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Chi XJ, Song YB, Zhang H, Wei LQ, Gao Y, Miao XJ, Yang ST, Lin CY, Lan D, Zhang X. TBC1D10B promotes tumor progression in colon cancer via PAK4‑mediated promotion of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Apoptosis 2024; 29:1185-1197. [PMID: 38824479 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01972-3] [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] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the expression, function, and mechanisms of TBC1D10B in colon cancer, as well as its potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.The expression levels of TBC1D10B in colon cancer were assessed by analyzing the TCGA and CCLE databases. Immunohistochemistry analysis was conducted using tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 68 colon cancer patients. Lentiviral infection techniques were employed to silence and overexpress TBC1D10B in colon cancer cells. The effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using CCK-8, EDU, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays. Additionally, GSEA enrichment analysis was used to explore the association of TBC1D10B with biological pathways related to colon cancer. TBC1D10B was significantly upregulated in colon cancer and closely associated with patient prognosis. Silencing of TBC1D10B notably inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells and promoted apoptosis. Conversely, overexpression of TBC1D10B enhanced these cellular functions. GSEA analysis revealed that TBC1D10B is enriched in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway and highly correlated with PAK4. The high expression of TBC1D10B in colon cancer is associated with poor prognosis. It influences cancer progression by regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of colon cancer cells, potentially acting through the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide new targets and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jv Chi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yi-Bei Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, 613 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Li-Qiang Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xue-Jing Miao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Shu-Ting Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Dong Lan
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Xiquan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Xu S, Ma B, Jian Y, Yao C, Wang Z, Fan Y, Ma J, Chen Y, Feng X, An J, Chen J, Wang K, Xie H, Gao Y, Li L. Development of a PAK4-targeting PROTAC for renal carcinoma therapy: concurrent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and enhancement of immune cell response. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105162. [PMID: 38810561 PMCID: PMC11154127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Finding the oncogene, which was able to inhibit tumor cells intrinsically and improve the immune answers, will be the future direction for renal cancer combined treatment. Following patient sample analysis and signaling pathway examination, we propose p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) as a potential target drug for kidney cancer. PAK4 exhibits high expression levels in patient samples and plays a regulatory role in the immune microenvironment. METHODS Utilizing AI software for peptide drug design, we have engineered a specialized peptide proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) drug with selectivity for PAK4. To address challenges related to drug delivery, we developed a nano-selenium delivery system for efficient transport of the peptide PROTAC drug, termed PpD (PAK4 peptide degrader). FINDINGS We successfully designed a peptide PROTAC drug targeting PAK4. PpD effectively degraded PAK4 with high selectivity, avoiding interference with other homologous proteins. PpD significantly attenuated renal carcinoma proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Notably, PpD demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on tumor proliferation in a fully immunocompetent mouse model, concomitantly enhancing the immune cell response. Moreover, PpD demonstrated promising tumor growth inhibitory effects in mini-PDX and PDO models, further underscoring its potential for clinical application. INTERPRETATION This PAK4-targeting peptide PROTAC drug not only curtails renal cancer cell proliferation but also improves the immune microenvironment and enhances immune response. Our study paves the way for innovative targeted therapies in the management of renal cancer. FUNDING This work is supported by Research grants from non-profit organizations, as stated in the Acknowledgments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Bohan Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanlin Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yizeng Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yule Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyu Feng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiale An
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiani Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongjun Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, #277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, China.
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Han W, Yang Y, Yu F, Li Q, Liu A, Xu W, Li J, Xue X. Design, synthesis and anticancer activity evaluation of 4-(3-1H-indazolyl)amino quinazoline derivatives as PAK4 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 95:117501. [PMID: 37864885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of 4-(3-1H-indazolyl)amino quinazoline derivatives were developed as PAK4 inhibitors based on a scaffold hopping strategy. Compounds 27e, 27g, 27i and 27j were found to exhibit potent inhibitory activity against PAK4 (IC50 = 10, 13, 11 and 9 nM, respectively). Subsequent cellular assay demonstrated that compound 27e possessed the strongest antiproliferative activity against A549 cells with an IC50 value of 0.61 μM, a little bit better than PF-3758309. Further anticancer mechanistic investigation revealed that compound 27e significantly induced apoptosis of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and blocked the cell cycle at phase G0/G1. A docking model between compound 27e and PAK4 was proposed to elucidate its possible binding modes. As a promising PAK4 inhibitor, compound 27e may serve as a candidate for the development of novel PAK4-targeted anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yusang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Fan Yu
- The Engineering Research Center of Synthetic Polypeptide Drug Discovery and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Anyao Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaowen Xue
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Su N, Fang Y, Chen X, Chen X, Xia Z, Huang H, Xia Y, Liu P, Tian X, Cai Q. Targeting P21-activated kinase suppresses proliferation and enhances chemosensitivity in T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. BLOOD SCIENCE 2023; 5:249-257. [PMID: 37941919 PMCID: PMC10629744 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000169] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a highly aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis. P21-activated kinase (PAK) is a component of the gene expression-based classifier that can predict the prognosis of T-LBL. However, the role of PAK in T-LBL progression and survival remains poorly understood. Herein, we found that the expression of PAK1 was significantly higher in T-LBL cell lines (Jurkat, SUP-T1, and CCRF-CEM) compared to the human T-lymphoid cell line. Moreover, PAK2 mRNA level of 32 relapsed T-LBL patients was significantly higher than that of 37 cases without relapse (P = .012). T-LBL patients with high PAK1 and PAK2 expression had significantly shorter median RFS than those with low PAK1 and PAK2 expression (PAK1, P = .028; PAK2, P = .027; PAK1/2, P = .032). PAK inhibitors, PF3758309 (PF) and FRAX597, could suppress the proliferation of T-LBL cells by blocking the G1/S cell cycle phase transition. Besides, PF could enhance the chemosensitivity to doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, through western blotting and RNA sequencing, we identified that PF could inhibit the phosphorylation of PAK1/2 and downregulate the expression of cyclin D1, NF-κB and cell adhesion signaling pathways in T-LBL cell lines. These findings suggest that PAK might be associated with T-LBL recurrence and further found that PAK inhibitors could suppress proliferation and enhance chemosensitivity of T-LBL cells treated with doxorubicin. Collectively, our present study underscores the potential therapeutic effect of inhibiting PAK in T-LBL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongjun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiqiang Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Xia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panpan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Tian
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Cai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Kichina JV, Maslov A, Kandel ES. PAK1 and Therapy Resistance in Melanoma. Cells 2023; 12:2373. [PMID: 37830586 PMCID: PMC10572217 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192373] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma claims more lives than any other skin malignancy. While primary melanomas are usually cured via surgical excision, the metastatic form of the disease portents a poor prognosis. Decades of intense research has yielded an extensive armamentarium of anti-melanoma therapies, ranging from genotoxic chemo- and radiotherapies to targeted interventions in specific signaling pathways and immune functions. Unfortunately, even the most up-to-date embodiments of these therapies are not curative for the majority of metastatic melanoma patients, and the need to improve their efficacy is widely recognized. Here, we review the reports that implicate p21-regulated kinase 1 (PAK1) and PAK1-related pathways in the response of melanoma to various therapeutic modalities. Ample data suggest that PAK1 may decrease cell sensitivity to programmed cell death, provide additional stimulation to growth-promoting molecular pathways, and contribute to the creation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Accordingly, there is mounting evidence that the concomitant inhibition of PAK1 enhances the potency of various anti-melanoma regimens. Overall, the available information suggests that a safe and effective inhibition of PAK1-dependent molecular processes would enhance the potency of the currently available anti-melanoma treatments, although considerable challenges in implementing such strategies still exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia V. Kichina
