significant inhibition activity against Axl and immune checkpoints (PD-L1, PD-L2). In the bioassay to examine growth inhibitory activity against the phytopathogenic bacteria Peptobacterium carotovorum, Clavibacter michiganensis and Burkholderia glumae, compounds 2 and 3 inhibited the growth of P. carotovorum and C. michiganensis. In the bioassay to examine plant growth regulatory activity, compounds 1-4 showed a significant regulatory activity on lettuce growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; (J.W.)
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Takeru Ohura
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Ogura
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Junhong Wang
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Jae-Hoon Choi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; (J.W.)
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hajime Kobori
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Iwade Research Institute of Mycology Co., Ltd., Suehirocho 1-9, Tsu 514-0012, Japan
| | | | - Masaaki Toda
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu 524-8507, Japan
| | - Taro Yasuma
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu 524-8507, Japan
| | - Esteban C. Gabazza
- Department of Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu 524-8507, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takikawa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; (J.W.)
| | - Hirofumi Hirai
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; (J.W.)
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kawagishi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; (J.W.)
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
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19
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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20
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Zhan Z, Ji Y, Su H, Fang C, Peng X, Liu Q, Dai Y, Lin D, Xu Y, Ai J, Duan W. Discovery of 10 H-Benzo[ b]pyrido[2,3- e][1,4]oxazine AXL Inhibitors via Structure-Based Drug Design Targeting c-Met Kinase. J Med Chem 2023; 66:220-234. [PMID: 36524812 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase AXL exerts pivotal roles in cancer cell survival, metastasis, and drug resistance. Pharmacologic or genetic targeting of the aberrant AXL signaling has proven preferable antitumor efficacies in both preclinical and clinical studies, which highlights AXL as an attractive antitumor drug target. By conformational restriction of the anilinopyrimidine 10e and systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) exploration, we discovered 10H-benzo[b]pyrido[2,3-e][1,4]oxazine 16j as a potent and orally bioavailable AXL inhibitor. As a type II AXL inhibitor, compound 16j displayed about 15-fold selectivity for AXL over its highly homologous kinase c-Met. And it significantly blocked cellular AXL signaling, inhibited AXL-mediated cell proliferation, and impaired growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6)/AXL-stimulated cell migration and invasion. Moreover, 16j exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in AXL-driven xenograft model at a well-tolerant dosage, causing tumor stasis or regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengsheng Zhan
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Haixia Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Chen Fang
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qiufeng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yang Dai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Dongze Lin
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yechun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, P. R. China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.,Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study (UCAS), Hangzhou 310024, P. R. China
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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21
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Properties of FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors: A 2023 update. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106552. [PMID: 36403719 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Owing to the dysregulation of protein kinase activity in many diseases including cancer, this enzyme family has become one of the most important drug targets in the 21st century. There are 72 FDA-approved therapeutic agents that target about two dozen different protein kinases and three of these drugs were approved in 2022. Of the approved drugs, twelve target protein-serine/threonine protein kinases, four are directed against dual specificity protein kinases (MEK1/2), sixteen block nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and 40 target receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. The data indicate that 62 of these drugs are prescribed for the treatment of neoplasms (57 against solid tumors including breast, lung, and colon, ten against nonsolid tumors such as leukemia, and four against both solid and nonsolid tumors: acalabrutinib, ibrutinib, imatinib, and midostaurin). Four drugs (abrocitinib, baricitinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib) are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn disease, and ulcerative colitis). Of the 72 approved drugs, eighteen are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. The following three drugs received FDA approval in 2022 for the treatment of these specified diseases: abrocitinib (atopic dermatitis), futibatinib (cholangiocarcinomas), pacritinib (myelofibrosis). All of the FDA-approved drugs are orally effective with the exception of netarsudil, temsirolimus, and trilaciclib. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties of all 72 FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors including lipophilic efficiency and ligand efficiency.
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22
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Hokanson CA, Zacco E, Cappuccilli G, Odineca T, Crea R. AXL-Receptor Targeted 14FN3 Based Single Domain Proteins (Pronectins™) from 3 Synthetic Human Libraries as Components for Exploring Novel Bispecific Constructs against Solid Tumors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123184. [PMID: 36551940 PMCID: PMC9775294 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A highly specific AXL-receptor targeted family of non-immunoglobulin, single domain protein binders (Pronectins™) have been isolated from three (3) synthetic libraries that employ the human scaffold of the 14th domain of Fibronectin III (14FN3) and evolutionary CDRs diversity of over 25 billion loop sequences. The three libraries, each containing diversity in two loops, were designed to expand upon a human database of more than 6000 natural scaffold sequences and approximately 3000 human loop sequences. We used a bioinformatic-based approach to maximize "human" amino acid loop diversity and minimize or prevent altogether CDR immunogenicity created by the use of mutagenesis processes to generate diversity. A combination of phage display and yeast display was used to isolate 59 AXL receptor targeted Pronectins with KD ranging between 2 and 100 nM. FACS analysis with tumor cells over-expressing AXL and the use of an AXL knock-out cell line allowed us to identify Pronectin candidates with exquisite specificity for AXL receptor. Based upon several in vitro cell-based tests, we selected the best candidate, AXL54, to further characterize its in vitro cancer cells killing activity. Finally, AXL54 was used to produce the first bi-specific T cell engager protein (AXL54 [Pronectin]-linker-scFV CD3), a "new in class" protein for further testing of its anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A. Hokanson
