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Ozgencil F, Gunindi HB, Eren G. Dual-targeted NAMPT inhibitors as a progressive strategy for cancer therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 149:107509. [PMID: 38824699 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107509] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a crucial enzyme in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis pathway catalyzing the condensation of nicotinamide (NAM) with 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) to produce nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Given the pivotal role of NAD+ in a range of cellular functions, including DNA synthesis, redox reactions, cytokine generation, metabolism, and aging, NAMPT has become a promising target for many diseases, notably cancer. Therefore, various NAMPT inhibitors have been reported and classified as first and second-generation based on their chemical structures and design strategies, dual-targeted being one. However, most NAMPT inhibitors suffer from several limitations, such as dose-dependent toxicity and poor pharmacokinetic properties. Consequently, there is no clinically approved NAMPT inhibitor. Hence, research on discovering more effective and less toxic dual-targeted NAMPT inhibitors with desirable pharmacokinetic properties has drawn attention recently. This review summarizes the previously reported dual-targeted NAMPT inhibitors, focusing on their design strategies and advantages over the single-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikriye Ozgencil
- SIRTeam Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Habibe Beyza Gunindi
- SIRTeam Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Gokcen Eren
- SIRTeam Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Türkiye.
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2
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Shen C, Oh HR, Park YR, Chen JH, Park BH, Park JH. Interaction between p21-activated kinase 4 and β-catenin as a novel pathway for PTH-dependent osteoblast activation. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31245. [PMID: 38497504 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) serves dual roles in bone metabolism, exhibiting both anabolic and catabolic effects. The anabolic properties of PTH have been utilized in the treatment of osteoporosis with proven efficacy in preventing fractures. Despite these benefits, PTH can be administered therapeutically for up to 2 years, and its use in patients with underlying malignancies remains a subject of ongoing debate. These considerations underscore the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is involved in bone resorption and cancer-associated osteolysis; however, its role in osteoblast function and PTH action remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to clarify the role of PAK4 in osteoblast function and its effects on PTH-induced anabolic activity. PAK4 enhanced MC3T3-E1 osteoblast viability and proliferation and upregulated cyclin D1 expression. PAK4 also augmented osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by increased mineralization found by alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red staining. Treatment with PTH (1-34), an active PTH fragment, stimulated PAK4 expression and phosphorylation in a protein kinase A-dependent manner. In addition, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (which is known to promote bone formation) increased phosphorylated PAK4 (p-PAK4) and PAK4 levels. PAK4 regulated the expression of both phosphorylated and total β-catenin, which are critical for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, p-PAK4 directly interacted with β-catenin, and disruption of β-catenin's binding to T-cell factor impaired PAK4- and PTH-induced osteoblast differentiation. Our findings elucidate the effect of PAK4 on enhancing bone formation in osteoblasts and its pivotal role in the anabolic activity of PTH mediated through its interaction with β-catenin. These insights improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying PTH activity and should inform the development of more effective and safer osteoporosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Ram Oh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ran Park
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, China
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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3
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Yu HC, Jeon YG, Na AY, Han CY, Lee MR, Yang JD, Yu HC, Son JB, Kim ND, Kim JB, Lee S, Bae EJ, Park BH. p21-activated kinase 4 counteracts PKA-dependent lipolysis by phosphorylating FABP4 and HSL. Nat Metab 2024; 6:94-112. [PMID: 38216738 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00957-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Adipose tissue lipolysis is mediated by cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent intracellular signalling. Here, we show that PKA targets p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), leading to its protein degradation. Adipose tissue-specific overexpression of PAK4 in mice attenuates lipolysis and exacerbates diet-induced obesity. Conversely, adipose tissue-specific knockout of Pak4 or the administration of a PAK4 inhibitor in mice ameliorates diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance while enhancing lipolysis. Pak4 knockout also increases energy expenditure and adipose tissue browning activity. Mechanistically, PAK4 directly phosphorylates fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) at T126 and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) at S565, impairing their interaction and thereby inhibiting lipolysis. Levels of PAK4 and the phosphorylation of FABP4-T126 and HSL-S565 are enhanced in the visceral fat of individuals with obesity compared to their lean counterparts. In summary, we have uncovered an important role for FABP4 phosphorylation in regulating adipose tissue lipolysis, and PAK4 inhibition may offer a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwang Chan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Yong Geun Jeon
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ann-Yae Na
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Chang Yeob Han
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Mi Rin Lee
- Department of Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Jae Do Yang
- Department of Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Hee Chul Yu
- Department of Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | | | | | - Jae Bum Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangkyu Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
| | - Eun Ju Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
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4
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Khan HY, Nagasaka M, Aboukameel A, Alkhalili O, Uddin MH, Bannoura SF, Mzannar Y, Azar I, Beal EW, Tobon ME, Kim SH, Beydoun R, Baloglu E, Senapedis W, El-Rayes BF, Philip PA, Mohammad RM, Shields AF, Al Hallak MN, Azmi AS. Anticancer Efficacy of KRASG12C Inhibitors Is Potentiated by PAK4 Inhibitor KPT9274 in Preclinical Models of KRASG12C-Mutant Pancreatic and Lung Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1422-1433. [PMID: 37703579 PMCID: PMC10690049 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors, such as sotorasib and adagrasib, have revolutionized cancer treatment for patients with KRASG12C-mutant tumors. However, patients receiving these agents as monotherapy often develop drug resistance. To address this issue, we evaluated the combination of the PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 and KRASG12C inhibitors in preclinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PAK4 is a hub molecule that links several major signaling pathways and is known for its tumorigenic role in mutant Ras-driven cancers. We found that cancer cells resistant to KRASG12C inhibitor were sensitive to KPT9274-induced growth inhibition. Furthermore, KPT9274 synergized with sotorasib and adagrasib to inhibit the growth of KRASG12C-mutant cancer cells and reduce their clonogenic potential. Mechanistically, this combination suppressed cell growth signaling and downregulated cell-cycle markers. In a PDAC cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model, the combination of a suboptimal dose of KPT9274 with sotorasib significantly reduced the tumor burden (P= 0.002). Similarly, potent antitumor efficacy was observed in an NSCLC CDX model, in which KPT9274, given as maintenance therapy, prevented tumor relapse following the discontinuation of sotorasib treatment (P= 0.0001). Moreover, the combination of KPT9274 and sotorasib enhances survival. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that KRASG12C inhibitors can synergize with the PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 and combining KRASG12C inhibitors with KPT9274 can lead to remarkably enhanced antitumor activity and survival benefits, providing a novel combination therapy for patients with cancer who do not respond or develop resistance to KRASG12C inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Misako Nagasaka
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, California
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Amro Aboukameel
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Osama Alkhalili
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Md. Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sahar F. Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yousef Mzannar
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ibrahim Azar
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Eliza W. Beal
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Miguel E. Tobon
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Steve H. Kim
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Rafic Beydoun
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Philip A. Philip
- Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ramzi M. Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Anthony F. Shields
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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5
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Ahmed AH, Jassim TS, Ali RW, Hameed AR, Alfalki AM. Systemic computational investigation to identify potential inhibitors against cancer by targeting P21-activated kinase 4 and D(CGATCG). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9356-9365. [PMID: 36326467 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2141894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cancer accounts for more than 10 million deaths in the year 2020. Development of drugs that specifically target cancer signaling pathways and proteins attain significant importance in the recent past. The p21-activated kinase 4 enzyme, which plays diverse functions in cancer and is reported in elevated expression makes this enzyme an attractive anti-cancer drug target. Similarly, cancer cells' DNA could also serve as a good platform for anti-cancer drug development. Herein, a robust in silico framework is designed to virtually screen multiple drug libraries from diverse sources to identify potential binders of the mentioned cancer targets. The virtual screening process identified three compounds (BAS_01059603, ASN_10027856, and ASN_06916672) as best docked molecules with a binding energy score of ≤ -10 kcal/mol for p21-activated kinase 4 and ≤ -6 kcal/mol for D(CGATCG). In the docking analysis, the filtered compounds revealed stable binding to the same site to which controls bind in X-ray structures. The binding interactions of the compounds with receptors are dominated by van der Waals interactions. The average root mean square deviation (rmsd) value for p21-activated kinase 4 systems is noticed at ∼2 Å, while for D(CGATCG), the average rmsd is 2.7 Å. The MMGB/PBSA interpreted ASN_12674021 to show strong intermolecular binding energy compared to the other two systems and control in both receptors. Moreover, the entropy energy contribution is less than the mean binding energy. In short, the compounds are showing promising binding to the biomolecules and therefore must be evaluated for anti-cancer activity in experimental studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameen Haider Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technique, Al Salam University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Tabarak Sabah Jassim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technique, Dijlah University College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Rusul Waleed Ali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technique, Dijlah University College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Alaa R Hameed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, School of Life Sciences, Dijlah University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali Mamoon Alfalki
- College of Health Professions, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, USA
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6
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Khan HY, Nagasaka M, Aboukameel A, Alkhalili O, Uddin MH, Bannoura S, Mzannar Y, Azar I, Beal E, Tobon M, Kim S, Beydoun R, Baloglu E, Senapedis W, El-Rayes B, Philip PA, Mohammad RM, Shields AF, Al-Hallak MN, Azmi AS. Anticancer efficacy of KRASG12C inhibitors is potentiated by PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 in preclinical models of KRASG12C mutant pancreatic and lung cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.27.534309. [PMID: 37034616 PMCID: PMC10081231 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.27.534309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for cancer patients harboring the G12C mutant isoform of KRAS. With the recent FDA approval of sotorasib and adagrasib, patients now have access to more promising treatment options. However, patients who receive these agents as a monotherapy usually develop drug resistance. Thus, there is a need to develop logical combination strategies that can delay or prevent the onset of resistance and simultaneously enhance the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment regimen. In this study, we aimed at pharmacologically targeting PAK4 by KPT9274 in combination with KRASG12C inhibitors in KRASG12C mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and nonâ€"small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) preclinical models. PAK4 is a hub molecule that links several major signaling pathways and is known for its tumorigenic role in mutant Ras-driven cancers. We assessed the cytotoxicity of PAK4 and KRASG12C inhibitors combination in KRASG12C mutant 2D and 3D cellular models. KPT9274 synergized with both sotorasib and adagrasib in inhibiting the growth of KRASG12C mutant cancer cells. The combination was able to reduce the clonogenic potential of KRASG12C mutant PDAC cells. We also evaluated the antitumor activity of the combination in a KRASG12C mutant PDAC cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model. Oral administration of a sub-optimal dose of KPT9274 in combination with sotorasib (at one-fourth of MTD) demonstrated significant inhibition of the tumor burden ( p = 0.002). Similarly, potent antitumor efficacy was observed in an NSCLC CDX model where KPT9274, acting as an adjuvant, prevented tumor relapse following the discontinuation of sotorasib treatment ( p = 0.0001). KPT9274 and sotorasib combination also resulted in enhanced survival. This is the first study showing that KRASG12C inhibitors can synergize with PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 both in vitro and in vivo resulting in remarkably enhanced antitumor activity and survival outcomes. Significance KRASG12C inhibitors demonstrate limited durable response in patients with KRASG12C mutations. In this study, combining PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 with KRASG12C inhibitors has resulted in potent antitumor effects in preclinical cancer models of PDAC and NSCLC. Our results bring forward a novel combination therapy for cancer patients that do not respond or develop resistance to KRASG12C inhibitor treatment.
