1
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Chang CP, Yeh TK, Chen CT, Wang WP, Chen YT, Tsai CH, Chen YF, Ke YY, Wang JY, Chen CP, Hsieh TC, Wu MH, Huang CL, Chen YP, Zhuang H, Chi YH. Discovery of a Long Half-Life AURKA Inhibitor to Treat MYC-Amplified Solid Tumors as a Monotherapy and in Combination with Everolimus. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:766-779. [PMID: 38592383 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Aurora kinase inhibitors, such as alisertib, can destabilize MYC-family oncoproteins and have demonstrated compelling antitumor efficacy. In this study, we report 6K465, a novel pyrimidine-based Aurora A inhibitor, that reduces levels of c-MYC and N-MYC oncoproteins more potently than alisertib. In an analysis of the antiproliferative effect of 6K465, the sensitivities of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and breast cancer cell lines to 6K465 were strongly associated with the protein levels of c-MYC and/or N-MYC. We also report DBPR728, an acyl-based prodrug of 6K465 bearing fewer hydrogen-bond donors, that exhibited 10-fold improved oral bioavailability. DBPR728 induced durable tumor regression of c-MYC- and/or N-MYC-overexpressing xenografts including SCLC, triple-negative breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and medulloblastoma using a 5-on-2-off or once-a-week dosing regimen on a 21-day cycle. A single oral dose of DBPR728 at 300 mg/kg induced c-MYC reduction and cell apoptosis in the tumor xenografts for more than 7 days. The inhibitory effect of DBPR728 at a reduced dosing frequency was attributed to its uniquely high tumor/plasma ratio (3.6-fold within 7 days) and the long tumor half-life of active moiety 6K465. Furthermore, DBPR728 was found to synergize with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus to suppress c-MYC- or N-MYC-driven SCLC. Collectively, these results suggest DBPR728 has the potential to treat cancers overexpressing c-MYC and/or N-MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ping Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ping Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Fu Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yu Ke
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ping Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Chih Hsieh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Mine-Hsine Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Lung Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ping Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Hong Zhuang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chi
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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2
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Gerges A, Canning U. Neuroblastoma and its Target Therapies: A Medicinal Chemistry Review. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300535. [PMID: 38340043 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300535] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood malignant tumour belonging to a group of embryonic tumours originating from progenitor cells of the sympathoadrenal lineage. The heterogeneity of NB is reflected in the survival rates of those with low and intermediate risk diseases who have survival rates ranging from 85 to 90 %. However, for those identified with high-risk Stage 4 NB, the treatment options are much more limited. For this group, current treatment consists of immunotherapy (monoclonal antibodies) in combination with anti-cancer drugs and has a 40 to 50 % survival rate. The purpose of this review is to summarise NB research from a medicinal chemistry perspective and to highlight advances in targeted drug therapy in the field. The review examines the medicinal chemistry of a number of drugs tested in research, some of which are currently under clinical trial. It concludes by proposing that future medicinal chemistry research into NB should consider other possible target therapies and adopt a multi-target drug approach rather than a one-drug-one-target approach for improved efficacy and less drug-drug interaction for the treatment of NB Stage 4 (NBS4) patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gerges
- Bioscience Department, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London, N7 8DB, England, United Kingdom
| | - U Canning
- Bioscience Department, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London, N7 8DB, England, United Kingdom
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3
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Podolski-Renić A, Čipak Gašparović A, Valente A, López Ó, Bormio Nunes JH, Kowol CR, Heffeter P, Filipović NR. Schiff bases and their metal complexes to target and overcome (multidrug) resistance in cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 270:116363. [PMID: 38593587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major challenges in cancer therapy. In this respect, Schiff base-related compounds (bearing a R1R2CNR3 bond) gained high interest during the past decades. Schiff bases are considered privileged ligands for various reasons, including the easiness of their preparation and the possibility to form complexes with almost all transition metal ions. Schiff bases and their metal complexes exhibit many types of biological activities and are used for the treatment and diagnosis of various diseases. Until now, 13 Schiff bases have been investigated in clinical trials for cancer treatment and hypoxia imaging. This review represents the first collection of Schiff bases and their complexes which demonstrated MDR-reversal activity. The areas of drug resistance covered in this article involve: 1) Modulation of ABC transporter function, 2) Targeting lysosomal ABCB1 overexpression, 3) Circumvention of ABC transporter-mediated drug efflux by alternative routes of drug uptake, 4) Selective activity against MDR cancer models (collateral sensitivity), 5) Targeting GSH-detoxifying systems, 6) Overcoming apoptosis resistance by inducing necrosis and paraptosis, 7) Reactivation of mutated p53, 8) Restoration of sensitivity to DNA-damaging anticancer therapy, and 9) Overcoming drug resistance through modulation of the immune system. Through this approach, we would like to draw attention to Schiff bases and their metal complexes representing highly interesting anticancer drug candidates with the ability to overcome MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Podolski-Renić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Andreia Valente
- Centro de Química Estrutural and Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Óscar López
- Departamento de Química Organica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Julia H Bormio Nunes
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian R Kowol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nenad R Filipović
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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4
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Manzi NI, de Jesus BN, Shi Y, Dickinson DJ. Temporally distinct roles of Aurora A in polarization of the C. elegans zygote. Development 2024; 151:dev202479. [PMID: 38488018 PMCID: PMC11165718 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
During asymmetric cell division, cell polarity is coordinated with the cell cycle to allow proper inheritance of cell fate determinants and the generation of cellular diversity. In the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote, polarity is governed by evolutionarily conserved Partitioning-defective (PAR) proteins that segregate to opposing cortical domains to specify asymmetric cell fates. Timely establishment of PAR domains requires a cell cycle kinase, Aurora A (AIR-1 in C. elegans). Aurora A depletion by RNAi causes a spectrum of phenotypes including reversed polarity, excess posterior domains and no posterior domain. How depletion of a single kinase can cause seemingly opposite phenotypes remains obscure. Using an auxin-inducible degradation system and drug treatments, we found that AIR-1 regulates polarity differently at different times of the cell cycle. During meiosis I, AIR-1 acts to prevent later formation of bipolar domains, whereas in meiosis II, AIR-1 is necessary to recruit PAR-2 onto the membrane. Together, these data clarify the origin of multiple polarization phenotypes in RNAi experiments and reveal multiple roles of AIR-1 in coordinating PAR protein localization with cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia I. Manzi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Bailey N. de Jesus
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Daniel J. Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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5
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Gupta D, Kumar M, Saifi S, Rawat S, Ethayathulla AS, Kaur P. A comprehensive review on role of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) in cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130913. [PMID: 38508544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130913] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AURKs) are a family of serine /threonine protein kinases that have a crucial role in cell cycle process mainly in the event of chromosomal segregation, centrosome maturation and cytokinesis. The family consists of three members including Aurora kinase A (AURK-A), Aurora kinase B (AURK-B) and Aurora kinase C (AURK-C). All AURKs contain a conserved kinase domain for their activity but differ in their cellular localization and functions. AURK-A and AURK-B are expressed mainly in somatic cells while the expression of AURK-C is limited to germ cells. AURK-A promotes G2 to M transition of cell cycle by controlling centrosome maturation and mitotic spindle assembly. AURK-B and AURK-C form the chromosome passenger complex (CPC) that ensures proper chromosomal alignments and segregation. Aberrant expression of AURK-A and AURK-B has been detected in several solid tumours and malignancies. Hence, they have become an attractive therapeutic target against cancer. The first part of this review focuses on AURKs structure, functions, subcellular localization, and their role in tumorigenesis. The review also highlights the functional and clinical impact of selective as well as pan kinase inhibitors. Currently, >60 compounds that target AURKs are in preclinical and clinical studies. The drawbacks of existing inhibitors like selectivity, drug resistance and toxicity have also been addressed. Since, majority of inhibitors are Aurora kinase inhibitor (AKI) type-1 that bind to the active (DFGin and Cin) conformation of the kinase, this information may be utilized to design highly selective kinase inhibitors that can be combined with other therapeutic agents for better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sana Saifi
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Shivani Rawat
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - A S Ethayathulla
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Punit Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India.
