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Ke R, Kumar S, Singh SK, Rana A, Rana B. Molecular insights into the role of mixed lineage kinase 3 in cancer hallmarks. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189157. [PMID: 39032538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189157] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a serine/threonine kinase of the MAPK Kinase kinase (MAP3K) family that plays critical roles in various biological processes, including cancer. Upon activation, MLK3 differentially activates downstream MAPKs, such as JNK, p38, and ERK. In addition, it regulates various non-canonical signaling pathways, such as β-catenin, AMPK, Pin1, and PAK1, to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. Recent studies have also uncovered other potentially diverse roles of MLK3 in malignancy, which include metabolic reprogramming, cancer-associated inflammation, and evasion of cancer-related immune surveillance. The role of MLK3 in cancer is complex and cancer-specific, and an understanding of its function at the molecular level aligned specifically with the cancer hallmarks will have profound therapeutic implications for diagnosing and treating MLK3-dependent cancers. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the effect of MLK3 on the hallmarks of cancer, providing insights into its potential as a promising anticancer drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Kumar S, Singh SK, Rana B, Rana A. The regulatory function of mixed lineage kinase 3 in tumor and host immunity. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 219:107704. [PMID: 33045253 PMCID: PMC7887016 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases are the second most sought-after G-protein coupled receptors as drug targets because of their overexpression, mutations, and dysregulated catalytic activities in various pathological conditions. Till 2019, 48 protein kinase inhibitors have received FDA approval for the treatment of multiple illnesses, of which the majority of them are indicated for different malignancies. One of the attractive sub-group of protein kinases that has attracted attention for drug development is the family members of MAPKs that are recognized to play significant roles in different cancers. Several inhibitors have been developed against various MAPK members; however, none of them as monotherapy has shown sustainable efficacy. One of the MAPK members, called Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3), has attracted considerable attention due to its role in inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its role in cancer is an emerging area that needs more investigation. Recent advances have shown that MLK3 plays a role in cancer cell survival, migration, drug resistance, cell death, and tumor immunity. This review describes how MLK3 regulates different MAPK pathways, cancer cell growth and survival, apoptosis, and host's immunity. We also discuss how MLK3 inhibitors can potentially be used along with immunotherapy for different malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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3
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Gallo KA, Ellsworth E, Stoub H, Conrad SE. Therapeutic potential of targeting mixed lineage kinases in cancer and inflammation. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 207:107457. [PMID: 31863814 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways is a key attribute of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer. Mitogen activated protein kinases have emerged as critical conduits of intracellular signal transmission, yet due to their ubiquitous roles in cellular processes, their direct inhibition may lead to undesired effects, thus limiting their usefulness as therapeutic targets. Mixed lineage kinases (MLKs) are mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks) that interact with scaffolding proteins and function upstream of p38, JNK, ERK, and NF-kappaB to mediate diverse cellular signals. Studies involving gene silencing, genetically engineered mouse models, and small molecule inhibitors suggest that MLKs are critical in tumor progression as well as in inflammatory processes. Recent advances indicate that they may be useful targets in some types of cancer and in diseases driven by chronic inflammation including neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This review describes existing MLK inhibitors, the roles of MLKs in various aspects of tumor progression and in the control of inflammatory processes, and the potential for therapeutic targeting of MLKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Edmund Ellsworth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Hayden Stoub
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Susan E Conrad
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Zhang W, Kwak M, Park HB, Okimura T, Oda T, Lee PCW, Jin JO. Activation of Human Dendritic Cells by Ascophyllan Purified from Ascophyllum nodosum. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E66. [PMID: 30669428 PMCID: PMC6356493 DOI: 10.3390/md17010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we showed that ascophyllan purified from Ascophyllum nodosum treatment promotes mouse dendritic cell (DC) activation in vivo, further induces an antigen-specific immune response and has anticancer effects in mice. However, the effect of ascophyllan has not been studied in human immune cells, specifically in terms of activation of human monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs) and human peripheral blood DCs (PBDCs). We found that the treatment with ascophyllan induced morphological changes in MDDCs and upregulated co-stimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and MHC II expression. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in culture medium was also dramatically increased following ascophyllan treatment of MDDCs. Moreover, ascophyllan promoted phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK signaling pathways, and inhibition of p38 almost completely suppressed the ascophyllan-induced activation of MDDCs. Finally, treatment with ascophyllan induced activation of BDCA1 and BDCA3 PBDCs. Thus, these data suggest that ascophyllan could be used as an immune stimulator in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
| | - Minseok Kwak
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea.