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7
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ß-Adrenoreceptors in Human Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043671. [PMID: 36835082 PMCID: PMC9964924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death and represents a significant economic burden worldwide. The numbers are constantly growing as a result of increasing life expectancy, toxic environmental factors, and adoption of Western lifestyle. Among lifestyle factors, stress and the related signaling pathways have recently been implicated in the development of tumors. Here we present some epidemiological and preclinical data concerning stress-related activation of the ß-adrenoreceptors (ß-ARs), which contributes to the formation, sequential transformation, and migration of different tumor cell types. We focused our survey on research results for breast and lung cancer, melanoma, and gliomas published in the past five years. Based on the converging evidence, we present a conceptual framework of how cancer cells hijack a physiological mechanism involving ß-ARs toward a positive modulation of their own survival. In addition, we also highlight the potential contribution of ß-AR activation to tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Finally, we outline the antitumor effects of targeting the ß-adrenergic signaling pathways, methods for which primarily include repurposed ß-blocker drugs. However, we also call attention to the emerging (though as yet largely explorative) method of chemogenetics, which has a great potential in suppressing tumor growth either by selectively modulating neuronal cell groups involved in stress responses affecting cancer cells or by directly manipulating specific (e.g., the ß-AR) receptors on a tumor and its microenvironment.
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Mozibullah M, Junaid M. Biological Role of the PAK4 Signaling Pathway: A Prospective Therapeutic Target for Multivarious Cancers. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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9
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Li X, Li F. p21-Activated Kinase: Role in Gastrointestinal Cancer and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194736. [PMID: 36230657 PMCID: PMC9563254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common tumors with a high mortality rate worldwide. Numerous protein kinases have been studied in anticipation of finding viable tumor therapeutic targets, including PAK. PAK is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in the malignant phenotype of tumors. The function of PAK in tumors is highlighted in cell proliferation, survival, motility, tumor cell plasticity and the tumor microenvironment, therefore providing a new possible target for clinical tumor therapy. Based on the current research works of PAK, we summarize and analyze the PAK features and signaling pathways in cells, especially the role of PAK in gastrointestinal tumors, thereby hoping to provide a theoretical basis for both the future studies of PAK and potential tumor therapeutic targets. Abstract Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common tumors, and they are leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, but their mechanisms are still unclear, which need to be clarified to discover therapeutic targets. p21-activating kinase (PAK), a serine/threonine kinase that is downstream of Rho GTPase, plays an important role in cellular signaling networks. According to the structural characteristics and activation mechanisms of them, PAKs are divided into two groups, both of which are involved in the biological processes that are critical to cells, including proliferation, migration, survival, transformation and metabolism. The biological functions of PAKs depend on a large number of interacting proteins and the signaling pathways they participate in. The role of PAKs in tumors is manifested in their abnormality and the consequential changes in the signaling pathways. Once they are overexpressed or overactivated, PAKs lead to tumorigenesis or a malignant phenotype, especially in tumor invasion and metastasis. Recently, the involvement of PAKs in cellular plasticity, stemness and the tumor microenvironment have attracted attention. Here, we summarize the biological characteristics and key signaling pathways of PAKs, and further analyze their mechanisms in gastrointestinal tumors and others, which will reveal new therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Cheng F, Li M, Thorne RF, Liu G, Yuwei Z, Wu M, Liu L. P21-activated kinase 4 Pak4 maintains embryonic stem cell pluripotency via Akt activation. Stem Cells 2022; 40:892-905. [PMID: 35896382 PMCID: PMC9585903 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Exploiting the pluripotent properties of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) holds great promise for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, directing ESC differentiation into specialized cell lineages requires intricate control governed by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors along with the actions of specific signaling networks. Here, we reveal the involvement of the p21-activated kinase 4 (Pak4), a serine/threonine kinase, in sustaining murine ESC (mESC) pluripotency. Pak4 is highly expressed in R1 ESC cells compared with embryonic fibroblast cells and its expression is progressively decreased during differentiation. Manipulations using knockdown and overexpression demonstrated a positive relationship between Pak4 expression and the clonogenic potential of mESCs. Moreover, ectopic Pak4 expression increases reprogramming efficiency of Oct4-Klf4-Sox2-Myc-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) whereas Pak4-knockdown iPSCs were largely incapable of generating teratomas containing mesodermal, ectodermal and endodermal tissues, indicative of a failure in differentiation. We further establish that Pak4 expression in mESCs is transcriptionally driven by the core pluripotency factor Nanog which recognizes specific binding motifs in the Pak4 proximal promoter region. In turn, the increased levels of Pak4 in mESCs fundamentally act as an upstream activator of the Akt pathway. Pak4 directly binds to and phosphorylates Akt at Ser473 with the resulting Akt activation shown to attenuate downstream GSK3β signaling. Thus, our findings indicate that the Nanog-Pak4-Akt signaling axis is essential for maintaining mESC self-renewal potential with further importance shown during somatic cell reprogramming where Pak4 appears indispensable for multi-lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Cheng
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, the first affiliated hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network. Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingyue Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, the first affiliated hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network. Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rick Francis Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan key Laboratory of Stem cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guangzhi Liu
- Henan key Laboratory of Stem cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhang Yuwei
- Henan key Laboratory of Stem cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mian Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, the first affiliated hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network. Hefei, Anhui, China.,Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan key Laboratory of Stem cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, the first affiliated hospital of University of Science & Technology of China, and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network. Hefei, Anhui, China
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11
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Carper MB, Goel S, Zhang AM, Damrauer JS, Cohen S, Zimmerman MP, Gentile GM, Parag-Sharma K, Murphy RM, Sato K, Nickel KP, Kimple RJ, Yarbrough WG, Amelio AL. Activation of the CREB Coactivator CRTC2 by Aberrant Mitogen Signaling promotes oncogenic functions in HPV16 positive head and neck cancer. Neoplasia 2022; 29:100799. [PMID: 35504112 PMCID: PMC9065880 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide and incidence rates are continuing to rise globally. Patients often present with locally advanced disease and a staggering 50% chance of relapse following treatment. Aberrant activation of adaptive response signaling pathways, such as the cAMP/PKA pathway, induce an array of genes associated with known cancer pathways that promote tumorigenesis and drug resistance. We identified the cAMP Regulated Transcription Coactivator 2 (CRTC2) to be overexpressed and constitutively activated in HNSCCs and this confers poor prognosis. CRTCs are regulated through their subcellular localization and we show that CRTC2 is exclusively nuclear in HPV(+) HNSCC, thus constitutively active, due to non-canonical Mitogen-Activated Kinase Kinase 1 (MEKK1)-mediated activation via a MEKK1-p38 signaling axis. Loss-of-function and pharmacologic inhibition experiments decreased CRTC2/CREB transcriptional activity by reducing nuclear CRTC2 via nuclear import inhibition and/or by eviction of CRTC2 from the nucleus. This shift in localization was associated with decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our results suggest that small molecules that inhibit nuclear CRTC2 and p38 activity may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with HPV(+) HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda B Carper
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Saumya Goel
- Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, Adams School of Dentistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Carolina Research Scholar, Undergraduate Curriculum in Biochemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna M Zhang
- Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, Adams School of Dentistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Damrauer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Cohen
- Pathology Services Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew P Zimmerman
- Graduate Curriculum in Genetics & Molecular Biology, Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Gentile
- Graduate Curriculum in Genetics & Molecular Biology, Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kshitij Parag-Sharma
- Graduate Curriculum in Cell Biology & Physiology, Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Murphy
- Graduate Curriculum in Pharmacology, Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kotaro Sato
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kwangok P Nickel
- Department of Human Oncology and UW Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Randall J Kimple
- Department of Human Oncology and UW Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wendell G Yarbrough
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Antonio L Amelio
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Biomedical Research Imaging Center, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Cell Biology Program, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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12
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Yuan Y, Zhang H, Li D, Li Y, Lin F, Wang Y, Song H, Liu X, Li F, Zhang J. PAK4 in cancer development: Emerging player and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 545:215813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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13
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Ahmed MB, Alghamdi AAA, Islam SU, Lee JS, Lee YS. cAMP Signaling in Cancer: A PKA-CREB and EPAC-Centric Approach. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132020. [PMID: 35805104 PMCID: PMC9266045 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most common causes of death globally. Despite extensive research and considerable advances in cancer therapy, the fundamentals of the disease remain unclear. Understanding the key signaling mechanisms that cause cancer cell malignancy may help to uncover new pharmaco-targets. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates various biological functions, including those in malignant cells. Understanding intracellular second messenger pathways is crucial for identifying downstream proteins involved in cancer growth and development. cAMP regulates cell signaling and a variety of physiological and pathological activities. There may be an impact on gene transcription from protein kinase A (PKA) as well as its downstream effectors, such as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). The position of CREB downstream of numerous growth signaling pathways implies its oncogenic potential in tumor cells. Tumor growth is associated with increased CREB expression and activation. PKA can be used as both an onco-drug target and a biomarker to find, identify, and stage tumors. Exploring cAMP effectors and their downstream pathways in cancer has become easier using exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) modulators. This signaling system may inhibit or accelerate tumor growth depending on the tumor and its environment. As cAMP and its effectors are critical for cancer development, targeting them may be a useful cancer treatment strategy. Moreover, by reviewing the material from a distinct viewpoint, this review aims to give a knowledge of the impact of the cAMP signaling pathway and the related effectors on cancer incidence and development. These innovative insights seek to encourage the development of novel treatment techniques and new approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bilal Ahmed
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (M.B.A.); (J.-S.L.)
