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Alabaş E, Özçimen AA. The Supression of Migration and Metastasis via Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells Applied Danusertib. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2024; 35:150-157. [PMID: 38454247 PMCID: PMC10895890 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2024.22319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an extremely deadly type of cancer with a high metastatic potential. Genetic factors in cellular events play an important role in the emergence of this situation. One of these factors is Aurora kinase family members, which play a role in migration, invasion, and cell cycle. In this study, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor gene, which plays a role in migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis, on cystic fibrosis human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 1 cells of danusertib, a pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor, was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value (400 nM) of danusertib in cystic fibrosis human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 1 cells was determined by the wound-healing test depending on the dose and time and migration with CIM-Plate 16 in the xCELLingence system. In addition, the effect of danusertib on migration was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method and vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression. RESULTS When the dose- and time-dependent danusertib-applied cystic fibrosis human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 1 cells were compared with the control group, it was observed that the wound formed did not close. In the xCELLigence system CIM-Plate 16 migration analysis, it was observed that migration was inhibited in the group administered danusertib in parallel with the wound dehiscence experiment. The gene expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased 0.5-fold at the 24th hour and 0.3-fold at the 48th hour in the Danusertib-administered groups. CONCLUSION Danusertib, a pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor, is predicted to be used as a potential agent in pancreatic cancers due to its antitumor and anti-metastatic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Alabaş
- Department of Biology, Mersin University Faculty of Science, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ata Özçimen
- Department of Biology, Mersin University Faculty of Science, Mersin, Turkey
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2
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Marocchi F, Palluzzi F, Nicoli P, Melixetian M, Lovati G, Bertalot G, Pece S, Ferrucci PF, Bossi D, Lanfrancone L. Actionable Genetic Screens Unveil Targeting of AURKA, MEK, and Fatty Acid Metabolism as an Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Advanced Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1993-2006.e10. [PMID: 37003468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.03.1665] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable improvements achieved in the management of metastatic melanoma, there are still unmet clinical needs. A considerable fraction of patients does not respond to immune and/or targeted therapies owing to primary and acquired resistance, high-grade immune-related adverse events, and a lack of alternative treatment options. To design effective combination therapies, we set up a functional ex vivo preclinical assay on the basis of a drop-out genetic screen in metastatic melanoma patient-derived xenografts. We showed that this approach can be used to isolate actionable vulnerabilities predictive of drug efficacy. In particular, we highlighted that the dual targeting of AURKA and MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase employing the combination of alisertib and trametinib is highly effective in a cohort of metastatic melanoma patient-derived xenografts, both ex vivo and in vivo. Alisertib and trametinib combination therapy outperforms standard-of-care therapy in both BRAF-mutant patient-derived xenografts and targeted therapy-resistant models. Furthermore, alisertib and trametinib treatment modulates several critical cancer pathways, including an early metabolic reprogramming that leads to the transcriptional upregulation of the fatty acid oxidation pathway. This acquired trait unveiled an additional point of intervention for pharmacological targeting, and indeed, the triple combination of alisertib and trametinib with the fatty acid oxidation inhibitor etomoxir proved to be further beneficial, inducing tumor regression and remarkably prolonging the overall survival of the mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marocchi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Fernando Palluzzi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Nicoli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Marine Melixetian
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Lovati
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bertalot
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy; Unità Operativa Multizonale di Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari, Trento, Italy; CISMED - Centre for Medical Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pece
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Ferrucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Bossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy; Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Lanfrancone
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.
