1
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Gunasekaran P, Hwang YS, Lee GH, Park J, Kim JG, La YK, Park NY, Kothandaraman R, Yim MS, Choi J, Kim HN, Park IY, Lee SJ, Kim MH, Cha-Molstad H, Shin SY, Ryu EK, Bang JK. Degradation of Polo-like Kinase 1 by the Novel Poly-Arginine N-Degron Pathway PROTAC Regulates Tumor Growth in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3307-3320. [PMID: 38105611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01493] [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: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), which is crucial in cell cycle regulation, is considered a promising anticancer drug target. Herein, we present the N-degron pathway-based proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) for PLK1 degradation, targeting the Polo-box domain (PBD). We identified DD-2 as the most potent PROTAC that selectively induces PLK1 degradation in cancer cells, including HeLa and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), through the N-degron pathway. DD-2 exhibited significant in vitro anticancer effects, inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis in HeLa and NSCLC cell lines. DD-2 showed significant tumor growth inhibition in a xenograft mouse model using HeLa and NSCLC cell lines, highlighting its potential in cancer treatment. Furthermore, the combination of DD-2 with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), osimertinib, effectively suppressed tumor growth in double-mutated H1975 cell lines, emphasizing DD-2's potential in combination cancer therapies. Collectively, this study demonstrates the potential of the N-degron pathway, especially using DD-2, for targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pethaiah Gunasekaran
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Sil Hwang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Gong-Hyeon Lee
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehui Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Gi Kim
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang, Cheongwon, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo Kyung La
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Yeong Park
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Min Su Yim
- Division of Vaccine Development Coordination, Center for Vaccine Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonhyeok Choi
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Nam Kim
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Yeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jae Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Cha-Molstad
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang, Cheongwon, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Yub Shin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Ryu
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Kyu Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
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2
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Riantana H, Waenphimai O, Mahalapbutr P, Karnchanapandh K, Vaeteewoottacharn K, Wongkham S, Sawanyawisuth K. BI6727 and GSK461364A, potent PLK1 inhibitors induce G2/M arrest and apoptosis against cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154678. [PMID: 37454493 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is an essential mitotic checkpoint protein that plays a key role in cell cycle division. Overexpression of PLK1 has been associated with poor prognosis in various cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal bile duct cancer and the current treatments in inoperable patients have not been satisfactory. In order to develop novel targeted therapies, we investigated the efficacy of BI6727 (volasertib) and GSK461364A, polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitors in KKU-100 and KKU-213A CCA cell lines. PLK1 expression was significantly up-regulated in CCA cases compared with normal tissues based on the results derived from GEPIA. Western blot results exhibited PLK1 protein expression in both CCA cell lines. Molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations based on MM/GBSA method revealed that BI6727-PLK1 and GSK461364A-PLK1 complexes were stable in an aqueous environment, and their complexation was mainly driven by Van der Waals interaction. BI6727 and GSK461364A clearly suppressed CCA cell proliferation and induced G2/M arrest, accompanied with upregulation of cyclin B1 and phosphorylated Histone H3 at Ser10 (pS10H3), specific markers of mitosis. Furthermore, both compounds triggered mitotic catastrophe followed by cell apoptosis via activation of PARP and Caspase 3, as well as downregulation of Mcl-1 anti-apoptotic protein in both CCA cell lines. In conclusion, pharmacologic PLK1 inhibition by BI6727 and GSK461364A blocked survival of CCA cells by several mechanisms. Our study provides evidence that BI6727 and GSK461364A could be alternative drugs and have potential implications at the clinical level for CCA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handy Riantana
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Orawan Waenphimai
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Panupong Mahalapbutr
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kun Karnchanapandh
- Structural and Computational Biology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kulthida Vaeteewoottacharn
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sopit Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kanlayanee Sawanyawisuth
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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3
