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Di Marco T, Mazzoni M, Greco A, Cassinelli G. Non-oncogene dependencies: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116254. [PMID: 38704100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116254] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Targeting oncogene addictions have changed the history of subsets of malignancies and continues to represent an excellent therapeutic opportunity. Nonetheless, alternative strategies are required to treat malignancies driven by undruggable oncogenes or loss of tumor suppressor genes and to overcome drug resistance also occurring in cancers addicted to actionable drivers. The discovery of non-oncogene addiction (NOA) uncovered novel therapeutically exploitable "Achilles' heels". NOA refers to genes/pathways not oncogenic per sé but essential for the tumor cell growth/survival while dispensable for normal cells. The clinical success of several classes of conventional and molecular targeted agents can be ascribed to their impact on both tumor cell-associated intrinsic as well as microenvironment-related extrinsic NOA. The integration of genetic, computational and pharmacological high-throughput approaches led to the identification of an expanded repertoire of synthetic lethality interactions implicating NOA targets. Only a few of them have been translated into the clinics as most NOA vulnerabilities are not easily druggable or appealing targets. Nonetheless, their identification has provided in-depth knowledge of tumor pathobiology and suggested novel therapeutic opportunities. Here, we summarize conceptual framework of intrinsic and extrinsic NOA providing exploitable vulnerabilities. Conventional and emerging methodological approaches used to disclose NOA dependencies are reported together with their limits. We illustrate NOA paradigmatic and peculiar examples and outline the functional/mechanistic aspects, potential druggability and translational interest. Finally, we comment on difficulties in exploiting the NOA-generated knowledge to develop novel therapeutic approaches to be translated into the clinics and to fully harness the potential of clinically available drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Di Marco
- Integrated Biology of Rare Tumors Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Mazzoni
- Integrated Biology of Rare Tumors Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Greco
- Integrated Biology of Rare Tumors Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cassinelli
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Experimental Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Misra G, Rajawat J, Pal R, Smith JC, Kumar A. Targeted inhibition of MASTL kinase activity induces apoptosis in breast cancer. Life Sci 2023; 334:122250. [PMID: 37931742 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122250] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) (or Greatwall kinase (GWL)) is an important cell cycle regulating kinase that regulates the G2-M transition. Uncontrolled MASTL activity is implicated in breast cancer progression. To date, very few inhibitors have been reported against this protein. Here, structure-based computational modeling indicates that the natural product flavopiridol (FLV) binds strongly to MASTL and these results are validated using molecular dynamics simulation studies. An in vitro kinase assay reveals an EC50 (effective concentration) value of FLV to be 82.1 nM and a better IC50 compared to the positive reference compound, staurosporine. FLV is found to inhibit MASTL kinase activity, arresting the cell growth in the G1 phase and inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Consistent with these results differential gene expression obtained using RNA sequencing studies, and validated by RT PCR and immunoblot analysis, indicate that MASTL inhibition induces cell cycle arrest and apoptotic-related genes. Furthermore, metastasis- and inflammation-related genes are downregulated. Thus, the deregulation of MASTL signaling pathways on targeted inhibition of its kinase activity is revealed. This study lays a strong foundation for investigating FLV as a lead compound in breast cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Misra
- National Institute of Biologicals (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India), Noida 201309, India.