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3
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Kreuger IZM, Slieker RC, van Groningen T, van Doorn R. Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting CDKN2A Loss in Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:18-25.e1. [PMID: 36123181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Loss of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A, encoding p16 and p14, is a frequent event driving melanoma progression. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at CDKN2A loss hold great potential to improve melanoma treatment. Pharmacological inhibition of the p16 targets CDK4/6 is a prime example of such a strategy. Other approaches exploit cell cycle deregulation, target metabolic rewiring, epigenetically restore expression, act on dependencies resulting from co-deleted genes, or are directed at the effects of CDKN2A loss on immune responses. This review explores these therapeutic strategies targeting CDKN2A loss, which potentially open up new avenues for precision medicine in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Z M Kreuger
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick C Slieker
- Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Groningen
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Remco van Doorn
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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4
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Inchanalkar S, Balasubramanian N. Adhesion-growth factor crosstalk regulates AURKB activation and ERK signalling in re-adherent fibroblasts. J Biosci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-021-00164-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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5
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Aurora Kinase B Inhibition: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26071981. [PMID: 33915740 PMCID: PMC8037052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinase B (AURKB) is a mitotic serine/threonine protein kinase that belongs to the aurora kinase family along with aurora kinase A (AURKA) and aurora kinase C (AURKC). AURKB is a member of the chromosomal passenger protein complex and plays a role in cell cycle progression. Deregulation of AURKB is observed in several tumors and its overexpression is frequently linked to tumor cell invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. AURKB has emerged as an attractive drug target leading to the development of small molecule inhibitors. This review summarizes recent findings pertaining to the role of AURKB in tumor development, therapy related drug resistance, and its inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. We discuss AURKB inhibitors that are in preclinical and clinical development and combination studies of AURKB inhibition with other therapeutic strategies.
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6
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Shang YY, Yu N, Xia L, Yu YY, Ma CM, Jiao YN, Li YF, Wang Y, Dang J, Li W. Augmentation of danusertib's anticancer activity against melanoma by blockage of autophagy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2020; 10:136-145. [PMID: 31625025 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00668-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous evidence has shown that the increased expression of aurora kinase is closely related to melanoma progression and is an important therapeutic target in melanoma. Danusertib is an inhibitor of aurora kinase, and recent studies have shown that danusertib treatment induces autophagy in several types of cancer. Interestingly, autophagy plays a dual function in cancer as a pro-survival and anti-survival factor. In this study, we investigated the role of danusertib on the induction of autophagy in melanoma and determined the impact of autophagy induction on its anticancer activity against melanoma. Our results showed that danusertib can significantly inhibit melanoma growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, we demonstrated that danusertib treatment significantly inhibits the oncogenic Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and induces autophagy in melanoma cells. Furthermore, we identified that the inhibition of autophagy can enhance the inhibitory effects of danusertib on melanoma growth. Thus, the induction of autophagy by danusertib appears to be a survival mechanism in melanoma cells that may counteract its anticancer effects. These findings suggest a novel strategy to enhance the anticancer efficacy of danusertib in melanoma by blocking autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Shang
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Yao Yu
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Mei Ma
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ning Jiao
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Feng Li
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Dang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Cell Biology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weichao Li
- Faculty of Medical Science, Kunming University of Science and Technology, No. 727, Jingming South Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, China.
