1
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Lagarde H, Lallias D, Patrice P, Dehaullon A, Prchal M, François Y, D'Ambrosio J, Segret E, Acin-Perez A, Cachelou F, Haffray P, Dupont-Nivet M, Phocas F. Genetic architecture of acute hyperthermia resistance in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and genetic correlations with production traits. Genet Sel Evol 2023; 55:39. [PMID: 37308823 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-023-00811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective breeding is a promising solution to reduce the vulnerability of fish farms to heat waves, which are predicted to increase in intensity and frequency. However, limited information about the genetic architecture of acute hyperthermia resistance in fish is available. Two batches of sibs from a rainbow trout commercial line were produced: the first (N = 1382) was phenotyped for acute hyperthermia resistance at nine months of age and the second (N = 1506) was phenotyped for main production traits (growth, body length, muscle fat content and carcass yield) at 20 months of age. Fish were genotyped on a 57 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and their genotypes were imputed to high-density based on the parent's genotypes from a 665 K SNP array. RESULTS The heritability estimate of resistance to acute hyperthermia was 0.29 ± 0.05, confirming the potential of selective breeding for this trait. Since genetic correlations of acute hyperthermia resistance with the main production traits near harvest age were all close to zero, selecting for acute hyperthermia resistance should not impact the main production traits, and vice-versa. A genome-wide association study revealed that resistance to acute hyperthermia is a highly polygenic trait, with six quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected, but explaining less than 5% of the genetic variance. Two of these QTL, including the most significant one, may explain differences in acute hyperthermia resistance across INRAE isogenic lines of rainbow trout. Differences in mean acute hyperthermia resistance phenotypes between homozygotes at the most significant SNP was 69% of the phenotypic standard deviation, showing promising potential for marker-assisted selection. We identified 89 candidate genes within the QTL regions, among which the most convincing functional candidates are dnajc7, hsp70b, nkiras2, cdk12, phb, fkbp10, ddx5, cygb1, enpp7, pdhx and acly. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insight into the genetic architecture of acute hyperthermia resistance in juvenile rainbow trout. We show that the selection potential for this trait is substantial and selection for this trait should not be too detrimental to improvement of other traits of interest. Identified functional candidate genes provide new knowledge on the physiological mechanisms involved in acute hyperthermia resistance, such as protein chaperoning, oxidative stress response, homeostasis maintenance and cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Lagarde
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Delphine Lallias
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Pierre Patrice
- SYSAAF, French Poultry, Aquaculture and Insect Breeders Association, 35042, Rennes, France
| | - Audrey Dehaullon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Martin Prchal
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Yoannah François
- SYSAAF, French Poultry, Aquaculture and Insect Breeders Association, 35042, Rennes, France
| | - Jonathan D'Ambrosio
- SYSAAF, French Poultry, Aquaculture and Insect Breeders Association, 35042, Rennes, France
| | - Emilien Segret
- Viviers de Sarrance, Pisciculture Labedan, 64490, Sarrance, France
| | - Ana Acin-Perez
- Viviers de Sarrance, Pisciculture Labedan, 64490, Sarrance, France
| | | | - Pierrick Haffray
- SYSAAF, French Poultry, Aquaculture and Insect Breeders Association, 35042, Rennes, France
| | | | - Florence Phocas
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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2
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Escobedo SE, McGovern SE, Jauregui-Lozano JP, Stanhope SC, Anik P, Singhal K, DeBernardis R, Weake VM. Targeted RNAi screen identifies transcriptional mechanisms that prevent premature degeneration of adult photoreceptors. FRONTIERS IN EPIGENETICS AND EPIGENOMICS 2023; 1:1187980. [PMID: 37901602 PMCID: PMC10603763 DOI: 10.3389/freae.2023.1187980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a decline in visual function and increased prevalence of ocular disease, correlating with changes in the transcriptome and epigenome of cells in the eye. Here, we sought to identify the transcriptional mechanisms that are necessary to maintain photoreceptor viability and function during aging. To do this, we performed a targeted photoreceptor-specific RNAi screen in Drosophila to identify transcriptional regulators whose knockdown results in premature, age-dependent retinal degeneration. From an initial set of 155 RNAi lines each targeting a unique gene and spanning a diverse set of transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and histone modifiers, we identified 18 high-confidence target genes whose decreased expression in adult photoreceptors leads to premature and progressive retinal degeneration. These 18 target genes were enriched for factors involved in the regulation of transcription initiation, pausing, and elongation, suggesting that these processes are essential for maintaining the health of aging photoreceptors. To identify the genes regulated by these factors, we profiled the photoreceptor transcriptome in a subset of lines. Strikingly, two of the 18 target genes, Spt5 and domino, show similar changes in gene expression to those observed in photoreceptors with advanced age. Together, our data suggest that dysregulation of factors involved in transcription initiation and elongation plays a key role in shaping the transcriptome of aging photoreceptors. Further, our findings indicate that the age-dependent changes in gene expression not only correlate but might also contribute to an increased risk of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer E. Escobedo
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sarah E. McGovern
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Sarah C. Stanhope
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Paul Anik
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Kratika Singhal
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Ryan DeBernardis
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Vikki M. Weake
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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3