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Alexei Maslov
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Eugene S. Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Somanath PR, Chernoff J, Cummings BS, Prasad SM, Homan HD. Targeting P21-Activated Kinase-1 for Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2236. [PMID: 37190165 PMCID: PMC10137274 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has limited therapeutic options and a high mortality rate. The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family of proteins is important in cell survival, proliferation, and motility in physiology, and pathologies such as infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and neurological diseases as well as cancers. Group-I PAKs (PAK1, PAK2, and PAK3) are involved in the regulation of actin dynamics and thus are integral for cell morphology, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and cell motility. They also play prominent roles in cell survival and proliferation. These properties make group-I PAKs a potentially important target for cancer therapy. In contrast to normal prostate and prostatic epithelial cells, group-I PAKs are highly expressed in mPCA and PCa tissue. Importantly, the expression of group-I PAKs is proportional to the Gleason score of the patients. While several compounds have been identified that target group-I PAKs and these are active in cells and mice, and while some inhibitors have entered human trials, as of yet, none have been FDA-approved. Probable reasons for this lack of translation include issues related to selectivity, specificity, stability, and efficacy resulting in side effects and/or lack of efficacy. In the current review, we describe the pathophysiology and current treatment guidelines of PCa, present group-I PAKs as a potential druggable target to treat mPCa patients, and discuss the various ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors of PAKs. We also discuss the development and testing of a nanotechnology-based therapeutic formulation of group-I PAK inhibitors and its significant potential advantages as a novel, selective, stable, and efficacious mPCa therapeutic over other PCa therapeutics in the pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payaningal R. Somanath
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Brian S. Cummings
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sandip M. Prasad
- Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
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Dukel M, Fiskin K. Combination of PAKs inhibitors IPA-3 and PF-3758309 effectively suppresses colon carcinoma cell growth by perturbing DNA damage response. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:340-354. [PMID: 35939342 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2110326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE PAKs proteins are speculated as new promising targets for cancer therapy due to their central role in many oncogenic pathways. Because PAKs proteins are very significant during carcinogenesis, we aimed to investigate the hypothesis that inhibition of PAKs with IPA-3 and PF-3758309 treatment could synergistically reduce colon carcinoma cell growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cytotoxic effects of both drugs were determined by a cell viability assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of inhibitor drugs on marker genes of apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, and DNA damage were tested via immunoblotting. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We found out the synergistic effect of these drugs in pair on five colon cancer cell lines. Combined treatment with IPA-3+PF-3758309 in SW620 and Colo 205 cells markedly suppressed colon formation and induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy compared with treatment with each drug alone. Additionally, this combination sensitized colon cancer cells to ionizing radiation that resulted in inhibition of cell growth. SIGNIFICANCE Collectively, our findings show for the first time that cotreatment of IPA-3 with PF-3758309 exhibits superior inhibitory effects on colon carcinoma cell growth via inducing DNA damage-related cell death and also enforces a cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzaffer Dukel
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Faculty of Art and Science, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Kayahan Fiskin
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Chow HY, Karchugina S, Groendyke BJ, Toenjes S, Hatcher J, Donovan KA, Fischer ES, Abalakov G, Faezov B, Dunbrack R, Gray NS, Chernoff J. Development and Utility of a PAK1-Selective Degrader. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15627-15641. [PMID: 36416208 PMCID: PMC10029980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of PAK1, a druggable kinase, is common in several malignancies, and inhibition of PAK1 by small molecules has been shown to impede the growth and survival of such cells. Potent inhibitors of PAKs 1-3 have been described, but clinical development has been hindered by recent findings that PAK2 function is required for normal cardiovascular function in adult mice. A unique allosteric PAK1-selective inhibitor, NVS-PAK1-1, provides a potential path forward, but has modest potency. Here, we report the development of BJG-05-039, a PAK1-selective degrader consisting of NVS-PAK1-1 conjugated to lenalidomide, a recruiter of the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor Cereblon. BJG-05-039 induced selective degradation of PAK1 and displayed enhanced anti-proliferative effects relative to its parent compound in PAK1-dependent, but not PAK2-dependent, cell lines. Our findings suggest that selective PAK1 degradation may confer more potent pharmacological effects compared with catalytic inhibition and highlight the potential advantages of PAK1-targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Yee Chow
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China 610041
| | | | - Brian J. Groendyke
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Current address: Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Sean Toenjes
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - John Hatcher
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | | | - Bulat Faezov
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008
| | | | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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Mao Y, Lee E, Yang X, Bae EJ, Jeon R, Park BH. Targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) with pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidine derivative SPA7012 attenuates hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury in mice. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2133-2146. [PMID: 35920284 PMCID: PMC9354638 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2106478] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
p21-Activated kinase 4 (PAK4), one of the serine/threonine kinases activated by Rho-family GTPases, has been widely studied as an oncogenic protein that is overexpressed in many types of cancers. In our recent study, PAK4 upregulation was observed in mice exhibiting hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) and in liver transplantation patients. Liver I/R injury was also attenuated in Pak4 KO mice. Herein, we report a novel series of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives of type I ½ PAK4 inhibitors. The most potent compound SPA7012 was evaluated to determine the pharmacological potential of PAK4 inhibitor in I/R injury in mice. Mice with I/R injury showed typical patterns of liver damage, as demonstrated by increases in serum levels of aminotransferases and proinflammatory cytokines, hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, relative to sham mice. Conversely, intraperitoneal administration of SPA7012 dramatically attenuated biochemical and histopathologic changes. Mechanistically, stabilisation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of anti-oxidative response, was observed following SPA7012 treatment. SPA7012 treatment in primary hepatocytes also attenuated hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced apoptotic cell death and inflammation. Together, these results provide experimental evidence supporting the use of PAK4 inhibitors for alleviation of I/R-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancheng Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Raok Jeon
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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Minor Kinases with Major Roles in Cytokinesis Regulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223639. [PMID: 36429067 PMCID: PMC9688779 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis, the conclusive act of cell division, allows cytoplasmic organelles and chromosomes to be faithfully partitioned between two daughter cells. In animal organisms, its accurate regulation is a fundamental task for normal development and for preventing aneuploidy. Cytokinesis failures produce genetically unstable tetraploid cells and ultimately result in chromosome instability, a hallmark of cancer cells. In animal cells, the assembly and constriction of an actomyosin ring drive cleavage furrow ingression, resulting in the formation of a cytoplasmic intercellular bridge, which is severed during abscission, the final event of cytokinesis. Kinase-mediated phosphorylation is a crucial process to orchestrate the spatio-temporal regulation of the different stages of cytokinesis. Several kinases have been described in the literature, such as cyclin-dependent kinase, polo-like kinase 1, and Aurora B, regulating both furrow ingression and/or abscission. However, others exist, with well-established roles in cell-cycle progression but whose specific role in cytokinesis has been poorly investigated, leading to considering these kinases as "minor" actors in this process. Yet, they deserve additional attention, as they might disclose unexpected routes of cell division regulation. Here, we summarize the role of multifunctional kinases in cytokinesis with a special focus on those with a still scarcely defined function during cell cleavage. Moreover, we discuss their implication in cancer.