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Ataseven D, Taştemur Ş, Yulak F, Karabulut S, Ergul M. GSK461364A suppresses proliferation of gastric cancer cells and induces apoptosis. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 90:105610. [PMID: 37150268 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1) is crucial in regulating cell division and has been shown to have an oncogenic function in several cancers. Since PLK1 overexpression is closely related to tumorigenesis and has been correlated with poor clinical outcomes, specific inhibition of PLK1 in cancer cells is a promising approach for developing new anticancer drugs. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluated the potential cytotoxic effects of GSK461364A, a competitive inhibitor for PLK1, in gastric cancer cell line SNU-1 cells and explored its cytotoxic mechanism. The cells were exposed to GSK461364A at different concentrations ranging from 1 to 40 μM for 24 h, and it showed considerable cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 4.34 μM. The treatment of SNU-1 cells with GSK461364A results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased apoptosis as indicated by Annexin V binding assay. In addition, GSK461364A treatment significantly increased the total oxidant (TOS) level, a signal of oxidative stress, and increased cleaved PARP and 8-oxo-dG levels as an indicator of DNA damage. ELISA experiments evaluating Bax, BCL-2, and cleaved caspase-3 also confirmed the apoptotic effect of GSK461364A. Current findings suggest that GSK461364A may be a chemotherapeutic agent in patients with gastric cancer. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate GSK461364A as a cancer treatment drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Ataseven
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Şeyma Taştemur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sivas Numune Hospital, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Fatih Yulak
- Departments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Sebahattin Karabulut
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ergul
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
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Yan Z, Shi Q, Liu X, Li J, Ahire V, Zhang S, Zhang J, Yang D, Allen TD. The phytochemical, corynoline, diminishes Aurora kinase B activity to induce mitotic defect and polyploidy. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 147:112645. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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5
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Lin SF, Yeh CN, Huang YT, Chou TC, Wong RJ. Therapeutic inhibition of polo-like kinases in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:803-814. [PMID: 33306266 PMCID: PMC7893987 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo‐like kinases (PLKs) are potent regulators of cell proliferation and cell survival. Polo‐like kinases are potential targets in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a rare but deadly disease. The therapeutic effects of volasertib, a PLK inhibitor, was evaluated for the treatment of ATC either alone or in combination with sorafenib. Volasertib decreased cell viability in three ATC cell lines (8505C, 8305C, and KAT18) in a dose‐dependent manner. Volasertib caused ATC cells to accumulate in G2/M phase, activated caspase‐3 activity, and induced apoptosis. Combination therapy using volasertib and sorafenib in ATC cells showed mostly synergistic effects. In vivo studies revealed that combination therapy of volasertib and sorafenib was effective in the treatment of 8505C xenografts. Single‐agent volasertib treatment was sufficient to retard 8305C tumor growth. No substantial morbidity was observed in animals that received either single‐agent or combination treatment. These preclinical findings suggest that volasertib could be an effective drug in treating ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Fu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Yeh
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Huang
- Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chao Chou
- Laboratory of Preclinical Pharmacology Core, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard J Wong
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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6
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Ergul M, Bakar-Ates F. A specific inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1, GSK461364A, suppresses proliferation of Raji Burkitt's lymphoma cells through mediating cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 332:109288. [PMID: 33075310 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a prominent mediatory player during the cell cycle, mitosis, and cytokinesis in eukaryotic cells. Besides its physiological roles, PLK1 expression is upregulated in a wide range of human malignant tumors and its overexpression worsens prognosis, therefore, specific inhibition of PLK1 in tumor cells is a fascinating approach for the development of novel chemotherapeutics. The present study elucidated the potential cytotoxic effects of a PLK1 inhibitor, GSK461364A, in five cancer cell lines including Raji, K562, PC3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, along with noncancerous L929 cells by XTT assay. The cells were treated for 24 h with GSK461364A at different concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 40 μM and significant cytotoxicity was observed in all treated groups with the IC50 values between 2.36 and 4.08 μM. GSK461364A was also found to be safer with lower cytotoxicity against L929 cells and the IC50 value was found to be greater than 40 μM. Raji cells were identified as the most sensitive cell line against GSK461364A with the lowest IC50 values, hence it was selected for further studies to evaluate the underlying mechanism of cytotoxic activity. The treatment of Raji cells with GSK461364A caused a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, also altered TOS, which is an indicator of oxidative stress, and DNA damage response, significantly. The Annexin V binding assay revealed that GSK461364A treatment significantly increased in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells. Fluorescence imaging also showed that GSK461364A treatment significantly induced apoptosis of Raji cells. The apoptotic effect of the compound has also been confirmed by increased expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and along with the decreased expression of BCL-2. The results demonstrated that GSK461364A induced anticancer effects which was mainly promoted by cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and finally apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Taken together, the present results emphasized that GSK461364A could be a useful therapeutic agent in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma. However, further studies are required to consolidate the anticancer activity of this promising compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ergul
