1
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Baudouin L, Adès N, Kanté K, Bachelin C, Hmidan H, Deboux C, Panic R, Ben Messaoud R, Velut Y, Hamada S, Pionneau C, Duarte K, Poëa-Guyon S, Barnier JV, Nait Oumesmar B, Bouslama-Oueghlani L. Antagonistic actions of PAK1 and NF2/Merlin drive myelin membrane expansion in oligodendrocytes. Glia 2024; 72:1518-1540. [PMID: 38794866 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24570] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, the formation of myelin by oligodendrocytes (OLs) relies on the switch from the polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton to its depolymerization. The molecular mechanisms that trigger this switch have yet to be elucidated. Here, we identified P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) as a major regulator of actin depolymerization in OLs. Our results demonstrate that PAK1 accumulates in OLs in a kinase-inhibited form, triggering actin disassembly and, consequently, myelin membrane expansion. Remarkably, proteomic analysis of PAK1 binding partners enabled the identification of NF2/Merlin as its endogenous inhibitor. Our findings indicate that Nf2 knockdown in OLs results in PAK1 activation, actin polymerization, and a reduction in OL myelin membrane expansion. This effect is rescued by treatment with a PAK1 inhibitor. We also provide evidence that the specific Pak1 loss-of-function in oligodendroglia stimulates the thickening of myelin sheaths in vivo. Overall, our data indicate that the antagonistic actions of PAK1 and NF2/Merlin on the actin cytoskeleton of the OLs are critical for proper myelin formation. These findings have broad mechanistic and therapeutic implications in demyelinating diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Baudouin
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Noémie Adès
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Kadia Kanté
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Bachelin
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Hatem Hmidan
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Al-Quds University, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Cyrille Deboux
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Radmila Panic
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Rémy Ben Messaoud
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Yoan Velut
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Soumia Hamada
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, UMS Production et Analyse des Données en Sciences de la vie et en Santé, PASS, Plateforme Post-génomique de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Cédric Pionneau
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, UMS Production et Analyse des Données en Sciences de la vie et en Santé, PASS, Plateforme Post-génomique de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Kévin Duarte
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Sandrine Poëa-Guyon
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Brahim Nait Oumesmar
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Lamia Bouslama-Oueghlani
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau, Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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2
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Benton D, Yee Chow H, Karchugina S, Chernoff J. Synergistic effect of PAK and Hippo pathway inhibitor combination in NF2-deficient Schwannoma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305121. [PMID: 39083549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a genetic disorder that results in the formation and progressive growth of schwannomas, ependymomas, and/or meningiomas. The NF2 gene encodes the Merlin protein, which links cell cortical elements to the actin cytoskeleton and regulates a number of key enzymes including Group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs), the Hippo-pathway kinase LATS, and mTORC. While PAK1 and PAK2 directly bind Merlin and transmit proliferation and survival signals when Merlin is mutated or absent, inhibition of Group 1 PAKs alone has not proven sufficient to completely stop the growth of NF2-deficient meningiomas or schwannomas in vivo, suggesting the need for a second pathway inhibitor. As the Hippo pathway is also activated in NF2-deficient cells, several inhibitors of the Hippo pathway have recently been developed in the form of YAP-TEAD binding inhibitors. These inhibitors prevent activation of pro-proliferation and anti-apoptotic Hippo pathway effectors. In this study, we show that PAK inhibition slows cell proliferation while TEAD inhibition promotes apoptotic cell death. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of PAK and TEAD inhibitor combinations in several NF2-deficient Schwannoma cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Benton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hoi Yee Chow
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sofiia Karchugina
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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3
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Okumura K, Morinaga T, Saito M, Tokunaga Y, Otoyama K, Tanaka S, Isogai E, Kawazu M, Togashi Y, Hasegawa Y, Wakabayashi Y. Targeting PAK1 is effective against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a syngenic mouse model. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 38898727 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
