1
|
Bano N, Parveen S, Saeed M, Siddiqui S, Abohassan M, Mir SS. Drug Repurposing of Selected Antibiotics: An Emerging Approach in Cancer Drug Discovery. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:26762-26779. [PMID: 38947816 PMCID: PMC11209889 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is a method of investigating new therapeutic applications for previously approved medications. This repurposing approach to "old" medications is now highly efficient, simple to arrange, and cost-effective and poses little risk of failure in treating a variety of disorders, including cancer. Drug repurposing for cancer therapy is currently a key topic of study. It is a way of exploring recent therapeutic applications for already-existing drugs. Theoretically, the repurposing strategy has various advantages over the recognized challenges of creating new molecular entities, including being faster, safer, easier, and less expensive. In the real world, several medications have been repurposed, including aspirin, metformin, and chloroquine. However, doctors and scientists address numerous challenges when repurposing drugs, such as the fact that most drugs are not cost-effective and are resistant to bacteria. So the goal of this review is to gather information regarding repurposing pharmaceuticals to make them more cost-effective and harder for bacteria to resist. Cancer patients are more susceptible to bacterial infections. Due to their weak immune systems, antibiotics help protect them from a variety of infectious diseases. Although antibiotics are not immune boosters, they do benefit the defense system by killing bacteria and slowing the growth of cancer cells. Their use also increases the therapeutic efficacy and helps avoid recurrence. Of late, antibiotics have been repurposed as potent anticancer agents because of the evolutionary relationship between the prokaryotic genome and mitochondrial DNA of eukaryotes. Anticancer antibiotics that prevent cancer cells from growing by interfering with their DNA and blocking growth of promoters, which include anthracyclines, daunorubicin, epirubicin, mitoxantrone, doxorubicin, and idarubicin, are another type of FDA-approved antibiotics used to treat cancer. According to the endosymbiotic hypothesis, prokaryotes and eukaryotes are thought to have an evolutionary relationship. Hence, in this study, we are trying to explore antibiotics that are necessary for treating diseases, including cancer, helping people reduce deaths associated with various infections, and substantially extending people's life expectancy and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilofer Bano
- Molecular
Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary
Research (ICEIR-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
- Department
of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Sana Parveen
- Molecular
Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary
Research (ICEIR-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
- Department
of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral
University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department
of Biology, College of Sciences, University
of Hail, P.O. Box 2240, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Department
of Health Services Management, College of Public Health and Health
Informatics, University of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Abohassan
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Snober S. Mir
- Molecular
Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary
Research (ICEIR-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
- Department
of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral
University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu Y, Sun F, Tian Y, Zeng G, Lei G, Bai Z, Wang Y, Ge X, Wang J, Xiao C, Wang Z, Hu M, Song J, Yang P, Liu R. Enhanced NK cell activation via eEF2K-mediated potentiation of the cGAS-STING pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111628. [PMID: 38320351 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is characterized by a high mortality rate, attributed primarily to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Within this context, we aimed to elucidate the pivotal role of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) in orchestrating the infiltration and activation of natural killer (NK) cells within the HCC tumor microenvironment. By shedding light on the immunomodulatory mechanisms at play, our findings should clarify HCC pathogenesis and help identify potential therapeutic intervention venues. METHODS We performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to determine the functions of eEF2K in the context of HCC. We initially used paired tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples from patients with HCC to measure eEF2K expression and its correlation with prognosis. Subsequently, we enrolled a cohort of patients with HCC undergoing immunotherapy to examine the ability of eEF2K to predict treatment efficacy. To delve deeper into the mechanistic aspects, we established an eEF2K-knockout cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. This step was crucial for verifying activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and the subsequent secretion of cytokines. To further elucidate the role of eEF2K in NK cell function, we applied siRNA-based techniques to effectively suppress eEF2K expression in vitro. For in vivo validation, we developed a tumor-bearing mouse model that enabled us to compare the infiltration and activation of NK cells within the tumor microenvironment following various treatment strategies. RESULTS We detected elevated eEF2K expression within HCC tissues, and this was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis (30.84 vs. 20.99 months, P = 0.033). In addition, co-culturing eEF2K-knockout HepG2 cells with dendritic cells led to activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and a subsequent increase in the secretion of IL-2 and CXCL9. Moreover, inhibiting eEF2K resulted in notable NK cell proliferation along with apoptosis reduction. Remarkably, after combining NH125 and PD-1 treatments, we found a significant increase in NK cell infiltration within HCC tumors in our murine model. Our flow cytometry analysis revealed reduced NKG2A expression and elevated NKG2D expression and secretion of granzyme B, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in NK cells. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed no evidence of damage to vital organs in the mice treated with the combination therapy. Additionally, we noted higher levels of glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation in the peripheral blood serum of the treated mice. CONCLUSION Targeted eEF2K blockade may result in cGAS-STING pathway activation, leading to enhanced infiltration and activity of NK cells within HCC tumors. The synergistic effect achieved by combining an eEF2K inhibitor with PD-1 antibody therapy represents a novel and promising approach for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuying Tian
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Guineng Zeng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglin Lei
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifang Bai
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlan Ge
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Chaohui Xiao
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohai Wang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Minggen Hu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Penghui Yang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China.
