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Zhang H, Zhang G, Xiao M, Cui S, Jin C, Yang J, Wu S, Lu X. Two-polarized roles of transcription factor FOSB in lung cancer progression and prognosis: dependent on p53 status. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:237. [PMID: 39164746 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03161-1] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activator protein-1 (AP-1) represents a transcription factor family that has garnered growing attention for its extensive involvement in tumor biology. However, the roles of the AP-1 family in the evolution of lung cancer remain poorly characterized. FBJ Murine Osteosarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (FOSB), a classic AP-1 family member, was previously reported to play bewilderingly two-polarized roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an enigmatic double-edged sword, for which the reasons and significance warrant further elucidation. METHODS AND RESULTS Based on the bioinformatics analysis of a large NSCLC cohort from the TCGA database, our current work found the well-known tumor suppressor gene TP53 served as a key code to decipher the two sides of FOSB - its expression indicated a positive prognosis in NSCLC patients harboring wild-type TP53 while a negative one in those harboring mutant TP53. By constructing a panel of syngeneically derived NSCLC cells expressing p53 in different statuses, the radically opposite prognostic effects of FOSB expression in NSCLC population were validated, with the TP53-R248Q mutation site emerging as particularly meaningful. Transcriptome sequencing showed that FOSB overexpression elicited diversifying transcriptomic landscapes across NSCLC cells with varying genetic backgrounds of TP53 and, combined with the validation by RT-qPCR, PREX1 (TP53-Null), IGFBP5 (TP53-WT), AKR1C3, and ALDH3A1 (TP53-R248Q) were respectively identified as p53-dependent transcriptional targets of FOSB. Subsequently, the heterogenous impacts of FOSB on the tumor biology in NSCLC cells via the above selective transcriptional targets were confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that wild-type or mutant p53 might guide FOSB to recognize and bind to distinct promoter sequences via protein-protein interactions to transcriptionally activate specific target genes, thereby creating disparate influences on the progression and prognosis in NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS FOSB expression holds promise as a novel prognostic biomarker for NSCLC in combination with a given genetic background of TP53, and the unique interactions between FOSB and p53 may serve as underlying intervention targets for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Center of Gallstone Disease, Shanghai East Hospital & Institute of Gallstone Disease, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, People's Republic of China
| | - Guopei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyang Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Su Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ward 2, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 North Nanjing Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihong Jin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengwen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, Ministry of Education (China Medical University), Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
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Carmona AV, Jonnalagadda S, Case AM, Maddeboina K, Jonnalagadda SK, Dow LF, Duan L, Penning TM, Trippier PC. Discovery of an Aldo-Keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) degrader. Commun Chem 2024; 7:95. [PMID: 38684887 PMCID: PMC11059152 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01177-4] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is a protein upregulated in prostate cancer, hematological malignancies, and other cancers where it contributes to proliferation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (ARv7) is the most common mutation of the AR receptor that confers resistance to clinical androgen receptor signalling inhibitors in castration-resistant prostate cancer. AKR1C3 interacts with ARv7 promoting stabilization. Herein we report the discovery of the first-in-class AKR1C3 Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) degrader. This first-generation degrader potently reduced AKR1C3 expression in 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells with a half-maximal degradation concentration (DC50) of 52 nM. Gratifyingly, concomitant degradation of ARv7 was observed with a DC50 = 70 nM, along with degradation of the AKR1C3 isoforms AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 to a lesser extent. This compound represents a highly useful chemical tool and a promising strategy for prostate cancer intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica V Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Shirisha Jonnalagadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Alfie M Case
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Krishnaiah Maddeboina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Sravan K Jonnalagadda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Louise F Dow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA
| | - Ling Duan
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
- UNMC Center for Drug Design and Innovation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68106, USA.