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Filiz Bakar-Ates
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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7
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Alverez CN, Park JE, Toti KS, Xia Y, Krausz KW, Rai G, Bang JK, Gonzalez FJ, Jacobson KA, Lee KS. Identification of a New Heterocyclic Scaffold for Inhibitors of the Polo-Box Domain of Polo-like Kinase 1. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14087-14117. [PMID: 33175530 PMCID: PMC7769008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As a mitotic-specific target widely deregulated in various human cancers, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) has been extensively explored for anticancer activity and drug discovery. Although multiple catalytic domain inhibitors were tested in preclinical and clinical studies, their efficacies are limited by dose-limiting cytotoxicity, mainly from off-target cross reactivity. The C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD) of Plk1 has emerged as an attractive target for generating new protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Here, we identified a 1-thioxo-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5(1H)-one scaffold that efficiently inhibits Plk1 PBD but not its related Plk2 and Plk3 PBDs. Structure-activity relationship studies led to multiple inhibitors having ≥10-fold higher inhibitory activity than the previously characterized Plk1 PBD-specific phosphopeptide, PLHSpT (Kd ∼ 450 nM). In addition, S-methyl prodrugs effectively inhibited mitotic progression and cell proliferation and their metabolic stability was determined. These data describe a novel class of small-molecule inhibitors that offer a promising avenue for future drug discovery against Plk1-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste N Alverez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kiran S Toti
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Yangliu Xia
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kristopher W Krausz
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jeong K Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kyung S Lee
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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8
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Anania MC, Di Marco T, Mazzoni M, Greco A. Targeting Non-Oncogene Addiction: Focus on Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010129. [PMID: 31947935 PMCID: PMC7017043 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common malignancy of endocrine organs with an increasing incidence in industrialized countries. The majority of TC are characterized by a good prognosis, even though cases with aggressive forms not cured by standard therapies are also present. Moreover, target therapies have led to low rates of partial response and prompted the emergence of resistance, indicating that new therapies are needed. In this review, we summarize current literature about the non-oncogene addiction (NOA) concept, which indicates that cancer cells, at variance with normal cells, rely on the activity of genes, usually not mutated or aberrantly expressed, essential for coping with the transformed phenotype. We highlight the potential of non-oncogenes as a point of intervention for cancer therapy in general, and present evidence for new putative non-oncogenes that are essential for TC survival and that may constitute attractive new therapeutic targets.
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9
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Jin Y, Liu M, Sa R, Fu H, Cheng L, Chen L. Mouse models of thyroid cancer: Bridging pathogenesis and novel therapeutics. Cancer Lett 2019; 469:35-53. [PMID: 31589905 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to a global increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer, numerous novel mouse models were established to reveal thyroid cancer pathogenesis and test promising therapeutic strategies, necessitating a comprehensive review of translational medicine that covers (i) the role of mouse models in the research of thyroid cancer pathogenesis, and (ii) preclinical testing of potential anti-thyroid cancer therapeutics. The present review article aims to: (i) describe the current approaches for mouse modeling of thyroid cancer, (ii) provide insight into the biology and genetics of thyroid cancers, and (iii) offer guidance on the use of mouse models for testing potential therapeutics in preclinical settings. Based on research with mouse models of thyroid cancer pathogenesis involving the RTK, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, SRC, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, inhibitors of VEGFR, MEK, mTOR, SRC, and STAT3 have been developed as anti-thyroid cancer drugs for "bench-to-bedside" translation. In the future, mouse models of thyroid cancer will be designed to be ''humanized" and "patient-like," offering opportunities to: (i) investigate the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer through target screening based on the CRISPR/Cas system, (ii) test drugs based on new mouse models, and (iii) explore the underlying mechanisms based on multi-omics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Jin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ri Sa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Libo Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
