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Faida P, Attiogbe MKI, Majeed U, Zhao J, Qu L, Fan D. Lung cancer treatment potential and limits associated with the STAT family of transcription factors. Cell Signal 2023:110797. [PMID: 37423343 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110797] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the mortal cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a cancer survival rate of fewer than 5% in developing nations. This low survival rate can be linked to things like late-stage detection, quick postoperative recurrences in patients receiving therapy, and chemoresistance developing against various lung cancer treatments. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors are involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, immunological control, and treatment resistance. By interacting with specific DNA sequences, STAT proteins trigger the production of particular genes, which in turn result in adaptive and incredibly specific biological responses. In the human genome, seven STAT proteins have been discovered (STAT1 to STAT6, including STAT5a and STAT5b). Many external signaling proteins can activate unphosphorylated STATs (uSTATs), which are found inactively in the cytoplasm. When STAT proteins are activated, they can increase the transcription of several target genes, which leads to unchecked cellular proliferation, anti-apoptotic reactions, and angiogenesis. The effects of STAT transcription factors on lung cancer are variable; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic, while others maintain dual, context-dependent activities. Here, we give a succinct summary of the various functions that each member of the STAT family plays in lung cancer and go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paison Faida
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Mawusse K I Attiogbe
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Usman Majeed
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Linlin Qu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Daidi Fan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
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Xue C, Yao Q, Gu X, Shi Q, Yuan X, Chu Q, Bao Z, Lu J, Li L. Evolving cognition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway: autoimmune disorders and cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:204. [PMID: 37208335 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase (JAK) signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of transmembrane signal transduction that enables cells to communicate with the exterior environment. Various cytokines, interferons, growth factors, and other specific molecules activate JAK-STAT signaling to drive a series of physiological and pathological processes, including proliferation, metabolism, immune response, inflammation, and malignancy. Dysregulated JAK-STAT signaling and related genetic mutations are strongly associated with immune activation and cancer progression. Insights into the structures and functions of the JAK-STAT pathway have led to the development and approval of diverse drugs for the clinical treatment of diseases. Currently, drugs have been developed to mainly target the JAK-STAT pathway and are commonly divided into three subtypes: cytokine or receptor antibodies, JAK inhibitors, and STAT inhibitors. And novel agents also continue to be developed and tested in preclinical and clinical studies. The effectiveness and safety of each kind of drug also warrant further scientific trials before put into being clinical applications. Here, we review the current understanding of the fundamental composition and function of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. We also discuss advancements in the understanding of JAK-STAT-related pathogenic mechanisms; targeted JAK-STAT therapies for various diseases, especially immune disorders, and cancers; newly developed JAK inhibitors; and current challenges and directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinfan Yao
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingmiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengyi Bao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhu B, Zheng J, Hong G, Bai T, Qian W, Liu J, Hou X. L-Fucose inhibits the progression of cholangiocarcinoma by causing microRNA-200b overexpression. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:2956-2967. [PMID: 36728287 PMCID: PMC10106127 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002368] [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: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant biliary tract tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. There is an urgent demand to explore novel therapeutic strategies. L-fucose has been confirmed to participate in anti-inflammation and antitumor activities. However, the effect of L-fucose on the progression of CCA has not been well investigated. This study aimed to determine whether L-fucose induced the inhibition of CCA and its possible mechanism. METHODS The anti-growth activity was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assays, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (FITC/PI) assay, and cell cycle analysis. The anti-metastasis activity was determined by wound healing, transwell, and invasion assays. The anti-angiogenesis activity was determined by tube formation and transwell assays. MicroRNAs that may be involved in the L-fucose-induced CCA inhibition was analyzed using bioinformatics methods. The preclinical therapeutic efficacy was mainly estimated by ultrasound in xenograft nude mouse models. Differences were analyzed via Student's t test or one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS L-Fucose induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, inhibited cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CCA cells, and additionally inhibited tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a dose-dependent manner, leading to a decrease in cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, L-fucose induced microRNA-200b (miR-200b) upregulation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MAPK7) downregulation was found to be targeted by miR-200b, with decreased cell proliferation and metastasis. Additionally, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was found to be downregulated after L-fucose treatment. Finally, in vivo experiments in CCA xenograft models also confirmed the antitumor properties of L-fucose. CONCLUSION L-Fucose inhibited the progression of CCA via the miR-200b/MAPK7 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqiang Zhu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Department of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, China
| | - Gaichao Hong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Wei Qian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Xiaohua Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
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Acylhydrazones and Their Biological Activity: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248719. [PMID: 36557851 PMCID: PMC9783609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Due to the structure of acylhydrazones both by the pharmacophore -CO-NH-N= group and by the different substituents present in the molecules of compounds of this class, various pharmacological activities were reported, including antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiedematous, antiglaucomatous, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and actions on the central nervous system and on the cardiovascular system. This fragment is found in the structure of several drugs used in the therapy of some diseases that are at the top of public health problems, like microbial infections and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the acylhydrazone moiety is present in the structure of some compounds with possible applications in the treatment of other different pathologies, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. Considering these aspects, we consider that a study of the literature data regarding the structural and biological properties of these compounds is useful.
