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Lahera A, Vela-Martín L, Fernández-Navarro P, Llamas P, López-Lorenzo JL, Cornago J, Santos J, Fernández-Piqueras J, Villa-Morales M. PIM1 is a potential therapeutic target for the leukemogenic effects mediated by JAK/STAT pathway mutations in T-ALL/LBL. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:152. [PMID: 39033228 PMCID: PMC11271448 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Precursor T-cell neoplasms (T-ALL/LBL) are aggressive hematological malignancies that arise from the malignant transformation of immature thymocytes. Despite the JAK/STAT pathway is recurrently altered in these neoplasms, there are not pharmacological inhibitors officially approved for the treatment of T-ALL/LBL patients that present oncogenic JAK/STAT pathway mutations. In the effort to identify potential therapeutic targets for those patients, we followed an alternative approach and focused on their transcriptional profile. We combined the analysis of molecular data from T-ALL/LBL patients with the generation of hematopoietic cellular models to reveal that JAK/STAT pathway mutations are associated with an aberrant transcriptional profile. Specifically, we demonstrate that JAK/STAT pathway mutations induce the overexpression of the PIM1 gene. Moreover, we show that the pan-PIM inhibitor, PIM447, significantly reduces the leukemogenesis, as well as the aberrant activation of c-MYC and mTOR pathways in cells expressing different JAK/STAT pathway mutations, becoming a potential therapeutic opportunity for a relevant subset of T-ALL/LBL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lahera
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Laura Vela-Martín
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Unit of Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Pilar Llamas
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - José L López-Lorenzo
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Javier Cornago
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - José Fernández-Piqueras
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
| | - María Villa-Morales
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Department of Genome dynamics and function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, 28049, Spain.
- Area of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Madrid, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
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Noura M, Tomita S, Yasuda T, Tsuzuki S, Kiyoi H, Hayakawa F. NUP98-BPTF promotes oncogenic transformation through PIM1 upregulation. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7445. [PMID: 38940430 PMCID: PMC11212001 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleoporin 98 (NUP98) fusion proteins are recurrently found in leukemia and are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. They are distributed to the nucleus and contribute to leukemogenesis via aberrant transcriptional regulation. We previously identified NUP98-BPTF (NB) fusion in patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) using next-generation sequencing. The FG-repeat of NUP98 and the PHD finger and bromodomain of bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor (BPTF) are retained in the fusion. Like other NUP98 fusion proteins, NB is considered to regulate genes that are essential for leukemogenesis. However, its target genes or pathways remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS To investigate the potential oncogenic properties of the NB fusion protein, we lentivirally transduced a doxycycline-inducible NB expression vector into mouse NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human Jurkat T-ALL cells. RESULTS NB promoted the transformation of mouse NIH3T3 fibroblasts by upregulating the proto-oncogene Pim1, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase. NB transcriptionally regulated Pim1 expression by binding to its promoter and activated MYC and mTORC1 signaling. PIM1 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 signaling suppressed NB-induced NIH3T3 cell transformation. Furthermore, NB enhanced the survival of human Jurkat T-ALL cells by inactivating the pro-apoptotic protein BCL2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD). CONCLUSION We demonstrated the pivotal role of NB in cell transformation and survival and identified PIM1as a key downstream target of NB. These findings propose a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with NB fusion-positive leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Noura
- Division of Cellular and Genetic Sciences, Department of Integrated Health SciencesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Sakura Tomita
- Division of Cellular and Genetic Sciences, Department of Integrated Health SciencesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Takahiko Yasuda
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical CenterNagoyaJapan
| | - Shinobu Tsuzuki
- Department of BiochemistryAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Hitoshi Kiyoi
- Department of Hematology and OncologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Fumihiko Hayakawa
- Division of Cellular and Genetic Sciences, Department of Integrated Health SciencesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