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De Martino D, Yilmaz E, Orlacchio A, Ranieri M, Zhao K, Di Cristofano A. PI3K blockage synergizes with PLK1 inhibition preventing endoreduplication and enhancing apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Cancer Lett 2018; 439:56-65. [PMID: 30243708 PMCID: PMC6195833 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is among the most lethal malignancies. The mitotic kinase PLK1 is overexpressed in the majority of ATCs and PLK1 inhibitors have shown preclinical efficacy. However, they also cause mitotic slippage and endoreduplication, leading to the generation of tetraploid, genetically unstable cell populations. We hypothesized that PI3K activity may facilitate mitotic slippage upon PLK1 inhibition, and thus tested the effect of combining PLK1 and PI3K inhibitors in ATC models, in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with BI6727 and BKM120 resulted in a significant synergistic effect in ATC cells, independent of the levels of AKT activity. Combination of the two drugs enhanced growth suppression at doses for which the single drugs showed no effect, and led to a massive reduction of the tetraploid cells population. Furthermore, combined treatment in PI3Khigh cell lines showed a significant induction of apoptosis. Finally, combined inhibition of PI3K and PLK1 was extremely effective in vivo, in an immunocompetent allograft model of ATC. Our results demonstrate a clear therapeutic potential of combining PLK1 and PI3K inhibitors in anaplastic thyroid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela De Martino
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Emrullah Yilmaz
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Arturo Orlacchio
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Antonio Di Cristofano
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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11
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Mitosis perturbation by MASTL depletion impairs the viability of thyroid tumor cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 442:362-372. [PMID: 30445205 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Even if thyroid tumors are generally curable, a fraction will develop resistance to therapy and progress towards undifferentiated forms, whose treatment remains a demanding challenge. To identify potential novel targets for treatment of thyroid cancer, in a previous study using siRNA-mediated functional screening, we identified several genes that are essential for the growth of thyroid tumor, but not normal cells. Among the top-ranking hits, we found microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL), which is known to play an essential role in mitosis regulation, and is also involved in the DNA damage response. Herein, we examine the effects of MASTL depletion on growth and viability of thyroid tumor cells. MASTL depletion impaired cell proliferation and increased the percentage of cells presenting nuclear anomalies, which are indicative of mitotic catastrophe. Furthermore, MASTL depletion was associated with enhanced DNA damage. All these effects eventually led to cell death, characterized by the presence of apoptotic markers. Moreover, MASTL depletion sensitized thyroid tumor cells to cisplatin. Our results demonstrate that MASTL represents vulnerability for thyroid tumor cells, which could be explored as a therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.
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12
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Wang Y, Wu L, Yao Y, Lu G, Xu L, Zhou J. Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor BI 6727 induces DNA damage and exerts strong antitumor activity in small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2018; 436:1-9. [PMID: 30118839 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is poor despite its good initial response to chemotherapy. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a crucial mitotic regulator that is overexpressed in many tumors, and its overexpression is associated with tumor aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. However, its role in SCLC is still poorly characterized. Based on immunohistochemistry findings, the PLK1 protein is expressed at higher levels in SCLC tumor samples than in normal lung tissue samples. The selective PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727 significantly induced the inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in SCLC cell lines. FACS analysis showed an increase in the population of cells in the G2/M phase, followed by DNA damage and the consequent activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR)/ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-Chk1/Chk2 checkpoint pathway. In addition, BI 6727 treatment resulted in clearly attenuated growth and apoptosis in NCI-H446 xenografts. The level of histone H2AX phosphorylation at serine-139 (γH2AX) was markedly increased both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that BI 6727 has therapeutic potential for SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linying Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinan Yao
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liming Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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13
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Gahete MD, Jimenez-Vacas JM, Alors-Perez E, Herrero-Aguayo V, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Pedraza-Arevalo S, Castaño JP, Luque RM. Mouse models in endocrine tumors. J Endocrinol 2018; 240:JOE-18-0571.R1. [PMID: 30475226 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors comprise a highly heterogeneous group of neoplasms that can arise from (neuro)endocrine cells, either from endocrine glands or from the widespread diffuse neuroendocrine system, and, consequently, are widely distributed throughout the body. Due to their diversity, heterogeneity and limited incidence, studying in detail the molecular and genetic alterations that underlie their development and progression is still a highly elusive task. This, in turn, hinders the discovery of novel therapeutic options for these tumors. To circumvent these limitations, numerous mouse models of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors have been developed, characterized and used in pre-clinical, co-clinical (implemented in mouse models and patients simultaneously) and post-clinical studies, for they represent powerful and necessary tools in basic and translational tumor biology research. Indeed, different in vivo mouse models, including cell line-based xenografts (CDXs), patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMs), have been used to delineate the development, progression and behavior of human tumors. Results gained with these in vivo models have facilitated the clinical application in patients of diverse breakthrough discoveries made in this field. Herein, we review the generation, characterization and translatability of the most prominent mouse models of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors reported to date, as well as the most relevant clinical implications obtained for each endocrine and neuroendocrine tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel D Gahete
