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Ke R, Kumar S, Singh SK, Rana A, Rana B. Molecular insights into the role of mixed lineage kinase 3 in cancer hallmarks. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189157. [PMID: 39032538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a serine/threonine kinase of the MAPK Kinase kinase (MAP3K) family that plays critical roles in various biological processes, including cancer. Upon activation, MLK3 differentially activates downstream MAPKs, such as JNK, p38, and ERK. In addition, it regulates various non-canonical signaling pathways, such as β-catenin, AMPK, Pin1, and PAK1, to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. Recent studies have also uncovered other potentially diverse roles of MLK3 in malignancy, which include metabolic reprogramming, cancer-associated inflammation, and evasion of cancer-related immune surveillance. The role of MLK3 in cancer is complex and cancer-specific, and an understanding of its function at the molecular level aligned specifically with the cancer hallmarks will have profound therapeutic implications for diagnosing and treating MLK3-dependent cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the effect of MLK3 on the hallmarks of cancer, providing insights into its potential as a promising anticancer drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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2
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Ke R, Viswakarma N, Menhart M, Singh SK, Kumar S, Srivastava P, Vishnoi K, Kashyap T, Srivastava D, Nair RS, Maienschein-Cline M, Wang X, Rana A, Rana B. MLK3 promotes prooncogenic signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma via TGFβ pathway. Oncogene 2024; 43:2307-2324. [PMID: 38858590 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease, with limited therapeutic options. Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) is a key regulator of liver diseases, although its role in HCC remains unclear. Analysis of TCGA databases suggested elevated MAP3K11 (MLK3 gene) expression, and TMA studies showed higher MLK3 activation in human HCCs. To understand MLK3's role in HCC, we utlized carcinogen-induced HCC model and compared between wild-type and MLK3 knockout (MLK3-/-) mice. Our studies showed that MLK3 kinase activity is upregulated in HCC, and MLK3 deficiency alleviates HCC progression. MLK3 deficiency reduced proliferation in vivo and MLK3 inhibition reduced proliferation and colony formation in vitro. To obtain further insight into the mechanism and identify newer targets mediating MLK3-induced HCCs, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. These showed that MLK3 deficiency modulates various gene signatures, including EMT, and reduces TGFB1&2 expressions. HCC cells overexpressing MLK3 promoted EMT via autocrine TGFβ signaling. Moreover, MLK3 deficiency attenuated activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) signature, which is increased in wild-type. Interestingly, MLK3 promotes HSC activation via paracrine TGFβ signaling. These findings reveal TGFβ playing a key role at different steps of HCC, downstream of MLK3, implying MLK3-TGFβ axis to be an ideal drug target for advanced HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- O2M Technologies, LLC, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mary Menhart
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Piush Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tanushree Kashyap
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Deepti Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Rakesh Sathish Nair
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Yoon HR, Balupuri A, Lee J, Lee C, Son DH, Jeoung RG, Kim KA, Choi S, Kang NS. Design, synthesis of new 3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives and evaluation of their inhibitory properties as mixed lineage kinase 3 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 101:129652. [PMID: 38346577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129652] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage protein kinase 3 (MLK3) is implicated in several human cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. A series of 3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as novel MLK3 inhibitors. A homology model of MLK3 was developed and all designed compounds were docked to assess their binding pattern and affinity toward the MLK3 active site. Based on this knowledge, we synthesized and experimentally evaluated the designed compounds. Majority of the compounds showed significant inhibition of MLK3 in the enzymatic assay. In particular, compounds 9a, 9e, 9j, 9 k, 12b and 12d exhibited IC50 values of 6, 6, 8, 11, 14 and 14 nM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 9a, 9e, 9 k and 12b exhibited favorable physicochemical properties among these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Ree Yoon
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Anand Balupuri
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Chaeeun Lee
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Son
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Re Gin Jeoung
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Kyung Ah Kim
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Sungwook Choi
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
| | - Nam Sook Kang
- Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
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Cooreman K, De Spiegeleer B, Van Poucke C, Vanavermaete D, Delbare D, Wynendaele E, De Witte B. Emerging pharmaceutical therapies of Ascidian-derived natural products and derivatives. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 102:104254. [PMID: 37648122 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In a growing multidrug-resistant environment, the identification of potential new drug candidates with an acceptable safety profile is a substantial crux in pharmaceutical discovery. This review discusses several aspects and properties of approved marine natural products derived from ascidian sources (phylum Chordata, subphylum Tunicata) and/or their deduced analogues including their biosynthetic origin, (bio)chemical preclinical assessments and known efficacy-safety profiles, clinical status in trials, but also translational developments, opportunities and final conclusions. The review also describes the preclinical assessments of a large number of other ascidian compounds that have not been involved in clinical trials yet. Finally, the emerging research on the connectivity of the ascidian hosts and their independent or obligate symbiotic guests is discussed. The review covers the latest information on the topic of ascidian-derived marine natural products over the last two decades including 2022, with the majority of publications published in the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Cooreman
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Jacobsenstraat 1, BE-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Quality and Registration Group, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christof Van Poucke
- Technology and Food Science Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brusselsesteenweg 370, BE-9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - David Vanavermaete
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Jacobsenstraat 1, BE-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Daan Delbare
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Jacobsenstraat 1, BE-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Evelien Wynendaele
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Quality and Registration Group, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, BE-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bavo De Witte
- Aquatic Environment and Quality, Animal Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Jacobsenstraat 1, BE-8400 Ostend, Belgium.