| | | | - Salman Ul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Cecos University, Peshawar, Street 1, Sector F 5 Phase 6 Hayatabad, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Joon-Seok Lee
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (M.B.A.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Young-Sup Lee
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea; (M.B.A.); (J.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-950-6353; Fax: +82-53-943-2762
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14
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Wang X, Wang Y, Xie F, Song ZT, Zhang ZQ, Zhao Y, Wang SD, Hu H, Zhang YS, Qian LJ. Norepinephrine promotes glioma cell migration through up-regulating the expression of Twist1. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:213. [PMID: 35219305 PMCID: PMC8882280 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09330-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioma cells are characterized by high migration ability, resulting in aggressive growth of the tumors and poor prognosis of patients. It has been reported that the stress-induced hormone norepinephrine (NE) contributes to tumor progression through mediating a number of important biological processes in various cancers. However, the role of NE in the regulation of glioma migration is still unclear. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the most important steps for tumor migration and metastasis. Twist1, as a key regulator of EMT, has been found to be elevated during glioma migration. But it is still unknown whether Twist1 is involved in the effect of NE on the migration of glioma cells. Methods Wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted to evaluate the migration of glioma cells upon different treatments. The mesenchymal-like phenotype and the expression of Twist1 after NE treatment were assessed by cell diameters, real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The gain-and loss-of-function experiments were carried out to investigate the biological function of Twist1 in the migration induced by NE. Finally, the clinical significance of Twist1 was explored among three public glioma datasets. Results In this study, our finding revealed a facilitative effect of NE on glioma cell migration in a β-adrenergic receptor (ADRB)-dependent way. Mechanistically, NE induced mesenchymal-like phenotype and the expression of Twist1. Twist1 overexpression promoted glioma cells migration, while knockdown of Twist1 abolished the discrepancy in the migration ability between NE treated glioma cells and control cells. In addition, the clinical analysis demonstrated that Twist1 was up-regulated in malignant gliomas and recurrent gliomas, and predicted a poor prognosis of glioma patients. Conclusions NE enhanced the migration ability of glioma cells through elevating the expression of Twist1. Our finding may provide potential therapeutic target for protecting patients with glioma from the detrimental effects of stress biology on the tumor progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09330-9.
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15
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CDK15 promotes colorectal cancer progression via phosphorylating PAK4 and regulating β-catenin/ MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:14-27. [PMID: 34262144 PMCID: PMC8738751 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, there are few effective therapeutic targets for CRC patients. Here, we found that CDK15 was highly expressed in human CRC and negatively correlated with patient prognosis and overall survival in tissue microarray. Knockdown of CDK15 suppressed cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of CRC cells and inhibited tumor growth in cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model. Importantly, knockout of CDK15 in mice retarded AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis and CDK15 silencing by lentivirus significantly suppressed tumor progression in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Mechanistically, CDK15 could bind PAK4 and phosphorylate PAK4 at S291 site. Phosphorylation of PAK4 at the S291 residue promoted cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth through β-catenin/c-Myc, MEK/ERK signaling pathway in CRC. Moreover, inhibition of PAK4 reversed the tumorigenic function of CDK15 in CRC cells and pharmacological targeting PAK4 suppressed tumor growth in PDX models. Thus, our data reveal the pivotal role of CDK15 in CRC progression and demonstrate CDK15 promotes CRC tumorigenesis by phosphorylating PAK4. Hence, the CDK15-PAK4 axis may serve as a novel therapeutic target for CRC.
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16
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Mao Y, Han CY, Hao L, Bang IH, Bae EJ, Park BH. p21-activated kinase 4 phosphorylates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Υ and suppresses skeletal muscle regeneration. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:1776-1788. [PMID: 34431242 PMCID: PMC8718036 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle regeneration is an adaptive response to injury that is crucial to the maintenance of muscle mass and function. A p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) serine/threonine kinase is critical to the regulation of cytoskeletal changes, cell proliferation, and growth. However, PAK4's role in myoblast differentiation and regenerative myogenesis remains to be determined. METHODS We used a mouse model of myotoxin (notexin)-induced muscle regeneration. In vitro myogenesis was performed in the C2C12 myoblast cell line, primary myoblasts, and primary satellite cells. In vivo overexpression of PAK4 or kinase-inactive mutant PAK4S474A was conducted in skeletal muscle to examine PAK4's kinase-dependent effect on muscle regeneration. The regeneration process was evaluated by determining the number and size of multinucleated myofibres and expression patterns of myogenin and eMyHC. To explore whether PAK4 inhibition improves muscle regeneration, mice were injected intramuscularly with siRNA that targeted PAK4 or orally administered with a chemical inhibitor of PAK4. RESULTS p21-activated kinase 4 was highly expressed during the myoblast stage, but expression gradually and substantially decreased as myoblasts differentiated into myotubes. PAK4 overexpression, but not kinase-inactive mutant PAK4S474A overexpression, significantly impeded myoblast fusion and MyHC-positive myotube formation in C2C12 cells, primary myoblasts, and satellite cells (P < 0.01). Conversely, PAK4 silencing led to an 8.7% and a 20.3% increase in the number of multinucleated larger myotubes in C2C12 cells and primary myoblasts. Further, in vivo overexpression of PAK4 by adenovirus injection to mice prior to and after myotoxin-induced injury led to a 52.6% decrease in the number of eMyHC-positive myofibres on Day 5 in tibialis anterior muscles as compared with those injected with control adenoviruses (P < 0.01), while Ad-PAK4S474A showed comparable muscle regeneration parameters. PAK4-induced repression of muscle regeneration coincided with an increase in phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) expression and a decrease in phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signalling. In contrast, PAK4 silencing reduced PTEN expression in mice. Consistent with these findings, prodrug of PAK4 inhibitor CZh-226 (30 mg/kg) orally administered to mice repressed PTEN expression and accelerated myotube formation. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that PAK4 directly phosphorylates PPARγ at S273 to increase its transcription activity, thereby up-regulating PTEN expression. Importantly, an analysis of the Genotype-Tissue Expression database showed a positive correlation between PAK4 and PTEN in human skeletal muscle tissues (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS p1-activated kinase 4 is a new member of PPARγ kinase, and PAK4 inhibition may have a therapeutic role as an accelerant of muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancheng Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Chang Yeob Han
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Lihua Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - In Hyuk Bang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Eun Ju Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
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17
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Won SY, You ST, Choi SW, McLean C, Shin EY, Kim EG. cAMP Response Element Binding-Protein- and Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase by PAK4: Implications for Dopamine Replacement Therapy. Mol Cells 2021; 44:493-499. [PMID: 34238765 PMCID: PMC8334344 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.2250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the midbrain, which results in decreased dopamine levels accompanied by movement symptoms. Oral administration of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), the precursor of dopamine, provides initial symptomatic relief, but abnormal involuntary movements develop later. A deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying dopamine homeostasis is thus critically needed for the development of a successful treatment. Here, we show that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) controls dopamine levels. Constitutively active PAK4 (caPAK4) stimulated transcription of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) via the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcription factor. Moreover, caPAK4 increased the catalytic activity of TH through its phosphorylation of S40, which is essential for TH activation. Consistent with this result, in human midbrain tissues, we observed a strong correlation between phosphorylated PAK4S474, which represents PAK4 activity, and phosphorylated THS40, which reflects their enzymatic activity. Our findings suggest that targeting the PAK4 signaling pathways to restore dopamine levels may provide a new therapeutic approach in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yoon Won
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Soon-Tae You
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Catholic University of Korea, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Suwon 16247, Korea
| | - Seung-Won Choi
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Catriona McLean
- Department of Pathology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Eun-Young Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Eung-Gook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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18
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Zhang ZQ, Wang X, Xue BH, Zhao Y, Xie F, Wang SD, Xue C, Wang Y, Zhang YS, Qian LJ. Chronic stress promotes glioma cell proliferation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:202. [PMID: 34296295 PMCID: PMC8329913 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High malignancy and high mortality of glioma render it urgent to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of glioma carcinogenesis and explore novel targets for therapy. Epidemiologic and clinical studies have revealed that chronic stress promotes the progression of various solid tumors and is correlated with poor prognosis; however, findings reporting the involvement of chronic stress in glioma are rare. In the present study, a chronic restraint animal model and a chronic stress cell model were established to explore the effects of chronic stress on glioma and its molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that chronic stress promoted glioma growth in vivo, and the serum levels of the stress hormones glucocorticoid (GC) and noradrenaline (NE) were significantly increased. In addition, GC and NE were verified to accelerate the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro. Mechanistically, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was revealed to be activated under stress conditions, and inhibition of the expression of p-Akt could restrain the stress hormone-induced glioma cell proliferation. In addition, our data indicated that the GC receptor (GR) and β-adrenergic receptors (ADRBs) were both required for the biological functions of GC and NE in glioma cells. In conclusion, these results indicated that chronic stress and the stress hormones GC and NE activated PI3K/Akt signaling through binding to GR and ADRBs, thereby promoting glioma cell growth. Our findings may provide potential therapeutic targets and pave the way for the development of new strategies to protect patients with glioma from the detrimental effects of stress on tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qian Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Hua Xue
