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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for Cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;.
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2
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Wang C, Li Y, Miao X, Wang Y, Yang G. Knockdown of LRP5 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma through Compensatory Activation of Akt Signaling. J Cancer 2024; 15:3215-3226. [PMID: 38706907 PMCID: PMC11064261 DOI: 10.7150/jca.93585] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of LRP5, a critical receptor in the Wnt signaling pathway, remains unexplored in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). This study investigates the impact of LRP5 knockdown on the biological behaviors of TSCC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that LRP5 knockdown significantly enhances cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in CAL27 and SCC25 cell lines. RNA-seq analysis reveals compensatory activation of the Akt pathway, with 119 genes significantly upregulated post-LRP5 knockdown. Elevated MMP1 expression suggests its potential involvement in TSCC progression. Western blot analysis demonstrates increased Akt phosphorylation, upregulated proliferation-related PCNA, and downregulated apoptosis-related caspase-3 after LRP5 knockdown. Down-regulation of E-cadherin and β-Catenin, proteins associated with cell adhesion and invasion, further elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying increased cell migration and invasion. Our study concludes that compensatory Akt pathway activation is essential for the LRP5 knockdown-induced migration and proliferation of CAL27 and SCC25 cells. These results highlight LRP5 as a potential therapeutic target for TSCC. Simultaneous inhibition of Wnt and Akt signaling emerges as a promising approach for TSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guoli Yang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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3
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Tan B, Wikan N, Lin S, Thaklaewphan P, Potikanond S, Nimlamool W. Inhibitory actions of oxyresveratrol on the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade in cervical cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115982. [PMID: 38056236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling plays a critical role in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This signal transduction axis in HPV-positive cervical cancer has been proved to be directly activated by E6/E7 proteins of the virus enhancing cervical cancer progression. Hence, the PI3K/AKT pathway is one of the key therapeutic targets for HPV-positive cervical cancer. Here we discovered that oxyresveratrol (Oxy) at noncytotoxic concentration specifically suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT but not ERK1/2. This potent inhibitory effect of Oxy was still observed even when cells were stimulated with fetal bovine serum. Inhibition of AKT phosphorylation at serine 473 by Oxy resulted in a significant decrease in serine 9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β, a downstream target of AKT. Dephosphorylation of GSK-3β at this serine residue activates its function in promoting the degradation of MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic protein. Results clearly demonstrated that in association with GSK-3β activation, Oxy preferentially downregulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. Furthermore, results from the functional analyses revealed that Oxy inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, at least in part through suppressing nuclear expression of Ki-67. Besides, the compound retarded cervical cancer cell migration even the cells were exposed to a potent enhancer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, TGF-β1. In consistent with these data, Oxy reduced the expression of β-catenin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. In conclusion, the study disclosed that Oxy specifically inhibits the AKT/GSK-3β/MCL-1 axis resulting in reduction in cervical cancer cell viability, proliferation, and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, China
| | - Nitwara Wikan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Shike Lin
- Office for Science and Technology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, China
| | - Phatarawat Thaklaewphan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Saranyapin Potikanond
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wutigri Nimlamool
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Madsen RR, Toker A. PI3K signaling through a biochemical systems lens. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105224. [PMID: 37673340 PMCID: PMC10570132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following 3 decades of extensive research into PI3K signaling, it is now evidently clear that the underlying network does not equate to a simple ON/OFF switch. This is best illustrated by the multifaceted nature of the many diseases associated with aberrant PI3K signaling, including common cancers, metabolic disease, and rare developmental disorders. However, we are still far from a complete understanding of the fundamental control principles that govern the numerous phenotypic outputs that are elicited by activation of this well-characterized biochemical signaling network, downstream of an equally diverse set of extrinsic inputs. At its core, this is a question on the role of PI3K signaling in cellular information processing and decision making. Here, we review the determinants of accurate encoding and decoding of growth factor signals and discuss outstanding questions in the PI3K signal relay network. We emphasize the importance of quantitative biochemistry, in close integration with advances in single-cell time-resolved signaling measurements and mathematical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralitsa R Madsen
- MRC-Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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5