| | - Rong Liu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Klupt KA, Jia Z. eEF2K Inhibitor Design: The Progression of Exemplary Structure-Based Drug Design. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031095. [PMID: 36770760 PMCID: PMC9921739 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The α-kinase, eEF2K, phosphorylates the threonine 56 residue of eEF2 to inhibit global peptide elongation (protein translation). As a master regulator of protein synthesis, in combination with its unique atypical kinase active site, investigations into the targeting of eEF2K represents a case of intense structure-based drug design that includes the use of modern computational techniques. The role of eEF2K is incredibly diverse and has been scrutinized in several different diseases including cancer and neurological disorders-with numerous studies inhibiting eEF2K as a potential treatment option, as described in this paper. Using available crystal structures of related α-kinases, particularly MHCKA, we report how homology modeling has been used to improve inhibitor design and efficacy. This review presents an overview of eEF2K related drug discovery efforts predating from the 1990's, to more recent in vivo studies in rat models. We also provide the reader with a basic introduction to several approaches and software programs used to undertake such drug discovery campaigns. With the recent exciting publication of an eEF2K crystal structure, we present our view regarding the future of eEF2K drug discovery.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ren Y, Kumar A, Das JK, Peng HY, Wang L, Balllard D, Xiong X, Ren X, Zhang Y, Yang JM, Song J. Tumorous expression of NAC1 restrains antitumor immunity through the LDHA-mediated immune evasion. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004856. [PMID: 36150745 PMCID: PMC9511653 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell-mediated antitumor immunity has a vital role in cancer prevention and treatment; however, the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) constitutes a significant contributor to immune evasion that weakens antitumor immunity. Here, we explore the relationship between nucleus accumbens-associated protein-1 (NAC1), a nuclear factor of the BTB (broad-complex, Tramtrack, bric a brac)/POZ (Poxvirus, and Zinc finger) gene family, and the TME. METHODS Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of mouse or human tumor antigen (Ag)-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) was tested in an immunocompetent or immunodeficient mouse model of melanoma with or without expression of NAC1. The effects of NAC1 expression on immune evasion in tumor cells were assessed in vitro and in vivo. CRISPR/Cas9, glycolysis analysis, retroviral transduction, quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometric analysis, immunoblotting, database analyses were used to screen the downstream target and underlying mechanism of NAC1 in tumor cells. RESULTS Tumorous expression of NAC1 negatively impacts the CTL-mediated antitumor immunity via lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA)-mediated suppressive TME. NAC1 positively regulated the expression of LDHA at the transcriptional level, which led to higher accumulation of lactic acid in the TME. This inhibited the cytokine production and induced exhaustion and apoptosis of CTLs, impairing their cell-killing ability. In the immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice, NAC1 depleted melanoma tumors grew significantly slower and had an elevated infiltration of tumor Ag-specific CTLs following ACT, compared with the control groups. CONCLUSIONS Tumor expression of NAC1 contributes substantially to immune evasion through its regulatory role in LDHA expression and lactic acid production. Thus, therapeutic targeting of NAC1 warrants further exploration as a potential strategy to reinforce cancer immunotherapy, such as the ACT of CTLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Ren
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Anil Kumar
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Jugal K Das
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Hao-Yun Peng
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Liqing Wang
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Darby Balllard
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xiong
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jianxun Song
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Priya P, Aneesh B, Sivakumar KC, Harikrishnan K. Comparative proteomic analysis of saline tolerant, phosphate solubilizing endophytic Pantoea sp., and Pseudomonas sp. isolated from Eichhornia rhizosphere. Microbiol Res 2022; 265:127217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
6
|
Gu M, Tan M, Zhou L, Sun X, Lu Q, Wang M, Jiang H, Liang Y, Hou Q, Xue X, Xu Z, Dai C. Protein phosphatase 2Acα modulates fatty acid oxidation and glycolysis to determine tubular cell fate and kidney injury. Kidney Int 2022; 102:321-336. [PMID: 35483524 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Energy metabolism is crucial in maintaining cellular homeostasis and adapting to stimuli for tubular cells. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that PP2Acα was upregulated in damaged tubular cells from patients and animal models with acute or chronic kidney injury. Using in vitro and in vivo model, we demonstrated that PP2Acα induction in damaged tubular cells suppresses fatty acid oxidation and promotes glycolysis, leading to cell death and fibrosis. Mechanistically, we revealed that PP2Acα dephosphorylates ACC through interaction with B56δ, leading to the regulation of fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, PP2Acα also dephosphorylates p-Glut1 (Thr478) and suppresses Trim21-mediated Glut1 ubiquitination and degradation, leading to the promotion of glucose intake and glycolysis. Thus, this study adds new insight into the tubular cell metabolic alterations in kidney diseases. PP2Acα may be a promising therapeutic target for kidney injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Gu
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mengzhu Tan
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qingmiao Lu
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mingjie Wang
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hanlu Jiang
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qing Hou
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xian Xue
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chunsun Dai
- Center for Kidney Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Clinical Genetics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen X, Wang K, Jiang S, Sun H, Che X, Zhang M, He J, Wen Y, Liao M, Li X, Zhou X, Song J, Ren X, Yi W, Yang J, Chen X, Yin M, Cheng Y. eEF2K promotes PD-L1 stabilization through inactivating GSK3β in melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004026. [PMID: 35347072 PMCID: PMC8961175 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) targeting programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) pathway has become an attractive strategy for cancer treatment; however, unsatisfactory efficacy has limited its clinical benefits. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the regulation of PD-L1 expression is essential for developing more effective cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies have revealed the important roles of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, tumor cell migration and invasion; nevertheless, the exact role of eEF2K in the regulation of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) remains largely unknown. Methods In this study, we used a cohort of 38 patients with melanoma who received anti-PD-1 treatment to explore the association between eEF2K expression and immunotherapy efficacy against melanoma. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis and in vitro assays were used to examine the role and molecular mechanism of eEF2K in regulating PD-L1 expression. We also determined the effects of eEF2K on tumor growth and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in TIME in a mouse melanoma model. We further investigated the efficacy of the eEF2K inhibition in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment in vivo. Results High eEF2K expression is correlated with better therapeutic response and longer survival in patients with melanoma treated with PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Moreover, eEF2K protein expression is positively correlated with PD-L1 protein expression. Mechanistically, eEF2K directly bound to and inactivated glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) by phosphorylating it at serine 9 (S9), leading to PD-L1 protein stabilization and upregulation, and subsequently tumor immune evasion. Knockdown of eEF2K decreased PD-L1 expression and enhanced CD8+ T cell activity, thus dramatically attenuating murine B16F10 melanoma growth in vivo. Clinically, p-GSK3β/S9 expression is positively correlated with the expressions of eEF2K and PD-L1, and the response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Furthermore, eEF2K inhibitor, NH125 treatment or eEF2K knockdown enhanced the efficacy of PD-1 mAb therapy in a melanoma mouse model. Conclusions Our results suggest that eEF2K may serve as a biomarker for predicting therapeutic response and prognosis in patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy, reveal a vital role of eEF2K in regulating TIME by controlling PD-L1 expression and provide a potential combination therapeutic strategy of eEF2K inhibition with ICB therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xisha Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
| | - Kuansong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya hospital and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shilong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongyin Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuanling Che
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaying He
