1
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Chen X, Chen C, Luo C, Liu J, Lin Z. Discovery of UMI-77 as a novel Ku70/80 inhibitor sensitizing cancer cells to DNA damaging agents in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 975:176647. [PMID: 38754534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176647] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of chemoresistance poses a significant challenge to the efficacy of DNA-damaging agents in cancer treatment, in part due to the inherent DNA repair capabilities of cancer cells. The Ku70/80 protein complex (Ku) plays a central role in double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair through the classical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ) pathway, and has proven to be one of the most promising drug target for cancer treatment when combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In this study, we conducted a high-throughput screening of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the Ku complex by using a fluorescence polarization-based DNA binding assay. From a library of 11,745 small molecules, UMI-77 was identified as a potent Ku inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 2.3 μM. Surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking analyses revealed that UMI-77 directly bound the inner side of Ku ring, thereby disrupting Ku binding with DNA. In addition, UMI-77 also displayed potent inhibition against MUS81-EME1, a key player in homologous recombination (HR), demonstrating its potential for blocking both NHEJ- and HR-mediated DSB repair pathways. Further cell-based studies showed that UMI-77 could impair bleomycin-induced DNA damage repair, and significantly sensitized multiple cancer cell lines to the DNA-damaging agents. Finally, in a mouse xenograft tumor model, UMI-77 significantly enhanced the chemotherapeutic efficacy of etoposide with little adverse physiological effects. Our work offers a new avenue to combat chemoresistance in cancer treatment, and suggests that UMI-77 could be further developed as a promising candidate in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuening Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Changkun Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Chengmiao Luo
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jianyong Liu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Zhonghui Lin
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
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2
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Gong Q, Li C, Wang H, Cao J, Li Z, Zhou M, Li Y, Chu Y, Liu H, Wang R. Discovery of Phenylpyrazole Derivatives as a New Class of Selective Inhibitors of MCL-1 with Antitumor Activity. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27369-27396. [PMID: 38947842 PMCID: PMC11209699 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
MCL-1, an antiapoptotic member of the BCL-2 family, is dysregulated and overexpressed in various tumors. In tumors with MCL-1 overexpression, selective inhibitors of MCL-1 are expected to overcome the drug resistance caused by BCL-2 inhibitors currently used in clinical treatment. Here, we employed docking-based virtual screening to identify an active hit, LC126, with binding affinity around 10 μM for MCL-1 and BCL-2. Under the guidance of structure-based design, we obtained a few selective inhibitors of MCL-1 after three rounds of structural optimization. The representative compound GQN-B37-E exhibited binding affinity for MCL-1 at the submicromolar range (K i = 0.6 μM) without apparent binding to BCL-2 or BCL-XL. 15N-heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR spectra suggested that this compound binds to the BH3-domain-binding pocket in the MCL-1 surface. Cellular assays revealed that GQN-B37-Me, the precursor of GQN-B37-E, is effective particularly on leukemia cells (such as H929 and MV-4-11) to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis. Its interaction with MCL-1 in cells was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. Administration of GQN-B37-Me to MV-4-11 xenograft mice at 50 mg/kg every 2 days for 20 days led to 43% tumor growth inhibition. GQN-B37-Me also exhibited reasonable in vitro stability in GSH and liver microsomes from several species. This new class of MCL-1 inhibitor may have potential to be further developed into a preclinical candidate for treating leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qineng Gong
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Chunpu Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Jinrui Cao
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Zuo Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Yong Chu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Hong Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Renxiao Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
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3
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Deng H, Han Y, Liu L, Zhang H, Liu D, Wen J, Huang M, Zhao L. Targeting Myeloid Leukemia-1 in Cancer Therapy: Advances and Directions. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5963-5998. [PMID: 38597264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01998] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
As a tripartite cell death switch, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family members precisely regulate the endogenous apoptosis pathway in response to various cell signal stresses through protein-protein interactions. Myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), a key anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, is positioned downstream in the endogenous apoptotic pathway and plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial function. Mcl-1 is highly expressed in a variety of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to tumorigenesis, poor prognosis, and chemoresistance, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. This Perspective aims to discuss the mechanism by which Mcl-1 regulates apoptosis and non-apoptotic functions in cancer cells and to outline the discovery and optimization process of potent Mcl-1 modulators. In addition, we summarize the structural characteristics of potent inhibitors that bind to Mcl-1 through multiple co-crystal structures and analyze the cardiotoxicity caused by current Mcl-1 inhibitors, providing prospects for rational targeting of Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Han
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiachen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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4
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Gong Q, Wang H, Zhou M, Zhou L, Wang R, Li Y. B-cell lymphoma-2 family proteins in the crosshairs: Small molecule inhibitors and activators for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:707-737. [PMID: 37983840 DOI: 10.1002/med.21999] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family of proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis, offering a dual mechanism for its control. Numerous studies have established a strong association between gene disorders of these proteins and the proliferation of diverse cancer cell types. Consequently, the identification and development of drugs targeting BCL-2 family proteins have emerged as a prominent area in antitumor therapy. Over the last two decades, several small-molecules have been designed to modulate the protein-protein interactions between anti- and proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, effectively suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The primary focus of research has been on developing BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics to target antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, thereby competitively releasing proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins and restoring the blocked intrinsic apoptotic program. Additionally, for proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, exogenous small molecules have been explored to activate cell apoptosis by directly interacting with executioner proteins such as BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) or BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer protein (BAK). In this comprehensive review, we summarize the inhibitors and activators (sensitizers) of BCL-2 family proteins developed over the past decades, highlighting their discovery, optimization, preclinical and clinical status, and providing an overall landscape of drug development targeting these proteins for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qineng Gong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Renxiao Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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5
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Adhikary U, Paulo JA, Godes M, Roychoudhury S, Prew MS, Ben-Nun Y, Yu EW, Budhraja A, Opferman JT, Chowdhury D, Gygi SP, Walensky LD. Targeting MCL-1 triggers DNA damage and an anti-proliferative response independent from apoptosis induction. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113176. [PMID: 37773750 PMCID: PMC10787359 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MCL-1 is a high-priority target due to its dominant role in the pathogenesis and chemoresistance of cancer, yet clinical trials of MCL-1 inhibitors are revealing toxic side effects. MCL-1 biology is complex, extending beyond apoptotic regulation and confounded by its multiple isoforms, its domains of unresolved structure and function, and challenges in distinguishing noncanonical activities from the apoptotic response. We find that, in the presence or absence of an intact mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, genetic deletion or pharmacologic targeting of MCL-1 induces DNA damage and retards cell proliferation. Indeed, the cancer cell susceptibility profile of MCL-1 inhibitors better matches that of anti-proliferative than pro-apoptotic drugs, expanding their potential therapeutic applications, including synergistic combinations, but heightening therapeutic window concerns. Proteomic profiling provides a resource for mechanistic dissection and reveals the minichromosome maintenance DNA helicase as an interacting nuclear protein complex that links MCL-1 to the regulation of DNA integrity and cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsarga Adhikary
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marina Godes
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Michelle S Prew
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yael Ben-Nun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ellen W Yu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Dipanjan Chowdhury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Loren D Walensky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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6
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Tantawy SI, Timofeeva N, Sarkar A, Gandhi V. Targeting MCL-1 protein to treat cancer: opportunities and challenges. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1226289. [PMID: 37601693 PMCID: PMC10436212 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1226289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Evading apoptosis has been linked to tumor development and chemoresistance. One mechanism for this evasion is the overexpression of prosurvival B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins, which gives cancer cells a survival advantage. Mcl-1, a member of the BCL-2 family, is among the most frequently amplified genes in cancer. Targeting myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) protein is a successful strategy to induce apoptosis and overcome tumor resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Various strategies to inhibit the antiapoptotic activity of MCL-1 protein, including transcription, translation, and the degradation of MCL-1 protein, have been tested. Neutralizing MCL-1's function by targeting its interactions with other proteins via BCL-2 interacting mediator (BIM)S2A has been shown to be an equally effective approach. Encouraged by the design of venetoclax and its efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, scientists have developed other BCL-2 homology (BH3) mimetics-particularly MCL-1 inhibitors (MCL-1i)-that are currently in clinical trials for various cancers. While extensive reviews of MCL-1i are available, critical analyses focusing on the challenges of MCL-1i and their optimization are lacking. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding clinically relevant MCL-1i and focus on predictive biomarkers of response, mechanisms of resistance, major issues associated with use of MCL-1i, and the future use of and maximization of the benefits from these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady I. Tantawy
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natalia Timofeeva