| | - Jyotika Rajawat
- Institute of Advanced Molecular Genetics & Infectious Diseases, ONGC, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226 007, UP, India
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Precision Sarcoma Research Group, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge, TN, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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3
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Basha AA, Ali Khan FL, Kubaib A, Imran PM, Nebbache N. Ternary Mixture of Pentanamide in Solvent Analogy with Halogenated Phenol: Experimental, Theoretical, and In Silico Biological Studies. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:33928-33942. [PMID: 37744853 PMCID: PMC10515181 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
This research describes the preparation of mixtures of new halogen-substituted phenol derivatives and their effects due to linkages with a fatty amide (pentanamide). The molecules were optimized using DFT, and the vibrational and electronic analysis was done subsequently. The energies of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) were used to estimate the global chemical reactivity parameters as we suggest that hydrogen-bonded networks may have contributed to the stability and reactivity of the compound. In addition to the experimental investigation, dielectric parameters were calculated. Fukui functions were analyzed to study the chemical reactivity. To get insight into interactions of σ → π* orbitals, natural bond orbital calculations were done. Additionally, surface analysis of the MEP and Hirshfeld charges were performed at the equivalent DFT levels. The research also indicated that both (interaction region indicator) IRI and (electron delocalize range) EDR would proficiently identify chemical-bonding and weak interaction regions, providing a significant advantage in exploring diverse chemical systems and reactions. This indicated that compounds could diffuse through noncovalent interactions, including intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Dielectric relaxation studies taken at five distinct molar ratios identified significant dielectric properties such as ε', ε″, ε0, and ε∞. The PA with FP, CP, BP, and IP molecules has potential antiviral and antioxidant benefits for carbonic anhydrase, with favorable drug-like features and diverse biological benefits. Pharmacological effects were forecasted using the PASS server, and these molecules exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Aathif Basha
- Department
of Physics, Islamiah College (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi 635752, Tamilnadu, India
| | - F. Liakath Ali Khan
- Department
of Physics, Islamiah College (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi 635752, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Attar Kubaib
- Department
of Chemistry, Islamiah College (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi 635752, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Nadia Nebbache
- Laboratory
of Applied Chemistry, University of Biskra, BP 145, 07000 Biskra, Algeria
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4
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Baranwal J, Barse B, Di Petrillo A, Gatto G, Pilia L, Kumar A. Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:5354. [PMID: 37570057 PMCID: PMC10420054 DOI: 10.3390/ma16155354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of tailored medication delivery in cancer treatment has the potential to increase efficacy while decreasing unfavourable side effects. For researchers looking to improve clinical outcomes, chemotherapy for cancer continues to be the most challenging topic. Cancer is one of the worst illnesses despite the limits of current cancer therapies. New anticancer medications are therefore required to treat cancer. Nanotechnology has revolutionized medical research with new and improved materials for biomedical applications, with a particular focus on therapy and diagnostics. In cancer research, the application of metal nanoparticles as substitute chemotherapy drugs is growing. Metals exhibit inherent or surface-induced anticancer properties, making metallic nanoparticles extremely useful. The development of metal nanoparticles is proceeding rapidly and in many directions, offering alternative therapeutic strategies and improving outcomes for many cancer treatments. This review aimed to present the most commonly used nanoparticles for cancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Baranwal
- DBT-ICGEB Centre for Advanced Bioenergy Research, International Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Brajesh Barse
- US India Business Council|US Chamber of Commerce, DLF Centre, Sansad Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Amalia Di Petrillo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Gatto
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Luca Pilia
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Material Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
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Singh NK, Baranwal J, Pati S, Barse B, Khan RH, Kumar A. Application of plant products in the synthesis and functionalisation of biopolymers. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 237:124174. [PMID: 36990405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The burning of plastic trash contributes significantly to the problem of air pollution. Consequently, a wide variety of toxic gases get released into the atmosphere. It is of the utmost importance to develop biodegradable polymers that retain the same characteristics as those obtained from petroleum. In order to decrease the effect that these issues have on the world around us, we need to focus our attention on specific alternative sources capable of biodegrading in their natural environments. Biodegradable polymers have garnered much attention since they can break down through the processes carried out by living creatures. Biopolymers' applications are growing due to their non-toxic nature, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness. In this regard, we examined numerous methods used to manufacture biopolymers and the critical components from which they get their functional properties. In recent years, economic and environmental concerns have reached a tipping point, increasing production based on sustainable biomaterials. This paper examines plant-based biopolymers as a good resource with potential applications in both biological and non-biological sectors. Scientists have devised various biopolymer synthesis and functionalization techniques to maximize its utility in various applications. In conclusion, recent developments in the functionalization of biopolymers through various plant products and their applications are discussed.