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Wu W, Yu S, Yu X. Transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) as a potential target for cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188842. [PMID: 36460141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12), a transcription-related cyclin dependent kinase (CDK), plays a momentous part in multitudinous biological functions, such as replication, transcription initiation to elongation and termination, precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing, intron polyadenylation (IPA), and translation. CDK12 can act as a tumour suppressor or oncogene in disparate cellular environments, and its dysregulation likely provokes tumorigenesis. A comprehensive understanding of CDK12 will tremendously facilitate the exploitation of novel tactics for the treatment and precaution of cancer. Currently, CDK12 inhibitors are nonspecific and nonselective, which profoundly hinders the pharmacological target validation and drug exploitation process. Herein, we summarize the newly comprehension of the biological functions of CDK12 with a focus on recently emerged advancements of CDK12-associated therapeutic approaches in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wence Wu
- Departments of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shengji Yu
- Departments of Orthopedics, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiying Yu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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4
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Guo X, Chen H, Zhou Y, Shen L, Wu S, Chen Y. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibition and its intersection with immunotherapy in breast cancer: more than CDK4/6 inhibition. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:933-944. [PMID: 35786092 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2097067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have had clinical success in treating hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Notably, CDK4/6i have expanded to the neoadjuvant setting for early breast cancer and other cancer types and potently synergize with immunotherapy. Other CDKs, including CDK7, CDK9, and CDK12/13, mainly function in transcriptional processes as well as cell cycle regulation, RNA splicing, and DNA damage response. Inhibiting these CDKs aids in suppressing tumors, reversing drug resistance, increasing drug sensitivity, and enhancing anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the applications of CDK4/6i, CDK7i, CDK9i and CDK12/13i for various breast cancer subtypes and their potentials for combination with immunotherapy. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in April 2022. EXPERT OPINION The use of CDK4/6i represents a major milestone in breast cancer treatment. Moreover, transcription-related CDKs play critical roles in tumor development and are promising therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Some relevant clinical studies are underway. More specific and efficient CDKis will undoubtedly be developed and clinically tested. Characterization of their immune-priming effects will promote the development of combination therapies consisting of CDKi and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianan Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shijie Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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5
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Gao Y, Liu S, Jia Q, Wu L, Yuan D, Li EY, Feng Q, Wang G, Palli SR, Wang J, Li S. Juvenile hormone membrane signaling phosphorylates USP and thus potentiates 20-hydroxyecdysone action in Drosophila. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:186-197. [PMID: 36546012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) coordinately regulate development and metamorphosis in insects. Two JH intracellular receptors, methoprene-tolerant (Met) and germ-cell expressed (Gce), have been identified in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. To investigate JH membrane signaling pathway without the interference from JH intracellular signaling, we characterized phosphoproteome profiles of the Met gce double mutant in the absence or presence of JH in both chronic and acute phases. Functioning through a potential receptor tyrosine kinase and phospholipase C pathway, JH membrane signaling activated protein kinase C (PKC) which phosphorylated ultraspiracle (USP) at Ser35, the PKC phosphorylation site required for the maximal action of 20E through its nuclear receptor complex EcR-USP. The uspS35A mutant, in which Ser was replaced with Ala at position 35 by genome editing, showed decreased expression of Halloween genes that are responsible for ecdysone biosynthesis and thus attenuated 20E signaling that delayed developmental timing. The uspS35A mutant also showed lower Yorkie activity that reduced body size. Altogether, JH membrane signaling phosphorylates USP at Ser35 and thus potentiates 20E action that regulates the normal fly development. This study helps better understand the complex JH signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Suning Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lixian Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Dongwei Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Emma Y Li
- International Department, The Affiliated High School of South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Subba R Palli
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China.
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6
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Liu Y, Fu L, Wu J, Liu M, Wang G, Liu B, Zhang L. Transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases: Potential drug targets in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 229:114056. [PMID: 34942431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the development of the concept of cell cycle and its limiting points, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are considered to play a central role in regulating cell cycle progression. Recent studies have strongly demonstrated that CDKs also has multiple functions, especially in response to extracellular and intracellular signals by interfering with transcriptional events. Consequently, how to inhibit their function has been a hot research topic. It is worth noting that the key role of CDKs in regulating transcription has been explored in recent years, but its related pharmacological targets are less developed, and most inhibitors have not entered the clinical stage. Accordingly, this perspective focus on the biological functions of transcription related CDKs and their complexes, some key upstream and downstream signals, and inhibitors for cancer treatment in recent years. In addition, some corresponding combined treatment strategies will provide a more novel perspective for future cancer remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China.