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Aloke Sarkar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Varsha Gandhi
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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Alboreggia G, Udompholkul P, Baggio C, Pellecchia M. Mixture-Based Screening of Focused Combinatorial Libraries by NMR: Application to the Antiapoptotic Protein hMcl-1. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37464766 PMCID: PMC10388297 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
We report on an innovative ligand discovery strategy based on protein NMR-based screening of a combinatorial library of ∼125,000 compounds that was arranged in 96 distinct mixtures. Using sensitive solution protein NMR spectroscopy and chemical perturbation-based screening followed by an iterative synthesis, deconvolutions, and optimization strategy, we demonstrate that the approach could be useful in the identification of initial binding molecules for difficult drug targets, such as those involved in protein-protein interactions. As an application, we will report novel agents targeting the Bcl-2 family protein hMcl-1. The approach is of general applicability and could be deployed as an effective screening strategy for de novo identification of ligands, particularly when tackling targets involved in protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Alboreggia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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8
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Wolf E, Lento C, Pu J, Dickinson BC, Wilson DJ. Innate Conformational Dynamics Drive Binding Specificity in Anti-Apoptotic Proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-2. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1619-1630. [PMID: 37192192 PMCID: PMC10249625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The structurally conserved B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of protein function to promote or inhibit apoptosis through an exceedingly complex web of specific, intrafamilial protein-protein interactions. The critical role of these proteins in lymphomas and other cancers has motivated a widespread interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive specificity in Bcl-2 family interactions. However, the high degree of structural similarity among Bcl-2 homologues has made it difficult to rationalize the highly specific (and often divergent) binding behavior exhibited by these proteins using conventional structural arguments. In this work, we use time-resolved hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to explore shifts in conformational dynamics associated with binding partner engagement in the Bcl-2 family proteins Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Using this approach combined with homology modeling, we reveal that Mcl-1 binding is driven by a large-scale shift in conformational dynamics, while Bcl-2 complexation occurs primarily through a classical charge compensation mechanism. This work has implications for understanding the evolution of internally regulated biological systems composed of structurally similar proteins and for the development of drugs targeting Bcl-2 family proteins for promotion of apoptosis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Wolf
- Department
of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Cristina Lento
- Department
of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jinyue Pu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Bryan C. Dickinson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Derek J. Wilson
- Department
of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
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9
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McGriff A, Placzek WJ. Phylogenetic analysis of the MCL1 BH3 binding groove and rBH3 sequence motifs in the p53 and INK4 protein families. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277726. [PMID: 36696417 PMCID: PMC9876281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) proteins are central, conserved regulators of apoptosis. Bcl-2 family function is regulated by binding interactions between the Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) motif in pro-apoptotic family members and the BH3 binding groove found in both the pro-apoptotic effector and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. A novel motif, the reverse BH3 (rBH3), has been shown to interact with the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 homolog MCL1 (Myeloid cell leukemia 1) and have been identified in the p53 homolog p73, and the CDK4/6 (cyclin dependent kinase 4/6) inhibitor p18INK4c, (p18, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor c). To determine the conservation of rBH3 motif, we first assessed conservation of MCL1's BH3 binding groove, where the motif binds. We then constructed neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees of the INK4 and p53 protein families and analyzed sequence conservation using sequence logos of the rBH3 locus. This showed the rBH3 motif is conserved throughout jawed vertebrates p63 and p73 sequences and in chondrichthyans, amphibians, mammals, and some reptiles in p18. Finally, a potential rBH3 motif was identified in mammalian and osteichthyan p19INK4d (p19, cyclin dependent kinase 4 inhibitor d). These findings demonstrate that the interaction between MCL1 and other cellular proteins mediated by the rBH3 motif may be conserved throughout jawed vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna McGriff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - William J. Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Apoptotic priming is defined by the dynamic exchange of Bcl-2 proteins between mitochondria and cytosol. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:2262-2274. [PMID: 35585181 PMCID: PMC9613888 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01013-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is regulated by interactions between the BH3-only and multi-domain Bcl-2 family proteins. These interactions are integrated on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) where they set the threshold for apoptosis, known as mitochondrial priming. However, how mitochondrial priming is controlled at the level of single cells remains unclear. Retrotranslocation of Bcl-XL has been proposed as one mechanism, removing pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins from the OMM, thus reducing priming. Contrary to this view, we now show that Bcl-XL retrotranslocation is inhibited by binding to its BH3-only partners, resulting in accumulation of these protein complexes on mitochondria. We find that Bcl-XL retrotranslocation dynamics are tightly coupled to mitochondrial priming. Quantifying these dynamics indicates the heterogeneity in priming between cells within a population and predicts how they subsequently respond to a pro-apoptotic signal.
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11
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Sancho M, Leiva D, Lucendo E, Orzáez M. Understanding MCL1: from cellular function and regulation to pharmacological inhibition. FEBS J 2022; 289:6209-6234. [PMID: 34310025 PMCID: PMC9787394 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), an antiapoptotic member of the BCL2 family characterized by a short half-life, functions as a rapid sensor that regulates cell death and other relevant processes that include cell cycle progression and mitochondrial homeostasis. In cancer, MCL1 overexpression contributes to cell survival and resistance to diverse chemotherapeutic agents; for this reason, several MCL1 inhibitors are currently under preclinical and clinical development for cancer treatment. However, the nonapoptotic functions of MCL1 may influence their therapeutic potential. Overall, the complexity of MCL1 regulation and function represent challenges to the clinical application of MCL1 inhibitors. We now summarize the current knowledge regarding MCL1 structure, regulation, and function that could impact the clinical success of MCL1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Sancho
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Leiva
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
| | - Estefanía Lucendo
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
| | - Mar Orzáez
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
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12
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Winder ML, Campbell KJ. MCL-1 is a clinically targetable vulnerability in breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1439-1455. [PMID: 35349392 PMCID: PMC9278428 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2054096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-survival members of the BCL-2 family, including MCL-1, are emerging as important proteins during the development and therapeutic response of solid tumors. Notably, high levels of MCL-1 occur in breast cancer, where functional dependency has been demonstrated using cell lines and mouse models. The utility of restoring apoptosis in cancer cells through inhibition of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins has been realized in the clinic, where the first specific inhibitor of BCL-2 is approved for use in leukemia. A variety of MCL-1 inhibitors are now undergoing clinical trials for blood cancer treatment and application of this new class of drugs is also being tested in solid cancers. On-target compounds specific to MCL-1 have demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical models of breast cancer and show potential to enhance the anti-tumor effect of conventional therapies. Taken together, this makes MCL-1 an extremely attractive target for clinical evaluation in the context of breast cancer.Abbreviations: ADC (antibody-drug conjugate); AML (Acute myeloid leukemia); APAF1 (apoptotic protease activating factor 1); bCAFs (breast cancer associated fibroblasts); BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); BH (BCL-2 homology); CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia); EGF (epidermal growth factor); EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition); ER (estrogen receptor); FDA (food and drug administration); GEMM (genetically engineered mouse model); HER2 (human epidermal growth factor 2); IL6 (interleukin 6); IMM (inner mitochondrial membrane); IMS (intermembrane space); MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1); MOMP (mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation); MM (multiple myeloma); PDX (patient-derived xenograft); OMM (outer mitochondrial membrane); PROTAC (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) TNBC (triple negative breast cancer); UPS (ubiquitin mediated proteolysis system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Winder
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate,Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Kirsteen J Campbell
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate,Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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13
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Ji T, Margulis BA, Wang Z, Song T, Guo Y, Pan H, Zhang Z. Structure-Based Design and Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of Small Molecules Inhibiting Bcl-2 Family Members. Pharm Chem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-022-02639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Sora V, Papaleo E. Structural Details of BH3 Motifs and BH3-Mediated Interactions: an Updated Perspective. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:864874. [PMID: 35685242 PMCID: PMC9171138 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.864874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a mechanism of programmed cell death crucial in organism development, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and several pathogenic processes. The B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein family lies at the core of the apoptotic process, and the delicate balance between its pro- and anti-apoptotic members ultimately decides the cell fate. BCL2 proteins can bind with each other and several other biological partners through the BCL2 homology domain 3 (BH3), which has been also classified as a possible Short Linear Motif and whose distinctive features remain elusive even after decades of studies. Here, we aim to provide an updated overview of the structural features characterizing BH3s and BH3-mediated interactions (with a focus on human proteins), elaborating on the plasticity of BCL2 proteins and the motif properties. We also discussed the implication of these findings for the discovery of interactors of the BH3-binding groove of BCL2 proteins and the design of mimetics for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sora
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cancer Systems Biology, Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Elena Papaleo