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7
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Margue C, Philippidou D, Kozar I, Cesi G, Felten P, Kulms D, Letellier E, Haan C, Kreis S. Kinase inhibitor library screening identifies synergistic drug combinations effective in sensitive and resistant melanoma cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:56. [PMID: 30728057 PMCID: PMC6364417 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer with increasing case numbers worldwide. The development of inhibitors targeting mutated BRAF (found in around 60% of melanoma patients) has markedly improved overall survival of patients with late-stage tumors, even more so when combined with MEK inhibitors targeting the same signaling pathway. However, invariably patients become resistant to this targeted therapy resulting in rapid progression with treatment-refractory disease. The purpose of this study was the identification of new kinase inhibitors that do not lead to the development of resistance in combination with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), or that could be of clinical benefit as a 2nd line treatment for late-stage melanoma patients that have already developed resistance. Methods We have screened a 274-compound kinase inhibitor library in 3 BRAF mutant melanoma cell lines (each one sensitive or made resistant to 2 distinct BRAFi). The screening results were validated by dose-response studies and confirmed the killing efficacies of many kinase inhibitors. Two different tools were applied to investigate and quantify potential synergistic effects of drug combinations: the Chou-Talalay method and the Synergyfinder application. In order to exclude that resistance to the new treatments might occur at later time points, synergistic combinations were administered to fluorescently labelled parental and resistant cells over a period of > 10 weeks. Results Eight inhibitors targeting Wee1, Checkpoint kinase 1/2, Aurora kinase, MEK, Polo-like kinase, PI3K and Focal adhesion kinase killed melanoma cells synergistically when combined with a BRAFi. Additionally, combination of a Wee1 and Chk inhibitor showed synergistic killing effects not only on sensitive cell lines, but also on intrinsically BRAFi- and treatment induced-resistant melanoma cells. First in vivo studies confirmed these observations. Interestingly, continuous treatment with several of these drugs, alone or in combination, did not lead to emergence of resistance. Conclusions Here, we have identified new, previously unexplored (in the framework of BRAFi resistance) inhibitors that have an effect not only on sensitive but also on BRAFi-resistant cells. These promising combinations together with the new immunotherapies could be an important step towards improved 1st and 2nd line treatments for late-stage melanoma patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1038-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Margue
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Demetra Philippidou
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Ines Kozar
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Giulia Cesi
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Paul Felten
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Dagmar Kulms
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Claude Haan
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Stephanie Kreis
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 6, av. du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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8
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Yan J, Yu J, Wu X, Xu T, Yu H, Dai J, Ma M, Tang H, Xu L, Chi Z, Si L, Sheng X, Cui C, Kong Y, Guo J. Increased AURKA Gene Copy Number Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Predicts the Efficacy of High-dose Interferon Therapy in Acral Melanoma. J Cancer 2018; 9:1267-1276. [PMID: 29675108 PMCID: PMC5907675 DOI: 10.7150/jca.24013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: AURKA kinase is an essential serine/threonine kinase for mitosis and chromosome stability. The aberrant amplification and overexpression of AURKA are commonly observed in various types of cancer, including cutaneous melanoma. However, the status and the clinical significance of AURKA copy number (CN) in acral melanoma (AM) have not been fully elucidated. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-two AM samples were included in the study. AURKA CN was examined using the QuantiGenePlex DNA Assay. We analysed the relationship of AURKA CN to clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients with AM. Results: In this study, AURKA copy gain (set as more than 2.0 copies) was detected in 24.6% (116/472) of the samples. We did not observe any obvious correlation between clinicopathological characteristics and AURKA copy gain of the patients. However, patients with AURKA copy gain had a significantly shorter overall survival time (OS) and progression-free survival time (PFS) than those with normal AURKA CN (OS: P = 0.022; PFS: P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that AURKA copy gain was an independent poor prognostic factor for patients with AM undergoing adjuvant interferon therapy. Conclusions: This study suggested that AURKA copy gain is an adverse prognostic factor for AM. Furthermore, AURKA copy gain may be a useful biomarker to predict the outcome of interferon therapy in patients with AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Yan
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayi Yu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxiao Xu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Dai
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Ma
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Tang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Longwen Xu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Chi