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengting Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Cancer Biology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinming Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Targeting Protein Translation in Melanoma by Inhibiting EEF-2 Kinase Regulates Cholesterol Metabolism though SREBP2 to Inhibit Tumour Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073481. [PMID: 35408842 PMCID: PMC8998919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreasing the levels of certain proteins has been shown to be important for controlling cancer but it is currently unknown whether proteins could potentially be targeted by the inhibiting of protein synthesis. Under this circumstance, targeting protein translation could preferentially affect certain pathways, which could then be of therapeutic advantage when treating cancer. In this report, eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EEF2K), which is involved in protein translation, was shown to regulate cholesterol metabolism. Targeting EEF2K inhibited key parts of the cholesterol pathway in cancer cells, which could be rescued by the addition of exogenous cholesterol, suggesting that it is a potentially important pathway modulated by targeting this process. Specifically, targeting EEF2K significantly suppressed tumour cell growth by blocking mRNA translation of the cholesterol biosynthesis transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 2, and the proteins it regulates. The process could be rescued by the addition of LDL cholesterol taken into the cells via non-receptor-mediated-uptake, which negated the need for SREBP2 protein. Thus, the levels of SREBP2 needed for cholesterol metabolism in cancer cells are therapeutically vulnerable by targeting protein translation. This is the first report to suggest that targeting EEF2K can be used to modulate cholesterol metabolism to treat cancer.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen D, Cai X, Ouyang H, Yuan S, Wang X, Lin L, Chen Z, Huang M. Increased eEF2K Promotes Glycolysis and Aggressive Behaviors of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:1729-1744. [PMID: 35300214 PMCID: PMC8922331 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s337620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Aggressive phenotype and abnormal glycolytic metabolism of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are essential to joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K) is a negative regulator of protein synthesis and has been shown to play an important role in regulating various cellular processes and promoting glycolysis in tumor cells. However, the role of eEF2K in regulating the pathogenic FLS behaviors is unknown. Methods A specific inhibitor of eEF2K, NH125, and siRNA were used to evaluate the role of eEF2K on RA FLSs in vitro. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were used to evaluate the in vivo effect of eEF2K. Cell migration, invasion of RA FLSs were assessed by transwell or wound healing assays. Relative changes of cytokines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and ELISA. Results Herein, we found an increased expression of eEF2K in synovial tissues and FLSs of RA patients. eEF2K knockdown by siRNA or treatment with NH125, an inhibitor of eEF2K, significantly reduced inflammation, migration/invasion, glucose uptake and lactate productions. eEF2K knockdown suppressed TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB and AKT pathways in RA FLSs. Lactate reversed the inhibitory effect of eEF2K knockdown on inflammation and migration of RA FLSs. Moreover, lactate was also involved in eEF2K-mediated activation of NF-κB and AKT. NH125 treatment attenuated the severity of arthritis in collagen-induced arthritis mice. Conclusion eEF2K inhibition suppressed glycolysis and aggressive behaviors of RA FLS, which indicated that targeting eEF2K may be a new strategy for the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Ouyang
- Department of Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwen Yuan
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lian Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney and Urology Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqing Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney and Urology Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingcheng Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney and Urology Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, Guandong, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Mingcheng Huang, Department of Nephrology, Kidney and Urology Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, ShenZhen, Guandong, People’s Republic of China, Email
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Das JK, Ren Y, Kumar A, Peng HY, Wang L, Xiong X, Alaniz RC, de Figueiredo P, Ren X, Liu X, Ryazonov AG, Yang JM, Song J. Elongation factor-2 kinase is a critical determinant of the fate and antitumor immunity of CD8 + T cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl9783. [PMID: 35108044 PMCID: PMC8809536 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl9783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
eEF-2K has important roles in stress responses and cellular metabolism. We report here a previously unappreciated but critical role of eEF-2K in regulating the fate and cytocidal activity of CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cells from eEF-2K KO mice were more proliferative but had lower survival than their wild-type counterparts after their activation, followed by occurrence of premature senescence and exhaustion. eEF-2K KO CD8+ T cells were more metabolically active and showed hyperactivation of the Akt-mTOR-S6K pathway. Loss of eEF-2K substantially impaired the activity of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the antitumor efficacy and tumor infiltration of the CAR-CD8+ T cells lacking eEF-2K were notably reduced as compared to the control CAR-CD8+ T cells. Thus, eEF-2K is critically required for sustaining the viability and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and therapeutic augmentation of this kinase may be exploited as a novel approach to reinforcing CAR-T therapy against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jugal Kishore Das
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yijie Ren
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hao-Yun Peng
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xiong
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Robert C. Alaniz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| | - Paul de Figueiredo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
- Norman Borlaug Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Alexey G. Ryazonov
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Deng G, Zeng F, He Y, Meng Y, Sun H, Su J, Zhao S, Cheng Y, Chen X, Yin M. EEF2K silencing inhibits tumour progression through repressing SPP1 and synergises with BET inhibitors in melanoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e722. [PMID: 35184394 PMCID: PMC8858631 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the remarkable breakthroughs achieved in the management of metastatic melanoma using immunotherapy and targeted therapies, long-term clinical efficacy is often compromised due to dose-limiting toxicity and innate or acquired resistance. Therefore, it is of vital importance to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma progression and identify new targeted therapeutic approaches. METHODS The function of eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EEF2K) in melanoma were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were undertaken to explore the mechanisms. The antitumor effect of bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) inhibitors combined with cytarabine were assessed in melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS EEF2K silencing markedly attenuated the malignant phenotypes of melanoma cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. In contrast, EEF2K overexpression promoted melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that EEF2K upregulates the phosphorylation of STAT3 (p-STAT3) at Tyr705, which binds to the promoter region of SPP1 and enhances its transcription, thus facilitating melanoma progression. Transfection-induced re-expression of SPP1 partly negated the inhibitory effect of EEF2K silencing on melanoma, whereas inhibition of SPP1 or STAT3 significantly abolished the efficacy of EEF2K on melanoma cells. Intriguingly, EEF2K silencing combined with BET inhibitor treatment further inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in melanoma. We further screened the US FDA-approved antitumour drug library and identified cytarabine as a potential clinically applicable EEF2K inhibitor that could synergise with BET inhibitors in melanoma treatment. CONCLUSION EEF2K/p-STAT3/SPP1 may be a novel oncogenic pathway in melanoma progression, which could be a target for novel combination therapy for melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangtong Deng
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Furong Zeng
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yi He
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yu Meng
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Huiyan Sun
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Juan Su
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of PharmacyThe Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and DiseaseHunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and PsoriasisXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jiang S, Jiang T, Huang H, Chen X, Li L, Wang Z, Fei J, Liu C, Liu Z, Cheng Y. CHMFL-BMX-078, a BMX inhibitor, overcomes the resistance of melanoma to vemurafenib via inhibiting AKT pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 351:109747. [PMID: 34813779 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Our recent study demonstrated eIF3a loss contributes to vemurafenib resistance in melanoma by activating ERK. However, overexpression of eIF3a in the clinic is not feasible to produce vemurafenib re-sensitization, and ERK inhibitors combined with vemurafenib still exhibit limited effectiveness in the treatment of melanoma. Here, using the human receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation antibody array, we observed that silencing eIF3a could activate BMX, a tyrosine kinase. The BMX inhibitor CHMFL-BMX-078 could significantly suppress proliferation and induce cell cycle arrest in vemurafenib resistant melanoma cell line A375 (A375R), however, it was hypotoxic in immortal keratinocytes, melanoma cells, and other solid cancer cells such as glioma and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the combined treatment of CHMFL-BMX-078 and vemurafenib synergistically reduced cell viability and restored the sensitivity of resistant cells to vemurafenib. The reversal of the resistant phenotype by CHMFL-BMX-078 was associated with the AKT signaling pathway, as co-treatment with the AKT activator SC-79 or up-regulation of AKT attenuated the anti-proliferation effect of CHMFL-BMX-078 and vemurafenib. Lastly, we demonstrated that CHMFL-BMX-078 could significantly enhance vemurafenib efficacy in a xenograft model of A375R cells without producing additive toxicity. In conclusion, these findings reveal that the BMX inhibitor CHMFL-BMX-078 may reverse vemurafenib resistance in melanoma by suppressing the AKT signaling pathway, implying that CHMFL-BMX-078 may be a promising compound for overcoming vemurafenib resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ShiLong Jiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, PR China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China
| | - HanXue Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, PR China
| | - XiSha Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China
| | - LanYa Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China
| | - ZhiBin Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, PR China
| | | | - Chong Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, PR China
| | - ZhaoQian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, PR China.