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Cancer Systems Biology, Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Elena Papaleo, ,
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15
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BH3 Mimetics in Hematologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810157. [PMID: 34576319 PMCID: PMC8466478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies (HM) comprise diverse cancers of lymphoid and myeloid origin, including lymphomas (approx. 40%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, approx. 15%), multiple myeloma (MM, approx. 15%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, approx. 10%), and many other diseases. Despite considerable improvement in treatment options and survival parameters in the new millennium, many patients with HM still develop chemotherapy-refractory diseases and require re-treatment. Because frontline therapies for the majority of HM (except for CLL) are still largely based on classical cytostatics, the relapses are often associated with defects in DNA damage response (DDR) pathways and anti-apoptotic blocks exemplified, respectively, by mutations or deletion of the TP53 tumor suppressor, and overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family. BCL2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics represent a novel class of pro-apoptotic anti-cancer agents with a unique mode of action—direct targeting of mitochondria independently of TP53 gene aberrations. Consequently, BH3 mimetics can effectively eliminate even non-dividing malignant cells with adverse molecular cytogenetic alterations. Venetoclax, the nanomolar inhibitor of BCL2 anti-apoptotic protein has been approved for the therapy of CLL and AML. Numerous venetoclax-based combinatorial treatment regimens, next-generation BCL2 inhibitors, and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) protein inhibitors, which are another class of BH3 mimetics with promising preclinical results, are currently being tested in several clinical trials in patients with diverse HM. These pivotal trials will soon answer critical questions and concerns about these innovative agents regarding not only their anti-tumor efficacy but also potential side effects, recommended dosages, and the optimal length of therapy as well as identification of reliable biomarkers of sensitivity or resistance. Effective harnessing of the full therapeutic potential of BH3 mimetics is a critical mission as it may directly translate into better management of the aggressive forms of HM and could lead to significantly improved survival parameters and quality of life in patients with urgent medical needs.
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Mittal P, Singh S, Sinha R, Shrivastava A, Singh A, Singh IK. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1): Structural characteristics and application in cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 187:999-1018. [PMID: 34339789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, a major hallmark of cancer cells, regulates cellular fate and homeostasis. BCL-2 (B-cell CLL/Lymphoma 2) protein family is popularly known to mediate the intrinsic mode of apoptosis, of which MCL-1 is a crucial member. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is an anti-apoptotic oncoprotein and one of the most investigated members of the BCL-2 family. It is commonly known to be genetically altered, aberrantly overexpressed, and primarily associated with drug resistance in various human cancers. Recent advancements in the development of selective MCL-1 inhibitors and evaluating their effectiveness in cancer treatment establish its popularity as a molecular target. The overall aim is the selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by using a single or combination of BCL-2 family inhibitors. Delineating the precise molecular mechanisms associated with MCL-1-mediated cancer progression will certainly improve the efficacy of clinical interventions aimed at MCL-1 and hence patient survival. This review is structured to highlight the structural characteristics of MCL-1, its specific interactions with NOXA, MCL-1-regulatory microRNAs, and at the same time focus on the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting our protein of interest (MCL-1), alone or in combination with other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Mittal
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Sujata Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Rajesh Sinha
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35205, United States of America
| | - Anju Shrivastava
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Botany, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Indrakant Kumar Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, India.
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17
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Birkinshaw RW, Iyer S, Lio D, Luo CS, Brouwer JM, Miller MS, Robin AY, Uren RT, Dewson G, Kluck RM, Colman PM, Czabotar PE. Structure of detergent-activated BAK dimers derived from the inert monomer. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2123-2134.e5. [PMID: 33794146 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A body of data supports the existence of core (α2-α5) dimers of BAK and BAX in the oligomeric, membrane-perturbing conformation of these essential apoptotic effector molecules. Molecular structures for these dimers have only been captured for truncated constructs encompassing the core domain alone. Here, we report a crystal structure of BAK α2-α8 dimers (i.e., minus its flexible N-terminal helix and membrane-anchoring C-terminal segment) that has been obtained through the activation of monomeric BAK with the detergent C12E8. Core dimers are evident, linked through the crystal by contacts via latch (α6-α8) domains. This crystal structure shows activated BAK dimers with the extended latch domain present. Our data provide direct evidence for the conformational change converting BAK from inert monomer to the functional dimer that destroys mitochondrial integrity. This dimer is the smallest functional unit for recombinant BAK or BAX described so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Birkinshaw
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Sweta Iyer
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Daisy Lio
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Cindy S Luo
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jason M Brouwer
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Michelle S Miller
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Adeline Y Robin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Rachel T Uren
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ruth M Kluck
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Peter M Colman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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18
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Perez JJ, Perez RA, Perez A. Computational Modeling as a Tool to Investigate PPI: From Drug Design to Tissue Engineering. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:681617. [PMID: 34095231 PMCID: PMC8173110 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.681617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) mediate a large number of important regulatory pathways. Their modulation represents an important strategy for discovering novel therapeutic agents. However, the features of PPI binding surfaces make the use of structure-based drug discovery methods very challenging. Among the diverse approaches used in the literature to tackle the problem, linear peptides have demonstrated to be a suitable methodology to discover PPI disruptors. Unfortunately, the poor pharmacokinetic properties of linear peptides prevent their direct use as drugs. However, they can be used as models to design enzyme resistant analogs including, cyclic peptides, peptide surrogates or peptidomimetics. Small molecules have a narrower set of targets they can bind to, but the screening technology based on virtual docking is robust and well tested, adding to the computational tools used to disrupt PPI. We review computational approaches used to understand and modulate PPI and highlight applications in a few case studies involved in physiological processes such as cell growth, apoptosis and intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Perez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roman A Perez
- Bioengineering Institute of Technology, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat, Spain
| | - Alberto Perez
- The Quantum Theory Project, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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19
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Roy MJ, Vom A, Okamoto T, Smith BJ, Birkinshaw RW, Yang H, Abdo H, White CA, Segal D, Huang DCS, Baell JB, Colman PM, Czabotar PE, Lessene G. Structure-Guided Development of Potent Benzoylurea Inhibitors of BCL-X L and BCL-2. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5447-5469. [PMID: 33904752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The BCL-2 family of proteins (including the prosurvival proteins BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1) is an important target for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics. Despite the challenges of targeting protein-protein interaction (PPI) interfaces with small molecules, a number of inhibitors (called BH3 mimetics) have entered the clinic and the BCL-2 inhibitor, ABT-199/venetoclax, is already proving transformative. For BCL-XL, new validated chemical series are desirable. Here, we outline the crystallography-guided development of a structurally distinct series of BCL-XL/BCL-2 inhibitors based on a benzoylurea scaffold, originally proposed as α-helix mimetics. We describe structure-guided exploration of a cryptic "p5" pocket identified in BCL-XL. This work yields novel inhibitors with submicromolar binding, with marked selectivity toward BCL-XL. Extension into the hydrophobic p2 pocket yielded the most potent inhibitor in the series, binding strongly to BCL-XL and BCL-2 (nanomolar-range half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)) and displaying mechanism-based killing in cells engineered to depend on BCL-XL for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Roy
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Amelia Vom
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Toru Okamoto
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Brian J Smith
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Richard W Birkinshaw
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Hong Yang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Houda Abdo
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Christine A White
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - David Segal
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - David C S Huang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Jonathan B Baell
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Peter M Colman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
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20
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Bcl-xL: A Focus on Melanoma Pathobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052777. [PMID: 33803452 PMCID: PMC7967179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is the main mechanism by which multicellular organisms eliminate damaged or unwanted cells. To regulate this process, a balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins is necessary in order to avoid impaired apoptosis, which is the cause of several pathologies, including cancer. Among the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL exhibits a high conformational flexibility, whose regulation is strictly controlled by alternative splicing and post-transcriptional regulation mediated by transcription factors or microRNAs. It shows relevant functions in different forms of cancer, including melanoma. In melanoma, Bcl-xL contributes to both canonical roles, such as pro-survival, protection from apoptosis and induction of drug resistance, and non-canonical functions, including promotion of cell migration and invasion, and angiogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that Bcl-xL inhibition can be helpful for cancer patients, but at present, effective and safe therapies targeting Bcl-xL are lacking due to toxicity to platelets. In this review, we summarized findings describing the mechanisms of Bcl-xL regulation, and the role that Bcl-xL plays in melanoma pathobiology and response to therapy. From these findings, it emerged that even if Bcl-xL plays a crucial role in melanoma pathobiology, we need further studies aimed at evaluating the involvement of Bcl-xL and other members of the Bcl-2 family in the progression of melanoma and at identifying new non-toxic Bcl-xL inhibitors.