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6
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Tham MS, Cottle DL, Zylberberg AK, Short KM, Jones LK, Chan P, Conduit SE, Dyson JM, Mitchell CA, Smyth IM. Deletion of Aurora kinase A prevents the development of polycystic kidney disease in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:371. [PMID: 38191531 PMCID: PMC10774271 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44410-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) promotes cell proliferation and is overexpressed in different types of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). To understand AURKA's role in regulating renal cyst development we conditionally deleted the gene in mouse models of Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD) and Joubert Syndrome, caused by Polycystin 1 (Pkd1) and Inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase E (Inpp5e) mutations respectively. We show that while Aurka is dispensable for collecting duct development and homeostasis, its deletion prevents cyst formation in both disease models. Cross-comparison of transcriptional changes implicated AKT signaling in cyst prevention and we show that (i) AURKA and AKT physically interact, (ii) AURKA regulates AKT activity in a kinase-independent manner and (iii) inhibition of AKT can reduce disease severity. AKT activation also regulates Aurka expression, creating a feed-forward loop driving renal cystogenesis. We find that the AURKA kinase inhibitor Alisertib stabilises the AURKA protein, agonizing its cystogenic functions. These studies identify AURKA as a master regulator of renal cyst development in different types of PKD, functioning in-part via AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shen Tham
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Denny L Cottle
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Allara K Zylberberg
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kieran M Short
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lynelle K Jones
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Perkin Chan
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah E Conduit
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Dyson
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Christina A Mitchell
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian M Smyth
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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7
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Manzi NI, de Jesus BN, Shi Y, Dickinson DJ. Temporally distinct roles of Aurora A in polarization of the C. elegans zygote. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.25.563816. [PMID: 37961467 PMCID: PMC10634818 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.25.563816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
During asymmetric cell division, coordination of cell polarity and the cell cycle is critical for proper inheritance of cell fate determinants and generation of cellular diversity. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), polarity is established in the zygote and is governed by evolutionarily conserved Partitioning defective (PAR) proteins that localize to distinct cortical domains. At the time of polarity establishment, anterior and posterior PARs segregate to opposing cortical domains that specify asymmetric cell fates. Timely establishment of these PAR domains requires a cell cycle kinase, Aurora A (AIR-1 in C.elegans). Aurora A depletion by RNAi causes a spectrum of phenotypes including no posterior domain, reversed polarity, and excess posterior domains. How depletion of a single kinase can cause seemingly opposite phenotypes remains obscure. Using an auxin-inducible degradation system, drug treatments, and high-resolution microscopy, we found that AIR-1 regulates polarity via distinct mechanisms at different times of the cell cycle. During meiosis I, AIR-1 acts to prevent the formation of bipolar domains, while in meiosis II, AIR-1 is necessary to recruit PAR-2 onto the membrane. Together these data clarify the origin of the multiple polarization phenotypes observed in RNAi experiments and reveal multiple roles of AIR-1 in coordinating PAR protein localization with the progression of the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia I. Manzi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Bailey N. de Jesus
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712
| | - Daniel J. Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, PAT 206, Austin, TX 78712
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8
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Gao W, Shen R. Nanogel enhances the efficacy of MLN8237 in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomater Appl 2023; 38:527-537. [PMID: 37695622 DOI: 10.1177/08853282231202326] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
MLN8237, a specific inhibitor of Aurora-A kinase, is proved to be a potential treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nanogels improve the efficacy of doxorubicin. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the increase in the effect of nanogels on MLN8237 in inhibiting HCC. Doxorubicin or MLN8237 was used as an anti-tumor drug models which were packaged by organic solvent volatilization method to obtain the doxorubicin-loaded nanogel and the MLN8237-loaded nanogel. Subsequently, CCK8 assay, cell cycle assay, apoptosis assay, real-time PCR, western blotting assay and animal experiments were used to detect the effects of MLN8237 nanogel on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, tumor growth, mRNA and protein levels of aurora-A and PUMA, and AKT phosphorylation levels in HCC cell lines. The results show that the nanogels can realize pH-regulated hydrophobicity reversal, have certain stability, and can realize lysosomal escape. Moreover, the MLN8237-loaded nanogel has a stronger ability to inhibit HCC cell proliferation, block cell cycle, promote apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth than free MLN8237 by suppressing aurora-A and AKT phosphorylation. In short, nanogel can enhance the efficacy of MLN8237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Tongxiang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rongxing Shen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Tongxiang, Zhejiang, China
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Li Y, Tang S, Shi X, Lv J, Wu X, Zhang Y, Wang H, He J, Zhu Y, Ju Y, Zhang Y, Guo S, Yang W, Yin H, Chen L, Gao D, Jin G. Metabolic classification suggests the GLUT1/ALDOB/G6PD axis as a therapeutic target in chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101162. [PMID: 37597521 PMCID: PMC10518604 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is known as an emerging mechanism of chemotherapy resistance, but the metabolic signatures of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) remain unclear. Here, we characterize the metabolomic profile of PDAC organoids and classify them into glucomet-PDAC (high glucose metabolism levels) and lipomet-PDAC (high lipid metabolism levels). Glucomet-PDACs are more resistant to chemotherapy than lipomet-PDACs, and patients with glucomet-PDAC have a worse prognosis. Integrated analyses reveal that the GLUT1/aldolase B (ALDOB)/glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) axis induces chemotherapy resistance by remodeling glucose metabolism in glucomet-PDAC. Increased glycolytic flux, G6PD activity, and pyrimidine biosynthesis are identified in glucomet-PDAC with high GLUT1 and low ALDOB expression, and these phenotypes could be reversed by inhibiting GLUT1 expression or by increasing ALDOB expression. Pharmacological inhibition of GLUT1 or G6PD enhances the chemotherapy response of glucomet-PDAC. Our findings uncover potential metabolic heterogeneity related to differences in chemotherapy sensitivity in PDAC and develop a promising pharmacological strategy for patients with chemotherapy-resistant glucomet-PDAC through the combination of chemotherapy and GLUT1/ALDOB/G6PD axis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaohan Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jingwen Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety Research, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Innovation Center for Intervention of Chronic Disease and Promotion of Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xueyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yehan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Juan He
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiqin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yajuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shiwei Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Huiyong Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety Research, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Innovation Center for Intervention of Chronic Disease and Promotion of Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Luonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Dong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Gang Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China.
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Saito M, Otsu W, Miyadera K, Nishimura Y. Recent advances in the understanding of cilia mechanisms and their applications as therapeutic targets. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1232188. [PMID: 37780208 PMCID: PMC10538646 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1232188] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary cilium is a single immotile microtubule-based organelle that protrudes into the extracellular space. Malformations and dysfunctions of the cilia have been associated with various forms of syndromic and non-syndromic diseases, termed ciliopathies. The primary cilium is therefore gaining attention due to its potential as a therapeutic target. In this review, we examine ciliary receptors, ciliogenesis, and ciliary trafficking as possible therapeutic targets. We first discuss the mechanisms of selective distribution, signal transduction, and physiological roles of ciliary receptors. Next, pathways that regulate ciliogenesis, specifically the Aurora A kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways are examined as therapeutic targets to regulate ciliogenesis. Then, in the photoreceptors, the mechanism of ciliary trafficking which takes place at the transition zone involving the ciliary membrane proteins is reviewed. Finally, some of the current therapeutic advancements highlighting the role of large animal models of photoreceptor ciliopathy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Saito
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Pathology, School of Pharma-Sciences, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Otsu
- Department of Biomedical Research Laboratory, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
- Mie University Research Center for Cilia and Diseases, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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11
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Zhang B, Zhu C, Chan ASC, Lu G. Discovery of a first-in-class Aurora A covalent inhibitor for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115457. [PMID: 37207533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Aurora kinases, which belong to the serine/threonine protein family, play critical roles in the regulation of the cell cycle and mitotic spindle assembly. They are frequently highly expressed in various types of tumors, and the use of selective Aurora kinase inhibitors has become a potential treatment option for cancer therapy. Despite the development of some reversible Aurora kinase inhibitors, none has been approved for clinical use yet. In this study, we report the discovery of the first-in-class irreversible Aurora A covalent inhibitors that target a cysteine residue at the substrate binding site. These inhibitors were characterized in enzymatic and cellular assays, and 11c exhibited selective inhibition to normal and cancer cells, as well as to Aurora A and B kinases. The covalent binding of 11c to Aurora A was confirmed by SPR, MS, and enzyme kinetic analysis, and Cys290-mediated covalent inhibition was supported through a bottom-up analysis of inhibitor-modified targets. Moreover, Western blotting assays were conducted on cells and tissues, and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) were further performed on cells to demonstrate the selectivity to Aurora A kinase. 11c displayed comparable therapeutic efficacy in an MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model relative to the positive control ENMD-2076, while requiring only half the dose of ENMD-2076. These results confirmed that 11c may be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our work may provide a new perspective on the design of covalent inhibitors of Aurora kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Chengchen Zhu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Albert S C Chan
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Gui Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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12
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Houben R, Alimova P, Sarma B, Hesbacher S, Schulte C, Sarosi EM, Adam C, Kervarrec T, Schrama D. 4-[(5-Methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]-2H-phenyl-1-phthalazinone Inhibits MCPyV T Antigen Expression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Independent of Aurora Kinase A. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092542. [PMID: 37174007 PMCID: PMC10177447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and MCPyV-positive tumor cells depend on expression of the virus-encoded T antigens (TA). Here, we identify 4-[(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]-2H-phenyl-1-phthalazinone (PHT)-a reported inhibitor of Aurora kinase A-as a compound inhibiting growth of MCC cells by repressing noncoding control region (NCCR)-controlled TA transcription. Surprisingly, we find that TA repression is not caused by inhibition of Aurora kinase A. However, we demonstrate that β-catenin-a transcription factor repressed by active glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-is activated by PHT, suggesting that PHT bears a hitherto unreported inhibitory activity against GSK3, a kinase known to function in promoting TA transcription. Indeed, applying an in vitro kinase assay, we demonstrate that PHT directly targets GSK3. Finally, we demonstrate that PHT exhibits in vivo antitumor activity in an MCC xenograft mouse model, suggesting a potential use in future therapeutic settings for MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pamela Alimova
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Schulte
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Sarosi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Adam
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, INRA UMR 1282 BIP, 37200 Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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13
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Sak M, Williams BJ, Zumbar CT, Teer L, Al-Kawaaz MNG, Kakar A, Hey AJ, Wilson MJ, Schier LM, Chen J, Lehman NL. The CNS-penetrating taxane drug TPI 287 potentiates antiglioma activity of the AURKA inhibitor alisertib in vivo. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 91:191-201. [PMID: 36694044 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04503-0] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma (GBM) has a very poor prognosis despite current treatment. We previously found cytotoxic synergy between the AURKA inhibitor alisertib and the CNS-penetrating taxane TPI 287 against GBM tumor cells in vitro. METHODS We used an orthotopic human GBM xenograft mouse model to test if TPI 287 potentiates alisertib in vivo. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, siRNA knockdown, annexin V binding, and 3-dimensional Matrigel invasion assays were used to investigate potential mechanisms of alisertib and TPI 287 treatment interactions. RESULTS Alisertib + TPI 287 combination therapy significantly prolonged animal survival compared to vehicle (p = 0.011), but only marginally compared to alisertib alone. Alisertib, TPI 287, and combined alisertib + TPI 287 reduced animal tumor volume compared to vehicle-treated controls. This was statistically significant for the combination therapy at 4 weeks (p < 0.0001). Alisertib + TPI 287 treatment decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein levels in vivo and in vitro. Expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bak was significantly increased by combination treatment (p < 0.0001). Pro-apoptotic Bim and Bak knockdown by siRNA decreased apoptosis by alisertib + TPI 287 in GB9, GB30, and U87 cells (p = 0.0005 to 0.0381). Although alisertib and TPI 287 significantly reduced GBM cell invasion (p < 0.0001), their combination was no more effective than TPI 287 alone. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that apoptosis is the dominant mechanism of potentiation of GBM growth inhibition by alisertib + TPI 287, in part through effects on Bcl-2 family proteins, providing a rationale for further laboratory testing of an AURKA inhibitor plus TPI 287 as a potential therapy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Müge Sak
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St, KY, 40202, Louisville, USA
| | - Brian J Williams
- Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- The Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Cory T Zumbar
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Landon Teer
- Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Mustafa N G Al-Kawaaz
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Aastha Kakar
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Andrew J Hey
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Megan J Wilson
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Leslie M Schier
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Joseph Chen
- Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Norman L Lehman
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St, KY, 40202, Louisville, USA.