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jiang M, Qi L, Jin K, Li L, Wu Y, Song D, Gan J, Huang M, Li Y, Song C. eEF2K as a novel metastatic and prognostic biomarker in gastric cancer patients. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 225:153568. [PMID: 34352439 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) has been reported to be a potential oncogenic factor in many human cancers, its usefulness as a clinical prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer has not been investigated. METHODS In this study, data about 540 patients with stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to determine the expression of eEF2K. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blots, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were also performed to determine the clinical significance of eEF2K expression in 96 postoperative patients with gastric cancer. Among the 96 patients, 36 had low expression of eEF2K and 60 had high expression. RESULTS Analysis of the TCGA and GEO datasets revealed that eEF2K expression was significantly higher in the STAD tissue samples than in the non-tumorous gastric tissues. IHC, western blots, and RT-PCR confirmed these findings. The high expression level of eEF2K was found to be related to the presence of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that eEF2K was an independent indicator of prognosis for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-2.79; p = 0.03) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 0.997-2.765; p = 0.052) in patients with surgically resected STAD. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings suggest that eEF2K is a clinical indicator of metastatic and prognostic significance for STAD survival and could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Ling Qi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Kexin Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Lisha Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Yiming Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Dongfeng Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Junqing Gan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Mei Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Yanjing Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping St, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, PR China.
| | - Chengxin Song
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhu S, Liao M, Tan H, Zhu L, Chen Y, He G, Liu B. Inhibiting Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase: An Update on Pharmacological Small-Molecule Compounds in Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8870-8883. [PMID: 34162208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), a member of the atypical protein kinase family of alpha-kinases, is well-known as a negative regulator of protein synthesis by phosphorylating eEF2. Notably, eEF2K functions as a key regulator of several cellular processes, leading to tumorigenesis. To date, some small-molecule compounds have been reported as potential eEF2K inhibitors in cancer drug discovery. However, an ideal targeted drug design still faces huge challenges. Alternatively, other design strategies, such as repurposed drugs, dual-target drugs, and drug combination strategies, provide insights into the improvement of cancer treatment. Here, we summarize the crucial eEF2K-modulating pathways in cancer, including AMPK, REDD1, and Src. Moreover, we discuss the inhibition of eEF2K with single-target inhibitors, repurposed drugs, dual-target inhibitors, drug combination strategies, and other emerging technologies for therapeutic purposes. Together, these inspiring findings provide insights into a promising strategy for inhibiting eEF2K with small-molecule compounds to improve potential cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huidan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lingjuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang Z, Xing X, Guan P, Song S, You G, Xia C, Liu T. Recent progress in agents targeting polo-like kinases: Promising therapeutic strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 217:113314. [PMID: 33765606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) play important roles in regulating multiple aspects of cell cycle and cell proliferation. In many cancer types, PLK family members are often dysregulated, which can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and aberrant cell division and has been shown to associate with poor prognosis of cancers. The key roles of PLK kinases in cancers lead to an enhanced interest in them as promising targets for anticancer drug development. In consideration of PLK inhibitors and some other anticancer agents, such as BRD4, EEF2K and Aurora inhibitors, exert synergy effects in cancer cells, dual-targeting of PLK and other cancer-related targets is regarded as an rational and potent strategy to enhance the effectiveness of single-targeting therapy for cancer treatment. This review introduces the PLK family members at first and then focuses on the recent advances of single-target PLK inhibitors and summarizes the corresponding SARs of them. Moreover, we discuss the synergisms between PLK and other anti-tumor targets, and sum up the current dual-target agents based on them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
| | - Xiaolan Xing
- Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group Shanghai Haini Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, 201100, PR China
| | - Peng Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Shubin Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, PR China
| | - Guirong You
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
| | - Chengcai Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Comert Onder F, Kahraman N, Bellur Atici E, Cagir A, Kandemir H, Tatar G, Taskin Tok T, Kara G, Karliga B, Durdagi S, Ay M, Ozpolat B. Target-Driven Design of a Coumarinyl Chalcone Scaffold Based Novel EF2 Kinase Inhibitor Suppresses Breast Cancer Growth In Vivo. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:926-940. [PMID: 33860211 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) is an unusual alpha kinase involved in protein synthesis through phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 (EF2). eEF-2K is highly overexpressed in breast cancer, and its activity is associated with significantly shortened patient survival and proven to be a potential molecular target in breast cancer. The crystal structure of eEF-2K remains unknown, and there is no potent, safe, and effective inhibitor available for clinical applications. We designed and synthesized several generations of potential inhibitors. The effect of the inhibitors at the binding pocket of eEF-2K was analyzed after developing a 3D target model by using a domain of another α-kinase called myosin heavy-chain kinase A (MHCKA) that closely resembles eEF-2K. In silico studies showed that compounds with a coumarin-chalcone core have high predicted binding affinities for eEF-2K. Using in vitro studies in highly aggressive and invasive (MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-231, and BT20) and noninvazive (MCF-7) breast cancer cells, we identified a lead compound that was highly effective in inhibiting eEF-2K activity at submicromolar concentrations and at inhibiting cell proliferation by induction of apoptosis with no toxicity in normal breast epithelial cells. In vivo systemic administration of the lead compound encapsulated in single lipid-based liposomal nanoparticles twice a week significantly suppressed growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors in orthotopic breast cancer models in nude mice with no observed toxicity. In conclusion, our study provides a highly potent and in vivo effective novel small-molecule eEF-2K inhibitor that may be used as a molecularly targeted therapy breast cancer or other eEF-2K-dependent tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Medical Biology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Medicine, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey.,Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Ali Cagir
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, 35430 Urla, Turkey
| | - Hakan Kandemir
- Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Department of Chemistry, 59030 Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Gizem Tatar
- Gaziantep University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Tugba Taskin Tok
- Gaziantep University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey.,Gaziantep University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Goknur Kara
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Serdar Durdagi
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Bahcesehir University, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dubashynskaya NV, Bokatyi AN, Skorik YA. Dexamethasone Conjugates: Synthetic Approaches and Medical Prospects. Biomedicines 2021; 9:341. [PMID: 33801776 PMCID: PMC8067246 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is the most commonly prescribed glucocorticoid (GC) and has a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity. However, steroid drugs like DEX can have severe side effects on non-target organs. One strategy to reduce these side effects is to develop targeted systems with the controlled release by conjugation to polymeric carriers. This review describes the methods available for the synthesis of DEX conjugates (carbodiimide chemistry, solid-phase synthesis, reversible addition fragmentation-chain transfer [RAFT] polymerization, click reactions, and 2-iminothiolane chemistry) and perspectives for their medical application as GC drug or gene delivery systems for anti-tumor therapy. Additionally, the review focuses on the development of DEX conjugates with different physical-chemical properties as successful delivery systems in the target organs such as eye, joint, kidney, and others. Finally, polymer conjugates with improved transfection activity in which DEX is used as a vector for gene delivery in the cell nucleus have been described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yury A. Skorik
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. V.O. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia; (N.V.D.); (A.N.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Progress in the Development of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) Natural Product and Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors for Cancer Chemotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052408. [PMID: 33673713 PMCID: PMC7957638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, CAMKIII) is a new member of an atypical α-kinase family different from conventional protein kinases that is now considered as a potential target for the treatment of cancer. This protein regulates the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) to restrain activity and inhibit the elongation stage of protein synthesis. Mounting evidence shows that eEF2K regulates the cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in several types of cancers. The expression of eEF2K promotes survival of cancer cells, and the level of this protein is increased in many cancer cells to adapt them to the microenvironment conditions including hypoxia, nutrient depletion, and acidosis. The physiological function of eEF2K and its role in the development and progression of cancer are here reviewed in detail. In addition, a summary of progress for in vitro eEF2K inhibitors from anti-cancer drug discovery research in recent years, along with their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and synthetic routes or natural sources, is also described. Special attention is given to those inhibitors that have been already validated in vivo, with the overall aim to provide reference context for the further development of new first-in-class anti-cancer drugs that target eEF2K.