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Suske T, Sorger H, Manhart G, Ruge F, Prutsch N, Zimmerman MW, Eder T, Abdallah DI, Maurer B, Wagner C, Schönefeldt S, Spirk K, Pichler A, Pemovska T, Schweicker C, Pölöske D, Hubanic E, Jungherz D, Müller TA, Aung MMK, Orlova A, Pham HTT, Zimmel K, Krausgruber T, Bock C, Müller M, Dahlhoff M, Boersma A, Rülicke T, Fleck R, de Araujo ED, Gunning PT, Aittokallio T, Mustjoki S, Sanda T, Hartmann S, Grebien F, Hoermann G, Haferlach T, Staber PB, Neubauer HA, Look AT, Herling M, Moriggl R. Hyperactive STAT5 hijacks T cell receptor signaling and drives immature T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e168536. [PMID: 38618957 PMCID: PMC11014662 DOI: 10.1172/jci168536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive immature T cell cancer. Mutations in IL7R have been analyzed genetically, but downstream effector functions such as STAT5A and STAT5B hyperactivation are poorly understood. Here, we studied the most frequent and clinically challenging STAT5BN642H driver in T cell development and immature T cell cancer onset and compared it with STAT5A hyperactive variants in transgenic mice. Enhanced STAT5 activity caused disrupted T cell development and promoted an early T cell progenitor-ALL phenotype, with upregulation of genes involved in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, even in absence of surface TCR. Importantly, TCR pathway genes were overexpressed in human T-ALL and mature T cell cancers and activation of TCR pathway kinases was STAT5 dependent. We confirmed STAT5 binding to these genes using ChIP-Seq analysis in human T-ALL cells, which were sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition by dual STAT3/5 degraders or ZAP70 tyrosine kinase blockers in vitro and in vivo. We provide genetic and biochemical proof that STAT5A and STAT5B hyperactivation can initiate T-ALL through TCR pathway hijacking and suggest similar mechanisms for other T cell cancers. Thus, STAT5 or TCR component blockade are targeted therapy options, particularly in patients with chemoresistant clones carrying STAT5BN642H.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriele Manhart
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Ruge
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics and
| | - Nicole Prutsch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark W. Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Eder
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diaaeldin I. Abdallah
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Pichler
- Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Hematology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tea Pemovska
- Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Hematology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Schweicker
- Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Hematology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Dennis Jungherz
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tony Andreas Müller
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Anna Orlova
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics and
| | | | | | - Thomas Krausgruber
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Auke Boersma
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Elvin Dominic de Araujo
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Thomas Gunning
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Janpix, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Takaomi Sanda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sylvia Hartmann
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Grebien
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Philipp Bernhard Staber
- Department of Medicine I, Clinical Division of Hematology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alfred Thomas Look
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Herling
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics and
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Lahera A, Vela-Martín L, Fernández-Navarro P, Llamas P, López-Lorenzo JL, Cornago J, Santos J, Fernández-Piqueras J, Villa-Morales M. The JAK3 Q988P mutation reveals oncogenic potential and resistance to ruxolitinib. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:5-10. [PMID: 37712558 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) arises from the malignant transformation of T-cell progenitors at various differentiation stages. Given that patients who relapse have a dismal prognosis, there is an urgent need to identify the molecular alterations that are present in such patients and promote leukemogenesis to implement personalized therapies with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. In the present manuscript, we identified the JAK3Q988P mutation in a T-ALL patient who did not achieve a durable response after the conventional treatment and whose tumor cells at relapse presented constitutive activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Although JAK3Q988P has been previously identified in T-ALL patients from different studies, the functional consequences exerted by this mutation remain unexplored. Through the combination of different hematopoietic cellular models, we functionally characterize JAK3Q988P as an oncogenic mutation that contributes to leukemogenesis. Notably, JAK3Q988P not only promotes constitutive activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in the absence of cytokines and growth factors, as is the case for other JAK3 mutations that have been functionally characterized as oncogenic, but also functions independently of JAK1 and IL2RG, resulting in high oncogenic potential as well as resistance to ruxolitinib. Our results indicate that ruxolitinib may not be efficient for future patients bearing the JAK3Q988P mutation who instead may obtain greater benefits from treatments involving other pharmacological inhibitors such as tofacitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lahera
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genome Dynamics and Function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Vela-Martín
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genome Dynamics and Function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Division of Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Division of Epidemiology and Control of Chronic Diseases, Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Llamas
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - José L López-Lorenzo
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Cornago
