1
|
Tang P, Zheng G, Xu C, Yu N, Du J, Hu L, Zhou Z, Zheng Y. Function of NEK2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its effect on the tumor microenvironment. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37939. [PMID: 38758909 PMCID: PMC11098263 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed the critical functions of NEK2 in controlling the cell cycle which is linked to poor prognosis in multiple tumor types, but less research has been devoted to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS We downloaded clinical data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) and TCGA databases together with transcriptional and mutational datasets. Strongly coexpressed genes with NEK2 were extracted from TCGA-KIRC cohort, and were submitted to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for functional analyses. According to NEK2 levels, the survival status, mutational characteristics, response to immunotherapy and sensitivity to drugs of the patients were studied. The potential correlations between NEK2 levels and immune cell state as well as immune cell infiltration were examined using the GEPIA, TIMER and TISIDB databases. Double immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to identify the NEK2 overexpression and relationship with CD8 in ccRCC. RESULTS The NEK2 gene was overexpressed and would enhance the nuclear division and cell cycle activities in ccRCC. ccRCC patients with high NEK2 expression had worse clinical outcomes, higher mutation burden and better therapeutic response. Moreover, NEK2 gene overexpression was positively related to various immune cell marker sets, which was also proved by validation cohort, and more infiltration of various immune cells. CONCLUSION ccRCC patients with NEK2 high expression have a poorer prognosis than those with NEK2 low expression, resulting from its function of promoting proliferation, accompanied by increased infiltration of CD8 + T cells and Tregs and T-cell exhaustion and will respond better to proper treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- Department of Urology, The First People’s Hospital of Linping District of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gangfu Zheng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Congcong Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nengfeng Yu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Jiaqi Du
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Liqian Hu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of An-ti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yichun Zheng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
White MC, Wong JP, Damania B. Inhibition of NEK2 Promotes Chemosensitivity and Reduces KSHV-positive Primary Effusion Lymphoma Burden. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1024-1040. [PMID: 38592451 PMCID: PMC11003453 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a common cancer in both men and women and represents a significant cancer burden worldwide. Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a subtype of NHL infected with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). PEL is an aggressive and lethal cancer with no current standard of care, owing largely to its propensity to develop resistance to current chemotherapeutic regimens. Here, we report a reliance of KSHV-positive PEL on the mitotic kinase, NEK2, for survival. Inhibition of NEK2 with the inhibitor, JH295, resulted in caspase 3-mediated apoptotic cell death of PEL. Furthermore, NEK2 inhibition significantly prolonged survival and reduced tumor burden in a PEL mouse model. We also demonstrate that the ABC transporter proteins, MDR1 and MRP, are most active in PEL and that inhibition of NEK2 in PEL reduced the expression and activity of these ABC transporter proteins, which are known to mediate drug resistance in cancer. Finally, we report that JH295 treatment sensitized lymphomas to other chemotherapeutic agents such as rapamycin, resulting in enhanced cancer cell death. Overall, these data offer important insight into the mechanisms underlying PEL survival and drug resistance, and suggest that NEK2 is a viable therapeutic target for PEL. SIGNIFICANCE The mitotic kinase, NEK2, is important for the survival of KSHV-positive PEL. NEK2 inhibition resulted in PEL apoptosis and reduced tumor burden in a mouse model. NEK2 inhibition also reduced drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. White
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jason P. Wong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Blossom Damania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Basei FL, E Silva IR, Dias PRF, Ferezin CC, Peres de Oliveira A, Issayama LK, Moura LAR, da Silva FR, Kobarg J. The Mitochondrial Connection: The Nek Kinases' New Functional Axis in Mitochondrial Homeostasis. Cells 2024; 13:473. [PMID: 38534317 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060473] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria provide energy for all cellular processes, including reactions associated with cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, and cilia formation. Moreover, mitochondria participate in cell fate decisions between death and survival. Nek family members have already been implicated in DNA damage response, cilia formation, cell death, and cell cycle control. Here, we discuss the role of several Nek family members, namely Nek1, Nek4, Nek5, Nek6, and Nek10, which are not exclusively dedicated to cell cycle-related functions, in controlling mitochondrial functions. Specifically, we review the function of these Neks in mitochondrial respiration and dynamics, mtDNA maintenance, stress response, and cell death. Finally, we discuss the interplay of other cell cycle kinases in mitochondrial function and vice versa. Nek1, Nek5, and Nek6 are connected to the stress response, including ROS control, mtDNA repair, autophagy, and apoptosis. Nek4, in turn, seems to be related to mitochondrial dynamics, while Nek10 is involved with mitochondrial metabolism. Here, we propose that the participation of Neks in mitochondrial roles is a new functional axis for the Nek family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda L Basei
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Pedro R Firmino Dias
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Camila C Ferezin
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | | | - Luidy K Issayama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Livia A R Moura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | | | - Jörg Kobarg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jessen M, Gertzmann D, Liss F, Zenk F, Bähner L, Schöffler V, Schulte C, Maric HM, Ade CP, von Eyss B, Gaubatz S. Inhibition of the YAP-MMB interaction and targeting NEK2 as potential therapeutic strategies for YAP-driven cancers. Oncogene 2024; 43:578-593. [PMID: 38182898 PMCID: PMC10873197 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
YAP activation in cancer is linked to poor outcomes, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Previous research focused on blocking the interaction of YAP with TEAD transcription factors. Here, we took a different approach by disrupting YAP's binding to the transcription factor B-MYB using MY-COMP, a fragment of B-MYB containing the YAP binding domain fused to a nuclear localization signal. MY-COMP induced cell cycle defects, nuclear abnormalities, and polyploidization. In an AKT and YAP-driven liver cancer model, MY-COMP significantly reduced liver tumorigenesis, highlighting the importance of the YAP-B-MYB interaction in tumor development. MY-COMP also perturbed the cell cycle progression of YAP-dependent uveal melanoma cells but not of YAP-independent cutaneous melanoma cell lines. It counteracted YAP-dependent expression of MMB-regulated cell cycle genes, explaining the observed effects. We also identified NIMA-related kinase (NEK2) as a downstream target of YAP and B-MYB, promoting YAP-driven transformation by facilitating centrosome clustering and inhibiting multipolar mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Jessen
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Dörthe Gertzmann
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Franziska Liss
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Franziska Zenk
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Laura Bähner
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Victoria Schöffler
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Clemens Schulte
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hans Michael Maric
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten P Ade
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Björn von Eyss
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, 07745, Germany.