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Fang Xie
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Da Wang
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Cong Xue
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Shu Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Jia Qian
- Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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Naїja A, Merhi M, Inchakalody V, Fernandes Q, Mestiri S, Prabhu KS, Uddin S, Dermime S. The role of PAK4 in the immune system and its potential implication in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Immunol 2021; 367:104408. [PMID: 34246086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The p21 activated kinases (PAKs) are known to play a role in the regulation of cell morphology and functions. Among the various members of PAKs family, only the PAK4 protein has been shown to be overexpressed in cancer cells and its upregulation was associated with tumor development. Indeed, several studies have shown that PAK4 overexpression is implicated in carcinogenesis by different mechanisms including promotion of cell proliferation, invasion and migration, protection of cells from apoptosis, stimulation of the tumor-specific anchorage-independent cell growth and regulation of the cytoskeletal organisation and adhesion. Moreover, high PAK4 protein levels have been observed in several solid tumors and have been shown able to enhance cancer cell resistance to many treatments especially chemotherapy. Interestingly, it has been recently demonstrated that PAK4 downregulation can inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 immune regulatory pathway. Taken together, these findings not only implicate PAK4 in oncogenic transformation and in prediction of tumor response to treatment but also suggest its role as an attractive target for immunotherapy. In the current review we will summarize the different mechanisms of PAK4 implication in tumor development, describe its role as a regulator of the immune response and as a potential novel target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Naїja
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic health system, Hamad medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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20
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Kang HW, Piao XM, Lee HY, Kim K, Seo SP, Ha YS, Kim YU, Kim WT, Kim YJ, Lee SC, Kim WJ, Shin EY, Kim EG, Yun SJ. Expression of phosphorylated p21-activated kinase 4 is associated with aggressive histologic characteristics and poor prognosis in patients with surgically treated renal cell carcinoma. Investig Clin Urol 2021; 62:399-407. [PMID: 34085786 PMCID: PMC8246022 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20200399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a serine/threonine kinase that regulates a number of fundamental cellular processes, has been suggested as a prognostic factor for various human tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical implications of phospho-Ser474 PAK4 (pPAK4S474), an activated form of PAK4, in surgically treated renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods Samples from 131 patients with surgically treated RCC were immunostained to detect PAK4 and pPAK4S474. Expression of PAK4 and pPAK4S474 was compared with clinicopathological characteristics and survival after nephrectomy. Results PAK4 and pPAK4S474 were expressed predominantly in the nucleus. Overall, 57.3% (75/131) and 24.4% (29/119) of specimens exhibited high expression of pPAK4S474 and PAK4, respectively. High expression of pPAK4S474 was associated with adverse pathologic characteristics, including advanced tumor stage and grade (p=0.036 and p=0.002, respectively), whereas this association was not significant for PAK4 expression (each p>0.05). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that high expression of pPAK4S474 was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival in a subgroup with localized RCC and with cancer-specific survival in the total RCC cohort (log-rank test: p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively), whereas PAK4 expression was not. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified that high pPAK4S474 expression was an independent predictor of recurrence in the subgroup with localized RCC. Conclusions pPAK4S474 may be a more accurate prognostic factor than total PAK4 in RCC patients. This marker would be useful for identifying patients with pathologically localized disease who may require further interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Won Kang
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Xuan Mei Piao
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hee Youn Lee
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Sung Pil Seo
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Yun Sok Ha
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yeong Uk Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Won Tae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Yong June Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Sang Cheol Lee
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Wun Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Eun Young Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Eung Gook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
| | - Seok Joong Yun
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
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21
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Zhu R, Nasu K, Hijiya N, Yoshihashi M, Hirakawa T, Aoyagi Y, Narahara H. hsa-miR-199a-3p Inhibits Motility, Invasiveness, and Contractility of Ovarian Endometriotic Stromal Cells. REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2021; 28:3498-3507. [PMID: 33987822 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is suggested that aberrantly expressed microRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Our previous study demonstrated that expression of the microRNA hsa-miR-199a-3p is attenuated in human endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs). The current study aimed to define the roles of hsa-miR-199a-3p in the development of endometriosis. ECSCs and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were isolated from ovarian endometrioma and normal endometrial tissues, respectively. We evaluated the effect of transfected hsa-miR-199a-3p on the migration, invasion, and contractility of ECSCs using Transwell migration assays, in vitro wound healing assays, Transwell invasion assays, and collagen gel contraction assays. We also examined the downstream target of hsa-miR-199a-3p with an online public database search and luciferase reporter assay. Expression of hsa-miR-199a-3p in ECSCs was significantly lower than that in NESCs, whereas the expression of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) mRNA was significantly higher. Transfection of hsa-miR-199a-3p inhibited the migration, invasion, and contractility of ECSCs via inhibition of PAK4 mRNA expression. PAK4 was confirmed to be the direct target of hsa-miR-199a-3p. Transfection of PAK4 small interfering RNA and the PAK4 inhibitor PF-3758309 also inhibited ECSC migration, invasion, and contractility. These findings suggest that hsa-miR-199a-3p may act as a tumor suppressor in endometriosis development. Attenuation of hsa-miR-199a-3p expression was favorable for ECSCs to acquire the highly invasive, motile, and contractile characteristics of endometriotic cells and is involved in the development of endometriosis. Accordingly, PAK4 inhibitors may be promising for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Kaei Nasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan.
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Support System for Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Yufu-shi, Japan.
| | - Naoki Hijiya
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Yufu-shi, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshihashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hirakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Hisashi Narahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
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22
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Cong C, Liang W, Zhang C, Wang Y, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang S, Huo D, Wang H, Wang D, Feng H. PAK4 suppresses motor neuron degeneration in hSOD1 G93A -linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cell and rat models. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13003. [PMID: 33615605 PMCID: PMC8016643 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons (MN). CREB pathway-mediated inhibition of apoptosis contributes to neuron protection, and PAK4 activates CREB signalling in diverse cell types. This study aimed to investigate PAK4's effect and mechanism of action in ALS. METHODS We analysed RNA levels by qRT-PCR, protein levels by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, and apoptosis by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Cell transfection was performed for in vitro experiment. Mice were injected intraspinally to evaluate PAK4 function in vivo experiment. Rotarod test was performed to measure motor function. RESULTS The expression and activation of PAK4 significantly decreased in the cell and mouse models of ALS as the disease progressed, which was caused by the negative regulation of miR-9-5p. Silencing of PAK4 increased the apoptosis of MN by inhibiting CREB-mediated neuroprotection, whereas overexpression of PAK4 protected MN from hSOD1G93A -induced degeneration by activating CREB signalling. The neuroprotective effect of PAK4 was markedly inhibited by CREB inhibitor. In ALS models, the PAK4/CREB pathway was inhibited, and cell apoptosis increased. In vivo experiments revealed that PAK4 overexpression in the spinal neurons of hSOD1G93A mice suppressed MN degeneration, prolonged survival and promoted the CREB pathway. CONCLUSIONS PAK4 protects MN from degeneration by activating the anti-apoptotic effects of CREB signalling, suggesting it may be a therapeutic target in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohua Cong
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Weiwei Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yueqing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Di Huo
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Honglin Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Clinical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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23
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p21-activated kinases as viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of high-risk Ewing sarcoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:1176-1190. [PMID: 33414491 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common bone tumor in children and young adults. Unfortunately, there have been minimal recent advancements in improving patient outcomes, especially in metastatic and recurrent diseases. In this study, we investigated the biological role of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) in ES, and the ability to therapeutically target them in high-risk disease. Via informatics analysis, we established the inverse association of PAK1 and PAK4 expression with clinical stage and outcome in ES patients. Through expression knockdown and small-molecule inhibition of PAKs, utilizing FRAX-597, KPT-9274, and PF-3758309 in multiple ES cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models, we further explored the role of PAKs in ES tumor growth and metastatic capabilities. In vitro studies in several ES cell lines indicated that diminishing PAK1 and PAK4 expression reduces tumor cell viability, migratory, and invasive properties. In vivo studies using PAK4 inhibitors, KPT-9274 and PF-3758309 demonstrated significant inhibition of primary and metastatic tumor formation, while transcriptomic analysis of PAK4-inhibitor-treated tumors identified concomitant suppression of Notch, β-catenin, and hypoxia-mediated signatures. In addition, the analysis showed enrichment of anti-tumor immune regulatory mechanisms, including interferon (IFN)-ɣ and IFN-α responses. Altogether, our molecular and pre-clinical studies are the first to establish a critical role for PAKs in ES development and progression, and consequently as viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of high-risk ES in the near future.