- M Gahete, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, 14011, Spain
| | - Juan M Jimenez-Vacas
- J Jimenez-Vacas, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Emilia Alors-Perez
- E Alors-Perez, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Inmunology, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC) / University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Vicente Herrero-Aguayo
- V Herrero-Aguayo, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Antonio C Fuentes-Fayos
- A Fuentes-Fayos, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Sergio Pedraza-Arevalo
- S Pedraza-Arevalo, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Justo P Castaño
- J Castaño, Dpt. of Cell Biology-University of Córdoba, IMIBIC-Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba, Cordoba, E-14004, Spain
| | - Raul M Luque
- R Luque, Dept of Cell Biology, Phisiology and Inmunology, Section of Cell Biology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain, Cordoba, 14014, Spain
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14
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Saini S, Tulla K, Maker AV, Burman KD, Prabhakar BS. Therapeutic advances in anaplastic thyroid cancer: a current perspective. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:154. [PMID: 30352606 PMCID: PMC6198524 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0903-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, almost tripling every decade. In 2017, it was the fifth most common cancer in women. Although the majority of thyroid tumors are curable, about 2-3% of thyroid cancers are refractory to standard treatments. These undifferentiated, highly aggressive and mostly chemo-resistant tumors are phenotypically-termed anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). ATCs are resistant to standard therapies and are extremely difficult to manage. In this review, we provide the information related to current and recently emerged first-line systemic therapy (Dabrafenib and Trametinib) along with promising therapeutics which are in clinical trials and may be incorporated into clinical practice in the future. Different categories of promising therapeutics such as Aurora kinase inhibitors, multi-kinase inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, gene therapy using oncolytic viruses, apoptosis-inducing agents, and immunotherapy are reviewed. Combination treatment options that showed synergistic and antagonistic effects are also discussed. We highlight ongoing clinical trials in ATC and discuss how personalized medicine is crucial to design the second line of treatment. Besides using conventional combination therapy, embracing a personalized approach based on advanced genomics and proteomics assessment will be crucial to developing a tailored treatment plan to improve the chances of clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Saini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois-College of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kiara Tulla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois-College of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Ajay V. Maker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois-College of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois-College of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Bellur S. Prabhakar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois-College of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
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15
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Relevance of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in prostate cancer. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2018; 12:339-343. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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16
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Li J, Wang R, Kong Y, Broman MM, Carlock C, Chen L, Li Z, Farah E, Ratliff TL, Liu X. Targeting Plk1 to Enhance Efficacy of Olaparib in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:469-479. [PMID: 28069876 PMCID: PMC5337144 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Olaparib is an FDA-approved PARP inhibitor (PARPi) that has shown promise as a synthetic lethal treatment approach for BRCA-mutant castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in clinical use. However, emerging data have also shown that even BRCA-mutant cells may be resistant to PARPi. The mechanistic basis for these drug resistances is poorly understood. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a critical regulator of many cell-cycle events, is significantly elevated upon castration of mice carrying xenograft prostate tumors. Herein, by combination with Plk1 inhibitor BI2536, we show a robust sensitization of olaparib in 22RV1, a BRCA1-deficient CRPC cell line, as well as in CRPC xenograft tumors. Mechanistically, monotherapy with olaparib results in an override of the G1-S checkpoint, leading to high expression of Plk1, which attenuates olaparib's overall efficacy. In BRCA1 wild-type C4-2 cells, Plk1 inhibition also significantly increases the efficacy of olaparib in the presence of p53 inhibitor. Collectively, our findings not only implicate the critical role of Plk1 in PARPi resistance in BRCA-mutant CRPC cells, but also shed new light on the treatment of non-BRCA-mutant patient subgroups who might also respond favorably to PARPi. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(3); 469-79. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Ruixin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Yifan Kong