| | - Stefan Gaubatz
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jian Y, Jiang Y, Nie L, Dou Z, Liu X, Fu C. Phosphorylation of Bub1 by Mph1 promotes Bub1 signaling at the kinetochore to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105559. [PMID: 38097187 PMCID: PMC10805674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bub1 is a conserved mitotic kinase involved in signaling of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Multiple phosphorylation sites on Bub1 have been characterized, yet it is challenging to understand the interplay between the multiple phosphorylation sites due to the limited availability of phosphospecific antibodies. In addition, phosphoregulation of Bub1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe is poorly understood. Here we report the identification of a new Mph1/Mps1-mediated phosphorylation site, i.e., Ser532, of Bub1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. A phosphospecific antibody against phosphorylated Bub1-Ser532 was developed. Using the phosphospecific antibody, we demonstrated that phosphorylation of Bub1-Ser352 was mediated specifically by Mph1/Mps1 and took place during early mitosis. Moreover, live-cell microscopy showed that inhibition of the phosphorylation of Bub1 at Ser532 impaired the localization of Bub1, Mad1, and Mad2 to the kinetochore. In addition, inhibition of the phosphorylation of Bub1 at Ser532 caused anaphase B lagging chromosomes. Hence, our study constitutes a model in which Mph1/Mps1-mediated phosphorylation of fission yeast Bub1 promotes proper kinetochore localization of Bub1 and faithful chromosome segregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanze Jian
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yueyue Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lingyun Nie
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Dou
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanhai Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology & Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gregorczyk M, Parkes EE. Targeting mitotic regulators in cancer as a strategy to enhance immune recognition. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 132:103583. [PMID: 37871511 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic DNA has evolved to be enclosed within the nucleus to protect the cellular genome from autoinflammatory responses driven by the immunogenic nature of cytoplasmic DNA. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) is the cytoplasmic dsDNA sensor, which upon activation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING), mediates production of pro-inflammatory interferons (IFNs) and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). However, although this pathway is crucial in detection of viral and microbial genetic material, cytoplasmic DNA is not always of foreign origin. It is now recognised that specifically in genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer, extranuclear material in the form of micronuclei (MN) can be generated as a result of unresolved DNA lesions during mitosis. Activation of cGAS-STING in cancer has been shown to regulate numerous tumour-immune interactions such as acquisition of 'immunologically hot' phenotype which stimulates immune-mediated elimination of transformed cells. Nonetheless, a significant percentage of poorly prognostic cancers is 'immunologically cold'. As this state has been linked with low proportion of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), improving immunogenicity of cold tumours could be clinically relevant by exhibiting synergy with immunotherapy. This review aims to present how inhibition of vital mitotic regulators could provoke cGAS-STING response in cancer and improve the efficacy of current immunotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Gregorczyk
- Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen E Parkes
- Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mokhtari K, Peymani M, Rashidi M, Hushmandi K, Ghaedi K, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. Colon cancer transcriptome. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 180-181:49-82. [PMID: 37059270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the last four decades, methodological innovations have continuously changed transcriptome profiling. It is now feasible to sequence and quantify the transcriptional outputs of individual cells or thousands of samples using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). These transcriptomes serve as a connection between cellular behaviors and their underlying molecular mechanisms, such as mutations. This relationship, in the context of cancer, provides a chance to unravel tumor complexity and heterogeneity and uncover novel biomarkers or treatment options. Since colon cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies, its prognosis and diagnosis seem to be critical. The transcriptome technology is developing for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of cancer which can provide better protectivity and prognostic utility to medical teams and patients. A transcriptome is a whole set of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs in an individual or cell population. The cancer transcriptome includes RNA-based changes. The combined genome and transcriptome of a patient may provide a comprehensive picture of their cancer, and this information is beginning to affect treatment decision-making in real-time. A full assessment of the transcriptome of colon (colorectal) cancer has been assessed in this review paper based on risk factors such as age, obesity, gender, alcohol use, race, and also different stages of cancer, as well as non-coding RNAs like circRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and siRNAs. Similarly, they have been examined independently in the transcriptome study of colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khatere Mokhtari
- Department of Modern Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gorry R, Brennan K, Lavin PTM, Sheridan R, Mc Gee MM. Phosphorylation of the prolyl isomerase Cyclophilin A regulates its localisation and release from the centrosome during mitosis. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:951-966. [PMID: 36691345 PMCID: PMC10054169 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2167430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The centrosome acts as a protein platform from which proteins are deployed to function throughout the cell cycle. Previously, we have shown that the prolyl isomerase Cyclophilin A (CypA) localizes to the centrosome in interphase and re-localizes to the midbody during mitosis where it functions in cytokinesis. In this study, investigation of CypA by SDS-PAGE during the cell cycle reveals that it undergoes a mobility shift during mitosis, indicative of a post-translational modification, which may correlate with its subcellular re-localization. Due to the lack of a phospho-specific antibody, we used site-directed mutagenesis to demonstrate that the previously identified serine 77 phosphorylation site within CypA is important for control of CypA centrosome localization. Furthermore, CypA is shown to interact with the mitotic NIMA-related kinase 2 (Nek2) during interphase and mitosis, while also interacting with the Nek2-antagonist PP1 during interphase but not during mitosis, suggesting a potential role for the Nek2-PP1 complex in CypA phospho-regulation. In support of this, Nek2 is capable of phosphorylating CypA in vitro. Overall, this work reveals that phosphorylation of CypA at serine 77 is important for its release from the centrosome during mitosis and may be regulated by the activity of Nek2 and PP1 during the cell cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Gorry
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Kieran Brennan
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Paul TM Lavin
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Sheridan
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Margaret M Mc Gee
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang X, Zhang G, Tang T, Gao X, Liang T. One shoot, three birds: Targeting NEK2 orchestrates chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188696. [PMID: 35157980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188696] [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: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Combinational therapy has improved the cancer therapeutic landscape but is associated with a concomitant increase in adverse side reactions. Emerging evidence proposes that targeting one core target with multiple critical roles in tumors can achieve combined anti-tumor effects. This review focuses on NEK2, a member of serine/threonine kinases, with broad sequence identity to the mitotic regulator NIMA of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Elevated expression of NEK2 was initially found to promote tumorigeneses through abnormal regulation of the cell cycle. Subsequent studies report that NEK2 is overexpressed in a broad spectrum of tumor types and is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Intriguingly, NEK2 has recently been revealed to mediate tumor immune escape by stabilizing the expression of PD-L1. Targeting NEK2 is thus becoming a promising approach for cancer treatment by orchestrating chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It represents a novel strategy for inducing combined anti-cancer effects using a mono-agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dana D, Das T, Choi A, Bhuiyan AI, Das TK, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Nek2 Kinase Signaling in Malaria, Bone, Immune and Kidney Disorders to Metastatic Cancers and Drug Resistance: Progress on Nek2 Inhibitor Development. Molecules 2022; 27:347. [PMID: 35056661 PMCID: PMC8779408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle kinases represent an important component of the cell machinery that controls signal transduction involved in cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Nek2 is a mitotic Ser/Thr kinase that localizes predominantly to centrosomes and kinetochores and orchestrates centrosome disjunction and faithful chromosomal segregation. Its activity is tightly regulated during the cell cycle with the help of other kinases and phosphatases and via proteasomal degradation. Increased levels of Nek2 kinase can promote centrosome amplification (CA), mitotic defects, chromosome instability (CIN), tumor growth, and cancer metastasis. While it remains a highly attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics, several new roles of the Nek2 enzyme have recently emerged: these include drug resistance, bone, ciliopathies, immune and kidney diseases, and parasitic diseases such as malaria. Therefore, Nek2 is at the interface of multiple cellular processes and can influence numerous cellular signaling networks. Herein, we provide a critical overview of Nek2 kinase biology and discuss the signaling roles it plays in both normal and diseased human physiology. While the majority of research efforts over the last two decades have focused on the roles of Nek2 kinase in tumor development and cancer metastasis, the signaling mechanisms involving the key players associated with several other notable human diseases are highlighted here. We summarize the efforts made so far to develop Nek2 inhibitory small molecules, illustrate their action modalities, and provide our opinion on the future of Nek2-targeted therapeutics. It is anticipated that the functional inhibition of Nek2 kinase will be a key strategy going forward in drug development, with applications across multiple human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Dana
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- KemPharm Inc., 2200 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Tuhin Das
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
| | - Athena Choi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Ashif I. Bhuiyan
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tirtha K. Das
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tanaji T. Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Sanjai K. Pathak
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang X, Huang X, Xu J, Li E, Lao M, Tang T, Zhang G, Guo C, Zhang X, Chen W, Yadav DK, Bai X, Liang T. NEK2 inhibition triggers anti-pancreatic cancer immunity by targeting PD-L1. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4536. [PMID: 34315872 PMCID: PMC8316469 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the substantial impact of post-translational modifications on programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), its importance in therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer remains poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 2 (NEK2) phosphorylates PD-L1 to maintain its stability, causing PD-L1-targeted pancreatic cancer immunotherapy to have poor efficacy. We identify NEK2 as a prognostic factor in immunologically "hot" pancreatic cancer, involved in the onset and development of pancreatic tumors in an immune-dependent manner. NEK2 deficiency results in the suppression of PD-L1 expression and enhancement of lymphocyte infiltration. A NEK binding motif (F/LXXS/T) is identified in the glycosylation-rich region of PD-L1. NEK2 interacts with PD-L1, phosphorylating the T194/T210 residues and preventing ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-mediated degradation of PD-L1 in ER lumen. NEK2 inhibition thereby sensitizes PD-L1 blockade, synergically enhancing the anti-pancreatic cancer immune response. Together, the present study proposes a promising strategy for improving the effectiveness of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Enliang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengyi Lao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengxiang Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dipesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Seachrist DD, Anstine LJ, Keri RA. Up to your NEK2 in CIN. Oncotarget 2021; 12:723-725. [PMID: 33889296 PMCID: PMC8057269 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruth A. Keri
- Correspondence to:Ruth A. Keri, Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA email
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Chen Y, Gu X, Xi J, Ren Z, Wang S, Duan Y, Li H, Zhu T, Du Y, Zhang X, Ma M. Design, synthesis, and structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of novel imidazo[1,2-a] pyridine derivatives as Nek2 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115775. [PMID: 32992252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Never in mitosis (NIMA) related kinase 2 (Nek2) is involved in multiple cellular processes such as cell cycle checkpoint regulation, cell division, DNA damage response and cell apoptosis. Nek2 has been reported to be overexpressed in various tumors and correlated with poor prognosis. Herein, a series of imidazo[1,2-a] pyridines Nek2 inhibitors were designed, synthesized, and their biological activities were investigated. Besides, structure activity relationship analysis of these compounds were performed in the MGC-803 cell. The screening results are promising, and compound 28e shows good proliferation inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 38 nM. The results would be helpful to design and develop more effective Nek2 inhibitors for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haili Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yunzhong Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaofan Gu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jianbei Xi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ziwei Ren
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Shuting Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yanhong Duan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics-Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Tong Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yijie Du
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China.