Collapse
|
19
|
Jiang SL, Mo JL, Peng J, Lei L, Yin JY, Zhou HH, Liu ZQ, Hong WX. Targeting translation regulators improves cancer therapy. Genomics 2020; 113:1247-1256. [PMID: 33189778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of protein synthesis may be involved in multiple aspects of cancer, such as gene expression, signal transduction and drive specific cell biological responses, resulting in promoting cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. Study the molecular mechanisms about translational control may help us to find more effective anti-cancer drugs and develop novel therapeutic opportunities. Recently, the researchers had focused on targeting translational machinery to overcome cancer, and various small molecular inhibitors targeting translation factors or pathways have been tested in clinical trials and exhibited improving outcomes in several cancer types. There is no doubt that an insight into the class of translation regulation protein would provide new target for pharmacologic intervention and further provide opportunities to develop novel anti-tumor therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarized the developments of translational control in cancer survival and progression et al, and highlighted the therapeutic approach targeted translation regulation to overcome the cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Long Jiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Jun-Luan Mo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China; Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Ji Peng
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Lin Lei
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Ji-Ye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China.
| | - Wen-Xu Hong
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518020, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guan Y, Jiang S, Ye W, Ren X, Wang X, Zhang Y, Yin M, Wang K, Tao Y, Yang J, Cao D, Cheng Y. Combined treatment of mitoxantrone sensitizes breast cancer cells to rapalogs through blocking eEF-2K-mediated activation of Akt and autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:948. [PMID: 33144562 PMCID: PMC7642277 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic activation of the mTOR signaling pathway occurs frequently in tumor cells and contributes to the devastating features of cancer, including breast cancer. mTOR inhibitors rapalogs are promising anticancer agents in clinical trials; however, rapalogs resistance remains an unresolved clinical challenge. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which cells become resistant to rapalogs may guide the development of successful mTOR-targeted cancer therapy. In this study, we found that eEF-2K, which is overexpressed in cancer cells and is required for survival of stressed cells, was involved in the negative-feedback activation of Akt and cytoprotective autophagy induction in breast cancer cells in response to mTOR inhibitors. Therefore, disruption of eEF-2K simultaneously abrogates the two critical resistance signaling pathways, sensitizing breast cancer cells to rapalogs. Importantly, we identified mitoxantrone, an admitted anticancer drug for a wide range of tumors, as a potential inhibitor of eEF-2K via a structure-based virtual screening strategy. We further demonstrated that mitoxantrone binds to eEF-2K and inhibits its activity, and the combination treatment of mitoxantrone and mTOR inhibitor resulted in significant synergistic cytotoxicity in breast cancer. In conclusion, we report that eEF-2K contributes to the activation of resistance signaling pathways of mTOR inhibitor, suggesting a novel strategy to enhance mTOR-targeted cancer therapy through combining mitoxantrone, an eEF-2K inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shilong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenling Ye
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Cancer Biology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Xinluan Wang
- Translational Medicine R&D Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518057, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kuansong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - JinMing Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Dongsheng Cao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Knight JRP, Garland G, Pöyry T, Mead E, Vlahov N, Sfakianos A, Grosso S, De-Lima-Hedayioglu F, Mallucci GR, von der Haar T, Smales CM, Sansom OJ, Willis AE. Control of translation elongation in health and disease. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043208. [PMID: 32298235 PMCID: PMC7104864 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of protein synthesis makes a major contribution to post-transcriptional control pathways. During disease, or under stress, cells initiate processes to reprogramme protein synthesis and thus orchestrate the appropriate cellular response. Recent data show that the elongation stage of protein synthesis is a key regulatory node for translational control in health and disease. There is a complex set of factors that individually affect the overall rate of elongation and, for the most part, these influence either transfer RNA (tRNA)- and eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A)-dependent codon decoding, and/or elongation factor 2 (eEF2)-dependent ribosome translocation along the mRNA. Decoding speeds depend on the relative abundance of each tRNA, the cognate:near-cognate tRNA ratios and the degree of tRNA modification, whereas eEF2-dependent ribosome translocation is negatively regulated by phosphorylation on threonine-56 by eEF2 kinase. Additional factors that contribute to the control of the elongation rate include epigenetic modification of the mRNA, coding sequence variation and the expression of eIF5A, which stimulates peptide bond formation between proline residues. Importantly, dysregulation of elongation control is central to disease mechanisms in both tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration, making the individual key steps in this process attractive therapeutic targets. Here, we discuss the relative contribution of individual components of the translational apparatus (e.g. tRNAs, elongation factors and their modifiers) to the overall control of translation elongation and how their dysregulation contributes towards disease processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gavin Garland
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Tuija Pöyry
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Emma Mead
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Nikola Vlahov
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Aristeidis Sfakianos
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Stefano Grosso
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | | | - Giovanna R Mallucci
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | | | - C Mark Smales
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yen YT, Chien M, Lai YC, Chen DP, Chuong CM, Hung MC, Hung SC. PP2A Deficiency Enhances Carcinogenesis of Lgr5 + Intestinal Stem Cells Both in Organoids and In Vivo. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010090. [PMID: 31905853 PMCID: PMC7017129 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In most cancers, cellular origin and the contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic factors toward transformation remain elusive. Cell specific carcinogenesis models are currently unavailable. To investigate cellular origin in carcinogenesis, we developed a tumorigenesis model based on a combination of carcinogenesis and genetically engineered mouse models. We show in organoids that treatment of any of three carcinogens, DMBA, MNU, or PhIP, with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) knockout induced tumorigenesis in Lgr5+ intestinal lineage, but not in differentiated cells. These transformed cells increased in stem cell signature, were upregulated in EMT markers, and acquired tumorigenecity. A mechanistic approach demonstrated that tumorigenesis was dependent on Wnt, PI3K, and RAS-MAPK activation. In vivo combination with carcinogen and PP2A depletion also led to tumor formation. Using whole-exome sequencing, we demonstrate that these intestinal tumors display mutation landscape and core driver pathways resembling human intestinal tumor in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). These data provide a basis for understanding the interplay between extrinsic carcinogen and intrinsic genetic modification and suggest that PP2A functions as a tumor suppressor in intestine carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Yen
- Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-T.Y.); (M.C.)