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Despotović A, Janjetović K, Zogović N, Tovilović-Kovačević G. Pharmacological Akt and JNK Kinase Inhibitors 10-DEBC and SP600125 Potentiate Anti-Glioblastoma Effect of Menadione and Ascorbic Acid Combination in Human U251 Glioblastoma Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2652. [PMID: 37893026 PMCID: PMC10604608 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102652] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by a highly invasive nature and therapy resistance. Combination of menadione and ascorbic acid (AA+MD) exerts strong ROS-mediated anti-GBM activity in vitro. The objective of this study was to improve AA+MD anti-GBM potential by modulating the activity of Akt and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), molecules with an important role in GBM development. The effects of Akt and JNK modulation on AA+MD toxicity in U251 human glioblastoma cells were assessed by cell viability assays, flow cytometry, RNA interference and plasmid overexpression, and immunoblot analysis. The AA+MD induced severe oxidative stress, an early increase in Akt phosphorylation followed by its strong inhibition, persistent JNK activation, and U251 cell death. Small molecule Akt kinase inhibitor 10-DEBC enhanced, while pharmacological and genetic Akt activation decreased, AA+MD-induced toxicity. The U251 cell death potentiation by 10-DEBC correlated with an increase in the combination-induced autophagic flux and was abolished by genetic autophagy silencing. Additionally, pharmacological JNK inhibitor SP600125 augmented combination toxicity toward U251 cells, an effect linked with increased ROS accumulation. These results indicate that small Akt and JNK kinase inhibitors significantly enhance AA+MD anti-GBM effects by autophagy potentiation and amplifying deleterious ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Despotović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.D.); (K.J.)
| | - Kristina Janjetović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.D.); (K.J.)
| | - Nevena Zogović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.D.); (K.J.)
| | - Gordana Tovilović-Kovačević
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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6
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Baby K, Maity S, Mehta CH, Nayak UY, Shenoy GG, Pai KSR, Harikumar KB, Nayak Y. Computational drug repurposing of Akt-1 allosteric inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7947. [PMID: 37193898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) are the predominant form of lung malignancy and the reason for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. Widespread deregulation of Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, has been reported in NSCLC. Allosteric Akt inhibitors bind in the space separating the Pleckstrin homology (PH) and catalytic domains, typically with tryptophan residue (Trp-80). This could decrease the regulatory site phosphorylation by stabilizing the PH-in conformation. Hence, in this study, a computational investigation was undertaken to identify allosteric Akt-1 inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs. The molecules were docked at standard precision (SP) and extra-precision (XP), followed by Prime molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on selected hits. Post XP-docking, fourteen best hits were identified from a library of 2115 optimized FDA-approved compounds, demonstrating several beneficial interactions such as pi-pi stacking, pi-cation, direct, and water-bridged hydrogen bonds with the crucial residues (Trp-80 and Tyr-272) and several amino acid residues in the allosteric ligand-binding pocket of Akt-1. Subsequent MD simulations to verify the stability of chosen drugs to the Akt-1 allosteric site showed valganciclovir, dasatinib, indacaterol, and novobiocin to have high stability. Further, predictions for possible biological interactions were performed using computational tools such as ProTox-II, CLC-Pred, and PASSOnline. The shortlisted drugs open a new class of allosteric Akt-1 inhibitors for the therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaprasad Baby
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Swastika Maity
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Chetan Hasmukh Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Usha Y Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Gautham G Shenoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576 104, India
| | - Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Amiran MR, Taghdir M, Joozdani FA. Molecular insights into the behavior of the allosteric and ATP-competitive inhibitors in interaction with AKT1 protein: A molecular dynamics study. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124853. [PMID: 37172698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
AKT1 is a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a key role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Two significant classes of AKT1 inhibitors (allosteric and ATP-competitive) are used in clinical development, and both of them could be effective in specific conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of several different inhibitors on two conformations of the AKT1 by computational approach. We studied the effects of four inhibitors, including MK-2206, Miransertib, Herbacetin, and Shogaol, on the inactive conformation of AKT1 protein and the effects of four inhibitors, Capivasertib, AT7867, Quercetin, and Oridonin molecules on the active conformation of AKT1 protein. The results of simulations showed that each inhibitor creates a stable complex with AKT1 protein, although AKT1/Shogaol and AKT1/AT7867 complexes showed less stability than other complexes. Based on RMSF calculations, the fluctuation of residues in the mentioned complexes is higher than in other complexes. As compared to other complexes in either of its two conformations, MK-2206 has a stronger binding free energy affinity in the inactive conformation, -203.446 kJ/mol. MM-PBSA calculations showed that the van der Waals interactions contribute more than the electrostatic interactions to the binding energy of inhibitors to AKT1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Amiran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran
| | - Majid Taghdir
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran.