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24
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Huang H, Xue Q, Du X, Cui J, Wang J, Cheng D, Li J, Zheng Y, Huang G, Zhang K, Liu K, Lu J, Zhao J, Chen X, Dong Z, Li X. p21-activated kinase 4 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting LASP1. Mol Carcinog 2020; 60:38-50. [PMID: 33289209 PMCID: PMC7756368 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract in humans. Several studies have indicated that PAK4 is associated with the risk of ESCC and may be a potential druggable kinase for ESCC treatment. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. The aim of our study is to identify the functional role of PAK4 in ESCC. To determine the expression of PAK4 in ESCC, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed, and the results showed that PAK4 is significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines compared with normal controls and normal esophageal epithelial cell line. To further investigate the role of PAK4 in ESCC, cell viability assays, anchorage-independent cell growth assays, wound healing assays, cellular invasion assays, in vivo xenograft mouse models, and metastasis assays were conducted, and the results showed that PAK4 can significantly facilitate ESCC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. To determine the potential target of PAK4 in ESCC progression, a pull-down assay was performed, and the results showed that LASP1 may be a potential target of PAK4. An immunoprecipitation assay and confocal microscopy analysis confirmed that PAK4 can bind to and colocalize with LASP1 in vitro and in cells. Notably, rescue experiments further illustrated the mechanistic network of PAK4/LASP1. Our research reveals the oncogenic roles of PAK4 in ESCC and preliminarily elucidates the mechanistic network of PAK4/LASP1 in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Qianqian Xue
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- Department of Public HealthNanshi Hospital of NanyangNanyangHenanChina
| | - Xiaoge Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
- Department of NursingHenan Health School of Medicine and PharmacyPingdingshanHenanChina
| | - Jie Cui
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Dan Cheng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jiaqiong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Yaqiu Zheng
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Guojing Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Keke Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer ChemopreventionZhengzhouHenanChina
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer ChemopreventionZhengzhouHenanChina
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer ChemopreventionZhengzhouHenanChina
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Xinhuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer ChemopreventionZhengzhouHenanChina
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Ziming Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer ChemopreventionZhengzhouHenanChina
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
- China‐US (Henan) Hormel Cancer InstituteZhengzhouHenanChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer ChemopreventionZhengzhouHenanChina
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
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25
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Zhang H, Kong Q, Wang J, Jiang Y, Hua H. Complex roles of cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling in cancer. Exp Hematol Oncol 2020; 9:32. [PMID: 33292604 PMCID: PMC7684908 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-020-00191-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is the first discovered second messenger, which plays pivotal roles in cell signaling, and regulates many physiological and pathological processes. cAMP can regulate the transcription of various target genes, mainly through protein kinase A (PKA) and its downstream effectors such as cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB). In addition, PKA can phosphorylate many kinases such as Raf, GSK3 and FAK. Aberrant cAMP-PKA signaling is involved in various types of human tumors. Especially, cAMP signaling may have both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles depending on the tumor types and context. cAMP-PKA signaling can regulate cancer cell growth, migration, invasion and metabolism. This review highlights the important roles of cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling in tumorigenesis. The potential strategies to target this pathway for cancer therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingbin Kong
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Laboratory of Oncogene, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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26
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Bautista L, Knippler CM, Ringel MD. p21-Activated Kinases in Thyroid Cancer. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa105. [PMID: 32609833 PMCID: PMC7417880 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The family of p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are oncogenic proteins that regulate critical cellular functions. PAKs play central signaling roles in the integrin/CDC42/Rho, ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, functioning both as kinases and scaffolds to regulate cell motility, mitosis and proliferation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and other cellular activities. PAKs have been implicated in both the development and progression of a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, pancreatic melanoma, thyroid cancer, and others. Here we will discuss the current knowledge on the structure and biological functions of both group I and group II PAKs, as well as the roles that PAKs play in oncogenesis and progression, with a focus on thyroid cancer and emerging data regarding BRAF/PAK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Bautista
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, and Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christina M Knippler
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, and Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, and Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
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27
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Zhao N, Peacock SO, Lo CH, Heidman LM, Rice MA, Fahrenholtz CD, Greene AM, Magani F, Copello VA, Martinez MJ, Zhang Y, Daaka Y, Lynch CC, Burnstein KL. Arginine vasopressin receptor 1a is a therapeutic target for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/498/eaaw4636. [PMID: 31243151 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw4636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) recurs after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and is incurable. Reactivation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling in the low androgen environment of ADT drives CRPC. This AR activity occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including up-regulation of AR coactivators such as VAV3 and expression of constitutively active AR variants such as the clinically relevant AR-V7. AR-V7 lacks a ligand-binding domain and is linked to poor prognosis. We previously showed that VAV3 enhances AR-V7 activity to drive CRPC progression. Gene expression profiling after depletion of either VAV3 or AR-V7 in CRPC cells revealed arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1A) as the most commonly down-regulated gene, indicating that this G protein-coupled receptor may be critical for CRPC. Analysis of publicly available human PC datasets showed that AVPR1A has a higher copy number and increased amounts of mRNA in advanced PC. Depletion of AVPR1A in CRPC cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and reduced cyclin A. In contrast, androgen-dependent PC, AR-negative PC, or nontumorigenic prostate epithelial cells, which have undetectable AVPR1A mRNA, were minimally affected by AVPR1A depletion. Ectopic expression of AVPR1A in androgen-dependent PC cells conferred castration resistance in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treatment of CRPC cells with the AVPR1A ligand, arginine vasopressin (AVP), activated ERK and CREB, known promoters of PC progression. A clinically safe and selective AVPR1A antagonist, relcovaptan, prevented CRPC emergence and decreased CRPC orthotopic and bone metastatic growth in mouse models. Based on these preclinical findings, repurposing AVPR1A antagonists is a promising therapeutic approach for CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Stephanie O Peacock
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Chen Hao Lo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Laine M Heidman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Meghan A Rice
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Cale D Fahrenholtz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ann M Greene
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Fiorella Magani
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Valeria A Copello
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Maria Julia Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Yushan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yehia Daaka
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Conor C Lynch
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kerry L Burnstein
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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28
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Zhao Y, Li W. Beta-adrenergic signaling on neuroendocrine differentiation, angiogenesis, and metastasis in prostate cancer progression. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:253-259. [PMID: 29848834 PMCID: PMC6498733 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_32_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a complex, heterogeneous disease that mainly affects the older male population with a high-mortality rate. The mechanisms underlying prostate cancer progression are still incompletely understood. Beta-adrenergic signaling has been shown to regulate multiple cellular processes as a mediator of chronic stress. Recently, beta-adrenergic signaling has been reported to affect the development of aggressive prostate cancer by regulating neuroendocrine differentiation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Here, we briefly summarize and discuss recent advances in these areas and their implications in prostate cancer therapeutics. We aim to provide a better understanding of the contribution of beta-adrenergic signaling to the progression of aggressive prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Zhao
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Memorial Herman Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wenliang Li
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Memorial Herman Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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29
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Zhang C, Yu Y, Ma L, Fu P. Histamine H3 Receptor Promotes Cell Survival via Regulating PKA/CREB/CDKN1A Signal Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3765-3776. [PMID: 32440145 PMCID: PMC7213428 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s250655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The histamine H3 receptor (HRH3) is mainly expressed in areas of the brain involved in the regulation of the release of various neurotransmitters. Recent studies have shown that HRH3 expression is increased in several types of carcinomas. However, the functional roles and underlying molecular mechanism by which HRH3 regulates cell survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. Methods The mRNA and protein expression level of target genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Cell viability and cell proliferation activity were assessed by MTS assay and EdU incorporation assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry analysis. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to investigate the effect of HRH3 on tumor growth in vivo. Results Our results indicated that HRH3 was significantly upregulated in HCC, which promoted cell survival by accelerating cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Our results also showed that HRH3 in HCC downregulated the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (CDKN1A) to promote G1-S phase transition by inactivating the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, which finally contributed to the malignant growth of HCC. Conclusion Our findings indicated that HRH3 functioned in promoting HCC survival by inactivating the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway to downregulate CDKN1A expression. Thus, HRH3 might serve as a potential therapeutic target in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunle Zhang
- Kidney Research Laboratory, Division of Nephrology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Laboratory, Division of Nephrology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Laboratory, Division of Nephrology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
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30
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Wang Z, Zhao Y, An Z, Li W. Molecular Links Between Angiogenesis and Neuroendocrine Phenotypes in Prostate Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1491. [PMID: 32039001 PMCID: PMC6985539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As a common therapy for prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is effective for the majority of patients. However, prolonged ADT promotes drug resistance and progression to an aggressive variant with reduced androgen receptor signaling, so called neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Until present, NEPC is still poorly understood, and lethal with no effective treatments. Elevated expression of neuroendocrine related markers and increased angiogenesis are two prominent phenotypes of NEPC, and both of them are positively associated with cancers progression. However, direct molecular links between the two phenotypes in NEPC and their mechanisms remain largely unclear. Their elucidation should substantially expand our knowledge in NEPC. This knowledge, in turn, would facilitate the development of effective NEPC treatments. We recently showed that a single critical pathway regulates both ADT-enhanced angiogenesis and elevated expression of neuroendocrine markers. This pathway consists of CREB1, EZH2, and TSP1. Here, we seek new insights to identify molecules common to pathways promoting angiogenesis and neuroendocrine phenotypes in prostate cancer. To this end, our focus is to summarize the literature on proteins reported to regulate both neuroendocrine marker expression and angiogenesis as potential molecular links. These proteins, often described in separate biological contexts or diseases, include AURKA and AURKB, CHGA, CREB1, EZH2, FOXA2, GRK3, HIF1, IL-6, MYCN, ONECUT2, p53, RET, and RB1. We also present the current efforts in prostate cancer or other diseases to target some of these proteins, which warrants testing for NEPC, given the urgent unmet need in treating this aggressive variant of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yicheng Zhao