- Protelica, Inc., 26225 Eden Landing Road, Suite C, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
| | | | | | - Tatjana Odineca
- Protelica, Inc., 26225 Eden Landing Road, Suite C, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
| | - Roberto Crea
- Protelica, Inc., 26225 Eden Landing Road, Suite C, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
- Correspondence:
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23
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Wu S, Liao M, Li M, Sun M, Xi N, Zeng Y. Structure-based discovery of potent inhibitors of Axl: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:1246-1264. [PMID: 36325401 PMCID: PMC9579923 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00153e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Commonly overexpressed in many cancers and associated with tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and poor overall survival, Axl has emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy. However, the availability of new chemical forms for Axl inhibition is limited. Herein, we present the development and characterization of novel Axl inhibitors, including the design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of a series of diphenylpyrimidine-diamine derivatives. Most of these compounds exhibited remarkable activity against the Axl kinase. In particular, the promising compound m16 showed the highest enzymatic inhibitory potency (IC50 = 5 nM) and blocked multiple tumor cells' proliferation potencies (the CC50 of 4 out of 42 cancer cell lines <100 nM). Furthermore, compound m16 also possessed preferable pharmacokinetic profiles and liver microsome stability. All these favorable results make m16 a good leading therapeutic candidate for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University Changsha 410081 PR China
- Ningbo University School of Medicine 818 Fenghua Road Ningbo Zhejiang 315211 China
- Sunshine Lake Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd Dongyangguang Hi-tech Park Dongguan Guangdong 523871 China
| | - Min Liao
- Sunshine Lake Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd Dongyangguang Hi-tech Park Dongguan Guangdong 523871 China
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University Nanning 530004 China
| | - Minxiong Li
- Sunshine Lake Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd Dongyangguang Hi-tech Park Dongguan Guangdong 523871 China
| | - Mingming Sun
- Ningbo University School of Medicine 818 Fenghua Road Ningbo Zhejiang 315211 China
- Sunshine Lake Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd Dongyangguang Hi-tech Park Dongguan Guangdong 523871 China
| | - Ning Xi
- Ningbo University School of Medicine 818 Fenghua Road Ningbo Zhejiang 315211 China
- Sunshine Lake Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd Dongyangguang Hi-tech Park Dongguan Guangdong 523871 China
| | - Youlin Zeng
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University Changsha 410081 PR China
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Malvankar C, Kumar D. AXL kinase inhibitors- A prospective model for medicinal chemistry strategies in anticancer drug discovery. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188786. [PMID: 36058379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deviant expressions of the tyrosine kinase AXL receptor are strongly correlated with a plethora of malignancies. Henceforth, the topic of targeting AXL is beginning to gain prominence due to mounting evidence of the protein's substantial connection to poor prognosis and treatment resistance. This year marked a milestone in clinical testing for AXL as an anti-carcinogenic target, with the start of the first AXL-branded inhibitor study. It is critical to emphasize that AXL is a primary and secondary target in various kinase inhibitors that have been approved or are on the verge of being approved while interpreting the present benefits and future potential effects of AXL suppression in the clinical setting. Several research arenas across the globe resolutely affirm the crucial significance of AXL receptors in the case study of several pathophysiologies including AML, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. This review endeavors to delve deeply into the biological, chemical, and structural features of AXL kinase; primary AXL inhibitors that target the enzyme (either purposefully or unintentionally); and the prospects and barriers for turning AXL inhibitors into a feasible treatment alternative. Furthermore, we analyse the co-crystal structure of AXL, which remains extensively unexplored, as well as the mutations of AXL that may be valuable in the development of novel inhibitors in the upcoming future and take a comprehensive look at the medicinal chemistry of AXL inhibitors of recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Malvankar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India; Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA; UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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25
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Roskoski R. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of neoplastic and inflammatory disorders. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106362. [PMID: 35878738 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Janus kinase (JAK) family of nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases consists of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2 (Tyrosine Kinase 2). Each of these proteins contains a JAK homology pseudokinase (JH2) domain that interacts with and regulates the activity of the adjacent protein kinase domain (JH1). The Janus kinase family is regulated by numerous cytokines including interferons, interleukins, and hormones such as erythropoietin and thrombopoietin. Ligand binding to cytokine receptors leads to the activation of associated Janus kinases, which then catalyze the phosphorylation of the receptors. The SH2 domain of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) binds to the cytokine receptor phosphotyrosines thereby promoting STAT phosphorylation and activation by the Janus kinases. STAT dimers are then translocated into the nucleus where they participate in the regulation and expression of dozens of proteins. JAK1/3 signaling participates in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders while JAK1/2 signaling contributes to the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms as well as several malignancies including leukemias and lymphomas. An activating JAK2 V617F mutation occurs in 95% of people with polycythemia vera and about 50% of cases of myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia. Abrocitinib, ruxolitinib, and upadacitinib are JAK inhibitors that are FDA-approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Baricitinib is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and covid 19. Tofacitinib and upadacitinib are JAK antagonists that are used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, ruxolitinib is approved for the treatment of polycythemia vera while fedratinib, pacritinib, and ruxolitinib are approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 106, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC 28742, United States.