| | - Farzane Abasi Joozdani
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran
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8
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Chen H, Gao W, Liu H, Sun B, Hua C, Lin X. Updates on Diagnosis and Treatment of PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum. Ann Plast Surg 2023; 90:S209-S215. [PMID: 36729078 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003389] [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: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway caused by PIK3CA mutations is associated with a category of overgrowth syndromes that are defined as PIK3CA -related overgrowth spectrum (PROS). The clinical features of PROS are highly heterogeneous and usually present as vascular malformations, bone and soft tissue overgrowth, and neurological and visceral abnormalities. Detection of PIK3CA variants is necessary for diagnosis and provides the basis for targeted therapy for PROS. Drugs that inhibit the PI3K pathway offer alternatives to conventional therapies. This article reviews the current knowledge of PROS and summarizes the latest progress in precise treatment, providing new insights into future therapies and research goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Chen
- From the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Kurma K, Zeybek Kuyucu A, Roth GS, Sturm N, Mercey-Ressejac M, Abbadessa G, Yu Y, Lerat H, Marche PN, Decaens T, Macek Jilkova Z. Effect of Novel AKT Inhibitor Vevorisertib as Single Agent and in Combination with Sorafenib on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Cirrhotic Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416206. [PMID: 36555845 PMCID: PMC9784348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The AKT pathway is often activated in HCC cases, and a longer exposure to tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib may lead to over-activation of the AKT pathway, leading to HCC resistance. Here, we studied the efficacy of a new generation of allosteric AKT inhibitor, vevorisertib, alone or in combination with sorafenib. To identify specific adverse effects related to the background of cirrhosis, we used a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced cirrhotic rat model. Vevorisertib was tested in vitro on Hep3B, HepG2, HuH7 and PLC/PRF cell lines. Rats were treated weekly with intra-peritoneal injections of DEN for 14 weeks to obtain cirrhosis with fully developed HCC. After that, rats were randomized into four groups (n = 7/group): control, sorafenib, vevorisertib and the combination of vevorisertib + sorafenib, and treated for 6 weeks. Tumor progression was followed by MRI. We demonstrated that the vevorisertib is a highly potent treatment, blocking the phosphorylation of AKT. The tumor progression in the rat liver was significantly reduced by treatment with vevorisertib + sorafenib (49.4%) compared to the control group (158.8%, p < 0.0001). Tumor size, tumor number and tumor cell proliferation were significantly reduced in both the vevorisertib group and vevorisertib + sorafenib groups compared to the control group. Sirius red staining showed an improvement in liver fibrosis by vevorisertib and the combination treatment. Moreover, vevorisertib + sorafenib treatment was associated with a normalization in the liver vasculature. Altogether, vevorisertib as a single agent and its combination with sorafenib exerted a strong suppression of tumor progression and improved liver fibrosis. Thus, results provide a rationale for testing vevorisertib in clinical settings and confirm the importance of targeting AKT in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Kurma
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Ayca Zeybek Kuyucu
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Gaël S. Roth
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Nathalie Sturm
- Pathology and Cytology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
- T-RAIG, TIMC, University Grenoble-Alpes/CNRS UMR5525, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Marion Mercey-Ressejac
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Yi Yu
- ArQule Inc., Burlington, MA 01803, USA
| | - Herve Lerat
- Unité Mixte de Service hTAG, Grenoble Alpes University, Inserm US046, CNRS UAR2019, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Correspondence:
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Co-Targeting ErbB Receptors and the PI3K/AKT Axis in Androgen-Independent Taxane-Sensitive and Taxane-Resistant Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194626. [PMID: 36230550 PMCID: PMC9561990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Advanced prostate cancer that has progressed after standard therapies such as hormone therapy and taxane-based chemotherapies is an invariably lethal disease state with limited treatment options. There remains an important need to continue to identify new treatment approaches for such patients. We used two cell culture models of prostate cancer that are resistant to hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, and which also manifest some characteristics that are often associated with advanced prostate cancer, such as neuroendocrine differentiation, to evaluate the potential anti-cancer effects of targeting the key molecules, ErbB receptors and AKT. Using several complementary approaches, we found that the concurrent targeting of ErbB receptors and AKT with specific inhibitors was more effective than targeting each of them individually, independent of the underlying molecular characteristics or relative degrees