- Division of Hematology and Hemotherapy, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genome Dynamics and Function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genome Dynamics and Function, Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Fernández-Piqueras
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genome Dynamics and Function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genome Dynamics and Function, Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Villa-Morales
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Genome Dynamics and Function, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Division of Genome Dynamics and Function, Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain
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Chen Z, Xin Q, Wei W, Wu Y. The pathogenesis and development of targeted drugs in acute T lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:1017-1037. [PMID: 36623836 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is mainly classified into acute T- and B-lymphoblastic leukaemia according to the source of its lymphocytes, thymus and bone. Among them, the incidence of adult T-cell accounts for about 25% of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but the degree of malignancy is high and the treatment rate and prognosis are poor. At this stage, there are few targeted drugs and the commonly used broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic drugs have poor efficacy and many adverse drug reactions. Understanding and investigating the pathogenesis of T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is very important for further developing new targeting drugs and improving existing drugs. Dysregulated signalling pathways are the main aetiological factors of T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. They play crucial roles in promoting tumour initiation, progression, drug design and therapy responses. This is primarily because signalling pathways are indispensable for many cellular biological processes, including tumour growth, migration, invasion, metastasis and others. As a result, small molecule inhibitors targeting the major kinase components of the signalling pathway have received a lot of attention and have been developed and evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials. Already marketed drugs are also being repurposed in combination therapies to further improve efficacy and overcome tumour cell resistance. In this review, we have aimed to examine the latest and most classical signalling pathways in the aetiology of T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and shed light on potential targets for novel therapeutic agents to act on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qianling Xin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yujing Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
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Clements AN, Warfel NA. Targeting PIM Kinases to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy. Cells 2022; 11:3700. [PMID: 36429128 PMCID: PMC9688203 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Proviral Integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases is a family of serine/threonine kinases that regulates numerous signaling networks that promote cell growth, proliferation, and survival. PIM kinases are commonly upregulated in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Recent studies have demonstrated that PIM facilitates immune evasion in cancer by promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that suppresses the innate anti-tumor response. The role of PIM in immune evasion has sparked interest in examining the effect of PIM inhibition in combination with immunotherapy. This review focuses on the role of PIM kinases in regulating immune cell populations, how PIM modulates the immune tumor microenvironment to promote immune evasion, and how PIM inhibitors may be used to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber N. Clements
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Noel A. Warfel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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UM171 cooperates with PIM1 inhibitors to restrict HSC expansion markers and suppress leukemia progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:448. [PMID: 36335089 PMCID: PMC9637110 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The pyrimido-indole derivative UM171 promotes human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Expansion (HSCE), but its impact on leukemia is not known. Herein, we show in a mouse model of erythroleukemia that UM171 strongly suppresses leukemia progression. UM171 inhibits cell cycle progression and apoptosis of leukemic cells in culture. The effect of UM171 on leukemia differentiation was accompanied by increased expression of HSCE markers. RNAseq analysis combined with Q-RT-PCR and western blotting revealed that the PIM1 protein kinase is highly elevated in response to UM171 treatment. Moreover, docking analysis combined with immunoprecipitation assays revealed high binding affinity of UM171 to PIM1. Interestingly, pan-PIM kinase inhibitors counteracted the effect of UM171 on HSCE marker expression and PIM1 transcription, but not its suppression of leukemic cell growth. Moreover, combination treatment with UM171 and a pan-PIM inhibitor further suppressed leukemic cell proliferation compared to each drug alone. To uncover the mechanism of growth inhibition, we showed strong upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21CIP1 and the transcription factor KLF2 by UM171. In accordance, KLF2 knockdown attenuated growth inhibition by UM171. KLF2 upregulation by UM171 is also responsible for the activation of P21CIP1 in leukemic cells leading to a G1/S arrest and suppression of leukemogenesis. Thus, suppression of leukemic growth by UM171 through KLF2 and P21CIP1 is thwarted by PIM-mediated expansion of leukemic stemness, uncovering a novel therapeutic modality involving combined UM171 plus PIM inhibitors.