| | - Mingliang Ma
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China; Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics-Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Roberts MS, Sahni JM, Schrock MS, Piemonte KM, Weber-Bonk KL, Seachrist DD, Avril S, Anstine LJ, Singh S, Sizemore ST, Varadan V, Summers MK, Keri RA. LIN9 and NEK2 Are Core Regulators of Mitotic Fidelity That Can Be Therapeutically Targeted to Overcome Taxane Resistance. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1693-1706. [PMID: 32054769 PMCID: PMC7165041 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A significant therapeutic challenge for patients with cancer is resistance to chemotherapies such as taxanes. Overexpression of LIN9, a transcriptional regulator of cell-cycle progression, occurs in 65% of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a disease commonly treated with these drugs. Here, we report that LIN9 is further elevated with acquisition of taxane resistance. Inhibiting LIN9 genetically or by suppressing its expression with a global BET inhibitor restored taxane sensitivity by inducing mitotic progression errors and apoptosis. While sustained LIN9 is necessary to maintain taxane resistance, there are no inhibitors that directly repress its function. Hence, we sought to discover a druggable downstream transcriptional target of LIN9. Using a computational approach, we identified NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2), a regulator of centrosome separation that is also elevated in taxane-resistant cells. High expression of NEK2 was predictive of low survival rates in patients who had residual disease following treatment with taxanes plus an anthracycline, suggesting a role for this kinase in modulating taxane sensitivity. Like LIN9, genetic or pharmacologic blockade of NEK2 activity in the presence of paclitaxel synergistically induced mitotic abnormalities in nearly 100% of cells and completely restored sensitivity to paclitaxel, in vitro. In addition, suppressing NEK2 activity with two distinct small molecules potentiated taxane response in multiple in vivo models of TNBC, including a patient-derived xenograft, without inducing toxicity. These data demonstrate that the LIN9/NEK2 pathway is a therapeutically targetable mediator of taxane resistance that can be leveraged to improve response to this core chemotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Resistance to chemotherapy is a major hurdle for treating patients with cancer. Combining NEK2 inhibitors with taxanes may be a viable approach for improving patient outcomes by enhancing mitotic defects induced by taxanes alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melyssa S Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jennifer M Sahni
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Morgan S Schrock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard L. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Katrina M Piemonte
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Darcie D Seachrist
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lindsey J Anstine
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Salendra Singh
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard L. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Vinay Varadan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Matthew K Summers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard L. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ruth A Keri
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chuang SH, Lee YSE, Huang LYL, Chen CK, Lai CL, Lin YH, Yang JY, Yang SC, Chang LH, Chen CH, Liu CW, Lin HS, Lee YR, Huang KP, Fu KC, Jen HM, Lai JY, Jian PS, Wang YC, Hsueh WY, Tsai PY, Hong WH, Chang CC, Wu DZ, Wu J, Chen MH, Yu KM, Chern CY, Chang JM, Lau JYN, Huang JJ. Discovery of T-1101 tosylate as a first-in-class clinical candidate for Hec1/Nek2 inhibition in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 191:112118. [PMID: 32113126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Highly expressed in cancer 1 (Hec1) plays an essential role in mitosis and is correlated with cancer formation, progression, and survival. Phosphorylation of Hec1 by Nek2 kinase is essential for its mitotic function, thus any disruption of Hec1/Nek2 protein-protein interaction has potential for cancer therapy. We have developed T-1101 tosylate (9j tosylate, 9j formerly known as TAI-95), optimized from 4-aryl-N-pyridinylcarbonyl-2-aminothiazole of scaffold 9 by introducing various C-4' substituents to enhance potency and water solubility, as a first-in-class oral clinical candidate for Hec1 inhibition with potential for cancer therapy. T-1101 has good oral absorption, along with potent in vitro antiproliferative activity (IC50: 14.8-21.5 nM). It can achieve high concentrations in Huh-7 and MDA-MB-231 tumor tissues, and showed promise in antitumor activity in mice bearing human tumor xenografts of liver cancer (Huh-7), as well as of breast cancer (BT474, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7) with oral administration. Oral co-administration of T-1101 halved the dose of sorafenib (25 mg/kg to 12.5 mg/kg) required to exhibit comparable in vivo activity towards Huh-7 xenografts. Cellular events resulting from Hec1/Nek2 inhibition with T-1101 treatment include Nek2 degradation, chromosomal misalignment, and apoptotic cell death. A combination of T-1101 with either of doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and topotecan in select cancer cells also resulted in synergistic effects. Inactivity of T-1101 on non-cancerous cells, a panel of kinases, and hERG demonstrates cancer specificity, target specificity, and cardiac safety, respectively. Subsequent salt screening showed that T-1101 tosylate has good oral AUC (62.5 μM·h), bioavailability (F = 77.4%), and thermal stability. T-1101 tosylate is currently in phase I clinical trials as an orally administered drug for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Chuang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Shuan E Lee
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Lynn Y L Huang
- Taivex Therapeutics Corporation, 2nd Floor, Dongxing Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City, 10511, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Kuan Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Liang Lai
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Lin
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Ying Yang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chuan Yang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Lien-Hsiang Chang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Chen
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Liu
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Her-Sheng Lin
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ru Lee
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Kuan Pin Huang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Kuo Chu Fu
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Min Jen
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yu Lai
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, No. 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City, 60004, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shiou Jian
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, No. 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City, 60004, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Wang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, No. 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City, 60004, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yun Hsueh
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, No. 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City, 60004, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Tsai
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hua Hong
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Chang
- Taivex Therapeutics Corporation, 2nd Floor, Dongxing Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City, 10511, Taiwan
| | - Diana Zc Wu
- Xenobiotic Laboratories, Inc., Plainsboro, NJ, USA
| | - Jinn Wu
- Xenobiotic Laboratories, Inc., Plainsboro, NJ, USA
| | - Meng-Hsin Chen
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Ming Yu
- Taivex Therapeutics Corporation, 2nd Floor, Dongxing Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City, 10511, Taiwan
| | - Ching Yuh Chern
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, No. 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City, 60004, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ming Chang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan
| | - Johnson Y N Lau
- Taivex Therapeutics Corporation, 2nd Floor, Dongxing Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City, 10511, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Jyh Huang
- Development Center for Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Research Park, Taipei City, 11571, Taiwan; Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiayi University, No. 300, Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City, 60004, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Elevated signature of a gene module coexpressed with CDC20 marks genomic instability in glioma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:6975-6984. [PMID: 30877245 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1814060116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability (GI) drives tumor heterogeneity and promotes tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, causative factors underlying GI and means for clinical detection of GI in glioma are inadequately identified. We describe here that elevated expression of a gene module coexpressed with CDC20 (CDC20-M), the activator of the anaphase-promoting complex in the cell cycle, marks GI in glioma. The CDC20-M, containing 139 members involved in cell proliferation, DNA damage response, and chromosome segregation, was found to be consistently coexpressed in glioma transcriptomes. The coexpression of these genes was conserved across multiple species and organ systems, particularly in human neural stem and progenitor cells. CDC20-M expression was not correlated with the morphological subtypes, nor with the recently defined molecular subtypes of glioma. CDC20-M signature was an independent and robust predictor for poorer prognosis in over 1,000 patients from four large databases. Elevated CDC20-M signature enabled the identification of individual glioma samples with severe chromosome instability and mutation burden and of primary glioma cell lines with extensive mitotic errors leading to chromosome mis-segregation. AURKA, a core member of CDC20-M, was amplified in one-third of CDC20-M-high gliomas with gene-dosage-dependent expression. MLN8237, a Food and Drug Administration-approved AURKA inhibitor, selectively killed temozolomide-resistant primary glioma cells in vitro and prolonged the survival of a patient-derived xenograft mouse model with a high-CDC20-M signature. Our findings suggest that application of the CDC20-M signature may permit more selective use of adjuvant therapies for glioma patients and that dysregulated CDC20-M members may provide a therapeutic vulnerability in glioma.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao G, Cheng Y, Gui P, Cui M, Liu W, Wang W, Wang X, Ali M, Dou Z, Niu L, Liu H, Anderson L, Ruan K, Hong J, Yao X. Dynamic acetylation of the kinetochore-associated protein HEC1 ensures accurate microtubule-kinetochore attachment. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:576-592. [PMID: 30409912 PMCID: PMC6333894 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Faithful chromosome segregation during mitosis is critical for maintaining genome integrity in cell progeny and relies on accurate and robust kinetochore-microtubule attachments. The NDC80 complex, a tetramer comprising kinetochore protein HEC1 (HEC1), NDC80 kinetochore complex component NUF2 (NUF2), NDC80 kinetochore complex component SPC24 (SPC24), and SPC25, plays a critical role in kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Mounting evidence indicates that phosphorylation of HEC1 is important for regulating the binding of the NDC80 complex to microtubules. However, it remains unclear whether other post-translational modifications, such as acetylation, regulate NDC80-microtubule attachment during mitosis. Here, using pulldown assays with HeLa cell lysates and site-directed mutagenesis, we show that HEC1 is a bona fide substrate of the lysine acetyltransferase Tat-interacting protein, 60 kDa (TIP60) and that TIP60-mediated acetylation of HEC1 is essential for accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis. We demonstrate that TIP60 regulates the dynamic interactions between NDC80 and spindle microtubules during mitosis and observed that TIP60 acetylates HEC1 at two evolutionarily conserved residues, Lys-53 and Lys-59. Importantly, this acetylation weakened the phosphorylation of the N-terminal HEC1(1-80) region at Ser-55 and Ser-62, which is governed by Aurora B and regulates NDC80-microtubule dynamics, indicating functional cross-talk between these two post-translation modifications of HEC1. Moreover, the TIP60-mediated acetylation was specifically reversed by sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Taken together, our results define a conserved signaling hierarchy, involving HEC1, TIP60, Aurora B, and SIRT1, that integrates dynamic HEC1 acetylation and phosphorylation for accurate kinetochore-microtubule attachment in the maintenance of genomic stability during mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gangyin Zhao