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SILAC kinase screen identifies potential MASTL substrates. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10568. [PMID: 35732702 PMCID: PMC9217955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) has emerged as a critical regulator of mitosis and as a potential oncogene in a variety of cancer types. To date, Arpp-19/ENSA are the only known substrates of MASTL. However, with the roles of MASTL expanding and increased interest in development of MASTL inhibitors, it has become critical to determine if there are additional substrates and what the optimal consensus motif for MASTL is. Here we utilized a whole cell lysate in vitro kinase screen combined with stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to identify potential substrates and the residue preference of MASTL. Using the related AGC kinase family members AKT1/2, the kinase screen identified several known and new substrates highly enriched for the validated consensus motif of AKT. Applying this method to MASTL identified 59 phospho-sites on 67 proteins that increased in the presence of active MASTL. Subsequent in vitro kinase assays suggested that MASTL may phosphorylate hnRNPM, YB1 and TUBA1C under certain in vitro conditions. Taken together, these data suggest that MASTL may phosphorylate several additional substrates, providing insight into the ever-increasing biological functions and roles MASTL plays in driving cancer progression and therapy resistance.
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7
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Polisety A, Misra G, Rajawat J, Katiyar A, Singh H, Bhatt AN. Therapeutic natural compounds Enzastaurin and Palbociclib inhibit MASTL kinase activity preventing breast cancer cell proliferation. Med Oncol 2022; 39:100. [PMID: 35599277 PMCID: PMC9124600 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01701-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) regulates mitotic progression and is an attractive target for the development of new anticancer drugs. In this study, novel inhibitory molecules were screened against MASTL kinase, a protein involved in cell proliferation in breast cancer. Natural source-derived drugs Enzastaurin and Palbociclib were selected to identify their role as MASTL kinase inhibitors. Cytotoxic activity, kinase activity, and other cell-based assays of Enzastaurin and Palbociclib were evaluated on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. The potential natural compounds caused cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Further analysis by Annexin V and PI staining indicated that both drugs are potent inducers of apoptosis. Enzastaurin induced G2/M phase arrest, while Palbociclib caused G1 arrest. MASTL kinase activity was significantly abrogated with both the compounds showing EC50 values of 17.13 µM and 10.51 µM, respectively. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that Enzastaurin and Palbociclib possess the ability to inhibit MASTL kinase activity and induce cell death in breast cancer cells, thus exhibiting significant therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesha Polisety
- Molecular Diagnostic & Covid-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area Noida, Noida, 201309, UP, India
| | - Gauri Misra
- Molecular Diagnostic & Covid-19 Kit Testing Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), A-32, Sector-62, Institutional Area Noida, Noida, 201309, UP, India.
| | - Jyotika Rajawat
- Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Amit Katiyar
- CCRF: Bioinformatics Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Data Management Laboratory, ICMR-AIIMS Computational Genomics Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Anant Narayan Bhatt
- Division of Radiation Biosciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi, India
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8
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Ramesh P, Shin WH, Veerappapillai S. Discovery of a Potent Candidate for RET-Specific Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer-A Combined In Silico and In Vitro Strategy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111775. [PMID: 34834190 PMCID: PMC8619101 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111775] [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: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a tyrosine kinase oncogenic receptor, activated in several cancers including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Multiple kinase inhibitors vandetanib and cabozantinib are commonly used in the treatment of RET-positive NSCLC. However, specificity, toxicity, and reduced efficacy limit the usage of multiple kinase inhibitors in targeting RET protein. Thus, in the present investigation, we aimed to figure out novel and potent candidates for the inhibition of RET protein using combined in silico and in vitro strategies. In the present study, screening of 11,808 compounds from the DrugBank repository was accomplished by different hypotheses such as pharmacophore, e-pharmacophore, and receptor cavity-based models in the initial stage. The results from the different hypotheses were then integrated to eliminate the false positive prediction. The inhibitory activities of the screened compounds were tested by the glide docking algorithm. Moreover, RF score, Tanimoto coefficient, prime-MM/GBSA, and density functional theory calculations were utilized to re-score the binding free energy of the docked complexes with high precision. This procedure resulted in three lead molecules, namely DB07194, DB03496, and DB11982, against the RET protein. The screened lead molecules together with reference compounds were then subjected to a long molecular dynamics simulation with a 200 ns time duration to validate the inhibitory activity. Further analysis of compounds using MM-PBSA and mutation studies resulted in the identification of potent compound DB07194. In essence, a cell viability assay with RET-specific lung cancer cell line LC-2/ad was also carried out to confirm the in vitro biological activity of the resultant compound, DB07194. Indeed, the results from our study conclude that DB07194 can be effectively translated for this new therapeutic purpose, in contrast to the properties for which it was originally designed and synthesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ramesh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India;
| | - Woong-Hee Shin
- Department of Chemical Science Education, College of Education, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
- Department of Advanced Components and Materials Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
- Correspondence: (W.-H.S.); (S.V.)