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11
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Li Y, Lu Q, Xie C, Yu Y, Zhang A. Recent advances on development of p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitors as anti-tumor agents. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:956220. [PMID: 36105226 PMCID: PMC9465411 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.956220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a member of the PAKs family. It is overexpressed in multiple tumor tissues. Pharmacological inhibition of PAK4 attenuates proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Recent studies revealed that inhibition of PAK4 sensitizes immunotherapy which has been extensively exploited as a new strategy to treat cancer. In the past few years, a large number of PAK4 inhibitors have been reported. Of note, the allosteric inhibitor KPT-9274 has been tested in phase Ⅰ clinic trials. Herein, we provide an update on recent research progress on the PAK4 mediated signaling pathway and highlight the development of the PAK4 small molecular inhibitors in recent 5 years. Meanwhile, challenges, limitations, and future developmental directions will be discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Lu
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghu Xie
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Yu
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ao Zhang,
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12
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Blankenstein LJ, Cordes N, Kunz-Schughart LA, Vehlow A. Targeting of p21-Activated Kinase 4 Radiosensitizes Glioblastoma Cells via Impaired DNA Repair. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142133. [PMID: 35883575 PMCID: PMC9316146 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a devastating malignant disease with poor patient overall survival. Strong invasiveness and resistance to radiochemotherapy have challenged the identification of molecular targets that can finally improve treatment outcomes. This study evaluates the influence of all six known p21-activated kinase (PAK) protein family members on the invasion capacity and radio-response of glioblastoma cells by employing a siRNA-based screen. In a panel of human glioblastoma cell models, we identified PAK4 as the main PAK isoform regulating invasion and clonogenic survival upon irradiation and demonstrated the radiosensitizing potential of PAK4 inhibition. Mechanistically, we show that PAK4 depletion and pharmacological inhibition enhanced the number of irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks and reduced the expression levels of various DNA repair proteins. In conclusion, our data suggest PAK4 as a putative target for radiosensitization and impairing DNA repair in glioblastoma, deserving further scrutiny in extended combinatorial treatment testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon J. Blankenstein
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, PF 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (L.J.B.); (N.C.); (L.A.K.-S.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils Cordes
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, PF 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (L.J.B.); (N.C.); (L.A.K.-S.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, PF 50, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden—Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology—OncoRay, Bautzner Landstr. 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69192 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leoni A. Kunz-Schughart
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, PF 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (L.J.B.); (N.C.); (L.A.K.-S.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Vehlow
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, PF 41, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (L.J.B.); (N.C.); (L.A.K.-S.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69192 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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13
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Yuan Y, Zhang H, Li D, Li Y, Lin F, Wang Y, Song H, Liu X, Li F, Zhang J. PAK4 in cancer development: Emerging player and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 545:215813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Song P, Zhao F, Li D, Qu J, Yao M, Su Y, Wang H, Zhou M, Wang Y, Gao Y, Li F, Zhao D, Zhang F, Rao Y, Xia M, Li H, Wang J, Cheng M. Synthesis of selective PAK4 inhibitors for lung metastasis of lung cancer and melanoma cells. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2905-2922. [PMID: 35755272 PMCID: PMC9214071 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is serine/threonine protein kinase that is critical for cancer progression. Guided by X-ray crystallography and structure-based optimization, we report a novel subseries of C-3-substituted 6-ethynyl-1H-indole derivatives that display high potential and specificity towards group II PAKs. Among these inhibitors, compound 55 exhibited excellent inhibitory activity and kinase selectivity, displayed superior anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties against the lung cancer cell line A549 and the melanoma cell line B16. Compound 55 exhibited potent in vivo antitumor metastatic efficacy, with over 80% and 90% inhibition of lung metastasis in A549 or B16-BL6 lung metastasis models, respectively. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that compound 55 mitigated TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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15
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p21-Activated kinases as promising therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies. Leukemia 2022; 36:315-326. [PMID: 34697424 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The p21-Activated Kinases (PAKs) are a family of six serine/threonine kinases that were originally identified as downstream effectors of the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac. Since the first PAK was discovered in 1994, studies have revealed their fundamental and biological importance in the development of physiological systems. Within the cell, PAKs also play significant roles in regulating essential cellular processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics, gene expression, cell survival, and cell cycle progression. These processes are often deregulated in numerous cancers when different PAKs are overexpressed or amplified at the chromosomal level. Furthermore, PAKs modulate multiple oncogenic signaling pathways which facilitate apoptosis escape, uncontrolled proliferation, and drug resistance. There is growing insight into the critical roles of PAKs in regulating steady-state hematopoiesis, including the properties of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), and the initiation and progression of hematological malignancies. This review will focus on the most recent studies that provide experimental evidence showing how specific PAKs regulate the properties of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and drug-resistant cells to initiate and maintain hematological malignancies. The current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the PAKs operate in specific human leukemia or lymphomas will be discussed. From a translational point of view, PAKs have been suggested to be critical therapeutic targets and potential prognosis markers; thus, this review will also discuss current therapeutic strategies against hematological malignancies using existing small-molecule PAK inhibitors, as well as promising combination treatments, to sensitize drug-resistant cells to conventional therapies. The challenges of toxicity and non-specific targeting associated with some PAK inhibitors, as well as how future approaches for PAK inhibition to overcome these limitations, will also be addressed.
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PAK4 and NAMPT as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, and Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010160. [PMID: 35008323 PMCID: PMC8750170 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) are cancers of the white blood cells. While some NHL subtypes, such as Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), grow and spread aggressively, others, like follicular lymphoma (FL), are indolent in nature. Irrespective of how fast they grow, all NHL subtypes can spread to other organs in the body if not treated. In this study, we have demonstrated that the targeted inhibition of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) in different NHL subtypes by a novel, orally bioavailable, dual inhibitor KPT-9274 can lead to energy depletion, inhibition of cell proliferation, and ultimately apoptosis. KPT-9274 treatment shows potent anti-tumor effects in DLBCL and MCL subcutaneous xenograft models and enhances mice survival in a systemic FL model. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of targeting PAK4 and NAMPT by a small molecule inhibitor KPT-9274 for NHL therapy. Abstract Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), grade 3b follicular lymphoma (FL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). Cure rates are suboptimal and novel treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes. Here, we show that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is critical for lymphoma subsistence. Dual targeting of PAK4-NAMPT by the Phase I small molecule KPT-9274 suppressed cell proliferation in DLBCL, FL, and MCL. Growth inhibition was concurrent with apoptosis induction alongside activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and reduced pro-survival markers. We observed NAD suppression, ATP reduction, and consequent cellular metabolic collapse in lymphoma cells due to KPT-9274 treatment. KPT-9274 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapeutics led to superior inhibition of cell proliferation. In vivo, KPT-9274 could markedly suppress the growth of WSU-DLCL2 (DLBCL), Z-138, and JeKo-1 (MCL) sub-cutaneous xenografts, and a remarkable increase in host life span was shown, with a 50% cure of a systemic WSU-FSCCL (FL) model. Residual tumor analysis confirmed a reduction in total and phosphorylated PAK4 and activation of the pro-apoptotic cascade. This study, using various preclinical experimental models, demonstrates the therapeutic potential of targeting PAK4-NAMPT in DLBCL, FL, and MCL. The orally bioavailable, safe, and efficacious PAK4-NAMPT dual inhibitor KPT-9274 warrants further clinical investigation.
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The Use of Nanomedicine to Target Signaling by the PAK Kinases for Disease Treatment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123565. [PMID: 34944073 PMCID: PMC8700304 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are serine/threonine kinases involved in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and the regulation of cell morphology. Some members of the PAK family are highly expressed in several types of cancer, and they have also been implicated in several other medical disorders. They are thus considered to be good targets for treatment of cancer and other diseases. Although there are several inhibitors of the PAKs, the utility of some of these inhibitors is reduced for several reasons, including limited metabolic stability. One way to overcome this problem is the use of nanoparticles, which have the potential to increase drug delivery. The overall goals of this review are to describe the roles for PAK kinases in cell signaling and disease, and to describe how the use of nanomedicine is a promising new method for administering PAK inhibitors for the purpose of disease treatment and research. We discuss some of the basic mechanisms behind nanomedicine technology, and we then describe how these techniques are being used to package and deliver PAK inhibitors.
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18
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Liu Y, Fu L, Wu J, Liu M, Wang G, Liu B, Zhang L. Transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases: Potential drug targets in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 229:114056. [PMID: 34942431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the development of the concept of cell cycle and its limiting points, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are considered to play a central role in regulating cell cycle progression. Recent studies have strongly demonstrated that CDKs also has multiple functions, especially in response to extracellular and intracellular signals by interfering with transcriptional events. Consequently, how to inhibit their function has been a hot research topic. It is worth noting that the key role of CDKs in regulating transcription has been explored in recent years, but its related pharmacological targets are less developed, and most inhibitors have not entered the clinical stage. Accordingly, this perspective focus on the biological functions of transcription related CDKs and their complexes, some key upstream and downstream signals, and inhibitors for cancer treatment in recent years. In addition, some corresponding combined treatment strategies will provide a more novel perspective for future cancer remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China.
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Wang H, Song P, Gao Y, Shen L, Xu H, Wang J, Cheng M. Drug discovery targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4): a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:977-987. [PMID: 34369844 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1944100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The Ser/Thr protein kinase PAK4 is a downstream regulator of Cdc42, mediating cytoskeleton remodeling, and cell motility, and inhibiting apoptosis and transcriptional regulation. Nowadays, efforts in PAK4 inhibitor development are focusing on improving inhibitory selectivity, cellular potency, and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, and identifying the feasibility of immunotherapy combination in oncology therapy.Areas covered: This review summarized the development of PAK4 inhibitors that reported on patents in the past two decades. According to their binding features, these inhibitors were classified into type I, type I 1/2, and PAMs. Their designing ideas and SAR were elucidated in this review. Moreover, synergistic therapy of PAK4 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 or CAR-T were also summarized .Expert opinion: In the past years, preclinical and clinical studies of PAK4 inhibitors ended in failure due to poor selectivity, cellular activity, or pharmacokinetic issues. There are researchers questioning the reliability of PAK4 as a drug target, particularly PAK4-related therapy is concerned with the distinguishment of the non-kinase functions and catalytic functions triggered by PAK4 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, synergistic effects of PAK4 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 and CAR-T immunotherapy shed light for the development of PAK4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peilu Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yinli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanlan Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hanqin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Progress in the therapeutic inhibition of Cdc42 signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1443-1456. [PMID: 34100887 PMCID: PMC8286826 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling cell motility, polarity and cell cycle progression. It signals downstream of the master regulator Ras and is essential for cell transformation by this potent oncogene. Overexpression of Cdc42 is observed in several cancers, where it is linked to poor prognosis. As a regulator of both cell architecture and motility, deregulation of Cdc42 is also linked to tumour metastasis. Like Ras, Cdc42 and other components of the signalling pathways it controls represent important potential targets for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we consider the progress that has been made targeting Cdc42, its regulators and effectors, including new modalities and new approaches to inhibition. Strategies under consideration include inhibition of lipid modification, modulation of Cdc42-GEF, Cdc42-GDI and Cdc42-effector interactions, and direct inhibition of downstream effectors.