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- The Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
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14
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Power EA, Rechberger JS, Zhang L, Oh JH, Anderson JB, Nesvick CL, Ge J, Hinchcliffe EH, Elmquist WF, Daniels DJ. Overcoming translational barriers in H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma: Increasing the drug-tumor residence time. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad033. [PMID: 37128506 PMCID: PMC10148679 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the deadliest pediatric brain tumor; despite intensive research efforts, every clinical trial to date has failed. Is this because we are choosing the wrong drugs? Or are drug delivery and other pharmacokinetic variables at play? We hypothesize that the answer is likely a combination, where optimization may result in a much needed novel therapeutic approach. Methods We used in vitro drug screening, patient samples, and shRNA knockdown models to identify an upregulated target in DMG. A single small molecule protein kinase inhibitor with translational potential was selected for systemic and direct, loco-regional delivery to patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM). Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in non-tumor bearing rats. Results Aurora kinase (AK) inhibitors demonstrated strong antitumor effects in DMG drug screens. Additional in vitro studies corroborated the importance of AK to DMG survival. Systemic delivery of alisertib showed promise in subcutaneous PDX but not intracranial GEMM and PDX models. Repeated loco-regional drug administration into the tumor through convection-enhanced delivery (CED) was equally inefficacious, and pharmacokinetic studies revealed rapid clearance of alisertib from the brain. In an effort to increase the drug to tumor residence time, continuous CED over 7 days improved drug retention in the rodent brainstem and significantly extended survival in both orthotopic PDXs and GEMMs. Conclusions These studies provide evidence for increasing drug-tumor residence time of promising targeted therapies via extended CED as a valuable treatment strategy for DMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Power
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ju-Hee Oh
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jacob B Anderson
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Cody L Nesvick
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jizhi Ge
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - William F Elmquist
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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15
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Swamy P M G, Abbas N, Dhiwar PS, Singh E, Ghara A, Das A. Discovery of potential Aurora-A kinase inhibitors by 3D QSAR pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, docking, and MD simulation studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:125-146. [PMID: 34809538 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2004236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Aurora-kinase family comprises of cell cycle-regulated serine/threonine kinases playing a vital role during mitosis. Aurora-A kinase is involved in multiple mitotic events in cell cycle and is a major regulator of centrosome function during mitosis. Aurora-A is overexpressed in breast, lung, colon, ovarian, glial, and pancreatic cancer. Hence, Aurora-A kinase is a promising target in cancer therapy. In our current study, a four-point 3D QSAR pharmacophore model has been generated using substituted pyrimidine class of Aurora-A kinase inhibitors. It had a fixed cost value 88.7429. The model mapped well to the external test set comprising of clinically active molecules, with a correlation coefficient r = 0.99. From the mapping, it was found that the hydrophobic features (HY) of a molecule play an important role for Aurora-A kinase inhibitory activity, whereas the ring aromatic feature provides geometric constraint for spatial alignment of different functional group. The hypothesis, with one hydrogen bond acceptor, two ring aromatic features, and one hydrophobic feature, was selected to screen miniMaybridge database. The screened ligands were filtered on the basis of activity, shape, and drug likeliness. This led to the identification of five top hits. These identified potential leads were further subjected to docking with the ATP-binding site of Aurora-A kinase. The molecular dynamic simulation studies of top lead molecules having diverse scaffolds endorsed that the identified molecules had distinctive ability to inhibit Aurora-A kinase. Thus, this study may facilitate the medicinal chemists to design promising ligands with various scaffolds to inhibit Aurora-A kinase. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurubasavaraja Swamy P M
- Integrated drug discovery center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, India
| | - Nahid Abbas
- Integrated drug discovery center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, India
| | - Prasad Sanjay Dhiwar
- Integrated drug discovery center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ekta Singh
- Integrated drug discovery center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, India
| | - Abhishek Ghara
- Integrated drug discovery center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arka Das
- Integrated drug discovery center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, India
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16
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Bhosle MR, Palke A, Bondle GM, Sarkate AP, Azad R, Burra PVLS. Efficient Synthesis of Densely Functionalized Pyrido[2,3-d]Pyrimidines via Three-component One-pot Domino Knoevenagel aza-Diels Alder Reaction and Induces Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cell Lines via Inhibiting Aurora A and B Kinases. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10406638.2022.2143538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha R. Bhosle
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India
| | - Amruta Palke
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India
| | - Giribala M. Bondle
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India
| | - Aniket P. Sarkate
- Department of Chemical Technology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India
| | - Rajaram Azad
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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17
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Oh JH, Power EA, Zhang W, Daniels DJ, Elmquist WF. Murine Central Nervous System and Bone Marrow Distribution of the Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor Alisertib: Pharmacokinetics and Exposure at the Sites of Efficacy and Toxicity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:44-55. [PMID: 36279392 PMCID: PMC9513880 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Important challenges in developing drugs that target central nervous system (CNS) tumors include overcoming barriers for CNS delivery and reducing systemic side effects. Alisertib, an aurora A kinase inhibitor, has been examined for treatment of several CNS tumors in preclinical and clinical studies. In this study, we investigated the distribution of alisertib into the CNS, the site of efficacy for brain tumors, and into the bone marrow, the site of dose-limiting toxicity leading to myelosuppression. Mechanisms influencing site-specific distribution, such as active transport mediated by the efflux proteins, p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), were examined. Alisertib exposure to the brain in wild-type mice was less than 1% of that in the plasma, and was evenly distributed throughout various brain regions and the spinal cord. Studies using transporter knockout mice and pharmacological inhibition show that alisertib CNS distribution is influenced by P-gp, but not Bcrp. Conversely, upon systemic administration, alisertib distribution to the bone marrow occurred rapidly, was not significantly limited by efflux transporters, and reached higher concentrations than in the CNS. This study demonstrates that, given an equivalent distributional driving force exposure in plasma, the exposure of alisertib in the brain is significantly less than that in the bone marrow, suggesting that targeted delivery may be necessary to guarantee therapeutic efficacy with minimal risk for adverse events.Therefore, these data suggest that, to improve the therapeutic index when using alisertib for brain tumors, a localized regional delivery, such as convection-enhanced delivery, may be warranted. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The CNS penetration of alisertib is limited with uniform distribution in various regions of the brain, and P-gp efflux is an important mechanism limiting that CNS distribution. Alisertib rapidly distributes into the bone marrow, a site of toxicity, with a greater exposure than in the CNS, a possible site of efficacy. These results suggest a need to design localized delivery strategies to improve the CNS exposure of alisertib and limit systemic toxicities in the treatment of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hee Oh
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (J-H.O., W.Z., W.F.E.); Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P., D.J.D.); and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P.)
| | - Erica A Power
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (J-H.O., W.Z., W.F.E.); Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P., D.J.D.); and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P.)
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (J-H.O., W.Z., W.F.E.); Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P., D.J.D.); and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P.)
| | - David J Daniels
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (J-H.O., W.Z., W.F.E.); Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P., D.J.D.); and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P.)
| | - William F Elmquist
- Brain Barriers Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (J-H.O., W.Z., W.F.E.); Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P., D.J.D.); and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (E.A.P.)