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21
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Pannecoucke E, Van Trimpont M, Desmet J, Pieters T, Reunes L, Demoen L, Vuylsteke M, Loverix S, Vandenbroucke K, Alard P, Henderikx P, Deroo S, Baatz F, Lorent E, Thiolloy S, Somers K, McGrath Y, Van Vlierberghe P, Lasters I, Savvides SN. Cell-penetrating Alphabody protein scaffolds for intracellular drug targeting. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/13/eabe1682. [PMID: 33771865 PMCID: PMC7997521 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe1682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic scope of antibody and nonantibody protein scaffolds is still prohibitively limited against intracellular drug targets. Here, we demonstrate that the Alphabody scaffold can be engineered into a cell-penetrating protein antagonist against induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein MCL-1, an intracellular target in cancer, by grafting the critical B-cell lymphoma 2 homology 3 helix of MCL-1 onto the Alphabody and tagging the scaffold's termini with designed cell-penetration polypeptides. Introduction of an albumin-binding moiety extended the serum half-life of the engineered Alphabody to therapeutically relevant levels, and administration thereof in mouse tumor xenografts based on myeloma cell lines reduced tumor burden. Crystal structures of such a designed Alphabody in complex with MCL-1 and serum albumin provided the structural blueprint of the applied design principles. Collectively, we provide proof of concept for the use of Alphabodies against intracellular disease mediators, which, to date, have remained in the realm of small-molecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Pannecoucke
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maaike Van Trimpont
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Tim Pieters
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindy Reunes
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa Demoen
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Savvas N Savvides
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
- Unit for Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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Bolomsky A, Vogler M, Köse MC, Heckman CA, Ehx G, Ludwig H, Caers J. MCL-1 inhibitors, fast-lane development of a new class of anti-cancer agents. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:173. [PMID: 33308268 PMCID: PMC7731749 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death escape is one of the most prominent features of tumor cells and closely linked to the dysregulation of members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Among those, the anti-apoptotic family member myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) acts as a master regulator of apoptosis in various human malignancies. Irrespective of its unfavorable structure profile, independent research efforts recently led to the generation of highly potent MCL-1 inhibitors that are currently evaluated in clinical trials. This offers new perspectives to target a so far undruggable cancer cell dependency. However, a detailed understanding about the tumor and tissue type specific implications of MCL-1 are a prerequisite for the optimal (i.e., precision medicine guided) use of this novel drug class. In this review, we summarize the major functions of MCL-1 with a special focus on cancer, provide insights into its different roles in solid vs. hematological tumors and give an update about the (pre)clinical development program of state-of-the-art MCL-1 targeting compounds. We aim to raise the awareness about the heterogeneous role of MCL-1 as drug target between, but also within tumor entities and to highlight the importance of rationale treatment decisions on a case by case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Bolomsky
- Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Meike Vogler
- Department of Clinical Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, CHU De Liège, 35, Dom Univ Sart Tilman B, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Murat Cem Köse
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Caroline A Heckman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland-FIMM, HiLIFE-Helsinki Institute of Life Science, iCAN Digital Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Grégory Ehx
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heinz Ludwig
- Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jo Caers
- Department of Clinical Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, CHU De Liège, 35, Dom Univ Sart Tilman B, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Shahar N, Larisch S. Inhibiting the inhibitors: Targeting anti-apoptotic proteins in cancer and therapy resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 52:100712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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24
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Diversity in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway of nematodes. Commun Biol 2020; 3:478. [PMID: 32859965 PMCID: PMC7456325 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Early studies of the free-living nematode C. elegans informed us how BCL-2-regulated apoptosis in humans is regulated. However, subsequent studies showed C. elegans apoptosis has several unique features compared with human apoptosis. To date, there has been no detailed analysis of apoptosis regulators in nematodes other than C. elegans. Here, we discovered BCL-2 orthologues in 89 free-living and parasitic nematode taxa representing four evolutionary clades (I, III, IV and V). Unlike in C. elegans, 15 species possess multiple (two to five) BCL-2-like proteins, and some do not have any recognisable BCL-2 sequences. Functional studies provided no evidence that BAX/BAK proteins have evolved in nematodes, and structural studies of a BCL-2 protein from the basal clade I revealed it lacks a functionally important feature of the C. elegans orthologue. Clade I CED-4/APAF-1 proteins also possess WD40-repeat sequences associated with apoptosome assembly, not present in C. elegans, or other nematode taxa studied.
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Predicted Hotspot Residues Involved in Allosteric Signal Transmission in Pro-Apoptotic Peptide-Mcl1 Complexes. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081114. [PMID: 32731448 PMCID: PMC7463671 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mcl1 is a primary member of the Bcl–2 family—anti–apoptotic proteins (AAP)—that is overexpressed in several cancer pathologies. The apoptotic regulation is mediated through the binding of pro-apoptotic peptides (PAPs) (e.g., Bak and Bid) at the canonical hydrophobic binding groove (CBG) of Mcl1. Although all PAPs form amphipathic α-helices, their amino acid sequences vary to different degree. This sequence variation exhibits a central role in the binding partner selectivity towards different AAPs. Thus, constructing a novel peptide or small organic molecule with the ability to mimic the natural regulatory process of PAP is essential to inhibit various AAPs. Previously reported experimental binding free energies (BFEs) were utilized in the current investigation aimed to understand the mechanistic basis of different PAPs targeted to mMcl1. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations used to estimate BFEs between mMcl1—PAP complexes using Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Solvent Accessible (MMGBSA) approach with multiple parameters. Predicted BFE values showed an excellent agreement with the experiment (R2 = 0.92). The van–der Waals (ΔGvdw) and electrostatic (ΔGele) energy terms found to be the main energy components that drive heterodimerization of mMcl1—PAP complexes. Finally, the dynamic network analysis predicted the allosteric signal transmission pathway involves more favorable energy contributing residues. In total, the results obtained from the current investigation may provide valuable insights for the synthesis of a novel peptide or small organic inhibitor targeting Mcl1.