- Marine-integrated Bionics Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea.
| | - Hae-Bin Park
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
| | - Takasi Okimura
- Research and Development Division, Hayashikane Sangyo Co., Ltd., Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-8608, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Oda
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan.
| | - Peter Chang-Whan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, ASAN Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea.
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
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Xi Y, Niu J, Li D, He J, Qin L, Peng X. Mixed lineage kinase-4 promotes gastric carcinoma tumorigenesis through suppression of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:3317-3324. [PMID: 30233678 PMCID: PMC6143876 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage kinase-4 (MLK-4) is an important member of the mixed-lineage family of kinases that regulates the extracellular signal-regulated kinases and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. The functions and mechanisms of MLK-4 in cancer initiation and progression have not been well understood. The present study investigated the expression, function and regulatory mechanism of MLK-4 in gastric carcinoma cells. Biochemical data indicated that normal MLK-4 was downregulated, which exerted dominant negative effects on gastric carcinoma cell viability, migration and invasion. The experimental data demonstrated that MLK-4 supplement abrogated activity of these mutants and induced inhibitory effects on gastric carcinoma cell viabilty, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. In addition, to determine the regulatory mechanism of MLK-4, its signaling pathway was assessed in gastric carcinoma cancer cells by regulating MLK-4. The present observations indicated that restoring MLK-4 activity by supplemental MLK-4 reduced gastric carcinoma cell colony formation in vitro and suppressed tumor viability, migration and invasion in vivo. The results of the present study indicated that MLK-4 may be a potential protein for targeting gastric carcinoma by suppressing kinases, which may lead to reduction of JNK signaling and enhance therapeutic efficacy in gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Niu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P.R. China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P.R. China
| | - Jiagen He
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P.R. China
| | - Le Qin
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Peng
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832008, P.R. China
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Li W, Tong HI, Gorantla S, Poluektova LY, Gendelman HE, Lu Y. Neuropharmacologic Approaches to Restore the Brain's Microenvironment. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2016; 11:484-94. [PMID: 27352074 PMCID: PMC4985494 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining the central nervous system microenvironment after injury, infection, inflammatory and degenerative diseases is contingent upon adequate control of glial homeostatic functions. Disease is caused by microbial, environmental and endogenous factors that compromise ongoing nervous system functions. The final result is neuronal injury, dropout and nerve connection loss, and these underlie the pathobiology of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. However, what promotes disease are homeostatic changes in the brain's microenvironment affected by innate glial immune pro-inflammatory and adaptive immune responses. These events disturb the brain's metabolic activities and communication abilities. How the process affects the brain's regulatory functions that can be harnessed for therapeutic gain is the subject at hand. Specific examples are provided that serve to modulate inflammation and improve disease outcomes specifically for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhe Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Hsin-I Tong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Environmental Health Laboratory, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Santhi Gorantla
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Larisa Y Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Yuanan Lu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Environmental Health Laboratory, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
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McCullough RL, Saikia P, Pollard KA, McMullen MR, Nagy LE, Roychowdhury S. Myeloid Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 Contributes to Chronic Ethanol-Induced Inflammation and Hepatocyte Injury in Mice. Gene Expr 2016; 17:61-77. [PMID: 27302422 PMCID: PMC8751240 DOI: 10.3727/105221616x691730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Proinflammatory activity of hepatic macrophages plays a key role during progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Since mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3)-dependent phosphorylation of JNK is involved in the activation of macrophages, we tested the hypothesis that myeloid MLK3 contributes to chronic ethanol-induced inflammatory responses in liver, leading to hepatocyte injury and cell death. Primary cultures of Kupffer cells, as well in vivo chronic ethanol feeding, were used to interrogate the role of MLK3 in the progression of liver injury. Phosphorylation of MLK3 was increased in primary cultures of Kupffer cells isolated from ethanol-fed rats compared to cells from pair-fed rats. Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats were more sensitive to LPS-stimulated cytokine production; this sensitization was normalized by pharmacological inhibition of MLK3. Chronic ethanol feeding to mice increased MLK3 phosphorylation robustly in F4/80(+) Kupffer cells, as well as in isolated nonparenchymal cells. MLK3(-/-) mice were protected from chronic ethanol-induced phosphorylation of MLK3 and JNK, as well as multiple indicators of liver injury, including increased ALT/AST, inflammatory cytokines, and induction of RIP3. However, ethanol-induced steatosis and hepatocyte apoptosis were not affected by MLK3. Finally, chimeric mice lacking MLK3 only in myeloid cells were also protected from chronic ethanol-induced phosphorylation of JNK, expression of inflammatory cytokines, and increased ALT/AST. MLK3 expression in myeloid cells contributes to phosphorylation of JNK, increased cytokine production, and hepatocyte injury in response to chronic ethanol. Our data suggest that myeloid MLK3 could be targeted for developing potential therapeutic strategies to suppress liver injury in ALD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. McCullough