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18
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Islam S, Teo T, Kumarasiri M, Slater M, Martin JH, Wang S, Head R. Combined In Silico and In Vitro Evidence Supporting an Aurora A Kinase Inhibitory Role of the Anti-Viral Drug Rilpivirine and an Anti-Proliferative Influence on Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15101186. [PMID: 36297298 PMCID: PMC9607353 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of cancer necessitates rapid and ongoing development of effective cancer therapies. One promising approach in this context is the repurposing of existing non-cancer drugs for cancer indications. A key to this approach is selecting the cellular targets against which to identify novel repurposed drugs for pre-clinical analysis. Protein kinases are highly sought-after anticancer drug targets since dysregulation of kinases is the hallmark of cancer. To identify potential kinase-targeted drug candidates from the existing portfolio of non-cancer therapeutics, we used combined in silico and in vitro approaches, including ligand-based 3D screening followed by biochemical and cellular assessments. This strategy revealed that the anti-viral drug rilpivirine is an Aurora A kinase inhibitor. In view of previous findings implicating Aurora A kinase in abnormal cell cycle regulation, we also examined the influence of rilpivirine on the growth of T47D breast cancer cells. Herein, we detail the identification of rilpivirine as an Aurora A kinase inhibitor, its molecular basis of inhibitory activity towards this kinase, and its Aurora A-mediated anticancer mechanisms in T47D cells. Our results illustrate the value of integrated in silico and in vitro screening strategies in identifying repurposed drug candidates and provide a scientific basis for further exploring the potential anticancer properties of the anti-viral drug rilpivirine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Islam
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Theodosia Teo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Malika Kumarasiri
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Martin Slater
- Cresset Discovery, New Cambridge House, Litlington, Royston SG8 0SS, UK
| | - Jennifer H. Martin
- Centre for Human Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Richard Head
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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19
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Liu F, Wang X, Duan J, Hou Z, Wu Z, Liu L, Lei H, Huang D, Ren Y, Wang Y, Li X, Zhuo J, Zhang Z, He B, Yan M, Yuan H, Zhang L, Yan J, Wen S, Wang Z, Liu Q. A Temporal PROTAC Cocktail-Mediated Sequential Degradation of AURKA Abrogates Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104823. [PMID: 35652200 PMCID: PMC9353462 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AURKA is a potential kinase target in various malignancies. The kinase-independent oncogenic functions partially disclose the inadequate efficacy of the kinase inhibitor in a Phase III clinical trial. Simultaneously targeting the catalytic and noncatalytic functions of AURKA may be a feasible approach. Here, a set of AURKA proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are developed. The CRBN-based dAurA383 preferentially degrades the highly abundant mitotic AURKA, while cIAP-based dAurA450 degrades the lowly abundant interphase AURKA in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. The proteomic and transcriptomic analyses indicate that dAurA383 triggers the "mitotic cell cycle" and "stem cell" processes, while dAurA450 inhibits the "MYC/E2F targets" and "stem cell" processes. dAurA383 and dAurA450 are combined as a PROTAC cocktail. The cocktail effectively degrades AURKA, relieves the hook effect, and synergistically inhibits AML stem cells. Furthermore, the PROTAC cocktail induces AML regression in a xenograft mouse model and primary patient blasts. These findings establish the PROTAC cocktail as a promising spatial-temporal drug administration strategy to sequentially eliminate the multifaceted functions of oncoproteins, relieve the hook effect, and prevent cancer stem cell-mediated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Jianli Duan
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Zhijie Hou
- Institute of Cancer Stem CellDalian Medical UniversityDalian116044China
| | - Zhouming Wu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Hematologythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Hanqi Lei
- Department of UrologyKidney and Urology CenterPelvic Floor Disorders CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalian116027China
| | - Yifei Ren
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalian116027China
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem CellDalian Medical UniversityDalian116044China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Junxiao Zhuo
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Zijian Zhang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Bin He
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Min Yan
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Huiming Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical ChemistryNational Chromatographic R&A CenterDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical ChemistryNational Chromatographic R&A CenterDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
| | - Jinsong Yan
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalian116027China
| | - Shijun Wen
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Zifeng Wang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
| | - Quentin Liu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineGuangzhou510060China
- Institute of Cancer Stem CellDalian Medical UniversityDalian116044China
- Department of Hematologythe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
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20
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Furqan M, Fayyaz A, Firdous F, Raza H, Bilal A, Saleem RSZ, Shahzad-Ul-Hussan S, Wang D, Youssef FS, Al Musayeib NM, Ashour ML, Hussain H, Faisal A. Identification and Characterization of Natural and Semisynthetic Quinones as Aurora Kinase Inhibitors. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:1503-1513. [PMID: 35687347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c01222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aurora kinases (Aurora A, B, and C) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that play critical roles during mitotic initiation and progression. Aurora A and B kinases are ubiquitously expressed, and their overexpression and/or amplification in many cancers have been associated with poor prognosis. Several inhibitors that target Aurora kinases A, B, or both have been developed during the past decade with efficacy in different in vitro and in vivo models for a variety of cancers. Recent studies have also identified Aurora A as a synthetic lethal target for different tumor suppressors, including RB1, SMARCA4, and ARID1A, which signifies the need for Aurora-A-selective inhibitors. Here, we report the screening of a small library of quinones (nine naphthoquinones, one orthoquinone, and one anthraquinone) in a biochemical assay for Aurora A kinase that resulted in the identification of several quinones as inhibitors. IC50 determination against Aurora A and B kinases revealed the inhibition of both kinases with selectivity toward Aurora A. Two of the compounds, natural quinone naphthazarin (1) and a pseudo anthraquinone, 2-(chloromethyl)quinizarin (11), potently inhibited the proliferation of various cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.16 ± 0.15 to 1.7 ± 0.06 and 0.15 ± 0.04 to 6.3 ± 1.8 μM, respectively. Treatment of cancer cells with these compounds for 24 h resulted in abrogated mitosis and apoptotic cell death. Direct binding of both the compounds with Aurora A kinase was also confirmed through STD NMR analysis. Docking studies predicted the binding of both compounds to the ATP binding pocket of Aurora A kinase. We have, therefore, identified quinones as Aurora kinase inhibitors that can serve as a lead for future drug discovery endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Furqan
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Alishba Fayyaz
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Firdous
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Hadeeqa Raza
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Aishah Bilal
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shahzad-Ul-Hussan
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Daijie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory for Applied Technology of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments of Shandong Province, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Fadia S Youssef
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Nawal M Al Musayeib
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed L Ashour
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hidayat Hussain
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Amir Faisal
- Department of Biology, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
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21
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Upadhyaya SA, Campagne O, Billups CA, Orr BA, Onar-Thomas A, Tatevossian RG, Mostafavi R, Myers JR, Vinitsky A, Moreira DC, Lindsay HB, Kilburn L, Baxter P, Smith A, Crawford JR, Partap S, Bendel AE, Aguilera DG, Nichols KE, Rampersaud E, Ellison DW, Klimo P, Patay Z, Robinson GW, Broniscer A, Stewart CF, Wetmore C, Gajjar A. Phase II study of alisertib as a single agent for treating recurrent or progressive atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor. Neuro Oncol 2022; 25:386-397. [PMID: 35652336 PMCID: PMC9925713 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is, most often, a fatal pediatric malignancy with limited curative options. METHODS We conducted a phase II study of Aurora kinase A inhibitor alisertib in patients aged <22 years with recurrent AT/RT. Patients received alisertib once daily (80 mg/m2 as enteric-coated tablets or 60 mg/m2 as liquid formulation) on Days 1-7 of a 21-day cycle until progressive disease (PD) occurred. Alisertib plasma concentrations were measured in cycle 1 on Days 1 (single dose) and 7 (steady state) and analyzed with noncompartmental pharmacokinetics. Trial efficacy end point was ≥10 participants with stable disease (SD) or better at 12 weeks. RESULTS SD (n = 8) and partial response (PR) (n = 1) were observed among 30 evaluable patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 30.0% ± 7.9% at 6 months and 13.3% ± 5.6% at 1 year. One-year overall survival (OS) was 36.7% ± 8.4%. Two patients continued treatment for >12 months. PFS did not differ by AT/RT molecular groups. Neutropenia was the most common adverse effect (n = 23/30, 77%). The 22 patients who received liquid formulation had a higher mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of 10.1 ± 3.0 µM and faster time to Cmax (Tmax = 1.2 ± 0.7 h) than those who received tablets (Cmax = 5.7 ± 2.4 µM, Tmax = 3.4 ± 1.4 h). CONCLUSIONS Although the study did not meet predetermined efficacy end point, single-agent alisertib was well tolerated by children with recurrent AT/RT, and SD or PR was observed in approximately a third of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhosh A Upadhyaya
- Corresponding Author: Santhosh A. Upadhyaya, MD, Department of Oncology, MS 260, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA ()
| | - Olivia Campagne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine A Billups
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brent A Orr
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Arzu Onar-Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ruth G Tatevossian
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Roya Mostafavi
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jason R Myers
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Anna Vinitsky
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Holly B Lindsay
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsay Kilburn
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patricia Baxter
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Smith
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - John R Crawford
- Department of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sonia Partap
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Anne E Bendel
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Kim E Nichols
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Evadnie Rampersaud
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David W Ellison
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zoltan Patay
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Giles W Robinson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alberto Broniscer
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clinton F Stewart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Amar Gajjar
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA,Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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22
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Zanotti S, Decaesteker B, Vanhauwaert S, De Wilde B, De Vos WH, Speleman F. Cellular senescence in neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:1529-1538. [PMID: 35197583 PMCID: PMC9130206 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a tumour that arises from the sympathoadrenal lineage occurring predominantly in children younger than five years. About half of the patients are diagnosed with high-risk tumours and undergo intensive multi-modal therapy. The success rate of current treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma is disappointingly low and survivors suffer from multiple therapy-related long-term side effects. Most chemotherapeutics drive cancer cells towards cell death or senescence. Senescence has long been considered to represent a terminal non-proliferative state and therefore an effective barrier against tumorigenesis. This dogma, however, has been challenged by recent observations that infer a much more dynamic and reversible nature for this process, which may have implications for the efficacy of therapy-induced senescence-oriented treatment strategies. Neuroblastoma cells in a dormant, senescent-like state may escape therapy, whilst their senescence-associated secretome may promote inflammation and invasiveness, potentially fostering relapse. Conversely, due to its distinct molecular identity, senescence may also represent an opportunity for the development of novel (combination) therapies. However, the limited knowledge on the molecular dynamics and diversity of senescence signatures demands appropriate models to study this process in detail. This review summarises the molecular knowledge about cellular senescence in neuroblastoma and investigates current and future options towards therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Zanotti
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610 Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.510942.bCancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Bieke Decaesteker
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.510942.bCancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Suzanne Vanhauwaert
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.510942.bCancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Bram De Wilde
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000 Belgium ,grid.410566.00000 0004 0626 3303Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, 9000 Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610 Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent, 9000, Belgium. .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
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23
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Neuroblastoma: Essential genetic pathways and current therapeutic options. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 926:175030. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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24
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CK1 Is a Druggable Regulator of Microtubule Dynamics and Microtubule-Associated Processes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051345. [PMID: 35267653 PMCID: PMC8909099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases of the Casein Kinase 1 family play a vital role in the regulation of numerous cellular processes. Apart from functions associated with regulation of proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis, localization of several Casein Kinase 1 isoforms to the centrosome and microtubule asters also implicates regulatory functions in microtubule dynamic processes. Being localized to the spindle apparatus during mitosis Casein Kinase 1 directly modulates microtubule dynamics by phosphorylation of tubulin isoforms. Additionally, site-specific phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins can be related to the maintenance of genomic stability but also microtubule stabilization/destabilization, e.g., by hyper-phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein 1A and RITA1. Consequently, approaches interfering with Casein Kinase 1-mediated microtubule-specific functions might be exploited as therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. Currently pursued strategies include the development of Casein Kinase 1 isoform-specific small molecule inhibitors and therapeutically useful peptides specifically inhibiting kinase-substrate interactions.
