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Paccez JD, Foret CLM, de Vasconcellos JF, Donaldson L, Zerbini LF. DCUN1D1 and neddylation: Potential targets for cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167308. [PMID: 38885797 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167308] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer affects millions of people and understanding the molecular mechanisms related to disease development and progression is essential to manage the disease. Post-translational modification (PTM) processes such as ubiquitination and neddylation have a significant role in cancer development and progression by regulating protein stability, function, and interaction with other biomolecules. Both ubiquitination and neddylation are analogous processes that involves a series of enzymatic steps leading to the covalent attachment of ubiquitin or NEDD8 to target proteins. Neddylation modifies the CRL family of E3 ligase and regulates target proteins' function and stability. The DCUN1D1 protein is a regulator of protein neddylation and ubiquitination and acts promoting the neddylation of the cullin family components of E3-CRL complexes and is known to be upregulated in several types of cancers. In this review we compare the PTM ubiquitination and neddylation. Our discussion is focused on the neddylation process and the role of DCUN1D1 protein in cancer development. Furthermore, we provide describe DCUN1D1 protein and discuss its role in pathogenesis and signalling pathway in six different types of cancer. Additionally, we explore both the neddylation and DCUN1D1 pathways as potential druggable targets for therapeutic interventions. We focus our analysis on the development of compounds that target specifically neddylation or DCUN1D1. Finally, we provide a critical analysis about the challenges and perspectives in the field of DCUN1D1 and neddylation in cancer research. KEY POINTS: Neddylation is a post-translational modification that regulates target proteins' function and stability. One regulator of the neddylation process is a protein named DCUN1D1 and it is known to have its expression deregulated in several types of cancers. Here, we provide a detailed description of DCUN1D1 structure and its consequence for the development of cancer. We discuss both the neddylation and DCUN1D1 pathways as potential druggable targets for therapeutic interventions and provide a critical analysis about the challenges and perspectives in the field of DCUN1D1 and neddylation in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano D Paccez
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Chiara L M Foret
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Integrative Biomedical Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Lara Donaldson
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Luiz F Zerbini
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
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2
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Tang H, Pang X, Li S, Tang L. The Double-Edged Effects of MLN4924: Rethinking Anti-Cancer Drugs Targeting the Neddylation Pathway. Biomolecules 2024; 14:738. [PMID: 39062453 PMCID: PMC11274557 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The neddylation pathway assumes a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of cancer. MLN4924, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), effectively intervenes in the early stages of the neddylation pathway. By instigating diverse cellular responses, such as senescence and apoptosis in cancer cells, MLN4924 also exerts regulatory effects on non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor virus-infected cells, thereby impeding the onset of tumors. Consequently, MLN4924 has been widely acknowledged as a potent anti-cancer drug. (2) Recent findings: Nevertheless, recent findings have illuminated additional facets of the neddylation pathway, revealing its active involvement in various biological processes detrimental to the survival of cancer cells. This newfound understanding underscores the dual role of MLN4924 in tumor therapy, characterized by both anti-cancer and pro-cancer effects. This dichotomy is herein referred to as the "double-edged effects" of MLN4924. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between the neddylation pathway and cancer, offering a mechanistic exploration and analysis of the causes underlying the double-edged effects of MLN4924-specifically, the accumulation of pro-cancer neddylation substrates. (3) Perspectives: Here, the objective is to furnish theoretical support and novel insights that can guide the development of next-generation anti-cancer drugs targeting the neddylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoming Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (H.T.); (X.P.)
| | - Xin Pang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (H.T.); (X.P.)
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, People’s Hospital of Longhua, Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; (H.T.); (X.P.)