| | - Shanthi Veerappapillai
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India;
- Correspondence: (W.-H.S.); (S.V.)
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9
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Fatima I, Barman S, Uppada J, Chauhan S, Rauth S, Rachagani S, Ponnusamy MP, Smith L, Talmon G, Singh AB, Batra SK, Dhawan P. MASTL regulates EGFR signaling to impact pancreatic cancer progression. Oncogene 2021; 40:5691-5704. [PMID: 34331012 PMCID: PMC8817225 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01951-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths primarily due to its inherent potential of therapy resistance. Checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as promising anti-cancer agents when used in combination with conventional anti-cancer therapies. Recent studies have highlighted a critical role of the Greatwall kinase (microtubule-associated serine/threonine-protein kinase-like (MASTL)) in promoting oncogenic malignancy and resistance to anti-cancer therapies; however, its role in PC remains unknown. Based on a comprehensive investigation involving PC patient samples, murine models of PC progression (Kras;PdxCre-KC and Kras;p53;PdxCre-KPC), and loss and gain of function studies, we report a previously undescribed critical role of MASTL in promoting cancer malignancy and therapy resistance. Mechanistically, MASTL promotes PC by modulating the epidermal growth factor receptor protein stability and, thereupon, kinase signaling. We further demonstrate that combinatorial therapy targeting MASTL promotes the efficacy of the cell-killing effects of Gemcitabine using both genetic and pharmacological inhibitions. Taken together, this study identifies a key role of MASTL in promoting PC progression and its utility as a novel target in promoting sensitivity to the anti-PC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Susmita Barman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - JayaPrakash Uppada
- College of Community Health Sciences, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Shailender Chauhan
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center - UAHS, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Geoffrey Talmon
- Department of Pathlogy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amar B Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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10
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Simulated Breathing: Application of Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Pulmonary Lung Surfactant. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13071259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we delve into the topic of the pulmonary surfactant (PS) system, which is present in the respiratory system. The total composition of the PS has been presented and explored, from the types of cells involved in its synthesis and secretion, down to the specific building blocks used, such as the various lipid and protein components. The lipid and protein composition varies across species and between individuals, but ultimately produces a PS monolayer with the same role. As such, the composition has been investigated for the ways in which it imposes function and confers peculiar biophysical characteristics to the system as a whole. Moreover, a couple of theories/models that are associated with the functions of PS have been addressed. Finally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of pulmonary surfactant have been emphasized to not only showcase various group’s findings, but also to demonstrate the validity and importance that MD simulations can have in future research exploring the PS monolayer system.
