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Gold S, Shilatifard A. Therapeutic targeting of BET bromodomain and other epigenetic acetylrecognition domain-containing factors. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102181. [PMID: 38564841 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Development of cancer therapies targeting chromatin modifiers and transcriptional regulatory factors is rapidly expanding to include new targets and novel targeting strategies. At the same time, basic molecular research continues to refine our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating transcription, gene expression, and oncogenesis. This mini-review focuses on cancer therapies targeting the chromatin-associated factors that recognize histone lysine acetylation. Recently reported safety and efficacy are discussed for inhibitors targeting the bromodomains of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins. In light of recent results indicating that the transcriptional regulator BRD4-PTEFb can function independently of BRD4's bromodomains, the clinical trial performance of these BET inhibitors is placed in a broader context of existing and potential strategies for targeting BRD4-PTEFb. Recently developed therapies targeting bromodomain-containing factors within the SWI/SNF (BAF) family of chromatin remodeling complexes are discussed, as is the potential for targeting the bromodomain-containing transcription factor TAF1 and the YEATS acetylrecognition domain-containing factor GAS41. Recent findings regarding the selectivity and combinatorial specificity of acetylrecognition are highlighted. In conclusion, the potential for further development is discussed with a focus on proximity-based therapies targeting this class of epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. https://twitter.com/@rwx_life
| | - Ali Shilatifard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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2
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Zhang Y, Shan L, Tang W, Ge Y, Li C, Zhang J. Recent Discovery and Development of Inhibitors that Target CDK9 and Their Therapeutic Indications. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5185-5215. [PMID: 38564299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00312] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CDK9 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays pivotal roles in multiple cellular functions including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular differentiation. Targeting CDK9 is considered an attractive strategy for antitumor therapy, especially for leukemia and lymphoma. Several potent small molecule inhibitors, exemplified by TG02 (4), have progressed to clinical trials. However, many of them face challenges such as low clinical efficacy and multiple adverse reactions and may necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to lead to success in the clinic. In this perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, biological functions, and preclinical status of CDK9 inhibitors. Our focus extends to various types of inhibitors, including pan-inhibitors, selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, degraders, PPI inhibitors, and natural products. The discussion encompasses chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), biological activities, selectivity, and therapeutic potential, providing detailed insight into the diverse landscape of CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
- West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 Sichuan, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Ge
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - ChengXian Li
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
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3
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Sud A, Parry EM, Wu CJ. The molecular map of CLL and Richter's syndrome. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:73-82. [PMID: 38368146 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion of B-cells, from the early stages of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis through to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and then in some cases to Richter's syndrome (RS) provides a comprehensive model of cancer evolution, notable for the marked morphological transformation and distinct clinical phenotypes. High-throughput sequencing of large cohorts of patients and single-cell studies have generated a molecular map of CLL and more recently, of RS, yielding fundamental insights into these diseases and of clonal evolution. A selection of CLL driver genes have been functionally interrogated to yield novel insights into the biology of CLL. Such findings have the potential to impact patient care through risk stratification, treatment selection and drug discovery. However, this molecular map remains incomplete, with extant questions concerning the origin of the B-cell clone, the role of the TME, inter- and intra-compartmental heterogeneity and of therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Through the application of multi-modal single-cell technologies across tissues, disease states and clinical contexts, these questions can now be addressed with the answers holding great promise of generating translatable knowledge to improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA; Department of Immuno-Oncology, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Erin M Parry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA.