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wenliang Li
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, United States
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31
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Patel GK, Chugh N, Tripathi M. Neuroendocrine Differentiation of Prostate Cancer-An Intriguing Example of Tumor Evolution at Play. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1405. [PMID: 31547070 PMCID: PMC6826557 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) has assumed a new perspective in light of the recent advances in research. Although classical NEPC is rarely seen in the clinic, focal neuroendocrine trans-differentiation of prostate adenocarcinoma occurs in about 30% of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) cases, and represents a therapeutic challenge. Even though our knowledge of the mechanisms that mediate neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is still evolving, the role of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a key driver of this phenomenon is increasingly becoming evident. In this review, we discuss the molecular, cellular, and therapeutic mediators of NED, and emphasize the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in orchestrating the phenotype. Understanding the role of the TME in mediating NED could provide us with valuable insights into the plasticity associated with the phenotype, and reveal potential therapeutic targets against this aggressive form of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girijesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Natasha Chugh
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Manisha Tripathi
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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Lin A, Giuliano CJ, Palladino A, John KM, Abramowicz C, Yuan ML, Sausville EL, Lukow DA, Liu L, Chait AR, Galluzzo ZC, Tucker C, Sheltzer JM. Off-target toxicity is a common mechanism of action of cancer drugs undergoing clinical trials. Sci Transl Med 2019; 11:eaaw8412. [PMID: 31511426 PMCID: PMC7717492 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw8412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ninety-seven percent of drug-indication pairs that are tested in clinical trials in oncology never advance to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. While lack of efficacy and dose-limiting toxicities are the most common causes of trial failure, the reason(s) why so many new drugs encounter these problems is not well understood. Using CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis, we investigated a set of cancer drugs and drug targets in various stages of clinical testing. We show that-contrary to previous reports obtained predominantly with RNA interference and small-molecule inhibitors-the proteins ostensibly targeted by these drugs are nonessential for cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, the efficacy of each drug that we tested was unaffected by the loss of its putative target, indicating that these compounds kill cells via off-target effects. By applying a genetic target-deconvolution strategy, we found that the mischaracterized anticancer agent OTS964 is actually a potent inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK11 and that multiple cancer types are addicted to CDK11 expression. We suggest that stringent genetic validation of the mechanism of action of cancer drugs in the preclinical setting may decrease the number of therapies tested in human patients that fail to provide any clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Lin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Christopher J Giuliano
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Ann Palladino
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Kristen M John
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Connor Abramowicz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- New York Institute of Technology, Glen Head, NY 11545, USA
| | - Monet Lou Yuan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Syosset High School, Syosset, NY 11791, USA
| | - Erin L Sausville
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Devon A Lukow
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Luwei Liu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | | | - Clara Tucker
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jason M Sheltzer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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Zhang X, Fang J, Chen S, Wang W, Meng S, Liu B. Nonconserved miR-608 suppresses prostate cancer progression through RAC2/PAK4/LIMK1 and BCL2L1/caspase-3 pathways by targeting the 3'-UTRs of RAC2/BCL2L1 and the coding region of PAK4. Cancer Med 2019; 8:5716-5734. [PMID: 31389670 PMCID: PMC6746107 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the functions and mechanisms of miR-608 in prostate cancer (PCa). CISH and qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that miR-608 was low expressed in PCa tissues and cells, which was partly attributed to the methylation of CpG island adjacent to the transcription start site (TSS) of miR-608 gene. Intracellular miR-608 overexpression inhibited in vivo PCa tumor growth, and suppressed PCa cell proliferation, G2/M transition, and migration in vitro, which was independent of EMT-associated mechanisms. Then RAC2, a GTPase previously deemed hematopoiesis-specific but now discovered to exist and play important roles in PCa, was verified by western blot and dual-luciferase reporter assays to mediate the effects of miR-608 through RAC2/PAK4/LIMK1/cofilin pathway. MiR-608 also promoted the apoptosis of PCa cells through BCL2L1/caspase-3 pathway by targeting the 3'-UTR of BCL2L1. Moreover, PAK4, the downstream effector of RAC2, was found to be targeted by miR-608 at the mRNA coding sequence (CDS) instead of the canonical 3'-UTR. Knocking down RAC2, PAK4, or BCL2L1 with siRNAs reproduced the antiproliferative, mitosis-obstructive, antimigratory and proapoptotic effects of miR-608 in PCa cells, which could be attenuated by downregulating miR-608. In conclusion, miR-608 suppresses PCa progression, and its activation provides a new therapeutic option for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Jiajie Fang
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Weiyu Wang
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Shuai Meng
- Department of UrologyZhejiang Provincial People's HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Urologythe First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
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Mallappa S, Neeli PK, Karnewar S, Kotamraju S. Doxorubicin induces prostate cancer drug resistance by upregulation of ABCG4 through GSH depletion and CREB activation: Relevance of statins in chemosensitization. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:1118-1133. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sreevidya Mallappa
- Centre for Chemical Biology; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Training and Development Complex; Chennai India
| | - Praveen K. Neeli
- Centre for Chemical Biology; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Training and Development Complex; Chennai India
| | - Santosh Karnewar
- Centre for Chemical Biology; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Training and Development Complex; Chennai India
| | - Srigiridhar Kotamraju
- Centre for Chemical Biology; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Hyderabad India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Training and Development Complex; Chennai India
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PAK4 signaling in health and disease: defining the PAK4-CREB axis. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-9. [PMID: 30755582 PMCID: PMC6372590 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
p21-Activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a member of the PAK family, regulates a wide range of cellular functions, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of its expression and activity thus contributes to the development of diverse pathological conditions. PAK4 plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by accelerating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, PAK4 is regarded as an attractive therapeutic target in diverse types of cancers, prompting the development of PAK4-specific inhibitors as anticancer drugs; however, these drugs have not yet been successful. PAK4 is essential for embryonic brain development and has a neuroprotective function. A long list of PAK4 effectors has been reported. Recently, the transcription factor CREB has emerged as a novel effector of PAK4. This finding has broad implications for the role of PAK4 in health and disease because CREB-mediated transcriptional reprogramming involves a wide range of genes. In this article, we review the PAK4 signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and melanogenesis, focusing in particular on the PAK4-CREB axis. An enzyme that regulates an important controller of gene expression may offer a therapeutic target for cancer and other diseases. cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) interacts with various other proteins to switch a myriad of target genes on and off in different cells. A review by Eung-Gook Kim, Eun-Young Shin and colleagues at Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea, explores the interplay between CREB and an enzyme called p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in human health and disease. PAK4, for example, has been shown to promote CREB’s gene-activating function in prostate cancer, and PAK4 overexpression is a feature of numerous other tumor types. Disruptions in PAK4-mediated regulation of CREB activity have also been observed in neurons affected by Parkinson’s disease. The authors see strong clinical promise in further exploring the biology of the PAK4-CREB pathway.
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Ramos-Alvarez I, Lee L, Jensen RT. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A and EPAC mediate VIP and secretin stimulation of PAK4 and activation of Na +,K +-ATPase in pancreatic acinar cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G263-G277. [PMID: 30520694 PMCID: PMC6397337 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00275.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rat pancreatic acinar cells possess only the p21-activated kinase (PAKs), PAK4 of the group II PAK, and it is activated by gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and by a number of growth factors. However, little is known generally of cAMP agents causing PAK4 activation, and there are no studies with gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters activating cAMP cascades. In the present study, we examined the ability of VIP and secretin, which stimulate cAMP generation in pancreatic acini, to stimulate PAK4 activation, the signaling cascades involved, and their possible role in activating sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase). PAK4 activation was compared with activation of the well-established cAMP target, cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Secretin-stimulated PAK4 activation was inhibited by KT-5720 and PKA Type II inhibitor (PKI), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, whereas VIP activation was inhibited by ESI-09 and HJC0197, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) inhibitors. In contrast, both VIP/secretin-stimulated phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) via EPAC activation; however, it was inhibited by the p44/42 inhibitor PD98059 and the p38 inhibitor SB202190. The specific EPAC agonist 8-CPT-2- O-Me-cAMP as well 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin stimulated PAK4 activation. Secretin/VIP activation of Na+,K+-ATPase, was inhibited by PAK4 inhibitors (PF-3758309, LCH-7749944). These results demonstrate PAK4 is activated in pancreatic acini by stimulation of both VIP-/secretin-preferring receptors, as is CREB. However, they differ in their signaling cascades. Furthermore, PAK4 activation is needed for Na+,K+ATPase activation, which mediates pancreatic fluid secretion. These results, coupled with recent studies reporting PAKs are involved in both pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer growth/enzyme secretion, show that PAK4, similar to PAK2, likely plays an important role in both pancreatic physiological/pathological responses. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic acini possess only the group II p21-activated kinase, PAK4, which is activated by PLC-stimulating agents/growth factors and is important in enzyme-secretion/growth/pancreatitis. Little information exists on cAMP-activating agents stimulating group II PAKs. We studied ability/effect of cyclic AMP-stimulating agents [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin] on PAK4 activity in rat pancreatic-acini. Both VIP/secretin activated PAK4/CREB, but the cAMP signaling cascades differed for EPAC, MAPK, and PKA pathways. Both hormones require PAK4 activation to stimulate sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity. This study shows PAK4 plays an important role in VIP-/secretin-stimulated pancreatic fluid secretion and suggests it plays important roles in pancreatic acinar physiological/pathophysiological responses mediated by cAMP-activating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lingaku Lee