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Leoncin M, La Starza R, Roti G, Pagliaro L, Bassan R, Mecucci C. Modern treatment approaches to adult acute T-lymphoblastic and myeloid/T-lymphoblastic leukemia: from current standards to precision medicine. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:738-747. [PMID: 36017547 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the most recent advancements in the management of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), we summarize insights into molecular diagnostics, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and new techniques of drug sensitivity profiling that may support further therapeutic progress in T-ALL subsets. RECENT FINDINGS With current induction/consolidation chemotherapy and/or risk-oriented allogeneic stem cell transplantation programs up to 95% adult T-ALL patients achieve a remission and >50% (up to 80% in adolescents and young adults) are cured. The group of patients who fail upfront therapy, between 25% and 40%, is enriched in high-risk characteristics (unfavorable genetics, persistent minimal residual disease) and represents the ideal setting for the study of molecular mechanisms of disease resistance, and consequently explore novel ways of restoration of drug sensitivity and assess patient/subset-specific patterns of drug vulnerability to targeting agents, immunotherapy and cell therapy. SUMMARY The emerging evidence supports the contention that precision medicine may soon allow valuable therapeutic chances to adult patients with high-risk T-ALL. The ongoing challenge is to identify the best way to integrate all these new data into the therapeutic path of newly diagnosed patients, with a view to optimize the individual treatment plan and increase the cure rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Leoncin
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ulss3 Serenissima, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venezia-Mestre
| | | | - Giovanni Roti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Renato Bassan
- Hematology Unit, Azienda Ulss3 Serenissima, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venezia-Mestre
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia
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Ma W, Liu Y, Lei P, Zhu M, Pan X. Novel Compound, ND-17, Regulates the JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK Pathways and Restrains Human T-Lymphoid Leukemia Development. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:404-413. [DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220304202116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an invasive hematological malignant disorder of T cell progenitors. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of T-ALL and in the inhibition of the key molecule, JAK2, and could suppress T-ALL cell proliferation.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro anti-tumor effects of a novel nilotinib derivative, ND-17, on cancer cell lines via its interactions with JAK2.
Methods:
The effects of ND-17 on cell proliferation and on cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated using the tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the ND-17/JAK2 binding interactions were evaluated using surface plasmon resonance and western blot analyses.