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Yubao Cheng
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Ping Gui
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
- the Keck Center for Cellular Dynamics and Organoids Plasticity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Meiying Cui
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Wei Liu
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
- the Keck Center for Cellular Dynamics and Organoids Plasticity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Wenwen Wang
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
- the Keck Center for Cellular Dynamics and Organoids Plasticity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Xueying Wang
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
- the Keck Center for Cellular Dynamics and Organoids Plasticity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Mahboob Ali
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Zhen Dou
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
- the Keck Center for Cellular Dynamics and Organoids Plasticity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Liwen Niu
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Haiyan Liu
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Leonard Anderson
- the Keck Center for Cellular Dynamics and Organoids Plasticity, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310
| | - Ke Ruan
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Jingjun Hong
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- From the Division of Molecular and Cell Biophysics, Hefei National Science Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of the China School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center of Excellence on Molecular Cell Sciences, Hefei 230027, China and
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kawakami M, Liu X, Dmitrovsky E. New Cell Cycle Inhibitors Target Aneuploidy in Cancer Therapy. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 59:361-377. [PMID: 30110577 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aneuploidy is a hallmark of cancer. Defects in chromosome segregation result in aneuploidy. Multiple pathways are engaged in this process, including errors in kinetochore-microtubule attachments, supernumerary centrosomes, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) defects, and chromosome cohesion defects. Although aneuploidy provides an adaptation and proliferative advantage in affected cells, excessive aneuploidy beyond a critical level can be lethal to cancer cells. Given this, enhanced chromosome missegregation is hypothesized to limit survival of aneuploid cancer cells, especially when compared to diploid cells. Based on this concept, proteins and pathways engaged in chromosome segregation are being exploited as candidate therapeutic targets for aneuploid cancers. Agents that induce chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy now exist, including SAC inhibitors, those that alter centrosome fidelity and others that are under active study in preclinical and clinical contexts. This review explores the therapeutic potentials of such new agents, including the benefits of combining them with other antineoplastic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Kawakami
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ethan Dmitrovsky
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Current affiliation: Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fu L, Liu S, Wang H, Ma Y, Li L, He X, Mou X, Tong X, Hu Z, Ru G. Low expression of NEK2 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma progression and poor prognosis. Cancer Biomark 2018; 20:101-106. [PMID: 28759960 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2), a serine/threonine kinase, is located in the centrosome and is a member of cell cycle regulation related protein kinase (CCRK) family. Aberrant expression of NEK2 is linked with carcinogenesis and progression of various tumors. OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression level of NEK2 and its relationship with clinicopathological factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of NEK2 in 310 patients' specimen tissues and 197 adjacent normal liver tissues of HCC cases, and the subsequent prognostic value for each sample was estimated. RESULTS NEK2 expression levels in HCC were lower than in adjacent tissues (49.7% vs. 72.6%, P< 0.001). First, patients with relatively low NEK2 expression had increased cancer progression and poorer prognosis than those with high expression. Second, NEK2 expression was significantly reduced in patients with large tumors (P= 0.025), with stage III Edmondson-Steiner Grading (P= 0.015). Third, patients' tumor size positively correlated with high AFP concentration (P= 0.017). Fourth, using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, we found a lower survival rate in patients with decreased expression of NEK2 than those with high NEK2 expression in HCC (P= 0.029, Log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS Low NEK2 expression might be a useful predictor in HCC as a poor prognostic factor, and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luoqin Fu
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China.,Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Suxia Liu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, China.,Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiju Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingyu Ma
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Li
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianglei He
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhou Mou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China.,School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiming Hu
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoqing Ru
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fang Y, Kong Y, Xi J, Zhu M, Zhu T, Jiang T, Hu W, Ma M, Zhang X. Preclinical activity of MBM-5 in gastrointestinal cancer by inhibiting NEK2 kinase activity. Oncotarget 2018; 7:79327-79341. [PMID: 27764815 PMCID: PMC5346717 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
NEK2 is a conserved mitotic regulator critical for cell cycle progression. Aberrant expression of NEK2 has been found in a variety of human cancers, making it an attractive molecular target for the design of novel anticancer therapeutics. In the present study, we have identified a novel compound MBM-5, which was found to bind to NEK2 with high affinity by docking simulations study. MBM-5 potently inhibited NEK2 kinase activity in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. MBM-5 also suppressed cellular NEK2 kinase activity, as evidenced by the decreased phosphorylation of its substrate Hec1 on S165 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This inhibition impeded mitotic progression by inducing chromosome segregation defects and cytokinesis failure; therefore leading to accumulation of cells with ≥4N DNA content, which finally underwent apoptosis. More importantly, MBM-5 treatment effectively suppressed the tumor growth of human gastric and colorectal cancer cells xenografts. Taken together, we demonstrated that MBM-5 effectively inhibited the kinase activity of NEK2 and showed a potential application in anti-cancer treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Fang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yannan Kong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbei Xi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengli Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongtong Jiang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Hu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingliang Ma
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Never in Mitosis (NIMA) Related Kinase 2 (NEK2) plays a key role in regulating mitotic processes, including centrosome duplication and separation, microtubule stabilization, kinetochore attachment and spindle assembly checkpoint. NEK2 is aberrantly overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and has been implicated in various aspects of malignant transformation, including tumorigenesis, drug resistance and tumor progression. The close relationship between NEK2 and cancer has made it an attractive target for anticancer therapeutic development; however, the mechanisms of how NEK2 coordinates altered signaling to malignant transformation remains unclear. In this paper, we discuss the functional roles of NEK2 in cancer development; highlight some of the significant NEK2 signaling in cancer, and summarize recent advances in the development of NEK2 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Fang
- a Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- a Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University , Shanghai , China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Structure-based design and synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives as novel and potent Nek2 inhibitors with in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 126:1083-1106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
23
|
Abstract
The centrosome, an organelle discovered >100 years ago, is the main microtubule-organizing center in mammalian organisms. The centrosome is composed of a pair of centrioles surrounded by the pericentriolar material (PMC) and plays a major role in the regulation of cell cycle transitions (G1-S, G2-M, and metaphase-anaphase), ensuring the normality of cell division. Hundreds of proteins found in the centrosome exert a variety of roles, including microtubule dynamics, nucleation, and kinetochore–microtubule attachments that allow correct chromosome alignment and segregation. Errors in these processes lead to structural (shape, size, number, position, and composition), functional (abnormal microtubule nucleation and disorganized spindles), and numerical (centrosome amplification [CA]) centrosome aberrations causing aneuploidy and genomic instability. Compelling data demonstrate that centrosomes are implicated in cancer, because there are important oncogenic and tumor suppressor proteins that are localized in this organelle and drive centrosome aberrations. Centrosome defects have been found in pre-neoplasias and tumors from breast, ovaries, prostate, head and neck, lung, liver, and bladder among many others. Several drugs/compounds against centrosomal proteins have shown promising results. Other drugs have higher toxicity with modest or no benefits, and there are more recently developed agents being tested in clinical trials. All of this emerging evidence suggests that targeting centrosome aberrations may be a future avenue for therapeutic intervention in cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yainyrette Rivera-Rivera
- Department of Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University-School of Medicine, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Harold I Saavedra
- Department of Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University-School of Medicine, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
ASPP1/2-PP1 complexes are required for chromosome segregation and kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41550-65. [PMID: 26595804 PMCID: PMC4747173 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulated interactions between kinetochores and spindle microtubules are critical for maintaining genomic stability during chromosome segregation. Defects in chromosome segregation are widespread phenomenon in human cancers that are thought to serve as the fuel for tumorigenic progression. Tumor suppressor proteins ASPP1 and ASPP2, two members of the apoptosis stimulating proteins of p53 (ASPP) family, are frequently down-regulated in human cancers. Here we report that ASPP1/2 are required for proper mitotic progression. In ASPP1/2 co-depleted cells, the persistence of unaligned chromosomes and the reduction of tension across sister kinetochores on aligned chromosomes resulted in persistent spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activation. Using protein affinity purification methods, we searched for functional partners of ASPP1/2, and found that ASPP1/2 were associated with a subset of kinetochore proteins (Hec1, KNL-1, and CENP-F). It was found that ASPP1/2 act as PP1-targeting subunits to facilitate the interaction between PP1 and Hec1, and catalyze Hec1 (Ser165) dephosphorylation during late mitosis. These observations revealed a previously unrecognized function of ASPP1/2 in chromosome segregation and kinetochore-microtubule attachments that likely contributes to their roles in chromosome stability and tumor suppression.