of resistance to the taxanes that defined the prostate cancer models that were studied. Enhanced anti-tumor responses occurred both in vitro and in vivo with dual targeting, with the consistent inhibition particularly of AKT occurring in both settings. These studies provide a framework to evaluate the role of signal pathway modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy in treatment-refractory prostate cancer. Abstract Using two representative models of androgen-independent prostate cancer (PCa), PC3 and DU145, and their respective paclitaxel- and docetaxel-resistant derivatives, we explored the anti-tumor activity of targeting the ErbB receptors and AKT using small-molecule kinase inhibitors. These cells manifest varying degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation characteristics and differ in their expression of functional PTEN. Although the specific downstream signaling events post the ErbB receptor and AKT co-targeting varied between the PC3- and DU145-lineage cells, synergistic anti-proliferative and enhanced pro-apoptotic responses occurred across the wild-type and the taxane-resistant cells, independent of their basal AKT activation state, their degree of paclitaxel- or docetaxel-resistance, or whether this resistance was mediated by the ATP Binding Cassette transport proteins. Dual targeting also led to enhanced anti-tumor responses in vivo, although there was pharmacodynamic discordance between the PCa cells in culture versus the tumor xenografts in terms of the relative activation and inhibition states of AKT and ERK under basal conditions and upon AKT and/or ErbB targeting. The consistent inhibition, particularly of AKT, occurred both in vitro and in vivo, independent of the underlying PTEN status. Thus, co-targeting AKT with ErbB, and possibly other partners, may be a useful strategy to explore further for potential therapeutic effect in advanced PCa.
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11
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Arter C, Trask L, Ward S, Yeoh S, Bayliss R. Structural features of the protein kinase domain and targeted binding by small-molecule inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102247. [PMID: 35830914 PMCID: PMC9382423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are key components in cellular signaling pathways as they carry out the phosphorylation of proteins, primarily on Ser, Thr, and Tyr residues. The catalytic activity of protein kinases is regulated, and they can be thought of as molecular switches that are controlled through protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications. Protein kinases exhibit diverse structural mechanisms of regulation and have been fascinating subjects for structural biologists from the first crystal structure of a protein kinase over 30 years ago, to recent insights into kinase assemblies enabled by the breakthroughs in cryo-EM. Protein kinases are high-priority targets for drug discovery in oncology and other disease settings, and kinase inhibitors have transformed the outcomes of specific groups of patients. Most kinase inhibitors are ATP competitive, deriving potency by occupying the deep hydrophobic pocket at the heart of the kinase domain. Selectivity of inhibitors depends on exploiting differences between the amino acids that line the ATP site and exploring the surrounding pockets that are present in inactive states of the kinase. More recently, allosteric pockets outside the ATP site are being targeted to achieve high selectivity and to overcome resistance to current therapeutics. Here, we review the key regulatory features of the protein kinase family, describe the different types of kinase inhibitors, and highlight examples where the understanding of kinase regulatory mechanisms has gone hand in hand with the development of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Arter
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Trask
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Ward
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Yeoh
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
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12
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Honsho M, Mawatari S, Fujiki Y. ATP8B2-Mediated Asymmetric Distribution of Plasmalogens Regulates Plasmalogen Homeostasis and Plays a Role in Intracellular Signaling. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:915457. [PMID: 35832735 PMCID: PMC9271795 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.915457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmalogens are a subclass of glycerophospholipid containing vinyl-ether bond at the sn-1 position of glycerol backbone. Ethanolamine-containing plasmalogens (plasmalogens) are major constituents of cellular membranes in mammalian cells and de novo synthesis of plasmalogens largely contributes to the homeostasis of plasmalogens. Plasmalogen biosynthesis is regulated by a feedback mechanism that senses the plasmalogen level in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and regulates the stability of fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1 (Far1), a rate-limiting enzyme for plasmalogen biosynthesis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the localization of plasmalogens in cytoplasmic leaflet of plasma membrane remains unknown. To address this issue, we attempted to identify a potential transporter of plasmalogens from the outer to the inner leaflet of plasma membrane by focusing on phospholipid flippases, type-IV P-type adenosine triphosphatases (P4-ATPase), localized in the plasma membranes. We herein show that knockdown of ATP8B2 belonging to the class-1 P4-ATPase enhances localization of plasmalogens but not phosphatidylethanolamine in the extracellular leaflet and impairs plasmalogen-dependent degradation of Far1. Furthermore, phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) is downregulated by lowering the expression of ATP8B2, which leads to suppression of cell growth. Taken together, these results suggest that enrichment of plasmalogens in the cytoplasmic leaflet of plasma membranes is mediated by ATP8B2 and this asymmetric distribution of plasmalogens is required for sensing plasmalogens as well as phosphorylation of AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Honsho