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Wang Y, Wang H, Hu L, Chen L. Leptin Gene Protects Against Cold Stress in Antarctic Toothfish. Front Physiol 2021; 12:740806. [PMID: 34975517 PMCID: PMC8715755 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.740806] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a cytokine-like peptide, predominantly biosynthesized in adipose tissue, which plays an important role in regulating food intake, energy balance and reproduction in mammals. However, how it may have been modified to enable life in the chronic cold is unclear. Here, we identified a leptin-a gene (lepa) in the cold-adapted and neutrally buoyant Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni that encodes a polypeptide carrying four α-helices and two cysteine residues forming in-chain disulfide bonds, structures shared by most vertebrate leptins. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that mRNA levels of the leptin-a gene of D. mawsoni (DM-lepa) were highest in muscle, followed by kidney and liver; detection levels were low in the gill, brain, intestine, and ovary tissues. Compared with leptin-a genes of fishes living in warmer waters, DM-lepa underwent rapid evolution and was subjected to positive selection. Over-expression of DM-lepa in the zebrafish cell line ZFL resulted in signal accumulation in the cytoplasm and significantly increased cell proliferation both at the normal culture temperature and under cold treatment. DM-lepa over-expression also reduced apoptosis under low-temperature stress and activated the STAT3 signaling pathway, in turn upregulating the anti-apoptotic proteins bcl2l1, bcl2a, myca and mdm2 while downregulating the pro-apoptotic baxa, p53 and caspase-3. These results demonstrate that DM-lepa, through STAT3 signaling, plays a protective role in cold stress by preventing apoptotic damage. Our study reveals a new role of lepa in polar fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huamin Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangbiao Chen
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Liangbiao Chen,
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Dong J, Cheng XD, Zhang WD, Qin JJ. Recent Update on Development of Small-Molecule STAT3 Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: From Phosphorylation Inhibition to Protein Degradation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8884-8915. [PMID: 34170703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that regulates various biological processes, including proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune response, and chemoresistance. In normal cells, STAT3 is tightly regulated to maintain a transiently active state, while persistent STAT3 activation occurs frequently in cancers, associating with a poor prognosis and tumor progression. Targeting the STAT3 protein is a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for tumors. Although none of the STAT3 inhibitors has been marketed yet, a few of them have succeeded in entering clinical trials. This Review aims to systematically summarize the progress of the last 5 years in the discovery of directive STAT3 small-molecule inhibitors and degraders, focusing primarily on their structural features, design strategies, and bioactivities. We hope this Review will shed light on future drug design and inhibitor optimization to accelerate the discovery process of STAT3 inhibitors or degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyun Dong
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Cheng
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
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Towards the Inhibition of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) in STAT3: Insights into a New Class of Benzothiadiazole Derivatives. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153509. [PMID: 32752073 PMCID: PMC7435819 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153509] [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: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a validated anticancer target due to the relationship between its constitutive activation and malignant tumors. Through a virtual screening approach on the STAT3-SH2 domain, 5,6-dimethyl-1H,3H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-2,2-dioxide (1) was identified as a potential STAT3 inhibitor. Some benzothiadiazole derivatives were synthesized by employing a versatile methodology, and they were tested by an AlphaScreen-based assay. Among them, benzosulfamide 1 showed a significant activity with an IC50 = 15.8 ± 0.6 µM as a direct STAT3 inhibitor. Notably, we discovered that compound 1 was also able to interact with cysteine residues located around the SH2 domain. By applying mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, NMR, and UV spectroscopy, an in-depth investigation was carried out, shedding light on its intriguing and unexpected mechanism of interaction.