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26
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Bao J, Zhang X, Li B, Niu M, Wu Z, Song P, Guo X, Husain SZ, Hu G, Li L, Wen L. AXL and MERTK receptor tyrosine kinases inhibition protects against pancreatic necrosis via selectively limiting CXCL2-related neutrophil infiltration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166490. [PMID: 35841983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) was initiated within pancreatic parenchymal cells and sustained by uncontrolled inflammatory responses. AXL and MERTK receptor tyrosine kinases play a crucial role in negatively regulating the innate immunity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of AXL and MERTK in AP. METHODS Experimental AP was induced by ten hourly intraperitoneal administration of caerulein in global, hematopoietic- and pancreas-specific Axl and Mertk deficient mice. Pancreatitis severity was assessed biochemically and histologically. Pancreatic transcriptomics and pancreatic infiltrating immune cells were profiled. Some mice were given R428, an antagonist of AXL and MERTK. AXL and MERTK in peripheral leukocytes were measured by flow cytometry. FINDINGS The levels of AXL and MERTK in pancreatic tissue and pancreatic CD45+ cells were dynamically altered at 6 h and 12 h after the 1st injection of caerulein. Global and hematopoietic-specific, but not pancreas-specific deletion of Axl and Mertk protected against pancreatic necrosis and trypsinogen activation. Pancreatic transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed gene signatures were mainly related to metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, deletion or inhibition of Axl and Mertk selectively inhibited pancreatic neutrophil infiltration, which was primarily related to CXCL2 secreted by pro-inflammatory macrophages. Increased levels of MERTK in peripheral leukocytes were correlated with more severe form of AP. INTERPRETATION Our findings reveal that specific AXL/MERTK antagonist may be a novel and potential early treatment for AP and the levels of MERTK in peripheral leukocytes may be a promising biomarker for predicting pancreatic severity in patients with AP. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Natural Science Foundation, a Shanghai Young Talent Award and a Shanghai Young Orient Scholar Award. RESEARCH IN CONTEXT Evidence before this study Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disorder of the exocrine pancreas, the severity of which was determined by the extent of pancreatic necrosis, with no targeted therapy. AP was initiated by signals within pancreatic parenchymal cells and sustained by uncontrolled innate immune responses. One of the three crucial regulatory roles for AXL and MERTK is to negatively regulate innate immune responses. Added value of this study Global and hematopoietic-, but not pancreas-specific Axl and Mertk deficiency protected against pancreatitis, primarily pancreatic necrosis. Deletion of Axl and Mertk selectively inhibited pancreatic neutrophil infiltration that was related to CXCL2 secreted by pro-inflammatory macrophages. AXL and MERTK antagonist similarly reduced pancreatitis severity via limiting CXCL2-mediated pancreatic neutrophil infiltration. Higher levels of MERTK, but not AXL in peripheral leukocytes were correlated with more severe form of acute pancreatitis. Implications of all the available evidence A specific AXL/MERTK antagonist may be a novel and potential early treatment for AP. The level of MERTK on peripheral leukocytes may be a promising biomarker for predicting disease severity in patients with AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpiao Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengya Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengkai Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengli Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Sohail Z Husain
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Guoyong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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27
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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Bhojwani HR, Joshi UJ. Homology Modelling, Docking-based Virtual Screening, ADME Properties, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation for Identification of Probable Type II Inhibitors of AXL Kinase. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180818666211004102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
AXL kinase is an important member of the TAM family for kinases which is
involved in most cancers. Considering its role in different cancers due to its pro-tumorigenic effects and its
involvement in the resistance, it has gained importance recently. Majority of research carried out is on Type I
inhibitors and limited studies have been carried out for Type II inhibitors. Taking this into consideration, we
have attempted to build Homology models to identify the Type II inhibitors for the AXL kinase.
Methods:
Homology Models for DFG-out C-helix-in/out state were developed using SWISS Model,
PRIMO, and Prime. These models were validated by different methods and further evaluated for stability
by molecular dynamics simulation using Desmond software. Selected models PED1-EB and PEDI1-EB
were used for the docking-based virtual screening of four compound libraries using Glide software. The
hits identified were subjected to interaction analysis and shortlisted compounds were subjected to Prime
MM-GBSA studies for energy calculation. These compounds were also docked in the DFG-in state to
check for binding and elimination of any compounds that may not be Type II inhibitors. The Prime energies
were calculated for these complexes as well and some compounds were eliminated. ADMET studies
were carried out using Qikprop. Some selected compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation
using Desmond for evaluating the stability of the complexes.
Results:
Out of 78 models inclusive of both DFG-out C-helix-in and DFG-out C-helix-out, 5 models were
identified after different types of evaluation as well as validation studies. 1 model representing each type
(PED1-EB and PEDI1-EB) was selected for the screening studies. The screening studies resulted in the
identification of 29 compounds from the screen on PED1-EB and 10 compounds from the screen on
PEDI1-EB. Hydrogen bonding interactions with Pro621, Met623, and Asp690 were observed for these
compounds primarily. In some compounds, hydrogen bonding with Leu542, Glu544, Lys567, and
Asn677 as well as pi-pi stacking interactions with either Phe622 or Phe691 were also seen. 4 compounds
identified from PED1-EB screen were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and their interactions
were found to be consistent during the simulation. 2 compounds identified from PEDI1-EB screen were
also subjected to the simulation studies, however, their interactions with Asp690 were not observed for a
significant time and in both cases differed from the docked pose.