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7
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Ketley A, Wojciechowska M, Ghidelli-Disse S, Bamborough P, Ghosh TK, Morato ML, Sedehizadeh S, Malik NA, Tang Z, Powalowska P, Tanner M, Billeter-Clark R, Trueman RC, Geiszler PC, Agostini A, Othman O, Bösche M, Bantscheff M, Rüdiger M, Mossakowska DE, Drewry DH, Zuercher WJ, Thornton CA, Drewes G, Uings I, Hayes CJ, Brook JD. CDK12 inhibition reduces abnormalities in cells from patients with myotonic dystrophy and in a mouse model. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/541/eaaz2415. [PMID: 32350131 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz2415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an RNA-based disease with no current treatment. It is caused by a transcribed CTG repeat expansion within the 3' untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Mutant repeat expansion transcripts remain in the nuclei of patients' cells, forming distinct microscopically detectable foci that contribute substantially to the pathophysiology of the condition. Here, we report small-molecule inhibitors that remove nuclear foci and have beneficial effects in the HSALR mouse model, reducing transgene expression, leading to improvements in myotonia, splicing, and centralized nuclei. Using chemoproteomics in combination with cell-based assays, we identify cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) as a druggable target for this condition. CDK12 is a protein elevated in DM1 cell lines and patient muscle biopsies, and our results showed that its inhibition led to reduced expression of repeat expansion RNA. Some of the inhibitors identified in this study are currently the subject of clinical trials for other indications and provide valuable starting points for a drug development program in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Ketley
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Marzena Wojciechowska
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Sonja Ghidelli-Disse
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Bamborough
- Computational and Modelling Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Tushar K Ghosh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Marta Lopez Morato
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Saam Sedehizadeh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Naveed Altaf Malik
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Zhenzhi Tang
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-0001, USA
| | - Paulina Powalowska
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Matthew Tanner
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-0001, USA
| | - Rudolf Billeter-Clark
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Rebecca C Trueman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Philippine C Geiszler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Alessandra Agostini
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Othman Othman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Markus Bösche
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Bantscheff
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Rüdiger
- Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Danuta E Mossakowska
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - David H Drewry
- Department of Chemical Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA
| | - William J Zuercher
- Department of Chemical Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3398, USA.,SGC Center for Chemical Biology, UNC, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charles A Thornton
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642-0001, USA
| | - Gerard Drewes
- Cellzome GmbH, Molecular Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 61997 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iain Uings
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Christopher J Hayes
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - J David Brook
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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8
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Jiang B, Gao Y, Che J, Lu W, Kaltheuner IH, Dries R, Kalocsay M, Berberich MJ, Jiang J, You I, Kwiatkowski N, Riching KM, Daniels DL, Sorger PK, Geyer M, Zhang T, Gray NS. Discovery and resistance mechanism of a selective CDK12 degrader. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:675-683. [PMID: 33753926 PMCID: PMC8590456 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is an emerging therapeutic target due to its role in regulating transcription of DNA-damage response (DDR) genes. However, development of selective small molecules targeting CDK12 has been challenging due to the high degree of homology between kinase domains of CDK12 and other transcriptional CDKs, most notably CDK13. In the present study, we report the rational design and characterization of a CDK12-specific degrader, BSJ-4-116. BSJ-4-116 selectively degraded CDK12 as assessed through quantitative proteomics. Selective degradation of CDK12 resulted in premature cleavage and poly(adenylation) of DDR genes. Moreover, BSJ-4-116 exhibited potent antiproliferative effects, alone and in combination with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib, as well as when used as a single agent against cell lines resistant to covalent CDK12 inhibitors. Two point mutations in CDK12 were identified that confer resistance to BSJ-4-116, demonstrating a potential mechanism that tumor cells can use to evade bivalent degrader molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishan Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Baishan Jiang, Yang Gao and Jianwei Che
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Baishan Jiang, Yang Gao and Jianwei Che
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Baishan Jiang, Yang Gao and Jianwei Che
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Computational Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marian Kalocsay
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew J. Berberich
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Inchul You
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Peter K. Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Correspondence should be addressed to Tinghu Zhang (); Nathanael S. Gray ()
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Correspondence should be addressed to Tinghu Zhang (); Nathanael S. Gray ()
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9
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Izadi S, Nikkhoo A, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Namdar A, Azizi G, Mohammadi H, Yousefi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. CDK1 in Breast Cancer: Implications for Theranostic Potential. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:758-767. [PMID: 32013835 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200203125712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer has been identified as one of the main cancer-related deaths among women during some last decades. Recent advances in the introduction of novel potent anti-cancer therapeutics in association with early detection methods led to a decrease in the mortality rate of breast cancer. However, the scenario of breast cancer is yet going on and further improvements in the current anti-cancer therapeutic approaches are needed. Several factors are present in the tumor microenvironment which help to cancer progression and suppression of anti-tumor responses. Targeting these cancer-promoting factors in the tumor microenvironment has been suggested as a potent immunotherapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Among the various tumorsupporting factors, Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are proposed as a novel promising target for cancer therapy. These factors in association with cyclins play a key role in cell cycle progression. Dysregulation of CDKs which leads to increased cell proliferation has been identified in various cancers, such as breast cancer. Accordingly, the development and use of CDK-inhibitors have been associated with encouraging results in the treatment of breast cancer. However, it is unknown that the inhibition of which CDK is the most effective strategy for breast cancer therapy. Since the selective blockage of CDK1 alone or in combination with other therapeutics has been associated with potent anti-cancer outcomes, it is suggested that CDK1 may be considered as the best CDK target for breast cancer therapy. In this review, we will discuss the role of CDK1 in breast cancer progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Izadi
