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Shah K, Ansari M, Saeed S, Wali A, Mushtaq Yasinzai M. Nilotinib: Disrupting the MYC-MAX Heterocomplex. Bioinform Biol Insights 2024; 18:11779322241267056. [PMID: 39081669 PMCID: PMC11287739 DOI: 10.1177/11779322241267056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC is a transcription factor crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, and its dysregulation is associated with highly aggressive cancers. Despite being considered "undruggable" due to its unstable protein structure, MYC gains stability through its interaction with its partner protein, MAX. The MYC-MAX heterodimer orchestrates the expression of numerous genes that contribute to an oncogenic phenotype. Previous efforts to develop small molecules, disrupting the MYC-MAX interaction, have shown promise in vitro but none have gained clinical approval. Our current computer-aided study utilizes an approach to explore drug repurposing as a strategy for inhibiting the c-MYC-MAX interaction. We have focused on compounds from DrugBank library, including Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs or those under investigation for other medical conditions. First, we identified a potential druggable site on flat interface of the c-MYC protein, which served as the target for virtual screening. Using both activity-based and structure-based screening, we comprehensively assessed the entire DrugBank library. Structure-based virtual screening was performed on AutoDock Vina and Glide docking tools, while activity-based screening was performed on two independent quantitative structure-activity relationship models. We focused on the top 2% of hit molecules from all screening methods. Ultimately, we selected consensus molecules from these screenings-those that exhibited both a stable interaction with c-MYC and superior inhibitory activity against c-MYC-MAX interaction. Among the evaluated molecules, we identified a protein kinase inhibitor (tyrosine kinase inhibitor [TKI]) known as nilotinib as a promising candidate targeting c-MYC-MAX dimer. Molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated a stable interaction between MYC and nilotinib. The interaction with nilotinib led to the stabilization of a region of the MYC protein that is distorted in apo-MYC and is important for MAX binding. Further analysis of differentially expressed gene revealed that nilotinib, uniquely among the tested TKIs, induced a gene expression program in which half of the genes were known to be responsive to c-MYC. Our findings provide the foundation for subsequent in vitro and in vivo investigations aimed at evaluating the efficacy of nilotinib in managing MYC oncogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samina Saeed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Informatics, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Wali
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Informatics, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mushtaq Yasinzai
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Informatics, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, Pakistan
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2
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Zhao C, Zhao F, Yang L, Wang Y, Wang H, Fang F, Zuo H, Li Z, He G, Zhan W, Ma X. Directly Suppressing MYC Function with Novel Alkynyl-Substituted Phenylpyrazole Derivatives that Induce Protein Degradation and Perturb MYC/MAX Interaction. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11751-11768. [PMID: 38989847 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite being a highly sought-after therapeutic target for human malignancies, myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homologue (MYC) has been considered intractable due to its intrinsically disordered nature, making the discovery of in vivo effective inhibitors that directly block its function challenging. Herein, we report structurally novel alkynyl-substituted phenylpyrazole derivatives directly perturbing MYC function. Among them, compound 37 exhibited superior antiproliferative activities to those of MYCi975 against multiple malignant cell lines. It induced dose-dependent MYC degradation in cells with degradation observed at the concentration as low as 1.0 μM. Meanwhile, its direct suppression of MYC function was confirmed by the capability to inhibit the binding of MYC/MYC-associated protein X (MAX) heterodimer to DNA consensus sequence, induce MYC thermal instability, and disturb MYC/MAX interaction. Moreover, 37 demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy over MYCi975 in a mouse allograft model of prostate cancer. Overall, 37 deserves further development for exploring MYC-targeting cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Henian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Fang Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Haojie Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Zhi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Ge He
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Wenhu Zhan
- iCarbonX (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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3
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Wang Y, Yang G, Zhang X, Bai R, Yuan D, Gao D, He Q, Yuan Y, Zhang X, Kou J, Zheng L, Huang Y, Tang Z, Bao Y, Song X, Zhao Y. Antitumor Effect of Anti-c-Myc Aptamer-Based PROTAC for Degradation of the c-Myc Protein. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309639. [PMID: 38682443 PMCID: PMC11234457 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Targeting "undruggable" targets with intrinsically disordered structures is of great significance for the treatment of disease. The transcription factor c-Myc controls global gene expression and is an attractive therapeutic target for multiple types of cancers. However, due to the lack of defined ligand binding pockets, targeted c-Myc have thus far been unsuccessful. Herein, to address the dilemma of lacking ligands, an efficient and high throughput aptamer screening strategy is established, named polystyrene microwell plate-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (microwell-SELEX), and identify the specific aptamer (MA9C1) against c-Myc. The multifunctional aptamer-based Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC) for proteolysis of the c-Myc (ProMyc) is developed using the aptamer MA9C1 as the ligand. ProMyc not only significantly degrades c-Myc by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, but also reduces the Max protein, synergistically inhibiting c-Myc transcriptional activity. Combination of the artificial cyclization and anti-PD-L1 aptamer (PA1)-based delivery system, circular PA1-ProMyc chimeras achieve tumor regression in the xenograft tumor model, laying a solid foundation for the development of efficacious c-Myc degrader for the clinic. Therefore, this aptamer-based degrader provides an invaluable potential degrader in drug discovery and anti-tumor therapy, offering a promising degrader to overcome the challenge of targeting intractable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Gang Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Ruoling Bai
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Deyu Yuan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Denghui Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Qianyu He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Natural Products Research Centre, Chengdu Institution of Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xinghe Zhang
- lncTAC Bio., Chengdu, Sichuan, 610200, P. R. China
| | | | - Lihua Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Yanxin Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Tang
- Natural Products Research Centre, Chengdu Institution of Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yongli Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Xu Song
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Yongyun Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
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Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
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Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
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6
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Zheng LW, Liu CC, Yu KD. Phase separations in oncogenesis, tumor progressions and metastasis: a glance from hallmarks of cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:123. [PMID: 38110976 PMCID: PMC10726551 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a novel principle for interpreting precise spatiotemporal coordination in living cells through biomolecular condensate (BMC) formation via dynamic aggregation. LLPS changes individual molecules into membrane-free, droplet-like BMCs with specific functions, which coordinate various cellular activities. The formation and regulation of LLPS are closely associated with oncogenesis, tumor progressions and metastasis, the specific roles and mechanisms of LLPS in tumors still need to be further investigated at present. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the conditions of LLPS and identify mechanisms involved in abnormal LLPS in cancer processes, including tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis from the perspective of cancer hallmarks. We have also reviewed the clinical applications of LLPS in oncologic areas. This systematic summary of dysregulated LLPS from the different dimensions of cancer hallmarks will build a bridge for determining its specific functions to further guide basic research, finding strategies to intervene in LLPS, and developing relevant therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Wei Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ke-Da Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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7
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Doha ZO, Sears RC. Unraveling MYC's Role in Orchestrating Tumor Intrinsic and Tumor Microenvironment Interactions Driving Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:400-419. [PMID: 37755397 PMCID: PMC10537413 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes and has been implicated in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types. MYC has emerged as a master regulator governing tumor intrinsic and tumor microenvironment interactions, supporting tumor progression and driving drug resistance. This review paper aims to provide an overview and discussion of the intricate mechanisms through which MYC influences tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancer. We delve into the signaling pathways and molecular networks orchestrated by MYC in the context of tumor intrinsic characteristics, such as proliferation, replication stress and DNA repair. Furthermore, we explore the impact of MYC on the tumor microenvironment, including immune evasion, angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblast remodeling. Understanding MYC's multifaceted role in driving drug resistance and tumor progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies and combination treatments that may effectively combat this devastating disease. Through an analysis of the current literature, this review's goal is to shed light on the complexities of MYC-driven oncogenesis and its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinab O. Doha