Collapse
|
25
|
Dechtawewat T, Paemanee A, Roytrakul S, Songprakhon P, Limjindaporn T, Yenchitsomanus PT, Saitornuang S, Puttikhunt C, Kasinrerk W, Malasit P, Noisakran S. Mass spectrometric analysis of host cell proteins interacting with dengue virus nonstructural protein 1 in dengue virus-infected HepG2 cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2016; 1864:1270-1280. [PMID: 27108190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a leading cause of the mosquito-borne infectious diseases that affect humans worldwide. Virus-host interactions appear to play significant roles in DENV replication and the pathogenesis of DENV infection. Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of DENV is likely involved in these processes; however, its associations with host cell proteins in DENV infection remain unclear. In this study, we used a combination of techniques (immunoprecipitation, in-solution trypsin digestion, and LC-MS/MS) to identify the host cell proteins that interact with cell-associated NS1 in an in vitro model of DENV infection in the human hepatocyte HepG2 cell line. Thirty-six novel host cell proteins were identified as potential DENV NS1-interacting partners. A large number of these proteins had characteristic binding or catalytic activities, and were involved in cellular metabolism. Coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization assays confirmed the interactions of DENV NS1 and human NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2), thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 1 (TAO1), and component of oligomeric Golgi complex 1 (COG1) proteins in virus-infected cells. This study reports a novel set of DENV NS1-interacting host cell proteins in the HepG2 cell line and proposes possible roles for human NEK2, TAO1, and COG1 in DENV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanyaporn Dechtawewat
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Atchara Paemanee
- Proteomics Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Proteomics Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Pucharee Songprakhon
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Thawornchai Limjindaporn
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sawanan Saitornuang
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Unit, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chunya Puttikhunt
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Unit, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Watchara Kasinrerk
- Biomedical Technology Research Center, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Prida Malasit
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Unit, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sansanee Noisakran
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Unit, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Medical Biotechnology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dominguez-Brauer C, Thu KL, Mason JM, Blaser H, Bray MR, Mak TW. Targeting Mitosis in Cancer: Emerging Strategies. Mol Cell 2016; 60:524-36. [PMID: 26590712 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The cell cycle is an evolutionarily conserved process necessary for mammalian cell growth and development. Because cell-cycle aberrations are a hallmark of cancer, this process has been the target of anti-cancer therapeutics for decades. However, despite numerous clinical trials, cell-cycle-targeting agents have generally failed in the clinic. This review briefly examines past cell-cycle-targeted therapeutics and outlines how experience with these agents has provided valuable insight to refine and improve anti-mitotic strategies. An overview of emerging anti-mitotic approaches with promising pre-clinical results is provided, and the concept of exploiting the genomic instability of tumor cells through therapeutic inhibition of mitotic checkpoints is discussed. We believe this strategy has a high likelihood of success given its potential to enhance therapeutic index by targeting tumor-specific vulnerabilities. This reasoning stimulated our development of novel inhibitors targeting the critical regulators of genomic stability and the mitotic checkpoint: AURKA, PLK4, and Mps1/TTK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Dominguez-Brauer
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Kelsie L Thu
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M Mason
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Heiko Blaser
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Mark R Bray
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Tak W Mak
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
78495111110.1016/j.molcel.2015.11.006" />
|
28
|
Lan J, Zhu Y, Xu L, Yu H, Yu J, Liu X, Fu C, Wang X, Ke Y, Huang H, Dou Z. The 68-kDa telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1)-associated protein (TAP68) interacts with and recruits TRF1 to the spindle pole during mitosis. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:14145-56. [PMID: 24692559 PMCID: PMC4022882 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.526244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The telomere capping protein TRF1 is a component of the multiprotein complex "shelterin," which organizes the telomere into a high order structure. Besides telomere maintenance, telomere-associated proteins also have nontelomeric functions. For example, tankyrase 1 and TRF1 are required for the maintenance of faithful mitotic progression. However, the functional relevance of their centrosomal localization has not been established. Here, we report the identification of a TRF1-binding protein, TAP68, that interacts with TRF1 in mitotic cells. TAP68 contains two coiled-coil domains and a structural maintenance of chromosome motifs and co-localizes with TRF1 to telomeres during interphase. Immediately after nuclear envelope breakdown, TAP68 translocates toward the spindle poles followed by TRF1. Dissociation of TAP68 from the telomere is concurrent with the Nek2A-dependent phosphorylation at Thr-221. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that the first coiled-coil domain of TAP68 binds and recruits TRF1 to the centrosome. Inhibition of TAP68 expression by siRNA blocked the localization of TRF1 and tankyrase 1 to the centrosome. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated depletion of TAP68 perturbed faithful chromosome segregation and genomic stability. These findings suggest that TAP68 functions in mediating TRF1-tankyrase 1 localization to the centrosome and in mitotic regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Lan
- From the Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- the Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, and
| | - Leilei Xu
- the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jian Yu
- the Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, and
| | - Xing Liu
- the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chuanhai Fu
- the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- From the Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014
| | - Yuwen Ke
- the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - He Huang
- the Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, and
| | - Zhen Dou
- the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee YSE, Chuang SH, Huang LYL, Lai CL, Lin YH, Yang JY, Liu CW, Yang SC, Lin HS, Chang CC, Lai JY, Jian PS, Lam K, Chang JM, Lau JYN, Huang JJ. Discovery of 4-aryl-N-arylcarbonyl-2-aminothiazoles as Hec1/Nek2 inhibitors. Part I: optimization of in vitro potencies and pharmacokinetic properties. J Med Chem 2014; 57:4098-110. [PMID: 24773549 DOI: 10.1021/jm401990s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A series of 4-aryl-N-arylcarbonyl-2-aminothiazoles of scaffold 4 was designed and synthesized as Hec1/Nek2 inhibitors. Structural optimization of 4 led to compound 32 bearing C-4' 4-methoxyphenoxy and 4-(o-fluoropyridyl)carbonyl groups that showed low nanomolar in vitro antiproliferative activity (IC50: 16.3-42.7 nM), high intravenous AUC (64.9 μM·h, 2.0 mg/kg) in SD rats, and significant in vivo antitumor activity (T/C = 32%, 20 mg/kg, IV) in mice bearing human MDA-MB-231 xenografts. Cell responses resulting from Hec1/Nek2 inhibition were observed in cells treated with 32, including a reduced level of Hec1 coimmunoprecipitated with Nek2, degradation of Nek2, mitotic abnormalities, and apoptosis. Compound 32 showed selectivity toward cancer cells over normal phenotype cells and was inactive in a [(3)H]astemizole competitive binding assay for hERG liability screening. Therefore, 32 is as a good lead toward the discovery of a preclinical candidate targeting Hec1/Nek2 interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Shuan E Lee
- Development Center for Biotechnology , No. 101, Lane 169, Kangning Street, Xizhi District, New Taipei City 22180, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Du J, An R, Chen L, Shen Y, Chen Y, Cheng L, Jiang Z, Zhang A, Yu L, Chu D, Shen Y, Luo Q, Chen H, Wan L, Li M, Xu X, Shen J. WITHDRAWN: Toxoplasma gondii virulence factor ROP18 inhibits the host NF-κB pathway by promoting p65 degradation. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:12578-92. [PMID: 24648522 PMCID: PMC4007449 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.544718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii secretes effector molecules into the host cell to modulate host immunity. Previous studies have shown that T. gondii could interfere with host NF-κB signaling to promote their survival, but the effectors of type I strains remain unclear. The polymorphic rhoptry protein ROP18 is a key serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates host proteins to modulate acute virulence. Our data demonstrated that the N-terminal portion of ROP18 is associated with the dimerization domain of p65. ROP18 phosphorylates p65 at Ser-468 and targets this protein to the ubiquitin-dependent degradation pathway. The kinase activity of ROP18 is required for p65 degradation and suppresses NF-κB activation. Consistently, compared with wild-type ROP18 strain, ROP18 kinase-deficient type I parasites displayed a severe inability to inhibit NF-κB, culminating in the enhanced production of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α in infected macrophages. In addition, studies have shown that transgenic parasites carrying kinase-deficient ROP18 induce M1-biased activation. These results demonstrate for the first time that the virulence factor ROP18 in T. gondii type I strains is responsible for inhibiting the host NF-κB pathway and for suppressing proinflammatory cytokine expression, thus providing a survival advantage to the infectious agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Du
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ran An
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuxian Shen
- Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li Cheng
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhongru Jiang
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Aimei Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China, and
| | - Li Yu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Deyong Chu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yujun Shen
- Institute of Biopharmaceuticals, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - He Chen