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Meng T, Jung D, Cai XH, Lu ZQ, Yu JB, Qi TY, Meng FY, Ruan MZ, Duan JX. Characterization of AST-001 non-clinical pharmacokinetics: A novel selective AKR1C3-activated prodrug in mice, rats, and cynomolgus monkeys. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2024; 45:83-92. [PMID: 38492211 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.2385] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
AST-001 is a chemically synthesized inactive nitrogen mustard prodrug that is selectively cleaved to a cytotoxic aziridine (AST-2660) via aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3). The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the prodrug, AST-001, and its active metabolite, AST-2660, in mice, rats, and monkeys. After single and once daily intravenous bolus doses of 1.5, 4.5, and 13.5 mg/kg AST-001 to Sprague-Dawley rats and once daily 1 h intravenous infusions of 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 mg/kg AST-001 to cynomolgus monkeys, AST-001 exhibited dose-dependent pharmacokinetics and reached peak plasma levels at the end of the infusion. No significant accumulation and gender differences were observed after 7 days of repeated dosing. In rats, the half-life of AST-001 was dose independent and ranged from 4.89 to 5.75 h. In cynomolgus monkeys, the half-life of AST-001 was from 1.66 to 5.56 h and increased with dose. In tissue distribution studies conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats and in liver cancer PDX models in female athymic nude mice implanted with LI6643 or LI6280 HepG2-GFP tumor fragments, AST-001 was extensively distributed to selected tissues. Following a single intravenous dose, AST-001 was not excreted primarily as the prodrug, AST-001 or the metabolite AST-2660 in the urine, feces, and bile. A comprehensive analysis of the preclinical data and inter-species allometric scaling were used to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of AST-001 in humans and led to the recommendation of a starting dose of 5 mg/m2 in the first-in-human dose escalation study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Meng
- Ascentawits Pharmaceuticals, Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donald Jung
- Ascentawits Pharmaceuticals, Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | - Ji-Bing Yu
- Ascentawits Pharmaceuticals, Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tian-Yang Qi
- Ascentawits Pharmaceuticals, Ltd, Shenzhen, China
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Li M, Zhang L, Yu J, Wang X, Cheng L, Ma Z, Chen X, Wang L, Goh BC. AKR1C3 in carcinomas: from multifaceted roles to therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1378292. [PMID: 38523637 PMCID: PMC10957692 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1378292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C3 (AKR1C3), also known as type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD5) or prostaglandin F (PGF) synthase, functions as a pivotal enzyme in androgen biosynthesis. It catalyzes the conversion of weak androgens, estrone (a weak estrogen), and PGD2 into potent androgens (testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone), 17β-estradiol (a potent estrogen), and 11β-PGF2α, respectively. Elevated levels of AKR1C3 activate androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway, contributing to tumor recurrence and imparting resistance to cancer therapies. The overexpression of AKR1C3 serves as an oncogenic factor, promoting carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, and is correlated with unfavorable prognosis and overall survival in carcinoma patients. Inhibiting AKR1C3 has demonstrated potent efficacy in suppressing tumor progression and overcoming treatment resistance. As a result, the development and design of AKR1C3 inhibitors have garnered increasing interest among researchers, with significant progress witnessed in recent years. Novel AKR1C3 inhibitors, including natural products and analogues of existing drugs designed based on their structures and frameworks, continue to be discovered and developed in laboratories worldwide. The AKR1C3 enzyme has emerged as a key player in carcinoma progression and therapeutic resistance, posing challenges in cancer treatment. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of AKR1C3's role in carcinoma development, its implications in therapeutic resistance, and recent advancements in the development of AKR1C3 inhibitors for tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Le Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ruan X, Li W, Du P, Wang Y. Mechanism of Phellodendron and Anemarrhena Drug Pair on the Treatment of Liver Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics. Front Oncol 2022; 12:838152. [PMID: 35463358 PMCID: PMC9021729 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.838152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims to explore the key targets and signaling pathways of the traditional Chinese medicine Phellodendron and Anemarrhena drug pair (PADP) for the treatment of liver cancer. Methods Firstly, bioinformatics technology was used to analyze GSE62232 gene chip to obtain the differential genes of liver cancer. A network pharmacology technology was used to find the active components of PADP and their targets. Secondly, the differential genes were imported into STRING database to draw a PPI network, and network topology structure map combined with Cytoscape software. And the R language was used to identify differential gene targets and pathways through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking of core targets and core compounds. Moreover, GEPIA online analysis tool was used to perform survival analysis of the core target genes. Finally, RT-PCR was used to verify the changes of key target genes. CCK−8 assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the cell cycle and apoptotic. Transwell invasion assay was performed to detect cell invasion. Results Firstly, a total of 21,654 genes were obtained. After screening, 1019 differential genes were obtained, including 614 down-regulated genes and 405 up-regulated genes. Furthermore, after screening by ADME standards, 52 active ingredients were obtained, of which 37 were Phellodendron and 15 were Anemarrhena. And a total of 36 differential genes have been identified, including 13 up-regulated genes and 23 down-regulated genes. Moreover, through enrichment analysis, we found that PADP may treat liver cancer through multiple channels and multiple pathways including the p53 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and so on. Secondly, the molecular docking results showed that there was certain affinity between the core compounds and core target genes. In addition, GEPIA online analysis showed that ESR1, AR, CCNB1, CDK1, AKR1C3 and CCNA2 might become potential target genes for the survival and prognosis of PADP for the treatment of liver cancer. Finally, it was found that PADP could up regulate genes ESR1 and AR, down regulate genes CCNB1, CDK1, AKR1C3, and CCNA2. PADP could promote the apoptosis of liver cancer cells, shorten the cell cycle, and inhibit the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer cells. Conclusion PADP may treat liver cancer through multiple targets, multiple channels, and multiple pathways, thereby suppressing cancer cells and improving the living quality of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Ruan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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