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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8
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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陈 一, 凌 晓, 于 浩, 丁 俊. [Role of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Cell Fate Transition and Diseases]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2023; 54:857-862. [PMID: 37866939 PMCID: PMC10579061 DOI: 10.12182/20230960302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a novel mechanism of the organization and formation of cellular structures, plays a vital role in regulating cell fate transitions and disease pathogenesis and is gaining widespread attention. LLPS may lead to the assemblage of cellular structures with liquid-like fluidity, such as germ granules, stress granules, and nucleoli, which are classic membraneless organelles. These structures are typically formed through the high-concentration liquid aggregation of biomacromolecules driven by weak multivalent interactions. LLPS is involved in regulating various intracellular life activities and its dysregulation may cause the disruption of cellular functions, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis and development of neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, cancers, etc. Herein, we summarized published findings on the LLPS dynamics of membraneless organelles in physiological and pathological cell fate transition, revealing their crucial roles in cell differentiation, development, and various pathogenic processes. This paper provides a fresh theoretical framework and potential therapeutic targets for LLPS-related studies, opening new avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- 一龙 陈
- 四川大学医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 四川大学华西医院 生物医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 四川大学“医学+信息”中心 (成都 610041)Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 晓茹 凌
- 四川大学医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 浩澎 于
- 四川大学医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 四川大学华西医院 生物医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 四川大学“医学+信息”中心 (成都 610041)Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 俊军 丁
- 四川大学医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 四川大学华西医院 生物医学大数据中心 (成都 610041)West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 四川大学“医学+信息”中心 (成都 610041)Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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10
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Liu Z, Qin Z, Liu Y, Xia X, He L, Chen N, Hu X, Peng X. Liquid‒liquid phase separation: roles and implications in future cancer treatment. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4139-4156. [PMID: 37705755 PMCID: PMC10496506 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.81521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a phenomenon driven by weak interactions between biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, that leads to the formation of distinct liquid-like condensates. Through LLPS, membraneless condensates are formed, selectively concentrating specific proteins while excluding other molecules to maintain normal cellular functions. Emerging evidence shows that cancer-related mutations cause aberrant condensate assembly, resulting in disrupted signal transduction, impaired DNA repair, and abnormal chromatin organization and eventually contributing to tumorigenesis. The objective of this review is to summarize recent advancements in understanding the potential implications of LLPS in the contexts of cancer progression and therapeutic interventions. By interfering with LLPS, it may be possible to restore normal cellular processes and inhibit tumor progression. The underlying mechanisms and potential drug targets associated with LLPS in cancer are discussed, shedding light on promising opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheran Liu
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zijian Qin
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingtong Liu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Xia
- Shanghai ETERN Biopharma Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Xindu Avenue No 783, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Illi B, Nasi S. Myc beyond Cancer: Regulation of Mammalian Tissue Regeneration. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:346-365. [PMID: 37606389 PMCID: PMC10443299 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc is one of the most well-known oncogenes driving tumorigenesis in a wide variety of tissues. From the brain to blood, its deregulation derails physiological pathways that grant the correct functioning of the cell. Its action is carried out at the gene expression level, where Myc governs basically every aspect of transcription. Indeed, in addition to its role as a canonical, chromatin-bound transcription factor, Myc rules RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcriptional pause-release, elongation and termination and mRNA capping. For this reason, it is evident that minimal perturbations of Myc function mirror malignant cell behavior and, consistently, a large body of literature mainly focuses on Myc malfunctioning. In healthy cells, Myc controls molecular mechanisms involved in pivotal functions, such as cell cycle (and proliferation thereof), apoptosis, metabolism and cell size, angiogenesis, differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. In this latter regard, Myc has been found to also regulate tissue regeneration, a hot topic in the research fields of aging and regenerative medicine. Indeed, Myc appears to have a role in wound healing, in peripheral nerves and in liver, pancreas and even heart recovery. Herein, we discuss the state of the art of Myc's role in tissue regeneration, giving an overview of its potent action beyond cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Illi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Nasi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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12
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Wu X, Hu JJ, Chen L, Chen Z, Wang T, Wu F, Dai J, Xia F, Lou X. Targeting Proteins in Nucleus through Dual-Regulatory Pathways Acting in Cytoplasm. NANO LETTERS 2023. [PMID: 37289977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear proteins have been regarded as attractive targets for exploiting therapeutic agents. However, those agents cannot efficiently pass through nuclear pores and it is also difficult to overcome the crowded nuclear environment to react with proteins. Herein, we propose a novel strategy acting in the cytoplasm to regulate nuclear proteins based on their signaling pathways, instead of directly entering into nuclei. A multifunctional complex PKK-TTP/hs carries human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) small interfering RNA (defined as hs) for gene silencing in the cytoplasm, which reduced the import of nuclear protein. At the same time, it could generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation, which raised the export of nuclear proteins by promoting proteins translocation. Through this dual-regulatory pathway, we successfully reduced nuclear protein (hTERT proteins) in vivo (42.3%). This work bypasses the challenge of directly entering into the nucleus and provides an effective strategy for regulating nuclear proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jing-Jing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhaojun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaoding Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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13
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Zeng L, Zhu Y, Moreno CS, Wan Y. New insights into KLFs and SOXs in cancer pathogenesis, stemness, and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:29-44. [PMID: 36806560 PMCID: PMC10023514 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the development of cancer therapies, the success of most treatments has been impeded by drug resistance. The crucial role of tumor cell plasticity has emerged recently in cancer progression, cancer stemness and eventually drug resistance. Cell plasticity drives tumor cells to reversibly convert their cell identity, analogous to differentiation and dedifferentiation, to adapt to drug treatment. This phenotypical switch is driven by alteration of the transcriptome. Several pluripotent factors from the KLF and SOX families are closely associated with cancer pathogenesis and have been revealed to regulate tumor cell plasticity. In this review, we particularly summarize recent studies about KLF4, KLF5 and SOX factors in cancer development and evolution, focusing on their roles in cancer initiation, invasion, tumor hierarchy and heterogeneity, and lineage plasticity. In addition, we discuss the various regulation of these transcription factors and related cutting-edge drug development approaches that could be used to drug "undruggable" transcription factors, such as PROTAC and PPI targeting, for targeted cancer therapy. Advanced knowledge could pave the way for the development of novel drugs that target transcriptional regulation and could improve the outcome of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Yueming Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Carlos S Moreno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
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14