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Si
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xinan Sheng
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanliang Cui
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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9
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Pitts TM, Bradshaw-Pierce EL, Bagby SM, Hyatt SL, Selby HM, Spreafico A, Tentler JJ, McPhillips K, Klauck PJ, Capasso A, Diamond JR, Davis SL, Tan AC, Arcaroli JJ, Purkey A, Messersmith WA, Ecsedy JA, Eckhardt SG. Antitumor activity of the aurora a selective kinase inhibitor, alisertib, against preclinical models of colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:50290-50301. [PMID: 27385211 PMCID: PMC5226583 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases comprised of Aurora A, B, and C which execute critical steps in mitotic and meiotic progression. Alisertib (MLN8237) is an investigational Aurora A selective inhibitor that has demonstrated activity against a wide variety of tumor types in vitro and in vivo, including CRC. Results CRC cell lines demonstrated varying sensitivity to alisertib with IC50 values ranging from 0.06 to > 5 umol/L. Following exposure to alisertib we observed a decrease in pAurora A, B and C in four CRC cell lines. We also observed an increase in p53 and p21 in a sensitive p53 wildtype cell line in contrast to the p53 mutant cell line or the resistant cell lines. The addition of alisertib to standard CRC treatments demonstrated improvement over single agent arms; however, the benefit was largely less than additive, but not antagonistic. Methods Forty-seven CRC cell lines were exposed to alisertib and IC50s were calculated. Twenty-one PDX models were treated with alisertib and the Tumor Growth Inhibition Index was assessed. Additionally, 5 KRAS wildtype and mutant PDX models were treated with alisertib as single agent or in combination with cetuximab or irinotecan, respectively. Conclusion Alisertib demonstrated anti-proliferative effects against CRC cell lines and PDX models. Our data suggest that the addition of alisertib to standard therapies in colorectal cancer if pursued clinically, will require further investigation of patient selection strategies and these combinations may facilitate future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erica L Bradshaw-Pierce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Takeda California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stacey M Bagby
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephanie L Hyatt
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Heather M Selby
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John J Tentler
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelly McPhillips
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter J Klauck
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anna Capasso
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer R Diamond
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - S Lindsey Davis
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Aik Choon Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John J Arcaroli
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alicia Purkey
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Wells A Messersmith
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jeffery A Ecsedy
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - S Gail Eckhardt
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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10
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Hejna M, Jorapur A, Song JS, Judson RL. High accuracy label-free classification of single-cell kinetic states from holographic cytometry of human melanoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11943. [PMID: 28931937 PMCID: PMC5607248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital holographic cytometry (DHC) permits label-free visualization of adherent cells. Dozens of cellular features can be derived from segmentation of hologram-derived images. However, the accuracy of single cell classification by these features remains limited for most applications, and lack of standardization metrics has hindered independent experimental comparison and validation. Here we identify twenty-six DHC-derived features that provide biologically independent information across a variety of mammalian cell state transitions. When trained on these features, machine-learning algorithms achieve blind single cell classification with up to 95% accuracy. Using classification accuracy to guide platform optimization, we develop methods to standardize holograms for the purpose of kinetic single cell cytometry. Applying our approach to human melanoma cells treated with a panel of cancer therapeutics, we track dynamic changes in cellular behavior and cell state over time. We provide the methods and computational tools for optimizing DHC for kinetic single adherent cell classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Hejna
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 W Green St, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Aparna Jorapur
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, Box# 3111, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, 1701 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA
| | - Jun S Song
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1110 W Green St, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA. .,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 W Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Robert L Judson
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, Box# 3111, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA. .,Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, 1701 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA, 94115, USA.