By taking advantage of forward genetic analysis in mice, we have demonstrated that Pak1 plays a crucial role during DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis. Although Pak1 has been considered to promote cancer development, its overall function remains poorly understood. To clarify the functional significance of Pak1 in detail, we sought to evaluate the possible effect of an allosteric inhibitor against PAK1 (NVS-PAK1-1) on a syngeneic mouse model. To this end, we established two cell lines, 9AS1 and 19AS1, derived from DMBA/TPA-induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that engrafted in FVB mice. Based on our present results, NVS-PAK1-1 treatment significantly inhibited the growth of tumors derived from 9AS1 and 19AS1 cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA-sequencing analysis on the engrafted tumors indicates that NVS-PAK1-1 markedly potentiates the epidermal cell differentiation and enhances the immune response in the engrafted tumors. Consistent with these observations, we found an expansion of Pan-keratin-positive regions and potentially elevated infiltration of CD8-positive immune cells in NVS-PAK1-1-treated tumors as examined by immunohistochemical analyses. Together, our present findings strongly suggest that PAK1 is tightly linked to the development of SCC, and that its inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy against SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Okumura
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takao Morinaga
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Megumi Saito
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yurika Tokunaga
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keisuke Otoyama
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Sora Tanaka
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eriko Isogai
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahito Kawazu
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Togashi
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuichi Wakabayashi
- Division of Experimental Animal Research, Cancer Genome Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
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4
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Maruta H, He H. Rapamycin vs TORin-1 or Gleevec vs Nilotinib: Simple chemical evolution that converts PAK1-blockers to TOR-blockers or vice versa? Drug Discov Ther 2024; 18:134-139. [PMID: 38569833 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2023.01097] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Both PAK1 (RAC/CDC42-activating kinase 1) and TOR (Target of Rapamycin) are among the major oncogenic/ageing kinases. However, they play the opposite role in our immune system, namely immune system is suppressed by PAK1, while it requires TOR. Thus, PAK1-blockers, would be more effective for therapy of cancers, than TOR-blockers. Since 2015 when we discovered genetically that PDGF-induced melanogenesis depends on "PAK1", we are able to screening a series of PAK1-blockers as melanogenesis-inhibitors which could eventually promote longevity. Interestingly, rapamycin, the first TOR-inhibitor, promotes melanogenesis, clearly indicating that TOR suppresses melanogenesis. However, a new TOR-inhibitor called TORin-1 no longer suppresses immune system, and blocks melanogenesis in cell culture. These observations strongly indicate that TORin-1 acts as PAK1-blockers, instead of TOR-blockers, in vivo. Thus, it is most likely that melanogenesis in cell culture could enable us to discriminate PAK1-blockers from TORblockers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong He
- Melbourne University Hospital (Austin Health), Melbourne, Australia
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5
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M R H Mostafa A, Petrai O, Poot AA, Prakash J. Polymeric nanofiber leveraged co-delivery of anti-stromal PAK1 inhibitor and paclitaxel enhances therapeutic effects in stroma-rich 3D spheroid models. Int J Pharm 2024; 656:124078. [PMID: 38569978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124078] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The role of tumor stroma in solid tumors has been widely recognized in cancer progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in matrix remodeling and promoting cancer cell stemness and resistance via reciprocal crosstalk. Residual tumor tissue after surgical removal as well as unresectable tumors face therapeutic challenges to achieve curable outcome. In this study, we propose to develop a dual delivery approach by combining p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) inhibitor (FRAX597) to inhibit tumor stroma and chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) to kill cancer cells using electrospun nanofibers. First, the role of the PAK1 pathway was established in CAF differentiation, migration and contraction using relevant in vitro models. Second, polycaprolactone polymer-based nanofibers were fabricated using a uniaxial electrospinning technique to incorporate FRAX597 and/or PTX, which showed a uniform texture and a prolonged release of both drugs for 16 days. To test nanofibers, stroma-rich 3D heterospheroid models were set up which showed high resistance to PTX nanofibers compared to stroma-free homospheroids. Interestingly, nanofibers containing PTX and FRAX597 showed strong anti-tumor effects on heterospheroids by reducing the growth and viability by > 90 % compared to either of single drug-loaded nanofibers. These effects were reflected by reduced intra-spheroidal expression levels of collagen 1 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Overall, this study provides a new therapeutic strategy to inhibit the tumor stroma using PAK1 inhibitor and thereby enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy using nanofibers as a local delivery system for unresectable or residual tumor. Use of 3D models to evaluate nanofibers highlights these models as advanced in vitro tools to study the effect of controlled release local drug delivery systems before animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M R H Mostafa