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Meaghan M Broman
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Colin Carlock
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Elia Farah
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Timothy L Ratliff
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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17
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Evans JC, Malhotra M, Fitzgerald KA, Guo J, Cronin MF, Curtin CM, O’Brien FJ, Darcy R, O’Driscoll CM. Formulation and Evaluation of Anisamide-Targeted Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles To Promote Therapeutic Gene Silencing in a 3D Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases Model. Mol Pharm 2016; 14:42-52. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James C. Evans
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Meenakshi Malhotra
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Jianfeng Guo
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael F. Cronin
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Caroline M. Curtin
- Tissue Engineering
Research Group, Anatomy Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, RCSI & TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fergal J. O’Brien
- Tissue Engineering
Research Group, Anatomy Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, RCSI & TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raphael Darcy
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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18
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Cai XP, Chen LD, Song HB, Zhang CX, Yuan ZW, Xiang ZX. PLK1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of gastric carcinoma cells. Am J Transl Res 2016; 8:4172-4183. [PMID: 27830001 PMCID: PMC5095310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the crucial event for cancer progression and plays a vital role in the metastasis of cancer cells. Activation of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signaling has been implicated as the critical event in several tumor metastasis and EMT, however, whether PLK1 participates in gastric carcinoma metastasis and EMT still remains unclear. For this study, we elucidated the potential physiological function of PLK1 in the metastasis of gastric tumors, as well its distinct role in cells EMT and subsequently determined the mechanism involved in PLK1 regulated. Immunoblotting assay and Oncomine data mining analysis indicated that PLK1 expression was highly up-regulated in gastric carcinoma. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the relationship between survival outcomes and PLK1 expression in gastric carcinoma was performed with an online Kaplan-Meier plotter (http://kmplot.com/analysis/). Over-expression of PLK1 in gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 and MKN-28 significantly promoted cells profound morphological changes and enhanced metastatic ability of tumor cells. On the contrary, silencing of PLK1 induced mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET)-like morphological and inhibited the metastatic process. Furthermore, we found that the metastatic characters promoting effects of PLK1 in gastric carcinoma was related to the activation of protein kinase B (AKT). Our mechanistic investigations revealed that AKT inhibition reversed PLK1-induced EMT, blocked gastric carcinoma cells invasiveness and metastasis. Additionally, over-expression of AKT promoted the migratory and invasion ability of the two cell lines, which was disrupted by PLK1 down-regulation. To conclude, our findings demonstrate that PLK1 accelerates the metastasis and epithelial-mesenchyme transition of gastric cancer cells through regulating the AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Peng Cai
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liang Dong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hai Bin Song
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chun Xiao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ze Wei Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Xian Xiang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University Wuhan, Hubei, China
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19
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Anania M, Gasparri F, Cetti E, Fraietta I, Todoerti K, Miranda C, Mazzoni M, Re C, Colombo R, Ukmar G, Camisasca S, Pagliardini S, Pierotti M, Neri A, Galvani A, Greco A. Identification of thyroid tumor cell vulnerabilities through a siRNA-based functional screening. Oncotarget 2016; 6:34629-48. [PMID: 26431489 PMCID: PMC4741478 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid carcinoma is rapidly increasing. Although generally associated with good prognosis, a fraction of thyroid tumors are not cured by standard therapy and progress to aggressive forms for which no effective treatments are currently available. In order to identify novel therapeutic targets for thyroid carcinoma, we focused on the discovery of genes essential for sustaining the oncogenic phenotype of thyroid tumor cells, but not required to the same degree for the viability of normal cells (non-oncogene addiction paradigm). We screened a siRNA oligonucleotide library targeting the human druggable genome in thyroid cancer BCPAP cell line in comparison with immortalized normal human thyrocytes (Nthy-ori 3–1). We identified a panel of hit genes whose silencing interferes with the growth of tumor cells, while sparing that of normal ones. Further analysis of three selected hit genes, namely Cyclin D1, MASTL and COPZ1, showed that they represent common vulnerabilities for thyroid tumor cells, as their inhibition reduced the viability of several thyroid tumor cell lines, regardless the histotype or oncogenic lesion. This work identified non-oncogenes essential for sustaining the phenotype of thyroid tumor cells, but not of normal cells, thus suggesting that they might represent promising targets for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anania