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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4
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Zhong Y, Xu J, Zhou R, Tang L, Ding S, Ren Z, Song N, Hu B, Yang H, Sun Y, Cheng M, Li J, Liu Y. Identification of a Novel Selective CDK9 Inhibitor for the Treatment of CRC: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity Evaluation. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38488882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a member of the transcription CDK subfamily. In this work, we preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility of CDK9 as a potent target of treatment for colorectal cancer, and a series of novel CDK9 inhibitors were rationally designed and synthesized based on the structure of AZD5438 (a pan CDKs inhibitor reported by AstraZeneca). A novel selective CDK9 inhibitor named CLZX-205, which possessed significant CDK9 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.9 nM) with acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo, was developed. Research on the mechanism indicated that CLZX-205 could induce apoptosis in the HCT116 cell line by inhibiting phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II at Ser2, which resulted in the inhibition of apoptosis-related genes and proteins expression, and these results were validated at the cellular and tumor tissue levels. Currently, CLZX-205 is undergoing further research as a promising candidate for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
| | - Ruochen Zhou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Tang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shaoyue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhaohui Ren
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
| | - Ning Song
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Baichun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Huali Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yili Sun
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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Fultang N, Schwab AM, McAneny-Droz S, Grego A, Rodgers S, Torres BV, Heiser D, Scherle P, Bhagwat N. PBRM1 loss is associated with increased sensitivity to MCL1 and CDK9 inhibition in clear cell renal cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1343004. [PMID: 38371625 PMCID: PMC10869502 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1343004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
MCL1 is a member of the BCL2 family of apoptosis regulators, which play a critical role in promoting cancer survival and drug resistance. We previously described PRT1419, a potent, MCL1 inhibitor with anti-tumor efficacy in various solid and hematologic malignancies. To identify novel biomarkers that predict sensitivity to MCL1 inhibition, we conducted a gene essentiality analysis using gene dependency data generated from CRISPR/Cas9 cell viability screens. We observed that clear cell renal cancer (ccRCC) cell lines with damaging PBRM1 mutations displayed a strong dependency on MCL1. PBRM1 (BAF180), is a chromatin-targeting subunit of mammalian pBAF complexes. PBRM1 is frequently altered in various cancers particularly ccRCC with ~40% of tumors harboring damaging PBRM1 alterations. We observed potent inhibition of tumor growth and induction of apoptosis by PRT1419 in various preclinical models of PBRM1-mutant ccRCC but not PBRM1-WT. Depletion of PBRM1 in PBRM1-WT ccRCC cell lines induced sensitivity to PRT1419. Mechanistically, PBRM1 depletion coincided with increased expression of pro-apoptotic factors, priming cells for caspase-mediated apoptosis following MCL1 inhibition. Increased MCL1 activity has been described as a resistance mechanism to Sunitinib and Everolimus, two approved agents for ccRCC. PRT1419 synergized with both agents to potently inhibit tumor growth in PBRM1-loss ccRCC. PRT2527, a potent CDK9 inhibitor which depletes MCL1, was similarly efficacious in monotherapy and in combination with Sunitinib in PBRM1-loss cells. Taken together, these findings suggest PBRM1 loss is associated with MCL1i sensitivity in ccRCC and provide rationale for the evaluation of PRT1419 and PRT2527 for the treatment for PBRM1-deficient ccRCC.
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6
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Zhang H, Huang C, Gordon J, Yu S, Morton G, Childers W, Abou-Gharbia M, Zhang Y, Jelinek J, Issa JPJ. MC180295 is a highly potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor with preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy in cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:3. [PMID: 38172923 PMCID: PMC10765884 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01617-3] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a novel epigenetic target in cancer, can reactivate epigenetically silenced genes in cancer by dephosphorylating the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler BRG1. Here, we characterized the anti-tumor efficacy of MC180295, a newly developed CDK9 inhibitor. METHODS In this study, we explored the pharmacokinetics of MC180295 in mice and rats, and tested the anti-tumor efficacy of MC180295, and its enantiomers, in multiple cancer cell lines and mouse models. We also combined CDK9 inhibition with a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, decitabine, in multiple mouse models, and tested MC180295 dependence on T cells. Drug toxicity was measured by checking body weights and complete blood counts. RESULTS MC180295 had high specificity for CDK9 and high potency against multiple neoplastic cell lines (median IC50 of 171 nM in 46 cell lines representing 6 different malignancies), with the highest potency seen in AML cell lines derived from patients with MLL translocations. MC180295 is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, MC180379 and MC180380, with MC180380 showing higher potency in a live-cell epigenetic assay. Both MC180295 and MC180380 showed efficacy in in vivo AML and colon cancer xenograft models, and significant synergy with decitabine in both cancer models. Lastly, we found that CDK9 inhibition-mediated anti-tumoral effects were partially dependent on CD8 + T cells in vivo, indicating a significant immune component to the response. CONCLUSIONS MC180380, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), is an efficacious anti-cancer agent worth advancing further toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanghang Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chen Huang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - John Gordon