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TrkA expression directs the anti-neoplastic activity of MLK3 inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:1132-1143. [PMID: 36813855 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) is a viable target for neoplastic diseases; however, it is unclear whether its activators or inhibitors can act as anti-neoplastic agents. We reported that the MLK3 kinase activity was higher in triple-negative (TNBC) than in hormone receptor-positive human breast tumors, where estrogen inhibited MLK3 kinase activity and provided a survival advantage to ER+ breast cancer cells. Herein, we show that in TNBC, the higher MLK3 kinase activity paradoxically promotes cancer cell survival. Knockdown of MLK3 or MLK3 inhibitors, CEP-1347 and URMC-099, attenuated tumorigenesis of TNBC cell line and Patient-Derived (PDX) xenografts. The MLK3 kinase inhibitors decreased both the expression and activation of MLK3, PAK1, and NF-kB protein and caused cell death in TNBC breast xenografts. RNA-seq analysis identified several genes downregulated by MLK3 inhibition, and the NGF/TrkA MAPK pathway was significantly enriched in tumors sensitive to growth inhibition by MLK3 inhibitors. The TNBC cell line unresponsive to kinase inhibitor had substantially lower TrkA, and overexpression of TrkA restored the sensitivity to MLK3 inhibition. These results suggest that the functions of MLK3 in breast cancer cells depend on downstream targets in TNBC tumors expressing TrkA, and MLK3 kinase inhibition may provide a novel targeted therapy.
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The role of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) in cancers. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Ha AT, Cho JY, Kim D. MLK3 Regulates Inflammatory Response via Activation of AP-1 Pathway in HEK293 and RAW264.7 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810874. [PMID: 36142785 PMCID: PMC9501218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a critically important barrier found in innate immunity. However, severe and sustained inflammatory conditions are regarded as causes of many different serious diseases, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Although numerous studies have addressed how inflammatory responses proceed and what kinds of proteins and cells are involved, the exact mechanism and protein components regulating inflammatory reactions are not fully understood. In this paper, to determine the regulatory role of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), which functions as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) in cancer cells in inflammatory response to macrophages, we employed an overexpression strategy with MLK3 in HEK293 cells and used its inhibitor URMC-099 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. It was found that overexpressed MLK3 increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory genes (COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α) via the activation of AP-1, according to a luciferase assay carried out with AP-1-Luc. Overexpression of MLK3 also induced phosphorylation of MAPKK (MEK1/2, MKK3/6, and MKK4/7), MAPK (ERK, p38, and JNK), and AP-1 subunits (c-Jun, c-Fos, and FRA-1). Phosphorylation of MLK3 was also observed in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, Pam3CSK, and poly(I:C). Finally, inhibition of MLK3 by URMC-099 reduced the expression of COX-2 and CCL-12, phosphorylation of c-Jun, luciferase activity mediated by AP-1, and phosphorylation of MAPK in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that MLK3 plays a central role in controlling AP-1-mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages and that this enzyme can serve as a target molecule for treating AP-1-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Thu Ha
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.Y.C.); (D.K.); Tel.: +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.); +82-10-9530-5269 (D.K.)
| | - Daewon Kim
- Laboratory of Bio-Informatics, Department of Multimedia Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.Y.C.); (D.K.); Tel.: +82-31-290-7868 (J.Y.C.); +82-10-9530-5269 (D.K.)