- 1Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Nikkhoo
- 1Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Bioclinicum, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Afshin Namdar
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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10
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Kurinna S, Seltmann K, Bachmann AL, Schwendimann A, Thiagarajan L, Hennig P, Beer HD, Mollo MR, Missero C, Werner S. Interaction of the NRF2 and p63 transcription factors promotes keratinocyte proliferation in the epidermis. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3748-3763. [PMID: 33764436 PMCID: PMC8053124 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of cell and tissue function requires the coordinated action of transcription factors. However, their combinatorial activities during regeneration remain largely unexplored. Here, we discover an unexpected interaction between the cytoprotective transcription factor NRF2 and p63- a key player in epithelial morphogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with sequencing and reporter assays identifies enhancers and promoters that are simultaneously activated by NRF2 and p63 in human keratinocytes. Modeling of p63 and NRF2 binding to nucleosomal DNA suggests their chromatin-assisted interaction. Pharmacological and genetic activation of NRF2 increases NRF2–p63 binding to enhancers and promotes keratinocyte proliferation, which involves the common NRF2–p63 target cyclin-dependent kinase 12. These results unravel a collaborative function of NRF2 and p63 in the control of epidermal renewal and suggest their combined activation as a strategy to promote repair of human skin and other stratified epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Kurinna
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, FBMH, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Seltmann
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas L Bachmann
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schwendimann
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lalitha Thiagarajan
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, FBMH, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Paulina Hennig
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Dietmar Beer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Rosaria Mollo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Missero
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabine Werner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Myers S, Ortega JA, Cavalli A. Synthetic Lethality through the Lens of Medicinal Chemistry. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14151-14183. [PMID: 33135887 PMCID: PMC8015234 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Personalized medicine and therapies represent the goal of modern medicine, as drug discovery strives to move away from one-cure-for-all and makes use of the various targets and biomarkers within differing disease areas. This approach, especially in oncology, is often undermined when the cells make use of alternative survival pathways. As such, acquired resistance is unfortunately common. In order to combat this phenomenon, synthetic lethality is being investigated, making use of existing genetic fragilities within the cancer cell. This Perspective highlights exciting targets within synthetic lethality, (PARP, ATR, ATM, DNA-PKcs, WEE1, CDK12, RAD51, RAD52, and PD-1) and discusses the medicinal chemistry programs being used to interrogate them, the challenges these programs face, and what the future holds for this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel
H. Myers
- Computational
& Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Jose Antonio Ortega
- Computational
& Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Computational
& Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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12
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CDK12: a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2257-2267. [PMID: 33038524 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 12 engages in diversified biological functions, from transcription, post-transcriptional modification, cell cycle, and translation to cellular proliferation. Moreover, it regulates the expression of cancer-related genes involved in DNA damage response (DDR) and replication, which are responsible for maintaining genomic stability. CDK12 emerges as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cellular contexts, where its dysregulation results in tumorigenesis. Current CDK12 inhibitors are nonselective, which impedes the process of pharmacological target validation and drug development. Herein, we discuss the latest understanding of the biological roles of CDK12 in cancers and provide molecular analyses of CDK12 inhibitors to guide the rational design of selective inhibitors.
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13
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Liu H, Liu K, Dong Z. Targeting CDK12 for Cancer Therapy: Function, Mechanism, and Drug Discovery. Cancer Res 2020; 81:18-26. [PMID: 32958547 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is a member of the CDK family of proteins (CDK) and is critical for cancer development. Years of study into CDK12 have generated much information regarding the intricacy of its function and mechanism as well as inhibitors against it for oncological research. However, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the role of CDK12 in carcinogenesis and cancer prevention. An exhaustive comprehension of CDK12 will highly stimulate the development of new strategies for treating and preventing cancer. Here, we review the literature of CDK12, with a focus on its function, its role in signaling, and how to use it as a target for discovery of novel drugs for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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14