Results:
ND-17 exerted the greatest inhibitory effects on T-ALL cells amongst all hematological cancer cell lines tested. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that ND-17 blocked the cell cycle at the S phase in T-ALL cells. Nilotinib did not significantly inhibit T-ALL cell growth or regulate cell cycle. Preliminary investigations revealed that the regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases/cyclins was attributed to ND-17-induced cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, ND-17 could bind to JAK2 with strong affinity and more importantly, ND-17 bound to the ATP pocket of JAK2 in a manner similar to the potent inhibitor. Thus, ND-17 treatment exhibited a prominent effect in inhibiting the phosphorylation of JAK2 in T-ALL cells. An increase in the phosphorylation of JAK2 was observed in interleukin-6-stimulated Jurkat cells, which was reversed by ND-17 treatment. Meanwhile, the combination of TG-101348 and ND-17 led to further improvement in inhibiting phosphorylation of JAK2. Moreover, the transfection and knockdown of JAK2 altered the inhibitory effect of ND-17 on Jurkat cell viability. In addition, ND-17 treatment suppressed the JAK/STAT, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 signaling pathways.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that ND-17 could be a promising JAK2 inhibitor for the treatment of T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Panpan Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Man Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, P.R. China
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10
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Ansuinelli M, Cesini L, Chiaretti S, Foà R. Emerging tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2021; 26:281-294. [PMID: 34259120 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2021.1956462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The broadening of targeted and immunotherapeutic strategies markedly impacted on the management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) changed the history of Philadelphia-chromosome positive (Ph+) ALL. Nowadays, almost all Ph+ ALL patients treated with TKIs achieve a complete hematologic response, and most become minimal residual disease negative. In Ph- ALL, genomic profiling studies have identified a subtype associated with a high relapse risk and a transcriptional profile similar to that of Ph+ ALL, the so-called Ph-like ALL. Given the high prevalence of kinase-activating lesions in this subset, there is compelling evidence from experimental models and clinical observations favoring TKI administration.Areas covered: We discuss the main findings exploring the efficacy of TKIs in ALL.Expert opinion: The use of more potent TKIs will further enhance the inhibitory activity on leukemia cells and increase the possibility of eradicating the disease at a molecular level. In the future, 'combined' approaches of different inhibitors may be considered to prevent/avoid resistance and/or mutations. A rapid identification of Ph-like ALL patients is needed to propose early TKI-based intervention. Several questions remain open, including the initial TKI choice in Ph+ ALL and whether Ph-like ALL patients might benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ansuinelli
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Cesini
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Chiaretti
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Robin Foà
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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11
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T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Biomarkers and Their Clinical Usefulness. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081118. [PMID: 34440292 PMCID: PMC8394887 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) are immature lymphoid tumors localizing in the bone marrow, mediastinum, central nervous system, and lymphoid organs. They account for 10-15% of pediatric and about 25% of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases. It is a widely heterogeneous disease that is caused by the co-occurrence of multiple genetic abnormalities, which are acquired over time, and once accumulated, lead to full-blown leukemia. Recurrently affected genes deregulate pivotal cell processes, such as cycling (CDKN1B, RB1, TP53), signaling transduction (RAS pathway, IL7R/JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT), epigenetics (PRC2 members, PHF6), and protein translation (RPL10, CNOT3). A remarkable role is played by NOTCH1 and CDKN2A, as they are altered in more than half of the cases. The activation of the NOTCH1 signaling affects thymocyte specification and development, while CDKN2A haploinsufficiency/inactivation, promotes cell cycle progression. Among recurrently involved oncogenes, a major role is exerted by T-cell-specific transcription factors, whose deregulated expression interferes with normal thymocyte development and causes a stage-specific differentiation arrest. Hence, TAL and/or LMO deregulation is typical of T-ALL with a mature phenotype (sCD3 positive) that of TLX1, NKX2-1, or TLX3, of cortical T-ALL (CD1a positive); HOXA and MEF2C are instead over-expressed in subsets of Early T-cell Precursor (ETP; immature phenotype) and early T-ALL. Among immature T-ALL, genomic alterations, that cause BCL11B transcriptional deregulation, identify a specific genetic subgroup. Although comprehensive cytogenetic and molecular studies have shed light on the genetic background of T-ALL, biomarkers are not currently adopted in the diagnostic workup of T-ALL, and only a limited number of studies have assessed their clinical implications. In this review, we will focus on recurrent T-ALL abnormalities that define specific leukemogenic pathways and on oncogenes/oncosuppressors that can serve as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, we will discuss how the complex genomic profile of T-ALL can be used to address and test innovative/targeted therapeutic options.