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Wang J, Wang Y, Jiang X, Xu M, Wang M, Wang R, Zheng B, Chen M, Ke Q, Long J. Unleashing the power of immune checkpoints: Post-translational modification of novel molecules and clinical applications. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216758. [PMID: 38401885 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216758] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules play a pivotal role in the initiation, regulation, and termination of immune responses. Tumor cells exploit these checkpoints to dampen immune cell function, facilitating immune evasion. Clinical interventions target this mechanism by obstructing the binding of immune checkpoints to their ligands, thereby restoring the anti-tumor capabilities of immune cells. Notably, therapies centered on immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blocking antibodies, have demonstrated significant clinical promise. However, a considerable portion of patients still encounter suboptimal efficacy and develop resistance. Recent years have witnessed an exponential surge in preclinical and clinical trials investigating novel immune checkpoint molecules such as TIM3, LAG3, TIGIT, NKG2D, and CD47, along with their respective ligands. The processes governing immune checkpoint molecules, from their synthesis to transmembrane deployment, interaction with ligands, and eventual degradation, are intricately tied to post-translational modifications. These modifications encompass glycosylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, neddylation, SUMOylation, palmitoylation, and ectodomain shedding. This discussion proceeds to provide a concise overview of the structural characteristics of several novel immune checkpoints and their ligands. Additionally, it outlines the regulatory mechanisms governed by post-translational modifications, offering insights into their potential clinical applications in immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Yian Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Meifang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meifeng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Boshu Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology & Diagnostic Pathology Center, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingfen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qi Ke
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Long
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute & Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Kim S, Chung H, Kwak JE, Kim YR, Park CH, Kim Y, Cheong JW, Wu J, Shin EC, Cho H, Kim JS. Clearing soluble MIC reverses the impaired function of natural killer cells from patients with multiple myeloma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007886. [PMID: 38191242 PMCID: PMC10806558 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related protein (MIC) is a stress-induced ligand released from multiple myeloma (MM) cells during progression, and soluble MIC impairs natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) activating receptor-mediated recognition and function of natural killer (NK) cells. However, whether clearing soluble MIC with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) can restore NK cell activity of MM patients remains undetermined. METHODS We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass data set to examine the prognostic significance of MIC expression in MM. We examined the level of soluble MIC in paired peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) plasma of patients with MM at diagnosis by ELISA. We evaluated the correlation between the level of soluble MIC and immunophenotype of NK cells from MM patients by multicolor flow cytometry. We also generated MIC-overexpressing MM cell line and characterized the cytotoxic function of patient NK cells in the presence of soluble MIC, and examined the impact of clearing soluble MIC with a humanized mAb (huB10G5). RESULTS We characterize the importance of MICA in MM by revealing the significantly better overall survival of patients with high MICA expression from TCGA MMRF CoMMpass data set. The level of soluble MICA is more highly elevated in MM than in precursor stages, and the concentration of soluble MICA is higher in BM plasma than in PB. The concentration of soluble MICA in BM was correlated with myeloma burden, while it was negatively correlated with the frequency of NKG2D+ NK cells in diagnostic BM aspirates of MM patients. Soluble MICA downregulated NKG2D expression and decreased cytotoxicity of MM patient NK cells ex vivo, which were reversed by a humanized soluble MIC-clearing mAb (huB10G5) with enhanced degranulation of NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate targeting soluble MIC with huB10G5 might be a viable therapeutic approach to promote NKG2D-dependent cellular immunotherapy outcome in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojeong Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Haerim Chung
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jeong-Eun Kwak
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yu Ri Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Chung Hyun Park
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yeonhee Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - June-Won Cheong
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Department of Urology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hyunsoo Cho