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Separase-triggered apoptosis enforces minimal length of mitosis. Nature 2020; 580:542-547. [PMID: 32322059 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged mitosis often results in apoptosis1. Shortened mitosis causes tumorigenic aneuploidy, but it is unclear whether it also activates the apoptotic machinery2. Separase, a cysteine protease and trigger of all eukaryotic anaphases, has a caspase-like catalytic domain but has not previously been associated with cell death3,4. Here we show that human cells that enter mitosis with already active separase rapidly undergo death in mitosis owing to direct cleavage of anti-apoptotic MCL1 and BCL-XL by separase. Cleavage not only prevents MCL1 and BCL-XL from sequestering pro-apoptotic BAK, but also converts them into active promoters of death in mitosis. Our data strongly suggest that the deadliest cleavage fragment, the C-terminal half of MCL1, forms BAK/BAX-like pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane. MCL1 and BCL-XL are turned into separase substrates only upon phosphorylation by NEK2A. Early mitotic degradation of this kinase is therefore crucial for preventing apoptosis upon scheduled activation of separase in metaphase. Speeding up mitosis by abrogation of the spindle assembly checkpoint results in a temporal overlap of the enzymatic activities of NEK2A and separase and consequently in cell death. We propose that NEK2A and separase jointly check on spindle assembly checkpoint integrity and eliminate cells that are prone to chromosome missegregation owing to accelerated progression through early mitosis.
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Suleiman MR, Wang H, Huang D, Wang H, Joseph J, Huang T, Zhang F, Wang J, Cheng M. Discovery of small molecule inhibitors through pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and experimental validation against myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:2512-2525. [PMID: 32228162 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1749132] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein is a family of Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma 2) rich proteases of the most common increase threshold for genetic aberrations observed in human cancer, including lung, breast, pancreatic, cervical, and ovarian cancers as well as leukemia and lymphoma. Mcl-1 is recognized as an attractive drug target in number of diseases, including cancer. In the present study we surveyed and collected queries compounds from PDB database of Mcl-1 protein and generated pharmacophore-based models adapted to screen the drug-like compounds from FDA approved database. The 206 best lead molecules from pharmacophore-screening were further evaluated by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, MM-GBSA calculation, as well as experimental validation. Two hits, ZINC00601272 and ZINC00002166, showed the best docking scores, which showed a tendency to inhibit cell viability of HL60 and K562 leukemia cells with Mcl-1 expressions. Conclusively, the present study provides structural information of Mcl-1 inhibitors for next generations of cancer therapeutics through computational and experimental validation approach.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad R Suleiman
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Danxia Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huibin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Johnson Joseph
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianci Huang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fengjiao Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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28
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The Bcl-2 Family: Ancient Origins, Conserved Structures, and Divergent Mechanisms. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010128. [PMID: 31940915 PMCID: PMC7022251 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic apoptosis, the response to intracellular cell death stimuli, is regulated by the interplay of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family and their membrane interactions. Bcl-2 proteins mediate a number of processes including development, homeostasis, autophagy, and innate and adaptive immune responses and their dysregulation underpins a host of diseases including cancer. The Bcl-2 family is characterized by the presence of conserved sequence motifs called Bcl-2 homology motifs, as well as a transmembrane region, which form the interaction sites and intracellular location mechanism, respectively. Bcl-2 proteins have been recognized in the earliest metazoans including Porifera (sponges), Placozoans, and Cnidarians (e.g., Hydra). A number of viruses have gained Bcl-2 homologs and subvert innate immunity and cellular apoptosis for their replication, but they frequently have very different sequences to their host Bcl-2 analogs. Though most mechanisms of apoptosis initiation converge on activation of caspases that destroy the cell from within, the numerous gene insertions, deletions, and duplications during evolution have led to a divergence in mechanisms of intrinsic apoptosis. Currently, the action of the Bcl-2 family is best understood in vertebrates and nematodes but new insights are emerging from evolutionarily earlier organisms. This review focuses on the mechanisms underpinning the activity of Bcl-2 proteins including their structures and interactions, and how they have changed over the course of evolution.
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29
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Luptak J, Bista M, Fisher D, Flavell L, Gao N, Wickson K, Kazmirski SL, Howard T, Rawlins PB, Hargreaves D. Antibody fragments structurally enable a drug-discovery campaign on the cancer target Mcl-1. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2019; 75:1003-1014. [PMID: 31692474 PMCID: PMC6834078 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798319014116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a crucial process by which multicellular organisms control tissue growth, removal and inflammation. Disruption of the normal apoptotic function is often observed in cancer, where cell death is avoided by the overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family, including Mcl-1 (myeloid cell leukaemia 1). This makes Mcl-1 a potential target for drug therapy, through which normal apoptosis may be restored by inhibiting the protective function of Mcl-1. Here, the discovery and biophysical properties of an anti-Mcl-1 antibody fragment are described and the utility of both the scFv and Fab are demonstrated in generating an Mcl-1 crystal system amenable to iterative structure-guided drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Luptak
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - Michal Bista
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - David Fisher
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - Liz Flavell
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - Ning Gao
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Kate Wickson
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - Steven L. Kazmirski
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Tina Howard
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - Philip B. Rawlins
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
| | - David Hargreaves
- Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, England
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30
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Chen G, Park D, Magis AT, Behera M, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Ye K, Zhang C, Chen Z, Curran WJ, Deng X. Mcl-1 Interacts with Akt to Promote Lung Cancer Progression. Cancer Res 2019; 79:6126-6138. [PMID: 31662324 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a unique antiapoptotic Bcl2 family protein that functions as a gatekeeper in manipulating apoptosis and survival in cancer cells. Akt is an oncogenic kinase that regulates multiple cellular functions and its activity is significantly elevated in human cancers. Here we discovered a cross-talk between Mcl-1 and Akt in promoting lung cancer cell growth. Depletion of endogenous Mcl-1 from human lung cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9 or Mcl-1 shRNA significantly decreased Akt activity, leading to suppression of lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in xenografts. Mechanistically, Mcl-1 directly interacted via its PEST domain with Akt at the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. It is known that the interactions between the PH domain and kinase domain (KD) are important for maintaining Akt in an inactive state. The binding of Mcl-1/PH domain disrupted intramolecular PH/KD interactions to activate Akt. Intriguingly, Mcl-1 expression correlated with Akt activity in tumor tissues from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Using the Mcl-1-binding PH domain of Akt as a docking site, we identified a novel small molecule, PH-687, that directly targets the PH domain and disrupts Mcl-1/Akt binding, leading to suppression of Akt activity and growth inhibition of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the Mcl-1/Akt interaction, this mechanism-driven agent provides a highly attractive strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that targeting Mcl-1/Akt interaction by employing small molecules such as PH-687 represents a potentially new and effective strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Madhusmita Behera
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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31
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Denis C, Sopková-de Oliveira Santos J, Bureau R, Voisin-Chiret AS. Hot-Spots of Mcl-1 Protein. J Med Chem 2019; 63:928-943. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Denis
- Normandie Univiversité, UNICAEN, CERMN, 14000 Caen, France
| | | | - Ronan Bureau
- Normandie Univiversité, UNICAEN, CERMN, 14000 Caen, France
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32
