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Wu X, Zhang Z, Qiu Z, Wu X, Chen J, Liu L, Liu X, Zhao S, Yang Y, Zhao Y. TNIK in disease: from molecular insights to therapeutic prospects. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01987-w. [PMID: 38853204 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01987-w] [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] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
TRAF2 and NCK interacting kinase (TNIK), a critical interacting protein kinase, is currently receiving wide attention. TNIK is found in various human body organs and tissues and participates in cell motility, proliferation, and differentiation. On the one hand, its aberrant expression is related to the onset and progression of numerous malignant tumors. On the other hand, TNIK is important in neuronal growth, proliferation, differentiation, and synaptic formation. Thus, the novel therapeutic strategies for targeting TNIK offer a promising direction for cancer, neurological or psychotic disorders. Here, we briefly summarized the biological information of TNIK, reviewed the role and regulatory mechanism in cancer and neuropsychiatric diseases, and introduced the research progress of inhibitors targeting TNIK. Taken together, this review hopes to contribute to the in-depth understanding of the function and regulatory mechanism of TNIK, which is of great significance for revealing the role of TNIK in the occurrence and treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhenye Qiu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaopeng Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shiyan Zhao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Ye Zhao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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2
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Teng Y, Wu R, Bo W, Tang M, Wang T, Cui X, Li Y, Zhang C, Ma Z, Fu Z, Xu Q, Liu J, Chen L. Fragment growth-based discovery of novel TNIK inhibitors for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116240. [PMID: 38422698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Traf2-and Nck-interacting protein kinase (TNIK) plays an important role in regulating signal transduction of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and is considered an important target for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Inhibiting TNIK has potential to block abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction caused by colorectal cancer mutations. We discovered a series of 6-(1-methyl-1H-imidazole-5-yl) quinoline derivatives as TNIK inhibitors through Deep Fragment Growth and virtual screening. Among them, 35b exhibited excellent TNIK kinase and HCT116 cell inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 6 nM and 2.11 μM, respectively. 35b also shown excellent kinase selectivity, PK profiles, and oral bioavailability (84.64%). At a p. o. dosage of 50 mg/kg twice daily 35b suppressed tumor growth on the HCT116 xenograft model. Taken together, 35b is a promising lead compound of TNIK inhibitors, which merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Teng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weichen Bo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Minghai Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - TaiJin Wang
- Chengdu Zenitar Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xue Cui
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chufeng Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ziyan Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiyuan Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Chengdu Zenitar Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Chau KM, Dominic A, Davis EL, Kotla S, Berrios ET, Fahim A, Arunesh A, Li S, Zhao D, Chen K, Davis AR, Nguyen MTH, Wang Y, Evans SE, Wang G, Cooke JP, Abe JI, Huston DP, Le NT. TNIK regulation of interferon signaling and endothelial cell response to virus infection. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 10:1213428. [PMID: 38264262 PMCID: PMC10803426 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1213428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Traf2 and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) is known for its regulatory role in various processes within cancer cells. However, its role within endothelial cells (ECs) has remained relatively unexplored. Methods Leveraging RNA-seq data and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), we probed the potential impact of TNIK depletion on ECs. Results Examination of RNA-seq data uncovered more than 450 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in TNIK-depleted ECs, displaying a fold change exceeding 2 with a false discovery rate (FDR) below 0.05. IPA analysis unveiled that TNIK depletion leads to the inhibition of the interferon (IFN) pathway [-log (p-value) >11], downregulation of IFN-related genes, and inhibition of Hypercytokinemia/Hyperchemokinemia [-log (p-value) >8]. The validation process encompassed qRT-PCR to evaluate mRNA expression of crucial IFN-related genes, immunoblotting to gauge STAT1 and STAT2 protein levels, and ELISA for the quantification of IFN and cytokine secretion in siTNIK-depleted ECs. These assessments consistently revealed substantial reductions upon TNIK depletion. When transducing HUVECs with replication incompetent E1-E4 deleted adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP), it was demonstrated that TNIK depletion did not affect the uptake of Ad-GFP. Nonetheless, TNIK depletion induced cytopathic effects (CPE) in ECs transduced with wild-type human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad-WT). Summary Our findings suggest that TNIK plays a crucial role in regulating the EC response to virus infections through modulation of the IFN pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanh M. Chau
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Abishai Dominic
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Eleanor L. Davis
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sivareddy Kotla
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Estefani Turcios Berrios
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Arsany Fahim
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ashwin Arunesh
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Shengyu Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dongyu Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alan R. Davis