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25
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Raab M, Matthess Y, Raab CA, Gutfreund N, Dötsch V, Becker S, Sanhaji M, Strebhardt K. A dimerization-dependent mechanism regulates enzymatic activation and nuclear entry of PLK1. Oncogene 2022; 41:372-386. [PMID: 34759346 PMCID: PMC8755526 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02094-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a crucial regulator of cell cycle progression. It is established that the activation of PLK1 depends on the coordinated action of Aurora-A and Bora. Nevertheless, very little is known about the spatiotemporal regulation of PLK1 during G2, specifically, the mechanisms that keep cytoplasmic PLK1 inactive until shortly before mitosis onset. Here, we describe PLK1 dimerization as a new mechanism that controls PLK1 activation. During the early G2 phase, Bora supports transient PLK1 dimerization, thus fine-tuning the timely regulated activation of PLK1 and modulating its nuclear entry. At late G2, the phosphorylation of T210 by Aurora-A triggers dimer dissociation and generates active PLK1 monomers that support entry into mitosis. Interfering with this critical PLK1 dimer/monomer switch prevents the association of PLK1 with importins, limiting its nuclear shuttling, and causes nuclear PLK1 mislocalization during the G2-M transition. Our results suggest a novel conformational space for the design of a new generation of PLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yves Matthess
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christopher A Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Niklas Gutfreund
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) / German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
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26
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Alisertib shows negligible potential for perpetrating pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions on ABCB1, ABCG2 and cytochromes P450, but acts as dual-activity resistance modulator through the inhibition of ABCC1 transporter. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 434:115823. [PMID: 34896433 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alisertib (MLN8237), a novel Aurora A kinase inhibitor, is currently being clinically tested in late-phase trials for the therapy of various malignancies. In the present work, we describe alisertib's potential to perpetrate pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and/or to act as an antagonist of multidrug resistance (MDR). In accumulation assays, alisertib potently inhibited ABCC1 transporter, but not ABCB1 or ABCG2. The results of molecular modeling suggested a bifunctional mechanism for interaction on ABCC1. In addition, alisertib was characterized as a low- to moderate-affinity inhibitor of recombinant CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6 isoenzymes, but without potential clinical relevance. Drug combination studies revealed the capability of alisertib to synergistically antagonize ABCC1-mediated resistance to daunorubicin. Although alisertib exhibited substrate characteristics toward ABCB1 transporter in monolayer transport assays, comparative proliferation studies showed lack of its MDR-victim behavior in cells overexpressing ABCB1 as well as ABCG2 and ABCC1. Lastly, alisertib did not affect the expression of ABCC1, ABCG2, ABCB1 transporters and CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2B6 isozymes on mRNA level in various systemic and tumoral models. In conclusion, our study suggests that alisertib is a drug candidate with negligible potential for perpetrating systemic pharmacokinetic DDIs on ABCB1, ABCG2 and cytochromes P450. In addition, we introduce alisertib as an effective dual-activity chemosensitizer whose MDR-antagonistic capacities are not impaired by efflux or effect on MDR phenotype. Our in vitro findings provide important pieces of information for clinicians when introducing alisertib into the clinical area.
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27
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Aurora A and AKT Kinase Signaling Associated with Primary Cilia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123602. [PMID: 34944109 PMCID: PMC8699881 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of kinase signaling is associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity; consequently, the kinases involved have become major therapeutic targets. While kinase signaling pathways play crucial roles in multiple cellular processes, the precise manner in which their dysregulation contributes to disease is dependent on the context; for example, the cell/tissue type or subcellular localization of the kinase or substrate. Thus, context-selective targeting of dysregulated kinases may serve to increase the therapeutic specificity while reducing off-target adverse effects. Primary cilia are antenna-like structures that extend from the plasma membrane and function by detecting extracellular cues and transducing signals into the cell. Cilia formation and signaling are dynamically regulated through context-dependent mechanisms; as such, dysregulation of primary cilia contributes to disease in a variety of ways. Here, we review the involvement of primary cilia-associated signaling through aurora A and AKT kinases with respect to cancer, obesity, and other ciliopathies.
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28
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Aurora B kinase: a potential drug target for cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2187-2198. [PMID: 34047821 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring genetic integrity is essential during the cell cycle to avoid aneuploidy, one of the underlying causes of malignancies. Aurora kinases are serine/threonine kinase that play a vital role in maintaining the genomic integrity of the cells. There are three forms of aurora kinases in the mammalian cells, which are highly conserved and act together with several other proteins to control chromosome alignment and its equal distribution to daughter cells in mitosis and meiosis. METHODS We provide here a detailed analysis of Aurora B kinase (ABK) in terms of its expression, structure, function, disease association and potential therapeutic implications. RESULTS ABK plays an instrumental in mitotic entry, chromosome condensation, spindle assembly, cytokinesis, and abscission. Small-molecule inhibitors of ABK are designed and synthesized to control cancer progression. A detailed understanding of ABK pathophysiology in different cancers is of great significance in designing and developing effective therapeutic strategies. CONCLUSION In this review, we have discussed the physiological significance of ABK followed by its role in cancer progression. We further highlighted available small-molecule inhibitors to control the tumor proliferation and their mechanistic insights.
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29
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Aurora kinase inhibitors as potential anticancer agents: Recent advances. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 221:113495. [PMID: 34020340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a crucial role in cell proliferation through the regulation of mitotic spindles. These kinases are the regulatory proteins localized in the various phases of the cell cycle and are involved in centrosome maturation, chromosome alignment, chromosomal segregation, and cytokinesis. They have emerged as one of the validated drug targets for anticancer drug discovery as their overexpression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various carcinomas. Inhibitors of Aurora kinases induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells. Hence, the design and development of Aurora kinase inhibitors have been widely explored in recent years by the scientific community as potential anticancer agents. Various Aurora kinase inhibitors have been under preclinical and clinical investigations as antitumor agents. This review summarizes the recent strategies of various researchers for the design and development of Aurora kinase inhibitors belonging to different structural classes. Their bioactivity, SARs, molecular modelling, and mechanistic studies have also been described. The comprehensive compilation of research work carried out in the field will provide inevitable scope for the design and development of novel drug candidates with better selectivity and efficacy. The review is constructed after the exhaustive research in this discipline and includes the papers from 2011 to 2020.