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Li X, Zhang Z, Gao F, Ma Y, Wei D, Lu Z, Chen S, Wang M, Wang Y, Xu K, Wang R, Xu F, Chen JY, Zhu C, Li Z, Yu H, Guan X. c-Myc-Targeting PROTAC Based on a TNA-DNA Bivalent Binder for Combination Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:9334-9342. [PMID: 37068218 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with a poor clinical prognosis and no targeted therapy. The c-Myc protein is a master transcription factor and a potential therapeutic target for TNBC. In this study, we develop a PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) based on TNA (threose nucleic acid) and DNA that effectively targets and degrades c-Myc. The TNA aptamer is selected in vitro to bind the c-Myc/Max heterodimer and appended to the E-box DNA sequence to create a high-affinity, biologically stable bivalent binder. The TNA-E box-pomalidomide (TEP) conjugate specifically degrades endogenous c-Myc/Max, inhibits TNBC cell proliferation, and sensitizes TNBC cells to the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor palbociclib in vitro. In a mouse TNBC model, combination therapy with TEP and palbociclib potently suppresses tumor growth. This study offers a promising nucleic acid-based PROTAC modality for both chemical biology studies and therapeutic interventions of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fangyan Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yuxuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Dongying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhangwei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Siqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yueyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Runtian Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hanyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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15
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When Just One Phosphate Is One Too Many: The Multifaceted Interplay between Myc and Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054746. [PMID: 36902175 PMCID: PMC10003727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myc transcription factors are key regulators of many cellular processes, with Myc target genes crucially implicated in the management of cell proliferation and stem pluripotency, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. Given the wide involvement of Myc in cellular dynamics, it is not surprising that its overexpression is frequently associated with cancer. Noteworthy, in cancer cells where high Myc levels are maintained, the overexpression of Myc-associated kinases is often observed and required to foster tumour cells' proliferation. A mutual interplay exists between Myc and kinases: the latter, which are Myc transcriptional targets, phosphorylate Myc, allowing its transcriptional activity, highlighting a clear regulatory loop. At the protein level, Myc activity and turnover is also tightly regulated by kinases, with a finely tuned balance between translation and rapid protein degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the cross-regulation of Myc and its associated protein kinases underlying similar and redundant mechanisms of regulation at different levels, from transcriptional to post-translational events. Furthermore, a review of the indirect effects of known kinase inhibitors on Myc provides an opportunity to identify alternative and combined therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
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16
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Karadkhelkar NM, Lin M, Eubanks LM, Janda KD. Demystifying the Druggability of the MYC Family of Oncogenes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3259-3269. [PMID: 36734615 PMCID: PMC10182829 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The MYC family of oncogenes (MYC, MYCN, and MYCL) encodes a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLHLZ) transcriptional regulator that is responsible for moving the cell through the restriction point. Through the HLHZIP domain, MYC heterodimerizes with the bHLHLZ protein MAX, which enables this MYC-MAX complex to bind to E-box regulatory DNA elements thereby controlling transcription of a large group of genes and their proteins. Translationally, MYC is one of the foremost oncogenic targets, and deregulation of expression of the MYC family gene/proteins occurs in over half of all human tumors and is recognized as a hallmark of cancer initiation and maintenance. Additionally, unexpected roles for this oncoprotein have been found in cancers that nominally have a non-MYC etiology. Although MYC is rarely mutated, its gain of function in cancer results from overexpression or from amplification. Moreover, MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor possessing broad pathogenic prominence making it a coveted cancer target. A widely held notion within the biomedical research community is that the reliable modulation of MYC represents a tremendous therapeutic opportunity given its role in directly potentiating oncogenesis. However, the MYC-MAX heterodimer interaction contains a large surface area with a lack of well-defined binding sites creating the perception that targeting of MYC-MAX is forbidding. Here, we discuss the biochemistry behind MYC and MYC-MAX as it relates to cancer progression associated with these transcription factors. We also discuss the notion that MYC should no longer be regarded as undruggable, providing examples that a therapeutic window is achievable despite global MYC inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant M. Karadkhelkar
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Mingliang Lin
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lisa M. Eubanks
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Kim D. Janda
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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17
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Portability of a Small-Molecule Binding Site between Disordered Proteins. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121887. [PMID: 36551315 PMCID: PMC9775153 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are important in both normal and disease states. Small molecules can be targeted to disordered regions, but we currently have only a limited understanding of the nature of small-molecule binding sites in IDPs. Here, we show that a minimal small-molecule binding sequence of eight contiguous residues derived from the Myc protein can be ported into a different disordered protein and recapitulate small-molecule binding activity in the new context. We also find that the residue immediately flanking the binding site can have opposing effects on small-molecule binding in the different disordered protein contexts. The results demonstrate that small-molecule binding sites can act modularly and are portable between disordered protein contexts but that residues outside of the minimal binding site can modulate binding affinity.
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18
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Ren J, Zhang Z, Zong Z, Zhang L, Zhou F. Emerging Implications of Phase Separation in Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202855. [PMID: 36117111 PMCID: PMC9631093 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, biological activities are executed in distinct cellular compartments or organelles. Canonical organelles with membrane-bound structures are well understood. Cells also inherently contain versatile membrane-less organelles (MLOs) that feature liquid or gel-like bodies. A biophysical process termed liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) elucidates how MLOs form through dynamic biomolecule assembly. LLPS-related molecules often have multivalency, which is essential for low-affinity inter- or intra-molecule interactions to trigger phase separation. Accumulating evidence shows that LLPS concentrates and organizes desired molecules or segregates unneeded molecules in cells. Thus, MLOs have tunable functional specificity in response to environmental stimuli and metabolic processes. Aberrant LLPS is widely associated with several hallmarks of cancer, including sustained proliferative signaling, growth suppressor evasion, cell death resistance, telomere maintenance, DNA damage repair, etc. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of LLPS provide new insights into cancer therapeutics. Here, the current understanding of the emerging concepts of LLPS and its involvement in cancer are comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- School of MedicineZhejiang University City CollegeHangzhou215123China
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003China
| | - Zhi Zong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- International Biomed‐X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou215123China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- School of MedicineZhejiang University City CollegeHangzhou215123China
- Institutes of Biology and Medical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123China
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19
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3JC48-3 (methyl 4'-methyl-5-(7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carboxylate): a novel MYC/MAX dimerization inhibitor reduces prostate cancer growth. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1550-1557. [PMID: 35440696 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The proto-oncogene cellular myelocytomatosis (c-Myc) is a transcription factor that is upregulated in several human cancers. Therapeutic targeting of c-Myc remains a challenge because of a disordered protein tertiary structure. The basic helical structure and zipper protein of c-Myc forms an obligate heterodimer with its partner MYC-associated factor X (MAX) to function as a transcription factor. An attractive strategy is to inhibit MYC/MAX dimerization to decrease c-Myc transcriptional function. Several methods have been described to inhibit MYC/MAX dimerization including small molecular inhibitors and proteomimetics. We studied the effect of a second-generation small molecular inhibitor 3JC48-3 on prostate cancer growth and viability. In our experimental studies, we found 3JC48-3 decreases prostate cancer cells' growth and viability in a dose-dependent fashion in vitro. We confirmed inhibition of MYC/MAX dimerization by 3JC48-3 using immunoprecipitation experiments. We have previously shown that the MYC/MAX heterodimer is a transcriptional repressor of a novel kinase protein kinase D1 (PrKD1). Treatment with 3JC48-3 upregulated PrKD1 expression and phosphorylation of known PrKD1 substrates: the threonine 120 (Thr-120) residue in beta-catenin and the serine 216 (Ser-216) in Cell Division Cycle 25 (CDC25C). The mining of gene expression in human metastatic prostate cancer samples demonstrated an inverse correlation between PrKD1 and c-Myc expression. Normal mice and mice with patient-derived prostate cancer xenografts (PDX) tolerated intraperitoneal injections of 3JC48-3 up to 100 mg/kg body weight without dose-limiting toxicity. Preliminary results in these PDX mouse models suggest that 3JC48-3 may be effective in decreasing the rate of tumor growth. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that 3JC48-3 is a potent MYC/MAX heterodimerization inhibitor that decreases prostate cancer growth and viability associated with upregulation of PrKD1 expression and kinase activity.