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11
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Han L, Wang P, Sun Y, Liu S, Dai J. Anti-Melanoma Activities of Haspin Inhibitor CHR-6494 Deployed as a Single Agent or in a Synergistic Combination with MEK Inhibitor. J Cancer 2017; 8:2933-2943. [PMID: 28928884 PMCID: PMC5604444 DOI: 10.7150/jca.20319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Melanoma is a heterogeneous malignancy that presents an immense challenge in therapeutic development. Recent approaches targeting the oncogenic MAP kinase pathways have shown tremendous improvement in the overall survival of patients with advanced melanoma. However, there is still an urgent need for identification of new strategies to overcome drug resistances and to improve therapeutic efficacy. Haspin (Haploid Germ Cell-Specific Nuclear Protein Kinase) belongs to a selected group of mitotic kinases and is required for normal mitosis progression. In contrast to inhibitors of other mitotic kinases, anti-tumor potential of haspin inhibitors has not been well explored. Herein, we aim to examine effects of CHR-6494, a small molecule inhibitor of haspin, in melanoma cells. Methods: Anti-tumor activities of the haspin inhibitor CHR-6494 were tested in a number of melanoma cell lines either as a single agent or in combination with the MEK inhibitor Trametinib (GSK1120212). Experiments are based on: 1) Cell viability determined by the crystal violet staining assay; 2) apoptotic responses measured by the caspase 3/7 activity assay and western blot analysis for the level of cleaved PARP (Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase); 3) cell cycle analysis conducted using flow cytometry; and 4) cell migratory ability assessed by the scratch assay and the transwell migration assay. Results: We have found that CHR-6494 alone elicits a dose dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of several melanoma cell lines. This growth inhibition is accompanied by an increase in apoptotic responses. More importantly, CHR-6494 appears to synergize with the MEK inhibitor Trametinib in suppressing cell growth and enhancing apoptosis in both wild type and BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cell lines. Administering of these two small molecules as a combination is also capable of suppressing cell migration to a greater extent than the individual agent. Conclusion: These results suggest that haspin can be considered as a viable anti-melanoma target, and that concomitant inhibition of haspin and MEK activities with small molecules could represent a novel therapeutic strategy with improved efficacy for treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 P. R. China
| | - Peiling Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 P. R. China
| | - Yang Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 P. R. China
| | - Sijing Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 P. R. China
| | - Jun Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 P. R. China.,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
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12
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Abstract
Dysregulation of cell cycle control is a hallmark of melanomagenesis. Agents targeting the G1-S and G2-M checkpoints, as well as direct anti-mitotic agents, have all shown promising preclinical activity in melanoma. However, in vivo, standalone single agents targeting cell cycle regulation have only demonstrated modest efficacy in unselected patients. The advent of specific CDK 4/6 inhibitors targeting the G1-S transition, with an improved therapeutic index, is a significant step forward. Potential synergy exists with the combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with existing therapies targeting the MAPK pathway, particularly in subsets of metastatic melanomas such as NRAS and BRAF mutants. This reviews summaries of the latest developments in both preclinical and clinical data with cell cycle-targeted therapies in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant McArthur
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia. .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. .,Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncogenic Signalling and Growth Control Program, East Melbourne, Australia. .,Translational Research Laboratory, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia. .,Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, VIC, 8006, Australia.
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13
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Puig-Butille JA, Vinyals A, Ferreres JR, Aguilera P, Cabré E, Tell-Martí G, Marcoval J, Mateo F, Palomero L, Badenas C, Piulats JM, Malvehy J, Pujana MA, Puig S, Fabra À. AURKA Overexpression Is Driven by FOXM1 and MAPK/ERK Activation in Melanoma Cells Harboring BRAF or NRAS Mutations: Impact on Melanoma Prognosis and Therapy. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:1297-1310. [PMID: 28188776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The cell cycle-related genes AURKA and FOXM1 are overexpressed in melanoma. We show here that AURKA overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in three independent cohorts of melanoma patients and correlates with the presence of genomic amplification of AURKA locus and BRAFV600E mutation. AURKA overexpression may also be driven by increased promoter activation through elements such as ETS and FOXM1 found within the 5' proximal promoter region. Activated MAPK/ERK signaling pathway mediates robust AURKA promoter activation, thereby knockdown of BRAFV600E and ERK inhibition results in reduced AURKA transcription and expression. We show a positive correlation between FOXM1 and AURKA expression in three independent cohorts of melanoma patients. FOXM1 silencing decreases expression of AURKA and late cell cycle genes in melanoma cells. We further found that FOXM1 expression levels are significantly higher in tumors carrying the BRAFV600E mutation compared with the wild-type BRAF (BRAFwt). Accordingly, the knockdown of BRAFV600E also reduces the expression of FOXM1 in BRAFV600E cells. Moreover, Aurora kinase A and FOXM1 inhibition by either genetic knockdown or pharmacologic inhibitors impair melanoma growth and survival both in culture and in vivo, underscoring their therapeutic value for melanoma patients who fail to benefit from BRAF/MEK signaling inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Anton Puig-Butille