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30
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Karatas M, Chaikuad A, Berger B, Kubbutat MHG, Totzke F, Knapp S, Kunick C. 7-(2-Anilinopyrimidin-4-yl)-1-benzazepin-2-ones Designed by a "Cut and Glue" Strategy Are Dual Aurora A/VEGF-R Kinase Inhibitors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061611. [PMID: 33799460 PMCID: PMC7998669 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although overexpression and hyperactivity of protein kinases are causative for a wide range of human cancers, protein kinase inhibitors currently approved as cancer drugs address only a limited number of these enzymes. To identify new chemotypes addressing alternative protein kinases, the basic structure of a known PLK1/VEGF-R2 inhibitor class was formally dissected and reassembled. The resulting 7-(2-anilinopyrimidin-4-yl)-1-benzazepin-2-ones were synthesized and proved to be dual inhibitors of Aurora A kinase and VEGF receptor kinases. Crystal structures of two representatives of the new chemotype in complex with Aurora A showed the ligand orientation in the ATP binding pocket and provided the basis for rational structural modifications. Congeners with attached sulfamide substituents retained Aurora A inhibitory activity. In vitro screening of two members of the new kinase inhibitor family against the cancer cell line panel of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) showed antiproliferative activity in the single-digit micromolar concentration range in the majority of the cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Karatas
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.K.); (B.B.)
- Zentrum für Pharmaverfahrenstechnik (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35A, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Johann Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bianca Berger
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.K.); (B.B.)
| | | | - Frank Totzke
- Reaction Biology Europe GmbH, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; (M.H.G.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium, BMLS, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Johann Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Conrad Kunick
- Institut für Medizinische und Pharmazeutische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Beethovenstraße 55, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.K.); (B.B.)
- Zentrum für Pharmaverfahrenstechnik (PVZ), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Franz-Liszt-Straße 35A, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-531-391-2754
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Hijjawi MS, Abutayeh RF, Taha MO. Structure-Based Discovery and Bioactivity Evaluation of Novel Aurora-A Kinase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents via Docking-Based Comparative Intermolecular Contacts Analysis (dbCICA). Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25246003. [PMID: 33353031 PMCID: PMC7766225 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25246003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora-A kinase plays a central role in mitosis, where aberrant activation contributes to cancer by promoting cell cycle progression, genomic instability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stemness. Aurora-A kinase inhibitors have shown encouraging results in clinical trials but have not gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. An innovative computational workflow named Docking-based Comparative Intermolecular Contacts Analysis (dbCICA) was applied—aiming to identify novel Aurora-A kinase inhibitors—using seventy-nine reported Aurora-A kinase inhibitors to specify the best possible docking settings needed to fit into the active-site binding pocket of Aurora-A kinase crystal structure, in a process that only potent ligands contact critical binding-site spots, distinct from those occupied by less-active ligands. Optimal dbCICA models were transformed into two corresponding pharmacophores. The optimal one, in capturing active hits and discarding inactive ones, validated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, was used as a virtual in-silico search query for screening new molecules from the National Cancer Institute database. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay was used to assess the activity of captured molecules and five promising Aurora-A kinase inhibitors were identified. The activity was next validated using a cell culture anti-proliferative assay (MTT) and revealed a most potent lead 85(NCI 14040) molecule after 72 h of incubation, scoring IC50 values of 3.5–11.0 μM against PANC1 (pancreas), PC-3 (prostate), T-47D and MDA-MB-231 (breast)cancer cells, and showing favorable safety profiles (27.5 μM IC50 on fibroblasts). Our results provide new clues for further development of Aurora-A kinase inhibitors as anticancer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd S Hijjawi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Reem Fawaz Abutayeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Mutasem O Taha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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The synthesis and anti‐tumour properties of novel 4-substituted phthalazinones as Aurora B kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127556. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Saleh NM, El-Gaby MS, El‐Adl K, Abd El-Sattar NE. Design, green synthesis, molecular docking and anticancer evaluations of diazepam bearing sulfonamide moieties as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104350. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Škubník J, Jurášek M, Ruml T, Rimpelová S. Mitotic Poisons in Research and Medicine. Molecules 2020; 25:E4632. [PMID: 33053667 PMCID: PMC7587177 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the greatest challenges of the modern medicine. Although much effort has been made in the development of novel cancer therapeutics, it still remains one of the most common causes of human death in the world, mainly in low and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer treatment services are not available in more then 70% of low-income countries (90% of high-income countries have them available), and also approximately 70% of cancer deaths are reported in low-income countries. Various approaches on how to combat cancer diseases have since been described, targeting cell division being among them. The so-called mitotic poisons are one of the cornerstones in cancer therapies. The idea that cancer cells usually divide almost uncontrolled and far more rapidly than normal cells have led us to think about such compounds that would take advantage of this difference and target the division of such cells. Many groups of such compounds with different modes of action have been reported so far. In this review article, the main approaches on how to target cancer cell mitosis are described, involving microtubule inhibition, targeting aurora and polo-like kinases and kinesins inhibition. The main representatives of all groups of compounds are discussed and attention has also been paid to the presence and future of the clinical use of these compounds as well as their novel derivatives, reviewing the finished and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Škubník
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (T.R.)
| | - Michal Jurášek
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic;
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (T.R.)
| | - Silvie Rimpelová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Technická 3, 166 28, Prague 6, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (T.R.)
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Özenver N, Abdelfatah S, Klinger A, Fleischer E, Efferth T. Identification and characterization of deschloro-chlorothricin obtained from a large natural product library targeting aurora A kinase in multiple myeloma. Invest New Drugs 2020; 39:348-361. [PMID: 32978717 PMCID: PMC8551148 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-01012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a devastating disease with low survival rates worldwide. The mean lifetime of patients may be extendable with new drug alternatives. Aurora A kinase (AURKA) is crucial in oncogenesis, because its overexpression or amplification may incline the development of various types of cancer, including MM. Therefore, inhibitors of AURKA are innovative and promising targets. Natural compounds always represented a valuable resource for anticancer drug development. In the present study, based on virtual drug screening of more than 48,000 natural compounds, the antibiotic deschloro-chlorotricin (DCCT) has been identified to bind to AURKA with even higher binding affinity (free bindung energy: −12.25 kcal/mol) than the known AURKA inhibitor, alisertib (free binding energy: −11.25 kcal/mol). The in silico studies have been verified in vitro by using microscale thermophoresis. DCCT inhibited MM cell lines (KMS-11, L-363, RPMI-8226, MOLP-8, OPM-2, NCI-H929) with IC50 values in a range from 0.01 to 0.12 μM. Furthermore, DCCT downregulated AURKA protein expression, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and disturbed the cellular microtubule network as determined by Western blotting, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Thus, DCCT may be a promising lead structure for further derivatization and the development of specific AURKA inhibitors in MM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadire Özenver
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sara Abdelfatah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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Lee JY, Gallo RA, Ledon PJ, Tao W, Tse DT, Pelaez D, Wester ST. Integrating Differential Gene Expression Analysis with Perturbagen-Response Signatures May Identify Novel Therapies for Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:39. [PMID: 32908802 PMCID: PMC7453043 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.9.39] [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: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) perturbagen prediction software to identify small molecules that revert pathologic gene signature and alter disease phenotype in orbital adipose stem cells (OASCs) derived from patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). Methods Differentially expressed genes identified via RNA sequencing were inputted into LINCS L1000 Characteristic Direction Signature Search Engine (L1000CDS2) to predict candidate small molecules to reverse pathologic gene expression. TAO OASC cell lines were treated in vitro with six identified small molecules (Torin-2, PX12, withaferin A, isoliquiritigenin, mitoxantrone, and MLN8054), and expression of key adipogenic and differentially expressed genes was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction after 7 days of treatment. OASCs were differentiated into adipocytes, treated for 15 days, and stained with Oil Red O (OD 490 nm) to evaluate adipogenic changes. Results The expression of key differentially expressed genes (IRX1, HOXB2, S100B, and KCNA4) and adipogenic genes (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ, FABP4) was significantly decreased in TAO OASCs after treatment (P < .05). In treated TAO adipocytes (n = 3), all six tested small molecules yielded significant decrease (P < .05) in Oil Red O staining. In treated non-TAO adipocytes (n = 3), only three of the drugs yielded a significant decrease in Oil Red O staining. Conclusions Combining disease expression signatures with LINCS small molecule prediction software can identify promising preclinical drug candidates for TAO. Translational Relevance These findings may offer insight into future potential therapeutic options for TAO and demonstrate a streamlined model to predict drug candidates for other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y Lee
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ryan A Gallo
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Paul J Ledon
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Wensi Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David T Tse
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sara T Wester
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Huang M, Feng X, Su D, Wang G, Wang C, Tang M, Paulucci-Holthauzen A, Hart T, Chen J. Genome-wide CRISPR screen uncovers a synergistic effect of combining Haspin and Aurora kinase B inhibition. Oncogene 2020; 39:4312-4322. [PMID: 32300176 PMCID: PMC7291820 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases vital for cell division. Because of the overexpression of Aurora kinases in a broad range of cancers and their important roles in mitosis, inhibitors targeting Aurora kinases have attracted attention in cancer therapy. VX-680 is an effective pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor; however, its clinical efficacy was not satisfying. In this study, we performed CRISPR/Cas9 screens to identify genes whose depletion shows synthetic lethality with VX-680. The top hit from these screens was GSG2 (also known as Haspin), a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates histone H3 at Thr-3 during mitosis. Moreover, both Haspin knockout and Haspin inhibitor-treated HCT116 cells were hypersensitive to VX-680. Furthermore, we showed that the synthetic lethal interaction between Haspin depletion and VX-680 was mediated by the inhibition of Haspin with Aurora kinase B (AURKB), but not with Aurora kinase A (AURKA). Strikingly, combined inhibition of Haspin and AURKB had a better efficacy than single-agent treatment in both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Taken together, our findings have uncovered a synthetic lethal interaction between AURKB and Haspin, which provides a strong rationale for this combination therapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mengfan Tang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Traver Hart
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Junjie Chen
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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The therapeutic potential of Aurora kinases targeting in glioblastoma: from preclinical research to translational oncology. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:495-512. [PMID: 32219470 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common aggressive primary brain tumor. Standard care includes maximal safe surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. However, the impact of this therapeutic approach on patient survival is disappointing and poor outcomes are frequently observed. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are needed to treat this potentially deadly tumor. Aurora kinases are one of today's most sought-after classes of therapeutic targets to glioblastoma therapy. They are a family of proteins composed of three members: Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C that play different roles in the cell division through regulation of chromosome segregation. Deregulation of these genes has been reported in glioblastoma and a progressive number of studies have shown that inhibition of these proteins could be a promising strategy for the treatment of this tumor. This review discusses the preclinical and early clinical findings on the potential use of the Aurora kinases as new targets for the treatment of glioblastoma. KEY MESSAGES: GBM is a very aggressive tumor with limited therapeutic options. Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases implicated in GBM pathology. Aurora kinases are critical for glioblastoma cell growth, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Inhibition of Aurora kinases has a synergistic or sensitizing effect with chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy, or with other targeted molecules in GBM. Several Aurora kinase inhibitors are currently in clinical trials.