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20
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Zhuang Y, Che J, Wu M, Guo Y, Xu Y, Dong X, Yang H. Altered pathways and targeted therapy in double hit lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:26. [PMID: 35303910 PMCID: PMC8932183 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01249-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade B-cell lymphoma with translocations involving MYC and BCL2 or BCL6, usually referred to as double hit lymphoma (DHL), is an aggressive hematological malignance with distinct genetic features and poor clinical prognosis. Current standard chemoimmunotherapy fails to confer satisfying outcomes and few targeted therapeutics are available for the treatment against DHL. Recently, the delineating of the genetic landscape in tumors has provided insight into both biology and targeted therapies. Therefore, it is essential to understand the altered signaling pathways of DHL to develop treatment strategies with better clinical benefits. Herein, we summarized the genetic alterations in the two DHL subtypes (DHL-BCL2 and DHL-BCL6). We further elucidate their implications on cellular processes, including anti-apoptosis, epigenetic regulations, B-cell receptor signaling, and immune escape. Ongoing and potential therapeutic strategies and targeted drugs steered by these alterations were reviewed accordingly. Based on these findings, we also discuss the therapeutic vulnerabilities that coincide with these genetic changes. We believe that the understanding of the DHL studies will provide insight into this disease and capacitate the finding of more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhuang
- Department of Lymphoma, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinxin Che
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meijuan Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Guo
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongjin Xu
- Department of Lymphoma, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Department of Lymphoma, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Bazzar W, Zhang F, Wickström M, Alzrigat M, Franco M, Krona C, Cameron DP, Dyberg C, Olsen TK, Verschut V, Schmidt L, Lim SY, Mahmoud L, Hydbring P, Lehmann S, Baranello L, Nelander S, Johnsen JI, Larsson LG. MYCMI-7: A Small MYC-Binding Compound that Inhibits MYC: MAX Interaction and Tumor Growth in a MYC-Dependent Manner. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022. [PMID: 36874405 DOI: 10.1158/27679764.crc-21-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Deregulated expression of MYC family oncogenes occurs frequently in human cancer and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. While MYC is a highly warranted target, it has been considered "undruggable," and no specific anti-MYC drugs are available in the clinic. We recently identified molecules named MYCMIs that inhibit the interaction between MYC and its essential partner MAX. Here we show that one of these molecules, MYCMI-7, efficiently and selectively inhibits MYC:MAX and MYCN:MAX interactions in cells, binds directly to recombinant MYC, and reduces MYC-driven transcription. In addition, MYCMI-7 induces degradation of MYC and MYCN proteins. MYCMI-7 potently induces growth arrest/apoptosis in tumor cells in a MYC/MYCN-dependent manner and downregulates the MYC pathway on a global level as determined by RNA sequencing. Sensitivity to MYCMI-7 correlates with MYC expression in a panel of 60 tumor cell lines and MYCMI-7 shows high efficacy toward a collection of patient-derived primary glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ex vivo cultures. Importantly, a variety of normal cells become G1 arrested without signs of apoptosis upon MYCMI-7 treatment. Finally, in mouse tumor models of MYC-driven AML, breast cancer, and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, treatment with MYCMI-7 downregulates MYC/MYCN, inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs survival through apoptosis with few side effects. In conclusion, MYCMI-7 is a potent and selective MYC inhibitor that is highly relevant for the development into clinically useful drugs for the treatment of MYC-driven cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that the small-molecule MYCMI-7 binds MYC and inhibits interaction between MYC and MAX, thereby hampering MYC-driven tumor cell growth in culture and in vivo while sparing normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Krona
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Donald P Cameron
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Schmidt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sheryl Y Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sören Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Bazzar W, Zhang F, Wickström M, Alzrigat M, Franco M, Krona C, Cameron DP, Dyberg C, Olsen TK, Verschut V, Schmidt L, Lim SY, Mahmoud L, Hydbring P, Lehmann S, Baranello L, Nelander S, Johnsen JI, Larsson LG. MYCMI-7: A Small MYC-Binding Compound that Inhibits MYC: MAX Interaction and Tumor Growth in a MYC-Dependent Manner. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:182-201. [PMID: 36874405 PMCID: PMC9980915 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deregulated expression of MYC family oncogenes occurs frequently in human cancer and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. While MYC is a highly warranted target, it has been considered "undruggable," and no specific anti-MYC drugs are available in the clinic. We recently identified molecules named MYCMIs that inhibit the interaction between MYC and its essential partner MAX. Here we show that one of these molecules, MYCMI-7, efficiently and selectively inhibits MYC:MAX and MYCN:MAX interactions in cells, binds directly to recombinant MYC, and reduces MYC-driven transcription. In addition, MYCMI-7 induces degradation of MYC and MYCN proteins. MYCMI-7 potently induces growth arrest/apoptosis in tumor cells in a MYC/MYCN-dependent manner and downregulates the MYC pathway on a global level as determined by RNA sequencing. Sensitivity to MYCMI-7 correlates with MYC expression in a panel of 60 tumor cell lines and MYCMI-7 shows high efficacy toward a collection of patient-derived primary glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ex vivo cultures. Importantly, a variety of normal cells become G1 arrested without signs of apoptosis upon MYCMI-7 treatment. Finally, in mouse tumor models of MYC-driven AML, breast cancer, and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, treatment with MYCMI-7 downregulates MYC/MYCN, inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs survival through apoptosis with few side effects. In conclusion, MYCMI-7 is a potent and selective MYC inhibitor that is highly relevant for the development into clinically useful drugs for the treatment of MYC-driven cancer. Significance Our findings demonstrate that the small-molecule MYCMI-7 binds MYC and inhibits interaction between MYC and MAX, thereby hampering MYC-driven tumor cell growth in culture and in vivo while sparing normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Krona
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Donald P Cameron
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Schmidt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sheryl Y Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sören Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Woods AD, Berlow NE, Ortiz MV, Cruz FD, Siddiquee A, Coutinho DF, Purohit R, Freier KET, Michalek JE, Lathara M, Matlock K, Srivivasa G, Royer-Pokora B, Veselska R, Kung AL, Keller C. Bromodomain 4 inhibition leads to MYCN downregulation in Wilms tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29401. [PMID: 34693628 PMCID: PMC9450910 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms tumor is the most common childhood kidney cancer. Two distinct histological subtypes of Wilms tumor have been described: tumors lacking anaplasia (the favorable subtype) and tumors displaying anaplastic features (the unfavorable subtype). Children with favorable disease generally have a very good prognosis, whereas those with anaplasia are oftentimes refractory to standard treatments and suffer poor outcomes, leading to an unmet clinical need. MYCN dysregulation has been associated with a number of pediatric cancers including Wilms tumor. PROCEDURES In this context, we undertook a functional genomics approach to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for those patients with anaplastic Wilms tumor. Genomic analysis and in vitro experimentation demonstrate that cell growth can be reduced by modulating MYCN overexpression via bromodomain 4 (BRD4) inhibition in both anaplastic and nonanaplastic Wilms tumor models. RESULTS We observed a time-dependent reduction of MYCN and MYCC protein levels upon BRD4 inhibition in Wilms tumor cell lines, which led to cell death and proliferation suppression. BRD4 inhibition significantly reduced tumor volumes in Wilms tumor patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that AZD5153, a novel dual-BRD4 inhibitor, can reduce MYCN levels in both anaplastic and nonanaplastic Wilms tumor cell lines, reduces tumor volume in Wilms tumor PDXs, and should be further explored for its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Woods
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA,correspondence to: Charles Keller MD, 12655 SW Beaverdam Rd W, Beaverton OR 97005 USA, tel: 801-232-8038, fax: 270-675-3313,
| | - Noah E. Berlow
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA
| | - Michael V. Ortiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Filemon Dela Cruz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Armaan Siddiquee
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Diego F. Coutinho
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Reshma Purohit
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA
| | | | - Joel E. Michalek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX USA
| | | | | | | | - Brigitte Royer-Pokora
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Renata Veselska
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew L. Kung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York USA
| | - Charles Keller
- Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, OR USA,correspondence to: Charles Keller MD, 12655 SW Beaverdam Rd W, Beaverton OR 97005 USA, tel: 801-232-8038, fax: 270-675-3313,
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24
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Genetic and Histopathological Heterogeneity of Neuroblastoma and Precision Therapeutic Approaches for Extremely Unfavorable Histology Subgroups. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010079. [PMID: 35053227 PMCID: PMC8773700 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuroblastic tumors (neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma) are heterogeneous and their diverse and wide range of clinical behaviors (spontaneous regression, tumor maturation and aggressive progression) are closely associated with genetic/molecular properties of the individual tumors. The International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification, a biologically relevant and prognostically significant morphology classification distinguishing the favorable histology (FH) and unfavorable histology (UH) groups in this disease, predicts survival probabilities of the patients with the highest hazard ratio. The recent advance of neuroblastoma research with precision medicine approaches demonstrates that tumors in the UH group are also heterogeneous and four distinct subgroups—MYC, TERT, ALT and null—are identified. Among them, the first three subgroups are collectively named extremely unfavorable histology (EUH) tumors because of their highly aggressive clinical behavior. As indicated by their names, these EUH tumors are individually defined by their potential targets detected molecularly and immunohistochemically, such as MYC-family protein overexpression, TERT overexpression and ATRX (or DAXX) loss. In the latter half on this paper, the current status of therapeutic targeting of these EUH tumors is discussed for the future development of effective treatments of the patients.