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Gasparri
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Elena Cetti
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Fraietta
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Katia Todoerti
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS-CROB, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Claudia Miranda
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Mazzoni
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Re
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Riccardo Colombo
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Giorgio Ukmar
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Stefano Camisasca
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Sonia Pagliardini
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Pierotti
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Arturo Galvani
- Cell Biology Department, Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, Nerviano (MI), Italy
| | - Angela Greco
- Molecular Mechanisms Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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20
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Champa D, Orlacchio A, Patel B, Ranieri M, Shemetov AA, Verkhusha VV, Cuervo AM, Di Cristofano A. Obatoclax kills anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by inducing lysosome neutralization and necrosis. Oncotarget 2016; 7:34453-71. [PMID: 27144341 PMCID: PMC5085168 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas are very aggressive, almost invariably lethal neoplasms for which no effective treatment exists. These tumors are intrinsically resistant to cell death, even when their driver oncogenic signaling pathways are inhibited.We have undertaken a detailed analysis, in mouse and human thyroid cancer cells, of the mechanism through which Obatoclax, a pan-inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL2 family, effectively reduces tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.We demonstrate that Obatoclax does not induce apoptosis, but rather necrosis of thyroid cancer cells, and that non-transformed thyroid cells are significantly less affected by this compound. Surprisingly, we show that Obatoclax rapidly localizes to the lysosomes and induces loss of acidification, block of lysosomal fusion with autophagic vacuoles, and subsequent lysosomal permeabilization. Notably, prior lysosome neutralization using different V-ATPase inhibitors partially protects cancer cells from the toxic effects of Obatoclax. Although inhibition of autophagy does not affect Obatoclax-induced cell death, selective down-regulation of ATG7, but not of ATG5, partially impairs Obatoclax effects, suggesting the existence of autophagy-independent functions for ATG7. Strikingly, Obatoclax killing activity depends only on its accumulation in the lysosomes, and not on its interaction with BCL2 family members.Finally, we show that also other lysosome-targeting compounds, Mefloquine and LLOMe, readily induce necrosis in thyroid cancer cells, and that Mefloquine significantly impairs tumor growth in vivo, highlighting a clear vulnerability of these aggressive, apoptosis-resistant tumors that can be therapeutically exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devora Champa
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Arturo Orlacchio
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bindi Patel
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Anton A Shemetov
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Antonio Di Cristofano
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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21
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Kirschner LS, Qamri Z, Kari S, Ashtekar A. Mouse models of thyroid cancer: A 2015 update. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:18-27. [PMID: 26123589 PMCID: PMC4691568 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm, and its rate is rising at an alarming pace. Thus, there is a compelling need to develop in vivo models which will not only enable the confirmation of the oncogenic potential of driver genes, but also point the way towards the development of new therapeutics. Over the past 20 years, techniques for the generation of mouse models of human diseases have progressed substantially, accompanied by parallel advances in the genetics and genomics of human tumors. This convergence has enabled the development of mouse lines carrying mutations in the genes that cause thyroid cancers of all subtypes, including differentiated papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, poorly differentiated/anaplastic cancers, and medullary thyroid cancers. In this review, we will discuss the state of the art of mouse modeling of thyroid cancer, with the eventual goal of providing insight into tumor biology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence S Kirschner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Zahida Qamri
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Suresh Kari
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amruta Ashtekar
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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22