Conclusion:
Multiple models of DFG-out conformations of AXL kinase were built, validated and used
for virtual screening. Different compounds were identified in the virtual screening, which may possibly
act as Type II inhibitors for AXL kinase. Some more experimental studies can be done to validate these
findings in future. This study will play a guiding role in the further development of the newer Type II
inhibitors of the AXL kinase for the probable treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena R. Bhojwani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Principal K.M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Colaba, Cuffe Parade,
Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Urmila J. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Principal K.M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Colaba, Cuffe Parade,
Mumbai 400005, India
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30
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AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target Directing Multiple Aspects of Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030466. [PMID: 35158733 PMCID: PMC8833413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is a complex process that requires the acquisition of certain traits by cancer cells as well as the cooperation of several non-neoplastic cells that populate the stroma. Cancer-related deaths are predominantly associated with complications arising from metastases. Limiting metastasis therefore represents an important clinical challenge. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is required at many steps of the metastatic cascade and contributes to tumor microenvironment deregulation. In this review, we describe how AXL contributes to metastatic progression by governing various biological processes in cancer cells and in stromal cells, highlighting the potential of its inhibition. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and metastasis and its expression correlates with poor survival in a plethora of cancers. While studies have shown the benefits of AXL inhibition for the treatment of metastatic cancers, additional roles for AXL in cancer progression are still being explored. This review discusses recent advances in understanding AXL’s functions in different tumor compartments including cancer, vascular, and immune cells. AXL is required at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade where its activation in cancer cells leads to EMT, invasion, survival, proliferation and therapy resistance. AXL activation in cancer cells and various stromal cells also results in tumor microenvironment deregulation, leading to modulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune response and hypoxia. A better understanding of AXL’s role in these processes could lead to new therapeutic approaches that would benefit patients suffering from metastatic diseases.
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Scherschinski L, Prem M, Kremenetskaia I, Tinhofer I, Vajkoczy P, Karbe AG, Onken JS. Regulation of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL in Response to Therapy and Its Role in Therapy Resistance in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020982. [PMID: 35055167 PMCID: PMC8781963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL (RTK-AXL) is implicated in therapy resistance and tumor progression in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we investigated therapy-induced receptor modifications and how endogenous RTK-AXL expression and RTK-AXL inhibition contribute to therapy resistance in GBM. GBM cell lines U118MG and SF126 were exposed to temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation (RTX). Receptor modifications in response to therapy were investigated on protein and mRNA levels. TMZ-resistant and RTK-AXL overexpressing cell lines were exposed to increasing doses of TMZ and RTX, with and without RTK-AXL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Colorimetric microtiter (MTT) assay and colony formation assay (CFA) were used to assess cell viability. Results showed that the RTK-AXL shedding product, C-terminal AXL (CT-AXL), rises in response to repeated TMZ doses and under hypoxia, acts as a surrogate marker for radio-resistance. Endogenous RTX-AXL overexpression leads to therapy resistance, whereas combination therapy of TZM and RTX with TKI R428 significantly increases therapeutic effects. This data proves the role of RTK-AXL in acquired and intrinsic therapy resistance. By demonstrating that therapy resistance may be overcome by combining AXL TKI with standard treatments, we have provided a rationale for future study designs investigating AXL TKIs in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Scherschinski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Markus Prem
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Irina Kremenetskaia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung–DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Vajkoczy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Anna-Gila Karbe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Julia Sophie Onken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
- German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung–DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-450-660253
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Li Z, Rong D, Cao Y, Hu R, Huang G. Efficient Synthesis of Novel Spiro[indoline-3,5'-pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin]-2-one Derivatives and Antitumor Activity Evaluation. HETEROCYCLES 2022. [DOI: 10.3987/com-22-14658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Roskoski R. Properties of FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors: A 2022 update. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:106037. [PMID: 34921994 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Owing to the dysregulation of protein kinase activity in many diseases including cancer, this enzyme family has become one of the most important drug targets in the 21st century. There are 68 FDA-approved therapeutic agents that target about two dozen different protein kinases and six of these drugs were approved in 2021. Of the approved drugs, twelve target protein-serine/threonine protein kinases, four are directed against dual specificity protein kinases (MEK1/2), thirteen block nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and 39 target receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. The data indicate that 58 of these drugs are prescribed for the treatment of neoplasms (49 against solid tumors including breast, lung, and colon, five against nonsolid tumors such as leukemias, and four against both solid and nonsolid tumors: acalabrutinib, ibrutinib, imatinib, and midostaurin). Three drugs (baricitinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib) are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Of the 68 approved drugs, eighteen are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. The following six drugs received FDA approval in 2021 for the treatment of these specified diseases: belumosudil (graft vs. host disease), infigratinib (cholangiocarcinomas), mobocertinib and tepotinib (specific forms of non-small cell lung cancer), tivozanib (renal cell carcinoma), and trilaciclib (to decrease chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression). All of the FDA-approved drugs are orally effective with the exception of netarsudil, temsirolimus, and the newly approved trilaciclib. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties of all 68 FDA-approved small molecule protein kinase inhibitors including lipophilic efficiency and ligand efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 106, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC 28742-8814, United States.
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Synthetic Heterocyclic Derivatives as Kinase Inhibitors Tested for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237069. [PMID: 34885651 PMCID: PMC8658969 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237069] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, small molecules endowed with different heterocyclic scaffolds have been developed as kinase inhibitors. Some of them are being tested at preclinical or clinical levels for the potential treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). This disease is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and is responsible for 10% to 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Despite the availability of some treatments, including the use of very toxic cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, high-risk (HR)-NB patients still have a poor prognosis and a survival rate below 50%. For these reasons, new pharmacological options are urgently needed. This review focuses on synthetic heterocyclic compounds published in the last five years, which showed at least some activity on this severe disease and act as kinase inhibitors. The specific mechanism of action, selectivity, and biological activity of these drug candidates are described, when established. Moreover, the most remarkable clinical trials are reported. Importantly, kinase inhibitors approved for other diseases have shown to be active and endowed with lower toxicity compared to conventional cytotoxic agents. The data collected in this article can be particularly useful for the researchers working in this area.