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antònia Vinyals
- IDIBELL (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute), Centre d' Oncologia Molecular, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep R Ferreres
- Dermatology Service, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Aguilera
- Dermatology Department, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Cabré
- IDIBELL (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute), Centre d' Oncologia Molecular, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Tell-Martí
- Dermatology Department, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Marcoval
- Dermatology Service, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Mateo
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luís Palomero
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Celia Badenas
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Piulats
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Malvehy
- Dermatology Department, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel A Pujana
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Puig
- Dermatology Department, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àngels Fabra
- IDIBELL (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute), Centre d' Oncologia Molecular, Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Zhang XL, Ma Y, Pan Q, Bai ZG, Qi H, Zhang QZ. Synthesis of (5,6-Dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyrazol-3-yl)-methanamine. HETEROCYCLES 2017. [DOI: 10.3987/com-17-13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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15
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Yan M, Wang C, He B, Yang M, Tong M, Long Z, Liu B, Peng F, Xu L, Zhang Y, Liang D, Lei H, Subrata S, Kelley KW, Lam EWF, Jin B, Liu Q. Aurora-A Kinase: A Potent Oncogene and Target for Cancer Therapy. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:1036-1079. [PMID: 27406026 DOI: 10.1002/med.21399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Aurora kinase family is comprised of three serine/threonine kinases, Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C. Among these, Aurora-A and Aurora-B play central roles in mitosis, whereas Aurora-C executes unique roles in meiosis. Overexpression or gene amplification of Aurora kinases has been reported in a broad range of human malignancies, pointing to their role as potent oncogenes in tumorigenesis. Aurora kinases therefore represent promising targets for anticancer therapeutics. A number of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) have been generated; some of which are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. Recent studies have unveiled novel unexpected functions of Aurora kinases during cancer development and the mechanisms underlying the anticancer actions of AKIs. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in Aurora-A kinase research and targeted cancer therapy, focusing on the oncogenic roles and signaling pathways of Aurora-A kinases in promoting tumorigenesis, the recent preclinical and clinical AKI data, and potential alternative routes for Aurora-A kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengying Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengying Tong
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zijie Long
- Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dapeng Liang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haixin Lei
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Sen Subrata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keith W Kelley
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bilian Jin
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China. .,Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Abstract
Inhibitors that impact function of kinases are valuable both for the biological research as well as therapy of kinase-associated diseases, such as different cancers. There are quite a number of inhibitors, which are quite specific for certain kinases and several of them are either already approved for the cancer therapy or are in clinical studies of various phases. However, that does not mean that each single kinase inhibitor is suitable for targeted therapy. Some of them are not effective others might be toxic or fail some other criteria for the use in vivo. On the other hand, even in case of successful therapy, many responders eventually develop resistance to the inhibitors. The limitations of various single kinase inhibitors can be fought using compounds which target multiple kinases. This tactics can increase effectiveness of the inhibitors by the synergistic effect or help to diminish the likelihood of drug resistance. To date, several families of kinases are quite popular targets of the inhibition in cancers, such as tyrosine kinases, cycle-dependent kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinases as well as their pathway "players" and aurora kinases. Aurora kinases play an important role in the control of the mitosis and are often altered in diverse human cancers. Here, we will describe the most interesting multi-kinase inhibitors which inhibit aurora kinases among other targets and their use in preclinical and clinical cancer studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cicenas
- University of Bern, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
- MAP Kinase Resource, Melchiorstrasse 9, 3027, Bern, Switzerland.