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12
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NFAT transcription factors are essential and redundant actors for leukemia initiating potential in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254184. [PMID: 34234374 PMCID: PMC8263285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy with few available targeted therapies. We previously reported that the phosphatase calcineurin (Cn) is required for LIC (leukemia Initiating Capacity) potential of T-ALL pointing to Cn as an interesting therapeutic target. Calcineurin inhibitors have however unwanted side effect. NFAT transcription factors play crucial roles downstream of calcineurin during thymocyte development, T cell differentiation, activation and anergy. Here we elucidate NFAT functional relevance in T-ALL. Using murine T-ALL models in which Nfat genes can be inactivated either singly or in combination, we show that NFATs are required for T-ALL LIC potential and essential to survival, proliferation and migration of T-ALL cells. We also demonstrate that Nfat genes are functionally redundant in T-ALL and identified a node of genes commonly deregulated upon Cn or NFAT inactivation, which may serve as future candidate targets for T-ALL.
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13
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Cordo' V, van der Zwet JC, Canté-Barrett K, Pieters R, Meijerink JP. T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Roadmap to Targeted Therapies. Blood Cancer Discov 2021; 2:19-31. [PMID: 34661151 PMCID: PMC8447273 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-20-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy characterized by aberrant proliferation of immature thymocytes. Despite an overall survival of 80% in the pediatric setting, 20% of patients with T-ALL ultimately die from relapsed or refractory disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Molecular genetic analyses and sequencing studies have led to the identification of recurrent T-ALL genetic drivers. This review summarizes the main genetic drivers and targetable lesions of T-ALL and gives a comprehensive overview of the novel treatments for patients with T-ALL that are currently under clinical investigation or that are emerging from preclinical research. SIGNIFICANCE T-ALL is driven by oncogenic transcription factors that act along with secondary acquired mutations. These lesions, together with active signaling pathways, may be targeted by therapeutic agents. Bridging research and clinical practice can accelerate the testing of novel treatments in clinical trials, offering an opportunity for patients with poor outcome.
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14
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Targeting cytokine- and therapy-induced PIM1 activation in preclinical models of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma. Blood 2020; 135:1685-1695. [PMID: 32315407 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) are aggressive hematological malignancies that are currently treated with high-dose chemotherapy. Over the last several years, the search toward novel and less-toxic therapeutic strategies for T-ALL/T-LBL patients has largely focused on the identification of cell-intrinsic properties of the tumor cell. However, non-cell-autonomous activation of specific oncogenic pathways might also offer opportunities that could be exploited at the therapeutic level. In line with this, we here show that endogenous interleukin 7 (IL7) can increase the expression of the oncogenic kinase proviral integration site for Moloney-murine leukemia 1 (PIM1) in CD127+ T-ALL/T-LBL, thereby rendering these tumor cells sensitive to in vivo PIM inhibition. In addition, using different CD127+ T-ALL/T-LBL xenograft models, we also reveal that residual tumor cells, which remain present after short-term in vivo chemotherapy, display consistent upregulation of PIM1 as compared with bulk nontreated tumor cells. Notably, this effect was transient as increased PIM1 levels were not observed in reestablished disease after abrogation of the initial chemotherapy. Furthermore, we uncover that this phenomenon is, at least in part, mediated by the ability of glucocorticoids to cause transcriptional upregulation of IL7RA in T-ALL/T-LBL patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells, ultimately resulting in non-cell-autonomous PIM1 upregulation by endogenous IL7. Finally, we confirm in vivo that chemotherapy in combination with a pan-PIM inhibitor can improve leukemia survival in a PDX model of CD127+ T-ALL. Altogether, our work reveals that IL7 and glucocorticoids coordinately drive aberrant activation of PIM1 and suggests that IL7-responsive CD127+ T-ALL and T-LBL patients could benefit from PIM inhibition during induction chemotherapy.
