1
|
Tawil S, Khaddage-Soboh N. Cancer research in Lebanon: Scope of the most recent publications of an academic institution (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 28:350. [PMID: 38872861 PMCID: PMC11170263 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14484] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer may be considered one of the most interesting areas of study, and although oncology research has grown markedly over the last decade, there is as yet no known cure for cancer. The objective of the present review is to examine various approaches to cancer research from a single institution, summarize their key conclusions and offer recommendations for future evaluations. The review examined 72 cancer-associated studies that were published within six years from 2017 to 2022. Published works in the subject fields of 'cancer' or 'oncology' and 'research' that were indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were retrieved and sorted according to article title, author names, author count, citation count and key words. After screening, a total of 28 in vitro/animal studies and 46 patient-associated published studies were obtained. A large proportion of these studies comprised literature reviews (20/72), while 20 studies were observational in nature. The 72 publications included 23 in which various types of cancer were examined, while the remaining studies focused on specific types of cancer, including lung, breast, colon and brain cancer. These studies aimed to investigate the incidence, prevalence, treatment and prevention mechanisms associated with cancer. Despite the existence of extensive cancer research, scientists seldom contemplate an ultimate cure for cancer. However, it is crucial to continuously pursue research on cancer prevention and treatment in order to enhance the effectiveness and minimize potential side effects of cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samah Tawil
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Nada Khaddage-Soboh
- Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Velychko T, Mohammad E, Ferrer-Vicens I, Parfentev I, Werner M, Studniarek C, Schwalb B, Urlaub H, Murphy S, Cramer P, Lidschreiber M. CDK7 kinase activity promotes RNA polymerase II promoter escape by facilitating initiation factor release. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2287-2303.e10. [PMID: 38821049 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.05.007] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), part of the general transcription factor TFIIH, promotes gene transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II). Here, we combine rapid CDK7 kinase inhibition with multi-omics analysis to unravel the direct functions of CDK7 in human cells. CDK7 inhibition causes RNA Pol II retention at promoters, leading to decreased RNA Pol II initiation and immediate global downregulation of transcript synthesis. Elongation, termination, and recruitment of co-transcriptional factors are not directly affected. Although RNA Pol II, initiation factors, and Mediator accumulate at promoters, RNA Pol II complexes can also proceed into gene bodies without promoter-proximal pausing while retaining initiation factors and Mediator. Further downstream, RNA Pol II phosphorylation increases and initiation factors and Mediator are released, allowing recruitment of elongation factors and an increase in RNA Pol II elongation velocity. Collectively, CDK7 kinase activity promotes the release of initiation factors and Mediator from RNA Pol II, facilitating RNA Pol II escape from the promoter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taras Velychko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eusra Mohammad
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ivan Ferrer-Vicens
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Iwan Parfentev
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcel Werner
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cecilia Studniarek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Björn Schwalb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mukherjee M, Day PJ, Laverty D, Bueren-Calabuig JA, Woodhead AJ, Griffiths-Jones C, Hiscock S, East C, Boyd S, O'Reilly M. Protein engineering enables a soakable crystal form of human CDK7 primed for high-throughput crystallography and structure-based drug design. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00188-6. [PMID: 38870939 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.05.011] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is an important therapeutic kinase best known for its dual role in cell cycle regulation and gene transcription. Here, we describe the application of protein engineering to generate constructs leading to high resolution crystal structures of human CDK7 in both active and inactive conformations. The active state of the kinase was crystallized by incorporation of an additional surface residue mutation (W132R) onto the double phosphomimetic mutant background (S164D and T170E) that yielded the inactive kinase structure. A novel back-soaking approach was developed to determine crystal structures of several clinical and pre-clinical inhibitors of this kinase, demonstrating the potential utility of the crystal system for structure-based drug design (SBDD). The crystal structures help to rationalize the mode of inhibition and the ligand selectivity profiles versus key anti-targets. The protein engineering approach described here illustrates a generally applicable strategy for structural enablement of challenging molecular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan Boyd
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge CB4 0QA, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arora C, Madaan K, Mehta S, Singh R. Exploring isoindolin-1-ones as potential CDK7 inhibitors using cheminformatic tools. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:51. [PMID: 38845825 PMCID: PMC11150237 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00225-0] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In women who die from cancer, breast cancer is the most common cause of death. The development of small molecular scaffolds as specific Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors is a promising strategy in the discovery of anti-breast cancer drugs. Isoindolin-1-ones are heterocyclic compounds with useful therapeutic properties. In this study, a library of 48 isoindolinones has been virtually screened by molecular docking that showed high binding affinity up to - 10.1 kcal/mol and conventional hydrogen bonding interactions with active amino acid residues of CDK7. The molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), fragment molecular orbital (FMO), density functional theory (DFT), and pharmacokinetics studies of the best two docked scored ligands 7 and 14 have been studied. Examining the ligand root mean square deviation and hydrogen bonding occupancy of the 100 ns MDS trajectory, both ligands 7 and 14 showed docked pose stability. FMO calculations displayed that LYS139 and LYS41 are majorly contributing to the binding interactions with ligands 7 and 14 in the docked poses. DFT studies of ligands 7 and 14 showed high values of global softness and low values of global hardness and chemical potential thus displaying chemically reactive soft molecules and this influences their anti-cancer activity. Our hits exhibited superior qualities to known CDK7 inhibitors, according to the comprehensive pharmacokinetic parameters that were predicted. The results indicate that isoindolin-1-one moieties are good candidates for anti-cancer action and could serve as effective CDK7 inhibitors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00225-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chahat Arora
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042 India
| | - Kunal Madaan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042 India
| | - Saurabh Mehta
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042 India
| | - Ram Singh
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, 110042 India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kwon MR, Park JS, Ko EJ, Park J, Ju EJ, Shin SH, Son GW, Lee HW, Park YY, Kang MH, Kim YJ, Kim BM, Lee HJ, Kim TW, Kim CJ, Song SY, Park SS, Jeong SY. Ibulocydine Inhibits Migration and Invasion of TNBC Cells via MMP-9 Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6123. [PMID: 38892310 PMCID: PMC11173234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer types, indicating a poor survival prognosis with a more aggressive biology of metastasis to the lung and a short response duration to available therapies. Ibulocydine (IB) is a novel (cyclin-dependent kinase) CDK7/9 inhibitor prodrug displaying potent anti-cancer effects against various cancer cell types. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to determine whether IB inhibits metastasis and eventually overcomes the poor drug response in TNBC. The result showed that IB inhibited the growth of TNBC cells by inducing caspase-mediated apoptosis and blocking metastasis by reducing MMP-9 expression in vitro. Concurrently, in vivo experiments using the metastasis model showed that IB inhibited metastasis of MDA-MB-231-Luc cells to the lung. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IB inhibited the growth of TNBC cells and blocked metastasis by regulating MMP-9 expression, suggesting a novel therapeutic agent for metastatic TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ri Kwon
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Soo Park
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Ko
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Park
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Ju
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol-Hwa Shin
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Won Son
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Won Lee
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Yong Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Hee Kang
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Joo Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Moon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Lee
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Won Kim
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong-Jai Kim
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Yeol Song
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Soon Park
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yun Jeong
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang Y, Liu W, Zhao C, Shi X, Zhao Q, Jia J, Wang A. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases: From pocket specificity to drug selectivity. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116547. [PMID: 38852339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116547] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The development of selective modulators of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), a kinase family with numerous members and functional variations, is a significant preclinical challenge. Recent advancements in crystallography have revealed subtle differences in the highly conserved CDK pockets. Exploiting these differences has proven to be an effective strategy for achieving excellent drug selectivity. While previous reports briefly discussed the structural features that lead to selectivity in individual CDK members, attaining inhibitor selectivity requires consideration of not only the specific structures of the target CDK but also the features of off-target members. In this review, we summarize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) that influence selectivity in CDK drug development and analyze the pocket features that lead to selectivity using molecular-protein binding models. In addition, in recent years, novel CDK modulators have been developed, providing more avenues for achieving selectivity. These cases were also included. We hope that these efforts will assist in the development of novel CDK drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoguang Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Haidian Dist., Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Changhao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110840, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110840, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingming Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Anhua Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Wu J, Zhang Y, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Design, synthesis and evaluation of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel potent CDK7 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107456. [PMID: 38761706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107456] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has become a highly desirable therapeutic approach in the field of oncology due to its dual role in regulating essential biological processes, encompassing cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. We have previously identified a highly selective thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-based CDK7 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal model. In this study, we sought to optimize the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core to discover a novel series of CDK7 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Through extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, compound 20 has emerged as the lead candidate due to its potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and remarkable efficacy on MDA-MB-453 cells, a representative triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, 20 has demonstrated favorable oral bioavailability and exhibited highly desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, making it a promising lead candidate for further structural optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Institute of Chemistry, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Song X, Fang C, Dai Y, Sun Y, Qiu C, Lin X, Xu R. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy for different molecular types of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1239-1248. [PMID: 38355840 PMCID: PMC11014910 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 7 is aberrantly overexpressed in many types of cancer and is an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its dual role in transcription and cell cycle progression. Moreover, CDK7 can directly modulate the activities of estrogen receptor (ER), which is a major driver in breast cancer. Breast cancer cells have exhibited high sensitivity to CDK7 inhibition in pre-clinical studies. METHODS In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest insights into CDK7 biology and recent advancements in CDK7 inhibitor development for breast cancer treatment. We also discuss the current application of CDK7 inhibitors in different molecular types of breast cancer to provide potential strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. RESULTS Significant progress has been made in the development of selective CDK7 inhibitors, which show efficacy in both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+). Moreover, combined with other agents, CDK7 inhibitors may provide synergistic effects for endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Thus, high-quality studies for developing potent CDK7 inhibitors and investigating their applications in breast cancer therapy are rapidly emerging. CONCLUSION CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy and have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in different subtypes of breast cancer, especially those that have been resistant to current therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Song
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chang Qiu
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiaojie Lin
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Niu P, Tao Y, Lin G, Xu H, Meng Q, Yang K, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Design and Synthesis of Novel Macrocyclic Derivatives as Potent and Selective Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 7 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6099-6118. [PMID: 38586950 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The duality of function (cell cycle regulation and gene transcription) of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) makes it an attractive oncology target and the discovery of CDK7 inhibitors has been a long-term pursuit by academia and pharmaceutical companies. However, achieving selective leading compounds is still difficult owing to the similarities among the ATP binding pocket. Herein, we detail the design and synthesis of a series of macrocyclic derivatives with pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine core structure as potent and selective CDK7 inhibitors. The diverse manners of macrocyclization led to distinguished selectivity profiles of the CDK family. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation explained the binding difference between 15- and 16-membered macrocyclic compounds. Further optimization generated compound 37 exhibiting good CDK7 inhibitory activity and high selectivity over other CDKs. This work clearly demonstrated macrocyclization is a versatile method to finely tune the selectivity profile of small molecules and MD simulation can be a valuable tool in prioritizing designs of the macrocycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Niu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Huiqi Xu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Qingyuan Meng
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alyami J. Computer-aided analysis of radiological images for cancer diagnosis: performance analysis on benchmark datasets, challenges, and directions. EJNMMI REPORTS 2024; 8:7. [PMID: 38748374 PMCID: PMC10982256 DOI: 10.1186/s41824-024-00195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Radiological image analysis using machine learning has been extensively applied to enhance biopsy diagnosis accuracy and assist radiologists with precise cures. With improvements in the medical industry and its technology, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been essential in detecting early cancer signs in patients that could not be observed physically, exclusive of introducing errors. CAD is a detection system that combines artificially intelligent techniques with image processing applications thru computer vision. Several manual procedures are reported in state of the art for cancer diagnosis. Still, they are costly, time-consuming and diagnose cancer in late stages such as CT scans, radiography, and MRI scan. In this research, numerous state-of-the-art approaches on multi-organs detection using clinical practices are evaluated, such as cancer, neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular and abdominal imaging. Additionally, numerous sound approaches are clustered together and their results are assessed and compared on benchmark datasets. Standard metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and false-positive rate are employed to check the validity of the current models reported in the literature. Finally, existing issues are highlighted and possible directions for future work are also suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Alyami
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Smart Medical Imaging Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence Research Unit, Center of Modern Mathematical Sciences and its Applications, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Zhang Y, Wu J, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Discovery and optimization of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as highly selective inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 7. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115955. [PMID: 38000213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115955] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has emerged as a highly sought-after therapeutic strategy in oncology due to its duality of function in regulating biological processes, including cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. Herein, we describe the design, optimization and characterization of a series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent CDK7 inhibitors. The involvement of thiophene as core structure plays critical role in leading to the remarkable selectivity and incorporation of a fluorine atom into the piperidine ring enhances metabolic stability. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study generated compound 36 as lead compound with potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and good kinome selectivity in vitro. Compound 36 demonstrated strong efficacy against a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse model upon oral administration at 5 mg/kg once daily. Therefore, it exhibits immense potential as a lead candidate for further exploration in the development of cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen Y, Zhang S, Li Z, Yin B, Liu Y, Zhang L. Discovery of a Dual-Target Inhibitor of CDK7 and HDAC1 That Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Migration in Colorectal Cancer. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300281. [PMID: 37821774 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300281] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression or dysfunction of cyclin-dependent kinase 7(CDK7) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) are associated with the occurrence and progression of various cancers. In this study, we developed a series of dual-target inhibitors by designing and synthesizing compounds that incorporate the pharmacophores of THZ2 and SAHA. The most potent dual-target inhibitor displayed robust inhibitory activity against several types of cancer cells and demonstrated promising inhibitory effects on both CDK7 and HDAC1. After further mechanistic studies, it was discovered that this inhibitor effectively arrested HCT-116 cells at the G2 phase and induced apoptosis. Additionally, it also significantly hindered the migration of HCT-116 cells and exhibited notable anti-tumor effects. These findings offer strong support for the development of dual-target inhibitors of CDK7 and HDAC1 and provide a promising avenue for future cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Shuangqian Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhijia Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang L, Wu L, Zhou D, Wang G, Chen B, Shen Z, Li X, Wu Q, Qu N, Wu Y, Yuan L, Gan Z, Zhou W. N76-1, a novel CDK7 inhibitor, exhibits potent anti-cancer effects in triple negative breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175892. [PMID: 37429520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that genetically highly specific triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) possesses a relatively uniform transcriptional program that is abnormally dependent on cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7). In this study, we obtained an inhibitor of CDK7, N76-1, by attaching the side chain of the covalent CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 to the core of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor ceritinib. This study aimed to elucidate the role and underlying mechanism of N76-1 in TNBC and evaluate its potential value as an anti-TNBC drug. The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assays showed that N76-1 inhibited the viability of TNBC cells. Kinase activity and cellular thermal shift assays showed that N76-1 directly targeted CDK7. Flow cytometry results revealed that N76-1 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. N76-1 also effectively inhibited the migration of TNBC cells by high-content detection. The RNA-seq analysis showed that the transcription of genes, especially those related to transcriptional regulation and cell cycle, was suppressed after N76-1 treatment. Moreover, N76-1 markedly inhibited the growth of TNBC xenografts and phosphorylation of RNAPII in tumor tissues. In summary, N76-1 exerts potent anticancer effects in TNBC by inhibiting CDK7 and provides a new strategy and research basis for the development of new drugs for TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lihong Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Duanfang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengze Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 439 Xuanhua Road, Yongchuan District, Chongqing, 402160, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qiuya Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Na Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanli Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zongjie Gan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Weiying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory for Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jia M, Wang W, Chen G, Wu T, Zhang T, Zhou Q, Yin J, Li J, Li X, Mao Y, Feng J, Hu M, Li X, He F. Discovery of SHR5428 as a selective and noncovalent inhibitor of CDK7. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 93:129429. [PMID: 37543274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129429] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is an attractive target in tumor indications via regulating both cell cycle and transcription. Here, SHR5428 was discovered as a selective and noncovalent CDK7 inhibitor with highly potent CDK7 enzymatic activity and triple negative breast cancer cellular activity on MDA-MB-468 cell. SHR5428 also displayed favorable pharmacokinetic properties in different preclinical species such as mouse, rat and dog, and showed high selectivity over CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, CDK9, CDK12 in CDK family. Furthermore, the computational modeling has shed some light on this mechanism. Additionally the in vivo efficacy study in a breast cancer cell line (HCC70 cell) derived xenograft mouse model proved SHR5428 to be orally efficacious with dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minqiang Jia
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China.