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Pusalkar S, Zhou X, Li Y, Cohen L, Yang JJ, Balani SK, Xia C, Shyu WC, Lu C, Venkatakrishnan K, Chowdhury SK. Biotransformation Pathways and Metabolite Profiles of Oral [ 14C]Alisertib (MLN8237), an Investigational Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Drug Metab Dispos 2020; 48:217-229. [PMID: 31911485 PMCID: PMC11022938 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.119.087338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alisertib (MLN8237) is an investigational, orally available, selective aurora A kinase inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This metabolic profiling analysis was conducted as part of a broader phase 1 study evaluating mass balance, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and routes of excretion of alisertib following a single 35-mg dose of [14C]alisertib oral solution (∼80 μCi) in three patients with advanced malignancies. On average, 87.8% and 2.7% of the administered dose was recovered in feces and urine, respectively, for a total recovery of 90.5% by 14 days postdose. Unchanged [14C]alisertib was the predominant drug-related component in plasma, followed by O-desmethyl alisertib (M2), and alisertib acyl glucuronide (M1), which were present at 47.8%, 34.6%, and 12.0% of total plasma radioactivity. In urine, of the 2.7% of the dose excreted, unchanged [14C]alisertib was a negligible component (trace), with M1 (0.84% of dose) and glucuronide conjugate of hydroxy alisertib (M9; 0.66% of dose) representing the primary drug-related components in urine. Hydroxy alisertib (M3; 20.8% of the dose administered) and unchanged [14C]alisertib (26.3% of the dose administered) were the major drug-related components in feces. In vitro, oxidative metabolism of alisertib was primarily mediated by CYP3A. The acyl glucuronidation of alisertib was primarily mediated by uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, 1A3, and 1A8 and was stable in 0.1 M phosphate buffer and in plasma and urine. Further in vitro evaluation of alisertib and its metabolites M1 and M2 for cytochrome P450-based drug-drug interaction (DDI) showed minimal potential for perpetrating DDI with coadministered drugs. Overall, renal elimination played an insignificant role in the disposition of alisertib, and metabolites resulting from phase 1 oxidative pathways contributed to >58% of the alisertib dose recovered in urine and feces over 192 hours postdose. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study describes the primary clearance pathways of alisertib and illustrates the value of timely conduct of human absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies in providing guidance to the clinical pharmacology development program for oncology drugs, for which a careful understanding of sources of exposure variability is crucial to inform risk management for drug-drug interactions given the generally limited therapeutic window for anticancer drugs and polypharmacy that is common in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeepraj Pusalkar
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xiaofei Zhou
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuexian Li
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lawrence Cohen
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Johnny Yang
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suresh K Balani
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Cindy Xia
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wen Chyi Shyu
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chuang Lu
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Karthik Venkatakrishnan
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Swapan K Chowdhury
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan
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Discovery of novel 2,4-disubstituted pyrimidines as Aurora kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:126885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.126885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Silencing of AURKA augments the antitumor efficacy of the AURKA inhibitor MLN8237 on neuroblastoma cells. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:9. [PMID: 31920463 PMCID: PMC6947931 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-1072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aurora kinase A (AURKA) has been implicated in the regulation of cell cycle progression, mitosis and a key number of oncogenic signaling pathways in various malignancies including neuroblastoma. Small molecule inhibitors of AURKA have shown potential, but still not as good as expected effects in clinical trials. Little is known about this underlying mechanism. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of AURKA inhibitor MLN8237 on neuroblastoma cells to understand the potential mechanisms responsible for tumor therapy. Methods MLN8237 treatment on neuroblastoma cell line IMR32 was done and in vivo inhibitory effects were investigated using tumor xenograft model. Cellular senescence was evaluated by senescence-associated β-gal Staining assay. Flow cytometry was used to tested cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. Senescence-associated signal pathways were detected by western blot. CD133 microbeads and microsphere formation were used to separate and enrich CD133+ cells. AURKA small interfering RNA transfection was carried to downregulate AURKA level. Finally, the combination of MLN8237 treatment with AURKA small interfering RNA transfection were adopted to evaluate the inhibitory effect on neuroblastoma cells. Results We demonstrate that MLN8237, an inhibitor of AURKA, induces the neuroblastoma cell line IMR32 into cellular senescence and G2/M cell phase arrest. Inactivation of AURKA results in MYCN destabilization and inhibits cell growth in vitro and in a mouse model. Although MLN8237 inhibits AURKA kinase activity, it has almost no inhibitory effect on the AURKA protein level. By contrast, MLN8237 treatment leads to abnormal high expression of AURKA in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of AURKA reduces cell survival. The combination of MLN8237 with AURKA small interfering RNA results in more profound inhibitory effects on neuroblastoma cell growth. Moreover, MLN8237 treatment followed by AURKA siRNA forces senescent cells into apoptosis via suppression of the Akt/Stat3 pathway. Conclusions The effect of AURKA-targeted inhibition of tumor growth plays roles in both the inactivation of AURKA activity and the decrease in the AURKA protein expression level.