- Department of Neuroinflammation and Brain Fatigue Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Institute of Rheological Functions of Food-Kyushu University Collaboration Program, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Masanori Honsho, ; Yukio Fujiki,
| | - Shiro Mawatari
- Institute of Rheological Functions of Food, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukio Fujiki
- Institute of Rheological Functions of Food-Kyushu University Collaboration Program, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, University of Hyogo, Hyogo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Masanori Honsho, ; Yukio Fujiki,
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13
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Salguero AL, Chen M, Balana AT, Chu N, Jiang H, Palanski BA, Bae H, Wright KM, Nathan S, Zhu H, Gabelli SB, Pratt MR, Cole PA. Multifaceted Regulation of Akt by Diverse C-Terminal Post-translational Modifications. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:68-76. [PMID: 34941261 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Akt is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that regulates cell growth and metabolism and is considered a therapeutic target for cancer. Regulation of Akt by membrane recruitment and post-translational modifications (PTMs) has been extensively studied. The most well-established mechanism for cellular Akt activation involves phosphorylation on its activation loop on Thr308 by PDK1 and on its C-terminal tail on Ser473 by mTORC2. In addition, dual phosphorylation on Ser477 and Thr479 has been shown to activate Akt. Other C-terminal tail PTMs have been identified, but their functional impacts have not been well-characterized. Here, we investigate the regulatory effects of phosphorylation of Tyr474 and O-GlcNAcylation of Ser473 on Akt. We use expressed protein ligation as a tool to produce semisynthetic Akt proteins containing phosphoTyr474 and O-GlcNAcSer473 to dissect the enzymatic functions of these PTMs. We find that O-GlcNAcylation at Ser473 and phosphorylation at Tyr474 can also partially increase Akt's kinase activity toward both peptide and protein substrates. Additionally, we performed kinase assays employing human protein microarrays to investigate global substrate specificity of Akt, comparing phosphorylated versus O-GlcNAcylated Ser473 forms. We observed a high similarity in the protein substrates phosphorylated by phosphoSer473 Akt and O-GlcNAcSer473 Akt. Two Akt substrates identified using microarrays, PPM1H, a protein phosphatase, and NEDD4L, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, were validated in solution-phase assays and cell transfection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta L. Salguero
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Maggie Chen
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Aaron T. Balana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Nam Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hanjie Jiang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Brad A. Palanski
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Hwan Bae
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Katharine M. Wright
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sara Nathan
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- The Center for High-Throughput Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Matthew R. Pratt
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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14
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Aurora A and AKT Kinase Signaling Associated with Primary Cilia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123602. [PMID: 34944109 PMCID: PMC8699881 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of kinase signaling is associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity; consequently, the kinases involved have become major therapeutic targets. While kinase signaling pathways play crucial roles in multiple cellular processes, the precise manner in which their dysregulation contributes to disease is dependent on the context; for example, the cell/tissue type or subcellular localization of the kinase or substrate. Thus, context-selective targeting of dysregulated kinases may serve to increase the therapeutic specificity while reducing off-target adverse effects. Primary cilia are antenna-like structures that extend from the plasma membrane and function by detecting extracellular cues and transducing signals into the cell. Cilia formation and signaling are dynamically regulated through context-dependent mechanisms; as such, dysregulation of primary cilia contributes to disease in a variety of ways. Here, we review the involvement of primary cilia-associated signaling through aurora A and AKT kinases with respect to cancer, obesity, and other ciliopathies.