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Li J, Wang R, Schweickert PG, Karki A, Yang Y, Kong Y, Ahmad N, Konieczny SF, Liu X. Plk1 inhibition enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine in human pancreatic cancer. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:711-9. [PMID: 26890815 PMCID: PMC4845940 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1148838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is the standard-of-care for chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and it can directly incorporate into DNA or inhibit ribonucleotide reductase to prevent DNA replication and, thus, tumor cell growth. Most pancreatic tumors, however, develop resistance to gemcitabine. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a critical regulator in many cell cycle events, is significantly elevated in human pancreatic cancer. In this study, we show that Plk1 is required for the G1/S transition and that inhibition of Plk1 significantly reduces the DNA synthesis rate in human pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, the combined effect of a specific Plk1 inhibitor GSK461364A with gemcitabine was examined. We show that inhibition of Plk1 significantly potentiates the anti-neoplastic activity of gemcitabine in both cultured pancreatic cancer cells and Panc1-derived orthotopic pancreatic cancer xenograft tumors. Overall, our study demonstrates that co-targeting Plk1 can significantly enhance the efficacy of gemcitabine, offering a promising new therapeutic option for the treatment of gemcitabine-resistant human pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ruixin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Anju Karki
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yifan Kong
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephen F. Konieczny
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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23
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Li J, Karki A, Hodges KB, Ahmad N, Zoubeidi A, Strebhardt K, Ratliff TL, Konieczny SF, Liu X. Cotargeting Polo-Like Kinase 1 and the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:4185-98. [PMID: 26438599 PMCID: PMC4648817 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00825-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been identified as one of the predominantly upregulated pathways in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, whether targeting the β-catenin pathway will prove effective as a CRPC treatment remains unknown. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a critical regulator in many cell cycle events, and its level is significantly elevated upon castration of mice carrying xenograft prostate tumors. Indeed, inhibition of Plk1 has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in several in vivo studies. Here, we show that Plk1 is a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Plk1 inhibition or depletion enhances the level of cytosolic and nuclear β-catenin in human prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling significantly potentiates the antineoplastic activity of the Plk1 inhibitor BI2536 in both cultured prostate cancer cells and CRPC xenograft tumors. Mechanistically, axin2, a negative regulator of the β-catenin pathway, serves as a substrate of Plk1, and Plk1 phosphorylation of axin2 facilitates the degradation of β-catenin by enhancing binding between glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and β-catenin. Plk1-phosphorylated axin2 also exhibits resistance to Cdc20-mediated degradation. Overall, this study identifies a novel Plk1-Wnt signaling axis in prostate cancer, offering a promising new therapeutic option to treat CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Anju Karki
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Kurt B Hodges
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, J. W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Timothy L Ratliff
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Stephen F Konieczny
- Department of Biological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Lee KS, Burke TR, Park JE, Bang JK, Lee E. Recent Advances and New Strategies in Targeting Plk1 for Anticancer Therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:858-877. [PMID: 26478211 PMCID: PMC4684765 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) plays key roles in regulating mitotic processes that are crucial for cellular proliferation. Overexpression of Plk1 is tightly associated with the development of particular cancers in humans, and a large body of evidence suggests that Plk1 is an attractive target for anticancer therapeutic development. Drugs targeting Plk1 can potentially be directed at two distinct sites: the N-terminal catalytic kinase domain (KD), which phosphorylates substrates, and the C-terminal polo-box domain (PBD) which is essential for protein-protein interactions. In this review we summarize recent advances and new challenges in the development of Plk1 inhibitors targeting these two domains. We also discuss novel strategies for designing and developing next-generation inhibitors to effectively treat Plk1-associated human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung S Lee
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Terrence R Burke
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeong K Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, 804-1, Yangcheong Ri, Ochang, Chungbuk, Cheongwon 363-883, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Lee
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Champa D, Di Cristofano A. Modeling anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in the mouse. Discov Oncol 2014; 6:37-44. [PMID: 25420535 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-014-0208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the least common form of thyroid cancer; however, it accounts for the majority of deaths associated with this family of malignancies. A number of genetically engineered immunocompetent mouse models recapitulating the genetic and histological features of anaplastic thyroid cancer have been very recently generated and represent an invaluable tool to dissect the mechanisms involved in the progression from indolent, well-differentiated tumors to aggressive, undifferentiated carcinomas and to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on the relevant characteristics associated with these models and on what we have learned in terms of anaplastic thyroid cancer biology, genetics, and response to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devora Champa
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Avenue, Room 302, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
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