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25
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Novel Antiproliferative Tripeptides Inhibit AP-1 Transcriptional Complex. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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26
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Ciaccio R, De Rosa P, Aloisi S, Viggiano M, Cimadom L, Zadran SK, Perini G, Milazzo G. Targeting Oncogenic Transcriptional Networks in Neuroblastoma: From N-Myc to Epigenetic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12883. [PMID: 34884690 PMCID: PMC8657550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most frequently occurring neurogenic extracranial solid cancers in childhood and infancy. Over the years, many pieces of evidence suggested that NB development is controlled by gene expression dysregulation. These unleashed programs that outline NB cancer cells make them highly dependent on specific tuning of gene expression, which can act co-operatively to define the differentiation state, cell identity, and specialized functions. The peculiar regulation is mainly caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in the dependency on a small set of key master transcriptional regulators as the convergence point of multiple signalling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive blueprint of transcriptional regulation bearing NB initiation and progression, unveiling the complexity of novel oncogenic and tumour suppressive regulatory networks of this pathology. Furthermore, we underline the significance of multi-target therapies against these hallmarks, showing how novel approaches, together with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy, can have substantial antineoplastic effects, disrupting a wide variety of tumorigenic pathways through combinations of different treatments.
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27
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Gill T, Wang H, Bandaru R, Lawlor M, Lu C, Nieman LT, Tao J, Zhang Y, Anderson DG, Ting DT, Chen X, Bradner JE, Ott CJ. Selective targeting of MYC mRNA by stabilized antisense oligonucleotides. Oncogene 2021; 40:6527-6539. [PMID: 34650218 PMCID: PMC8627489 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
MYC is a prolific proto-oncogene driving the malignant behaviors of numerous common cancers, yet potent and selective cell-permeable inhibitors of MYC remain elusive. In order to ultimately realize the goal of therapeutic MYC inhibition in cancer, we have initiated discovery chemistry efforts aimed at inhibiting MYC translation. Here we describe a series of conformationally stabilized synthetic antisense oligonucleotides designed to target MYC mRNA (MYCASOs). To support bioactivity, we designed and synthesized this focused library of MYCASOs incorporating locked nucleic acid (LNA) bases at the 5'- and 3'-ends, a phosphorothioate backbone, and internal DNA bases. Treatment of MYC-expressing cancer cells with MYCASOs leads to a potent decrease in MYC mRNA and protein levels. Cleaved MYC mRNA in MYCASO-treated cells is detected with a sensitive 5' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) assay. MYCASO treatment of cancer cell lines leads to significant inhibition of cellular proliferation while specifically perturbing MYC-driven gene expression signatures. In a MYC-induced model of hepatocellular carcinoma, MYCASO treatment decreases MYC protein levels within tumors, decreases tumor burden, and improves overall survival. MYCASOs represent a new chemical tool for in vitro and in vivo modulation of MYC activity, and promising therapeutic agents for MYC-addicted tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Gill
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Raj Bandaru
- ENZON Pharmaceuticals, Cranford, NJ, 07016, USA
| | - Matthew Lawlor
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Chenyue Lu
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Linda T Nieman
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Daniel G Anderson
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - David T Ting
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - James E Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Christopher J Ott
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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28
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Luminescence complementation technology for the identification of MYC:TRRAP inhibitors. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2147-2157. [PMID: 34676047 PMCID: PMC8522838 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanism-based targeted therapies have exhibited remarkable success in treating otherwise untreatable or unresectable cancers. Novel targeted therapies that correct dysregulated transcriptional programs in cancer are an unmet medical need. The transcription factor MYC is the most frequently amplified gene in human cancer and is overexpressed because of mutations in an array of oncogenic signaling pathways. The fact that many cancer cells cannot survive without MYC – a phenomenon termed “MYC addiction” – provides a compelling case for the development of MYC-specific targeted therapies. We propose a new strategy to inhibit MYC function by disrupting its essential interaction with TRRAP using small molecules. To achieve our goal, we developed a platform using luminescence complementation for identifying small molecules as inhibitors of the MYC:TRRAP interaction. Here we present validation of this assay by measuring the disruption of TRRAP binding caused by substitutions to the invariant and essential MYC homology 2 region of MYC.
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29
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Drugging the undruggable proteins in cancer: A systems biology approach. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 66:102079. [PMID: 34426091 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the research community has, with comprehensive systems biology approaches and related technologies, gained insight into the vast complexity of numerous cancers. These approaches allow an in-depth exploration that cannot be achieved solely using conventional low-throughput methods, which do not closely mimic the natural cellular environment. In this review, we discuss recent integrative multiple omics approaches for understanding and modulating previously identified 'undruggable' targets such as members of the RAS family, MYC, TP53, and various E3 ligases and deubiquitinases. We describe how these technologies have revolutionized drug discovery by overcoming an array of biological and technological challenges and how, in the future, they will be pivotal in assessing cancer states in individual patients, allowing for the prediction and application of personalized disease treatments.
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30
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Ahmadi SE, Rahimi S, Zarandi B, Chegeni R, Safa M. MYC: a multipurpose oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic implications in blood malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:121. [PMID: 34372899 PMCID: PMC8351444 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC oncogene is a transcription factor with a wide array of functions affecting cellular activities such as cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and hematopoiesis. Due to the multi-functionality of MYC, its expression is regulated at multiple levels. Deregulation of this oncogene can give rise to a variety of cancers. In this review, MYC regulation and the mechanisms by which MYC adjusts cellular functions and its implication in hematologic malignancies are summarized. Further, we also discuss potential inhibitors of MYC that could be beneficial for treating hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Rahimi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahman Zarandi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Medical Laboratory Sciences Program, College of Health and Human Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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31
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Computational Analysis of Gly482Ser Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in PPARGC1A Gene Associated with CAD, NAFLD, T2DM, Obesity, Hypertension, and Metabolic Diseases. PPAR Res 2021; 2021:5544233. [PMID: 34394332 PMCID: PMC8360745 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5544233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A) regulates the expression of energy metabolism's genes and mitochondrial biogenesis. The essential roles of PPARGC1A encouraged the researchers to assess the relation between metabolism-related diseases and its variants. To study Gly482Ser (+1564G/A) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) after PPARGC1A modeling, we substitute Gly482 for Ser482. Stability prediction tools showed that this substitution decreases the stability of PPARGC1A or has a destabilizing effect on this protein. We then utilized molecular dynamics simulation of both the Gly482Ser variant and wild type of the PPARGC1A protein to analyze the structural changes and to reveal the conformational flexibility of the PPARGC1A protein. We observed loss flexibility in the RMSD plot of the Gly482Ser variant, which was further supported by a decrease in the SASA value in the Gly482Ser variant structure of PPARGC1A and an increase of H-bond with the increase of β-sheet and coil and decrease of turn in the DSSP plot of the Gly482Ser variant. Such alterations may significantly impact the structural conformation of the PPARGC1A protein, and it might also affect its function. It showed that the Gly482Ser variant affects the PPARGC1A structure and makes the backbone less flexible to move. In general, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) showed more flexibility in the native PPARGC1A structure. Essential dynamics (ED) also revealed that the range of eigenvectors in the conformational space has lower extension of motion in the Gly482Ser variant compared with WT. The Gly482Ser variant also disrupts PPARGC1A interaction. Due to this single-nucleotide polymorphism in PPARGC1A, it became more rigid and might disarray the structural conformation and catalytic function of the protein and might also induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The results obtained from this study will assist wet lab research in expanding potent treatment on T2DM.