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Vishnoi K, Ke R, Viswakarma N, Srivastava P, Kumar S, Das S, Singh SK, Principe DR, Rana A, Rana B. Ets1 mediates sorafenib resistance by regulating mitochondrial ROS pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:581. [PMID: 35789155 PMCID: PMC9253325 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are on a rise in the Western countries including US, attributed mostly to late detection. Sorafenib has been the first-line FDA-approved drug for advanced unresectable HCC for almost a decade, but with limited efficacy due to the development of resistance. More recently, several other multi-kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib, cabozantinib, regorafenib), human monoclonal antibody (ramucirumab), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) have been approved as systemic therapies. Despite this, the median survival of patients is not significantly increased. Understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) that govern HCC resistance is critically needed to increase efficacy of current drugs and to develop more efficacious ones in the future. Our studies with sorafenib-resistant (soraR) HCC cells using transcription factor RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays revealed an increase in E26 transformation-specific-1 (Ets-1) transcription factor in all soraR cells. HCC TMA studies showed an increase in Ets-1 expression in advanced HCC compared to the normal livers. Overexpression or knocking down Ets-1 modulated sorafenib resistance-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and cell survival. In addition, the soraR cells showed a significant reduction of mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) generation, which were antagonized by knocking down Ets-1 expression. More in-depth analysis identified GPX-2 as a downstream mediator of Ets-1-induced sorafenib resistance, which was down-regulated by Ets-1 knockdown while other antioxidant pathway genes were not affected. Interestingly, knocking down GPX2 expression significantly increased sorafenib sensitivity in the soraR cells. Our studies indicate the activation of a novel Ets-1-GPX2 signaling axis in soraR cells, targeting which might successfully antagonize resistance and increase efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Rong Ke
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Piush Srivastava
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Subhasis Das
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Daniel R. Principe
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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Kumar S, Singh SK, Rana B, Rana A. The regulatory function of mixed lineage kinase 3 in tumor and host immunity. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 219:107704. [PMID: 33045253 PMCID: PMC7887016 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases are the second most sought-after G-protein coupled receptors as drug targets because of their overexpression, mutations, and dysregulated catalytic activities in various pathological conditions. Till 2019, 48 protein kinase inhibitors have received FDA approval for the treatment of multiple illnesses, of which the majority of them are indicated for different malignancies. One of the attractive sub-group of protein kinases that has attracted attention for drug development is the family members of MAPKs that are recognized to play significant roles in different cancers. Several inhibitors have been developed against various MAPK members; however, none of them as monotherapy has shown sustainable efficacy. One of the MAPK members, called Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3), has attracted considerable attention due to its role in inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its role in cancer is an emerging area that needs more investigation. Recent advances have shown that MLK3 plays a role in cancer cell survival, migration, drug resistance, cell death, and tumor immunity. This review describes how MLK3 regulates different MAPK pathways, cancer cell growth and survival, apoptosis, and host's immunity. We also discuss how MLK3 inhibitors can potentially be used along with immunotherapy for different malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Zhao HF, Wu CP, Zhou XM, Diao PY, Xu YW, Liu J, Wang J, Huang XJ, Liu WL, Chen ZP, Huang GD, Li WP. Synergism between the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p110β isoform inhibitor AZD6482 and the mixed lineage kinase 3 inhibitor URMC-099 on the blockade of glioblastoma cell motility and focal adhesion formation. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:24. [PMID: 33407478 PMCID: PMC7789614 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor, is characterized by rapid growth and extensive infiltration to neighboring normal brain parenchyma. Our previous studies delineated a crosstalk between PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling pathways, and a moderate anti-glioblastoma synergism caused by the combined inhibition of PI3K p110β (PI3Kβ) isoform and JNK. However, this combination strategy is not potent enough. MLK3, an upstream regulator of ERK and JNK, may replace JNK to exert stronger synergism with PI3Kβ. Methods To develop a new combination strategy with stronger synergism, the expression pattern and roles of MLK3 in glioblastoma patient’s specimens and cell lines were firstly investigated. Then glioblastoma cells and xenografts in nude mice were treated with the PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD6482 and the MLK3 inhibitor URMC-099 alone or in combination to evaluate their combination effects on tumor cell growth and motility. The combination effects on cytoskeletal structures such as lamellipodia and focal adhesions were also evaluated. Results MLK3 protein was overexpressed in both newly diagnosed and relapsing glioblastoma patients’ specimens. Silencing of MLK3 using siRNA duplexes significantly suppressed migration and invasion, but promoted attachment of glioblastoma cells. Combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as the formation of lamellipodia and focal adhesions. Furthermore, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 effectively decreased glioblastoma xenograft growth in nude mice. Glioblastoma cells treated with this drug combination showed reduced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, and decreased protein expression of ROCK2 and Zyxin. Conclusion Taken together, combination of AZD6482 and URMC-099 showed strong synergistic anti-tumor effects on glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and MLK3 may serve as an attractive therapeutic approach for glioblastoma multiforme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Fu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Chang-Peng Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, People's Hospital of Longhua District, Shenzhen, 518109, China
| | - Xiu-Ming Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China.,Epilepsy Center, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, 510510, China
| | - Peng-Yu Diao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Yan-Wen Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xian-Jian Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Wen-Lan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Zhong-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guo-Dong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Wei-Ping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital/the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China.