| | - Weimin Wang
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Gang Chen
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Ting Wu
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Junzhao Yin
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Jie Li
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Xun Li
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Yuchang Mao
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Jun Feng
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Min Hu
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Xin Li
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Feng He
- R&D Center, Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Samah T. Identifying health research in the era of COVID-19: A scoping review. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231180030. [PMID: 37324118 PMCID: PMC10262656 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231180030] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health improvements are considered one of the most important fields of research. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 was declared a pandemic, it might have impacted clinical and public health research in various forms. Objectives The goal of this study is to explore health research approaches in the era of coronavirus disease 2019. Methods In this scoping review, we reviewed published medical full-text studies and identified potential areas of interest of health research in the era the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic during the last 3 years within a higher educational setting. A bibliometric analysis was used to compare among published works. Results Among the 93 studies that met the inclusion criteria, most focused on mental health (n = 23; 24.7%). Twenty-one publications targeted coronavirus disease 2019 and its consequences on general health. Other studies have described hemato-oncological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrinological diseases. 42 studies were cross-sectional or cohort studies and most of them published in Q1 journals. Almost half of them belonged to the Faculty of Medicine (49.5%) followed by the School of Arts, Sciences, and Psychology (26.9%). Conclusions Health research has been demonstrated to be important, at all times, especially during crises. Therefore, researchers need to invest more efforts into seeking new medical updates in various health-related fields, regardless of their correlation with coronavirus disease 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tawil Samah
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bhurta D, Hossain MM, Bhardwaj M, Showket F, Nandi U, Dar MJ, Bharate SB. Orally bioavailable styryl derivative of rohitukine-N-oxide inhibits CDK9/T1 and the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115533. [PMID: 37302342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115533] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The chromone alkaloid is one of the classical pharmacophores for cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and represents the first CDK inhibitor to reach clinical trials. Rohitukine (1), a chromone alkaloid isolated from Dysoxylum binectariferum inspired the discovery of several clinical candidates. The N-oxide derivative of rohitukine occurs naturally, with no reports on its biological activity. Herein, we report isolation, biological evaluation, and synthetic modification of rohitukine N-oxide for CDK9/T1 inhibition and antiproliferative activity in cancer cells. Rohitukine N-oxide (2) inhibits CDK9/T1 (IC50 7.6 μM) and shows antiproliferative activity in the colon and pancreatic cancer cells. The chloro-substituted styryl derivatives, 2b, and 2l, inhibit CDK9/T1 with IC50 values of 0.17 and 0.15 μM, respectively. These derivatives display cellular antiproliferative activity in HCT 116 (colon) and MIA PaCa-2 (pancreatic) cancer cells with GI50 values of 2.5-9.7 μM with excellent selectivity over HEK293 (embryonic kidney) cells. Both analogs induce cell death in MIA PaCa-2 cells via inducing intracellular ROS production, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, and inducing apoptosis. These analogs are metabolically stable in liver microsomes and have a decent oral pharmacokinetics in BALB/c mice. The molecular modeling studies indicated their strong binding at the ATP-binding site of CDK7/H and CDK9/T1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deendyal Bhurta
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Md Mehedi Hossain
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Mahir Bhardwaj
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Farheen Showket
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Utpal Nandi
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Mohd Jamal Dar
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
| | - Sandip B Bharate
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India; Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India; Department of Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
He F, Wang X, Wu Q, Liu S, Cao Y, Guo X, Yin S, Yin N, Li B, Fang M. Identification of potential ATP-competitive cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitors: De novo drug generation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Comput Biol Med 2023; 155:106645. [PMID: 36774892 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases 1 (CDK1) has been identified as a potential target for the search for new antitumor drugs. However, no clinically effective CDK1 inhibitors are now available for cancer treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to offer potential CDK1 inhibitors using de novo drug generation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. We first utilized the BREED algorithm (a de novo drug generation approach) to produce a novel library of small molecules targeting CDK1. To initially obtain novel potential CDK1 inhibitors with favorable physicochemical properties and excellent druggability, we performed a virtual rule-based rational drug screening on our generated library and found ten initial hits. Then, the molecular interactions and dynamic stability of these ten initial hits and CDK1 complexes during their all-atom MD simulations (total 18 μs) and binding pose metadynamics simulations were investigated, resulting in five final hits. Furthermore, another MD simulation (total 2.1 μs) with different force fields demonstrated the binding ability of the five hits to CDK1. It was found that these five hits, CBMA001 (ΔG = -29.88 kcal/mol), CBMA002 (ΔG = -34.89 kcal/mol), CBMA004 (ΔG = -32.47 kcal/mol), CBMA007 (ΔG = -31.16 kcal/mol), and CBMA008 (ΔG = -34.78 kcal/mol) possessed much greater binding affinity to CDK1 than positive compound Flavopiridol (FLP, ΔG = -25.38 kcal/mol). Finally, CBMA002 and CBMA004 were identified as excellent selective CDK1 inhibitors in silico. Together, this study provides a workflow for rational drug design and two promising selective CDK1 inhibitors that deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengming He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Qiaoqiong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Shunzhi Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiaodan Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Sihang Yin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Na Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Baicun Li
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine Laboratories, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhuang HH, Qu Q, Teng XQ, Dai YH, Qu J. Superenhancers as master gene regulators and novel therapeutic targets in brain tumors. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:290-303. [PMID: 36720920 PMCID: PMC9981748 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00934-0] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation, a cancer cell hallmark, is driven by epigenetic abnormalities in the majority of brain tumors, including adult glioblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. Epigenetic abnormalities can activate epigenetic regulatory elements to regulate the expression of oncogenes. Superenhancers (SEs), identified as novel epigenetic regulatory elements, are clusters of enhancers with cell-type specificity that can drive the aberrant transcription of oncogenes and promote tumor initiation and progression. As gene regulators, SEs are involved in tumorigenesis in a variety of tumors, including brain tumors. SEs are susceptible to inhibition by their key components, such as bromodomain protein 4 and cyclin-dependent kinase 7, providing new opportunities for antitumor therapy. In this review, we summarized the characteristics and identification, unique organizational structures, and activation mechanisms of SEs in tumors, as well as the clinical applications related to SEs in tumor therapy and prognostication. Based on a review of the literature, we discussed the relationship between SEs and different brain tumors and potential therapeutic targets, focusing on glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410007, PR China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Ying-Huan Dai
- Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen R, Hassankhani R, Long Y, Basnet SKC, Teo T, Yang Y, Mekonnen L, Yu M, Wang S. Discovery of Potent Inhibitors of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases 7 and 9: Design, Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis and Biological Evaluation. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200582. [PMID: 36400715 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200582] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 7 and 9 are deregulated in various types of human cancer and are thus viewed as therapeutic targets. Accordingly, small-molecule inhibitors of both CDKs are highly sought-after. Capitalising on our previous discovery of CDKI-73, a potent CDK9 inhibitor, medicinal chemistry optimisation was pursued. A number of N-pyridinylpyrimidin-2-amines were rationally designed, chemically synthesised and biologically assessed. Among them, N-(6-(4-cyclopentylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-4-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine was found to be one of the most potent inhibitors of CDKs 7 and 9 as well as the most effective anti-proliferative agent towards multiple human cancer cell lines. The cellular mode of action of this compound was investigated in MV4-11 acute myeloid leukaemia cells, revealing that the compound dampened the kinase activity of cellular CDKs 7 and 9, arrested the cell cycle at sub-G1 phase and induced apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Chen
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Ramin Hassankhani
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Yi Long
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Sunita K C Basnet
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Theodosia Teo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Laychiluh Mekonnen
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Synthesis, Cytotoxic Evaluation, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Substituted Quinazolinones as Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010120. [PMID: 36615314 PMCID: PMC9822073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010120] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) plays a critical role in transcriptional elongation, through which short-lived antiapoptotic proteins are overexpressed and make cancer cells resistant to apoptosis. Therefore, CDK9 inhibition depletes antiapoptotic proteins, which in turn leads to the reinstatement of apoptosis in cancer cells. Twenty-seven compounds were synthesized, and their CDK9 inhibitory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. Compounds 7, 9, and 25 were the most potent CDK9 inhibitors, with IC50 values of 0.115, 0.131, and 0.142 μM, respectively. The binding modes of these molecules were studied via molecular docking, which shows that they occupy the adenosine triphosphate binding site of CDK9. Of these three molecules, compound 25 shows good drug-like properties, as it does not violate Lipinski's rule of five. In addition, this molecule shows promising ligand and lipophilic efficiency values and is an ideal candidate for further optimization.