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32
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Singh A, Kumar A, Kumar P, Nayak N, Bhardwaj T, Giri R, Garg N. A novel inhibitor L755507 efficiently blocks c-Myc-MAX heterodimerization and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100903. [PMID: 34157284 PMCID: PMC8294579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis, and its deregulation is associated with highly aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant cancers. After binding with partner MAX, the c-Myc-MAX heterodimer regulates the expression of several genes, leading to an oncogenic phenotype. Although considered a crucial therapeutic target, no clinically approved c-Myc-targeted therapy has yet been discovered. Here, we report the discovery via computer-aided drug discovery of a small molecule, L755507, which functions as a c-Myc inhibitor to efficiently restrict the growth of diverse Myc-expressing cells with low micromolar IC50 values. L755507 successfully disrupts the c-Myc-MAX heterodimer, resulting in decreased expression of c-Myc target genes. Spectroscopic and computational experiments demonstrated that L755507 binds to the c-Myc peptide and thereby stabilizes the helix-loop-helix conformation of the c-Myc transcription factor. Taken together, this study suggests that L755507 effectively inhibits the c-Myc-MAX heterodimerization and may be used for further optimization to develop a c-Myc-targeted antineoplastic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Singh
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ankur Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Namyashree Nayak
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Taniya Bhardwaj
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences and Advanced Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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33
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Guo YF, Duan JJ, Wang J, Li L, Wang D, Liu XZ, Yang J, Zhang HR, Lv J, Yang YJ, Yang ZY, Cai J, Liao XM, Tang T, Huang TT, Wu F, Yang XY, Wen Q, Bian XW, Yu SC. Inhibition of the ALDH18A1-MYCN positive feedback loop attenuates MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma growth. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/531/eaax8694. [PMID: 32075946 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax8694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma (NB) is characterized by poor prognosis, and directly targeting MYCN has proven challenging. Here, we showed that aldehyde dehydrogenase family 18 member A1 (ALDH18A1) exerts profound impacts on the proliferation, self-renewal, and tumorigenicity of NB cells and is a potential risk factor in patients with NB, especially those with MYCN amplification. Mechanistic studies revealed that ALDH18A1 could both transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally regulate MYCN expression, with MYCN reciprocally transactivating ALDH18A1 and thus forming a positive feedback loop. Using molecular docking and screening, we identified an ALDH18A1-specific inhibitor, YG1702, and demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of ALDH18A1 was sufficient to induce a less proliferative phenotype and confer tumor regression and prolonged survival in NB xenograft models, providing therapeutic insights into the disruption of this reciprocal regulatory loop in MYCN-amplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Feng Guo
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiang-Jie Duan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xun-Zhou Liu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hua-Rong Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yong-Jun Yang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ze-Yu Yang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiao Cai
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xue-Mei Liao
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ting-Ting Huang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xian-Yan Yang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qian Wen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shi-Cang Yu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China. .,Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of the Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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MYC in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: functional implications and targeted strategies. BLOOD SCIENCE 2021; 3:65-70. [PMID: 35402840 PMCID: PMC8974894 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological cancer that frequently occurs in children and adolescents, which results from the transformation of immature T-cell progenitors. Aberrant cell growth and proliferation of T-ALL lymphoblasts are sustained by activation of strong oncogenic drivers. Mounting evidence highlights the critical role of the NOTCH1-MYC highway toward the initiation and progression of T-ALL. MYC has been emphasized as a primary NOTCH1 transcriptional target impinging in leukemia-initiating cell activity particularly responsible for disease onset and relapse. These findings lay a foundation of T-ALL as an ideal disease model for studying MYC-mediated cancer. The biology of MYC deregulation in T-ALL supports innovative strategies for therapeutic targeting of MYC. To summarize the relevant literature and data in recent years, we here provide a comprehensive overview of the functional importance of MYC in T-ALL development, and the molecular mechanisms underlying MYC deregulation in T-ALL. Finally, we illustrate the innovative MYC-targeted approaches that have been evaluated in pre-clinical models and shown significant efficacy. Given the complexity of T-ALL molecular pathogenesis, we propose that a combination of anti-MYC strategies with conventional chemotherapies or other targeted/immunotherapies may provide the most durable response, especially for those patients with relapsed and refractory T-ALL.
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35
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Synthetic fluorescent MYC probe: Inhibitor binding site elucidation and development of a high-throughput screening assay. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 42:116246. [PMID: 34130216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We report the discovery of a fluorescent small molecule probe. This probe exhibits an emission increase in the presence of the oncoprotein MYC that can be attenuated by a competing inhibitor. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis, rationalized by induced-fit docking, suggests it binds to the "coiled-coil" region of the leucine zipper domain. Point mutations of this site produced functional MYC constructs resistant to inhibition in an oncogenic transformation assay by compounds that displace the probe. Utilizing this probe, we have developed a high-throughput assay to identify MYC inhibitor scaffolds. Screening of a diversity library (N = 1408, 384-well) and a library of pharmacologically active compounds (N = 1280, 1536-well) yielded molecules with greater drug-like properties than the probe. One lead is a potent inhibitor of oncogenic transformation and is specific for MYC relative to resistant mutants and transformation-inducing oncogenes. This method is simple, inexpensive, and does not require protein modification, DNA binding, or the dimer partner MAX. This assay presents an opportunity for MYC inhibition researchers to discover unique scaffolds.
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36
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Gene Transactivation and Transrepression in MYC-Driven Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073458. [PMID: 33801599 PMCID: PMC8037706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a proto-oncogene regulating a large number of genes involved in a plethora of cellular functions. Its deregulation results in activation of MYC gene expression and/or an increase in MYC protein stability. MYC overexpression is a hallmark of malignant growth, inducing self-renewal of stem cells and blocking senescence and cell differentiation. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of MYC-mediated molecular mechanisms responsible for its oncogenic activity. Several recent findings indicate that MYC is a regulator of cancer genome and epigenome: MYC modulates expression of target genes in a site-specific manner, by recruiting chromatin remodeling co-factors at promoter regions, and at genome-wide level, by regulating the expression of several epigenetic modifiers that alter the entire chromatin structure. We also discuss novel emerging therapeutic strategies based on both direct modulation of MYC and its epigenetic cofactors.
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37
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Co-Operativity between MYC and BCL-2 Pro-Survival Proteins in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2841. [PMID: 33799592 PMCID: PMC8000576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), c-MYC and related proteins are arguably amongst the most widely studied in all of biology. Every year there are thousands of papers reporting on different aspects of their biochemistry, cellular and physiological mechanisms and functions. This plethora of literature can be attributed to both proteins playing essential roles in the normal functioning of a cell, and by extension a whole organism, but also due to their central role in disease, most notably, cancer. Many cancers arise due to genetic lesions resulting in deregulation of both proteins, and indeed the development and survival of tumours is often dependent on co-operativity between these protein families. In this review we will discuss the individual roles of both proteins in cancer, describe cancers where co-operativity between them has been well-characterised and finally, some strategies to target these proteins therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Douglas Fairlie
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3084, Australia
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38
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Liu Z, Chen SS, Clarke S, Veschi V, Thiele CJ. Targeting MYCN in Pediatric and Adult Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:623679. [PMID: 33628735 PMCID: PMC7898977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.623679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of the MYC family of oncogenes, including c-MYC, MYCN and MYCL occurs in many types of cancers, and is frequently associated with a poor prognosis. The majority of functional studies have focused on c-MYC due to its broad expression profile in human cancers. The existence of highly conserved functional domains between MYCN and c-MYC suggests that MYCN participates in similar activities. MYC encodes a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) whose central oncogenic role in many human cancers makes it a highly desirable therapeutic target. Historically, as a TF, MYC has been regarded as “undruggable”. Thus, recent efforts focus on investigating methods to indirectly target MYC to achieve anti-tumor effects. This review will primarily summarize the recent progress in understanding the function of MYCN. It will explore efforts at targeting MYCN, including strategies aimed at suppression of MYCN transcription, destabilization of MYCN protein, inhibition of MYCN transcriptional activity, repression of MYCN targets and utilization of MYCN overexpression dependent synthetic lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liu
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Chen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Saki Clarke
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Madden SK, de Araujo AD, Gerhardt M, Fairlie DP, Mason JM. Taking the Myc out of cancer: toward therapeutic strategies to directly inhibit c-Myc. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:3. [PMID: 33397405 PMCID: PMC7780693 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that is constitutively and aberrantly expressed in over 70% of human cancers. Its direct inhibition has been shown to trigger rapid tumor regression in mice with only mild and fully reversible side effects, suggesting this to be a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we reassess the challenges of directly targeting c-Myc, evaluate lessons learned from current inhibitors, and explore how future strategies such as miniaturisation of Omomyc and targeting E-box binding could facilitate translation of c-Myc inhibitors into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madden
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Aline Dantas de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mara Gerhardt
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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40
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Ross J, Miron CE, Plescia J, Laplante P, McBride K, Moitessier N, Möröy T. Targeting MYC: From understanding its biology to drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113137. [PMID: 33460833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is considered to be a high priority target for clinical intervention in cancer patients due to its aberrant activation in more than 50% of human cancers. Direct small molecule inhibition of MYC has traditionally been hampered by its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of both binding site and enzymatic activity. In recent years, however, a number of strategies for indirectly targeting MYC have emerged, guided by the advent of protein structural information and the growing set of computational tools that can be used to accelerate the hit to lead process in medicinal chemistry. In this review, we provide an overview of small molecules developed for clinical applications of these strategies, which include stabilization of the MYC guanine quadruplex, inhibition of BET factor BRD4, and disruption of the MYC:MAX heterodimer. The recent identification of novel targets for indirect MYC inhibition at the protein level is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ross
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110 Pine Ave W., Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Caitlin E Miron
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Jessica Plescia
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Patricia Laplante
- AmorChem II Ventures Inc., 4 Westmount Sq. Bureau 160, Westmount, Québec, H3Z 2S6, Canada
| | - Kevin McBride
- AmorChem II Ventures Inc., 4 Westmount Sq. Bureau 160, Westmount, Québec, H3Z 2S6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Moitessier
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada.