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R. T. Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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P21 activated kinase signaling in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 54:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Phatak P, Burrows WM, Chesnick IE, Tulapurkar ME, Rao JN, Turner DJ, Hamburger AW, Wang JY, Donahue JM. MiR-199a-3p decreases esophageal cancer cell proliferation by targeting p21 activated kinase 4. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28391-28407. [PMID: 29983868 PMCID: PMC6033339 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although microRNA (miR) 199a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in multiple malignancies, its expression and role in esophageal cancer have not been studied. Based on our previous observation that miR-199a-3p is markedly downregulated in esophageal cancer cell lines relative to esophageal epithelial cells, we examined the function of miR-199a-3p in these cells. MiR-199a-3p is predicted to bind with high affinity to the mRNA of p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4). This kinase has been shown to be overexpressed in several malignancies and to modulate proliferation and motility. The current study is designed to determine whether miR-199a-3p regulates the expression of PAK4 in esophageal cancer cells and to understand the functional consequences of this interaction. Herein, we demonstrate reduced expression of miR-199a-3p in human esophageal cancer specimens and cell lines compared to esophageal epithelial cells, with associated increased expression of PAK4. Forced expression of miR-199a-3p decreases expression of PAK4 in esophageal cancer cell lines. Mechanistic studies reveal that miR-199a-3p binds to the 3'UTR of PAK4 mRNA. This interaction results in reduced levels of PAK4 mRNA due to decreased mRNA stability. Downregulation of PAK4 leads to decreased cyclin D1 (CD1) transcription and protein expression, resulting in markedly impaired cellular proliferation. When PAK4 expression is rescued, both CD1 transcription and protein return to baseline levels. Our results show that miR-199a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in esophageal cancer cells through repression of PAK4. These findings suggest that both miR-199a-3p and PAK4 may be novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornima Phatak
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Whitney M. Burrows
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Mohan E. Tulapurkar
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jaladanki N. Rao
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Douglas J. Turner
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Anne W. Hamburger
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - James M. Donahue
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Brown AL, Foster KL, Lupo PJ, Peckham-Gregory EC, Murray JC, Okcu MF, Lau CC, Rednam SP, Chintagumpala M, Scheurer ME. DNA methylation of a novel PAK4 locus influences ototoxicity susceptibility following cisplatin and radiation therapy for pediatric embryonal tumors. Neuro Oncol 2018; 19:1372-1379. [PMID: 28444219 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ototoxicity is a common adverse side effect of platinum chemotherapy and cranial radiation therapy; however, individual susceptibility is highly variable. Therefore, our objective was to conduct an epigenome-wide association study to identify differentially methylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites associated with ototoxicity susceptibility among cisplatin-treated pediatric patients with embryonal tumors. Methods Samples were collected for a discovery cohort (n = 62) and a replication cohort (n = 18) of medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor patients. Posttreatment audiograms were evaluated using the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Boston Ototoxicity Scale. Genome-wide associations between CpG methylation and ototoxicity were examined using multiple linear regression, controlling for demographic and treatment factors. Results The mean cumulative dose of cisplatin was 330 mg/m2 and the mean time from end of therapy to the last available audiogram was 6.9 years. In the discovery analysis of 435233 CpG sites, 6 sites were associated with ototoxicity grade (P < 5 × 10-5) after adjusting for confounders. Differential methylation at the top CpG site identified in the discovery cohort (cg14010619, PAK4 gene) was replicated (P = 0.029) and reached genome-wide significance (P = 2.73 × 10-8) in a combined analysis. These findings were robust to a sensitivity analysis evaluating other potential confounders. Conclusions We identified and replicated a novel CpG methylation loci (cg14010619) associated with ototoxicity severity. Methylation at cg14010619 may modify PAK4 activity, which has been implicated in cisplatin resistance in malignant cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin L Brown
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Kayla L Foster
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Erin C Peckham-Gregory
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Jeffrey C Murray
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - M Fatih Okcu
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Ching C Lau
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Surya P Rednam
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Murali Chintagumpala
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Michael E Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Hematology & Oncology, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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The p21-activated kinase 4-Slug transcription factor axis promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and worsens prognosis in prostate cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:5147-5159. [PMID: 29849120 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) facilitates cancer invasion and metastasis and thus accelerates cancer progression. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a critical regulator of prostate cancer (PC) progression. Here, we report that PAK4 activation promotes PC progression through the EMT regulator Slug. We find that phosphorylated PAK4S474 (pPAK4) levels, an index of PAK4 activation, were tightly associated with Gleason score (p < 0.001), a clinical indicator of PC progression, but not with prostate serum antigen levels or tumor stage. Stable silencing of PAK4 in PC cells reduced their potential for EMT, cellular invasion, and metastasis in vivo. PAK4 bound and directly phosphorylated Slug at two previously unknown sites, S158 and S254, which resulted in its stabilization. The non-phosphorylatable form SlugS158A/S254A upregulated transcription of CDH1, which encodes E-cadherin, and thus suppressed EMT and invasion, to a greater extent than did wild-type Slug. The strong EMT inducer TGF-β elevated pPAK4 and pSlugS158 levels; PAK4 knockdown or introduction of a dominant-negative form of PAK4 inhibited both TGF-β-stimulated EMT and an increase in pSlugS158 levels. Finally, immunohistochemistry revealed a positive correlation between pPAK4 and pSlugS158 but an inverse correlation between pSlugS158 and E-cadherin. The results suggest that the PAK4-Slug axis represents a novel pathway that promotes PC progression.
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LaPak KM, Vroom DC, Garg AA, Guan X, Hays JL, Song JW, Burd CE. Melanoma-associated mutants within the serine-rich domain of PAK5 direct kinase activity to mitogenic pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25386-25401. [PMID: 29875996 PMCID: PMC5986637 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The overexpression and hyperactivity of p21-activated serine/threonine kinases (PAKs) is known to facilitate tumorigenesis; however, the contribution of cancer-associated PAK mutations to tumor initiation and progression remains unclear. Here, we identify p21-activated serine/threonine kinase 5 (PAK5) as the most frequently altered PAK family member in human melanoma. More than 60% of melanoma-associated PAK5 gene alterations are missense mutations, and distribution of these variants throughout the protein coding sequence make it difficult to distinguish oncogenic drivers from passengers. To address this issue, we stably introduced the five most common melanoma-associated PAK5 missense mutations into human immortalized primary melanocytes (hMELTs). While expression of these mutants did not promote single-cell migration or induce temozolomide resistance, a subset of variants drove aberrant melanocyte proliferation. These mitogenic mutants, PAK5 S364L and D421N, clustered within an unstructured, serine-rich domain of the protein and inappropriately activated ERK and PKA through kinase-independent and -dependent mechanisms, respectively. Together, our findings establish the ability of mutant PAK5 to enhance PKA and MAPK signaling in melanocytes and localize the engagement of mitogenic pathways to a serine-rich region of PAK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M LaPak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dennis C Vroom
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ayush A Garg
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiangnan Guan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John L Hays
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christin E Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Li W, Huang Y, Sargsyan D, Khor TO, Guo Y, Shu L, Yang AY, Zhang C, Paredes-Gonzalez X, Verzi M, Hart RP, Kong AN. Epigenetic alterations in TRAMP mice: epigenome DNA methylation profiling using MeDIP-seq. Cell Biosci 2018; 8:3. [PMID: 29344347 PMCID: PMC5767006 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-018-0201-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the genomic DNA methylation profile of prostate cancer in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) cancer model and to analyze the crosstalk among targeted genes and the related functional pathways. METHODS Prostate DNA samples from 24-week-old TRAMP and C57BL/6 male mice were isolated. The DNA methylation profiles were analyzed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) followed by next-generation sequencing (MeDIP-seq). Canonical pathways, diseases and function and network analyses of the different samples were then performed using the Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Some target genes with significant difference in methylation were selected for validation using methylation specific primers (MSP) and qPCR. RESULTS TRAMP mice undergo extensive aberrant CpG hyper- and hypo-methylation. There were 2147 genes with a significant (log2-change ≥ 2) change in CpG methylation between the two groups, as mapped by the IPA software. Among these genes, the methylation of 1105 and 1042 genes was significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in TRAMP prostate tumors. The top associated disease identified by IPA was adenocarcinoma; however, the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2)-, glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1)- and polyubiquitin-C (UBC)-related pathways showed significantly altered methylation profiles based on the canonical pathway and network analyses. MSP and qPCR results of genes of interests corroborated with MeDIP-seq findings. CONCLUSIONS This is the first MeDIP-seq with IPA analysis of the TRAMP model to provide novel insight into the genome-wide methylation profile of prostate cancer. Studies on epigenetics, such as DNA methylation, will potentially provide novel avenues and strategies for further development of biomarkers targeted for treatment and prevention approaches for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenji Li
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Ying Huang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Davit Sargsyan
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Tin Oo Khor
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Yue Guo
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Limin Shu
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Anne Yuqing Yang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Chengyue Zhang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Ximena Paredes-Gonzalez
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Michael Verzi
- Department of Genetics, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Ronald P. Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
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Won SY, Park MH, You ST, Choi SW, Kim HK, McLean C, Bae SC, Kim SR, Jin BK, Lee KH, Shin EY, Kim EG. Nigral dopaminergic PAK4 prevents neurodegeneration in rat models of Parkinson's disease. Sci Transl Med 2017; 8:367ra170. [PMID: 27903866 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf1629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. No neuroprotective treatments have successfully prevented the progression of this disease. We report that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a key survival factor for DA neurons. We observed PAK4 immunoreactivity in rat and human DA neurons in brain tissue, but not in microglia or astrocytes. PAK4 activity was markedly decreased in postmortem brain tissue from PD patients and in rodent models of PD. Expression of constitutively active PAK4S445N/S474E (caPAK4) protected DA neurons in both the 6-hydroxydopamine and α-synuclein rat models of PD and preserved motor function. This neuroprotective effect of caPAK4 was mediated by phosphorylation of CRTC1 [CREB (adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein)-regulated transcription coactivator] at S215. The nonphosphorylated form of CRTC1S215A compromised the ability of caPAK4 to induce the expression of the CREB target proteins Bcl-2, BDNF, and PGC-1α. Our results support a neuroprotective role for the PAK4-CRTC1S215-CREB signaling pathway and suggest that this pathway may be a useful therapeutic target in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yoon Won
- Department of Biochemistry and Signaling Disorder Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Mee-Hee Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Signaling Disorder Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Soon-Tae You
- Department of Biochemistry and Signaling Disorder Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Seung-Won Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Signaling Disorder Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Hyong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Medicine and Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Catriona McLean
- Department of Pathology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Suk-Chul Bae
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Institute for Tumor Research, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Sang Ryong Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea.,Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Byung Kwan Jin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration Control Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Kun Ho Lee
- National Research Center for Dementia, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, South Korea
| | - Eun-Young Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Signaling Disorder Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea
| | - Eung-Gook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Signaling Disorder Research Center, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, South Korea.