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Ornela Petrai
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - André A Poot
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Engineered Therapeutics, Department of Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics, TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
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6
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Ibáñez-Molero S, Pruijs JTM, Atmopawiro A, Wang F, Terry AM, Altelaar M, Peeper DS, Stecker KE. Phosphoprotein dynamics of interacting T cells and tumor cells by HySic. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113598. [PMID: 38150364 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113598] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional interactions between cytotoxic T cells and tumor cells are central to anti-cancer immunity. However, our understanding of the proteins involved is limited. Here, we present HySic (hybrid quantification of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture [SILAC]-labeled interacting cells) as a method to quantify protein and phosphorylation dynamics between and within physically interacting cells. Using co-cultured T cells and tumor cells, we directly measure the proteome and phosphoproteome of engaged cells without the need for physical separation. We identify proteins whose abundance or activation status changes upon T cell:tumor cell interaction and validate our method with established signal transduction pathways including interferon γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Furthermore, we identify the RHO/RAC/PAK1 signaling pathway to be activated upon cell engagement and show that pharmacologic inhibition of PAK1 sensitizes tumor cells to T cell killing. Thus, HySic is a simple method to study rapid protein signaling dynamics in physically interacting cells that is easily extended to other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Ibáñez-Molero
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joannes T M Pruijs
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alisha Atmopawiro
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fujia Wang
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandra M Terry
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Daniel S Peeper
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kelly E Stecker
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
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7
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Vasudevan HN, Payne E, Delley CL, John Liu S, Mirchia K, Sale MJ, Lastella S, Nunez MS, Lucas CHG, Eaton CD, Casey-Clyde T, Magill ST, Chen WC, Braunstein SE, Perry A, Jacques L, Reddy AT, Pekmezci M, Abate AR, McCormick F, Raleigh DR. Functional interactions between neurofibromatosis tumor suppressors underlie Schwann cell tumor de-differentiation and treatment resistance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:477. [PMID: 38216572 PMCID: PMC10786885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44755-9] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Schwann cell tumors are the most common cancers of the peripheral nervous system and can arise in patients with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1) or neurofibromatosis type-2 (NF-2). Functional interactions between NF1 and NF2 and broader mechanisms underlying malignant transformation of the Schwann lineage are unclear. Here we integrate bulk and single-cell genomics, biochemistry, and pharmacology across human samples, cell lines, and mouse allografts to identify cellular de-differentiation mechanisms driving malignant transformation and treatment resistance. We find DNA methylation groups of Schwann cell tumors can be distinguished by differentiation programs that correlate with response to the MEK inhibitor selumetinib. Functional genomic screening in NF1-mutant tumor cells reveals NF2 loss and PAK activation underlie selumetinib resistance, and we find that concurrent MEK and PAK inhibition is effective in vivo. These data support a de-differentiation paradigm underlying malignant transformation and treatment resistance of Schwann cell tumors and elucidate a functional link between NF1 and NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish N Vasudevan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Emily Payne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cyrille L Delley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S John Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kanish Mirchia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J Sale
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sydney Lastella
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Sacconi Nunez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Charlotte D Eaton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tim Casey-Clyde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen T Magill
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William C Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steve E Braunstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arie Perry
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Line Jacques
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa T Reddy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Melike Pekmezci
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam R Abate
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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8