| | - Tarik Möröy
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110 Pine Ave W., Montréal, Québec, H2W 1R7, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, 2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada.
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41
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The Molecular 'Myc-anisms' Behind Myc-Driven Tumorigenesis and the Relevant Myc-Directed Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249486. [PMID: 33322239 PMCID: PMC7764474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC, a well-studied proto-oncogene that is overexpressed in >20% of tumors across all cancers, is classically known as “undruggable” due to its crucial roles in cell processes and its lack of a drug binding pocket. Four decades of research and creativity led to the discovery of a myriad of indirect (and now some direct!) therapeutic strategies targeting Myc. This review explores the various mechanisms in which Myc promotes cancer and highlights five key therapeutic approaches to disrupt Myc, including transcription, Myc-Max dimerization, protein stability, cell cycle regulation, and metabolism, in order to develop more specific Myc-directed therapies.
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Abstract
To screen and identify ideal leading compounds from a drug library (ZINC15 database) with potential inhibition effect against c-Myc to contribute to medication design and development.A series of computer-aided virtual screening techniques were performed to identify potential inhibitors of c-Myc. LibDock from the software Discovery Studio was used to do a structure-based screening after ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and toxicity prediction. Molecular docking was utilized to show the binding affinity and potential mechanism between ligands and c-Myc. Stability of the ligand-receptor complex was analyzed by molecular dynamic simulation at the end of the research.Compounds with more interactive energy which are confirmed to be the potential inhibitors for c-Myc were identified from the ZINC15 databases. Additionally, those compounds are also anticipated with fewer ames mutagenicity, rodent carcinogenicity, nondevelopmental toxic potential, and tolerant with cytochrome p450 2D6(CYP2D6). Dynamic simulation analysis also revealed that the very compounds had more favorable potential energy compared with 10058-F4(ZINC12406714). Furthermore, we prove that those compounds are stable and can exist in natural conditions.This study demonstrates that the compounds are potential therapeutic inhibitors for c-Myc. These compounds are safe and stable for drug candidates and may play a critical role in c-Myc inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junan Ren
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
| | | | - Junliang Ge
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
| | - Bo Wu
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
- Department of Orthopedics
| | - Weihang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun
| | - Liyan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University
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43
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Hosoya Y, Nojo W, Kii I, Suzuki T, Imanishi M, Ohkanda J. Identification of synthetic inhibitors for the DNA binding of intrinsically disordered circadian clock transcription factors. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:11203-11206. [PMID: 32969426 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc04861e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Essential components of the human circadian clock, BMAL1 and CLOCK, which are intrinsically disordered transcription factors, were expressed and subjected to a fluorescent in vitro binding assay using an E-box DNA fragment. Screening of a chemical library identified 5,8-quinoxalinedione (1), which was found to inhibit binding of the heterodimer BMAL1/CLOCK to E-box at low micromolar concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Hosoya
- Academic Assembly, Institute of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan.
| | - Wataru Nojo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W8, North-Ward, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Isao Kii
- Academic Assembly, Institute of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan.
| | - Takanori Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W8, North-Ward, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Junko Ohkanda
- Academic Assembly, Institute of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-Minowa, Kami-Ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan.
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44
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Boike L, Cioffi AG, Majewski FC, Co J, Henning NJ, Jones MD, Liu G, McKenna JM, Tallarico JA, Schirle M, Nomura DK. Discovery of a Functional Covalent Ligand Targeting an Intrinsically Disordered Cysteine within MYC. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 28:4-13.e17. [PMID: 32966806 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MYC is a major oncogenic transcriptional driver of most human cancers that has remained intractable to direct targeting because much of MYC is intrinsically disordered. Here, we have performed a cysteine-reactive covalent ligand screen to identify compounds that could disrupt the binding of MYC to its DNA consensus sequence in vitro and also impair MYC transcriptional activity in situ in cells. We have identified a covalent ligand, EN4, that targets cysteine 171 of MYC within a predicted intrinsically disordered region of the protein. We show that EN4 directly targets MYC in cells, reduces MYC and MAX thermal stability, inhibits MYC transcriptional activity, downregulates multiple MYC transcriptional targets, and impairs tumorigenesis. We also show initial structure-activity relationships of EN4 and identify compounds that show improved potency. Overall, we identify a unique ligandable site within an intrinsically disordered region of MYC that leads to inhibition of MYC transcriptional activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Boike
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alexander G Cioffi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Felix C Majewski
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer Co
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Henning
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael D Jones
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeffrey M McKenna
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - John A Tallarico
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Markus Schirle
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Daniel K Nomura
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Yiu SPT, Dorothea M, Hui KF, Chiang AKS. Lytic Induction Therapy against Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Malignancies: Past, Present, and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082142. [PMID: 32748879 PMCID: PMC7465660 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic induction therapy is an emerging virus-targeted therapeutic approach that exploits the presence of EBV in tumor cells to confer specific killing effects against EBV-associated malignancies. Efforts have been made in the past years to uncover the mechanisms of EBV latent-lytic switch and discover different classes of chemical compounds that can reactivate the EBV lytic cycle. Despite the growing list of compounds showing potential to be used in the lytic induction therapy, only a few are being tested in clinical trials, with varying degrees of success. This review will summarize the current knowledge on EBV lytic reactivation, the major hurdles of translating the lytic induction therapy into clinical settings, and highlight some potential strategies in the future development of this therapy for EBV-related lymphoid and epithelial malignancies.