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - May Chien
- Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-T.Y.); (M.C.)
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - Yung-Chih Lai
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - Dao-Peng Chen
- Kim Forest Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taipei 22175, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (C.-M.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shih-Chieh Hung
- Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-T.Y.); (M.C.)
- Integrative Stem Cell Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (C.-M.C.)
- Department of Orthopaedics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
What is the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase on cancer: A systematic review. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 857:172470. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
24
|
Jiang SL, Guan YD, Chen XS, Ge P, Wang XL, Lao YZ, Xiao SS, Zhang Y, Yang JM, Xu XJ, Cao DS, Cheng Y. Tubeimoside-1, a triterpenoid saponin, induces cytoprotective autophagy in human breast cancer cells in vitro via Akt-mediated pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:919-928. [PMID: 30315250 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a form of cellular self-digestion by lysosome, is associated with various disease processes including cancers, and modulating autophagy has shown promise in the treatment of various malignancies. A number of natural products display strong antitumor activity, yet their mechanisms of action remain unclear. To gain a better understanding of how traditional Chinese medicine agents exert antitumor effects, we screened 480 natural compounds for their effects on autophagy using a high content screening assay detecting GFP-LC3 puncta in HeLa cells. Tubeimoside-1 (TBMS1), a triterpenoid saponin extracted from Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim) Franquet (Cucurbitaceae), was identified as a potent activator of autophagy. The activation of autophagy by TBMS1 was evidenced by increased LC3-II amount and GFP-LC3 dots, observation of autophagosomes under electron microscopy, and enhanced autophagic flux. To explore the mechanisms underlying TBMS1-activated autophagy, we performed cheminformatic analyses and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding assay that showed a higher likelihood of the binding between Akt protein and TBMS1. In three human breast cancer cell lines, we demonstrated that Akt-mTOR-eEF-2K pathway was involved in TBMS1-induced activation of autophagy, while Akt-mediated downregulations of Mcl-1, Bcl-xl, and Bcl-2 led to the activation of apoptosis of the breast cancer cells. Inhibition of autophagy enhanced the cytotoxic effect of TBMS1 via promoting apoptosis. Our results demonstrate the role and mechanism of TBMS1 in activating autophagy, suggesting that inhibition of cytoprotective autophagy may act as a therapeutic strategy to reinforce the activity of TBMS1 against cancers.
Collapse
|
25
|
Campbell ST, Franks CE, Borne AL, Shin M, Zhang L, Hsu KL. Chemoproteomic Discovery of a Ritanserin-Targeted Kinase Network Mediating Apoptotic Cell Death of Lung Tumor Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 94:1246-1255. [PMID: 30158316 PMCID: PMC6160665 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.113001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ritanserin was tested in the clinic as a serotonin receptor inverse agonist but recently emerged as a novel kinase inhibitor with potential applications in cancer. Here, we discovered that ritanserin induced apoptotic cell death of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells via a serotonin-independent mechanism. We used quantitative chemical proteomics to reveal a ritanserin-dependent kinase network that includes key mediators of lipid [diacylglycerol kinase α, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase β] and protein [feline encephalitis virus-related kinase, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF)] signaling, metabolism [eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-α kinase 4], and DNA damage response [tousled-like kinase 2] to broadly kill lung tumor cell types. Whereas ritanserin exhibited polypharmacology in NSCLC proteomes, this compound showed unexpected specificity for c-RAF in the SCLC subtype, with negligible activity against other kinases mediating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Here we show that ritanserin blocks c-RAF but not B-RAF activation of established oncogenic signaling pathways in live cells, providing evidence in support of c-RAF as a key target mediating its anticancer activity. Given the role of c-RAF activation in RAS-mutated cancers resistant to clinical B-RAF inhibitors, our findings may have implications in overcoming resistance mechanisms associated with c-RAF biology. The unique target landscape combined with acceptable safety profiles in humans provides new opportunities for repositioning ritanserin in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Campbell
- Departments of Chemistry (S.T.C., C.E.F., M.S., L.Z., K.-L.H.), Pathology (S.T.C.), and Pharmacology (A.L.B., K.-L.H.), University of Virginia Cancer Center (K.-L.H.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Caroline E Franks
- Departments of Chemistry (S.T.C., C.E.F., M.S., L.Z., K.-L.H.), Pathology (S.T.C.), and Pharmacology (A.L.B., K.-L.H.), University of Virginia Cancer Center (K.-L.H.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Adam L Borne
- Departments of Chemistry (S.T.C., C.E.F., M.S., L.Z., K.-L.H.), Pathology (S.T.C.), and Pharmacology (A.L.B., K.-L.H.), University of Virginia Cancer Center (K.-L.H.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Myungsun Shin
- Departments of Chemistry (S.T.C., C.E.F., M.S., L.Z., K.-L.H.), Pathology (S.T.C.), and Pharmacology (A.L.B., K.-L.H.), University of Virginia Cancer Center (K.-L.H.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Liuzhi Zhang
- Departments of Chemistry (S.T.C., C.E.F., M.S., L.Z., K.-L.H.), Pathology (S.T.C.), and Pharmacology (A.L.B., K.-L.H.), University of Virginia Cancer Center (K.-L.H.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Ku-Lung Hsu
- Departments of Chemistry (S.T.C., C.E.F., M.S., L.Z., K.-L.H.), Pathology (S.T.C.), and Pharmacology (A.L.B., K.-L.H.), University of Virginia Cancer Center (K.-L.H.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ji C, Xu Q, Guo L, Wang X, Ren Y, Zhang H, Zhu W, Ming Z, Yuan Y, Ren X, Song J, Cheng Y, Yang J, Zhang Y. eEF-2 Kinase-targeted miR-449b confers radiation sensitivity to cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 418:64-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
27
|
Pan Z, Chen Y, Liu J, Jiang Q, Yang S, Guo L, He G. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of polo-like kinase 1/eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (PLK1/EEF2K) dual inhibitors for regulating breast cancer cells apoptosis and autophagy. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 144:517-528. [PMID: 29288948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Both PLK1 and EEF2K are serine⁄threonine kinases that play important roles in the proliferation and programmed cell death of various types of cancer. They are highly expressed in breast cancer tissues. Based on the multiple-complexes generated pharmacophore models of PLK1 and homology models of EEF2K, the integrated virtual screening is performed to discover novel PLK1/EEF2K dual inhibitors. The top ten hit compounds are selected and tested in vitro, and five of them display PLK1 and EEF2K inhibition in vitro. Based on the docking modes of the most potent hit compound, a series of derivatives are synthesized, characterized and biological assayed on the PLK1, EEF2K as well as breast cancer cell proliferation models. Compound 18i with satisfied inhibitory potency are shifted to molecular mechanism studies contained molecular dynamics simulations, cell cycles, apoptosis and autophagy assays. Our results suggested that these novel PLK1/EEF2K dual inhibitors can be used as lead compounds for further development breast cancer chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Pan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting of Education Ministry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yujuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qinglin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Pharmacy and Sichuan Province College Key Laboratory of Structure-Specific Small Molecule Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China.