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Guo S, Zheng X, Chen W, Raza U, Zeng A, Akter F, Huang Q, Yao S. From bench to bedside: Advancing towards therapeutic treatment of vestibular schwannomas. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae107. [PMID: 39022647 PMCID: PMC11252569 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas are rare intracranial tumors originating from Schwann cells of the vestibular nerve. Despite their benign nature, these tumors can exert significant mass effects and debilitating symptoms, including gradual hearing loss, vertigo, facial nerve dysfunction, and headaches. Current clinical management options encompass wait-and-scan, surgery, radiation therapy, and off-label medication. However, each approach exhibits its own challenges and harbors limitations that underscore the urgent need for therapeutic treatments. Over the past 2 decades, extensive elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of vestibular schwannomas has unraveled genetic anomalies, dysregulated signaling pathways, downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases, disrupted extracellular matrix, inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and altered cerebrospinal fluid composition as integral factors in driving the development and progression of the disease. Armed with this knowledge, novel therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique molecular characteristics of those conditions are actively being pursued. This review underscores the urgency of addressing the dearth of Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for vestibular schwannoma, highlighting the key molecular discoveries and their potential translation into therapeutics. It provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of therapeutic development, which is currently advancing from bench to bedside. These ongoing efforts hold the promise of significantly transforming the lives of vestibular schwannoma patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolei Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Umar Raza
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ailiang Zeng
- Department of Cancer Biology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Farhana Akter
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Quan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Somanath PR, Chernoff J, Cummings BS, Prasad SM, Homan HD. Targeting P21-Activated Kinase-1 for Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082236. [PMID: 37190165 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has limited therapeutic options and a high mortality rate. The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family of proteins is important in cell survival, proliferation, and motility in physiology, and pathologies such as infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and neurological diseases as well as cancers. Group-I PAKs (PAK1, PAK2, and PAK3) are involved in the regulation of actin dynamics and thus are integral for cell morphology, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and cell motility. They also play prominent roles in cell survival and proliferation. These properties make group-I PAKs a potentially important target for cancer therapy. In contrast to normal prostate and prostatic epithelial cells, group-I PAKs are highly expressed in mPCA and PCa tissue. Importantly, the expression of group-I PAKs is proportional to the Gleason score of the patients. While several compounds have been identified that target group-I PAKs and these are active in cells and mice, and while some inhibitors have entered human trials, as of yet, none have been FDA-approved. Probable reasons for this lack of translation include issues related to selectivity, specificity, stability, and efficacy resulting in side effects and/or lack of efficacy. In the current review, we describe the pathophysiology and current treatment guidelines of PCa, present group-I PAKs as a potential druggable target to treat mPCa patients, and discuss the various ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors of PAKs. We also discuss the development and testing of a nanotechnology-based therapeutic formulation of group-I PAK inhibitors and its significant potential advantages as a novel, selective, stable, and efficacious mPCa therapeutic over other PCa therapeutics in the pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payaningal R Somanath
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Brian S Cummings
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sandip M Prasad
- Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
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Advances in Targeted Therapy for Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)-Associated Vestibular Schwannomas. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:531-537. [PMID: 36933171 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS), meningiomas, ependymomas, spinal and peripheral schwannomas, optic gliomas, and juvenile cataracts. Ongoing studies provide new insight into the role of the NF2 gene and merlin in VS tumorigenesis. RECENT FINDINGS As NF2 tumor biology becomes increasingly understood, therapeutics targeting specific molecular pathways have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. NF2-associated VS are a source of significant morbidity with current treatments including surgery, radiation, and observation. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medical therapies for VS, and the development of selective therapeutics is a high priority. This manuscript reviews NF2 tumor biology and current therapeutics undergoing investigation for treatment of patients with VS.