- *Department of Pathobiology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Paramananda Saikia
- *Department of Pathobiology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Katherine A. Pollard
- *Department of Pathobiology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Megan R. McMullen
- *Department of Pathobiology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Laura E. Nagy
- *Department of Pathobiology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- †Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- ‡Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sanjoy Roychowdhury
- *Department of Pathobiology, Center for Liver Disease Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- ‡Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Guedes S, Neves B, Vitorino R, Domingues R, Cruz MT, Domingues P. Contact dermatitis: in pursuit of sensitizer's molecular targets through proteomics. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:811-825. [PMID: 27129696 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1714-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein haptenation, i.e., the modification of proteins by small reactive chemicals, is the key step in the sensitization phase of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Despite the research effort in past decades, the identification of immunogenic hapten-protein complexes that trigger a relevant pathogenic immune response in ACD, as well as the haptenation reaction molecular site, and the elements of a potentially conditioning environment during each of these stages, remain poorly understood. These questions led us to employ a proteomics-based approach to identify modified proteins in the dendritic-like cell line THP-1 sensitized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), through a combination of 2D-gel electrophoresis, nano-LC and mass spectrometry. A specific set of 39 targeted proteins was identified and comprised proteins from various cellular locations and biological functions. One of FITC targets was identified as MLK, a member of the mixed-lineage kinase family known to act as a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase and to control the activity of specific mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, namely p38 and JNK pathways. Haptenated in the vicinity of its active site, our results point to MLK being a relevant target due to a consistent non-activation at early time points of these pathways upon FITC sensitization in THP-1 cells. Moreover, FITC pre-treatment significantly decrease phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK levels induced upon exposure to a classical activator such as lipopolysaccharide or to the sensitizer 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. Overall, our data point to specific amino acid residues haptenation within critical proteins as the key step in the subsequent signaling pathways modulation responsible for DC activation and maturation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Guedes
- Department of Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry Center, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Bruno Neves
- Department of Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry Center, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Vitorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosário Domingues
- Department of Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry Center, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Domingues
- Department of Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry Center, QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Adjunctive and long-acting nanoformulated antiretroviral therapies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2015; 9:585-90. [PMID: 25226025 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We are pleased to review current and future strategies being developed to modulate neuroinflammation while reducing residual viral burden in the central nervous system. This has been realized by targeted long-acting antiretroviral nano and adjunctive therapies being developed for HIV-infected people. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate virus from its central nervous system reservoirs and, in so doing, reverse the cognitive and motor dysfunctions. RECENT FINDINGS Herein, we highlight our laboratories' development of adjunctive and nanomedicine therapies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. An emphasis is placed on drug-drug interactions that target both the viral life cycle and secretory proinflammatory neurotoxic factors and signaling pathways. SUMMARY Antiretroviral therapy has improved the quality and duration of life for people living with HIV-1. A significant long-term comorbid illness is HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Symptoms, although reduced in severity, are common. Disease occurs, in part, through continued low-level viral replication, inducing secondary glial neuroinflammatory activities. Our recent works and those of others have seen disease attenuated in animal models through the use of adjunctive and long-acting reservoir-targeted nanoformulated antiretroviral therapy. The translation of these inventions from animals to humans is the focus of this review.