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Qi X, Li M, Zhang XM, Dai XF, Cui J, Li DH, Gu QQ, Lv ZH, Li J. Trichothecin Inhibits Cancer-Related Features in Colorectal Cancer Development by Targeting STAT3. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102306. [PMID: 32422984 PMCID: PMC7287781 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that contributes to cancer progression through multiple processes of cancer development, which makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. The IL-6/STAT3 pathway is associated with an advanced stage in colorectal cancer patients. In this study, we identified trichothecin (TCN) as a novel STAT3 inhibitor. TCN was found to bind to the SH2 domain of STAT3 and inhibit STAT3 activation and dimerization, thereby blocking STAT3 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. TCN did not affect phosphorylation levels of STAT1. TCN significantly inhibited cell growth, arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and induced apoptosis in HCT 116 cells. In addition, the capacities of colony formation, migration, and invasion of HCT 116 cells were impaired upon exposure to TCN with or without IL-6 stimulation. In addition, TCN treatment abolished the tube formation of HUVEC cells in vitro. Taken together, these results highlight that TCN inhibits various cancer-related features in colorectal cancer development in vitro by targeting STAT3, indicating that TCN is a promising STAT3 inhibitor that deserves further exploration in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
| | - Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
| | - Xiao-min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
| | - Xiu-fen Dai
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
| | - Jian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
| | - De-hai Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qian-qun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhi-hua Lv
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-h.L.); (J.L.); Tel.: +86-532-82032096 (Z.-h.L.); +86-532-82032066 (J.L.)
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (X.Q.); (M.L.); (X.-m.Z.); (X.-f.D.); (J.C.); (D.-h.L.); (Q.-q.G.)
- Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-h.L.); (J.L.); Tel.: +86-532-82032096 (Z.-h.L.); +86-532-82032066 (J.L.)
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Chen A, Koehler AN. Transcription Factor Inhibition: Lessons Learned and Emerging Targets. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:508-518. [PMID: 32359481 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors have roles at focal points in signaling pathways, controlling many normal cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, immune responses, and differentiation. Their activity is frequently deregulated in disease and targeting this class of proteins is a major focus of interest. However, the structural disorder and lack of binding pockets have made design of small molecules for transcription factors challenging. Here, we review some of the most recent developments for small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors emphasized in James Darnell's vision 17 years ago. We also discuss the progress so far on transcription factors recently nominated by genome-scale loss-of-function screens from the cancer dependency map project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA.
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Revisiting the development of small molecular inhibitors that directly target the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) domains. Life Sci 2020; 242:117241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Targeting STAT3 in Cancer with Nucleotide Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111681. [PMID: 31671769 PMCID: PMC6896109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical role in promoting the proliferation and survival of tumor cells. As a ubiquitously-expressed transcription factor, STAT3 has commonly been considered an "undruggable" target for therapy; thus, much research has focused on targeting upstream pathways to reduce the expression or phosphorylation/activation of STAT3 in tumor cells. Recently, however, novel approaches have been developed to directly inhibit STAT3 in human cancers, in the hope of reducing the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Several of these agents are nucleic acid-based, including the antisense molecule AZD9150, CpG-coupled STAT3 siRNA, G-quartet oligodeoxynucleotides (GQ-ODNs), and STAT3 decoys. While the AZD9150 and CpG-STAT3 siRNA interfere with STAT3 expression, STAT3 decoys and GQ-ODNs target constitutively activated STAT3 and modulate its ability to bind to target genes. Both STAT3 decoy and AZD9150 have advanced to clinical testing in humans. Here we will review the current understanding of the structures, mechanisms, and potential clinical utilities of the nucleic acid-based STAT3 inhibitors.