Collapse
|
21
|
Discovery of Novel N-(5-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1 H-indazol-3-yl)benzamide Derivatives as Potent Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 7 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15770-15788. [PMID: 36384292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that CDK7 is a novel potential drug target for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) treatment. Herein, on the basis of structural analysis, a hit compound 3 with a novel scaffold was designed and subsequent medicinal chemistry efforts by a rational design strategy were conducted to improve CDK7 inhibitors' potency and selectivity. The representative compound B2 potently inhibited CDK7 with an IC50 value of 4 nM and showed high selectivity over CDKs. Compound B2 showed high potency to inhibit cyst growth and exhibited lower cytotoxicity than THZ1 in an in vitro Madin-Darby canine kidney cyst model. In addition, compound B2 was also highly efficacious in suppressing renal cyst development in an ex vivo embryonic kidney cyst model and in vivo ADPKD mouse model. These results indicate that compound B2 represents a promising lead compound that deserves further investigation to discover novel therapeutic agents for ADPKD.
Collapse
|
22
|
Castration-resistant prostate cancer cells are dependent on the high activity of CDK7. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04475-3. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Prostate cancer (PC) is successfully treated with anti-androgens; however, a significant proportion of patients develop resistance against this therapy. Anti-androgen-resistant disease (castration-resistant prostate cancer; CRPC) is currently incurable. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is positioned to positively regulate both cell cycle and transcription, the two features critical for the rapid proliferation of the CRPC cells. Here, we assess if CDK7 is a viable target to halt the proliferation of CRPC cells.
Methods
We use recently developed clinically relevant compounds targeting CDK7 and multiple cell proliferation assays to probe the importance of this kinase for the proliferation of normal, androgen-dependent, and CRPC cells. PC patient data were used to evaluate expression of CDK7 at different disease-stages. Finally, comprehensive glycoproteome-profiling was performed to evaluate CDK7 inhibitor effects on androgen-dependent and CRPC cells.
Results
We show that CDK7 is overexpressed in PC patients with poor prognosis, and that CRPC cells are highly sensitive to compounds targeting CDK7. Inhibition of O-GlcNAc transferase sensitizes the CRPC, but not androgen-dependent PC cells, to CDK7 inhibitors. Glycoproteome-profiling revealed that CDK7 inhibition induces hyper-O-GlcNAcylation of the positive transcription elongation complex (pTEFB: CDK9 and CCNT1) in the CRPC cells. Accordingly, co-targeting of CDK7 and CDK9 synergistically blocks the proliferation of the CRPC cells but does not have anti-proliferative effects in the normal prostate cells.
Conclusion
We show that CRPC cells, but not normal prostate cells, are addicted on the high activity of the key transcriptional kinases, CDK7 and CDK9.
Collapse
|
23
|
Friedl MS, Djakovic L, Kluge M, Hennig T, Whisnant AW, Backes S, Dölken L, Friedel CC. HSV-1 and influenza infection induce linear and circular splicing of the long NEAT1 isoform. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276467. [PMID: 36279270 PMCID: PMC9591066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virion host shut-off (vhs) protein cleaves both cellular and viral mRNAs by a translation-initiation-dependent mechanism, which should spare circular RNAs (circRNAs). Here, we show that vhs-mediated degradation of linear mRNAs leads to an enrichment of circRNAs relative to linear mRNAs during HSV-1 infection. This was also observed in influenza A virus (IAV) infection, likely due to degradation of linear host mRNAs mediated by the IAV PA-X protein and cap-snatching RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. For most circRNAs, enrichment was not due to increased circRNA synthesis but due to a general loss of linear RNAs. In contrast, biogenesis of a circRNA originating from the long isoform (NEAT1_2) of the nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) was induced both in HSV-1 infection-in a vhs-independent manner-and in IAV infection. This was associated with induction of novel linear splicing of NEAT1_2 both within and downstream of the circRNA. NEAT1_2 forms a scaffold for paraspeckles, nuclear bodies located in the interchromatin space, must likely remain unspliced for paraspeckle assembly and is up-regulated in HSV-1 and IAV infection. We show that NEAT1_2 splicing and up-regulation can be induced by ectopic co-expression of the HSV-1 immediate-early proteins ICP22 and ICP27, potentially linking increased expression and splicing of NEAT1_2. To identify other conditions with NEAT1_2 splicing, we performed a large-scale screen of published RNA-seq data. This uncovered both induction of NEAT1_2 splicing and poly(A) read-through similar to HSV-1 and IAV infection in cancer cells upon inhibition or knockdown of CDK7 or the MED1 subunit of the Mediator complex phosphorylated by CDK7. In summary, our study reveals induction of novel circular and linear NEAT1_2 splicing isoforms as a common characteristic of HSV-1 and IAV infection and highlights a potential role of CDK7 in HSV-1 or IAV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Sophie Friedl
- Institute of Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lara Djakovic
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kluge
- Institute of Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Hennig
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Adam W. Whisnant
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simone Backes
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lars Dölken
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline C. Friedel
- Institute of Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Koo BK, Choi EJ, Hur EH, Moon JH, Kim JY, Park HS, Choi Y, Lee JH, Lee KH, Choi EK, Kim J, Lee JH. Antileukemic activity of YPN-005, a CDK7 inhibitor, inducing apoptosis through c-MYC and FLT3 suppression in acute myeloid leukemia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11004. [PMID: 36276757 PMCID: PMC9579003 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11004] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with a high rate of relapse associated with adverse survival outcomes, especially in elderly patients. An aberrant expression of cyclin dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is associated with poor outcomes and CDK7 inhibition has showed antitumor activities in various cancers. We investigated the efficacy of YPN-005, a CDK7 inhibitor in AML cell lines, xenograft mouse model, and primary AML cells. YPN-005 effectively inhibited the proliferation of AML cells by inducing apoptosis and reducing phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II. The c-MYC expression decreased with treatment of YPN-005, and the effect of YPN-005 was negatively correlated with c-MYC expression. YPN-005 also showed antileukemic activities in primary AML cells, especially those harboring FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation and in in vivo mouse model. Phosphorylated FLT3/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) was decreased and FLT3/STAT5 was downregulated with YPN-005 treatment. Our data suggest that YPN-005 has a role in treating AML by suppressing c-MYC and FLT3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bon-Kwan Koo
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Choi
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Corresponding author.
| | - Eun-Hye Hur
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Corresponding author.