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jin Seok Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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Mao H, Lin X, Sun Y. Neddylation Regulation of Immune Responses. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0283. [PMID: 38434245 PMCID: PMC10907026 DOI: 10.34133/research.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Neddylation plays a vital role in post-translational modification, intricately shaping the regulation of diverse biological processes, including those related to cellular immune responses. In fact, neddylation exerts control over both innate and adaptive immune systems via various mechanisms. Specifically, neddylation influences the function and survival of innate immune cells, activation of pattern recognition receptors and GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathways, as well as the release of various cytokines in innate immune reactions. Moreover, neddylation also governs the function and survival of antigen-presenting cells, which are crucial for initiating adaptive immune reactions. In addition, neddylation regulates T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and their effector functions, thereby ensuring an appropriate adaptive immune response. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings in these aspects and delve into the connection between dysregulated neddylation events and immunological disorders, especially inflammatory diseases. Lastly, we propose future directions and potential treatments for these diseases by targeting neddylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Mao
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education) of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine,
Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Institute for Immunology, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education) of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine,
Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health,
Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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6
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Guo ZS. Oncolytic virus and inhibitor for NEDD8-activating enzyme pevonedistat: Promising combination for cancer therapy? Mol Ther 2023; 31:3112-3114. [PMID: 37865096 PMCID: PMC10638040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zong Sheng Guo
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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7
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Aubry A, Pearson JD, Charish J, Yu T, Sivak JM, Xirodimas DP, Avet-Loiseau H, Corre J, Monnier PP, Bremner R. Deneddylation of ribosomal proteins promotes synergy between MLN4924 and chemotherapy to elicit complete therapeutic responses. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112925. [PMID: 37552601 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The neddylation inhibitor MLN4924/Pevonedistat is in clinical trials for multiple cancers. Efficacy is generally attributed to cullin RING ligase (CRL) inhibition, but the contribution of non-CRL targets is unknown. Here, CRISPR screens map MLN4924-monotherapy sensitivity in retinoblastoma to a classic DNA damage-induced p53/E2F3/BAX-dependent death effector network, which synergizes with Nutlin3a or Navitoclax. In monotherapy-resistant cells, MLN4924 plus standard-of-care topotecan overcomes resistance, but reduces DNA damage, instead harnessing ribosomal protein nucleolar-expulsion to engage an RPL11/p21/MYCN/E2F3/p53/BAX synergy network that exhibits extensive cross-regulation. Strikingly, unneddylatable RPL11 substitutes for MLN4924 to perturb nucleolar function and enhance topotecan efficacy. Orthotopic tumors exhibit complete responses while preserving visual function. Moreover, MLN4924 plus melphalan deploy this DNA damage-independent strategy to synergistically kill multiple myeloma cells. Thus, MLN4924 synergizes with standard-of-care drugs to unlock a nucleolar death effector network across cancer types implying broad therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Aubry
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre Hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-O), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Unité de Génomique du Myélome, Toulouse, France
| | - Joel D Pearson
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Charish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tao Yu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Sivak
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hervé Avet-Loiseau
- Centre Hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-O), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Unité de Génomique du Myélome, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | - Jill Corre
- Centre Hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-O), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Unité de Génomique du Myélome, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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8
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Tan G, Spillane KM, Maher J. The Role and Regulation of the NKG2D/NKG2D Ligand System in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1079. [PMID: 37626965 PMCID: PMC10452210 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The family of human NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) consists of eight stress-induced molecules. Over 80% of human cancers express these ligands on the surface of tumour cells and/or associated stromal elements. In mice, NKG2D deficiency increases susceptibility to some types of cancer, implicating this system in immune surveillance for malignancy. However, NKG2DL can also be shed, released via exosomes and trapped intracellularly, leading to immunosuppressive effects. Moreover, NKG2D can enhance chronic inflammatory processes which themselves can increase cancer risk and progression. Indeed, tumours commonly deploy a range of countermeasures that can neutralise or even corrupt this surveillance system, tipping the balance away from immune control towards tumour progression. Consequently, the prognostic impact of NKG2DL expression in human cancer is variable. In this review, we consider the underlying biology and regulation of the NKG2D/NKG2DL system and its expression and role in a range of cancer types. We also consider the opportunities for pharmacological modulation of NKG2DL expression while cautioning that such interventions need to be carefully calibrated according to the biology of the specific cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Tan