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Fragment-based lead discovery of indazole-based compounds as AXL kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 49:116437. [PMID: 34600239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. It is upregulated in a variety of cancers and its overexpression is associated with poor disease prognosis and acquired drug resistance. Utilizing a fragment-based lead discovery approach, a new indazole-based AXL inhibitor was obtained. The indazole fragment hit 11, identified through a high concentration biochemical screen, was expeditiously improved to fragment 24 by screening our in-house expanded library of fragments (ELF) collection. Subsequent fragment optimization guided by docking studies provided potent inhibitor 54 with moderate exposure levels in mice. X-ray crystal structure of analog 50 complexed with the I650M mutated kinase domain of Mer revealed the key binding interactions for the scaffold. The good potency coupled with reasonable kinase selectivity, moderate in vivo exposure levels, and availability of structural information for the series makes it a suitable starting point for further optimization efforts.
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36
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Emerging Importance of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors against Cancer: Quo Vadis to Cure? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111659. [PMID: 34769090 PMCID: PMC8584061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GLOBOCAN 2020 estimated more than 19.3 million new cases, and about 10 million patients were deceased from cancer in 2020. Clinical manifestations showed that several growth factor receptors consisting of transmembrane and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (TK) domains play a vital role in cancer progression. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are crucial intermediaries of the several cellular pathways and carcinogenesis that directly affect the prognosis and survival of higher tumor grade patients. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are efficacious drugs for targeted therapy of various cancers. Therefore, RTKs have become a promising therapeutic target to cure cancer. A recent report shows that TKIs are vital mediators of signal transduction and cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of RTKs to explore their prime role in cancer therapy. Various TKIs have been developed to date that contribute a lot to treating several types of cancer. These TKI based anticancer drug molecules are also discussed in detail, incorporating their therapeutic efficacy, mechanism of action, and side effects. Additionally, this article focuses on TKIs which are running in the clinical trial and pre-clinical studies. Further, to gain insight into the pathophysiological mechanism of TKIs, we also reviewed the impact of RTK resistance on TKI clinical drugs along with their mechanistic acquired resistance in different cancer types.
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Ayala-Aguilera CC, Valero T, Lorente-Macías Á, Baillache DJ, Croke S, Unciti-Broceta A. Small Molecule Kinase Inhibitor Drugs (1995-2021): Medical Indication, Pharmacology, and Synthesis. J Med Chem 2021; 65:1047-1131. [PMID: 34624192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The central role of dysregulated kinase activity in the etiology of progressive disorders, including cancer, has fostered incremental efforts on drug discovery programs over the past 40 years. As a result, kinase inhibitors are today one of the most important classes of drugs. The FDA approved 73 small molecule kinase inhibitor drugs until September 2021, and additional inhibitors were approved by other regulatory agencies during that time. To complement the published literature on clinical kinase inhibitors, we have prepared a review that recaps this large data set into an accessible format for the medicinal chemistry community. Along with the therapeutic and pharmacological properties of each kinase inhibitor approved across the world until 2020, we provide the synthesis routes originally used during the discovery phase, many of which were only available in patent applications. In the last section, we also provide an update on kinase inhibitor drugs approved in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia C Ayala-Aguilera
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Valero
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Álvaro Lorente-Macías
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Baillache
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Croke
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
| | - Asier Unciti-Broceta
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, United Kingdom
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38
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AXL Receptor in Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance: When Normal Functions Go Askew. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194864. [PMID: 34638349 PMCID: PMC8507788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. In normal physiological conditions, AXL is involved in removing dead cells and their remains, and limiting the duration of immune responses. Both functions are utilized by cancers in the course of tumour progression. Cancer cells use the AXL pathway to detect toxic environments and to activate molecular mechanisms, thereby ensuring their survival or escape from the toxic zone. AXL is instrumental in controlling genetic programs of epithelial-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-epithelial transitions, enabling cancer cells to metastasize. Additionally, AXL signaling suppresses immune responses in tumour microenvironment and thereby helps cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. The broad role of AXL in tumour biology is the reason why its inhibition sensitizes tumours to a broad spectrum of anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we outline molecular mechanisms underlying AXL function in normal tissues, and discuss how these mechanisms are adopted by cancers to become metastatic and drug-resistant. Abstract The TAM proteins TYRO3, AXL, and MER are receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in the clearance of apoptotic debris and negative regulation of innate immune responses. AXL contributes to immunosuppression by terminating the Toll-like receptor signaling in dendritic cells, and suppressing natural killer cell activity. In recent years, AXL has been intensively studied in the context of cancer. Both molecules, the receptor, and its ligand GAS6, are commonly expressed in cancer cells, as well as stromal and infiltrating immune cells. In cancer cells, the activation of AXL signaling stimulates cell survival and increases migratory and invasive potential. In cells of the tumour microenvironment, AXL pathway potentiates immune evasion. AXL has been broadly implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells, a key factor in drug resistance and metastasis. Several antibody-based and small molecule AXL inhibitors have been developed and used in preclinical studies. AXL inhibition in various mouse cancer models reduced metastatic spread and improved the survival of the animals. AXL inhibitors are currently being tested in several clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Here, we give a brief overview of AXL structure and regulation and discuss the normal physiological functions of TAM receptors, focusing on AXL. We present a theory of how epithelial cancers exploit AXL signaling to resist cytotoxic insults, in order to disseminate and relapse.