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Sharma A, Boise LH, Shanmugam M. Cancer Metabolism and the Evasion of Apoptotic Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1144. [PMID: 31405035 PMCID: PMC6721599 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular growth and proliferation depend upon the acquisition and synthesis of specific metabolites. These metabolites fuel the bioenergy, biosynthesis, and redox potential required for duplication of cellular biomass. Multicellular organisms maintain tissue homeostasis by balancing signals promoting proliferation and removal of cells via apoptosis. While apoptosis is in itself an energy dependent process activated by intrinsic and extrinsic signals, whether specific nutrient acquisition (elevated or suppressed) and their metabolism regulates apoptosis is less well investigated. Normal cellular metabolism is regulated by lineage specific intrinsic features and microenvironment driven extrinsic features. In the context of cancer, genetic abnormalities, unconventional microenvironments and/or therapy engage constitutive pro-survival signaling to re-program and rewire metabolism to maintain survival, growth, and proliferation. It thus becomes particularly relevant to understand whether altered nutrient acquisition and metabolism in cancer can also contribute to the evasion of apoptosis and consequently therapy resistance. Our review attempts to dissect a causal relationship between two cancer hallmarks, i.e., deregulated cellular energetics and the evasion of programmed cell death with primary focus on the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sharma
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lawrence H Boise
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mala Shanmugam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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33
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The Structural Biology of Bcl-x L. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092234. [PMID: 31067648 PMCID: PMC6540150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions between the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins dictate whether a cell lives or dies. Much of our knowledge of the molecular details of these interactions has come from biochemical and structural studies on the pro-survival protein Bcl-xL. The first high-resolution structure of any Bcl-2 family member was of Bcl-xL, which revealed the conserved topology amongst all family members. Subsequent structures of Bcl-xL complexes with pro-apoptotic ligands demonstrated the general features of all pro-survival:pro-apoptotic complexes. Structural studies involving Bcl-xL were also the basis for the discovery of the first small-molecule pro-survival protein inhibitors, leading ultimately to the development of a new class of drugs now successfully used for cancer treatment in the clinic. This article will review our current knowledge of the structural biology of Bcl-xL and how this has impacted our understanding of the molecular details of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
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34
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Investigating the Molecular Basis of N-Substituted 1-Hydroxy-4-Sulfamoyl-2-Naphthoate Compounds Binding to Mcl1. Processes (Basel) 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/pr7040224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl1) is an anti–apoptotic protein that has gained considerable attention due to its overexpression activity prevents cell death. Therefore, a potential inhibitor that specifically targets Mcl1 with higher binding affinity is necessary. Recently, a series of N-substituted 1-hydroxy-4-sulfamoyl-2-naphthoate compounds was reported that targets Mcl1, but its binding mechanism remains unexplored. Here, we attempted to explore the molecular mechanism of binding to Mcl1 using advanced computational approaches: pharmacophore-based 3D-QSAR, docking, and MD simulation. The selected pharmacophore—NNRRR—yielded a statistically significant 3D-QSAR model containing high confidence scores (R2 = 0.9209, Q2 = 0.8459, and RMSE = 0.3473). The contour maps—comprising hydrogen bond donor, hydrophobic, negative ionic and electron withdrawal effects—from our 3D-QSAR model identified the favorable regions crucial for maximum activity. Furthermore, the external validation of the selected model using enrichment and decoys analysis reveals a high predictive power. Also, the screening capacity of the selected model had scores of 0.94, 0.90, and 8.26 from ROC, AUC, and RIE analysis, respectively. The molecular docking of the highly active compound—C40; 4-(N-benzyl-N-(4-(4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenoxy) phenyl) sulfamoyl)-1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate—predicted the low-energy conformational pose, and the MD simulation revealed crucial details responsible for the molecular mechanism of binding with Mcl1.
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35
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BCL-2 family isoforms in apoptosis and cancer. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:177. [PMID: 30792387 PMCID: PMC6384907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 380] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The BCl-2 family has long been identified for its role in apoptosis. Following the initial discovery of BCL-2 in the context of B-cell lymphoma in the 1980s, a number of homologous proteins have since been identified. The members of the Bcl-2 family are designated as such due to their BCL-2 homology (BH) domains and involvement in apoptosis regulation. The BH domains facilitate the family members’ interactions with each other and can indicate pro- or anti-apoptotic function. Traditionally, these proteins are categorised into one of the three subfamilies; anti-apoptotic, BH3-only (pro-apoptotic), and pore-forming or ‘executioner’ (pro-apoptotic) proteins. Each of the BH3-only or anti-apoptotic proteins has a distinct pattern of activation, localisation and response to cell death or survival stimuli. All of these can vary across cell or stress types, or developmental stage, and this can cause the delineation of the roles of BCL-2 family members. Added to this complexity is the presence of relatively uncharacterised isoforms of many of the BCL-2 family members. There is a gap in our knowledge regarding the function of BCL-2 family isoforms. BH domain status is not always predictive or indicative of protein function, and several other important sequences, which can contribute to apoptotic activity have been identified. While therapeutic strategies targeting the BCL-2 family are constantly under development, it is imperative that we understand the molecules, which we are attempting to target. This review, discusses our current knowledge of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family isoforms. With significant improvements in the potential for splicing therapies, it is important that we begin to understand the distinctions of the BCL-2 family, not limited to just the mechanisms of apoptosis control, but in their roles outside of apoptosis.
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36
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Bax to the future - A novel, high-yielding approach for purification and expression of full-length Bax protein for structural studies. Protein Expr Purif 2019; 158:20-26. [PMID: 30738180 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (programmed cell death) involves a sophisticated signaling and regulatory network that is regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family. Members of this family have either pro- or anti-apoptotic functions. An important pro-apoptotic member of this family is the cytosolic Bax. This protein is crucial for the onset of apoptosis by perforating the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). This process can be seen as point of no return, since disintegration of the MOM leads to the release of apotogenic factors such as cytochrome c into the cytosol triggering the activation of caspases and subsequent apoptotic steps. Bax is able to interact with the MOM with both its termini, making it inherently difficult to express in E. coli. In this study, we present a novel approach to express and purify full-length Bax with significantly increased yields, when compared to the commonly applied strategy. Using a double fusion approach with an N-terminal GST-tag and a C-terminal Intein-CBD-tag, we were able to render both Bax termini inactive and prevent disruptive interactions from occurring during gene expression. By deploying an Intein-CBD-tag at the C-terminus we were further able to avoid the introduction of any artificial residues, hence ensuring the native like activity of the membrane-penetrating C-terminus of Bax. Further, by engineering a His6-tag to the C-terminus of the CBD-tag we greatly improved the robustness of the purification procedure. We report yields for pure, full-length Bax protein that are increased by an order of magnitude, when compared to commonly used Bax expression protocols.
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37
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Tong J, Zheng X, Tan X, Fletcher R, Nikolovska-Coleska Z, Yu J, Zhang L. Mcl-1 Phosphorylation without Degradation Mediates Sensitivity to HDAC Inhibitors by Liberating BH3-Only Proteins. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4704-4715. [PMID: 29895675 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mcl-1, a prosurvival Bcl-2 family protein, is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and plays a critical role in therapeutic resistance. It is well known that anticancer agents induce phosphorylation of Mcl-1, which promotes its binding to E3 ubiquitin ligases and subsequent proteasomal degradation and apoptosis. However, other functions of Mcl-1 phosphorylation in cancer cell death have not been well characterized. In this study, we show in colon cancer cells that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) induce GSK3β-dependent Mcl-1 phosphorylation, but not degradation or downregulation. The in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of HDACi were dependent on Mcl-1 phosphorylation and were blocked by genetic knock-in of a Mcl-1 phosphorylation site mutant. Phosphorylation-dead Mcl-1 maintained cell survival by binding and sequestering BH3-only Bcl-2 family proteins PUMA, Bim, and Noxa, which were upregulated and necessary for apoptosis induction by HDACi. Resistance to HDACi mediated by phosphorylation-dead Mcl-1 was reversed by small-molecule Mcl-1 inhibitors that liberated BH3-only proteins. These results demonstrate a critical role of Mcl-1 phosphorylation in mediating HDACi sensitivity through a novel and degradation-independent mechanism. These results provide new mechanistic insights on how Mcl-1 maintains cancer cell survival and suggest that Mcl-1-targeting agents are broadly useful for overcoming therapeutic resistance in cancer cells.Significance: These findings present a novel degradation-independent function of Mcl-1 phosphorylation in anticancer therapy that could be useful for developing new Mcl-1-targeting agents to overcome therapeutic resistance. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4704-15. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshan Tong