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | | | - John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK;
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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9
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Wang X, Chen C, Vuong D, Rodriguez-Rodriguez S, Lam V, Roleder C, Wang JH, Thiruvengadam SK, Berger A, Pennock N, Torka P, Hernandez-Ilizaliturri F, Siddiqi T, Wang L, Xia Z, Danilov AV. Pharmacologic targeting of Nedd8-activating enzyme reinvigorates T-cell responses in lymphoid neoplasia. Leukemia 2023; 37:1324-1335. [PMID: 37031300 PMCID: PMC10244170 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Neddylation is a sequential enzyme-based process which regulates the function of E3 Cullin-RING ligase (CRL) and thus degradation of substrate proteins. Here we show that CD8+ T cells are a direct target for therapeutically relevant anti-lymphoma activity of pevonedistat, a Nedd8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor. Pevonedistat-treated patient-derived CD8+ T cells upregulated TNFα and IFNγ and exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity. Pevonedistat induced CD8+ T-cell inflamed microenvironment and delayed tumor progression in A20 syngeneic lymphoma model. This anti-tumor effect lessened when CD8+ T cells lost the ability to engage tumors through MHC class I interactions, achieved either through CD8+ T-cell depletion or genetic knockout of B2M. Meanwhile, loss of UBE2M in tumor did not alter efficacy of pevonedistat. Concurrent blockade of NAE and PD-1 led to enhanced tumor immune infiltration, T-cell activation and chemokine expression and synergistically restricted tumor growth. shRNA-mediated knockdown of HIF-1α, a CRL substrate, abrogated the in vitro effects of pevonedistat, suggesting that NAE inhibition modulates T-cell function in HIF-1α-dependent manner. scRNA-Seq-based clinical analyses in lymphoma patients receiving pevonedistat therapy demonstrated upregulation of interferon response signatures in immune cells. Thus, targeting NAE enhances the inflammatory T-cell state, providing rationale for checkpoint blockade-based combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Canping Chen
- Computational Biology Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Dan Vuong
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | | | - Vi Lam
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Carly Roleder
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jing H Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Nathan Pennock
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Pallawi Torka
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Zheng Xia
- Computational Biology Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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10
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Molfetta R, Petillo S, Cippitelli M, Paolini R. SUMOylation and related post-translational modifications in natural killer cell anti-cancer responses. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213114. [PMID: 37313439 PMCID: PMC10258607 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a reversible modification that involves the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to target proteins, leading to changes in their localization, function, stability, and interactor profile. SUMOylation and additional related post-translational modifications have emerged as important modulators of various biological processes, including regulation of genomic stability and immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that play a critical role in host defense against viral infections and tumors. NK cells can recognize and kill infected or transformed cells without prior sensitization, and their activity is tightly regulated by a balance of activating and inhibitory receptors. Expression of NK cell receptors as well as of their specific ligands on target cells is finely regulated during malignant transformation through the integration of different mechanisms including ubiquitin- and ubiquitin-like post-translational modifications. Our review summarizes the role of SUMOylation and other related pathways in the biology of NK cells with a special emphasis on the regulation of their response against cancer. The development of novel selective inhibitors as useful tools to potentiate NK-cell mediated killing of tumor cells is also briefly discussed.
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11
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Alkhayer R, Ponath V, Frech M, Adhikary T, Graumann J, Neubauer A, von Strandmann EP. KLF4-mediated upregulation of the NKG2D ligand MICA in acute myeloid leukemia: a novel therapeutic target identified by enChIP. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:94. [PMID: 37143070 PMCID: PMC10157933 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01118-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunoreceptor NKG2D, which is expressed on NK cells and T cell subsets is critically involved in tumor immune surveillance. This applies in particular to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which evades immune detection by downregulation of NKG2D ligands (NKG2D-L), including MICA. The absence of NKG2D-L on AML cells is moreover associated with leukemia stem cell characteristics. The NKG2D/NKG2D-L system thus qualifies as an interesting and promising therapeutic target.Here we aimed to identify transcription factors susceptible to pharmacological stimulation resulting in the expression of the NKG2D-L MICA in AML cells to restore anti-tumor activity. Using a CRISPR-based engineered ChIP (enChIP) assay for the MICA promoter region and readout by mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we identified the transcription factor krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) as associated with the promoter. We demonstrated that the MICA promoter comprises functional binding sites for KLF4 and genetic as well as pharmacological gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed inducible MICA expression to be mediated by KLF4.Furthermore, induction in AML cells was achieved with the small compound APTO253, a KLF4 activator, which also inhibits MYC expression and causes DNA damage. This induction in turn yielded increased expression and cell surface presentation of MICA, thus rendering AML cells more susceptible to NK cell-mediated killing. These data unravel a novel link between APTO253 and the innate anti-tumor immune response providing a rationale for targeting AML cells via APTO253-dependent KFL4/MICA induction to allow elimination by endogenous or transplanted NK and T cells in vivo. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Alkhayer