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lijuan Wan
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Min Li
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiucai Xu
- Central Laboratory of Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China, and
| | - Jilong Shen
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Marina M, Saavedra HI. Nek2 and Plk4: prognostic markers, drivers of breast tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2014; 19:352-65. [PMID: 24389189 DOI: 10.2741/4212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Nek2 and Plk4 kinases serve as crucial regulators of mitotic processes such as the centrosome duplication cycle and spindle assembly. Deregulation of these processes can trigger chromosome instability and aneuploidy, which are hallmarks of many solid tumors, including breast cancer. Emerging data from the literature illustrated various functions of Nek2 in breast cancer models, with compelling evidence of its prognostic value in breast tumors. The two kinases control distinct steps in the centrosome-centriole cycle and their dysregulation lead to centrosome amplification, marked by the presence of more than two centrosomes within the cell. We found single or composite overexpression of these kinases in breast tumor samples, regardless of subtype, which strongly associated with poor prognosis. Interestingly, in a panel of established cell lines, both kinases are highly expressed in Her2-positive breast cancer cells exhibiting centrosome amplification and trastuzumab resistance. In summary, it appears that Nek2 and Plk4 might synergize to promote breast tumorigenesis and may also be involved in tamoxifen and trastuzumab resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Marina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322
| | - Harold I Saavedra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jeong AL, Lee S, Park JS, Han S, Jang CY, Lim JS, Lee MS, Yang Y. Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) protein is involved in centrosome separation through the regulation of NIMA (never in mitosis gene A)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) protein activity. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:28-40. [PMID: 24214971 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.507954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is overexpressed in most human cancers and has been described as being involved in the progression of several human malignancies via the inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity toward c-Myc. However, with the exception of this role, the cellular function of CIP2A remains poorly understood. On the basis of yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate here that NIMA (never in mitosis gene A)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a binding partner for CIP2A. CIP2A exhibited dynamic changes in distribution, including the cytoplasm and centrosome, depending on the cell cycle stage. When CIP2A was depleted, centrosome separation and the mitotic spindle dynamics were impaired, resulting in the activation of spindle assembly checkpoint signaling and, ultimately, extension of the cell division time. Our data imply that CIP2A strongly interacts with NEK2 during G2/M phase, thereby enhancing NEK2 kinase activity to facilitate centrosome separation in a PP1- and PP2A-independent manner. In conclusion, CIP2A is involved in cell cycle progression through centrosome separation and mitotic spindle dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ae Lee Jeong
- From the Research Center for Women's Disease, Department of Life Systems and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhu T, Dou Z, Qin B, Jin C, Wang X, Xu L, Wang Z, Zhu L, Liu F, Gao X, Ke Y, Wang Z, Aikhionbare F, Fu C, Ding X, Yao X. Phosphorylation of microtubule-binding protein Hec1 by mitotic kinase Aurora B specifies spindle checkpoint kinase Mps1 signaling at the kinetochore. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:36149-59. [PMID: 24187132 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.507970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a quality control device to ensure accurate chromosome attachment to spindle microtubule for equal segregation of sister chromatid. Aurora B is essential for SAC function by sensing chromosome bi-orientation via spatial regulation of kinetochore substrates. However, it has remained elusive as to how Aurora B couples kinetochore-microtubule attachment to SAC signaling. Here, we show that Hec1 interacts with Mps1 and specifies its kinetochore localization via its calponin homology (CH) domain and N-terminal 80 amino acids. Interestingly, phosphorylation of the Hec1 by Aurora B weakens its interaction with microtubules but promotes Hec1 binding to Mps1. Significantly, the temporal regulation of Hec1 phosphorylation orchestrates kinetochore-microtubule attachment and Mps1 loading to the kinetochore. Persistent expression of phosphomimetic Hec1 mutant induces a hyperactivation of SAC, suggesting that phosphorylation-elicited Hec1 conformational change is used as a switch to orchestrate SAC activation to concurrent destabilization of aberrant kinetochore attachment. Taken together, these results define a novel role for Aurora B-Hec1-Mps1 signaling axis in governing accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongge Zhu
- From the Anhui Key Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Salmela AL, Kallio MJ. Mitosis as an anti-cancer drug target. Chromosoma 2013; 122:431-49. [PMID: 23775312 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-013-0419-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Suppression of cell proliferation by targeting mitosis is one potential cancer intervention. A number of existing chemotherapy drugs disrupt mitosis by targeting microtubule dynamics. While efficacious, these drugs have limitations, i.e. neuropathy, unpredictability and development of resistance. In order to overcome these issues, a great deal of effort has been spent exploring novel mitotic targets including Polo-like kinase 1, Aurora kinases, Mps1, Cenp-E and KSP/Eg5. Here we summarize the latest developments in the discovery and clinical evaluation of new mitotic drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Leena Salmela
- VTT Biotechnology for Health and Wellbeing, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4C, Pharmacity Bldg, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 106, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lee J, Gollahon L. Mitotic perturbations induced by Nek2 overexpression require interaction with TRF1 in breast cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:3599-614. [PMID: 24091727 PMCID: PMC3903712 DOI: 10.4161/cc.26589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase 2 (Nek2), a serine-threonine protein kinase, plays a major role in mitotic progression, including timing of mitotic entry, chromatin condensation, spindle organization, and cytokinesis. Nek2 overexpression results in premature centrosome separation, while kinase death Nek2 mutant expression or Nek2-depleted cells lead to centrosome separation failure. In addition, it has been revealed that telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) interacts directly with Nek2. TRF1 not only regulates telomere length, but is also associated with cell cycle regulation. However, the interactions and correlations between Nek2 and TRF1 are far from clear. Here, we show that mitotic aberrations through Nek2 overexpression are likely to require TRF1. Our results demonstrate that Nek2 directly binds and phosphorylates TRF1 through multiple sites on TRF1. Nek2 overexpression in breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7, results in increased numbers of centrosomes and multinucleated cells, which leads to cytokinetic failure and aneuploidization. Additionally, TRF1 depletion by siRNA prevents the phenomenon of unaligned chromosomes by Nek2 overexpression during metaphase. Concurrent Nek2 overexpression and TRF1-depleted cells demonstrated ≤ 2 centrosomes per cell, similar to mock plasmid and negative control siRNA-transfected cells. Interestingly, when exogenous TRF1 was added back in Nek2-overexpressed cells with endogenous TRF1 depletion, cells had re-induced cytokinetic failure. Therefore, we propose that TRF1 is required for overexpressed Nek2 to trigger abnormal mitosis and chromosomal instability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences; Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Cappello P, Blaser H, Gorrini C, Lin DCC, Elia AJ, Wakeham A, Haider S, Boutros PC, Mason JM, Miller NA, Youngson B, Done SJ, Mak TW. Role of Nek2 on centrosome duplication and aneuploidy in breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2013; 33:2375-84. [PMID: 23708664 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common solid tumor and the second most common cause of death in women. Despite a large body of literature and progress in breast cancer research, many molecular aspects of this complex disease are still poorly understood, hindering the design of specific and effective therapeutic strategies. To identify the molecules important in breast cancer progression and metastasis, we tested the in vivo effects of inhibiting the functions of various kinases and genes involved in the regulation/modulation of the cytoskeleton by downregulating them in mouse PyMT mammary tumor cells and human breast cancer cell lines. These kinases and cytoskeletal regulators were selected based on their prognostic values for breast cancer patient survival. PyMT tumor cells, in which a selected gene was stably knocked down were injected into the tail veins of mice, and the formation of tumors in the lungs was monitored. One of the several genes found to be important for tumor growth in the lungs was NIMA-related kinases 2 (Nek2), a cell cycle-related protein kinase. Furthermore, Nek2 was also important for tumor growth in the mammary fat pad. In various human breast cancer cell lines, Nek2 knockdown induced aneuploidy and cell cycle arrest that led to cell death. Significantly, the breast cancer cell line most sensitive to Nek2 depletion was of the triple negative breast cancer subtype. Our data indicate that Nek2 has a pivotal role in breast cancer growth at primary and secondary sites, and thus may be an attractive and novel therapeutic target for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Cappello
- 1] The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - H Blaser
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Gorrini
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D C C Lin
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, TMDT East Tower, MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A J Elia
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Wakeham
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Haider
- Informatics and Biocomputing Platform, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - P C Boutros
- Informatics and Biocomputing Platform, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J M Mason
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, TMDT East Tower, MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - N A Miller
- 1] Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Youngson
- 1] Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S J Done