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Shi Y, Zhao H, Ye J, Li Z, Deng M, Zha J, Zhou Y, Zeng H, Lin Y, Pu X, Guo C, Song H, Qiu Y, Xu B. Low-dose triptolide enhances antitumor effect of JQ1 on acute myeloid leukemia through inhibiting RNA polymerase II in vitro and in vivo. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1076-1087. [PMID: 32691884 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain inhibitor JQ1 exerts potent anticancer activity in various cancer cells. However, the resistance to BET inhibitors in leukemia stem cells limits its implication in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). High concentration of triptolide (TPL) presents anticancer activities but with adverse effects. Here, we investigated whether the combination of low-dose TPL with JQ1 could help to circumvent the dilemma of drug resistance and side effect in treating AML. AML cell lines, primary cells from 10 AML patients with different status, as well as AML mice model were subjected to different treatments and apoptotic related protein expression were evaluated. Data showed that low-dose TPL combined with JQ1 effectively killed AML cell lines and primary cells from AML patients without exerting significantly greater lethal activity against normal cells. Mechanism study revealed that low-dose TPL combined with JQ1 triggered reactive oxygen species production and induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in AML cells, in which the inhibition of RNA polymerase II to downregulate c-Myc was mainly responsible for the enhanced activity of TPL in combination with JQ1. In vivo study presented that cotreatment with low-dose TPL and JQ1 significantly reduced tumor burden of the NOD/SCID mice engrafted with MOLM-13 cells. In conclusion, low-dose TPL enhanced the antitumor effect of JQ1 on AML without increasing the side effects, supporting a potential option for AML treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Azepines/pharmacology
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Diterpenes/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Epoxy Compounds/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic/drug effects
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/enzymology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Nude
- Mice, SCID
- Middle Aged
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/enzymology
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Phenanthrenes/pharmacology
- Prognosis
- RNA Polymerase II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Triazoles/pharmacology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfei Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Manman Deng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Jie Zha
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Hanyan Zeng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
| | - Xuan Pu
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chengcen Guo
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihan Song
- Department of Immunology, DICAT Biomedical Computation Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yi Qiu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, China
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15
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Choi SH, Kim S, Jones KA. Gene expression regulation by CDK12: a versatile kinase in cancer with functions beyond CTD phosphorylation. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:762-771. [PMID: 32451425 PMCID: PMC7272620 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play critical roles in cell cycle progression and gene expression regulation. In human cancer, transcription-associated CDKs can activate oncogenic gene expression programs, whereas cell cycle-regulatory CDKs mainly induce uncontrolled proliferation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) belongs to the CDK family of serine/threonine kinases and has been recently found to have multiple roles in gene expression regulation and tumorigenesis. Originally, CDK12 was thought to be one of the transcription-associated CDKs, acting with its cyclin partner Cyclin K to promote the phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II and induce transcription elongation. However, recent studies have demonstrated that CDK12 also controls multiple gene expression processes, including transcription termination, mRNA splicing, and translation. Most importantly, CDK12 mutations are frequently found in human tumors. Loss of CDK12 function causes defective expression of DNA damage response (DDR) genes, which eventually results in genome instability, a hallmark of human cancer. Here, we discuss the diverse roles of CDK12 in gene expression regulation and human cancer, focusing on newly identified CDK12 kinase functions in cellular processes and highlighting CDK12 as a promising therapeutic target for human cancer treatment. Better understanding of the roles played by a protein kinase, an enzyme that adds phosphate groups to other molecules, in healthy and diseased states may help scientists identify novel cancer treatments. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of protein kinases crucial to cell cycling and gene expression. CDK12 can activate and modulate cancer-related gene expression, but, according to a review by Seung Hyuk Choi and colleagues at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, USA, further investigations into its exact functioning and control mechanisms are required. CDK12 mutations are frequently found in aggressive breast and ovarian cancers, while loss of CDK12 function results in abnormal expression of DNA damage response genes and genome instability. CDK12 may also regulate drug resistance in cancer cells. The team suggests that therapies targeting CDK12 are worth exploring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyuk Choi
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Seongjae Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Katherine A Jones
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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16
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Pilarova K, Herudek J, Blazek D. CDK12: cellular functions and therapeutic potential of versatile player in cancer. NAR Cancer 2020; 2:zcaa003. [PMID: 34316683 PMCID: PMC8210036 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and is needed for the optimal transcription elongation and translation of a subset of human protein-coding genes. The kinase has a pleiotropic effect on the maintenance of genome stability, and its inactivation in prostate and ovarian tumours results in focal tandem duplications, a CDK12-unique genome instability phenotype. CDK12 aberrations were found in many other malignancies and have the potential to be used as biomarkers for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, the inhibition of CDK12 emerges as a promising strategy for treatment in several types of cancers. In this review, we summarize mechanisms that CDK12 utilizes for the regulation of gene expression and discuss how the perturbation of CDK12-sensitive genes contributes to the disruption of cell cycle progression and the onset of genome instability. Furthermore, we describe tumour-suppressive and oncogenic functions of CDK12 and its potential as a biomarker and inhibition target in anti-tumour treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kveta Pilarova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Herudek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Blazek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
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17