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39
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McCoull W, Boyd S, Brown MR, Coen M, Collingwood O, Davies NL, Doherty A, Fairley G, Goldberg K, Hardaker E, He G, Hennessy EJ, Hopcroft P, Hodgson G, Jackson A, Jiang X, Karmokar A, Lainé AL, Lindsay N, Mao Y, Markandu R, McMurray L, McLean N, Mooney L, Musgrove H, Nissink JWM, Pflug A, Reddy VP, Rawlins PB, Rivers E, Schimpl M, Smith GF, Tentarelli S, Travers J, Troup RI, Walton J, Wang C, Wilkinson S, Williamson B, Winter-Holt J, Yang D, Zheng Y, Zhu Q, Smith PD. Optimization of an Imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine Series to Afford Highly Selective Type I1/2 Dual Mer/Axl Kinase Inhibitors with In Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13524-13539. [PMID: 34478292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of Mer and Axl kinases has been implicated as a potential way to improve the efficacy of current immuno-oncology therapeutics by restoring the innate immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Highly selective dual Mer/Axl kinase inhibitors are required to validate this hypothesis. Starting from hits from a DNA-encoded library screen, we optimized an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine series using structure-based compound design to improve potency and reduce lipophilicity, resulting in a highly selective in vivo probe compound 32. We demonstrated dose-dependent in vivo efficacy and target engagement in Mer- and Axl-dependent efficacy models using two structurally differentiated and selective dual Mer/Axl inhibitors. Additionally, in vivo efficacy was observed in a preclinical MC38 immuno-oncology model in combination with anti-PD1 antibodies and ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott Boyd
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Martin R Brown
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Muireann Coen
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Ann Doherty
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Gary Fairley
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Guang He
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Edward J Hennessy
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gatehouse Park, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Philip Hopcroft
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - George Hodgson
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Anne Jackson
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Xiefeng Jiang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Ankur Karmokar
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Anne-Laure Lainé
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Yumeng Mao
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | | | - Lorraine Mooney
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, U.K
| | - Helen Musgrove
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, U.K
| | | | - Alexander Pflug
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Venkatesh Pilla Reddy
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Emma Rivers
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Graham F Smith
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Sharon Tentarelli
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gatehouse Park, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Jon Travers
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Cheng Wang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | | | | | | | - Dejian Yang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Qianxiu Zhu
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Paul D Smith
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
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40
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Chang H, An R, Li X, Lang X, Feng J, Lv M. Anti-Axl monoclonal antibodies attenuate the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:749. [PMID: 34539853 PMCID: PMC8436363 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, anexelekto (Axl) is involved in tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, and has been associated with chemotherapy resistance, which makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In total, six Axl-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and two antibody-drug conjugates have been reported in the last 10 years, which have been shown to have bioactivity in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration. The Axl external cell domain (Axl−ECD), consisting of 426 amino acids, has always been used as an antigen in the screening process for all six of these Axl-targeted mAbs. However, the Axl functional domain, which interacts with its natural ligand, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), is only a small part of the Axl−ECD. Antibodies targeting the Axl functional domain may efficiently block Gas6-Axl binding and attenuate its downstream signals and activities. To the best of our knowledge, no mAbs targeting the Axl functional domain have been reported. In the present study, a major Axl functional domain interacting with Gas6 was determined using bioinformatics and structural biology methods. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell assays, anti-Axl mAbs targeting this relatively specific Axl functional domain almost completely neutralized the stimulation of Gas6 in both Axl phosphorylation and cell migration assays, and showed similar activity to the positive control drug R428 (a small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Axl currently in phase II clinical trials) in the cell migration assay. Given the important role of Axl in tumor development and chemotherapy resistance, Axl-targeted mAbs could be used to inhibit tumor cells directly, as well as reduce the development of chemotherapy resistance by blocking Axl activity. The application of Axl-targeted mAbs combined with chemotherapy provides a promising treatment strategy for patients with tumors, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer, for whom no targeted therapy is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, P.R. China.,College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Ran An
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Lang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ming Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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41
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Strepkos D, Markouli M, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Emerging roles for the YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulators in brain tumour pathology and targeting options. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 48:e12762. [PMID: 34409639 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein 1/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) have emerged as significant regulators of a wide variety of cellular and organ functions with impact in early embryonic development, especially during the expansion of the neural progenitor cell pool. YAP/TAZ signalling regulates organ size development, tissue homeostasis, wound healing and angiogenesis by participating in a complex network of various pathways. However, recent evidence suggests an association of these physiologic regulatory effects of YAP/TAZ with pro-oncogenic activities. Herein, we discuss the physiological functions of YAP/TAZ as well as the extensive network of signalling pathways that control their expression and activity, leading to brain tumour development and progression. Furthermore, we describe current targeting approaches and drug options including direct YAP/TAZ and YAP-TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) interaction inhibitors, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) signalling modulators and kinase inhibitors, which may be used to successfully attack YAP/TAZ-dependent tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Su CM, Hsu TW, Sung SY, Huang MT, Chen KC, Huang CY, Chiang CY, Su YH, Chen HA, Liao PH. AXL is crucial for E1A-enhanced therapeutic efficiency of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors through NFI in breast cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:1278-1287. [PMID: 33734566 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AXL which is a chemosensitizer protein for breast cancer cells in response to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor and suppresses tumor growth. The clinical information show nuclear factor I (NFI)-C and NFI-X expression correlate with AXL expression in breast cancer patients. Following, we establish serial deletions of AXL promoter to identify regions required for Adenovirus-5 early region 1A (E1A)-mediated AXL suppression. All of the NFI family members were extensively studied for their expression and functions in regulating AXL. Moreover, E1A post-transcriptionally downregulates AXL expression through NFI. NFI-C and NFI-X, not NFI-A and NFI-B, resulting in cell death in response to EGFR-TKI. Our finding suggests that NFI-C and NFI-X are crucial regulators for AXL and significantly correlated with poor survival of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ming Su