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15
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Johansson P, Dierichs L, Klein-Hitpass L, Bergmann AK, Möllmann M, Menninger S, Habenberger P, Klebl B, Siveke JT, Dührsen U, Choidas A, Dürig J. Anti-leukemic effect of CDK9 inhibition in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2020; 11:2040620720933761. [PMID: 33117517 PMCID: PMC7570784 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720933761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by chemotherapy resistance and a median survival of less than 2 years. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of the novel highly specific cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor LDC526 and its clinically used derivate atuveciclib employing primary T-PLL cells in an ex vivo drug sensitivity testing platform. Importantly, all T-PLL samples were sensitive to CDK9 inhibition at submicromolar concentrations, while conventional cytotoxic drugs were found to be largely ineffective. At the cellular level LDC526 inhibited the phosphorylation at serine 2 of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain resulting in decreased de novo RNA transcription. LDC526 induced apoptotic leukemic cell death through down-regulating MYC and MCL1 both at the mRNA and protein level. Microarray-based transcriptomic profiling revealed that genes down-modulated in response to CDK9 inhibition were enriched for MYC and JAK-STAT targets. By contrast, CDK9 inhibition increased the expression of the tumor suppressor FBXW7, which may contribute to decreased MYC and MCL1 protein levels. Finally, the combination of atuvecliclib and the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax exhibited synergistic anti-leukemic activity, providing the rationale for a novel targeted-agent-based treatment of T-PLL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Dierichs
- Institute for Developmental Cancer Therapeutics, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludger Klein-Hitpass
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke K. Bergmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Möllmann
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Institute for Developmental Cancer Therapeutics, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dührsen
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Dürig
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Lim JT, Singh N, Leuvano LA, Calvert VS, Petricoin EF, Teachey DT, Lock RB, Padi M, Kraft AS, Padi SKR. PIM Kinase Inhibitors Block the Growth of Primary T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Resistance Pathways Identified by Network Modeling Analysis. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1809-1821. [PMID: 32753387 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in understanding the genetic landscape of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), the discovery of novel therapeutic targets has been difficult. Our results demonstrate that the levels of PIM1 protein kinase is elevated in early T-cell precursor ALL (ETP-ALL) but not in mature T-ALL primary samples. Small-molecule PIM inhibitor (PIMi) treatment decreases leukemia burden in ETP-ALL. However, treatment of animals carrying ETP-ALL with PIMi was not curative. To model other pathways that could be targeted to complement PIMi activity, HSB-2 cells, previously characterized as a PIMi-sensitive T-ALL cell line, were grown in increasing doses of PIMi. Gene set enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing data and functional enrichment of network modules demonstrated that the HOXA9, mTOR, MYC, NFκB, and PI3K-AKT pathways were activated in HSB-2 cells after long-term PIM inhibition. Reverse phase protein array-based pathway activation mapping demonstrated alterations in the mTOR, PI3K-AKT, and NFκB pathways, as well. PIMi-tolerant HSB-2 cells contained phosphorylated RelA-S536 consistent with activation of the NFκB pathway. The combination of NFκB and PIMis markedly reduced the proliferation in PIMi-resistant leukemic cells showing that this pathway plays an important role in driving the growth of T-ALL. Together these results demonstrate key pathways that are activated when HSB-2 cell line develop resistance to PIMi and suggest pathways that can be rationally targeted in combination with PIM kinases to inhibit T-ALL growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Lim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Neha Singh
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Libia A Leuvano
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Valerie S Calvert
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - David T Teachey
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Megha Padi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Bioinformatics Shared Resource, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Andrew S Kraft
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
| | - Sathish K R Padi
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
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17
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La Starza R, Pierini V, Pierini T, Nofrini V, Matteucci C, Arniani S, Moretti M, Lema Fernandez AG, Pellanera F, Di Giacomo D, Storlazzi TC, Vitale A, Gorello P, Sammarelli G, Roti G, Basso G, Chiaretti S, Foà R, Schwab C, Harrison CJ, Van Vlierberghe P, Mecucci C. Design of a Comprehensive Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Assay for Genetic Classification of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Mol Diagn 2020; 22:629-639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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18