| | - Ju Hyun Moon
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Yun Kim
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Seung Park
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yunsuk Choi
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoo-Hyung Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Choi
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutics, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhwan Kim
- R&D Institute, Yungjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, South Korea
| | - Je-Hwan Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun Y, Zhang Y, Schultz C, Pommier Y, Thomas A. CDK7 Inhibition Synergizes with Topoisomerase I Inhibition in Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Inducing Ubiquitin-Mediated Proteolysis of RNA Polymerase II. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1430-1438. [PMID: 35830858 PMCID: PMC10476602 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are highly aggressive, and currently there are no available targeted therapies. To identify clinically actionable drug combinations, we analyzed our previously reported chemogenomics screens and identified a synergistically cytotoxic combination of the topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor topotecan and cycle-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1. Topotecan causes cell death by generating TOP1-induced DNA breaks and DNA-protein cross-links (TOP1-DPC) that require proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for their repair. We find that inhibition of the transcriptional kinase CDK7 by THZ1 induces ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of RNA polymerase II and prevents the proteasomal degradation of TOP1-DPCs. We provide a mechanistic basis for combinatorial targeting of transcription using selective inhibitors of CDK7 and TOP1 in clinical trials to advance SCLC therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yilun Sun
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christopher Schultz
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Doolittle WKL, Zhao L, Cheng SY. Blocking CDK7-Mediated NOTCH1-cMYC Signaling Attenuates Cancer Stem Cell Activity in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2022; 32:937-948. [PMID: 35822558 PMCID: PMC9419935 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0087] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive solid cancer in humans with few treatment options. Recent studies suggest that aberrant gene transcription could contribute to aggressive ATC progression. To test this hypothesis, we assessed if blocking cyclin-dependent protein 7 (CDK7) activity could impede ATC progression through attenuation of cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. Methods: We treated cell lines isolated from human ATC (THJ-11T and -16T) and xenograft mice induced by these cells with the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1. Through integrative transcriptome analyses we found that the NOTCH1-cMYC signaling axis was a potential target of CDK7 inhibition in ATC. To determine the regulatory action of NOTCH1-cMYC signaling in CSC maintenance, we evaluated the effect of a selective NOTCH1 inhibitor, crenigacestat, on CSC capacities in ATC. Results: THZ1 markedly inhibited proliferation of ATC cells and xenograft tumor growth by blocking cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. NOTCH1 was sensitive to suppressive transcription mediated by CDK7 inhibition and was highly enriched in tumorspheres from ATC cells. Treatment of ATC cells with either crenigacestat or THZ1 blocked formation of tumorspheres, decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and suppressed in vivo initiation and growth of tumors induced by ATC cells, indicating that NOTCH1 was a critical regulator of CSC activity in ATC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that cMYC was a downstream target of NOTCH1 signaling that collaboratively maintained CSC activity in ATC. Of note, genomic analysis showed that low CDK7 expression contributed to longer disease-free survival of thyroid cancer patients. Conclusions: NOTCH1 is a newly identified CSC regulator. Targeting NOTCH1-cMYC signaling is a promising therapeutic strategy for ATC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo Kyung Lee Doolittle
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Li Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheue-Yann Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li X, Dean DC, Yuan J, Temple TH, Trent JC, Rosenberg AE, Yu S, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Inhibition of CDK7-dependent transcriptional addiction is a potential therapeutic target in synovial sarcoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112888. [PMID: 35367753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112888] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma is typical aggressive malignant without satisfactory treatment outcome in adult series. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in transcription have been considered promising molecular targets in cancer. Among these, CDK7 has been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of malignancies. However, the modulation mechanism of CDK7-regulated transcription in synovial sarcoma is unknown. In the present study, we aim to determine the expression and function of CDK7 in the transcription cycle of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II), and evaluate its prognostic and therapeutic significance in synovial sarcoma. Results showed that overexpression of CDK7 correlates with higher clinical stage and grade, and worse outcomes in clinic. High CDK7 expression was confirmed in all tested human synovial sarcoma cell lines and CDK7 was largely localized to the cell nucleus. Downregulation through siRNA or inhibition with the CDK7-targeting agent BS-181 exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity and prevented cell colony formation. Western blots demonstrated that inhibition of CDK7 paused transcription by a reduction of RNAP II phosphorylation. Blocking CDK7-dependent transcriptional addiction was accompanied by promotion of apoptosis. Furthermore, the CDK7-specific inhibitor reduced 3D spheroid formation and migration of synovial sarcoma. Collectively, our findings highlight the role of CDK7-dependent transcriptional addiction in human synovial sarcoma. CDK7-specific cytotoxic agents are therefore promising novel treatment options for synovial sarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California (USC), USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Ave, NTT 3449, Los Angeles, California, 90033, USA.
| | - Jin Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Thomas H Temple
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
| | - Jonathan C Trent
- Department of Medicine, Hematology & Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
| | - Andrew E Rosenberg
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
| | - Shengji Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA; Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA; Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hirano H, Abe Y, Nojima Y, Aoki M, Shoji H, Isoyama J, Honda K, Boku N, Mizuguchi K, Tomonaga T, Adachi J. Temporal dynamics from phosphoproteomics using endoscopic biopsy specimens provides new therapeutic targets in stage IV gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4419. [PMID: 35338158 PMCID: PMC8956597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoproteomic analysis expands our understanding of cancer biology. However, the feasibility of phosphoproteomic analysis using endoscopically collected tumor samples, especially with regards to dynamic changes upon drug treatment, remains unknown in stage IV gastric cancer. Here, we conducted a phosphoproteomic analysis using paired endoscopic biopsy specimens of pre- and post-treatment tumors (Ts) and non-tumor adjacent tissues (NATs) obtained from 4 HER2-positive gastric cancer patients who received trastuzumab-based treatment and from pre-treatment Ts and NATs of 4 HER2-negative gastric cancer patients. Our analysis identified 14,622 class 1 phosphosites with 12,749 quantified phosphosites and revealed molecular changes by HER2 positivity and treatment. An inhibitory signature of the ErbB signaling was observed in the post-treatment HER2-positive T group compared with the pre-treatment HER2-positive T group. Phosphoproteomic profiles obtained by a case-by-case review using paired pre- and post-treatment HER2-positive T could be utilized to discover predictive or resistant biomarkers. Furthermore, these data nominated therapeutic kinase targets which were exclusively activated in the patient unresponded to the treatment. The present study suggests that a phosphoproteomic analysis of endoscopic biopsy specimens provides information on dynamic molecular changes which can individually characterize biologic features upon drug treatment and identify therapeutic targets in stage IV gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Hirano
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Medicine, Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuichi Abe
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Division of Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, 464-8681, Japan
| | - Yosui Nojima
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Artificial Intelligence Center for Health and Biomedical Research (ArCHER), National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Center for Mathematical Modeling and Data Science, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Masahiko Aoki
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Kyoto Innovation Center for Next Generation Clinical Trials and iPS Cell Therapy (Ki-CONNECT), Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Shoji
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Junko Isoyama
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Honda
- Department of Biomarkers for Early Detection of Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Bioregulation, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Narikazu Boku
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Medical Oncology and General Medicine, IMSUT Hospital, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kenji Mizuguchi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Artificial Intelligence Center for Health and Biomedical Research (ArCHER), National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.,Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tomonaga
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan. .,Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
| | - Jun Adachi
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan. .,Laboratory of Proteomics for Drug Discovery, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan. .,Laboratory of Clinical and Analytical Chemistry, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xie Z, Hou S, Yang X, Duan Y, Han J, Wang Q, Liao C. Lessons Learned from Past Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Drug Discovery Efforts. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6356-6389. [PMID: 35235745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has become an effective therapeutic strategy for treating various diseases, especially cancer. Over almost three decades, although great efforts have been made to discover CDK inhibitors, many of which have entered clinical trials, only four CDK inhibitors have been approved. In the process of CDK inhibitor development, many difficulties and misunderstandings have hampered their discovery and clinical applications, which mainly include inadequate understanding of the biological functions of CDKs, less attention paid to pan- and multi-CDK inhibitors, nonideal isoform selectivity of developed selective CDK inhibitors, overlooking the metabolic stability of early discovered CDK inhibitors, no effective resistance solutions, and a lack of available combination therapy and effective biomarkers for CDK therapies. After reviewing the mechanisms of CDKs and the research progress of CDK inhibitors, this perspective summarizes and discusses these difficulties or lessons, hoping to facilitate the successful discovery of more useful CDK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Shuzeng Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology─Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, P. R. China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
An Orally Bioavailable and Highly Efficacious Inhibitor of CDK9/FLT3 for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051113. [PMID: 35267421 PMCID: PMC8909834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) occur in approximately one-third of AML patients and are associated with a particularly poor prognosis. The most common mutation, FLT3-ITD, is a self-activating internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the FLT3 juxtamembrane domain. Many FLT3 inhibitors have shown encouraging results in clinical trials, but the rapid emergence of resistance has severely limited sustainable efficacy. Co-targeting of CDK9 and FLT3 is a promising two-pronged strategy to overcome resistance as the former plays a role in the transcription of cancer cell-survival genes. Most prominently, MCL-1 is known to be associated with AML tumorigenesis and drug resistance and can be down-regulated by CDK9 inhibition. We have developed CDDD11-8 as a potent CDK9 inhibitor co-targeting FLT3-ITD with Ki values of 8 and 13 nM, respectively. The kinome selectivity has been confirmed when the compound was tested in a panel of 369 human kinases. CDDD11-8 displayed antiproliferative activity against leukemia cell lines, and particularly potent effects were observed against MV4-11 and MOLM-13 cells, which are known to harbor the FLT3-ITD mutation and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins. The mode of action was consistent with inhibition of CDK9 and FLT3-ITD. Most importantly, CDDD11-8 caused a robust tumor growth inhibition by oral administration in animal xenografts. At 125 mg/kg, CDDD11-8 induced tumor regression, and this was translated to an improved survival of animals. The study demonstrates the potential of CDDD11-8 towards the future development of a novel AML treatment.