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting of Education Ministry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Gu He
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting of Education Ministry and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Department of Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Xie J, Shen K, Lenchine RV, Gethings LA, Trim PJ, Snel MF, Zhou Y, Kenney JW, Kamei M, Kochetkova M, Wang X, Proud CG. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase upregulates the expression of proteins implicated in cell migration and cancer cell metastasis. Int J Cancer 2017; 142:1865-1877. [PMID: 29235102 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) negatively regulates the elongation phase of mRNA translation and hence protein synthesis. Increasing evidence indicates that eEF2K plays an important role in the survival and migration of cancer cells and in tumor progression. As demonstrated by two-dimensional wound-healing and three-dimensional transwell invasion assays, knocking down or inhibiting eEF2K in cancer cells impairs migration and invasion of cancer cells. Conversely, exogenous expression of eEF2K or knocking down eEF2 (the substrate of eEF2K) accelerates wound healing and invasion. Importantly, using LC-HDMSE analysis, we identify 150 proteins whose expression is decreased and 73 proteins which are increased upon knocking down eEF2K in human lung carcinoma cells. Of interest, 34 downregulated proteins are integrins and other proteins implicated in cell migration, suggesting that inhibiting eEF2K may help prevent cancer cell mobility and metastasis. Interestingly, eEF2K promotes the association of integrin mRNAs with polysomes, providing a mechanism by which eEF2K may enhance their cellular levels. Consistent with this, genetic knock down or pharmacological inhibition of eEF2K reduces the protein expression levels of integrins. Notably, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of eEF2K almost completely blocked tumor growth and effectively prevented the spread of tumor cells in vivo. High levels of eEF2K expression were associated with invasive carcinoma and metastatic tumors. These data provide the evidence that eEF2K is a new potential therapeutic target for preventing tumor metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Xie
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kaikai Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Roman V Lenchine
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lee A Gethings
- Waters Corporation, Stamford Avenue, Altrincham Road, Wilmslow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Trim
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marten F Snel
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Justin W Kenney
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Makoto Kamei
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marina Kochetkova
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9120162. [PMID: 29186827 PMCID: PMC5742810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9120162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is a highly unusual protein kinase that negatively regulates the elongation step of protein synthesis. This step uses the vast majority of the large amount of energy and amino acids required for protein synthesis. eEF2K activity is controlled by an array of regulatory inputs, including inhibition by signalling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). eEF2K is activated under conditions of stress, such as energy depletion or nutrient deprivation, which can arise in poorly-vascularised tumours. In many such stress conditions, eEF2K exerts cytoprotective effects. A growing body of data indicates eEF2K aids the growth of solid tumours in vivo. Since eEF2K is not essential (in mice) under ‘normal’ conditions, eEF2K may be a useful target in the treatment of solid tumours. However, some reports suggest that eEF2K may actually impair tumorigenesis in some situations. Such a dual role of eEF2K in cancer would be analogous to the situation for other pathways involved in cell metabolism, such as autophagy and mTORC1. Further studies are needed to define the role of eEF2K in different tumour types and at differing stages in tumorigenesis, and to assess its utility as a therapeutic target in oncology.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang Y, Ren YJ, Guo LC, Ji C, Hu J, Zhang HH, Xu QH, Zhu WD, Ming ZJ, Yuan YS, Ren X, Song J, Yang JM. Nucleus accumbens-associated protein-1 promotes glycolysis and survival of hypoxic tumor cells via the HDAC4-HIF-1α axis. Oncogene 2017; 36:4171-4181. [PMID: 28319066 PMCID: PMC5537617 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nucleus accumbens-associated protein-1 (NAC1), a nuclear factor of the BTB/POZ gene family, has emerging roles in cancer. In this study, we identified the NAC1-HDAC4-HIF-1α axis as an important pathway in regulating glycolysis and hypoxic adaptation in tumor cells. We show that nuclear NAC1 binds to histone deacetylase type 4 (HDAC4), hindering phosphorylation of HDAC4 at Ser246 and preventing its nuclear export that leads to cytoplasmic degradation of the deacetylase. Accumulation of HDAC4 in the nuclei results in an attenuation of HIF-1α acetylation, enhancing the stabilization and transcriptional activity of HIF-1α and strengthening adaptive response of cells to hypoxia. We also show the role of NAC1 in promoting glycolysis in a mouse xenograft model, and demonstrate that knockdown of NAC1 expression can reinforce the antitumor efficacy of bevacizumab, an inhibitor of angiogenesis. Clinical implication of the NAC1-HDAC4-HIF-1α pathway is suggested by the results showing that expression levels of these proteins are significantly correlative in human tumor specimens and associated with the disease progression. This study not only reveals an important function of NAC1 in regulating glycolysis, but also identifies the NAC1-HDAC4-HIF-1α axis as a novel molecular pathway that promotes survival of hypoxic tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y-J Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - L-C Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - J Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - H-H Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Q-H Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - W-D Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z-J Ming
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y-S Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Ren
- Department of Pharmacology and Microbiology and Immunology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - J Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Microbiology and Immunology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - J-M Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Microbiology and Immunology, The Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tavares CDJ, Giles DH, Stancu G, Chitjian CA, Ferguson SB, Wellmann RM, Kaoud TS, Ghose R, Dalby KN. Signal Integration at Elongation Factor 2 Kinase: THE ROLES OF CALCIUM, CALMODULIN, AND SER-500 PHOSPHORYLATION. J Biol Chem 2016; 292:2032-2045. [PMID: 27956550 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.753277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K), the only calmodulin (CaM)-dependent member of the unique α-kinase family, impedes protein synthesis by phosphorylating eEF-2. We recently identified Thr-348 and Ser-500 as two key autophosphorylation sites within eEF-2K that regulate its activity. eEF-2K is regulated by Ca2+ ions and multiple upstream signaling pathways, but how it integrates these signals into a coherent output, i.e. phosphorylation of eEF-2, is unclear. This study focuses on understanding how the post-translational phosphorylation of Ser-500 integrates with Ca2+ and CaM to regulate eEF-2K. CaM is shown to be absolutely necessary for efficient activity of eEF-2K, and Ca2+ is shown to enhance the affinity of CaM toward eEF-2K. Ser-500 is found to undergo autophosphorylation in cells treated with ionomycin and is likely also targeted by PKA. In vitro, autophosphorylation of Ser-500 is found to require Ca2+ and CaM and is inhibited by mutations that compromise binding of phosphorylated Thr-348 to an allosteric binding pocket on the kinase domain. A phosphomimetic Ser-500 to aspartic acid mutation (eEF-2K S500D) enhances the rate of activation (Thr-348 autophosphorylation) by 6-fold and lowers the EC50 for Ca2+/CaM binding to activated eEF-2K (Thr-348 phosphorylated) by 20-fold. This is predicted to result in an elevation of the cellular fraction of active eEF-2K. In support of this mechanism, eEF-2K knock-out MCF10A cells reconstituted with eEF-2K S500D display relatively high levels of phospho-eEF-2 under basal conditions. This study reports how phosphorylation of a regulatory site (Ser-500) integrates with Ca2+ and CaM to influence eEF-2K activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clint D J Tavares
- From the Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712.