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Fattizzo B, Rosa J, Giannotta JA, Baldini L, Fracchiolla NS. The Physiopathology of T- Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Focus on Molecular Aspects. Front Oncol 2020; 10:273. [PMID: 32185137 PMCID: PMC7059203 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma is an aggressive hematological neoplasm whose classification is still based on immunophenotypic findings. Frontline treatment encompass high intensity combination chemotherapy with good overall survival; however, relapsing/refractory patients have very limited options. In the last years, the understanding of molecular physiopathology of this disease, lead to the identification of a subset of patients with peculiar genetic profile, namely “early T-cell precursors” lymphoblastic leukemia, characterized by dismal outcome and indication to frontline allogeneic bone marrow transplant. In general, the most common mutations occur in the NOTCH1/FBXW7 pathway (60% of adult patients), with a positive prognostic impact. Other pathogenic steps encompass transcriptional deregulation of oncogenes/oncosuppressors, cell cycle deregulation, kinase signaling (including IL7R-JAK-STAT pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, ABL1 signaling pathway), epigenetic deregulation, ribosomal dysfunction, and altered expression of oncogenic miRNAs or long non-coding RNA. The insight in the genomic landscape of the disease paves the way to the use of novel targeted drugs that might improve the outcome, particularly in relapse/refractory patients. In this review, we analyse available literature on T-ALL pathogenesis, focusing on molecular aspects of clinical, prognostic, and therapeutic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Rosa
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Juri Alessandro Giannotta
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Baldini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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19
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De Smedt R, Morscio J, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P. Targeting steroid resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood Rev 2019; 38:100591. [PMID: 31353059 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2019.100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is characterized by a variable response to steroids during induction and/or consolidation therapy. Notably, recent work suggested that these differences in glucocorticoid sensitivity might, at least in part, be mediated by hyperactivation of specific oncogenic pathways such as RAS/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT and IL7R/JAK/STAT. In this review, we elaborate on putative associations between aberrant signaling, therapy resistance, incidence of relapse and clinical outcome in human T-ALL. Furthermore, we emphasize that this potential association with clinical parameters might also be mediated by the tumor microenvironment as a result of increased sensitivity of leukemic T-cells towards cytokine induced signaling pathway activation. With this in mind, we provide an overview of small molecule inhibitors that might have clinical potential for the treatment of human T-ALL in the near future as a result of their ability to overcome steroid resistance thereby potentially increasing survival rates in this aggressive hematological neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate De Smedt
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Morscio
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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20
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De Smedt R, Peirs S, Morscio J, Matthijssens F, Roels J, Reunes L, Lintermans B, Goossens S, Lammens T, Van Roy N, Touzart A, Jenni S, Tsai YC, Lovisa F, Mussolin L, Serafin V, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Uyttebroeck A, Tousseyn T, Burkhardt B, Klapper W, De Moerloose B, Benoit Y, Macintyre E, Bourquin JP, Basso G, Accordi B, Bornhauser B, Meijerink J, Vandenberghe P, Van Vlierberghe P. Pre-clinical evaluation of second generation PIM inhibitors for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma. Haematologica 2018; 104:e17-e20. [PMID: 30076176 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.199257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renate De Smedt
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Sofie Peirs
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Julie Morscio
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Filip Matthijssens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Juliette Roels
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium.,Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Lindy Reunes
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Beatrice Lintermans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium.,Molecular and Cellular Oncology Lab, Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium.,Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Nadine Van Roy
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Aurore Touzart
- Department of Hematology, APHP-Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Silvia Jenni
- Department of Oncology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yi-Chien Tsai
- Department of Oncology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica Lovisa
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Hematology-Oncology Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) and University of Padova, Italy
| | - Lara Mussolin
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Hematology-Oncology Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) and University of Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Hematology-Oncology Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) and University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Tousseyn
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research laboratory, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Birgit Burkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfram Klapper
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Section, UKSH Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium.,Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Yves Benoit
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium.,Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Bourquin
- Department of Oncology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Basso
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Hematology-Oncology Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) and University of Padova, Italy
| | - Benedetta Accordi
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Hematology-Oncology Laboratory, Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) and University of Padova, Italy
| | - Beat Bornhauser
- Department of Oncology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jules Meijerink
- The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Vandenberghe
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
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