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Yang M, Chen H, Zhou L, Chen K, Su F. Expression profile and prognostic values of STAT family members in non-small cell lung cancer. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:4866-4880. [PMID: 31497205 PMCID: PMC6731411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a highly malignant type of cancer with a poor 5-year survival rate. The development of prognostic biomarkers and novel drug targets are required in order to improve the survival for NSCLC patients. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are cytoplasmic transcription factors known to play key roles in many cellular biological processes. However, the roles of STAT family members in the development and progression of NSCLC have not yet been apparently determined. Our study investigated the roles of STATs in the prognosis of NSCLC using cBioPortal, Human Protein Atlas, ONCOMINE, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases. High mutation rate of STATs existed in both lung adenocarcinoma (ADE) patients and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. High mRNA expression of STAT2 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients, while increased STAT5 and STAT6 were associated with better OS in NSCLC patients. We further found that increased mRNA expressions of STAT2 and STAT3 predicted unfavorable overall survival (OS) while high mRNA expression of STAT5B and STAT6 related to favorable OS for lung ADE patients. However, no significant correlation was identified for lung SCC patients. In stratified survival analysis, high expression of STAT2 predicted poor prognosis in stage II NSLCC patients, surgical margins negative patients and female patients. Taken together, our results illustrated that STAT5B and STAT6 could be effective prognostic biomarkers for survivals of NSCLC patients. And STAT2 might be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC as well as ADE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Huanting Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Baoan Shenzhen, The Second Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Fengxi Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
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13
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Gräb J, Berg A, Blechschmidt L, Klüver B, Rubner S, Fu DY, Meiler J, Gräber M, Berg T. The STAT5b Linker Domain Mediates the Selectivity of Catechol Bisphosphates for STAT5b over STAT5a. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:796-805. [PMID: 30835430 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
STAT family proteins are important mediators of cell signaling and represent therapeutic targets for the treatment of human diseases. Most STAT inhibitors target the protein-protein interaction domain, the SH2 domain, but specificity for a single STAT protein is often limited. Recently, we developed catechol bisphosphates as the first inhibitors of STAT5b demonstrated to exhibit a high degree of selectivity over the close homologue STAT5a. Here, we show that the amino acid in position 566 of the linker domain, not the SH2 domain, is the main determinant of specificity. Arg566 in wild-type STAT5b favors tight binding of catechol bisphosphates, while Trp566 in wild-type STAT5a does not. Amino acid 566 also determines the affinity for a tyrosine-phosphorylated peptide derived from the EPO receptor for STAT5a and STAT5b, demonstrating the functional relevance of the STAT5 linker domain for the adjacent SH2 domain. These results provide the first demonstration that a residue in the linker domain can determine the affinity of nonpeptidic small-molecule inhibitors for the SH2 domain of STAT proteins. We propose targeting the interface between the SH2 domain and linker domain as a novel design approach for the development of potent and selective STAT inhibitors. In addition, our data suggest that the linker domain could contribute to the enigmatically divergent biological functions of the two STAT5 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Gräb
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Angela Berg
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Blechschmidt
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Barbara Klüver
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Rubner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Darwin Y. Fu
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, BIOSCI/MRBIII, Nashville, Tennessee 37221, United States
| | - Jens Meiler
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, BIOSCI/MRBIII, Nashville, Tennessee 37221, United States
| | - Martin Gräber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thorsten Berg
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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14
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Zhu B, Zhao L, Liu Y, Jin Y, Feng J, Zhao F, Sun J, Geng R, Wei Y. Induction of phosphatase shatterproof 2 by evodiamine suppresses the proliferation and invasion of human cholangiocarcinoma. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 108:98-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Dhamsaniya A, Safi SK, Chhatbar P, Trivedi P, Pambhar K, Mehta V, Shah A. Metal-free synthesis of chromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-3(2H)-one derivatives. Tetrahedron Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Yang Q, Chen W, Xu Y, Lv X, Zhang M, Jiang H. Polyphyllin I modulates MALAT1/STAT3 signaling to induce apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 356:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Wu S, Qiu Y, Shao Y, Yin S, Wang R, Pang X, Ma J, Zhang C, Wu B, Koo S, Han L, Zhang Y, Gao X, Wang T, Yu H. Lycorine Displays Potent Antitumor Efficacy in Colon Carcinoma by Targeting STAT3. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:881. [PMID: 30135654 PMCID: PMC6092588 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, we identify lycorine is an effective inhibitor of STAT3, leading to repression of multiple oncogenic processes in colon carcinoma. Lycorine selectively inactivates phospho-STAT3 (Tyr-705), and subsequent molecular docking uncovers that lycorine directly binds to the SH2 domain of STAT3. Consequently, we find that lycorine exhibits anti-proliferative activity and induces cell apoptosis on human colorectal cancer (CRC) in vitro. Lycorine induces the activation of the caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as indicated by activation of caspase and increase of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and mitochondrial depolarization. Overexpressing STAT3 greatly blocks these effects by lycorine in CRC cells. Finally, lycorine exhibits a potential therapeutic effect in xenograft colorectal tumors by targeting STAT3 without observed toxicity. Taken together, the present study indicates that lycorine acts as a promising inhibitor of STAT3, which blocks tumorigenesis in colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Wu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingying Shao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yin
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu Pang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Junhong Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunze Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Wu
- School of Fundamental Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sangho Koo
- Department of Chemistry, Myongji University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Lifeng Han
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiumei Gao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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