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Wei Hsu
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Ying Sung
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Te Huang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chou Chen
- Department of sport and physical education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien Yi Chiang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hao Su
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-An Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsiang Liao
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Tian M, Chen XS, Li LY, Wu HZ, Zeng D, Wang XL, Zhang Y, Xiao SS, Cheng Y. Inhibition of AXL enhances chemosensitivity of human ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin via decreasing glycolysis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1180-1189. [PMID: 33149145 PMCID: PMC8209001 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anexelekto (AXL), a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MER (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), is overexpressed in varieties of tumor tissues and promotes tumor development by regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In this study, we investigated the role of AXL in regulating glycolysis in human ovarian cancer (OvCa) cells. We showed that the expression of AXL mRNA and protein was significantly higher in OvCa tissue than that in normal ovarian epithelial tissue. In human OvCa cell lines suppression of AXL significantly inhibited cell proliferation, and increased the sensitivity of OvCa cells to cisplatin, which also proved by nude mice tumor formation experiment. KEGG analysis showed that AXL was significantly enriched in the glycolysis pathways of cancer. Changes in AXL expression in OvCa cells affect tumor glycolysis. We demonstrated that the promotion effect of AXL on glycolysis was mediated by phosphorylating the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) at Y105. AXL expression was significantly higher in cisplatin-resistant OvCa cells A2780/DDP compared with the parental A2780 cells. Inhibition of AXL decreased the level of glycolysis in A2780/DDP cells, and increased the cytotoxicity of cisplatin against A2780/DDP cells, suggesting that AXL-mediated glycolysis was associated with cisplatin resistance in OvCa. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that AXL is involved in the regulation of the Warburg effect. Our results not only highlight the clinical value of targeting AXL, but also provide theoretical basis for the combination of AXL inhibitor and cisplatin in the treatment of OvCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xi-Sha Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Lan-Ya Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Hai-Zhou Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Da Zeng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xin-Luan Wang
- Translational Medicine R&D Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Song-Shu Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Mokhtar M, Alghamdi KS, Ahmed NS, Bakhotmah D, Saleh TS. Design and green synthesis of novel quinolinone derivatives of potential anti-breast cancer activity against MCF-7 cell line targeting multi-receptor tyrosine kinases. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1454-1471. [PMID: 34210212 PMCID: PMC8259865 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1944126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A new set of 4,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-5(1H)-ones were designed as cytotoxic agents against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and synthesised under ultrasonic irradiation using chitosan decorated copper nanoparticles (CS/CuNPs) catalyst. The new compounds 4b, 4j, 4k, and 4e exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity of IC50 values (0.002 − 0.004 µM) comparing to Staurosporine of IC50; 0.005 μM. The latter derivatives exhibited a promising safety profile against the normal human WI38 cells of IC50 range 0.0149 − 0.048 µM. Furthermore, the most promising cytotoxic compounds 4b, 4j were evaluated as multi-targeting agents against the RTK protein kinases; EGFR, HER-2, PDGFR-β, and VEGFR-2. Compound 4j showed promising inhibitory activity against HER-2 and PDGFR-β of IC50 values 0.17 × 10−3, 0.07 × 10−3 µM in comparison with the reference drug sorafenib of IC50; 0.28 × 10−3, 0.13 × 10−3 µM, respectively. In addition, 4j induced apoptotic effect and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase preventing the mitotic cycle in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mokhtar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khadijah S Alghamdi
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nesreen S Ahmed
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, National Research Centre, Cairo,Egypt
| | - Dina Bakhotmah
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tamer S Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Jeddah, College of Science, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Green Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Möller-Hackbarth K, Dabaghie D, Charrin E, Zambrano S, Genové G, Li X, Wernerson A, Lal M, Patrakka J. Retinoic acid receptor responder1 promotes development of glomerular diseases via the Nuclear Factor-κB signaling pathway. Kidney Int 2021; 100:809-823. [PMID: 34147551 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory pathways are activated in most glomerular diseases but molecular mechanisms driving them in kidney tissue are poorly known. We identified retinoic acid receptor responder 1 (Rarres1) as a highly podocyte-enriched protein in healthy kidneys. Studies in podocyte-specific knockout animals indicated that Rarres1 was not needed for the normal development or maintenance of the glomerulus filtration barrier and did not modulate the outcome of kidney disease in a model of glomerulonephritis. Interestingly, we detected an induction of Rarres1 expression in glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelial cells in IgA and diabetic kidney disease, as well as in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Analysis of publicly available RNA data sets showed that the induction of Rarres1 expression was a common molecular mechanism in chronic kidney diseases. A conditional knock-in mouse line, overexpressing Rarres1 specifically in endothelial cells, did not show any obvious kidney phenotype. However, the overexpression promoted the progression of kidney damage in a model of glomerulonephritis. In line with this, conditional knock-out mice, lacking Rarres1 in endothelial cells, were partially protected in the disease model. Mechanistically, Rarres1 promoted inflammation and fibrosis via transcription factor Nuclear Factor-κB signaling pathway by activating receptor tyrosine kinase Axl. Thus, induction of Rarres1 expression in endothelial cells is a prevalent molecular mechanism in human glomerulopathies and this seems to have a pathogenic role in driving inflammation and fibrosis via the Nuclear Factor-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Möller-Hackbarth
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dina Dabaghie
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emmanuelle Charrin
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonia Zambrano
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Guillem Genové
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine Huddinge, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xidan Li