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Chou J, Quigley DA, Robinson TM, Feng FY, Ashworth A. Transcription-Associated Cyclin-Dependent Kinases as Targets and Biomarkers for Cancer Therapy. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:351-370. [DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Choi SH, Martinez TF, Kim S, Donaldson C, Shokhirev MN, Saghatelian A, Jones KA. CDK12 phosphorylates 4E-BP1 to enable mTORC1-dependent translation and mitotic genome stability. Genes Dev 2019; 33:418-435. [PMID: 30819820 PMCID: PMC6446539 DOI: 10.1101/gad.322339.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Here, Choi et al. show that CDK12, the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain kinase, which regulates genome stability, expression of DNA repair genes, and cancer cell drug resistance, also phosphorylates the mRNA 5′ cap-binding repressor 4E-BP1 to promote translation of mTORC1-dependent mRNAs. Using RIP-seq and Ribo-seq, the authors found that CDK12 regulates binding of eIF4G to many mTORC1 target mRNAs, and identified specific CDK12 “translation-only” target mRNAs. The RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain kinase, CDK12, regulates genome stability, expression of DNA repair genes, and cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to its role in mRNA biosynthesis of DNA repair genes, we show here that CDK12 phosphorylates the mRNA 5′ cap-binding repressor, 4E-BP1, to promote translation of mTORC1-dependent mRNAs. In particular, we found that phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 by mTORC1 (T37 and T46) facilitates subsequent CDK12 phosphorylation at two Ser–Pro sites (S65 and T70) that control the exchange of 4E-BP1 with eIF4G at the 5′ cap of CHK1 and other target mRNAs. RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with deep sequencing (RIP-seq) revealed that CDK12 regulates release of 4E-BP1, and binding of eIF4G, to many mTORC1 target mRNAs, including those needed for MYC transformation. Genome-wide ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) further identified specific CDK12 “translation-only” target mRNAs, including many mTORC1 target mRNAs as well as many subunits of mitotic and centromere/centrosome complexes. Accordingly, confocal imaging analyses revealed severe chromosome misalignment, bridging, and segregation defects in cells deprived of CDK12 or CCNK. We conclude that the nuclear RNAPII-CTD kinase CDK12 cooperates with mTORC1, and controls a specialized translation network that is essential for mitotic chromosome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung H Choi
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Thomas F Martinez
- Clayton Foundation Laboratory for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Seongjae Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Cynthia Donaldson
- Clayton Foundation Laboratory for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Maxim N Shokhirev
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Alan Saghatelian
- Clayton Foundation Laboratory for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Katherine A Jones
- Regulatory Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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19
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that coordinates the basal and stress-inducible activation of a vast array of cytoprotective genes. Understanding the regulation of Nrf2 activity and downstream pathways has major implications for human health. Recent Advances: Nrf2 regulates the transcription of components of the glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems, as well as enzymes involved in phase I and phase II detoxification of exogenous and endogenous products, NADPH regeneration, and heme metabolism. It therefore represents a crucial regulator of the cellular defense mechanisms against xenobiotic and oxidative stress. In addition to antioxidant responses, Nrf2 is involved in other cellular processes, such as autophagy, intermediary metabolism, stem cell quiescence, and unfolded protein response. Given the wide range of processes that Nrf2 controls, its activity is tightly regulated at multiple levels. Here, we review the different modes of regulation of Nrf2 activity and the current knowledge of Nrf2-mediated transcriptional control. CRITICAL ISSUES It is now clear that Nrf2 lies at the center of a complex regulatory network. A full comprehension of the Nrf2 program will require an integrated consideration of all the different factors determining Nrf2 activity. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Additional computational and experimental studies are needed to obtain a more dynamic global view of Nrf2-mediated gene regulation. In particular, studies comparing how the Nrf2-dependent network changes from a physiological to a pathological condition can provide insight into mechanisms of disease and instruct new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tonelli
- 1 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | | | - David A Tuveson
- 1 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor, New York.,2 Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory , Cold Spring Harbor, New York
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20
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Brovkina OI, Shigapova L, Chudakova DA, Gordiev MG, Enikeev RF, Druzhkov MO, Khodyrev DS, Shagimardanova EI, Nikitin AG, Gusev OA. The Ethnic-Specific Spectrum of Germline Nucleotide Variants in DNA Damage Response and Repair Genes in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Patients of Tatar Descent. Front Oncol 2018; 8:421. [PMID: 30333958 PMCID: PMC6176317 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Russian population consists of more than 100 ethnic groups, presenting a unique opportunity for the identification of hereditary pathogenic mutations. To gain insight into the landscape of heredity pathogenic variants, we employed targeted next-generation sequencing to analyze the germline mutation load in the DNA damage response and repair genes of hereditary breast and ovary cancer syndrome (HBOCS) patients of Tatar ethnicity, which represents ~4% of the total Russian population. Several pathogenic mutations were identified in DNA double-strand break repair genes, and the spectrum of these markers in Tatar patients varied from that previously reported for patients of Slavic ancestry. The CDK12 gene encodes cyclin-dependent kinase 12, the key transcriptional regulator of the genes involved in DNA damage response and repair. CDK12 analysis in a cohort of HBOCS patients of Tatar decent identified a c.1047-2A>G nucleotide variant in the CDK12 gene in 8 of the 106 cases (7.6%). The c.1047-2A>G nucleotide variant was identified in 1 of the 93 (1.1%) HBOCS patients with mixed or unknown ethnicity and in 1 of the 238 (0.42%) healthy control patients of mixed ethnicity (Tatars and non-Tatars) (p = 0.0066, OR = 11.18, CI 95% = 1.53-492.95, Tatar and non-Tatar patients vs. healthy controls). In a group of mixed ethnicity patients from Tatarstan, with sporadic breast and/or ovarian cancer, this nucleotide variant was detected in 2 out of 93 (2.2%) cases. In a cohort of participants of Slavic descent from Moscow, comprising of 95 HBOCS patients, 80 patients with sporadic breast and/or ovarian cancer, and 372 healthy controls, this nucleotide variant was absent. Our study demonstrates a strong predisposition for the CDK12 c.1047-2A>G nucleotide variant in HBOCS in patients of Tatar ethnicity and identifies CDK12 as a novel gene involved in HBOCS susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga I Brovkina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Daria A Chudakova
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marat G Gordiev
- Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia
| | - Rafael F Enikeev
- Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia
| | - Maxim O Druzhkov
- Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia
| | - Dmitriy S Khodyrev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexey G Nikitin
- Federal Research and Clinical Center, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Pulmonology Research Institute, Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg A Gusev
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia.,RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