| | - David H Giles
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Gabriel Stancu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Catrina A Chitjian
- From the Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Scarlett B Ferguson
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Rebecca M Wellmann
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Tamer S Kaoud
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Ranajeet Ghose
- the Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, New York, New York 10031; the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- From the Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Song J. Development of Auto Antigen-specific Regulatory T Cells for Diabetes Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2016; 16:281-285. [PMID: 27799873 PMCID: PMC5086452 DOI: 10.4110/in.2016.16.5.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for normal immune surveillance, and their dysfunction can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as type-1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by islet β cell destruction, hypoinsulinemia, and severely altered glucose homeostasis. Tregs play a critical role in the development of T1D and participate in peripheral tolerance. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be utilized to obtain a renewable source of healthy Tregs to treat T1D as they have the ability to produce almost all cell types in the body, including Tregs. However, the right conditions for the development of antigen (Ag)-specific Tregs from PSCs (i.e., PSC-Tregs) remain undefined, especially molecular mechanisms that direct differentiation of such Tregs. Auto Ag-specific PSC-Tregs can be programmed to be tissue-associated and infiltrate to local inflamed tissue (e.g., islets) to suppress autoimmune responses after adoptive transfer, thereby avoiding potential overall immunosuppression from non-specific Tregs. Developing auto Ag-specific PSC-Tregs can reduce overall immunosuppression after adoptive transfer by accumulating inflamed islets, which drives forward the use of therapeutic PSC-Tregs for cell-based therapies in T1D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Will N, Piserchio A, Snyder I, Ferguson SB, Giles DH, Dalby KN, Ghose R. Structure of the C-Terminal Helical Repeat Domain of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5377-86. [PMID: 27571275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) phosphorylates its only known physiological substrate, elongation factor 2 (eEF-2), which reduces the affinity of eEF-2 for the ribosome and results in an overall reduction in protein translation rates. The C-terminal region of eEF-2K, which is predicted to contain several SEL-1-like helical repeats (SLRs), is required for the phosphorylation of eEF-2. Using solution nuclear magnetic resonance methodology, we have determined the structure of a 99-residue fragment from the extreme C-terminus of eEF-2K (eEF-2K627-725) that encompasses a region previously suggested to be essential for eEF-2 phosphorylation. eEF-2K627-725 contains four helices, of which the first (αI) is flexible, and does not pack stably against the ordered helical core formed by the last three helices (αII-αIV). The helical core is structurally similar to members of the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) family that includes SLRs. The two penultimate helices, αII and αIII, comprise the TPR, and the last helix, αIV, appears to have a capping function. The eEF-2K627-725 structure illustrates that the C-terminal deletion that was shown to abolish eEF-2 phosphorylation does so by destabilizing αIV and, therefore, the helical core. Indeed, mutation of two conserved C-terminal tyrosines (Y712A/Y713A) in eEF-2K previously shown to abolish eEF-2 phosphorylation leads to the unfolding of eEF-2K627-725. Preliminary functional analyses indicate that neither a peptide encoding a region deemed crucial for eEF-2 binding nor isolated eEF-2K627-725 inhibits eEF-2 phosphorylation by full-length eEF-2K. Taken together, our data suggest that the extreme C-terminal region of eEF-2K, in isolation, does not provide a primary docking site for eEF-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Will
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York , New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Andrea Piserchio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York , New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Isaac Snyder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York , New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Scarlet B Ferguson
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas , Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - David H Giles
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas , Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas , Austin, Texas 78712, United States.,Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas , Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ranajeet Ghose
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York , New York, New York 10031, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
The broken "Off" switch in cancer signaling: PP2A as a regulator of tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and immune surveillance. BBA CLINICAL 2016; 6:87-99. [PMID: 27556014 PMCID: PMC4986044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of signal transduction pathways can transform a normal cell to a malignant one and can impart survival properties that render cancer cells resistant to therapy. A diverse set of cascades have been implicated in various cancers including those mediated by serine/threonine kinases such RAS, PI3K/AKT, and PKC. Signal transduction is a dynamic process involving both "On" and "Off" switches. Activating mutations of RAS or PI3K can be viewed as the switch being stuck in the "On" position resulting in continued signaling by a survival and/or proliferation pathway. On the other hand, inactivation of protein phosphatases such as the PP2A family can be seen as the defective "Off" switch that similarly can activate these pathways. A problem for therapeutic targeting of PP2A is that the enzyme is a hetero-trimer and thus drug targeting involves complex structures. More importantly, since PP2A isoforms generally act as tumor suppressors one would want to activate these enzymes rather than suppress them. The elucidation of the role of cellular inhibitors like SET and CIP2A in cancer suggests that targeting these proteins can have therapeutic efficacy by mechanisms involving PP2A activation. Furthermore, drugs such as FTY-720 can activate PP2A isoforms directly. This review will cover the current state of knowledge of PP2A role as a tumor suppressor in cancer cells and as a mediator of processes that can impact drug resistance and immune surveillance.
Collapse
|
35
|
Anticancer strategies based on the metabolic profile of tumor cells: therapeutic targeting of the Warburg effect. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2016; 37:1013-9. [PMID: 27374491 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2016.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells rely mainly on glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of sufficient oxygen, a phenomenon termed the Warburg effect, which is the most outstanding characteristic of energy metabolism in cancer cells. This metabolic adaptation is believed to be critical for tumor cell growth and proliferation, and a number of onco-proteins and tumor suppressors, including the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, Myc, hypoxia-inducible factor and p53, are involved in the regulation of this metabolic adaptation. Moreover, glycolytic cancer cells are often invasive and impervious to therapeutic intervention. Thus, altered energy metabolism is now appreciated as a hallmark of cancer and a promising target for cancer treatment. A better understanding of the biology and the regulatory mechanisms of aerobic glycolysis has the potential to facilitate the development of glycolysis-based therapeutic interventions for cancer. In addition, glycolysis inhibition combined with DNA damaging drugs or chemotherapeutic agents may be effective anticancer strategies through weakening cell damage repair capacity and enhancing drug cytotoxicity.
Collapse
|