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Sijia Yu
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Magid Abou-Gharbia
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
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7
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Mustafa EH, Laven-Law G, Kikhtyak Z, Nguyen V, Ali S, Pace AA, Iggo R, Kebede A, Noll B, Wang S, Winter JM, Dwyer AR, Tilley WD, Hickey TE. Selective inhibition of CDK9 in triple negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:202-215. [PMID: 38001268 PMCID: PMC10786725 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02892-3] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) remains a clinical challenge due to tumour heterogeneity. Since TNBC have key features of transcriptionally addicted cancers, targeting transcription via regulators such as cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has potential as a therapeutic strategy. Herein, we preclinically tested a new selective CDK9 inhibitor (CDDD11-8) in TNBC using cell line, patient-derived organoid, and patient-derived explant models. In vitro, CDDD11-8 dose-dependently inhibited proliferation (IC50 range: 281-734 nM), induced cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis of cell lines, which encompassed the three major molecular subtypes of TNBC. On target inhibition of CDK9 activity was demonstrated by reduced RNAPII phosphorylation at a CDK9 target peptide and down-regulation of the MYC and MCL1 oncogenes at the mRNA and protein levels in all cell line models. Drug induced RNAPII pausing was evident at gene promoters, with strongest pausing at MYC target genes. Growth of five distinct patient-derived organoid models was dose-dependently inhibited by CDDD11-8 (IC50 range: 272-771 nM), including three derived from MYC amplified, chemo-resistant TNBC metastatic lesions. Orally administered CDDD11-8 also inhibited growth of mammary intraductal TNBC xenograft tumours with no overt toxicity in vivo (mice) or ex vivo (human breast tissues). In conclusion, our studies indicate that CDK9 is a viable therapeutic target in TNBC and that CDDD11-8, a novel selective CDK9 inhibitor, has efficacy in TNBC without apparent toxicity to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtihal H Mustafa
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Geraldine Laven-Law
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zoya Kikhtyak
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Van Nguyen
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simak Ali
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alex A Pace
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Richard Iggo
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institut Bergonié, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alemwork Kebede
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ben Noll
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jean M Winter
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Amy R Dwyer
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Dominguez EC, Roleder C, Ball B, Danilov AV. Cyclin-dependent kinase-9 in B-cell malignancies: pathogenic role and therapeutic implications. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1893-1904. [PMID: 37552126 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2244102] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) regulate cell cycle and transcriptional activity. Pan-CDK inhibitors demonstrated early efficacy in lymphoid malignancies, but also have been associated with narrow therapeutic index. Among transcriptional CDKs, CDK7 and CDK9 emerged as promising targets. CDK9 serves as a component of P-TEFb elongation complex and thus is indispensable in mRNA transcription. Selective CDK9 inhibitors demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CDK9 inhibition results in transcriptional pausing with rapid downmodulation of short-lived oncogenic proteins, e.g. Myc and Mcl-1, followed by cell apoptosis. Early phase clinical trials established safety of CDK9 inhibitors, with manageable neutropenia, infections and gastrointestinal toxicities. In this review, we summarize the rationale of targeting CDK9 in lymphoid malignancies, as well as pre-clinical and early clinical data with pan-CDK and selective CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carly Roleder
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Brian Ball
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Frigault MM, Mithal A, Wong H, Stelte-Ludwig B, Mandava V, Huang X, Birkett J, Johnson AJ, Izumi R, Hamdy A. Enitociclib, a Selective CDK9 Inhibitor, Induces Complete Regression of MYC+ Lymphoma by Downregulation of RNA Polymerase II Mediated Transcription. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2268-2279. [PMID: 37882668 PMCID: PMC10634346 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Double-hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DH-DLBCL) is an aggressive, and often refractory, type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) characterized by rearrangements in MYC and BCL2. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) regulates transcriptional elongation and activation of transcription factors, including MYC, making it a potential targeted approach for the treatment of MYC+ lymphomas. Enitociclib is a well-tolerated and clinically active CDK9 inhibitor leading to complete metabolic remissions in 2 of 7 patients with DH-DLBCL treated with once weekly 30 mg intravenous administration. Herein, we investigate the pharmacodynamic effect of CDK9 inhibition in preclinical models and in blood samples from patients [DH-DLBCL (n = 10) and MYC+ NHL (n = 5)] treated with 30 mg i.v. once weekly enitociclib. Enitociclib shows significant regulation of RNA polymerase II Ser2 phosphorylation in a MYC-amplified SU-DHL-4 cell line and depletion of MYC and antiapoptosis protein MCL1 in SU-DHL-4 and MYC-overexpressing SU-DHL-10 cell lines in vitro. Tumor growth inhibition reaching 0.5% of control treated SU-DHL-10 xenografts is achieved in vivo and MYC and MCL1 depletion as well as evidence of apoptosis activation after enitociclib treatment is demonstrated. An unbiased analysis of the genes affected by CDK9 inhibition in both cell lines demonstrates that RNA polymerase II and transcription pathways are primarily affected and novel enitociclib targets such as PHF23 and TP53RK are discovered. These findings are recapitulated in blood samples from enitociclib-treated patients; while MYC downregulation is most robust with enitociclib treatment, other CDK9-regulated targets may be MYC independent delivering a transcriptional downregulation via RNA polymerase II. SIGNIFICANCE MYC+ lymphomas are refractory to standard of care and novel treatments that downregulate MYC are needed. The utility of enitociclib, a selective CDK9 inhibitor in this patient population, is demonstrated in preclinical models and patients. Enitociclib inhibits RNA polymerase II function conferring a transcriptional shift and depletion of MYC and MCL1. Enitociclib intermittent dosing downregulates transcription factors including MYC, providing a therapeutic window for durable responses in patients with MYC+ lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xin Huang
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, California
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10
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Khandia R, Pandey MK, Zaki MEA, Al-Hussain SA, Baklanov I, Gurjar P. Application of codon usage and context analysis in genes up- or down-regulated in neurodegeneration and cancer to combat comorbidities. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1200523. [PMID: 37383425 PMCID: PMC10293642 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1200523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurodegeneration and cancer present in comorbidities with inverse effects due to the expression of genes and pathways acting in opposition. Identifying and studying the genes simultaneously up or downregulated during morbidities helps curb both ailments together. Methods This study examines four genes. Three of these (Amyloid Beta Precursor Protein (APP), Cyclin D1 (CCND1), and Cyclin E2 (CCNE2) are upregulated, and one protein phosphatase 2 phosphatase activator (PTPA) is simultaneously downregulated in both disorders. We investigated molecular patterns, codon usage, codon usage bias, nucleotide bias in the third codon position, preferred codons, preferred codon pairs, rare codons, and codon context. Results Parity analysis revealed that T is preferred over A, and G is preferred over C in the third codon position, suggesting composition plays no role in nucleotide bias in both the upregulated and downregulated gene sets and that mutational forces are stronger in upregulated gene sets than in downregulated ones. Transcript length influenced the overall %A composition and codon bias, and the codon AGG exerted the strongest influence on codon usage in both the upregulated and downregulated gene sets. Codons ending in G/C were preferred for 16 amino acids, and glutamic acid-, aspartic acid-, leucine-, valine-, and phenylalanine-initiated codon pairs were preferred in all genes. Codons CTA (Leu), GTA (Val), CAA (Gln), and CGT (Arg) were underrepresented in all examined genes. Discussion Using advanced gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas or any other gene augmentation technique, these recoded genes may be introduced into the human body to optimize gene expression levels to augment neurodegeneration and cancer therapeutic regimens simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Khandia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Megha Katare Pandey
- Translational Medicine Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
| | - Magdi E. A. Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami A. Al-Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Igor Baklanov
- Department of Philosophy, North Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Pankaj Gurjar
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
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11
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Wu T, Wu X, Xu Y, Chen R, Wang J, Li Z, Bian J. A patent review of selective CDK9 inhibitors in treating cancer. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:309-322. [PMID: 37128897 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2208747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The dysregulation of CDK9 protein is greatly related to the proliferation and differentiation of various cancers due to its key role in the regulation of RNA transcription. Moreover, CDK9 inhibition can markedly downregulate the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 which is essential for the survival of tumors. Thus, targeting CDK9 is considered to be a promising strategy for antitumor drug development, and the development of selective CDK9 inhibitors has gained increasing attention. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the development of selective CDK9 inhibitors reported in patent publications during the period 2020-2022, which were searched from SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence. EXPERT OPINION Given that pan-CDK9 inhibitors may lead to serious side effects due to poor selectivity, the investigation of selective CDK9 inhibitors has attracted widespread attention. CDK9 inhibitors make some advance in treating solid tumors and possess the therapeutic potential in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. CDK9 inhibitors with short half-life and intravenous administration might result in transient target engagement and contribute to a better safety profile in vivo. However, more efforts are urgently needed to accelerate the development of CDK9 inhibitors, including the research on new binding modes between ligand and receptor or new protein binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizhi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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