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Chow HY, Karchugina S, Groendyke BJ, Toenjes S, Hatcher J, Donovan KA, Fischer ES, Abalakov G, Faezov B, Dunbrack R, Gray NS, Chernoff J. Development and Utility of a PAK1-Selective Degrader. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15627-15641. [PMID: 36416208 PMCID: PMC10029980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of PAK1, a druggable kinase, is common in several malignancies, and inhibition of PAK1 by small molecules has been shown to impede the growth and survival of such cells. Potent inhibitors of PAKs 1-3 have been described, but clinical development has been hindered by recent findings that PAK2 function is required for normal cardiovascular function in adult mice. A unique allosteric PAK1-selective inhibitor, NVS-PAK1-1, provides a potential path forward, but has modest potency. Here, we report the development of BJG-05-039, a PAK1-selective degrader consisting of NVS-PAK1-1 conjugated to lenalidomide, a recruiter of the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor Cereblon. BJG-05-039 induced selective degradation of PAK1 and displayed enhanced anti-proliferative effects relative to its parent compound in PAK1-dependent, but not PAK2-dependent, cell lines. Our findings suggest that selective PAK1 degradation may confer more potent pharmacological effects compared with catalytic inhibition and highlight the potential advantages of PAK1-targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Yee Chow
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China 610041
| | | | - Brian J. Groendyke
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Current address: Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Sean Toenjes
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - John Hatcher
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | | | - Bulat Faezov
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation, 420008
| | | | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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Maruta H, Ahn MR. Probiotic microbes: Are their anti-melanogenicity and longevity promoting activities closely linked through the major "pathogenic" kinase PAK1? Drug Discov Ther 2022; 16:43-46. [PMID: 35264474 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PAK1-deficient mutant of C. elegans lives 60% longer than the wild-type. Interestingly, PAK1-deficient mutant of melanocytes produces less melanin (only a half compared with the wild-type) in the presence of either serum (PDGF) or α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone). These observations indicate that the major "pathogenic" kinase PAK1 is responsible for both shortening the healthy lifespan, and PDGF/α-MSH-dependent melanogenesis. For screening of PAK1-blocking probiotic bacteria or their products, their anti-melanogenic as well as longevity promoting properties were examined. Recently it was found that C. elegans fed with Lactobacillus rhamnosus in Xinjiang cheese lives 40% longer than the worm fed with the standard E. coli. Interestingly, a Chinese traditional medicine called "ChiBai" fermented with the Lactobacillus rhamnosus also inhibited the α-MSH-induced melanogenesis, and this bacteria itself produces butyric acid that blocks the oncogenic HDAC (histone deacetylase)-PAK1 signaling pathway. These findings strongly suggest, if not proven, that anti-melanogenic activity of Lactobacillus and many other probiotic bacteria might serve as a reliable indicator for their longevity promoting activity. In this context, a popular Japanese Lactobacillus-fermented milk drink called "Calpis", developed a century ago, and recently proven to inhibit the melanogenesis by suppressing the PAK1-dependent tyrosinase gene expression, may potentially prolong our healthy lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mok-Ryeon Ahn
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.,Center for Silver-Targeted Biomaterials, Brain Busan 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
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p21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in aging and longevity: An overview. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101443. [PMID: 34390849 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) belong to serine/threonine kinases family, regulated by ∼21 kDa small signaling G proteins RAC1 and CDC42. The mammalian PAK family comprises six members (PAK1-6) that are classified into two groups (I and II) based on their domain architecture and regulatory mechanisms. PAKs are implicated in a wide range of cellular functions. PAK1 has recently attracted increasing attention owing to its involvement in oncogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis as well as several life-limiting diseases and pathological conditions. In Caenorhabditis elegans, PAK1 functions limit the lifespan under basal conditions by inhibiting forkhead transcription factor DAF-16. Interestingly, PAK depletion extended longevity and attenuated the onset of age-related phenotypes in a premature-aging mouse model and delayed senescence in mammalian fibroblasts. These observations implicate PAKs as not only oncogenic but also aging kinases. Therefore, PAK-targeting genetic and/or pharmacological interventions, particularly PAK1-targeting, could be a viable strategy for developing cancer therapies with relatively no side effects and promoting healthy longevity. This review describes PAK family proteins, their biological functions, and their role in regulating aging and longevity using C. elegans. Moreover, we discuss the effect of small-molecule PAK1 inhibitors on the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans.
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