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21
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Zhang G, Wu P, Zhou K, He M, Zhang X, Qiu C, Li T, Zhang T, Xie K, Dai G, Wang J. Study on the transcriptome for breast muscle of chickens and the function of key gene RAC2 on fibroblasts proliferation. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:157. [PMID: 33676413 PMCID: PMC7937270 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07453-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth performance is significant in broiler production. In the growth process of broilers, gene expression varies at different growth stages. However, limited research has been conducted on the molecular mechanisms of muscle growth and development in yellow-feathered male chickens. RESULTS In the study, we used RNA-seq to study the transcriptome of the breast muscle of male Jinghai yellow chickens at 4 (M4F), 8 (M8F) and 12 weeks (M12F) of age. The results showed that 4608 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by comparison in pairs of the three groups with Fold Change (FC) ≥ 2 and False Discovery Rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05, and 83, 3445 and 3903 DEGs were obtained separately from M4FvsM8F, M4FvsM12F and M8FvsM12F. Six genes were found as co-differentially expressed in the three age groups, namely SNCG, MYH1A, ARHGDIB, ENSGALG00000031598, ENSGALG00000035660 and ENSGALG00000030559. The GO analysis showed that 0, 304 and 408 biological process (BP) were significantly enriched in M4FvsM8F, M4FvsM12F and M8FvsM12F groups, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment showed that 1, 2, 4 and 4 pathways were significantly enriched in M4FvsM8F, M4FvsM12F, M8FvsM12F and all DEGs, respectively. They were steroid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, focal adhesion, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, biosynthesis of amino acids and salmonella infection. We constructed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to interfere the differentially expressed gene RAC2 in DF-1 cells and detected mRNA and protein expression of the downstream genes PAK1 and MAPK8. Results of qPCR showed that RAC2, PAK1 and MAPK8 mRNA expression significantly decreased in the shRAC2-2 group compared with the negative control (NC) group. Western Blot (WB) results showed that the proteins of RAC2, PAK1 and MAPK8 also decreased in the shRAC2-2 group. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay both showed that the proliferation of DF-1 cells was significantly inhibited after transfection of shRAC2-2. CONCLUSIONS The results of RNA-seq revealed genes, BP terms and KEGG pathways related to growth and development of male Jinghai yellow chickens, and they would have important guiding significance to our production practice. Further research suggested that RAC2 might regulate cell proliferation by regulating PAKs/MAPK8 pathway and affect growth of chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genxi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Kaizhi Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Mingliang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Xinchao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Cong Qiu
- Jiangsu Jinghai Poultry Group Co. Ltd., Nantong, 226100, China
| | - Tingting Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Kaizhou Xie
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Guojun Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
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22
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Zhou Y, Xie Y, Li T, Zhang P, Chen T, Fan Z, Tan X. P21‑activated kinase 1 mediates angiotensin II‑induced differentiation of human atrial fibroblasts via the JNK/c‑Jun pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:207. [PMID: 33495806 PMCID: PMC7830933 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11846] [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: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathophysiological condition involved in numerous types of cardiovascular disease. The renin‑angiotensin system, particularly angiotensin II (AngII), serves an important role in cardiac fibrosis and remodeling. Furthermore, p21‑activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, which is abundantly expressed in all regions of the heart. However, the role of PAK1 in AngII‑mediated activation of cardiac fibroblasts remains unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of PAK1 in cardiac fibroblasts and its underlying mechanisms. Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) were cultured and treated with PAK1 inhibitor IPA‑3 or transduced with PAK1 short hairpin (sh)RNA by lentiviral particles to silence PAK1 expression levels. Subsequently, the cell proliferation and migration abilities of the HCFs were determined. Western blot analysis was used to detect the phosphorylation status of Janus kinase (JNK) and c‑Jun. A Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay showed that PAK1 inhibition following treatment of HCFs with 5 µM IPA‑3 or PAK1‑shRNA, significantly attenuated AngII‑induced proliferation of fibroblasts. In addition, wound healing and Transwell migration assays demonstrated that inhibition of PAK1 significantly inhibited AngII‑induced cell migration. Finally, decreased PAK1 expression levels downregulated AngII‑mediated upregulation of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), collagen I, phosphorylated (p)‑JNK and p‑c‑Jun, a downstream molecule of JNK signaling. These findings indicate that PAK1 contributes to AngII‑induced proliferation, migration and transdifferentiation of HCFs via the JNK/c‑Jun pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Tangting Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongcai Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of the Ministry of Education, and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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Akhtar MJ, Yar MS, Sharma VK, Khan AA, Ali Z, Haider MDR, Pathak A. Recent Progress of Benzimidazole Hybrids for Anticancer Potential. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:5970-6014. [PMID: 31393240 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190808122929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review presents the detailed account of factors leading to cancer and design strategy for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives as anticancer agents. The recent survey for cancer treatment in Cancer facts and figures 2017 American Chemical Society has shown progressive development in fighting cancer. Researchers all over the world in both developed and developing countries are in a continuous effort to tackle this serious concern. Benzimidazole and its derivatives showed a broad range of biological activities due to their resemblance with naturally occurring nitrogenous base i.e. purine. The review discussed benzimidazole derivatives showing anticancer properties through a different mechanism viz. intercalation, alkylating agents, topoisomerases, DHFR enzymes, and tubulin inhibitors. Benzimidazole derivatives act through a different mechanism and the substituents reported from the earlier and recent research articles are prerequisites for the synthesis of targeted based benzimidazole derivatives as anticancer agents. The review focuses on an easy comparison of the substituent essential for potency and selectivity through SAR presented in figures. This will further provide a better outlook or fulfills the challenges faced in the development of novel benzimidazole derivatives as anticancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jawaid Akhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hamdard University,
Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Indo Soviet Friendship College of Pharmacy, Ghal Kalan, Ferozpur G.T. Road MOGA-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Mohammad Shahar Yar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hamdard University,
Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Vinod Kumar Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, Bharat Institute of Technology, NH58, Partapur Bypass Meerut-250103, India
| | - Ahsan Ahmed Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hamdard University,
Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Zulphikar Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hamdard University,
Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - M D Rafi Haider
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hamdard University,
Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Ankita Pathak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hamdard University,
Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi-110062, India
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24
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Liang H, Du J, Elhassan RM, Hou X, Fang H. Recent progress in development of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitors for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:61-76. [PMID: 33183110 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1850693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a part of the CDK-activating kinase family (CAK) which has a key role in the cell cycle and transcriptional regulation. Several lines of evidence suggest that CDK7 is a promising therapeutic target for cancer. CDK7 selective inhibitors such as SY-5609 and CT7001 are in clinical development. Areas covered: We explore the biology of CDK7 and its role in cancer and follow this with an evaluation of the preclinical and clinical progress of CDK7 inhibitors, and their potential in the clinic. We searched PubMed and ClinicalTrials to identify relevant data from the database inception to 14 October 2020. Expert opinion: CDK7 inhibitors are next generation therapeutics for cancer. However, there are still challenges which include selectively, side effects, and drug resistance. Nevertheless, with ongoing clinical development of these inhibitors and greater analysis of their target, CDK7 inhibitors will become a promising approach for treatment of cancer in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhi Liang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jintong Du
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Reham M Elhassan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, China
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Liposomes Targeting P21 Activated Kinase-1 (PAK-1) and Selective for Secretory Phospholipase A 2 (sPLA 2) Decrease Cell Viability and Induce Apoptosis in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249396. [PMID: 33321758 PMCID: PMC7764208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
P21 activated kinases (or group I PAKs) are serine/threonine kinases whose expression is altered in prostate and breast cancers. PAK-1 activity is inhibited by the small molecule "Inhibitor targeting PAK-1 activation-3" (IPA-3), which has selectivity for PAK-1 but is metabolically unstable. Secretory Group IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) expression correlates to increased metastasis and decreased survival in many cancers. We previously designed novel liposomal formulations targeting both PAK-1 and sPLA2, called Secretory Phospholipase Responsive liposomes or SPRL-IPA-3, and demonstrated their ability to alter prostate cancer growth. The efficacy of SPRL against other types of cancers is not well understood. We addressed this limitation by determining the ability of SPRL to induce cell death in a diverse panel of cells representing different stages of breast cancer, including the invasive but non-metastatic MCF-7 cells, and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells such as MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-435. We investigated the role of sPLA2 in the disposition of these liposomes by comparing the efficacy of SPRL-IPA-3 to IPA-3 encapsulated in sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL-IPA-3), a formulation shown to be less sensitive to sPLA2. Both SSL-IPA-3 and SPRL-IPA-3 induced time- and dose-dependent decreases in MTT staining in all cell lines tested, but SPRL-IPA-3-induced effects in metastatic TNBC cell lines were superior over SSL-IPA-3. The reduction in MTT staining induced by SPRL-IPA-3 correlated to the expression of Group IIA sPLA2. sPLA2 expression also correlated to increased induction of apoptosis in TNBC cell lines by SPRL-IPA-3. These data suggest that SPRL-IPA-3 is selective for metastatic TNBC cells and that the efficacy of SPRL-IPA-3 is mediated, in part, by the expression of Group IIA sPLA2.