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21
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Lui GYL, Grandori C, Kemp CJ. CDK12: an emerging therapeutic target for cancer. J Clin Pathol 2018; 71:957-962. [PMID: 30104286 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) belongs to the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family of serine/threonine protein kinases that regulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes, thereby modulating multiple cellular functions. Early studies characterised CDK12 as a transcriptional CDK that complexes with cyclin K to mediate gene transcription by phosphorylating RNA polymerase II. CDK12 has been demonstrated to specifically upregulate the expression of genes involved in response to DNA damage, stress and heat shock. More recent studies have implicated CDK12 in regulating mRNA splicing, 3' end processing, pre-replication complex assembly and genomic stability during embryonic development. Genomic alterations in CDK12 have been detected in oesophageal, stomach, breast, endometrial, uterine, ovarian, bladder, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, ranging from 5% to 15% of sequenced cases. An increasing number of studies point to CDK12 inhibition as an effective strategy to inhibit tumour growth, and synthetic lethal interactions have been described with MYC, EWS/FLI and PARP/CHK1 inhibition. Herein, we discuss the present literature on CDK12 in cell function and human cancer, highlighting important roles for CDK12 as a clinical biomarker for treatment response and potential as an effective therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie Y L Lui
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Human Biology Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Kemp
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Human Biology Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
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22
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Guffanti F, Fratelli M, Ganzinelli M, Bolis M, Ricci F, Bizzaro F, Chilà R, Sina FP, Fruscio R, Lupia M, Cavallaro U, Cappelletti MR, Generali D, Giavazzi R, Damia G. Platinum sensitivity and DNA repair in a recently established panel of patient-derived ovarian carcinoma xenografts. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24707-24717. [PMID: 29872499 PMCID: PMC5973859 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25185] [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: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A xenobank of patient-derived (PDX) ovarian tumor samples has been established consisting of tumors with different sensitivity to cisplatin (DDP), from very responsive to resistant. As the DNA repair pathway is an important driver in tumor response to DDP, we analyzed the mRNA expression of 20 genes involved in the nucleotide excision repair, fanconi anemia, homologous recombination, base excision repair, mismatch repair and translesion repair pathways and the methylation patterns of some of these genes. We also investigated the correlation with the response to platinum-based therapy. The mRNA levels of the selected genes were evaluated by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) with ad hoc validated primers and gene promoter methylation by pyrosequencing. All the DNA repair genes were variably expressed in all 42 PDX samples analyzed, with no particular histotype-specific pattern of expression. In high-grade serous/endometrioid PDXs, the CDK12 mRNA expression levels positively correlated with the expression of TP53BP1, PALB2, XPF and POLB. High-grade serous/endometrioid PDXs with TP53 mutations had significantly higher levels of POLQ, FANCD2, RAD51 and POLB than high-grade TP53 wild type PDXs. The mRNA levels of CDK12, PALB2 and XPF inversely associated with the in vivo DDP antitumor activity; higher CDK12 mRNA levels were associated with a higher recurrence rate in ovarian patients with low residual tumor. These data support the important role of CDK12 in the response to a platinum based therapy in ovarian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guffanti
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Fratelli
- Department of Biochemistry, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Ganzinelli
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bolis
- Department of Biochemistry, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Bizzaro
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosaria Chilà
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Paola Sina
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Fruscio
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Lupia
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Cavallaro
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Generali
- Breast Cancer Unit and Translational Research Unit, ASST Cremona, Cremona, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Raffaella Giavazzi
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
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23
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Chatterjee N, Bohmann D. BET-ting on Nrf2: How Nrf2 Signaling can Influence the Therapeutic Activities of BET Protein Inhibitors. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1800007. [PMID: 29603290 PMCID: PMC7025392 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BET proteins such as Brd3 and Brd4 are chromatin-associated factors, which control gene expression programs that promote inflammation and cancer. The Nrf2 transcription factor is a master regulator of genes that protect the organism against xenobiotic attack and oxidative stress. Nrf2 has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity and can support cancer cell malignancy. This review describes the discovery, mechanism and biomedical implications of the regulatory interplay between Nrf2 and BET proteins. Both Nrf2 and BET proteins are established drug targets. Small molecules that either activate or suppress these proteins are currently tested in clinical trials. The crosstalk between Nrf2 and BET proteins may have important, and until now overlooked, implications for the therapeutic effects of these drugs. Based on the information covered in this review, it should be possible to design combinatorial treatment strategies for cancer and inflammatory diseases, which may improve the efficacy of targeting a Nrf2 or BET proteins individually.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Bohmann
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
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24
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Tien JF, Mazloomian A, Cheng SWG, Hughes CS, Chow CCT, Canapi LT, Oloumi A, Trigo-Gonzalez G, Bashashati A, Xu J, Chang VCD, Shah SP, Aparicio S, Morin GB. CDK12 regulates alternative last exon mRNA splicing and promotes breast cancer cell invasion. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:6698-6716. [PMID: 28334900 PMCID: PMC5499812 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