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Viviane Ponath
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Frech
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Till Adhikary
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Institute for Medical Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Institute of Translational Proteomics, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neubauer
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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Meszka I, Polanowska J, Xirodimas DP. Mixed in chains: NEDD8 polymers in the Protein Quality Control system. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:27-37. [PMID: 35078718 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modification of proteins with the Ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8 is a critical regulatory mechanism for several biological processes and a potential target for therapeutic intervention. The role of NEDD8 has been mainly characterised through its modification as single moiety on the cullin family of proteins and control of Cullin-Ring-Ligases, but also on non-cullin substrates. In addition to monoNEDDylation, recent studies have now revealed that NEDD8 can also generate diverse polymers. This is either through modification of the 9 available lysines in NEDD8 and the formation of polyNEDD8 chains, or NEDDylation of Ubiquitin and SUMO-2 for the generation of hybrid NEDD8 chains. Here, we review recent findings that characterise the formation of NEDD8 polymers under distinct modes of protein NEDDylation (canonical/atypical) and their potential role as regulatory signals of the proteotoxic stress response and the Protein Quality Control system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Meszka
- CRBM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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Soares NC, Ali A, Srinivasulu V, Sharaf BM, Giddey AD, Okendo J, Al-Hroub HM, Semreen MH, Hamad M, Al-Tel TH. Unveiling the mechanism of action of nature-inspired anti-cancer compounds using a multi-omics approach. J Proteomics 2022; 265:104660. [PMID: 35728772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104660] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The 2020 global cancer registry has ranked breast cancer (BCa) as the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Increasing resistance and significant side effects continue to limit the efficacy of anti-BCa drugs, hence the need to identify new drug targets and to develop novel compounds to overcome these limitations. Nature-inspired anti-cancer compounds are becoming increasingly popular since they often provide a relatively safe and effective alternative. In this study, we employed multi-omics techniques to gain insights into the relevant mechanism of action of two recently identified new nature-inspired anti-cancer compounds (SIMR3066 and SIMR3058). Discovery proteomics analysis combined with LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on compound-treated vs DMSO-treated (control) MCF-7 cells. Downstream protein functional enrichment analysis showed that most of the responsive proteins were functionally associated with antigen processing and neutrophil degranulation, RNA catabolism and protein folding as well as cytoplasmic vesicle lumen and mitochondrial matrix formation. Consistent with the proteomics findings, metabolomic pathway analysis suggested that the differentially abundant compounds indicated altered metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, metabolomics-based enriched-for-action pathway analysis showed that the two compounds associate with mercaptopurine, thioguanine and azathioprine related pathways. Lastly, integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that treatment of BCa with SIMR3066 disrupts several signaling pathways including p53-mediated apoptosis and the circadian entertainment pathway. Overall, the multi-omics approach we used in this study indicated that it is a powerful tool in probing the mechanism of action of lead drug candidates. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study we adopted a multi-omics (proteomics and metabolomics) strategy to learn more about the molecular mechanisms of action of nature-inspired potential anticancer drugs. Following treatment with SIMR3066 or SIMR3058, the integration of these multi-omics data sets revealed which biological pathways are altered in BCa cells. This study demonstrates that combining proteomics with metabolomics is a powerful method to investigate the mechanism of action of potential anticancer lead drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson C Soares
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Amjad Ali
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vunnam Srinivasulu
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basma M Sharaf
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alexander D Giddey
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Javan Okendo
- Systems and Chemical Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Hamza M Al-Hroub
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad H Semreen
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Taleb H Al-Tel
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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