Collapse
|
31
|
Marineau JJ, Hamman KB, Hu S, Alnemy S, Mihalich J, Kabro A, Whitmore KM, Winter DK, Roy S, Ciblat S, Ke N, Savinainen A, Wilsily A, Malojcic G, Zahler R, Schmidt D, Bradley MJ, Waters NJ, Chuaqui C. Discovery of SY-5609: A Selective, Noncovalent Inhibitor of CDK7. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1458-1480. [PMID: 34726887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CDK7 has emerged as an exciting target in oncology due to its roles in two important processes that are misregulated in cancer cells: cell cycle and transcription. This report describes the discovery of SY-5609, a highly potent (sub-nM CDK7 Kd) and selective, orally available inhibitor of CDK7 that entered the clinic in 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04247126). Structure-based design was leveraged to obtain high selectivity (>4000-times the closest off target) and slow off-rate binding kinetics desirable for potent cellular activity. Finally, incorporation of a phosphine oxide as an atypical hydrogen bond acceptor helped provide the required potency and metabolic stability. The development candidate SY-5609 displays potent inhibition of CDK7 in cells and demonstrates strong efficacy in mouse xenograft models when dosed as low as 2 mg/kg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Marineau
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Kristin B Hamman
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Shanhu Hu
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Sydney Alnemy
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Janessa Mihalich
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Anzhelika Kabro
- Paraza Pharma Inc., 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | | | - Dana K Winter
- Paraza Pharma Inc., 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Stephanie Roy
- Paraza Pharma Inc., 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Stephane Ciblat
- Paraza Pharma Inc., 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Nan Ke
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Anneli Savinainen
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Ashraf Wilsily
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Goran Malojcic
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Robert Zahler
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Darby Schmidt
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Michael J Bradley
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Nigel J Waters
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Claudio Chuaqui
- Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc., 35 Cambridge Park Drive, Fourth Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Control of Expression of Key Cell Cycle Enzymes Drives Cell Line-Specific Functions of CDK7 in Human PDAC Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020812. [PMID: 35054996 PMCID: PMC8775745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the dual function cell cycle and transcription kinase CDK7 is known to affect the viability of cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth control remain poorly understood. Here, we employed a previously developed, highly specific small molecule inhibitor that non-covalently blocks ATP binding to CDK7 (LDC4297) to study the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth using a panel of genetically heterogeneous human pancreatic tumor lines as model system. Although LDC4297 diminished both transcription rates and CDK T-loop phosphorylation in a comparable manner, some PDAC lines displayed significantly higher sensitivity than others. We focused our analyses on two well-responsive lines (Mia-Paca2 and Panc89) that, however, showed significant differences in their viability upon extended exposure to limiting LDC4297 concentrations. Biochemical and RNAseq analysis revealed striking differences in gene expression and cell cycle control. Especially the downregulation of a group of cell cycle control genes, among them CDK1/2 and CDC25A/C, correlated well to the observed viability differences in Panc89 versus Mia-Paca2 cells. A parallel downregulation of regulatory pathways supported the hypothesis of a feedforward programmatic effect of CDK7 inhibitors, eventually causing hypersensitivity of PDAC lines.
Collapse
|
33
|
Wei D, Wang H, Zeng Q, Wang W, Hao B, Feng X, Wang P, Song N, Kan W, Huang G, Zhou X, Tan M, Zhou Y, Huang R, Li J, Chen XH. Discovery of Potent and Selective CDK9 Degraders for Targeting Transcription Regulation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14822-14847. [PMID: 34538051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with very limited treatment options due to the lack of efficient targeted therapies and thus still remains clinically challenging. Targeting transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinases to remodel transcriptional regulation shows great promise in cancer therapy. Herein, we report the synthesis, optimization, and evaluation of new series of heterobifunctional molecules as highly selective and efficacious CDK9 degraders, enabling potent inhibition of TNBC cell growth and rapidly targeted degradation of CDK9. Moreover, the most potent CDK9 degrader (compound 45) induces cell apoptosis in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in the MDA-MB-231 TNBC model. Furthermore, the RNA-seq, immunohistochemistry assays demonstrate that the CDK9 degrader downregulates the downstream targets, such as MYC, at the transcriptional level, resulting apoptosis in TNBC cells. Our work establishes that 45 is a highly potent and efficacious CDK9 degrader for targeting transcription regulation, which represents an effective strategy and great potential as a new targeted therapy for TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wei
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hanlin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,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
| | - Qinghe Zeng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bingbing Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xule Feng
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ning Song
- 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
| | - Weijuan Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guifang Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Minjia Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- 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.,Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, The Institutes of Drug Discovery and Development, CAS, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China
| | - Ruimin Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia Li
- College of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,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.,Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, The Institutes of Drug Discovery and Development, CAS, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- 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, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bhurta D, Bharate SB. Analyzing the scaffold diversity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and revisiting the clinical and preclinical pipeline. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:654-709. [PMID: 34605036 DOI: 10.1002/med.21856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kinases have gained an important place in the list of vital therapeutic targets because of their overwhelming clinical success in the last two decades. Among various clinically validated kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) are one of the extensively studied drug targets for clinical development. Food and Drug Administration has approved three CDK inhibitors for therapeutic use, and at least 27 inhibitors are under active clinical development. In the last decade, research and development in this area took a rapid pace, and thus the analysis of scaffold diversity is essential for future drug design. Available reviews lack the systematic study and discussion on the scaffold diversity of CDK inhibitors. Herein we have reviewed and critically analyzed the chemical diversity present in the preclinical and clinical pipeline of CDK inhibitors. Our analysis has shown that although several scaffolds represent CDK inhibitors, only the amino-pyrimidine is a well-represented scaffold. The three-nitrogen framework of amino-pyrimidine is a fundamental hinge-binding unit. Further, we have discussed the selectivity aspects among CDKs, the clinical trial dose-limiting toxicities, and highlighted the most advanced clinical candidates. We also discuss the changing paradigm towards selective inhibitors and an overview of ATP-binding pockets of all druggable CDKs. We carefully analyzed the clinical pipeline to unravel the candidates that are currently under active clinical development. In addition to the plenty of dual CDK4/6 inhibitors, there are many selective CDK7, CDK9, and CDK8/19 inhibitors in the clinical pipeline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deendyal Bhurta
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sandip B Bharate
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kumar V, Parate S, Thakur G, Lee G, Ro HS, Kim Y, Kim HJ, Kim MO, Lee KW. Identification of CDK7 Inhibitors from Natural Sources Using Pharmacoinformatics and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1197. [PMID: 34572383 PMCID: PMC8468199 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle and RNA polymerase-based transcription. Overexpression of this kinase is linked with various cancers in humans due to its dual involvement in cell development. Furthermore, emerging evidence has revealed that inhibiting CDK7 has anti-cancer effects, driving the development of novel and more cost-effective inhibitors with enhanced selectivity for CDK7 over other CDKs. In the present investigation, a pharmacophore-based approach was utilized to identify potential hit compounds against CDK7. The generated pharmacophore models were validated and used as 3D queries to screen 55,578 natural drug-like compounds. The obtained compounds were then subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to predict their binding mode with CDK7. The molecular dynamics simulation trajectories were subsequently used to calculate binding affinity, revealing four hits-ZINC20392430, SN00112175, SN00004718, and SN00262261-having a better binding affinity towards CDK7 than the reference inhibitors (CT7001 and THZ1). The binding mode analysis displayed hydrogen bond interactions with the hinge region residues Met94 and Glu95, DFG motif residue Asp155, ATP-binding site residues Thr96, Asp97, and Gln141, and quintessential residue outside the kinase domain, Cys312 of CDK7. The in silico selectivity of the hits was further checked by docking with CDK2, the close homolog structure of CDK7. Additionally, the detailed pharmacokinetic properties were predicted, revealing that our hits have better properties than established CDK7 inhibitors CT7001 and THZ1. Hence, we argue that proposed hits may be crucial against CDK7-related malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Shraddha Parate