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Vishnoi K, Ke R, Saini KS, Viswakarma N, Nair RS, Das S, Chen Z, Rana A, Rana B. Berberine Represses β-Catenin Translation Involving 4E-BPs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 99:1-16. [PMID: 33130557 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin axis occurs in several gastrointestinal malignancies due to inactivating mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (in colorectal cancer) or activating mutations of β-catenin itself [in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)]. These lead to β-catenin stabilization, increase in β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-mediated transcriptional activation, and target gene expression, many of which are involved in tumor progression. While studying pharmaceutical agents that can target β-catenin in cancer cells, we observed that the plant compound berberine (BBR), a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), can reduce β-catenin expression and downstream signaling in HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. More in-depth analyses to understand the mechanism revealed that BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin occurs independently of AMPK activation and does not involve transcriptional or post-translational mechanisms. Pretreatment with protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide antagonized BBR-induced β-catenin reduction, suggesting that BBR affects β-catenin translation. BBR treatment also antagonized mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and was associated with increased recruitment of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) 1 in the translational complex, which was revealed by 7-methyl-cap-binding assays, suggesting inhibition of cap-dependent translation. Interestingly, knocking down 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 significantly attenuated BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin levels and expression of its downstream target genes. Moreover, cells with 4E-BP knockdown were resistant to BBR-induced cell death and were resensitized to BBR after pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin. Our findings indicate that BBR antagonizes β-catenin pathway by inhibiting β-catenin translation and mTOR activity and thereby reduces HCC cell survival. These also suggest that BBR could be used for targeting HCCs that express mutated/activated β-catenin variants that are currently undruggable. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: β-catenin signaling is aberrantly activated in different gastrointestinal cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, which is currently undruggable. In this study we describe a novel mechanism of targeting β-catenin translation via utilizing a plant compound, berberine. Our findings provide a new avenue of targeting β-catenin axis in cancer, which can be utilized toward the designing of effective therapeutic strategies to combat β-catenin-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Karan S Saini
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Rakesh Sathish Nair
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Subhasis Das
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
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12
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Yao D, Li C, Rajoka MSR, He Z, Huang J, Wang J, Zhang J. P21-Activated Kinase 1: Emerging biological functions and potential therapeutic targets in Cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:9741-9766. [PMID: 32863957 PMCID: PMC7449905 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a member of serine-threonine kinases family, was initially identified as an interactor of the Rho GTPases RAC1 and CDC42, which affect a wide range of processes associated with cell motility, survival, metabolism, cell cycle, proliferation, transformation, stress, inflammation, and gene expression. Recently, the PAK1 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer due to its role in many oncogenic signaling pathways. Many PAK1 inhibitors have been developed as potential preclinical agents for cancer therapy. Here, we provide an overview of essential roles that PAK1 plays in cancer, including its structure and autoactivation mechanism, its crucial function from onset to progression to metastasis, metabolism, immune escape and even drug resistance in cancer; endogenous regulators; and cancer-related pathways. We also summarize the reported PAK1 small-molecule inhibitors based on their structure types and their potential application in cancer. In addition, we provide overviews on current progress and future challenges of PAK1 in cancer, hoping to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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13
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Gallo KA, Ellsworth E, Stoub H, Conrad SE. Therapeutic potential of targeting mixed lineage kinases in cancer and inflammation. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 207:107457. [PMID: 31863814 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways is a key attribute of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer. Mitogen activated protein kinases have emerged as critical conduits of intracellular signal transmission, yet due to their ubiquitous roles in cellular processes, their direct inhibition may lead to undesired effects, thus limiting their usefulness as therapeutic targets. Mixed lineage kinases (MLKs) are mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks) that interact with scaffolding proteins and function upstream of p38, JNK, ERK, and NF-kappaB to mediate diverse cellular signals. Studies involving gene silencing, genetically engineered mouse models, and small molecule inhibitors suggest that MLKs are critical in tumor progression as well as in inflammatory processes. Recent advances indicate that they may be useful targets in some types of cancer and in diseases driven by chronic inflammation including neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This review describes existing MLK inhibitors, the roles of MLKs in various aspects of tumor progression and in the control of inflammatory processes, and the potential for therapeutic targeting of MLKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Edmund Ellsworth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Hayden Stoub
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Susan E Conrad
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Luo J, Liu K, Yao Y, Sun Q, Zheng X, Zhu B, Zhang Q, Xu L, Shen Y, Ren B. DMBX1 promotes tumor proliferation and regulates cell cycle progression via repressing OTX2-mediated transcription of p21 in lung adenocarcinoma cell. Cancer Lett 2019; 453:45-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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