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Goodfellow VS, Loweth CJ, Ravula SB, Wiemann T, Nguyen T, Xu Y, Todd DE, Sheppard D, Pollack S, Polesskaya O, Marker DF, Dewhurst S, Gelbard HA. Discovery, synthesis, and characterization of an orally bioavailable, brain penetrant inhibitor of mixed lineage kinase 3. J Med Chem 2013; 56:8032-48. [PMID: 24044867 PMCID: PMC4032177 DOI: 10.1021/jm401094t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a potential strategy for treatment of Parkinson's disease and HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), requiring an inhibitor that can achieve significant brain concentration levels. We report here URMC-099 (1) an orally bioavailable (F = 41%), potent (IC50 = 14 nM) MLK3 inhibitor with excellent brain exposure in mouse PK models and minimal interference with key human CYP450 enzymes or hERG channels. The compound inhibits LPS-induced TNFα release in microglial cells, HIV-1 Tat-induced release of cytokines in human monocytes and up-regulation of phospho-JNK in Tat-injected brains of mice. Compound 1 likely functions in HAND preclinical models by inhibiting multiple kinase pathways, including MLK3 and LRRK2 (IC50 = 11 nM). We compare the kinase specificity and BBB penetration of 1 with CEP-1347 (2). Compound 1 is well tolerated, with excellent in vivo activity in HAND models, and is under investigation for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin J. Loweth
- Califia Bio Inc, 11575 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, California
| | | | - Torsten Wiemann
- Califia Bio Inc, 11575 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, California
| | - Thong Nguyen
- Califia Bio Inc, 11575 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, California
| | | | - Daniel E. Todd
- BioFocus, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1XL, UK
| | - David Sheppard
- BioFocus, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Scott Pollack
- BioFocus, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Oksana Polesskaya
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, New York
| | - Daniel F. Marker
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, New York
| | - Stephen Dewhurst
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, New York
| | - Harris A. Gelbard
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, New York
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Kashuba VI, Grigorieva EV, Kvasha SM, Pavlova TV, Grigoriev V, Protopopov A, Kharchenko O, Gizatullin R, Rynditch AV, Zabarovsky ER. Cloning and Initial Functional Characterization of Mlk4α and Mlk4β. GENOMICS INSIGHTS 2011. [PMID: 26217104 PMCID: PMC4510602 DOI: 10.4137/gei.s6092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned a novel human mixed-lineage kinase gene, MLK4. Two alternatively spliced forms, MLK4α (580 aa) and MLK4β (1036 aa), have been identified and mapped to chromosomal band 1q42. MLK4 shows high amino acid homology to the kinase catalytic domain of MLK3 (72%), MLK1 (71%) and MLK2 (69%). Strong expression of MLK4 was detected in the human pancreas and kidneys. pCMV-MLK4β c-myc-tagged protein (human) was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of transiently transfected COS-1 cells, while pCMV-MLK4α c-myc-tagged protein (human) was expressed in cytoplasm only. Both MLK4 isoforms reduced the colony formation ability of MCF7 cells by 85%-95% and almost totally suppressed cell proliferation in the CyQUANT cell proliferation assay. Human pCMV-MLK4β transgenic mice expressed the MLK4β in all tissues examined but no phenotypic abnormalities were observed. Thus, in this work, we present the cloning and sequencing of MLK4α and MLK4β for the first time; the data obtained suggest that MLK4 may function as a MAP kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir I Kashuba
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden. ; Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, 03143, Ukraine
| | - Elvira V Grigorieva
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden. ; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia
| | - Sergei M Kvasha
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, 03143, Ukraine
| | - Tatiana V Pavlova
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden. ; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | - Alexei Protopopov
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Olga Kharchenko
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden. ; Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Rinat Gizatullin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Alla V Rynditch
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, 03143, Ukraine
| | - Eugene R Zabarovsky
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden. ; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Gelbard HA, Dewhurst S, Maggirwar SB, Kiebala M, Polesskaya O, Gendelman HE. Rebuilding synaptic architecture in HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disease: a therapeutic strategy based on modulation of mixed lineage kinase. Neurotherapeutics 2010; 7:392-8. [PMID: 20880503 PMCID: PMC2948545 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Work from our laboratories has validated mixed lineage kinase type 3 (MLK3) as an enzyme pathologically activated in the CNS by human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) neurotoxins. In this review, we discuss MLK3 activation in the context of the neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive deficits (HAND). We use findings from the literature to substantiate the neuropathologic relevance of MLK3 to neurodegenerative disease, with an emphasis on Parkinson's disease that shares a number of important phenotypic and neuropathologic characteristics with HAND. We discuss signal transduction pathways downstream from MLK3 activation, with an emphasis on their involvement in microglia and neurons in preclinical models of HAND. Finally, we make a case for pharmacologic intervention targeted at inhibition of MLK3 as a strategy to reverse HAND, in light of the fact that combination antiretroviral therapy, despite successfully managing systemic infection of HIV-1, has been largely unsuccessful in eradicating HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harris A Gelbard
- Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