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Gunjan Thakur
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Gihwan Lee
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Hyeon-Su Ro
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Yongseong Kim
- School of Cosmetics and Food Development, Kyungnam University, Masan 631-701, Korea;
| | - Hong Ja Kim
- Division of Life Sciences and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Division of Life Sciences and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang Y, Peng J, Mi X, Yang M. p53-GSDME Elevation: A Path for CDK7 Inhibition to Suppress Breast Cancer Cell Survival. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:697457. [PMID: 34490348 PMCID: PMC8417410 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.697457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK7) expression is a character of breast cancer and indicates poor prognosis. Inhibiting CDK7 exhibited effective cancer cell suppression which implies the potential of CDK7 inhibition to be a method for anti-cancer treatment. Our study aimed to explore a novel mechanism of CDK7 inhibition for suppressing breast cancer cell survival. Here, we proved inhibiting CDK7 repressed breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation and increased the apoptotic cell rate, with p53 and GSDME protein level elevation. When p53 was suppressed in MCF-7 cells, the decline of GSDME expression and associated stronger proliferation and colony formation could be observed. Since downregulation of GSDME was of benefit to breast cancer cells, p53 inhibition blocked the elevation of GSDME induced by CDK7 inhibition and retrieved cells from the tumor suppressive effect of CDK7 inhibition. Therefore, CDK7 inhibition exerted a negative effect on breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation in a p53–GSDME dependent manner. These results revealed the CDK7–p53–GSDME axis could be a pathway affecting breast cancer cell survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyu Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuguang Mi
- Tumor Biotherapy Center, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Peng J, Yang M, Bi R, Wang Y, Wang C, Wei X, Zhang Z, Xie X, Wei W. Targeting Mutated p53 Dependency in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Through CDK7 Inhibition. Front Oncol 2021; 11:664848. [PMID: 34109118 PMCID: PMC8183379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is crucial for cell cycle progression and gene expression transcriptional regulation, which are often not assessed in cancer developing process. CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as promising drugs for treating diverse cancers, including breast cancer. However, the mechanism behind its anticancer effect has not been well investigated. Here, the possible mechanism of CDK7 inhibitors for treating human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been studied. Methods The effects of CDK7 inhibitors on breast cancer cells have been identified by measuring cell viability (Cell Counting Kit-8) and cell proliferation and calculating colony formation. The short hairpin RNA and short interfering RNA were used for the construction of knockdown cells. To assess the expression of associated proteins, western blot was used. Results This study confirmed that, compared to hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells, TNBC cells were more sensitive to THZ1, a novel CDK7 inhibitor. THZ1 treatment specifically downregulated mutated p53 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in TNBC cells with p53 mutation. Another CDK7 inhibitor, LDC4297, also potently interfered with the expression of mutated p53. Furthermore, endogenous CDK7 expression was positively correlated with the levels of mutated p53 in TNBC cells with p53 mutation. Downregulating mutated p53 expression significantly suppressed the proliferation of TNBC cells with p53 mutation. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that targeting CDK7 was an effective approach for the treatment of TNBC with p53 mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ran Bi
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunxi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Wei
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Xie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lin Y, Xue K, Li Q, Liu Z, Zhu Z, Chen J, Dang E, Wang L, Zhang W, Wang G, Li B. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 7 Promotes Th17/Th1 Cell Differentiation in Psoriasis by Modulating Glycolytic Metabolism. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2656-2667.e11. [PMID: 34004188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Excessive activation of CD4+ T cells and T helper type (Th) 17/Th1 cell differentiation are critical events in psoriasis pathogenesis, but the associated molecular mechanism is still unclear. Here, using quantitative proteomics analysis, we found that cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) expression was markedly increased in CD4+ T cells from patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls and was positively correlated with psoriasis severity. Meanwhile, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CDK7 ameliorated the severity of psoriasis in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model and suppressed CD4+ T-cell activation as well as Th17/Th1 cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the CDK7 inhibitor also reduced the enhanced glycolysis of CD4+ T cells from patients with psoriasis. Proinflammatory cytokine IL-23 induced increased CDK7 expression in CD4+ T cells and activated the protein kinase B/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway, enhancing glycolytic metabolism. Correspondingly, CDK7 inhibition significantly impaired IL-23-induced glycolysis via the protein kinase B/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway. In summary, this study shows that CDK7 promotes CD4+ T-cell activation and Th17/Th1 cell differentiation by regulating glycolysis, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Targeting CDK7 might be a promising immunosuppressive strategy to control skin inflammation mediated by IL-23.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Xue
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; PLA Institute of State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingyang Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenhua Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenlai Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaoling Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Erle Dang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weigang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mandal R, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Targeting CDK9 for Anti-Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2181. [PMID: 34062779 PMCID: PMC8124690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is one of the most important transcription regulatory members of the CDK family. In conjunction with its main cyclin partner-Cyclin T1, it forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) whose primary function in eukaryotic cells is to mediate the positive transcription elongation of nascent mRNA strands, by phosphorylating the S2 residues of the YSPTSPS tandem repeats at the C-terminus domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II). To aid in this process, P-TEFb also simultaneously phosphorylates and inactivates a number of negative transcription regulators like 5,6-dichloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) Sensitivity-Inducing Factor (DSIF) and Negative Elongation Factor (NELF). Significantly enhanced activity of CDK9 is observed in multiple cancer types, which is universally associated with significantly shortened Overall Survival (OS) of the patients. In these cancer types, CDK9 regulates a plethora of cellular functions including proliferation, survival, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair and metastasis. Due to the extremely critical role of CDK9 in cancer cells, inhibiting its functions has been the subject of intense research, resulting the development of multiple, increasingly specific small-molecule inhibitors, some of which are presently in clinical trials. The search for newer generation CDK9 inhibitors with higher specificity and lower potential toxicities and suitable combination therapies continues. In fact, the Phase I clinical trials of the latest, highly specific CDK9 inhibitor BAY1251152, against different solid tumors have shown good anti-tumor and on-target activities and pharmacokinetics, combined with manageable safety profile while the phase I and II clinical trials of another inhibitor AT-7519 have been undertaken or are undergoing. To enhance the effectiveness and target diversity and reduce potential drug-resistance, the future of CDK9 inhibition would likely involve combining CDK9 inhibitors with inhibitors like those against BRD4, SEC, MYC, MCL-1 and HSP90.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranadip Mandal
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abudureheman T, Xia J, Li MH, Zhou H, Zheng WW, Zhou N, Shi RY, Zhu JM, Yang LT, Chen L, Zheng L, Xue K, Qing K, Duan CW. CDK7 Inhibitor THZ1 Induces the Cell Apoptosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia by Perturbing Cellular Metabolism. Front Oncol 2021; 11:663360. [PMID: 33889549 PMCID: PMC8056175 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.663360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) is a malignant blood cancer that develops in children and adults and leads to high mortality. THZ1, a covalent cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor, shows anti-tumor effects in various cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. However, whether THZ1 has an inhibitory effect on B-ALL cells and the underlying mechanism remains obscure. In this study, we showed that THZ1 arrested the cell cycle of B-ALL cells in vitro in a low concentration, while inducing the apoptosis of B-ALL cells in vitro in a high concentration by activating the apoptotic pathways. In addition, RNA-SEQ results revealed that THZ1 disrupted the cellular metabolic pathways of B-ALL cells. Moreover, THZ1 suppressed the cellular metabolism and blocked the production of cellular metabolic intermediates in B-ALL cells. Mechanistically, THZ1 inhibited the cellular metabolism of B-ALL by downregulating the expression of c-MYC-mediated metabolic enzymes. However, THZ1 treatment enhanced cell apoptosis in over-expressed c-MYC B-ALL cells, which was involved in the upregulation of p53 expression. Collectively, our data demonstrated that CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 induced the apoptosis of B-ALL cells by perturbing c-MYC-mediated cellular metabolism, thereby providing a novel treatment option for B-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuersunayi Abudureheman