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Augert A, Mathsyaraja H, Ibrahim AH, Freie B, Geuenich MJ, Cheng PF, Alibeckoff SP, Wu N, Hiatt JB, Basom R, Gazdar A, Sullivan LB, Eisenman RN, MacPherson D. MAX Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Rewires Metabolism in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:97-114.e7. [PMID: 32470392 PMCID: PMC7363581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive and lethal neoplasm. To identify candidate tumor suppressors we applied CRISPR/Cas9 gene inactivation screens to a cellular model of early-stage SCLC. Among the top hits was MAX, the obligate heterodimerization partner for MYC family proteins that is mutated in human SCLC. Max deletion increases growth and transformation in cells and dramatically accelerates SCLC progression in an Rb1/Trp53-deleted mouse model. In contrast, deletion of Max abrogates tumorigenesis in MYCL-overexpressing SCLC. Max deletion in SCLC resulted in derepression of metabolic genes involved in serine and one-carbon metabolism. By increasing serine biosynthesis, Max-deleted cells exhibit resistance to serine depletion. Thus, Max loss results in metabolic rewiring and context-specific tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Augert
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Haritha Mathsyaraja
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ali H Ibrahim
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brian Freie
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Michael J Geuenich
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Quest University Canada, 3200 University Boulevard, Squamish, BC V8B 0N8, Canada
| | - Pei-Feng Cheng
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sydney P Alibeckoff
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joseph B Hiatt
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ryan Basom
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Adi Gazdar
- University of Texas, Southwestern, USA, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Lucas B Sullivan
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - David MacPherson
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Esser AK, Ross MH, Fontana F, Su X, Gabay A, Fox GC, Xu Y, Xiang J, Schmieder AH, Yang X, Cui G, Scott M, Achilefu S, Chauhan J, Fletcher S, Lanza GM, Weilbaecher KN. Nanotherapy delivery of c-myc inhibitor targets Protumor Macrophages and preserves Antitumor Macrophages in Breast Cancer. Theranostics 2020; 10:7510-7526. [PMID: 32685002 PMCID: PMC7359087 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) enhance tumor growth in mice and are correlated with a worse prognosis for breast cancer patients. While early therapies sought to deplete all macrophages, current therapeutics aim to reprogram pro-tumor macrophages (M2) and preserve those necessary for anti-tumor immune responses (M1). Recent studies have shown that c-MYC (MYC) is induced in M2 macrophages in vitro and in vivo where it regulates the expression of tumor-promoting genes. In a myeloid lineage MYC KO mouse model, MYC had important roles in macrophage maturation and function leading to reduced tumor growth. We therefore hypothesized that targeted delivery of a MYC inhibitor to established M2 TAMs could reduce polarization toward an M2 phenotype in breast cancer models. Methods: In this study, we developed a MYC inhibitor prodrug (MI3-PD) for encapsulation within perfluorocarbon nanoparticles, which can deliver drugs directly to the cytosol of the target cell through a phagocytosis independent mechanism. We have previously shown that M2-like TAMs express significant levels of the vitronectin receptor, integrin β3, and in vivo targeting and therapeutic potential was evaluated using αvβ3 integrin targeted rhodamine-labeled nanoparticles (NP) or integrin αvβ3-MI3-PD nanoparticles. Results: We observed that rhodamine, delivered by αvβ3-rhodamine NP, was incorporated into M2 tumor promoting macrophages through both phagocytosis-independent and dependent mechanisms, while NP uptake in tumor suppressing M1 macrophages was almost exclusively through phagocytosis. In a mouse model of breast cancer (4T1-GFP-FL), M2-like TAMs were significantly reduced with αvβ3-MI3-PD NP treatment. To validate this effect was independent of drug delivery to tumor cells and was specific to the MYC inhibitor, mice with integrin β3 knock out tumors (PyMT-Bo1 β3KO) were treated with αvβ3-NP or αvβ3-MI3-PD NP. M2 macrophages were significantly reduced with αvβ3-MI3-PD nanoparticle therapy but not αvβ3-NP treatment. Conclusion: These data suggest αvβ3-NP-mediated drug delivery of a c-MYC inhibitor can reduce protumor M2-like macrophages while preserving antitumor M1-like macrophages in breast cancer.
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Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Keap1-Nrf2 interaction inhibitors identification. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101573. [PMID: 32422542 PMCID: PMC7231848 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101573] [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: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of Keap1–Nrf2 interaction inhibitors is a promising strategy for the discovery of therapeutic agents against oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Two motifs of Nrf2, ETGE and DLG motif, are responsible for Keap1-Nrf2 binding. Previously, ETGE peptide or ETGE-derived peptide-based approaches were used to detect Keap1-Nrf2 interaction; however, these approaches are not able to monitor Keap1-DLG motif binding. We first report here a novel Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) approach to detect the protein-protein interaction of full length Keap1 and Nrf2. In our assay, the test compounds can target either ETGE or DLG binding site, therefore facilitating the exploration of diverse Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors. Three FDA-approved drugs, zafirlukast, dutasteride and ketoconazole, were found to inhibit the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction with IC50 of 5.87, 2.81 and 1.67 μM, respectively. Additionally, these three drugs also activated Nrf2 pathway in neuroblasts and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice. The results presented here indicate that the ELISA approach has the capacity to identify Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors. We established a novel Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for Keap1-Nrf2 interaction inhibitors identification. This ELISA is the first approach to detect the protein-protein interaction of full length Keap1 and Nrf2. In this assay, the test compounds can target either ETGE or DLG binding site, therefore facilitating the exploration of diverse Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors. Zafirlukast, dutasteride and ketoconazole have been identified as inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction.
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Feng W, Dean DC, Hornicek FJ, Spentzos D, Hoffman RM, Shi H, Duan Z. Myc is a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920922055. [PMID: 32426053 PMCID: PMC7222246 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920922055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the past four decades, outcomes for osteosarcoma patients have plateaued as there have been few emerging therapies showing clinical results. Thus, the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to address these primary obstacles in patient care. Although the Myc-oncogene has known roles in oncogenesis and cancer cell growth, its expression and function in osteosarcoma are largely unknown. Methods Expression of Myc was determined by Western blotting of osteosarcoma cell lines and patient tissues, and by immunohistochemistry of a unique osteosarcoma tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from 70 patient samples with extensive follow-up data. Myc specific siRNA and inhibitor 10058-F4 were applied to examine the effect of Myc inhibition on osteosarcoma cell proliferation. The clonogenicity and migration activity was determined by clonogenic and wound-healing assays. A mimic in vivo assay, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model, was performed to further validate the effect of Myc inhibition on osteosarcoma cell tumorigenic markers. Results Myc was significantly overexpressed in human osteosarcoma cell lines compared with normal human osteoblasts, and also highly expressed in fresh osteosarcoma tissues. Higher Myc expression correlated significantly with metastasis and poor prognosis. Through the addition of Myc specific siRNA and inhibitor, we significantly reduced Myc protein expression, resulting in decreased osteosarcoma cell proliferation. Inhibition of Myc also suppressed the migration, clonogenicity, and spheroid growth of osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion Our results support Myc as an emerging prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in osteosarcoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dimitrios Spentzos
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Oncology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, USA Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Huirong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 615 Charles, E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Santofimia-Castaño P, Rizzuti B, Xia Y, Abian O, Peng L, Velázquez-Campoy A, Neira JL, Iovanna J. Targeting intrinsically disordered proteins involved in cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1695-1707. [PMID: 31667555 PMCID: PMC7190594 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) do not have a well-defined structure under physiological conditions, but they have key roles in cell signaling and regulation, and they are frequently related to the development of diseases, such as cancer and other malignancies. This has converted IDPs in attractive therapeutic targets; however, targeting IDPs is challenging because of their dynamic nature. In the last years, different experimental and computational approaches, as well as the combination of both, have been explored to identify molecules to target either the hot-spots or the allosteric sites of IDPs. In this review, we summarize recent developments in successful targeting of IDPs, all of which are involved in different cancer types. The strategies used to develop and design (or in one particular example, to repurpose) small molecules targeting IDPs are, in a global sense, similar to those used in well-folded proteins: (1) screening of chemically diverse or target-oriented compound libraries; or (2) study of the interfaces involved in recognition of their natural partners, and design of molecular candidates capable of binding to such binding interface. We describe the outcomes of using these approaches in targeting IDPs involved in cancer, in the view to providing insight, to target IDPs in general. In a broad sense, the designed small molecules seem to target the most hydrophobic regions of the IDPs, hampering macromolecule (DNA or protein)-IDP interactions; furthermore, in most of the molecule-IDP complexes described so far, the protein remains disordered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Santofimia-Castaño
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS, UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 31 C, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Yi Xia
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, No. 55 Daxuecheng South Road, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
| | - Olga Abian
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ling Peng
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, UMR 7325, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundacion ARAID, Government of Aragon, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José L Neira
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avda. del Ferrocarril s/n, Elche, 03202, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS, UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France.
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