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xingnan Zheng
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiao Tan
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rochelle Fletcher
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jian Yu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lin Zhang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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38
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Conage-Pough JE, Boise LH. Phosphorylation alters Bim-mediated Mcl-1 stabilization and priming. FEBS J 2018; 285:2626-2640. [PMID: 29775995 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a highly labile protein, subject to extensive post-translational regulation. This distinguishes Mcl-1 from other antiapoptotic proteins and necessitates further study to better understand how interactions with proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins affect its regulation. One such protein, Bim, is known to stabilize Mcl-1, and Bim phosphorylation has been associated with increased Mcl-1 binding. Consequently, we investigated the potential impact of Bim phosphorylation on Mcl-1 stability. We found that Bim stabilizes and primes Mcl-1 in RPCI-WM1 cells and is constitutively phosphorylated. Additionally, introduction of several phospho-mimetic and unphosphosphorylateable Bim mutations resulted in altered Mcl-1 stability and distinct Bim binding to antiapoptotic proteins. These findings suggest Bim phosphorylation not only regulates Mcl-1 stability but also is a potential mechanism for enforcing Mcl-1 dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Conage-Pough
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lawrence H Boise
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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39
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Crabtree MD, Mendonça CATF, Bubb QR, Clarke J. Folding and binding pathways of BH3-only proteins are encoded within their intrinsically disordered sequence, not templated by partner proteins. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9718-9723. [PMID: 29716994 PMCID: PMC6016464 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions are present in one-third of eukaryotic proteins and are overrepresented in cellular processes such as signaling, suggesting that intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) may have a functional advantage over folded proteins. Upon interacting with a partner macromolecule, a subset of IDPs can fold and bind to form a well-defined three-dimensional conformation. For example, disordered BH3-only proteins bind promiscuously to a large number of homologous BCL-2 family proteins, where they fold to a helical structure in a groove on the BCL-2–like protein surface. As two protein chains are involved in the folding reaction, and the structure is only formed in the presence of the partner macromolecule, this raises the question of where the folding information is encoded. Here, we examine these coupled folding and binding reactions to determine which component determines the folding and binding pathway. Using Φ value analysis to compare transition state interactions between the disordered BH3-only proteins PUMA and BID and the folded BCL-2–like proteins A1 and MCL-1, we found that, even though the BH3-only protein is disordered in isolation and requires a stabilizing partner to fold, its folding and binding pathway is encoded in the IDP itself; the reaction is not templated by the folded partner. We suggest that, by encoding both its transition state and level of residual structure, an IDP can evolve a specific kinetic profile, which could be a crucial functional advantage of disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Crabtree
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Carolina A T F Mendonça
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Quenton R Bubb
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Clarke
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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40
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Li XH, Ha CT, Xiao M. MicroRNA-30 inhibits antiapoptotic factor Mcl-1 in mouse and human hematopoietic cells after radiation exposure. Apoptosis 2018; 21:708-20. [PMID: 27032651 PMCID: PMC4853469 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-016-1238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that microRNA-30 (miR-30) expression was initiated by radiation-induced proinflammatory factor IL-1β and NFkB activation in mouse and human hematopoietic cells. However, the downstream effectors of miR-30 and its specific role in radiation-induced cell death are not well understood. In the present study, we evaluated effects of radiation on miR-30 expression and activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway Bcl-2 family factors in in vivo mouse and in vitro human hematopoietic cells. CD2F1 mice and human CD34+ cells were exposed to different doses of gamma-radiation. In addition to survival studies, mouse blood, bone marrow (BM) and spleen cells and human CD34+ cells were collected at 4 h, and 1, 3 and 4 days after irradiation to determine apoptotic and stress response signals. Our results showed that mouse serum miR-30, DNA damage marker γ-H2AX in BM, and Bim, Bax and Bak expression, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 and -7 activation in BM and/or spleen cells were upregulated in a radiation dose-dependent manner. Antiapoptotic factor Mcl-1 was significantly downregulated, whereas Bcl-2 was less changed or unaltered in the irradiated mouse cells and human CD34+ cells. Furthermore, a putative miR-30 binding site was found in the 3′ UTR of Mcl-1 mRNA. miR-30 directly inhibits the expression of Mcl-1 through binding to its target sequence, which was demonstrated by a luciferase reporter assay, and the finding that Mcl-1 was uninhibited by irradiation in miR-30 knockdown CD34+ cells. Bcl-2 expression was not affected by miR-30. Our data suggest miR-30 plays a key role in radiation-induced apoptosis through directly targeting Mcl-1in hematopoietic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong Li
- Radiation Countermeasures Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cam T Ha
- Radiation Countermeasures Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mang Xiao
- Radiation Countermeasures Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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41
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Chen G, Magis AT, Xu K, Park D, Yu DS, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Satola SW, Ramalingam SS, Curran WJ, Doetsch PW, Deng X. Targeting Mcl-1 enhances DNA replication stress sensitivity to cancer therapy. J Clin Invest 2017; 128:500-516. [PMID: 29227281 DOI: 10.1172/jci92742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are mainly repaired either by homologous recombination (HR) or by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathways. Here, we showed that myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1) acts as a functional switch in selecting between HR and NHEJ pathways. Mcl-1 was cell cycle-regulated during HR, with its expression peaking in S/G2 phase. While endogenous Mcl-1 depletion reduced HR and enhanced NHEJ, Mcl-1 overexpression resulted in a net increase in HR over NHEJ. Mcl-1 directly interacted with the dimeric Ku protein complex via its Bcl-2 homology 1 and 3 (BH1 and BH3) domains, which are required for Mcl-1 to inhibit Ku-mediated NHEJ. Mcl-1 also promoted DNA resection mediated by the Mre11 complex and HR-dependent DSB repair. Using the Mcl-1 BH1 domain as a docking site, we identified a small molecule, MI-223, that directly bound to BH1 and blocked Mcl-1-stimulated HR DNA repair, leading to sensitization of cancer cells to hydroxyurea- or olaparib-induced DNA replication stress. Combined treatment with MI-223 and hydroxyurea or olaparib exhibited a strong synergy against lung cancer in vivo. This mechanism-driven combination of agents provides a highly attractive therapeutic strategy to improve lung cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Ke Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David S Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul W Doetsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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42
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Chen Y, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang W. Binding modes of Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) peptides with anti-apoptotic protein A1 and redesign of peptide inhibitors: a computational study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2017; 36:3967-3977. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2017.1404933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jun Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wei Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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43
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High-throughput characterization of protein-protein interactions by reprogramming yeast mating. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:12166-12171. [PMID: 29087945 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1705867114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput methods for screening protein-protein interactions enable the rapid characterization of engineered binding proteins and interaction networks. While existing approaches are powerful, none allow quantitative library-on-library characterization of protein interactions in a modifiable extracellular environment. Here, we show that sexual agglutination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be reprogrammed to link interaction strength with mating efficiency using synthetic agglutination (SynAg). Validation of SynAg with 89 previously characterized interactions shows a log-linear relationship between mating efficiency and protein binding strength for interactions with Kds ranging from below 500 pM to above 300 μM. Using induced chromosomal translocation to pair barcodes representing binding proteins, thousands of distinct interactions can be screened in a single pot. We demonstrate the ability to characterize protein interaction networks in a modifiable environment by introducing a soluble peptide that selectively disrupts a subset of interactions in a representative network by up to 800-fold. SynAg enables the high-throughput, quantitative characterization of protein-protein interaction networks in a fully defined extracellular environment at a library-on-library scale.