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Verma A, Najahi-Missaoui W, Cummings BS, Somanath PR. Sterically stabilized liposomes targeting P21 (RAC1) activated kinase-1 and secreted phospholipase A 2 suppress prostate cancer growth and metastasis. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:179. [PMID: 32934746 PMCID: PMC7471734 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) has a very high mortality rate in men, in Western countries and lacks reliable treatment. The advanced-stage PCa cells overexpress P21 (RAC1) activated kinase-1 (PAK1) and secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) suggesting the potential utility of pharmacologically targeting these molecules to treat metastatic PCa. The small molecule, inhibitor targeting PAK1 activation-3 (IPA3) is a highly specific allosteric inhibitor of PAK1; however, it is metabolically unstable once in the plasma thus, limiting its utility as a chemotherapeutic agent. In the present study, the efficacy and specificity of IPA3 were combined with the stability and the sPLA2-targeted delivery method of two sterically stabilized liposomes [sterically stabilized long-circulating liposomes (SSL)-IPA3 and sPLA2 responsive liposomes (SPRL)-IPA3, respectively] to inhibit PCa growth and metastasis. It was found that twice-a-week administration of either SSL-IPA3 or SPRL-IPA3 for 3 weeks effectively suppressed the growth of PC-3 cell tumor xenografts implanted in athymic nude mice. Both drug formulations also inhibited the metastasis of intravenously administered murine RM1 PCa cells to the lungs of C57BL/6 mice. Whereas the twice-a-week administration of SSL-IPA3 significantly inhibited the spontaneous PCa metastasis to the lungs in Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate mice, the administration of free IPA3 had no significant therapeutic benefit. The results present two novel IPA3 encapsulated liposomes to treat metastatic PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arti Verma
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Wided Najahi-Missaoui
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Brian S. Cummings
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30602, USA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
- Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30602, USA
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Baillache DJ, Unciti-Broceta A. Recent developments in anticancer kinase inhibitors based on the pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidine scaffold. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1112-1135. [PMID: 33479617 PMCID: PMC7652001 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00227e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines have become of significant interest for the medicinal chemistry community as a privileged scaffold for the development of kinase inhibitors to treat a range of diseases, including cancer. This fused nitrogen-containing heterocycle is an isostere of the adenine ring of ATP, allowing the molecules to mimic hinge region binding interactions in kinase active sites. Similarities in kinase ATP sites can be exploited to direct the activity and selectivity of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines to multiple oncogenic targets through focussed chemical modification. As a result, pharma and academic efforts have succeeded in progressing several pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines to clinical trials, including the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib, which has been approved for the treatment of several B-cell cancers. In this review, we examine the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines currently in clinical trials for oncology patients, as well as those published in the literature during the last 5 years for different anticancer indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Baillache
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre , Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine , University of Edinburgh , Crewe Road South , Edinburgh EH4 2XR , UK .
| | - Asier Unciti-Broceta
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre , Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine , University of Edinburgh , Crewe Road South , Edinburgh EH4 2XR , UK .
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28
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Zhang M, Fang X, Wang C, Hua Y, Huang C, Wang M, Zhu L, Wang Z, Gao Y, Zhang T, Liu H, Zhang Y, Lu S, Lu T, Chen Y, Li H. Design and synthesis of 1H-indazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as potent and selective PAK1 inhibitors with anti-tumour migration and invasion activities. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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29
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Mpilla GB, Philip PA, El-Rayes B, Azmi AS. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Therapeutic challenges and research limitations. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4036-4054. [PMID: 32821069 PMCID: PMC7403797 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i28.4036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are known to be the second most common epithelial malignancy of the pancreas. PNETs can be listed among the slowest growing as well as the fastest growing human cancers. The prevalence of PNETs is deceptively low; however, its incidence has significantly increased over the past decades. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimate, about 4032 (> 7% of all pancreatic malignancies) individuals will be diagnosed with PNETs in 2020. PNETs often cause severe morbidity due to excessive secretion of hormones (such as serotonin) and/or overall tumor mass. Patients can live for many years (except for those patients with poorly differentiated G3 neuroendocrine tumors); thus, the prevalence of the tumors that is the number of patients actually dealing with the disease at any given time is fairly high because the survival is much longer than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Due to significant heterogeneity, the management of PNETs is very complex and remains an unmet clinical challenge. In terms of research studies, modest improvements have been made over the past decades in the identification of potential oncogenic drivers in order to enhance the quality of life and increase survival for this growing population of patients. Unfortunately, the majority of systematic therapies approved for the management of advanced stage PNETs lack objective response or at most result in modest benefits in survival. In this review, we aim to discuss the broad challenges associated with the management and the study of PNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Benyomo Mpilla
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Philip Agop Philip
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Bassel El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Emory Winship Institute, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Asfar Sohail Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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30
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Wang J, Zhu Y, Chen J, Yang Y, Zhu L, Zhao J, Yang Y, Cai X, Hu C, Rosell R, Sun X, Cao P. Identification of a novel PAK1 inhibitor to treat pancreatic cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:603-614. [PMID: 32322465 PMCID: PMC7161699 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers with poor prognosis and a low 5-year survival rate. The family of P21-activated kinases (PAKs) appears to modulate many signaling pathways that contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis. In this work, we demonstrated that PAK1 is a critical regulator in pancreatic cancer cell growth. PAK1-targeted inhibition is therefore a new potential therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer. Our small molecule screening identified a relatively specific PAK1-targeted inhibitor, CP734. Pharmacological and biochemical studies indicated that CP734 targets residue V342 of PAK1 to inhibit its ATPase activity. Further in vitro and in vivo studies elucidated that CP734 suppresses pancreatic tumor growth through depleting PAK1 kinase activity and its downstream signaling pathways. Little toxicity of CP734 was observed in murine models. Combined with gemcitabine or 5-fluorouracil, CP734 also showed synergistic effects on the anti-proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. All these favorable results indicated that CP734 is a new potential therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer.
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Key Words
- 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANOVA, analysis of variance
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-2
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CCK-8, cell counting kit-8
- CDC42, cell division cycle 42
- DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium
- DMSO, dimethylsulfoxide
- ERK, extracellular regulated protein kinase
- GEPIA, gene expression profiling interactive analysis
- GTEx, genotype-tissue expression
- Gem, gemcitabine
- HEK293, human embryonic kidney 293
- HTVS, high-throughput virtual screening
- IMEM, improved minimum essential medium
- IP, immunoprecipitation
- Inhibitor
- MEK, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
- MEM, modified Eagle's medium
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- OHP, oxaliplatin
- OS, overall survival
- PAK, P21-activated kinase
- PAK1
- PARP, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase
- PAX, paclitaxel
- PSCs, pancreatic stellate cells
- PUMA, P53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis
- PVDF, polyvinylidene fluoride
- Pancreatic cancer
- RAC1, Rac family small GTPase 1
- RIPA, radio immunoprecipitation assay
- RPMI1640, Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium
- SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- SP, standard precision
- Structure-based virtual screening
- Synergistic effect
- TCGA, The Cancer Genome Atlas
- TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling
- XP, extra precision
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yonghua Zhu
- Fullshare Health College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Lingxia Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Jiayu Zhao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Xueting Cai
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Chunping Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Rafael Rosell
- Cancer Biology and Precision Medicine Program, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Badalona 08916, Spain
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 25 85608666; fax: +86 25 52362230.
| | - Peng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 25 85608666; fax: +86 25 52362230.
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Diab S, Yu M, Wang S. CDK7 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: The Sweet Smell of Success? J Med Chem 2020; 63:7458-7474. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Diab
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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32
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Abstract
In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Olson et al. (2019) develop the first selective CDK7 irreversible inhibitor. Elegant cell-based studies using a CDK7 mutant that is not covalently engaged by the probe helped decipher the effects of inhibiting the kinase on the cell cycle and gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn H Jones
- Jnana Therapeutics, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, USA.