CDK12 (cyclin-dependent kinase 12) is a regulatory kinase with evolutionarily conserved roles in modulating transcription elongation. Recent tumor genome studies of breast and ovarian cancers highlighted recurrent CDK12 mutations, which have been shown to disrupt DNA repair in cell-based assays. In breast cancers, CDK12 is also frequently co-amplified with the HER2 (ERBB2) oncogene. The mechanisms underlying functions of CDK12 in general and in cancer remain poorly defined. Based on global analysis of mRNA transcripts in normal and breast cancer cell lines with and without CDK12 amplification, we demonstrate that CDK12 primarily regulates alternative last exon (ALE) splicing, a specialized subtype of alternative mRNA splicing, that is both gene- and cell type-specific. These are unusual properties for spliceosome regulatory factors, which typically regulate multiple forms of alternative splicing in a global manner. In breast cancer cells, regulation by CDK12 modulates ALE splicing of the DNA damage response activator ATM and a DNAJB6 isoform that influences cell invasion and tumorigenesis in xenografts. We found that there is a direct correlation between CDK12 levels, DNAJB6 isoform levels and the migration capacity and invasiveness of breast tumor cells. This suggests that CDK12 gene amplification can contribute to the pathogenesis of the cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry F Tien
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Alborz Mazloomian
- Graduate Bioinformatics Training Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 4S6, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - S-W Grace Cheng
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Christopher S Hughes
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Christalle C T Chow
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Leanna T Canapi
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Arusha Oloumi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Genny Trigo-Gonzalez
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Ali Bashashati
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - James Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Vicky C-D Chang
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Sohrab P Shah
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Samuel Aparicio
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Gregg B Morin
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6H 3N1, Canada
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25
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Paculová H, Kohoutek J. The emerging roles of CDK12 in tumorigenesis. Cell Div 2017; 12:7. [PMID: 29090014 PMCID: PMC5658942 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-017-0033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are key regulators of both cell cycle progression and transcription. Since dysregulation of CDKs is a frequently occurring event driving tumorigenesis, CDKs have been tested extensively as targets for cancer therapy. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is a transcription-associated kinase which participates in various cellular processes, including DNA damage response, development and cellular differentiation, as well as splicing and pre-mRNA processing. CDK12 mutations and amplification have been recently reported in different types of malignancies, including loss-of-function mutations in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas, and that has led to assumption that CDK12 is a tumor suppressor. On the contrary, CDK12 overexpression in other tumors suggests the possibility that CDK12 has oncogenic properties, similarly to other transcription-associated kinases. In this review, we discuss current knowledge concerning the role of CDK12 in ovarian and breast tumorigenesis and the potential for chemical inhibitors of CDK12 in future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Paculová
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, 621 00 Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kohoutek
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, 621 00 Czech Republic
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26
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Chilà R, Guffanti F, Damia G. Role and therapeutic potential of CDK12 in human cancers. Cancer Treat Rev 2016; 50:83-88. [PMID: 27662623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is important for productive transcription. Deregulated transcription-CDKs have been reported in different human cancers. Until recently CDK9 was the only transcription-CDK with a causative role in cancer, but evidence is cumulating of the importance of CDK12. This review summarizes the role of CDK12 in transcription and RNA processing, in maintaining genomic stability/integrity and in tumorigenesis. CDK12 mutations have been reported in many cancers and have been suggested as a cause of defective DNA repair in ovarian carcinoma. CDK12 may have a role as a new therapeutic target in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Chilà
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Oncology Department, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Guffanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Oncology Department, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Oncology Department, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Keap1-Independent Regulation of Nrf2 Activity by Protein Acetylation and a BET Bromodomain Protein. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006072. [PMID: 27233051 PMCID: PMC4883770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian BET proteins comprise a family of bromodomain-containing epigenetic regulators with complex functions in chromatin organization and gene regulation. We identified the sole member of the BET protein family in Drosophila, Fs(1)h, as an inhibitor of the stress responsive transcription factor CncC, the fly ortholog of Nrf2. Fs(1)h physically interacts with CncC in a manner that requires the function of its bromodomains and the acetylation of CncC. Treatment of cultured Drosophila cells or adult flies with fs(1)h RNAi or with the BET protein inhibitor JQ1 de-represses CncC transcriptional activity and engages protective gene expression programs. The mechanism by which Fs(1)h inhibits CncC function is distinct from the canonical mechanism that stimulates Nrf2 function by abrogating Keap1-dependent proteasomal degradation. Consistent with the independent modes of CncC regulation by Keap1 and Fs(1)h, combinations of drugs that can specifically target these pathways cause a strong synergistic and specific activation of protective CncC- dependent gene expression and boosts oxidative stress resistance. This synergism might be exploitable for the design of combinatorial therapies to target diseases associated with oxidative stress or inflammation. Nrf2-related transcription factors regulate gene expression programs that protect organisms against chemical or oxidative stress. Nrf2-activating drugs hold promise for the treatment of diseases that are connected to oxidative stress or inflammation. We identified Fs(1)h, a bromodomain-containing BET protein, as a negative regulator of Nrf2 function in Drosophila. BET proteins are involved in transcription regulation and chromatin organization and have been implicated in several diseases, including cancer. Fs(1)h interacts with acetylated lysines on CncC, the homolog of Nrf2 in Drosophila, and thereby prevents target gene activation. Nrf2 can be released from this inhibitory effect by small molecules that specifically interfere with the binding of BET proteins to acetylated targets. Fs(1)h regulates Nrf2 independently of Keap1, a well-studied Nrf2 regulator. Consequently, chemical inhibitors of Keap1 and of Fs(1)h can be combined to achieve synergistic activation of Nrf2 target genes and strongly boost oxidative stress tolerance in Drosophila. The Keap1-independent mechanism of Nrf2 regulation is conserved in mammals. We suggest that the synergistic effect of combinatorial Nrf2 targeting drugs may be effective for the treatment of different oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.
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