- Proteomics Centre, Vilnius University Institute of Biochemistry, 08662, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- CALIPHO, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, CMU1, ru Michael Servet, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Erikas Cicenas
- Bethlehemacker Secondary School, 3027, Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Porcelli L, Guida G, Quatrale AE, Cocco T, Sidella L, Maida I, Iacobazzi RM, Ferretta A, Stolfa DA, Strippoli S, Guida S, Tommasi S, Guida M, Azzariti A. Aurora kinase B inhibition reduces the proliferation of metastatic melanoma cells and enhances the response to chemotherapy. J Transl Med 2015; 13:26. [PMID: 25623468 PMCID: PMC4314759 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The poor response to chemotherapy and the brief response to vemurafenib in metastatic melanoma patients, make the identification of new therapeutic approaches an urgent need. Interestingly the increased expression and activity of the Aurora kinase B during melanoma progression suggests it as a promising therapeutic target. METHODS The efficacy of the Aurora B kinase inhibitor barasertib-HQPA was evaluated in BRAF mutated cells, sensitive and made resistant to vemurafenib after chronic exposure to the drug, and in BRAF wild type cells. The drug effectiveness has been evaluated as cell growth inhibition, cell cycle progression and cell migration. In addition, cellular effectors of drug resistance and response were investigated. RESULTS The characterization of the effectors responsible for the resistance to vemurafenib evidenced the increased expression of MITF or the activation of Erk1/2 and p-38 kinases in the newly established cell lines with a phenotype resistant to vemurafenib. The sensitivity of cells to barasertib-HQPA was irrespective of BRAF mutational status. Barasertib-HQPA induced the mitotic catastrophe, ultimately causing apoptosis and necrosis of cells, inhibited cell migration and strongly affected the glycolytic metabolism of cells inducing the release of lactate. In association i) with vemurafenib the gain in effectiveness was found only in BRAF(V600K) cells while ii) with nab-paclitaxel, the combination was more effective than each drug alone in all cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest barasertib as a new therapeutic agent and as enhancer of chemotherapy in metastatic melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Porcelli
- Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Guida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Anna E Quatrale
- Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Cocco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Letizia Sidella
- Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Immacolata Maida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Rosa M Iacobazzi
- Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Anna Ferretta
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Diana A Stolfa
- Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Sabino Strippoli
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Stefania Guida
- Unit of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Bari, P.zza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Stefania Tommasi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Michele Guida
- Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacology Laboratory, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Viale O. Flacco,65, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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18
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Moro N, Mauch C, Zigrino P. Metalloproteinases in melanoma. Eur J Cell Biol 2014; 93:23-9. [PMID: 24530009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell adhesion, motility, proteolytic activities and cell receptors have important roles in cancer invasion. These processes are involved from early development of melanoma within the epidermis, to tumour cell invasion of the underlying tissue until intravasation of lymphatic or blood vessels, and thereafter, dissemination into distant organs occur. The activity of several proteolytic enzymes was shown to be pivotal in promoting melanoma cell invasion. These enzymes not only remodel the extracellular matrix, but also release active factors and shed cell surface receptors thereby mediating melanoma cross-communication with their microenvironment. This leads to the generation of a favourable environment for melanoma growth. Several proteases are involved in melanoma invasion and include serine, cysteine proteases, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and the disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs). This study summarises the current knowledge on the role of metalloproteinases, MMPs and ADAMs, in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Moro
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Mauch
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Paola Zigrino
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Cologne, Germany.
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19
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Barakat KH, Huzil JT, Jordan KE, Evangelinos C, Houghton M, Tuszynski J. A Computational Model for Overcoming Drug Resistance Using Selective Dual-Inhibitors for Aurora Kinase A and Its T217D Variant. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:4572-89. [DOI: 10.1021/mp4003893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled H. Barakat
- Department
of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | | | - Kirk E. Jordan
- IBM
Thomas J. Watson Research Center 1101 Kitchawan Rd, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States
| | - Constantinos Evangelinos
- IBM
Thomas J. Watson Research Center 1101 Kitchawan Rd, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, United States
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