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33
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Computational insight into the mechanisms of action and selectivity of Afraxis PAK inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:367-385. [PMID: 32064922 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0273] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are involved in many important biological activity regulations. FRAX019, FRAX414, FRAX597, FRAX1036 and G-5555 were identified as PAKs inhibitors. Their detailed inhibitory mechanisms deserve further investigation. Results: Molecular dynamics simulations and further calculations for the PAK1/inhibitor and PAK4/inhibitor complexes indicate that their binding free energies are basically consistent with the trend of experimental activity data. Conclusion: The anchoring of residues Leu347PAK1 and Leu398PAK4 is the structural basis for designing Afraxis PAK inhibitors. This study discloses the inhibitory mechanisms of FRAX019, FRAX414, FRAX597, FRAX1036 and G-5555 toward PAK1 and PAK4 and some clues to enhance kinase activities and selectivities, which will provide valuable information to the development of more potent and selective PAK inhibitors.
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34
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Chen X, Cates JMM, Du YC, Jain A, Jung SY, Li XN, Hicks JM, Man TK. Mislocalized cytoplasmic p27 activates PAK1-mediated metastasis and is a prognostic factor in osteosarcoma. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:846-864. [PMID: 31872963 PMCID: PMC7138393 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of pulmonary metastasis is the leading cause of death in osteosarcoma (OS), which is the most common malignant bone tumor in children. We have previously reported that the tumor suppressor p27 (KIP1, CDKN1B) is frequently mislocalized to the cytoplasm of OS. However, its prognostic significance and metastatic mechanism are still elusive. Here, we show that cytoplasmic p27 significantly correlated with a higher metastatic status and poorer survival of OS patients (n = 136, P < 0.05), highlighting the clinical significance of p27 mislocalization in OS. Mechanistically, cytoplasmic p27 is co‐immunoprecipitated with p21‐activated kinase 1 (PAK1), which resulted in higher PAK1 phosphorylations, actin polymerization, and cell motility in p27‐mislocalized OS cells. Silencing PAK1 expression in different p27‐mislocalized OS cell lines decreased the migratory and adhesion abilities in vitro, as well as the development of pulmonary metastases in vivo. Similar PAK1‐dependent motility was also observed in other p27‐mislocalized cancer cell lines. In summary, our study suggests that cytoplasmic p27‐mediated PAK1 activation is crucial for OS metastasis. A biomarker‐guided targeted therapeutic approach for metastatic OS and other cancers harboring p27 mislocalization can be developed, where cytoplasmic p27 is used for risk stratification and PAK1 can be exploited as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Justin M M Cates
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yu-Chen Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Antrix Jain
- Advanced Technology Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John M Hicks
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tsz-Kwong Man
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Gong CC, Li TT, Pei DS. PAK6: a potential anti-cancer target. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902019000318315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Xuzhou Medical University, China; Xuzhou Medical University, China
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Hafez Taghva P, Kabirifard H. Ring-chain transformation of 4-aroyl-5-phenylamino-2,3-dihydrothiophene-2,3-diones: Facile and efficient synthesis of novel pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyrazol-3(2H)-ones and 1,2-dihydro-5H,6H-pyridazine-5,6-diones. J Sulphur Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/17415993.2019.1702664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Hafez Taghva
- Department of Chemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Kabirifard
- Department of Chemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Phosphorylation-dependent activity-based conformational changes in P21-activated kinase family members and screening of novel ATP competitive inhibitors. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225132. [PMID: 31738805 PMCID: PMC6860928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that are subdivided into two groups on the basis of their domain architecture: group-I (PAK1–3) and group-II (PAK4–6). PAKs are considered as attractive drug targets that play vital role in cell proliferation, survival, motility, angiogenesis and cytoskeletal dynamics. In current study, molecular dynamics simulation-based comparative residual contributions and differential transitions were monitored in both active and inactive states of human PAK homologs for therapeutic intervention. Due to their involvement in cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders, it is inevitable to develop novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target PAKs on the basis of their activity pattern. In order to isolate novel inhibitors that are able to bind at the active sites of PAK1 and PAK4, high throughput structure-based virtual screening was performed. Multiple lead compounds were proposed on the basis of their binding potential and targeting region either phosphorylated (active) or unphosphorylated PAK isoform (inactive). Thus, ATP-competitive inhibitors may prove ideal therapeutic choice against PAK family members. The detailed conformational readjustements occurring in the PAKs upon phosphorylation-dephosphorylation events may serve as starting point for devising novel drug molecules that are able to target on activity basis. Overall, the observations of current study may add valuable contribution in the inventory of novel inhibitors that may serve as attractive lead compounds for targeting PAK family members on the basis of activity-based conformational changes.
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Guo J, Wang T, Wu T, Zhang K, Yin W, Zhu M, Pang Y, Hao C, He Z, Cheng M, Liu Y, Zheng J, Gu J, Zhao D. Synthesis, bioconversion, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of N-isopropyl-oxy-carbonyloxymethyl prodrugs of CZh-226, a potent and selective PAK4 inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 186:111878. [PMID: 31757524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have previously disclosed compound 3 (CZh-226), a potent and selective PAK4 inhibitor, but its development was delayed due to poor oral pharmacokinetics. In an attempt to improve this issue, we synthesised a series of prodrugs by masking its terminal nitrogen of the piperazine moiety. Most synthesised prodrugs of 3 have low or no inhibition of PAK4 activity. The stability of synthetic prodrugs was evaluated in PBS, SGF, SIF, rat plasma and liver S9 fraction. Of these, prodrug 19 was not only stable under both acidic and neutral conditions but also could be quickly converted to parent drug 3 in rat plasma and liver S9 fraction. Such effective conversion into parent drug 3 was observed in rats, providing higher exposure of 3 compared to its direct administration. When given via oral route at daily doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, the prodrug 19 was effective and well tolerated in mouse model of HCT-116 and B16F10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Research Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, China; Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Tianxiao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Kehan Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Wenbo Yin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yu Pang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Chenzhou Hao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jiang Zheng
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China; State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Jingkai Gu
- Research Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, China; Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Li R, Wang H, Wang J, Cheng M. PB-10, a thiazolo[4,5-d] pyrimidine derivative, targets p21-activated kinase 4 in human colorectal cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 30:126807. [PMID: 31740249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.126807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a potential therapeutic strategy against human colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we synthesized a series of novel thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives (PB-1-12) and identified PB-10 (PAK4 IC50 = 15.12 μM) as a potential and potent PAK4 inhibitor. Our results showed that PB-10 significantly suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of human CRC cells. PB-10 also arrested HCT-116 CRC cells at sub G0/G1 phase while promoting the expression of proapoptotic proteins. In addition, PB-10 inhibited migration, invasion, and adhesion as well as the PAK4 downstream signaling pathway in HCT-116 cells. Molecular docking analysis showed possible binding modes between PB-10 and PAK4. Our study provides a novel compound that may block the PAK4 signaling in CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot 010110, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
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40
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Wang H, Gao Z, Song P, Hu B, Wang J, Cheng M. Molecular dynamics simulation and QM/MM calculation reveal the selectivity mechanism of type I 1/2 kinase inhibitors: the effect of intramolecular H-bonds and conformational restriction for improved selectivity. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:24147-24164. [PMID: 31657381 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp04353e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the selectivity mechanisms of inhibitors towards highly similar proteins is extremely important work on the way to a new drug. Here, we aim to reveal the selectivity mechanisms of type I 1/2 kinase inhibitors towards p21-activated kinase (PAK4) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 14 (MAP3K14, NIK). PAK4, belonging to the serine/threonine protein kinases, is involved in cell signaling pathways and controls cellular functions and has received attention as an attractive drug target. The high sequence identity between PAK4 and NIK makes it challenging to design selective PAK4 inhibitors. In this work, computational methods including protein comparison, molecular docking, QM/MM, molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation were employed to explore the binding mechanisms of selective inhibitors against NIK and PAK4. The simulation results revealed the crucial factors accounting for selective inhibition of PAK4 over NIK, including different protein-ligand interactions, the positions and conformations of key residues, and the ligands flexibilities. This study will shed light on understanding the selectivity mechanisms of PAK4 and NIK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
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41