- 1] The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - T W Mak
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ward T, Wang M, Liu X, Wang Z, Xia P, Chu Y, Wang X, Liu L, Jiang K, Yu H, Yan M, Wang J, Hill DL, Huang Y, Zhu T, Yao X. Regulation of a dynamic interaction between two microtubule-binding proteins, EB1 and TIP150, by the mitotic p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) orchestrates kinetochore microtubule plasticity and chromosome stability during mitosis. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:15771-85. [PMID: 23595990 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.448886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule cytoskeleton network orchestrates cellular dynamics and chromosome stability in mitosis. Although tubulin acetylation is essential for cellular plasticity, it has remained elusive how kinetochore microtubule plus-end dynamics are regulated by p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) acetylation in mitosis. Here, we demonstrate that the plus-end tracking protein, TIP150, regulates dynamic kinetochore-microtubule attachments by promoting the stability of spindle microtubule plus-ends. Suppression of TIP150 by siRNA results in metaphase alignment delays and perturbations in chromosome biorientation. TIP150 is a tetramer that binds an end-binding protein (EB1) dimer through the C-terminal domains, and overexpression of the C-terminal TIP150 or disruption of the TIP150-EB1 interface by a membrane-permeable peptide perturbs chromosome segregation. Acetylation of EB1-PCAF regulates the TIP150 interaction, and persistent acetylation perturbs EB1-TIP150 interaction and accurate metaphase alignment, resulting in spindle checkpoint activation. Suppression of the mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine protein kinase, BubR1, overrides mitotic arrest induced by impaired EB1-TIP150 interaction, but cells exhibit whole chromosome aneuploidy. Thus, the results identify a mechanism by which the TIP150-EB1 interaction governs kinetochore microtubule plus-end plasticity and establish that the temporal control of the TIP150-EB1 interaction by PCAF acetylation ensures chromosome stability in mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarsha Ward
- Anhui-MSM Joint Research Group for Cellular Dynamics, Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, and University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Park J, Rhee K. NEK2 phosphorylation antagonizes the microtubule stabilizing activity of centrobin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 431:302-8. [PMID: 23291182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.12.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Centrobin was initially identified as a centrosome protein for centriole duplication. Centrobin is also detected outside the centrosome and involved in other cellular functions, such as spindle assembly. We previously reported that centrobin is a substrate of both NEK2 and PLK1, but it is not clear what functional properties of centrobin are regulated by two kinases. Here, we report that centrobin is involved in cell spreading, migration and microtubule stabilization in interphase cells. The NEK2-depleted cells looked spread with well-developed microtubule networks and migrated faster than the control cells. The microtubule stability in NEK2-depleted cells was higher than the control cells. However, the opposite was the case in centrobin-depleted cells. The opposite outcomes in NEK2- and centrobin-depleted cells suggest that NEK2 antagonizes biological functions of centrobin. We identified NEK2 phosphorylation sites within centrobin, which is distinct from the PLK1 phosphorylation sites. In fact, the phospho-resistant mutant of centrobin against NEK2 stabilized microtubule networks in vivo. Based on the results, we propose that NEK2 phosphorylation antagonizes the microtubule stabilizing activity of centrobin. Centrobin is a novel example that NEK2 and PLK1 independently phosphorylate a substrate and result in opposite outcomes in substrate function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joonhyun Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tanaka K. Regulatory mechanisms of kinetochore-microtubule interaction in mitosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:559-79. [PMID: 22752158 PMCID: PMC11113415 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Interaction of microtubules with kinetochores is fundamental to chromosome segregation. Kinetochores initially associate with lateral surfaces of microtubules and subsequently become attached to microtubule ends. During these interactions, kinetochores can move by sliding along microtubules or by moving together with depolymerizing microtubule ends. The interplay between kinetochores and microtubules leads to the establishment of bi-orientation, which is the attachment of sister kinetochores to microtubules from opposite spindle poles, and subsequent chromosome segregation. Molecular mechanisms underlying these processes have been intensively studied over the past 10 years. Emerging evidence suggests that the KNL1-Mis12-Ndc80 (KMN) network plays a central role in connecting kinetochores to microtubules, which is under fine regulation by a mitotic kinase, Aurora B. However, a growing number of additional molecules are being shown to be involved in the kinetochore-microtubule interaction. Here I overview the current range of regulatory mechanisms of the kinetochore-microtubule interaction, and discuss how these multiple molecules contribute cooperatively to allow faithful chromosome segregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fry AM, O'Regan L, Sabir SR, Bayliss R. Cell cycle regulation by the NEK family of protein kinases. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:4423-33. [PMID: 23132929 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.111195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic screens for cell division cycle mutants in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans led to the discovery of never-in-mitosis A (NIMA), a serine/threonine kinase that is required for mitotic entry. Since that discovery, NIMA-related kinases, or NEKs, have been identified in most eukaryotes, including humans where eleven genetically distinct proteins named NEK1 to NEK11 are expressed. Although there is no evidence that human NEKs are essential for mitotic entry, it is clear that several NEK family members have important roles in cell cycle control. In particular, NEK2, NEK6, NEK7 and NEK9 contribute to the establishment of the microtubule-based mitotic spindle, whereas NEK1, NEK10 and NEK11 have been implicated in the DNA damage response. Roles for NEKs in other aspects of mitotic progression, such as chromatin condensation, nuclear envelope breakdown, spindle assembly checkpoint signalling and cytokinesis have also been proposed. Interestingly, NEK1 and NEK8 also function within cilia, the microtubule-based structures that are nucleated from basal bodies. This has led to the current hypothesis that NEKs have evolved to coordinate microtubule-dependent processes in both dividing and non-dividing cells. Here, we review the functions of the human NEKs, with particular emphasis on those family members that are involved in cell cycle control, and consider their potential as therapeutic targets in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Fry
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang H, Xie YT, Han JY, Ruan Y, Song AP, Zheng LY, Zhang WZ, Sajdik C, Li Y, Tian XX, Fang WG. Genetic polymorphisms in centrobin and Nek2 are associated with breast cancer susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2012; 136:241-51. [PMID: 23001753 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-012-2244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Centrosome aberrations have been suggested to cause chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, and eventually promote cancer development. The Centrobin and Nek2 proteins interact with each other and both are involved in centrosome duplication and chromosome segregation. This study aimed to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms in these two genes may affect breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han population using a haplotype-based analysis. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in centrobin and four SNPs in Nek2 were genotyped in 1,215 cases of infiltrating ductal breast cancer and 1,215 age-matched cancer-free controls from Chinese Han population. The results showed that CATCG haplotype of centrobin was strongly associated with decreased breast cancer risk (adjusted OR = 0.14, 95 % CI = 0.09-0.22), which was mainly driven by the C allele of SNP rs11650083 (A>C, located in exon 12, resulting in Pro578Gln). None of the individual SNPs in Nek2 was associated with breast cancer risk. However, haplotype GTAT of Nek2 was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (adjusted OR = 1.56, 95 % CI = 1.18-2.06) and its risk was significantly elevated among women with both family history of cancer and a longer menarche-first full-term pregnancy (FFTP) interval (>11 years) (adjusted OR = 5.31, 95 % CI = 1.97-14.32). Furthermore, women harboring both at-risk haplotype GTAT of Nek2 and protective haplotype CATCG of centrobin were linked with decreased breast cancer risk, suggesting that the association between genetic variants of Nek2 and increased breast cancer risk was modified by genetic variants of centrobin. Our results indicate that genetic polymorphisms of centrobin and Nek2 are related to breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Sino-Austrian Center for Biomarker Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
EB1 acetylation by P300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) ensures accurate kinetochore-microtubule interactions in mitosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:16564-9. [PMID: 23001180 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1202639109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, microtubules are essential for cellular plasticity and dynamics. Here we show that P300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), a kinetochore-associated acetyltransferase, acts as a negative modulator of microtubule stability through acetylation of EB1, a protein that controls the plus ends of microtubules. PCAF acetylates EB1 on K220 and disrupts the stability of a hydrophobic cavity on the dimerized EB1 C terminus, which was previously reported to interact with plus-end tracking proteins (TIPs) containing the SxIP motif. As determined with an EB1 acetyl-K220-specific antibody, K220 acetylation is dramatically increased in mitosis and localized to the spindle microtubule plus ends. Surprisingly, persistent acetylation of EB1 delays metaphase alignment, resulting in impaired checkpoint silencing. Consequently, suppression of Mad2 overrides mitotic arrest induced by persistent EB1 acetylation. Thus, our findings identify dynamic acetylation of EB1 as a molecular mechanism to orchestrate accurate kinetochore-microtubule interactions in mitosis. These results establish a previously uncharacterized regulatory mechanism governing localization of microtubule plus-end tracking proteins and thereby the plasticity and dynamics of cells.