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15
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Hua H, Zhang H, Chen J, Wang J, Liu J, Jiang Y. Targeting Akt in cancer for precision therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:128. [PMID: 34419139 PMCID: PMC8379749 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers-guided precision therapeutics has revolutionized the clinical development and administration of molecular-targeted anticancer agents. Tailored precision cancer therapy exhibits better response rate compared to unselective treatment. Protein kinases have critical roles in cell signaling, metabolism, proliferation, survival and migration. Aberrant activation of protein kinases is critical for tumor growth and progression. Hence, protein kinases are key targets for molecular targeted cancer therapy. The serine/threonine kinase Akt is frequently activated in various types of cancer. Activation of Akt promotes tumor progression and drug resistance. Since the first Akt inhibitor was reported in 2000, many Akt inhibitors have been developed and evaluated in either early or late stage of clinical trials, which take advantage of liquid biopsy and genomic or molecular profiling to realize personalized cancer therapy. Two inhibitors, capivasertib and ipatasertib, are being tested in phase III clinical trials for cancer therapy. Here, we highlight recent progress of Akt signaling pathway, review the up-to-date data from clinical studies of Akt inhibitors and discuss the potential biomarkers that may help personalized treatment of cancer with Akt inhibitors. In addition, we also discuss how Akt may confer the vulnerability of cancer cells to some kinds of anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jingzhu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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16
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Kozinova M, Joshi S, Ye S, Belinsky MG, Sharipova D, Farma JM, Reddy SS, Litwin S, Devarajan K, Campos AR, Yu Y, Schwartz B, von Mehren M, Rink L. Combined Inhibition of AKT and KIT Restores Expression of Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153699. [PMID: 34359600 PMCID: PMC8345102 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients develop resistance to the first-line KIT inhibitor, imatinib mesylate (IM), through acquisition of secondary mutations in KIT or bypass signaling pathway activation. In addition to KIT, AKT is a relevant target for inhibition, since the PI3K/AKT pathway is crucial for IM-resistant GIST survival. We evaluated the activity of a novel pan-AKT inhibitor, MK-4440 (formerly ARQ 751), as monotherapy and in combination with IM in GIST cell lines and preclinical models with varying IM sensitivities. Dual inhibition of KIT and AKT demonstrated synergistic effects in IM-sensitive and -resistant GIST cell lines. Proteomic analyses revealed upregulation of the tumor suppressor, PDCD4, in combination treated cells. Enhanced PDCD4 expression correlated to increased cell death. In vivo studies revealed superior efficacy of MK-4440/IM combination in an IM-sensitive preclinical model of GIST compared with either single agent. The combination demonstrated limited efficacy in two IM-resistant models, including a GIST patient-derived xenograft model possessing an exon 9 KIT mutation. These studies provide strong rationale for further use of AKT inhibition in combination with IM in primary GIST; however, alternative agents will need to be tested in combination with AKT inhibition in the resistant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marya Kozinova
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Radiobiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Shalina Joshi
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
| | - Shuai Ye
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
| | - Martin G. Belinsky
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
| | - Dinara Sharipova
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
| | - Jeffrey M. Farma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (J.M.F.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Sanjay S. Reddy
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (J.M.F.); (S.S.R.)
| | - Samuel Litwin
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (S.L.); (K.D.)
| | - Karthik Devarajan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (S.L.); (K.D.)
| | - Alex Rosa Campos
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Yi Yu
- ArQuIe Inc., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Known as MSD Outside the United States and Canada), Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (Y.Y.); (B.S.)
| | - Brian Schwartz
- ArQuIe Inc., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Known as MSD Outside the United States and Canada), Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (Y.Y.); (B.S.)