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine Huddinge, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Wernerson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Renal Medicine, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mark Lal
- Bioscience Renal, Research and Early Development Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jaakko Patrakka
- KI/AZ Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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46
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Fatima M, Kakar SJ, Adnan F, Khan K, Mian AA, Khan D. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase: a possible therapeutic target in acute promyelocytic leukemia. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:713. [PMID: 34140003 PMCID: PMC8210361 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08450-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) which is characterized by the fusion of promyelocytic leukemia PML and retinoic acid receptor- alpha (RAR-alpha) genes. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and/or arsenic trioxide (ATO) have resulted in durable cytogenetic and molecular remissions in most APL patients and have altered the natural history of the disease. Most APL patients treated with ATRA and/or ATO are now anticipated to have a nearly normal life expectancy. Unfortunately, relapse and resistance to the current treatment occur in APL patients and the outcome remains dismal in these refractory patients. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL-RTK) has been shown to increase tumour burden, provide resistance to therapy and is critical to maintain cancer stem cells (CSCs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by stabilizing β-catenin in the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, the role of AXL-RTK has not been explored in PML/RARα-positive APL. This study aimed to explore the role of AXL-RTK receptor in PML/RARα-positive APL. METHODS AND RESULTS By using biochemical and pharmacological approaches, here we report that targeting of AXL-RTK is related to the down-regulation of β-catenin target genes including c-myc (p < 0.001), AXIN2 (p < 0.001), and HIF1α (p < 0.01) and induction of apoptosis in PML/RARα-positive APL cell line. Resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was also overcomed by targeting AXL-RTK with R428 in APL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results provide clear evidence of the involvement of AXL-RTK in leukemogenic potential of PML/RARα-positive APL and suggest targeting of AXL-RTK in the treatment of therapy resistant APL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Fatima
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salik Javed Kakar
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Khan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Afsar Ali Mian
- grid.7147.50000 0001 0633 6224Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Dilawar Khan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
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47
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Yang DC, Gu S, Li JM, Hsu SW, Chen SJ, Chang WH, Chen CH. Targeting the AXL Receptor in Combating Smoking-related Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 64:734-746. [PMID: 33730527 PMCID: PMC8456879 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0303oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a well-known risk factor for both fibrogenesis and fibrotic progression; however, the mechanisms behind these processes remain enigmatic. RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases) have recently been reported to drive profibrotic phenotypes in fibroblasts during pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Using a phospho-RTK array screen, we identified the RTK AXL as a top upregulated RTK in response to smoke. Both expression and signaling activity of AXL were indeed elevated in lung fibroblasts exposed to tobacco smoke, whereas no significant change to the levels of a canonical AXL ligand, Gas6 (growth arrest-specific 6), was seen upon smoke treatment. Notably, we found that smoke-exposed human lung fibroblasts exhibited highly proliferative and invasive activities and were capable of inducing fibrotic lung lesions in mice. Conversely, genetic suppression of AXL in smoke-exposed fibroblasts cells led to suppression of AXL downstream pathways and aggressive phenotypes. We further demonstrated that AXL interacted with MARCKS (myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate) and cooperated with MARCKS in regulating downstream signaling activity and fibroblast invasiveness. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL with AXL-specific inhibitor R428 showed selectivity for smoke-exposed fibroblasts. In all, our data suggest that AXL is a potential marker for smoke-associated PF and that targeting of the AXL pathway is a potential therapeutic strategy in treating tobacco smoking-related PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Yang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and
| | - Shenwen Gu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and
| | - Ji-Min Li
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and
| | - Ssu-Wei Hsu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and
| | - Szu-Jung Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and
| | - Wen-Hsin Chang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsien Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; and
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48
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Glutathione-triggered non-template synthesized porous carbon nanospheres serve as low toxicity targeted delivery system for cancer multi-therapy. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2020.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Xu D, Sun D, Wang W, Peng X, Zhan Z, Ji Y, Shen Y, Geng M, Ai J, Duan W. Discovery of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent Axl inhibitors: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113497. [PMID: 33957388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Axl has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its strong correlation with tumor growth, metastasis, poor survival, and drug resistance. Herein, we report the design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as new Axl inhibitors. Among them, the most promising compound 13b showed high enzymatic and cellular Axl potencies. Furthermore, 13b possessed preferable pharmacokinetic properties and displayed promising therapeutic effect in BaF3/TEL-Axl xenograft tumor model. Compound 13b may serve as a lead compound for new antitumor drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Deqiao Sun
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Branch Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 330106, China.
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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50
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Zhang H, Peng X, Dai Y, Shao J, Ji Y, Sun Y, Liu B, Cheng X, Ai J, Duan W. Discovery of a Pyrimidinedione Derivative as a Potent and Orally Bioavailable Axl Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3956-3975. [PMID: 33733758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl plays important roles in promoting cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance and has been identified as a promising target for anticancer therapeutics. We used molecular modeling-assisted structural optimization starting with the low micromolar potency compound 9 to discover compound 13c, a highly potent and orally bioavailable Axl inhibitor. Selectivity profiling showed that 13c could inhibit the well-known oncogenic kinase Met with equal potency to its inhibition of Axl superfamily kinases. Compound 13c significantly inhibited cellular Axl and Met signaling, suppressed Axl- and Met-driven cell proliferation, and restrained Gas6/Axl-mediated cancer cell migration or invasion. Furthermore, 13c exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in Axl-driven and Met-driven tumor xenograft models, causing tumor stasis or regression at well-tolerated doses. All these favorable data make 13c a promising therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hefeng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yang Dai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Jingwei Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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