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11
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Discovery and Characterization of a Novel MASTL Inhibitor MKI-2 Targeting MASTL-PP2A in Breast Cancer Cells and Oocytes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070647. [PMID: 34358073 PMCID: PMC8308786 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) is a promising target for selective anticancer treatment, MASTL inhibitors with nano range potency and antitumor efficacy have not been reported. Here, we report a novel potent and selective MASTL inhibitor MASTL kinase inhibitor-2 (MKI-2) identified in silico through a drug discovery program. Our data showed that MKI-2 inhibited recombinant MASTL activity and cellular MASTL activity with IC50 values of 37.44 nM and 142.7 nM, respectively, in breast cancer cells. In addition, MKI-2 inhibited MASTL kinase rather than other AGC kinases, such as ROCK1, AKT1, PKACα, and p70S6K. Furthermore, MKI-2 exerted various antitumor activities by inducing mitotic catastrophe resulting from the modulation of the MASTL-PP2A axis in breast cancer cells. The MKI-2 treatment showed phenocopies with MASTL-null oocyte in mouse oocytes, which were used as a model to validate MKI-2 activity. Therefore, our study provided a new potent and selective MASTL inhibitor MKI-2 targeting the oncogenic MAST-PP2A axis in breast cancer cells.
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12
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Singh VK, Pal R, Srivastava P, Misra G, Shukla Y, Sharma PK. Exposure of androgen mimicking environmental chemicals enhances proliferation of prostate cancer (LNCaP) cells by inducing AR expression and epigenetic modifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:116397. [PMID: 33433340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is highly suspected in prostate carcinogenesis. Though, estrogenicity is the most studied behavior of EDCs, the androgenic potential of most of the EDCs remains elusive. This study investigates the androgen mimicking potential of some common EDCs and their effect in androgen-dependent prostate cancer (LNCaP) cells. Based on the In silico interaction study, all the 8 EDCs tested were found to interact with androgen receptor with different binding energies. Further, the luciferase reporter activity confirmed the androgen mimicking potential of 4 EDCs namely benzo[a]pyrene, dichlorvos, genistein and β-endosulfan. Whereas, aldrin, malathion, tebuconazole and DDT were reported as antiandrogenic in luciferase reporter activity assay. Next, the nanomolar concentration of androgen mimicking EDCs (benzo[a]pyrene, dichlorvos, genistein and β-endosulfan) significantly enhanced the expression of AR protein and subsequent nuclear translocation in LNCaP cells. Our In silico studies further demonstrated that androgenic EDCs also bind with epigenetic regulatory enzymes namely DNMT1 and HDAC1. Moreover, exposure to these EDCs enhanced the protein expression of DNMT1 and HDAC1 in LNCaP cells. These observations suggest that EDCs may regulate proliferation in androgen sensitive LNCaP cells by acting as androgen mimicking ligands for AR signaling as well as by regulating epigenetic machinery. Both androgenic potential and epigenetic modulatory effects of EDCs may underlie the development and growth of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipendra Kumar Singh
- Food, Drug and Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Priyansh Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Gauri Misra
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Yogeshwer Shukla
- Food, Drug and Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Sharma
- Food, Drug and Chemical Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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13
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Pal R, Kumar A, Misra G. Exploring TEAD2 as a drug target for therapeutic intervention of cancer: A multi-computational case study. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6145134. [PMID: 33611407 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) is a family of transcription factors that plays a significant role during embryonic developmental processes, and its dysregulation is responsible for tumour progression. TEAD is considered as druggable targets in various diseases, namely cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Previous structural studies revealed the importance of the central hydrophobic pocket of TEAD as a potential target for small-molecule inhibitors and demonstrated flufenamic acid (FLU) (a COX-2 enzyme inhibitor) to bind and inhibit TEAD2 functions. However, to date, no drug candidates that bind specifically to TEAD2 with high selectivity and efficacy have been developed or proposed. Within this framework, we present here a case study where we have identified potential TEAD2 inhibitor candidates by integrating multiple computational approaches. Among the candidates, the top two ranked compounds ZINC95969481 (LG1) which is a fused pyrazole derivative and ZINC05203789 (LG2), a fluorene derivative resulted in much favourable binding energy scores than the reference ligand, FLU. The drug likeliness of the best compounds was also evaluated in silico to ensure the bioavailability of these compounds particularly LG1 as compared to FLU thus providing a strong rationale for their development as leads against TEAD. Molecular dynamics simulations results highlighted the role of key residues contributing to favourable interactions in TEAD2-LG1 complex with much favourable interaction and binding free energy values with respect to the reference compound. Altogether, this study provides a starting platform to be more exploited by future experimental research towards the development of inhibitors against TEAD, a persuasive strategy for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Pal
- National Institute of Biologicals, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gauri Misra
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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14
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Piperazine-substituted derivatives of favipiravir for Nipah virus inhibition: What do in silico studies unravel? SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2021; 3:110. [PMID: 33458565 PMCID: PMC7799160 DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-04051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Favipiravir is found to show excellent in-vitro inhibition activity against Nipah virus. To explore the structure-property relationship of Favipiravir, in silico designing of a series of piperazine substituted Favipiravir derivatives are attempted and computational screening has been done to evaluate its bimolecular interactions with Nipah virus. The geometrical features of all the molecules have been addressed from Density Functional Theory calculations. Chemical reactivity descriptor analysis was carried out to understand various reactivity parameters. The drug-likeness properties were estimated by a detailed ADMET study. The binding ability and the mode of binding of these derivatives into the Nipah virus are obtained from molecular docking studies. Our calculations show greater binding ability for the designed inhibitors compared to that of the experimentally reported molecule. Overall, the present work proves to offers new insights and guidelines for synthetic chemists to develop new drugs using piperazine substituted Favipiravir in the treatment of Nipah virus. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42452-020-04051-9.