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Desmet EA, Hollenbaugh JA, Sime PJ, Wright TW, Topham DJ, Sant AJ, Takimoto T, Dewhurst S, Maggirwar SB. Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 deficiency delays viral clearance in the lung and is associated with diminished influenza-induced cytopathic effect in infected cells. Virology 2010; 400:224-32. [PMID: 20185156 PMCID: PMC2844475 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus leads to acute respiratory disease resulting in seasonal epidemics and periodic pandemics. Little is known about the signaling events that regulate host defense to influenza. One particular pathway, the c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) cascade is activated following influenza infection and blocking JNK leads to enhanced viral replication. We hypothesize that Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3), an upstream regulator of JNK, is involved in the host response to influenza. To test this, wild-type and MLK3-/- mice were infected with pathogenic strain of influenza A virus, A/PR/8/34 (PR8). Although, cellular and humoral immune responses were similar between wild-type and MLK3-/- hosts, the viral load in the lungs was comparatively higher in MLK3-/- mice at day 8 post-infection. Consistent with this, MLK3-/- murine lung fibroblast and epithelial cells had prolonged survival and increased virion production following infection compared to wild-type. These findings support a role for MLK3 in viral production during influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Desmet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Joseph A. Hollenbaugh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Patricia J. Sime
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
- Department of Medicine, Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
- Cancer center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Terry W. Wright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - David J. Topham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Andrea J. Sant
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
- Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Toru Takimoto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Stephen Dewhurst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
- Cancer center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Sanjay B. Maggirwar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
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Pedraza N, Rafel M, Navarro I, Encinas M, Aldea M, Gallego C. Mixed lineage kinase phosphorylates transcription factor E47 and inhibits TrkB expression to link neuronal death and survival pathways. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:32980-8. [PMID: 19801649 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.038729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
E47 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in neuronal differentiation and survival. We had previously shown that the basic helix-loop-helix protein E47 binds to E-box sequences within the promoter of the TrkB gene and activates its transcription. Proper expression of the TrkB receptor plays a key role in development and function of the vertebrate nervous system, and altered levels of TrkB have been associated with important human diseases. Here we show that E47 interacts with MLK2, a mixed lineage kinase (MLK) involved in JNK-mediated activation of programmed cell death. MLK2 enhances phosphorylation of the AD2 activation domain of E47 in vivo in a JNK-independent manner and phosphorylates in vitro defined serine and threonine residues within a loop-helix structure of AD2 that also contains a putative MLK docking site. Although these residues are essential for MLK2-mediated inactivation of E47, inhibition of MLKs by CEP11004 causes up-regulation of TrkB at a transcriptional level in cerebellar granule neurons and differentiating neuroblastoma cells. These findings allow us to propose a novel mechanism by which MLK regulates TrkB expression through phosphorylation of an activation domain of E47. This molecular link would explain why MLK inhibitors not only prevent activation of cell death processes but also enhance cell survival signaling as a key aspect of their neuroprotective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Pedraza
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, IRBLLEIDA, Universitat de Lleida, 25008 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
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Rasaiyaah J, Noursadeghi M, Kellam P, Chain B. Transcriptional and functional defects of dendritic cells derived from the MUTZ-3 leukaemia line. Immunology 2009; 127:429-41. [PMID: 19538250 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.03018.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) generated from MUTZ-3, an immortalized acute myeloid leukaemia-derived cell line, have potential application as a model for the study of human DC, and as a tool with which to stimulate immunotherapeutic responses to cancer. However, the relationship of MUTZ-3 DC to their non-transformed counterparts remains incompletely understood. Immunoselected CD14+ MUTZ-3 cells were used to generate a homogeneous population of DC (M3DC). These cells had a cell surface phentoype and morphology characteristic of conventional monocyte-derived DC (MDDC). Whole genome transcriptome comparison of M3DC and MDDC however, revealed extensive differences between these two cell types. Functional ontology-based data analysis revealed three enriched clusters of genes downregulated in M3DC, with functions in pathogen recognition, DC maturation and cytokine/chemokine signalling. Downregulation of protein expression was confirmed for several of these genes. The molecular differences were accompanied by a profoundly impaired phenotypic and functional response of M3DC to microbial stimulation. The immortalized phenotype of MUTZ-3 therefore reflects not only deregulated proliferative capacity, but substantial perturbation of normal antigen-presenting cell function. These results have important implications for studies using MUTZ-3 as a model of MDDC or for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Rasaiyaah
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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