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Ming-Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Neng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Min Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cai-Wen Duan
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health and Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Riess C, Irmscher N, Salewski I, Strüder D, Classen CF, Große-Thie C, Junghanss C, Maletzki C. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in head and neck cancer and glioblastoma-backbone or add-on in immune-oncology? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:153-171. [PMID: 33161487 PMCID: PMC7897202 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) control the cell cycle and play a crucial role in oncogenesis. Pharmacologic inhibition of CDK has contributed to the recent clinical approval of dual CDK4/6 inhibitors for the treatment of breast and small cell lung cancer. While the anticancer cell effects of CDK inhibitors are well-established, preclinical and early clinical studies describe additional mechanisms of action such as chemo- and radiosensitization or immune stimulation. The latter offers great potential to incorporate CDK inhibitors in immune-based treatments. However, dosing schedules and accurate timing of each combination partner need to be respected to prevent immune escape and resistance. In this review, we provide a detailed summary of CDK inhibitors in the two solid cancer types head and neck cancer and glioblastoma multiforme; it describes the molecular mechanisms of response vs. resistance and covers strategies to avoid resistance by the combination of immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christin Riess
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- University Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nina Irmscher
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Inken Salewski
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Daniel Strüder
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery "Otto Körner", Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Carl-Friedrich Classen
- University Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christina Große-Thie
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Junghanss
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Maletzki
- Department of Medicine, Clinic III - Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cyclin-dependent Kinases as Emerging Targets for Developing Novel Antiviral Therapeutics. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:836-848. [PMID: 33618979 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Besides its prominent role in cell proliferation, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are key players in viral infections as both DNA and RNA viruses modify CDK function to favor viral replication. Recently, a number of specific pharmacological CDK inhibitors have been developed and approved for cancer treatment. The repurposing of these specific CDK inhibitors for the treatment of viral infections may represent a novel effective therapeutic strategy to combat old and emergent viruses. In this review, we describe the role, mechanisms of action, and potential of CDKs as antiviral drug targets. We also discuss the current clinical state of novel specific CDK inhibitors, focusing on their putative use as antivirals, especially against new emerging viruses.
Collapse
|
43
|
Ma H, Dean DC, Wei R, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is an emerging prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in osteosarcoma. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2021; 13:1759720X21995069. [PMID: 34104229 PMCID: PMC8164556 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x21995069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a well-known pathogenic feature of various malignancies and a sign of a more dismal prognosis. As relatively little is known about CDK7 in osteosarcoma, we elected to evaluate its expression, prognostic value, and function. Methods: We began by analyzing the publicly available data sets on CDK7 expression, including RNA sequencing data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments on Osteosarcoma (TARGET-OS) and the Gene Expression database of Normal and Tumor tissues 2 (GENT2). The correlation between patient tissue CDK7 expression and their clinicopathological features and prognosis was assessed via immunohistochemical staining of a unique tissue microarray constructed from osteosarcoma specimens. Furthermore, we analyzed CDK7 expression in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues by Western blot. CDK7-specific siRNA and a highly-selective CDK7 inhibitor, BS-181, were applied to determine the function of CDK7 on osteosarcoma cell growth and proliferation. In addition, the effect of CDK7 inhibition on clonogenicity was evaluated using a clonogenic assay, and a 3D cell culture model was used to mimic CDK7 effects in an in vivo environment. Results: Our results demonstrate that higher CDK7 expression significantly correlates with recurrence, metastasis, and shorter overall survival in osteosarcoma patients. Therapeutically, we show that CDK7 knockdown with siRNA or selective inhibition with BS-181 decreases proliferation and induces apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion: This study supports CDK7 overexpression as an independent predictor of poor prognosis and promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hangzhan Ma
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kargbo RB. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapeutics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:11-12. [PMID: 33488958 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Kargbo
- Usona Institute, 277 Granada Drive, San Luis Obispo, California 93401-7337, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Elkina NA, Burgart YV, Shchegolkov EV, Krasnykh OP, Maslova VV, Triandafilova GA, Solodnikov SS, Muryleva AA, Misiurina MA, Slita AV, Zarubaev VV, Saloutin VI. Competitive routes to cyclizations of polyfluoroalkyl-containing 2-tolylhydrazinylidene-1,3-diketones with 3-aminopyrazoles into bioactive pyrazoloazines. J Fluor Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluchem.2020.109648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
46
|
Wu D, Zhang Z, Chen X, Yan Y, Liu X. Angel or Devil ? - CDK8 as the new drug target. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113043. [PMID: 33257171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) plays an momentous role in transcription regulation by forming kinase module or transcription factor phosphorylation. A large number of evidences have identified CDK8 as an important factor in cancer occurrence and development. In addition, CDK8 also participates in the regulation of cancer cell stress response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, assists tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, CDK8 is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. Most studies in recent years supported the role of CDK8 as a carcinogen, however, under certain conditions, CDK8 exists as a tumor suppressor. The functional diversity of CDK8 and its exceptional role in different types of cancer have aroused great interest from scientists but even more controversy during the discovery of CDK8 inhibitors. In addition, CDK8 appears to be an effective target for inflammation diseases and immune system disorders. Therefore, we summarized the research results of CDK8, involving physiological/pathogenic mechanisms and the development status of compounds targeting CDK8, provide a reference for the feasibility evaluation of CDK8 as a therapeutic target, and guidance for researchers who are involved in this field for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- School of Biological Engineering, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, 238000, PR China
| | - Zhaoyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lin D, Lin X, He T, Xie G. Gambogic Acid Inhibits the Progression of Gastric Cancer via circRNA_ASAP2/miR-33a-5p/CDK7 Axis. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:9221-9233. [PMID: 33061613 PMCID: PMC7532043 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s269768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a major cancer-related mortality disease. Gambogic acid (GA) has been investigated to inhibit cancer progression. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of GA in regulating GC progression was studied. Methods The expression levels of circular RNA ASAP2 (circ_ASAP2), miR-33a-5p and cyclin-dependent kinases 7 (CDK7) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR). CDK7 protein level was evaluated by Western blot. Cell colony formation assay, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis were employed to reveal the functional effects among circ_ASAP2, miR-33a-5p and CDK7 on GA-induced GC progression. Mechanistically, the binding relationship between miR-33a-5p and circ_ASAP2 or CDK7 was predicted with starBase v3.0 online database and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. In vivo tumor formation assay was used to explain the impacts of GA treatment on GC growth in vivo. Results Circ_ASAP2 and CDK7 expression were downregulated in GA-induced GC cells compared with GC cells. MiR-33a-5p expression was upregulated in GA-induced GC cells relative to GC cells. The protein expression level of CDK7 was lower in GA-induced GC cells than that in GC cells. Further, circ_ASAP2 overexpression decreased GA-induced inhibition effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion and GA-induced promotion effect on cell apoptosis in both AGS and HGC-27 cells, whereas this phenomenon was reversed by miR-33a-5p. In addition, circ_ASAP2 functioned as a sponge of miR-33a-5p and miR-33a-5p was associated with CDK7. Furthermore, GA treatment inhibited GC growth in vivo. Conclusion Circ_ASAP2 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas inhibited cell apoptosis by upregulating CDK7 expression through binding to miR-33a-5p in GA-induced GC cells. This study provided a theoretical basis in GC treatment with GA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lin
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyang Lin
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, Wenling, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianlin He
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqun Xie
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|