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15
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Delogu GL, Era B, Floris S, Medda R, Sogos V, Pintus F, Gatto G, Kumar A, Westermark GT, Fais A. A new biological prospective for the 2-phenylbenzofurans as inhibitors of α-glucosidase and of the islet amyloid polypeptide formation. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 169:428-435. [PMID: 33347933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have investigated a series of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzofurans compounds for their inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Inhibitors of carbohydrate degrading enzymes seem to have an important role as antidiabetic drugs. Diabetes mellitus is a wide-spread metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. The most common is type 2 diabetes, which can lead to severe complications. Since the aggregates of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) are common in diabetic patients, the effect of compounds to inhibit amyloid fibril formation was also determined. All the compounds assayed showed to be more active against α-glucosidase. Compound 16 showed the lowest IC50 value of the series, and it is found to be 167 times more active than acarbose, the reference compound. The enzymatic activity assays showed that compound 16 acts as a mixed-type inhibitor of α-glucosidase. Furthermore, compound 16 displayed effective inhibition of IAPP aggregation and it manifested no significant cytotoxicity. To predict the binding of compound 16 to IAPP and α-glucosidase protein complexes, molecular docking studies were performed. Altogether, our results support that the 2-phenylbenzofuran derivatives could represent a promising candidate for developing molecules able to modulate multiple targets involved in diabetes mellitus disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Lucia Delogu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
| | - Benedetta Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
| | - Sonia Floris
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
| | - Francesca Pintus
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gatto
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, Cagliari 09123, Italy
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, Cagliari 09123, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy.
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16
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Kim AY, Yoon YN, Leem J, Lee JY, Jung KY, Kang M, Ahn J, Hwang SG, Oh JS, Kim JS. MKI-1, a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of MASTL, Exerts Antitumor and Radiosensitizer Activities Through PP2A Activation in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:571601. [PMID: 33117702 PMCID: PMC7550800 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.571601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although MASTL (microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like) is an attractive target for anticancer treatment, MASTL inhibitors with antitumor activity have not yet been reported. In this study, we have presented a novel MASTL inhibitor, MKI-1, identified through in silico screening and in vitro analysis. Our data revealed that MKI-1 exerted antitumor and radiosensitizer activities in in vitro and in vivo models of breast cancer. The mechanism of action of MKI-1 occurred through an increase in PP2A activity, which subsequently decreased the c-Myc protein content in breast cancer cells. Moreover, the activity of MKI-1 in the regulation of MASTL-PP2A was validated in a mouse oocyte model. Our results have demonstrated a new small-molecule inhibitor of MASTL, MKI-1, which exerts antitumor and radiosensitizer activities through PP2A activation in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah-Young Kim
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yi Na Yoon
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea.,Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jiyeon Leem
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jee-Young Lee
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kwan-Young Jung
- Center for Medicinal Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Minsung Kang
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiyeon Ahn
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Gu Hwang
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Su Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Kim
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea.,Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
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17
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Fatima I, Singh AB, Dhawan P. MASTL: A novel therapeutic target for Cancer Malignancy. Cancer Med 2020; 9:6322-6329. [PMID: 32692487 PMCID: PMC7476815 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting mitotic kinases is an emerging anticancer approach with promising preclinical outcomes. Microtubule‐associated serine/threonine kinase like (MASTL), also known as Greatwall (Gwl), is an important mitotic kinase that regulates mitotic progression of normal or transformed cells by blocking the activity of tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). MASTL upregulation has now been detected in multiple cancer types and associated with aggressive clinicopathological features. Apart, an aberrant MASTL activity has been implicated in oncogenic transformation through the development of chromosomal instability and alteration of key oncogenic signaling pathways. In this regard, recent publications have revealed potential role of MASTL in the regulation of AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways, which may be independent of its regulation of PP2A‐B55 (PP2A holoenzyme containing a B55‐family regulatory subunit). Taken together, MASTL kinase has emerged as a novel target for cancer therapeutics, and hence development of small molecule inhibitors of MASTL may significantly improve the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. In this article, we review the role of MASTL in cancer progression and the current gaps in this knowledge. We also discuss potential efficacy of MASTL expression for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Fatima