| | - Margaret von Mehren
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Lori Rink
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; (M.K.); (S.J.); (S.Y.); (M.G.B.); (D.S.); (M.v.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(215)-214-1608
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17
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Maddali NK, Ivaturi VKV, Murthy Yellajyosula LN, Malkhed V, Brahman PK, Pindiprolu SKSS, Kondaparthi V, Nethinti SR. New 1,2,4‐Triazole Scaffolds as Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202101387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Kumar Maddali
- Department of Chemistry Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Green Fields Guntur Andhra Pradesh 522502 India
| | | | | | - Vasavi Malkhed
- Department of Chemistry University College of Science, Saifabad Osmania University Hyderabad Telangana 500004 India
- Molecular Modelling Research Laboratory Department of Chemistry Osmania University Hyderabad Telangana 500007 India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Brahman
- Department of Chemistry Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Green Fields Guntur Andhra Pradesh 522502 India
| | - Sai Kiran S. S. Pindiprolu
- Department of Pharmacology Aditya Pharmacy College Surampalem, East Godavari District Andhra Pradesh 533437 India
| | - Vani Kondaparthi
- Molecular Modelling Research Laboratory Department of Chemistry Osmania University Hyderabad Telangana 500007 India
| | - Sundara Rao Nethinti
- Department of Organic Chemistry Andhra University Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh 530003 India
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18
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Yu L, Wei J, Liu P. Attacking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapeutic treatment in human cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:69-94. [PMID: 34175443 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of human death globally. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling pathways observed in cancer patients that plays crucial roles in promoting tumor initiation, progression and therapy responses. This is largely due to that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is indispensable for many cellular biological processes, including cell growth, metastasis, survival, metabolism, and others. As such, small molecule inhibitors targeting major kinase components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway have drawn extensive attention and been developed and evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials. Targeting a single kinase component within this signaling usually causes growth arrest rather than apoptosis associated with toxicity-induced adverse effects in patients. Combination therapies including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors show improved patient response and clinical outcome, albeit developed resistance has been reported. In this review, we focus on revealing the mechanisms leading to the hyperactivation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in cancer and summarizing efforts for developing PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors as either mono-therapy or combination therapy in different cancer settings. We hope that this review will facilitate further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR oncogenic signaling in cancer and provide insights into possible future directions for targeted therapeutic regimen for cancer treatment, by developing new agents, drug delivery systems, or combination regimen to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This information will also provide effective patient stratification strategy to improve the patient response and clinical outcome for cancer patients with deregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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19
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Wiechmann S, Ruprecht B, Siekmann T, Zheng R, Frejno M, Kunold E, Bajaj T, Zolg DP, Sieber SA, Gassen NC, Kuster B. Chemical Phosphoproteomics Sheds New Light on the Targets and Modes of Action of AKT Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:631-641. [PMID: 33755436 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to its important roles in oncogenic signaling, AKT has been subjected to extensive drug discovery efforts leading to small molecule inhibitors investigated in advanced clinical trials. To better understand how these drugs exert their therapeutic effects at the molecular level, we combined chemoproteomic target affinity profiling using kinobeads and phosphoproteomics to analyze the five clinical AKT inhibitors AZD5363 (Capivasertib), GSK2110183 (Afuresertib), GSK690693, Ipatasertib, and MK-2206 in BT-474 breast cancer cells. Kinobead profiling identified between four and 29 nM targets for these compounds and showed that AKT1 and AKT2 were the only common targets. Similarly, measuring the response of the phosphoproteome to the same inhibitors identified ∼1700 regulated phosphorylation sites, 276 of which were perturbed by all five compounds. This analysis expanded the known AKT signaling network by 119 phosphoproteins that may represent direct or indirect targets of AKT. Within this new network, 41 regulated phosphorylation sites harbor the AKT substrate motif, and recombinant kinase assays validated 16 as novel AKT substrates. These included CEP170 and FAM83H, suggesting a regulatory function of AKT in mitosis and cytoskeleton organization. In addition, a specific phosphorylation pattern on the ULK1-FIP200-ATG13-VAPB complex was found to determine the active state of ULK1, leading to elevated autophagy in response to AKT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Wiechmann
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ruprecht
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Theresa Siekmann
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Runsheng Zheng
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Frejno
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Elena Kunold
- Organic Chemistry II, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Thomas Bajaj
- Department of Psychiatry, Bonn Clinical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel P. Zolg
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Stephan A. Sieber
- Organic Chemistry II, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Nils C. Gassen
- Department of Psychiatry, Bonn Clinical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, 85354 Freising, Germany
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20