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44
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Raghavendra NM, Pingili D, Kadasi S, Mettu A, Prasad SVUM. Dual or multi-targeting inhibitors: The next generation anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 143:1277-1300. [PMID: 29126724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dual-targeting/Multi-targeting of oncoproteins by a single drug molecule represents an efficient, logical and alternative approach to drug combinations. An increasing interest in this approach is indicated by a steady upsurge in the number of articles on targeting dual/multi proteins published in the last 5 years. Combining different inhibitors that destiny specific single target is the standard treatment for cancer. A new generation of dual or multi-targeting drugs is emerging, where a single chemical entity can act on multiple molecular targets. Dual/Multi-targeting agents are beneficial for solving limited efficiencies, poor safety and resistant profiles of an individual target. Designing dual/multi-target inhibitors with predefined biological profiles present a challenge. The latest advances in bioinformatic tools and the availability of detailed structural information of target proteins have shown a way of discovering multi-targeting molecules. This neoteric artifice that amalgamates the molecular docking of small molecules with protein-based common pharmacophore to design multi-targeting inhibitors is gaining great importance in anticancer drug discovery. Current review focus on the discoveries of dual targeting agents in cancer therapy using rational, computational, proteomic, bioinformatics and polypharmacological approach that enables the discovery and rational design of effective and safe multi-target anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nulgumnalli Manjunathaiah Raghavendra
- Center for Technological Development in Health, National Institute of Science and Technology on Innovation on Neglected Diseases, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Divya Pingili
- Sri Venkateshwara College of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India; Department of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, India
| | - Sundeep Kadasi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Akhila Mettu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gokaraju Rangaraju College of Pharmacy, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - S V U M Prasad
- Department of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, India
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45
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Ponder KG, Matulis SM, Hitosugi S, Gupta VA, Sharp C, Burrows F, Nooka AK, Kaufman JL, Lonial S, Boise LH. Dual inhibition of Mcl-1 by the combination of carfilzomib and TG02 in multiple myeloma. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 17:769-77. [PMID: 27246906 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2016.1192086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carfilzomib (Kyprolis®), a second generation proteasome inhibitor, is FDA approved for single-agent use among relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of carfilzomib, we sought to combine carfilzomib with other novel agents. TG02, a multi-kinase inhibitor, targets JAK2 and CDK9. The rationale for co-treatment with carfilzomib and TG02 is that both independently target Mcl-1 and most myeloma cells are dependent on this anti-apoptotic protein for survival. We observed at least additive effects using the combination treatment in MM cell lines and patient samples. To determine how the bone marrow environment affects the efficacy of the combination we conducted co-culture experiments with Hs-5 stromal cells. We also examined the mechanism of increased apoptosis by determining the affect on expression of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. We found that carfilzomib increases NOXA mRNA expression, as expected, and TG02 treatment caused a decrease in Mcl-1 protein but not mRNA levels. Consistent with this possibility, we find silencing CDK9 does not change carfilzomib sensitivity in the same manner as addition of TG02. Since changes in Mcl-1 protein occur in the presence of a proteasome inhibitor we hypothesize that regulation of Mcl-1 translation is the most likely mechanism. Taken together our data suggest that dual inhibition of Mcl-1 via decreased expression and the induction of its antagonist NOXA by the combination of carfilzomib and TG02 is active in myeloma and warrants further testing preclinically and in clinical trials. Moreover, regulation of Mcl-1 by TG02 is more complex than initially appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn G Ponder
- a Cancer Biology Graduate Program , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Shannon M Matulis
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Sadae Hitosugi
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Vikas A Gupta
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Cathy Sharp
- c Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | | | - Ajay K Nooka
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA.,c Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Jonathan L Kaufman
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA.,c Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Sagar Lonial
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA.,c Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Lawrence H Boise
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA.,c Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
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46
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Larsen SE, Voss K, Laing ED, Snow AL. Differential cytokine withdrawal-induced death sensitivity of effector T cells derived from distinct human CD8 + memory subsets. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17031. [PMID: 28580175 PMCID: PMC5447130 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ central memory (CM) and effector memory (EM) T-cell subsets exhibit well-established differences in proliferative and protective capacity after infectious challenge. However, their relative sensitivity to apoptosis has been largely overlooked, despite the importance of programmed cell death in regulating effector T-cell homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that primary human effector T cells derived from the CD8+ EM subset exhibit significantly higher sensitivity to cytokine withdrawal-induced cell death (CWID), a critical intrinsic apoptosis program responsible for culling cells once an infection is cleared and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels diminish. Interestingly, we found no differences in the expression of IL-2 or IL-2 receptor components in cells originating from either subset. Relative to CM-derived effectors, however, EM-derived T cells displayed more mitochondrial instability and greater caspase activity. Indeed, we found that heightened CWID sensitivity in EM-derived effectors coincided with higher expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein BIM, both at steady state and with de novo induction following withdrawal of exogenous IL-2. These data point to ‘imprinted’ differences in BIM protein regulation, preserved by CD8+ CM and EM progeny, which govern their relative sensitivity to CWID. In addition, we detected a burst of autophagy after IL-2 withdrawal, which was better maintained in CM-derived T cells. Both subsets showed increased, equivalent CWID sensitivity upon treatment with autophagy inhibitors, suggesting sustained autophagy could preferentially protect CM-derived T cells from apoptosis. These findings offer new insight into how CM CD8+ T cells display superior effector cell expansion and more persistent memory responses in vivo relative to EM-derived T cells, based in part on decreased CWID sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Larsen
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelsey Voss
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eric D Laing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew L Snow
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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47
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Verma S, Singh A, Kumari A, Tyagi C, Goyal S, Jamal S, Grover A. Natural polyphenolic inhibitors against the antiapoptotic BCL-2. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2017; 37:391-400. [DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2017.1298129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Verma
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, TERI University, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Anchala Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, TERI University, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Chetna Tyagi
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sukriti Goyal
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Tonk, Rajasthan, India
| | - Salma Jamal
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Tonk, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abhinav Grover
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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48
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Ivanov S, Huber R, Warwicker J, Bond P. Energetics and Dynamics Across the Bcl-2-Regulated Apoptotic Pathway Reveal Distinct Evolutionary Determinants of Specificity and Affinity. Structure 2016; 24:2024-2033. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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49
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Caria S, Marshall B, Burton RL, Campbell S, Pantaki-Eimany D, Hawkins CJ, Barry M, Kvansakul M. The N Terminus of the Vaccinia Virus Protein F1L Is an Intrinsically Unstructured Region That Is Not Involved in Apoptosis Regulation. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:14600-8. [PMID: 27151220 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.726851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Subversion of host cell apoptotic responses is a prominent feature of viral immune evasion strategies to prevent premature clearance of infected cells. Numerous poxviruses encode structural and functional homologs of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, and vaccinia virus harbors antiapoptotic F1L that potently inhibits the mitochondrial apoptotic checkpoint. Recently F1L has been assigned a caspase-9 inhibitory function attributed to an N-terminal α helical region of F1L spanning residues 1-15 (1) preceding the domain-swapped Bcl-2-like domains. Using a reconstituted caspase inhibition assay in yeast we found that unlike AcP35, a well characterized caspase-9 inhibitor from the insect virus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus, F1L does not prevent caspase-9-mediated yeast cell death. Furthermore, we found that deletion of the F1L N-terminal region does not impede F1L antiapoptotic activity in the context of a viral infection. Solution analysis of the F1L N-terminal regions using small angle x-ray scattering indicates that the region of F1L spanning residues 1-50 located N-terminally from the Bcl-2 fold is an intrinsically unstructured region. We conclude that the N terminus of F1L is not involved in apoptosis inhibition and may act as a regulatory element in other signaling pathways in a manner reminiscent of other unstructured regulatory elements commonly found in mammalian prosurvival Bcl-2 members including Bcl-xL and Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Caria
- From the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia and
| | - Bevan Marshall
- From the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia and
| | - Robyn-Lee Burton
- Li Ka Shing Institute for Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Stephanie Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Institute for Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Delara Pantaki-Eimany
- From the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia and
| | - Christine J Hawkins
- From the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia and
| | - Michele Barry
- Li Ka Shing Institute for Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Marc Kvansakul
- From the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia and
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50
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Beekman AM, Howell LA. Small-Molecule and Peptide Inhibitors of the Pro-Survival Protein Mcl-1. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:802-13. [PMID: 26696548 PMCID: PMC4991272 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability of protein-protein interactions to regulate cellular processes in both beneficial and detrimental ways has made them obvious drug targets. The Bcl-2 family of proteins undergo a series of protein-protein interactions which regulate the intrinsic cell-death pathway. The pro-survival members of the Bcl-2 family, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL , and Mcl-1, are commonly overexpressed in a number of human cancers. Effective modulators of members of the Bcl-2 family have been developed and are undergoing clinical trials, but the efficient modulation of Mcl-1 is still not represented in the clinic. In addition, Mcl-1 is a major cause of resistance to radio- and chemotherapies, including inhibitors that target other Bcl-2 family members. Subsequently, the inhibition of Mcl-1 has become of significant interest to the scientific community. This review covers the progress made to date in modulating the activity of Mcl-1, by both stapled peptides and small molecules. The development of peptides as drug candidates, and the advancement of experimental and computational techniques used to discover small molecules are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Beekman
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Lesley A Howell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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