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amar B Singh
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Punita Dhawan
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Buffet Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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18
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Kinase-Independent Functions of MASTL in Cancer: A New Perspective on MASTL Targeting. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071624. [PMID: 32640605 PMCID: PMC7407770 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071624] [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: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL; Greatwall) is a well-characterized kinase, whose catalytic role has been extensively studied in relation to cell-cycle acceleration. Importantly, MASTL has been implicated to play a substantial role in cancer progression and subsequent studies have shown that MASTL is a significant regulator of the cellular actomyosin cytoskeleton. Several kinases have non-catalytic properties, which are essential or even sufficient for their functions. Likewise, MASTL functions have been attributed both to kinase-dependent phosphorylation of downstream substrates, but also to kinase-independent regulation of the actomyosin contractile machinery. In this review, we aimed to highlight the catalytic and non-catalytic roles of MASTL in proliferation, migration, and invasion. Further, we discussed the implications of this dual role for therapeutic design.
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19
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Taskinen ME, Närvä E, Conway JR, Hinojosa LS, Lilla S, Mai A, De Franceschi N, Elo LL, Grosse R, Zanivan S, Norman JC, Ivaska J. MASTL promotes cell contractility and motility through kinase-independent signaling. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e201906204. [PMID: 32311005 PMCID: PMC7265322 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201906204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine-protein kinase-like (MASTL) is a mitosis-accelerating kinase with emerging roles in cancer progression. However, possible cell cycle-independent mechanisms behind its oncogenicity remain ambiguous. Here, we identify MASTL as an activator of cell contractility and MRTF-A/SRF (myocardin-related transcription factor A/serum response factor) signaling. Depletion of MASTL increased cell spreading while reducing contractile actin stress fibers in normal and breast cancer cells and strongly impairing breast cancer cell motility and invasion. Transcriptome and proteome profiling revealed MASTL-regulated genes implicated in cell movement and actomyosin contraction, including Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (GEF-H1, ARHGEF2) and MRTF-A target genes tropomyosin 4.2 (TPM4), vinculin (VCL), and nonmuscle myosin IIB (NM-2B, MYH10). Mechanistically, MASTL associated with MRTF-A and increased its nuclear retention and transcriptional activity. Importantly, MASTL kinase activity was not required for regulation of cell spreading or MRTF-A/SRF transcriptional activity. Taken together, we present a previously unknown kinase-independent role for MASTL as a regulator of cell adhesion, contractility, and MRTF-A/SRF activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Taskinen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Elisa Närvä
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - James R.W. Conway
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Soto Hinojosa
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, and Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sergio Lilla
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anja Mai
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Nicola De Franceschi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura L. Elo
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Robert Grosse
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, and Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jim C. Norman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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20
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Kumar A, Gatto G, Delogu F, Pilia L. DFT study of [Pt(Cl)2L] complex (L = rubeanic acid) and its derived compounds with DNA purine bases. Chem Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2019.110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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21
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Anania MC, Di Marco T, Mazzoni M, Greco A. Targeting Non-Oncogene Addiction: Focus on Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010129. [PMID: 31947935 PMCID: PMC7017043 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common malignancy of endocrine organs with an increasing incidence in industrialized countries. The majority of TC are characterized by a good prognosis, even though cases with aggressive forms not cured by standard therapies are also present. Moreover, target therapies have led to low rates of partial response and prompted the emergence of resistance, indicating that new therapies are needed. In this review, we summarize current literature about the non-oncogene addiction (NOA) concept, which indicates that cancer cells, at variance with normal cells, rely on the activity of genes, usually not mutated or aberrantly expressed, essential for coping with the transformed phenotype. We highlight the potential of non-oncogenes as a point of intervention for cancer therapy in general, and present evidence for new putative non-oncogenes that are essential for TC survival and that may constitute attractive new therapeutic targets.