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Varela NM, Guevara-Ramírez P, Acevedo C, Zambrano T, Armendáriz-Castillo I, Guerrero S, Quiñones LA, López-Cortés A. A New Insight for the Identification of Oncogenic Variants in Breast and Prostate Cancers in Diverse Human Populations, With a Focus on Latinos. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:630658. [PMID: 33912047 PMCID: PMC8072346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.630658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BRCA) and prostate cancer (PRCA) are the most commonly diagnosed cancer types in Latin American women and men, respectively. Although in recent years large-scale efforts from international consortia have focused on improving precision oncology, a better understanding of genomic features of BRCA and PRCA in developing regions and racial/ethnic minority populations is still required. Methods: To fill in this gap, we performed integrated in silico analyses to elucidate oncogenic variants from BRCA and PRCA driver genes; to calculate their deleteriousness scores and allele frequencies from seven human populations worldwide, including Latinos; and to propose the most effective therapeutic strategies based on precision oncology. Results: We analyzed 339,100 variants belonging to 99 BRCA and 82 PRCA driver genes and identified 18,512 and 15,648 known/predicted oncogenic variants, respectively. Regarding known oncogenic variants, we prioritized the most frequent and deleterious variants of BRCA (n = 230) and PRCA (n = 167) from Latino, African, Ashkenazi Jewish, East Asian, South Asian, European Finnish, and European non-Finnish populations, to incorporate them into pharmacogenomics testing. Lastly, we identified which oncogenic variants may shape the response to anti-cancer therapies, detailing the current status of pharmacogenomics guidelines and clinical trials involved in BRCA and PRCA cancer driver proteins. Conclusion: It is imperative to unify efforts where developing countries might invest in obtaining databases of genomic profiles of their populations, and developed countries might incorporate racial/ethnic minority populations in future clinical trials and cancer researches with the overall objective of fomenting pharmacogenomics in clinical practice and public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson M Varela
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Guevara-Ramírez
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian Acevedo
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, Clinical Hospital University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tomás Zambrano
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Isaac Armendáriz-Castillo
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Santiago Guerrero
- Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Luis A Quiñones
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Basic and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés López-Cortés
- Latin American Network for the Implementation and Validation of Clinical Pharmacogenomics Guidelines (RELIVAF-CYTED), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador.,Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Faculty of Computer Science, University of A Coruna, A Coruña, Spain
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21
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Nussinov R, Jang H, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Gaponenko V. Inhibition of Nonfunctional Ras. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:121-133. [PMID: 33440168 PMCID: PMC7897307 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intuitively, functional states should be targeted; not nonfunctional ones. So why could drugging the inactive K-Ras4BG12Cwork-but drugging the inactive kinase will likely not? The reason is the distinct oncogenic mechanisms. Kinase driver mutations work by stabilizing the active state and/or destabilizing the inactive state. Either way, oncogenic kinases are mostly in the active state. Ras driver mutations work by quelling its deactivation mechanisms, GTP hydrolysis, and nucleotide exchange. Covalent inhibitors that bind to the inactive GDP-bound K-Ras4BG12C conformation can thus work. By contrast, in kinases, allosteric inhibitors work by altering the active-site conformation to favor orthosteric drugs. From the translational standpoint this distinction is vital: it expedites effective pharmaceutical development and extends the drug classification based on the mechanism of action. Collectively, here we postulate that drug action relates to blocking the mechanism of activation, not to whether the protein is in the active or inactive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Department of Computer Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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22
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A Crosstalk Between Dual-Specific Phosphatases and Dual-Specific Protein Kinases Can Be A Potential Therapeutic Target for Anti-cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1275:357-382. [PMID: 33539023 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49844-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play an initiative role in growth factor-mediated cellular processes, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) negatively regulates these processes, acting as tumor suppressors. Besides selective tyrosine dephosphorylation of PTKs via PTPs may affect oncogenic pathways during carcinogenesis. The PTP family contains a group of dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) that regulate the activity of Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are key effectors in the control of cell growth, proliferation and survival. Abnormal MAPK signaling is critical for initiation and progression stages of carcinogenesis. Since depletion of DUSP-MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) can reduce tumorigenicity, altering MAPK signaling by DUSP-MKP inhibitors could be a novel strategy in anti-cancer therapy. Moreover, Cdc25A is, a DUSP and a key regulator of the cell cycle, promotes cell cycle progression by dephosphorylating and activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). Cdc25A-CDK pathway is a novel mechanism in carcinogenesis. Besides the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase inhibitors or mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibition in combination with the dual phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/mTOR or AKT kinase inhibitors are more effective in inhibiting the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and cap-dependent translation. Dual targeting of the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways regulates cellular growth, proliferation and survival. Like the Cdc2-like kinases (CLK), dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) are essential for the regulation of cell fate. The crosstalk between dual-specific phosphatases and dual- specific protein kinases is a novel drug target for anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, the focus of this chapter involves protein kinase modules, critical biochemical checkpoints of cancer therapy and the synergistic effects of protein kinases and anti-cancer molecules.
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