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Najahi‐Missaoui W, Quach ND, Jenkins A, Dabke I, Somanath PR, Cummings BS. Effect of P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK-1) inhibition on cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00518. [PMID: 31516713 PMCID: PMC6728842 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinase-1 (PAK-1) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in multiple signaling pathways that mediate cellular functions such as cytoskeletal motility, cell proliferation, and survival. PAK-1 expression is altered in various cancers, including prostate and breast. Our recent studies showed that prostate cancer cells expressing higher levels of PAK-1 were resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the PAK-1 inhibitor, inhibitor targeting PAK-1 activation-3 (IPA-3), compared to those with lower expression. This study expanded these findings to other cancers (breast and melanoma) by testing the hypothesis that genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PAK-1 alters cell growth, migration, and invasion in prostate, breast, and skin cancer cell lines. We also tested the specificity of IPA-3 for PAK-1 and the hypothesis that gene silencing of PAK-1 altered the efficacy of sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) containing IPA-3 (SSL-IPA-3). PAK-1 expression was identified in four different breast cancer cell lines, and in a melanoma cell line. The expression of PAK-1 correlated to the IC50 of IPA-3 as measured by MTT staining. PAK-1 inhibition using shRNA correlated with decreased cell migration and invasion in prostate cancer DU-145 and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Decreased migration and invasion also correlated to decreased expression of E-cadherin and alterations in C-X-C Chemokine Receptor type 4 and Homing Cell Adhesion Molecule expression. PAK-1 inhibition increased the cytotoxicity of IPA-3, and the cytotoxicity of SSL-IPA-3 to levels comparable to that of free drug. These data demonstrate that both pharmacological and molecular inhibition of PAK-1 decreased growth in prostate, breast, and melanoma cancer cell lines, and increased the toxicity of IPA-3 and its liposomal formulation. These data also show the specificity of IPA-3 for PAK-1, are some of the first data suggesting that IPA-3 is a therapeutic treatment for breast cancer and melanoma, and demonstrate the efficacy of liposome-encapsulated IPA-3 in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wided Najahi‐Missaoui
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Nhat D. Quach
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Present address:
Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & BiotechnologyBrown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | - Amber Jenkins
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Present address:
Cancer Center of Middle GeorgiaDublinGAUSA
| | - Isha Dabke
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Present address:
Medical College of GeorgiaAugustaGAUSA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of PharmacyUniversity of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical CenterAugustaGAUSA
- Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer CenterGeorgia Regents UniversityAugustaGAUSA
| | - Brian S. Cummings
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology ProgramUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
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Su Y, Song P, Wang H, Hu B, Wang J, Cheng MS. Precise design of highly isoform-selective p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitors: computational insights into the selectivity mechanism through molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:3825-3837. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1664330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang PR China
| | - Peilu Song
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang PR China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang PR China
| | - Baichun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang PR China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang PR China
| | - Mao-Sheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang PR China
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Combined inhibition of receptor tyrosine and p21-activated kinases as a therapeutic strategy in childhood ALL. Blood Adv 2019; 2:2554-2567. [PMID: 30301811 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018020693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-dependent signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of childhood. However, the RTK-dependent signaling state and its interpretation with regard to biological behavior are often elusive. To decipher signaling circuits that link RTK activity with biological output in vivo, we established patient-derived xenograft ALL (PDX-ALL) models with dependencies on fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB), which were interrogated by phosphoproteomics using iTRAQ mass spectrometry. Signaling circuits were determined by receptor type and cellular context with few generic features, among which we identified group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs) as potential therapeutic targets. Growth factor stimulation markedly increased catalytic activities of PAK1 and PAK2. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated or pharmacological inhibition of PAKs using allosteric or adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-competitive compounds attenuated cell growth and increased apoptosis in vitro. Notably, PAK1- or PAK2-directed RNAi enhanced the antiproliferative effects of the type III RTK and protein kinase C inhibitor midostaurin. Treatment of FLT3- or PDGFRB-dependent ALLs with ATP-competitive PAK inhibitors markedly decreased catalytic activities of both PAK isoforms. In FLT3-driven ALL, this effect was augmented by coadministration of midostaurin resulting in synergistic effects on growth inhibition and apoptosis. Finally, combined treatment of FLT3 D835H PDX-ALL with the ATP-competitive group I PAK inhibitor FRAX486 and midostaurin in vivo significantly prolonged leukemia progression-free survival compared with midostaurin monotherapy or control. Our study establishes PAKs as potential downstream targets in RTK-dependent ALL of childhood, the inhibition of which might help prevent the selection or acquisition of resistance mutations toward tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Olson CM, Liang Y, Leggett A, Park WD, Li L, Mills CE, Elsarrag SZ, Ficarro SB, Zhang T, Düster R, Geyer M, Sim T, Marto JA, Sorger PK, Westover KD, Lin CY, Kwiatkowski N, Gray NS. Development of a Selective CDK7 Covalent Inhibitor Reveals Predominant Cell-Cycle Phenotype. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:792-803.e10. [PMID: 30905681 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) regulates both cell cycle and transcription, but its precise role remains elusive. We previously described THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor, which dramatically inhibits superenhancer-associated gene expression. However, potent CDK12/13 off-target activity obscured CDK7s contribution to this phenotype. Here, we describe the discovery of a highly selective covalent CDK7 inhibitor. YKL-5-124 causes arrest at the G1/S transition and inhibition of E2F-driven gene expression; these effects are rescued by a CDK7 mutant unable to covalently engage YKL-5-124, demonstrating on-target specificity. Unlike THZ1, treatment with YKL-5-124 resulted in no change to RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphorylation; however, inhibition could be reconstituted by combining YKL-5-124 and THZ531, a selective CDK12/13 inhibitor, revealing potential redundancies in CDK control of gene transcription. These findings highlight the importance of CDK7/12/13 polypharmacology for anti-cancer activity of THZ1 and posit that selective inhibition of CDK7 may be useful for treatment of cancers marked by E2F misregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calla M Olson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC@BCM), Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanke Liang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alan Leggett
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Woojun D Park
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lianbo Li
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Caitlin E Mills
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Selma Z Elsarrag
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Scott B Ficarro
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Robert Düster
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Taebo Sim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Korea
| | - Jarrod A Marto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Blais Proteomics Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115, USA
| | - Ken D Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Charles Y Lin
- Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC@BCM), Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Verna & Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biology Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Chung EY, Mai Y, Shah UA, Wei Y, Ishida E, Kataoka K, Ren X, Pradhan K, Bartholdy B, Wei X, Zou Y, Zhang J, Ogawa S, Steidl U, Zang X, Verma A, Janakiram M, Ye BH. PAK Kinase Inhibition Has Therapeutic Activity in Novel Preclinical Models of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:3589-3601. [PMID: 30862694 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate therapeutic activity of PAK inhibition in ATLL and to characterize the role of PAK isoforms in cell proliferation, survival, and adhesion of ATLL cells in preclinical models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Frequency and prognostic impact of PAK2 amplification were evaluated in an ATLL cohort of 370 cases. Novel long-term cultures and in vivo xenograft models were developed using primary ATLL cells from North American patients. Two PAK inhibitors were used to block PAK kinase activity pharmacologically. siRNA-based gene silencing approach was used to genetically knockdown (KD) PAK1 and PAK2 in ATLL cell lines. RESULTS PAK1/2/4 are the three most abundantly expressed PAK family members in ATLL. PAK2 amplifications are seen in 24% of ATLLs and are associated with worse prognosis in a large patient cohort. The pan-PAK inhibitor PF-3758309 (PF) has strong in vitro and in vivo activity in a variety of ATLL preclinical models. These activities of PF are likely attributed to its ability to target several PAK isoforms simultaneously because genetic silencing of either PAK1 or PAK2 produced more modest effects. PAK2 plays a major role in CADM1-mediated stromal interaction, which is an important step in systemic dissemination of the disease. This finding is consistent with the observation that PAK2 amplification is more frequent in aggressive ATLLs and correlates with inferior outcome. CONCLUSIONS PAK2, a gene frequently amplified in ATLL, facilitates CADM1-mediated stromal interaction and promotes survival of ATLL cells. Taken together, PAK inhibition may hold significant promise as a targeted therapy for aggressive ATLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Y Chung
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Yun Mai
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Urvi A Shah
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Yongqiang Wei
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.,Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Elise Ishida
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Keisuke Kataoka
- Division of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xiaoxin Ren
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Kith Pradhan
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Boris Bartholdy
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Xiaolei Wei
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.,Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyu Zou
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Jinghang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ulrich Steidl
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Amit Verma
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Murali Janakiram
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - B Hilda Ye
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