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44
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Sung Y, Park S, Park SJ, Jeong J, Choi M, Lee J, Kwon W, Jang S, Lee MH, Kim DJ, Liu K, Kim SH, Lee JH, Ha YS, Kwon TG, Lee S, Dong Z, Ryoo ZY, Kim MO. Jazf1 promotes prostate cancer progression by activating JNK/Slug. Oncotarget 2017; 9:755-765. [PMID: 29416651 PMCID: PMC5787507 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Juxtaposed with another zinc finger protein 1 (Jazf1) is a zinc finger protein and is known to affect both prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes. Jazf1 inhibits testicular nuclear receptor 4 (TR4) activation through protein-protein interaction, which results in weight loss and alleviates diabetes. However, the role of Jazf1 in prostate cancer is still poorly understood. Hence, we investigated whether the expression of Jazf1 is associated with prostate cancer progression. We confirmed the upregulation of Jazf1 expression in human prostate tissue samples. In addition, using Jazf1 overexpressing prostate cancer cell lines, DU145 and LNCaP, we found Jazf1 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation ability. We also observed that Jazf1 dramatically enhanced cell migration and invasion in transwell assays. Additionally, we checked the upregulation of vimentin and downregulation of E-cadherin expression in Jazf1-overexpressing DU145 and LNCaP cells. Moreover, we found that Slug, which is known to be regulated by JNK/c-Jun phosphorylation, was upregulated in the microarray analysis of two prostate cancer cell lines. Jazf1 promotes the phosphorylation of JNK/c-Jun, likely promoting cell proliferation and invasion through Slug. In a xenograft model, tumors overexpressing Jazf1 were larger than control tumors, and tumors with decreased Jazf1 were smaller. These data indicated that Jazf1 enhances prostate cancer progression and metastasis via regulating JNK/Slug signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that Jazf1 plays an important role in both androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghun Sung
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Park
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Core Protein Resources Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Jun Park
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jain Jeong
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjee Choi
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Wookbong Kwon
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Jang
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Hyun Lee
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Sung-Hyun Kim
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Sok Ha
- Department of Urology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Buk-gu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Tae Gyun Kwon
- Department of Urology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Buk-gu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sanggyu Lee
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Zigang Dong
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, NE, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zae Young Ryoo
- School of Life Science, BK21 Plus KNU Creative Bio Research Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Buk-ku, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Ok Kim
- The School of Animal BT Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
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45
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Su T, Qu JJ, Wang K, Li BL, Zhao D, Zhu YP, Ye L, Lu W, Wan XP. Cross-talk between p21-activated kinase 4 and ERα signaling triggers endometrial cancer cell proliferation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:68083-68094. [PMID: 28978098 PMCID: PMC5620238 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cross-talk between estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and signal transduction pathways plays an important role in the progression of endometrial cancer (EC). Here, we show that 17β-estradiol (E2) stimulation increases p21-activated kinase 4 (Pak4) expression and activation in ER-positive EC cells. The estrogen-induced Pak4 activation is mediated via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Estrogen increases Pak4 and phosphorylated-Pak4 (p-Pak4) nuclear accumulation, and Pak4 in turn enhances ERα trans-activation. Depletion or functional inhibition of Pak4 abrogates EC cell proliferation induced by E2, whereas overexpression of Pak4 rescues cell proliferation decreased by inhibiting the estrogen pathway. Pak4 knockdown decreases cyclin D1 expression and induces G1-S arrest. Importantly, Pak4 suppression inhibits E2 induced EC tumor growth in vivo, in a mouse xenograft model. These data demonstrate that estrogen stimulation increases Pak4 expression and activation, which in turn enhances ERα transcriptional activity and ERα-dependent gene expression, resulting in increased proliferation of EC cells. Thus inhibition of Pak4-ERα signaling may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Su
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Gynecology, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bi-Lan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ping Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wen Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wan
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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46
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He W, Zhao Z, Anees A, Li Y, Ashraf U, Chen Z, Song Y, Chen H, Cao S, Ye J. p21-Activated Kinase 4 Signaling Promotes Japanese Encephalitis Virus-Mediated Inflammation in Astrocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:271. [PMID: 28680855 PMCID: PMC5478680 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) targets central nervous system, resulting in neuroinflammation with typical features of neuronal death along with hyper activation of glial cells. Exploring the mechanisms responsible for the JEV-caused inflammatory response remains a pivotal area of research. In the present study, we have explored the function of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in JEV-mediated inflammatory response in human astrocytes. The results showed that JEV infection enhances the phosphorylation of PAK4 in U251 cells and mouse brain. Knockdown of PAK4 resulted in decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines that include tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 and interferon β upon JEV infection, suggesting that PAK4 signaling promotes JEV-mediated inflammation. In addition, we found that knockdown of PAK4 led to the inhibition of MAPK signaling including ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK, and also resulted in the reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and phosphorylation of AP-1. These results demonstrate that PAK4 signaling actively promotes JEV-mediated inflammation in human astrocytes via MAPK-NF-κB/AP-1 pathway, which will provide a new insight into the molecular mechanism of the JEV-induced inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Zikai Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Awais Anees
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Usama Ashraf
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Yunfeng Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Shengbo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Jing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
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47
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A novel orally bioavailable compound KPT-9274 inhibits PAK4, and blocks triple negative breast cancer tumor growth. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42555. [PMID: 28198380 PMCID: PMC5309789 DOI: 10.1038/srep42555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease consisting of several subtypes. Among these subtypes, triple negative breast cancer is particularly difficult to treat. This is due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease, and consequently a lack of druggable targets. PAK4 plays critical roles in cell survival, proliferation, and morphology. PAK4 protein levels are high in breast cancer cells and breast tumors, and the gene is often amplified in basal like breast cancers, which are frequently triple negative. PAK4 is also overexpressed in other types of cancer, making it a promising drug target. However, its inhibition is complicated by the fact that PAK4 has both kinase-dependent and -independent functions. Here we investigate a new clinical compound KPT-9274, which has been shown to inhibit PAK4 and NAMPT. We find that KPT-9274 (and its analog, KPT-8752) can reduce the steady state level of PAK4 protein in triple negative breast cancer cells. These compounds also block the growth of the breast cancer cells in vitro, and stimulate apoptosis. Most importantly, oral administration of KPT-9274 reduces tumorigenesis in mouse models of human triple negative breast cancer. Our results indicate that KPT-9274 is a novel therapeutic option for triple negative breast cancer therapy.
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48
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Miklos W, Heffeter P, Pirker C, Hager S, Kowol CR, van Schoonhoven S, Stojanovic M, Keppler BK, Berger W. Loss of phosphodiesterase 4D mediates acquired triapine resistance via Epac-Rap1-Integrin signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 7:84556-84574. [PMID: 27602951 PMCID: PMC5356681 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triapine, an anticancer thiosemicarbazone, is currently under clinical investigation. Whereas promising results were obtained in hematological diseases, trials in solid tumors widely failed. To understand mechanisms causing triapine insensitivity, we have analysed genomic alterations in a triapine-resistant SW480 subline (SW480/tria). Only one distinct genomic loss was observed specifically in SW480/tria cells affecting the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene locus. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of PDE4D resulted in significant triapine resistance in SW480 cells. Hence, we concluded that enhanced cyclic AMP levels might confer protection against triapine. Indeed, hyperactivation of both major downstream pathways, namely the protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb) and the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac)-Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1) signaling axes, was observed in SW480/tria cells. Unexpectedly, inhibition of PKA did not re-sensitize SW480/tria cells against triapine. In contrast, Epac activation resulted in distinct triapine resistance in SW480 cells. Conversely, knock-down of Epac expression and pharmacological inhibition of Rap1 re-sensitized SW480/tria cells against triapine. Rap1 is a well-known regulator of integrins. Accordingly, SW480/tria cells displayed enhanced plasma membrane expression of several integrin subunits, enhanced adhesion especially to RGD-containing matrix components, and bolstered activation/expression of the integrin downstream effectors Src and RhoA/Rac. Accordingly, integrin and Src inhibition resulted in potent triapine re-sensitization especially of SW480/tria cells. In summary, we describe for the first time integrin activation based on cAMP-Epac-Rap1 signaling as acquired drug resistance mechanism. combinations of triapine with inhibitors of several steps in this resistance cascade might be feasible strategies to overcome triapine insensitivity of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Miklos
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”, University Vienna and Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Pirker
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Hager
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian R. Kowol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”, University Vienna and Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sushilla van Schoonhoven
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjana Stojanovic
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard K. Keppler
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”, University Vienna and Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”, University Vienna and Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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49
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Kumar R, Sanawar R, Li X, Li F. Structure, biochemistry, and biology of PAK kinases. Gene 2016; 605:20-31. [PMID: 28007610 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PAKs, p21-activated kinases, play central roles and act as converging junctions for discrete signals elicited on the cell surface and for a number of intracellular signaling cascades. PAKs phosphorylate a vast number of substrates and act by remodeling cytoskeleton, employing scaffolding, and relocating to distinct subcellular compartments. PAKs affect wide range of processes that are crucial to the cell from regulation of cell motility, survival, redox, metabolism, cell cycle, proliferation, transformation, stress, inflammation, to gene expression. Understandably, their dysregulation disrupts cellular homeostasis and severely impacts key cell functions, and many of those are implicated in a number of human diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiac disorders. Here we provide an overview of the members of the PAK family and their current status. We give special emphasis to PAK1 and PAK4, the prototypes of groups I and II, for their profound roles in cancer, the nervous system, and the heart. We also highlight other family members. We provide our perspective on the current advancements, their growing importance as strategic therapeutic targets, and our vision on the future of PAKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.
| | - Rahul Sanawar
- Cancer Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Chinese Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Chinese Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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50
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Cabeza M, Sánchez-Márquez A, Garrido M, Silva A, Bratoeff E. Recent Advances in Drug Design and Drug Discovery for Androgen- Dependent Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2016; 23:792-815. [PMID: 26861003 PMCID: PMC5412001 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160210125642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the importance of different targets such as 5α-reductase, 17β-HSD, CYP17A, androgen receptor and protein kinase A for the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is a well known fact that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is associated with the development of androgen-dependent afflictions. At the present time, several research groups are attempting to develop new steroidal and non-steroidal molecules with the purpose of inhibiting the synthesis and biological response of DHT. This review also discusses the most recent studies reported in the literature that describe the therapeutic potential of novel compounds, as well as the new drugs, principally inhibitors of 5α-reductase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Cabeza
- Departamento De Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana- Xochimilco Calzada Del Hueso No. 1100, México, D.F., C.P. 04960, México.
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