Collapse
|
43
|
Smith AJ, Lauwaet T, Davids BJ, Gillin FD. Giardia lamblia Nek1 and Nek2 kinases affect mitosis and excystation. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:411-9. [PMID: 22429767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The NIMA-related serine/threonine kinases (Neks) function in the cell cycle and regulate ciliary and flagellar length. The Giardia lamblia genome encodes 198 Neks, of which 56 are predicted to be active. Here we believe that we report the first functional analysis of two G. lamblia Neks. The GlNek1 and GlNek2 kinase domains share 57% and 43% identity to the kinase domains of human Nek1 and Nek2, respectively. Both GlNeks are active in vitro, have dynamic relocalisation during the cell cycle, and are expressed throughout the life cycle, with GlNek1 being upregulated in cysts. Over-expression of inactive GlNek1 delays disassembly of the parental attachment disc and cytokinesis, whilst over-expression of either wild type GlNek1 or inactive mutant GlNek2 inhibits excystation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alias J Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92103-8416, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Structural organization of the kinetochore-microtubule interface. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2011; 24:48-56. [PMID: 22154944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Successful mitosis depends on the stable, yet regulated attachment of chromosomes to spindle microtubules. The kinetochore, a large macromolecular structure assembled at sites of centromeric heterochromatin, is responsible for generating and regulating these essential attachments. Over the last several years, concerted experimental efforts have brought the structural view of the kinetochore-microtubule interface more clearly into focus. Here, we review important recent advancements and discuss several unresolved questions regarding how kinetochores dynamically bridge mitotic chromosomes to spindle microtubules.
Collapse
|
45
|
Wei R, Ngo B, Wu G, Lee WH. Phosphorylation of the Ndc80 complex protein, HEC1, by Nek2 kinase modulates chromosome alignment and signaling of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:3584-94. [PMID: 21832156 PMCID: PMC3183014 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-01-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hec1 contributes to accurate chromosome segregation by mediating spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) signals and microtubule binding to ensure proper spindle assembly. We found that serine 165 of Hec1 was phosphorylated preferentially at kinetochores of misaligned chromosomes. This phosphorylation is important for SAC maintenance via Mad1/Mad2 localization to kinetochores. The spindle assemble checkpoint (SAC) is critical for accurate chromosome segregation. Hec1 contributes to chromosome segregation in part by mediating SAC signaling and chromosome alignment. However, the molecular mechanism by which Hec1 modulates checkpoint signaling and alignment remains poorly understood. We found that Hec1 serine 165 (S165) is preferentially phosphorylated at kinetochores. Phosphorylated Hec1 serine 165 (pS165) specifically localized to kinetochores of misaligned chromosomes, showing a spatiotemporal distribution characteristic of SAC molecules. Expressing an RNA interference (RNAi)-resistant S165A mutant in Hec1-depleted cells permitted normal progression to metaphase, but accelerated the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. The S165A cells were defective in Mad1 and Mad2 localization to kinetochores, regardless of attachment status. These cells often entered anaphase with lagging chromosomes and elicited increased segregation errors and cell death. In contrast, expressing S165E mutant in Hec1-depleted cells triggered defective chromosome alignment and severe mitotic arrest associated with increased Mad1/Mad2 signals at prometaphase kinetochores. A small portion of S165E cells eventually bypassed the SAC but showed severe segregation errors. Nek2 is the primary kinase responsible for kinetochore pS165, while PP1 phosphatase may dephosphorylate pS165 during SAC silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that modifications of Hec1 S165 serve as an important mechanism in modulating SAC signaling and chromosome alignment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randy Wei
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The Ndc80 complex lies at the heart of the kinetochore, a large protein machine that accurately segregates chromosomes during cell division. The Ndc80 complex has structural roles in assembling the kinetochore, but also functions to congress chromosomes and to signal the spindle checkpoint. It directly binds to microtubules and is currently the best candidate for the long-sought protein that couples microtubule depolymerization to chromosome movement. A combination of structural and genetic data has recently converged to generate the first models for this fascinating motor activity. Additionally, recent data point to an increasingly dynamic role for Ndc80 in the kinetochore-one which involves not only simple binding to microtubules but also shifts in complex shape and its location within the overall kinetochore structure. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the Ndc80 complex and address future areas of research.
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Mitosis is associated with profound changes in cell physiology and a spectacular surge in protein phosphorylation. To accomplish these, a remarkably large portion of the kinome is involved in the process. In the present review, we will focus on classic mitotic kinases, such as cyclin-dependent kinases, Polo-like kinases and Aurora kinases, as well as more recently characterized players such as NIMA (never in mitosis in Aspergillus nidulans)-related kinases, Greatwall and Haspin. Together, these kinases co-ordinate the proper timing and fidelity of processes including centrosomal functions, spindle assembly and microtubule-kinetochore attachment, as well as sister chromatid separation and cytokinesis. A recurrent theme of the mitotic kinase network is the prevalence of elaborated feedback loops that ensure bistable conditions. Sequential phosphorylation and priming phosphorylation on substrates are also frequently employed. Another important concept is the role of scaffolds, such as centrosomes for protein kinases during mitosis. Elucidating the entire repertoire of mitotic kinases, their functions, regulation and interactions is critical for our understanding of normal cell growth and in diseases such as cancers.
Collapse
|
48
|
Tooley JG, Miller SA, Stukenberg PT. The Ndc80 complex uses a tripartite attachment point to couple microtubule depolymerization to chromosome movement. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:1217-26. [PMID: 21325630 PMCID: PMC3078066 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e10-07-0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In kinetochores, the Ndc80 complex couples the energy in a depolymerizing microtubule to perform the work of moving chromosomes. The complex directly binds microtubules using an unstructured, positively charged N-terminal tail located on Hec1/Ndc80. Hec1/Ndc80 also contains a calponin homology domain (CHD) that increases its affinity for microtubules in vitro, yet whether it is required in cells and how the tail and CHD work together are critical unanswered questions. Human kinetochores containing Hec1/Ndc80 with point mutations in the CHD fail to align chromosomes or form productive microtubule attachments. Kinetochore architecture and spindle checkpoint protein recruitment are unaffected in these mutants, and the loss of CHD function cannot be rescued by removing Aurora B sites from the tail. The interaction between the Hec1/Ndc80 CHD and a microtubule is facilitated by positively charged amino acids on two separate regions of the CHD, and both are required for kinetochores to make stable attachments to microtubules. Chromosome congression in cells also requires positive charge on the Hec1 tail to facilitate microtubule contact. In vitro binding data suggest that charge on the tail regulates attachment by directly increasing microtubule affinity as well as driving cooperative binding of the CHD. These data argue that in vertebrates there is a tripartite attachment point facilitating the interaction between Hec1/Ndc80 and microtubules. We discuss how such a complex microtubule-binding interface may facilitate the coupling of depolymerization to chromosome movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John G Tooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Probing CENP-E function in chromosome dynamics using small molecule inhibitor syntelin. Cell Res 2010; 20:1386-9. [PMID: 21119683 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2010.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
50
|
Hua S, Wang Z, Jiang K, Huang Y, Ward T, Zhao L, Dou Z, Yao X. CENP-U cooperates with Hec1 to orchestrate kinetochore-microtubule attachment. J Biol Chem 2010; 286:1627-38. [PMID: 21056971 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.174946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitosis is an orchestration of dynamic interaction between chromosomes and spindle microtubules by which genomic materials are equally distributed into two daughter cells. Previous studies showed that CENP-U is a constitutive centromere component essential for proper chromosome segregation. However, the precise molecular mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we identified CENP-U as a novel interacting partner of Hec1, an evolutionarily conserved kinetochore core component essential for chromosome plasticity. Suppression of CENP-U by shRNA resulted in mitotic defects with an impaired kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Interestingly, CENP-U not only binds microtubules directly but also displays a cooperative microtubule binding activity with Hec1 in vitro. Furthermore, we showed that CENP-U is a substrate of Aurora-B. Importantly, phosphorylation of CENP-U leads to reduced kinetochore-microtubule interaction, which contributes to the error-correcting function of Aurora-B. Taken together, our results indicate that CENP-U is a novel microtubule binding protein and plays an important role in kinetochore-microtubule attachment through its interaction with Hec1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Hua
- Anhui Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics and Chemical Biology, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Nanoscale, Hefei 230027, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|