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22
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Pisano MB, Kumar A, Medda R, Gatto G, Pal R, Fais A, Era B, Cosentino S, Uriarte E, Santana L, Pintus F, Matos MJ. Antibacterial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of a Selected Series of Hydroxy-3-arylcoumarins. Molecules 2019; 24:E2815. [PMID: 31375003 PMCID: PMC6696357 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the main public health concerns of this century. This resistance is also associated with oxidative stress, which could contribute to the selection of resistant bacterial strains. Bearing this in mind, and considering that flavonoid compounds are well known for displaying both activities, we investigated a series of hydroxy-3-arylcoumarins with structural features of flavonoids for their antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains. Active compounds showed selectivity against the studied Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria. 5,7-Dihydroxy-3-phenylcoumarin (compound 8) displayed the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 11 g/mL, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA strain) and Listeria monocytogenes with MICs of 22 and 44 g/mL, respectively. Moreover, molecular docking studies performed on the most active compounds against Staphylococcus aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and topoisomerase II DNA gyrase revealed the potential binding mode of the ligands to the site of the appropriate targets. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies showed that the antibacterial activity can be modulated by the presence of the 3-phenyl ring and by the position of the hydroxyl groups at the coumarin scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Barbara Pisano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gatto
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rajesh Pal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Benedetta Era
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Sofia Cosentino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Eugenio Uriarte
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lourdes Santana
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francesca Pintus
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria João Matos
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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23
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Synthesis, molecular docking and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzofuran derivatives. Bioorg Chem 2019; 84:302-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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24
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Fais A, Era B, Asthana S, Sogos V, Medda R, Santana L, Uriarte E, Matos MJ, Delogu F, Kumar A. Coumarin derivatives as promising xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1286-1293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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25
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Mitosis perturbation by MASTL depletion impairs the viability of thyroid tumor cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 442:362-372. [PMID: 30445205 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Even if thyroid tumors are generally curable, a fraction will develop resistance to therapy and progress towards undifferentiated forms, whose treatment remains a demanding challenge. To identify potential novel targets for treatment of thyroid cancer, in a previous study using siRNA-mediated functional screening, we identified several genes that are essential for the growth of thyroid tumor, but not normal cells. Among the top-ranking hits, we found microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL), which is known to play an essential role in mitosis regulation, and is also involved in the DNA damage response. Herein, we examine the effects of MASTL depletion on growth and viability of thyroid tumor cells. MASTL depletion impaired cell proliferation and increased the percentage of cells presenting nuclear anomalies, which are indicative of mitotic catastrophe. Furthermore, MASTL depletion was associated with enhanced DNA damage. All these effects eventually led to cell death, characterized by the presence of apoptotic markers. Moreover, MASTL depletion sensitized thyroid tumor cells to cisplatin. Our results demonstrate that MASTL represents vulnerability for thyroid tumor cells, which could be explored as a therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.
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