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Zynda ER, Maloy MH, Kandel ES. The role of PAK1 in the sensitivity of kidney epithelial cells to ischemia-like conditions. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:596-604. [PMID: 30724698 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1578149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney ischemia, characterized by insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to renal epithelial cells, is the main cause of acute kidney injury and an important contributor to mortality world-wide. Earlier research implicated a G-protein coupled receptor (NK1R) in the death of kidney epithelial cells in ischemia-like conditions. P21-associated kinase 1 (PAK1) is involved in signalling by several G-proteins. We explored the consequences of PAK1 inhibition for cell survival under the conditions of reduced glucose and oxygen. Inhibition of PAK1 by RNA interference, expression of a dominant-negative mutant or treatment with small molecule inhibitors greatly reduced the death of cultured kidney epithelial cells. Similar protection was achieved by treating the cells with inhibitors of MEK1, in agreement with the prior reports on PAK1-MEK1 connection. Concomitant inhibition of NK1R and PAK1 offered no better protection than inhibition of NK1R alone, consistent with the two proteins being members of the same pathway. Furthermore, NK1R, PAK and MEK inhibitors reduced the induction of TRAIL in ischemia-like conditions. Considering the emerging role of TRAIL in ischemia-mediated cell death, this phenomenon may contribute to the protective effects of these small molecules. Our findings support further exploration of PAK and MEK inhibitors as possible agents to avert ischemic kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan R Zynda
- a Department of Cell Stress Biology , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo , NY , USA
| | - Mitchell H Maloy
- a Department of Cell Stress Biology , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo , NY , USA
| | - Eugene S Kandel
- a Department of Cell Stress Biology , Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo , NY , USA
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Ramos-Alvarez I, Lee L, Jensen RT. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A and EPAC mediate VIP and secretin stimulation of PAK4 and activation of Na +,K +-ATPase in pancreatic acinar cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G263-G277. [PMID: 30520694 PMCID: PMC6397337 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00275.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rat pancreatic acinar cells possess only the p21-activated kinase (PAKs), PAK4 of the group II PAK, and it is activated by gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and by a number of growth factors. However, little is known generally of cAMP agents causing PAK4 activation, and there are no studies with gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters activating cAMP cascades. In the present study, we examined the ability of VIP and secretin, which stimulate cAMP generation in pancreatic acini, to stimulate PAK4 activation, the signaling cascades involved, and their possible role in activating sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase). PAK4 activation was compared with activation of the well-established cAMP target, cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Secretin-stimulated PAK4 activation was inhibited by KT-5720 and PKA Type II inhibitor (PKI), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, whereas VIP activation was inhibited by ESI-09 and HJC0197, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) inhibitors. In contrast, both VIP/secretin-stimulated phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) via EPAC activation; however, it was inhibited by the p44/42 inhibitor PD98059 and the p38 inhibitor SB202190. The specific EPAC agonist 8-CPT-2- O-Me-cAMP as well 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin stimulated PAK4 activation. Secretin/VIP activation of Na+,K+-ATPase, was inhibited by PAK4 inhibitors (PF-3758309, LCH-7749944). These results demonstrate PAK4 is activated in pancreatic acini by stimulation of both VIP-/secretin-preferring receptors, as is CREB. However, they differ in their signaling cascades. Furthermore, PAK4 activation is needed for Na+,K+ATPase activation, which mediates pancreatic fluid secretion. These results, coupled with recent studies reporting PAKs are involved in both pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer growth/enzyme secretion, show that PAK4, similar to PAK2, likely plays an important role in both pancreatic physiological/pathological responses. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic acini possess only the group II p21-activated kinase, PAK4, which is activated by PLC-stimulating agents/growth factors and is important in enzyme-secretion/growth/pancreatitis. Little information exists on cAMP-activating agents stimulating group II PAKs. We studied ability/effect of cyclic AMP-stimulating agents [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin] on PAK4 activity in rat pancreatic-acini. Both VIP/secretin activated PAK4/CREB, but the cAMP signaling cascades differed for EPAC, MAPK, and PKA pathways. Both hormones require PAK4 activation to stimulate sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity. This study shows PAK4 plays an important role in VIP-/secretin-stimulated pancreatic fluid secretion and suggests it plays important roles in pancreatic acinar physiological/pathophysiological responses mediated by cAMP-activating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lingaku Lee
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R. T. Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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48
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P21 activated kinase signaling in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 54:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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49
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Bondar VV, Adamski CJ, Onur TS, Tan Q, Wang L, Diaz-Garcia J, Park J, Orr HT, Botas J, Zoghbi HY. PAK1 regulates ATXN1 levels providing an opportunity to modify its toxicity in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:2863-2873. [PMID: 29860311 PMCID: PMC6077814 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is caused by the expansion of a trinucleotide repeat that encodes a polyglutamine tract in ataxin-1 (ATXN1). The expanded polyglutamine in ATXN1 increases the protein's stability and results in its accumulation and toxicity. Previous studies have demonstrated that decreasing ATXN1 levels ameliorates SCA1 phenotypes and pathology in mouse models. We rationalized that reducing ATXN1 levels through pharmacological inhibition of its modulators could provide a therapeutic avenue for SCA1. Here, through a forward genetic screen in Drosophila we identified, p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3) as a modulator of ATXN1 levels. Loss-of-function of fly Pak3 or Pak1, whose mammalian homologs belong to Group I of PAK proteins, reduces ATXN1 levels, and accordingly, improves disease pathology in a Drosophila model of SCA1. Knockdown of PAK1 potently reduces ATXN1 levels in mammalian cells independent of the well-characterized S776 phosphorylation site (known to stabilize ATXN1) thus revealing a novel molecular pathway that regulates ATXN1 levels. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PAKs decreases ATXN1 levels in a mouse model of SCA1. To explore the potential of using PAK inhibitors in combination therapy, we combined the pharmacological inhibition of PAK with MSK1, a previously identified modulator of ATXN1, and examined their effects on ATXN1 levels. We found that inhibition of both pathways results in an additive decrease in ATXN1 levels. Together, this study identifies PAK signaling as a distinct molecular pathway that regulates ATXN1 levels and presents a promising opportunity to pursue for developing potential therapeutics for SCA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaliy V Bondar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carolyn J Adamski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tarik S Onur
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qiumin Tan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Javier Diaz-Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeehye Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Juan Botas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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50
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Ramos-Alvarez I, Jensen RT. P21-activated kinase 4 in pancreatic acinar cells is activated by numerous gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters and growth factors by novel signaling, and its activation stimulates secretory/growth cascades. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2018; 315:G302-G317. [PMID: 29672153 PMCID: PMC6139648 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00005.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinases, which are divided into two groups: group-I (PAKs1-3) and group-II (PAKs4-6). In various tissues, Group-II PAKs play important roles in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell growth as well as neoplastic development/progression. However, little is known about Group-II PAK's role in a number of physiological events, including their ability to be activated by gastrointestinal (GI) hormones/neurotransmitters/growth factors (GFs). We used rat pancreatic acini to explore the ability of GI hormones/neurotransmitters/GFs to activate Group-II-PAKs and the signaling cascades involved. Only PAK4 was detected in pancreatic acini. PAK4 was activated by endothelin, secretagogues-stimulating phospholipase C (bombesin, CCK-8, and carbachol), by pancreatic GFs (insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor), and by postreceptor stimulants (12-O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate and A23187 ). CCK-8 activation of PAK4 required both high- and low-affinity CCK1-receptor state activation. It was reduced by PKC-, Src-, p44/42-, or p38-inhibition but not with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-inhibitors and only minimally by thapsigargin. A protein kinase D (PKD)-inhibitor completely inhibited CCK-8-stimulated PKD-activation; however, stimulated PAK4 phosphorylation was only inhibited by 60%, demonstrating that it is both PKD-dependent and PKD-independent. PF-3758309 and LCH-7749944, inhibitors of PAK4, decreased CCK-8-stimulated PAK4 activation but not PAK2 activation. Each inhibited ERK1/2 activation and amylase release induced by CCK-8 or bombesin. These results show that PAK4 has an important role in modulating signal cascades activated by a number of GI hormones/neurotransmitters/GFs that have been shown to mediate both physiological/pathological responses in acinar cells. Therefore, in addition to the extensive studies on PAK4 in pancreatic cancer, PAK4 should also be considered an important signaling molecule for pancreatic acinar physiological responses and, in the future, should be investigated for a possible role in pancreatic acinar pathophysiological responses, such as in pancreatitis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that the only Group-II p21-activated kinase (PAK) in rat pancreatic acinar cells is PAK4, and thus differs from islets/pancreatic cancer. Both gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and pancreatic growth factors activate PAK4. With cholecystokinin (CCK), activation is PKC-dependent/-independent, requires both CCK1-R affinity states, Src, p42/44, and p38 activation. PAK4 activation is required for CCK-mediated p42/44 activation/amylase release. These results show PAK4 plays an important role in mediating CCK physiological signal cascades and suggest it may be a target in pancreatic acinar diseases besides cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R T Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
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