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Murga-Zamalloa C, Inamdar KV, Wilcox RA. The role of aurora A and polo-like kinases in high-risk lymphomas. Blood Adv 2019; 3:1778-1787. [PMID: 31186254 PMCID: PMC6560346 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk lymphomas (HRLs) are associated with dismal outcomes and remain a therapeutic challenge. Recurrent genetic and molecular alterations, including c-myc expression and aurora A kinase (AAK) and polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1) activation, promote cell proliferation and contribute to the highly aggressive natural history associated with these lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition to its canonical targets regulating mitosis, the AAK/PLK1 axis directly regulates noncanonical targets, including c-myc. Recent studies demonstrate that HRLs, including T-cell lymphomas and many highly aggressive B-cell lymphomas, are dependent upon the AAK/PLK1 axis. Therefore, the AAK/PLK1 axis has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in these lymphomas. In addition to reviewing these recent findings, we summarize the rationale for targeting AAK/PLK1 in high-risk and c-myc-driven lymphoproliferative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Murga-Zamalloa
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; and
| | | | - Ryan A Wilcox
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; and
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Cheng Z, Liu F, Tian H, Xu Z, Chai X, Luo D, Wang Y. Impairing the maintenance of germinative cells in Echinococcus multilocularis by targeting Aurora kinase. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007425. [PMID: 31095613 PMCID: PMC6541280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor-like growth of the metacestode larvae of the tapeworm E. multilocularis causes human alveolar echinococcosis, a severe disease mainly affecting the liver. The germinative cells, a population of adult stem cells, are crucial for the larval growth and development of the parasite within the hosts. Maintenance of the germinative cell pools relies on their abilities of extensive proliferation and self-renewal, which requires accurate control of the cell division cycle. Targeting regulators of the cell division progression may impair germinative cell populations, leading to impeded parasite growth. Methodology/Principal findings In this study, we describe the characterization of EmAURKA and EmAURKB, which display significant similarity to the members of Aurora kinases that are essential mitotic kinases and play key roles in cell division. Our data suggest that EmAURKA and EmAURKB are actively expressed in the germinative cells of E. multilocularis. Treatment with low concentrations of MLN8237, a dual inhibitor of Aurora A and B, resulted in chromosomal defects in the germinative cells during mitosis, while higher concentrations of MLN8237 caused a failure in cytokinesis of the germinative cells, leading to multinucleated cells. Inhibition of the activities of Aurora kinases eventually resulted in depletion of the germinative cell populations in E. multilocularis, which in turn caused larval growth inhibition of the parasite. Conclusions/Significance Our data demonstrate the vital roles of Aurora kinases in the regulation of mitotic progression and maintenance of the germinative cells in E. multilocularis, and suggest Aurora kinases as promising druggable targets for the development of novel chemotherapeutics against human alveolar echinococcosis. Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by infection with the metacestode larvae of the tapeworm E. multilocularis, is a lethal disease in humans. A population of adult stem cells, called germinative cells, drive the cancer-like growth of the parasite within their host and are considered responsible for disease recurrence after therapy termination. Nevertheless, benzimidazoles, the current drugs of choice against AE, show limited effects on killing these cells. Here, we describe EmAURKA and EmAURKB, two Aurora kinase members that play essential roles in regulating E. multilocularis germinative cell mitosis, as promising drug targets for eliminating the population of germinative cells. We show that targeting E. multilocularis Aurora kinases by small molecular inhibitor MLN8237 causes severe mitotic defects and eventually impairs the viability of germinative cells, leading to larval growth inhibition of the parasite in vitro. Our study suggests that targeting mitosis by MLN8237 or related compounds offers possibilities for germinative cell killing and we hope this will help in exploring novel therapeutic strategies against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huimin Tian
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhijian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoli Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Damin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanhai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail:
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Suri A, Bailey AW, Tavares MT, Gunosewoyo H, Dyer CP, Grupenmacher AT, Piper DR, Horton RA, Tomita T, Kozikowski AP, Roy SM, Sredni ST. Evaluation of Protein Kinase Inhibitors with PLK4 Cross-Over Potential in a Pre-Clinical Model of Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092112. [PMID: 31035676 PMCID: PMC6540285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) is a cell cycle-regulated protein kinase (PK) recruited at the centrosome in dividing cells. Its overexpression triggers centrosome amplification, which is associated with genetic instability and carcinogenesis. In previous work, we established that PLK4 is overexpressed in pediatric embryonal brain tumors (EBT). We also demonstrated that PLK4 inhibition exerted a cytostatic effect in EBT cells. Here, we examined an array of PK inhibitors (CFI-400945, CFI-400437, centrinone, centrinone-B, R-1530, axitinib, KW-2449, and alisertib) for their potential crossover to PLK4 by comparative structural docking and activity inhibition in multiple established embryonal tumor cell lines (MON, BT-12, BT-16, DAOY, D283). Our analyses demonstrated that: (1) CFI-400437 had the greatest impact overall, but similar to CFI-400945, it is not optimal for brain exposure. Also, their phenotypic anti-cancer impact may, in part, be a consequence of the inhibition of Aurora kinases (AURKs). (2) Centrinone and centrinone B are the most selective PLK4 inhibitors but they are the least likely to penetrate the brain. (3) KW-2449, R-1530 and axitinib are the ones predicted to have moderate-to-good brain penetration. In conclusion, a new selective PLK4 inhibitor with favorable physiochemical properties for optimal brain exposure can be beneficial for the treatment of EBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amreena Suri
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
| | - Anders W Bailey
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
| | - Maurício T Tavares
- Department of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil.
| | - Hendra Gunosewoyo
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Connor P Dyer
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
| | - Alex T Grupenmacher
- Department of Ophtalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - David R Piper
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Research and Development, Biosciences Division, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - Robert A Horton
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Research and Development, Biosciences Division, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
| | - Tadanori Tomita
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | | | - Saktimayee M Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Simone T Sredni
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION 3-Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), the 'master kinase of the AGC protein kinase family', plays a key role in cancer development and progression. Although it has been rather overlooked, in the last decades a growing number of molecules have been developed to effectively modulate the PDK1 enzyme. AREAS COVERED This review collects different PDK1 inhibitors patented from October 2014 to December 2018. The molecules have been classified on the basis of the chemical structure/type of inhibition, and for each general structure, examples have been discussed in extenso. EXPERT OPINION The role of PDK1 in cancer development and progression as well as in metastasis formation and in chemoresistance has been confirmed by many studies. Therefore, the pharmaceutical discovery in both public and private institutions is still ongoing despite the plentiful molecules already published. The majority of the new molecules synthetized interact with binding sites different from the ATP binding site (i.e. PIF pocket or DFG-out conformation). However, many researchers are still looking for innovative PDK1 modulation strategy such as combination of well-known inhibitory agents or multitarget ligands, aiming to block, together with PDK1, other different critical players in the wide panorama of proteins involved in tumor pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sestito
- a Department of Pharmacy , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
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Ma YZ, Tang ZB, Sang CY, Qi ZY, Hui L, Chen SW. Synthesis and biological evaluation of nitroxide labeled pyrimidines as Aurora kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:694-699. [PMID: 30728112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To find novel effective Aurora kinases inhibitors, a series of structurally interesting nitroxide labeled pyrimidines were synthesized and evaluated their anti-proliferative and Aurora kinases inhibitory activities. Among them, butyl 2-(3-((5-fluoro-2-((4-((1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl)carbamoyl) phenyl) amino)pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)acetate (22) possessed the most potent anti-proliferative effects against four carcinoma cell lines with IC50 values in range of 0.89-11.41 μM, and kinases inhibition against Aurora A and B with the IC50 values were 9.3 and 2.8 nM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 22 blocked the phosphorylation of Aurora A (T288), Aurora B (Thr232) and HisH3, decreased the expression of proteins TPX2, Eg5 and Bora, as well as disrupted the mitotic spindle formation in HeLa cells. Molecular docking studies indicated that compound 22 well interact with both Aurora A and B. The results showed that compound 22 is a potential anticancer agent as promising pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Zhen Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chun-Yan Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ling Hui
- Experimental Center of Medicine, General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, Lanzhou 730050, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Gene Drug of Gansu Province, General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shi-Wu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Payton M, Cheung HK, Ninniri MSS, Marinaccio C, Wayne WC, Hanestad K, Crispino JD, Juan G, Coxon A. Dual Targeting of Aurora Kinases with AMG 900 Exhibits Potent Preclinical Activity Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Distinct Post-Mitotic Outcomes. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:2575-2585. [PMID: 30266802 PMCID: PMC6279493 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Aurora kinase A and B have essential and non-overlapping roles in mitosis, with elevated expression in a subset of human cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, pan-aurora kinase inhibitor (AKI) AMG 900 distinguishes itself as an anti-leukemic agent that is more uniformly potent against a panel of AML cell lines than are isoform-selective AKIs and classic AML drugs. AMG 900 inhibited AML cell growth by inducing polyploidization and/or apoptosis. AMG 900 and aurora-B-selective inhibitor AZD1152-hQPA showed comparable cellular effects on AML lines that do not harbor a FLT3-ITD mutation. AMG 900 was active against P-glycoprotein-expressing AML cells resistant to AZD1152-hQPA and was effective at inducing expression of megakaryocyte-lineage markers (CD41, CD42) on human CHRF-288-11 cells and mouse Jak2 V617F cells. In MOLM-13 cells, inhibition of p-histone H3 by AMG 900 was associated with polyploidy, extra centrosomes, accumulation of p53 protein, apoptosis, and cleavage of Bcl-2 protein. Co-administration of cytarabine (Ara-C) with AMG 900 potentiated cell killing in a subset of AML lines, with evidence of attenuated polyploidization. AMG 900 inhibited the proliferation of primary human bone marrow cells in culture, with a better proliferation recovery profile relative to classic antimitotic drug docetaxel. In vivo, AMG 900 significantly reduced tumor burden in a systemic MOLM-13 xenograft model where we demonstrate the utility of 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine [18F]FLT positron emission tomographic (PET)-CT imaging to measure the antiproliferative effects of AMG 900 in skeletal tissues in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Payton
- Amgen Discovery Research, Thousand Oaks, California.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John D Crispino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gloria Juan
- Amgen Medical Sciences, Thousand Oaks, California
| | - Angela Coxon
- Amgen Discovery Research, Thousand Oaks, California
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Pyrazolo[4,3-b]pyrimido[4,5-e][1,4]diazepine derivatives as new multi-targeted inhibitors of Aurora A/B and KDR. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 158:428-441. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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A Novel Aurora-A Inhibitor (MLN8237) Synergistically Enhances the Antitumor Activity of Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:176-188. [PMID: 30292139 PMCID: PMC6172479 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, sorafenib-based therapy is the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and there is a strong rationale for investigating its use in combination with other agents to achieve better therapeutic effects. Aurora-A, a member of a family of mitotic serine/threonine kinases, is frequently overexpressed in human cancers and therefore represents a target for therapy. Here, we investigated a novel Aurora-A inhibitor, MLN8237, together with sorafenib in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and elucidated the possible molecular mechanism. Here, it was found that MLN8237 was strongly synergistic with sorafenib in inhibition of HCC progression by altering cell growth, cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Mechanism dissection suggests that the combination of MLN8237 and sorafenib led to significant inhibition of the activation of phospho-Akt (p-Akt) and phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and their downstream genes including CDK4, cyclinD1, and VEGFA. The activators of p-Akt and p-p38 MAPK signaling partially reversed the synergistic inhibitory effects of sorafenib and MLN8237 on HCC progression. Subsequent in vivo studies further confirmed the synergistic effects of sorafenib and MLN8237. Collectively, the newly developed sorafenib-MLN8237 combination may be a novel therapy to better inhibit HCC progression.
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Long L, Wang YH, Zhuo JX, Tu ZC, Wu R, Yan M, Liu Q, Lu G. Structure-based drug design: Synthesis and biological evaluation of quinazolin-4-amine derivatives as selective Aurora A kinase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:1361-1375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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