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Minh T. H. Nguyen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yongxing Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Scott E. Evans
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John P. Cooke
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jun-ichi Abe
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David P. Huston
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine Texas A&M University, College Station, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nhat-Tu Le
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Academic Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
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Huang G, Hucek D, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Applications of oxetanes in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115802. [PMID: 37713805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The compact and versatile oxetane motifs have gained significant attention in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry campaigns. This review presents an overview of the diverse applications of oxetanes in clinical and preclinical drug candidates targeting various human diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic disorders, and others. Special attention is given to biologically active oxetane-containing compounds and their disease-related targets, such as kinases, epigenetic and non-epigenetic enzymes, and receptors. The review also details the effect of the oxetane motif on important properties, including aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, pKa, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, metabolic stability, conformational preferences, toxicity profiles (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP) suppression and human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) inhibition), pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, potency, and target selectivity. We anticipate that this work will provide valuable insights that can drive future discoveries of novel bioactive oxetane-containing small molecules, enabling their effective application in combating a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Devon Hucek
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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5
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van Os BW, Kusters PJH, den Toom M, Beckers L, van Tiel CM, Vos WG, de Jong E, Kieser A, van Roomen C, Binder CJ, Reiche ME, de Winther MP, Bosmans LA, Lutgens E. Deficiency of germinal center kinase TRAF2 and NCK-interacting kinase (TNIK) in B cells does not affect atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1171764. [PMID: 37215541 PMCID: PMC10196212 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1171764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. B cells, and their production of pro- and anti-atherogenic antibodies, play an important role in atherosclerosis. In B cells, TRAF2 and NCK-interacting Kinase (TNIK), a germinal center kinase, was shown to bind to TNF-receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and to be involved in JNK and NF-κB signaling in human B cells, a pathway associated with antibody production. Objective We here investigate the role of TNIK-deficient B cells in atherosclerosis. Results ApoE-/-TNIKfl/fl (TNIKBWT) and ApoE-/-TNIKfl/flCD19-cre (TNIKBKO) mice received a high cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaque area did not differ between TNIKBKO and TNIKBWT mice, nor was there any difference in plaque necrotic core, macrophage, T cell, α-SMA and collagen content. B1 and B2 cell numbers did not change in TNIKBKO mice, and marginal zone, follicular or germinal center B cells were unaffected. Total IgM and IgG levels, as well as oxidation specific epitope (OSE) IgM and IgG levels, did not change in absence of B cell TNIK. In contrast, plasma IgA levels were decreased in TNIKBKO mice, whereas the number of IgA+ B cells in intestinal Peyer's patches increased. No effects could be detected on T cell or myeloid cell numbers or subsets. Conclusion We here conclude that in hyperlipidemic ApoE-/- mice, B cell specific TNIK deficiency does not affect atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram W. van Os
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pascal J. H. Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claudia M. van Tiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Winnie G. Vos
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elize de Jong
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arnd Kieser
- Research Unit Signaling and Translation, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cindy van Roomen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christoph J. Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Myrthe E. Reiche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Menno P. de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura A. Bosmans
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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6
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Bowling GC, Rands MG, Dobi A, Eldhose B. Emerging Developments in ETS-Positive Prostate Cancer Therapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:168-178. [PMID: 36511830 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a global health concern, which has a low survival rate in its advanced stages. Even though second-generation androgen receptor-axis inhibitors serve as the mainstay treatment options, utmost of the metastatic cases progress into castration-resistant prostate cancer after their initial treatment response with poor prognostic outcomes. Hence, there is a dire need to develop effective inhibitors that aim the causal oncogenes tangled in the prostate cancer initiation and progression. Molecular-targeted therapy against E-26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors, particularly ETS-related gene, has gained wide attention as a potential treatment strategy. ETS rearrangements with the male hormone responsive transmembrane protease serine 2 promoter defines a significant number of prostate cancer cases and is responsible for cancer initiation and progression. Notably, inhibition of ETS activity has shown to reduce tumorigenesis, thus highlighting its potential as a clinical therapeutic target. In this review, we recapitulate the various targeted drug approaches, including small molecules, peptidomimetics, nucleic acids, and many others, aimed to suppress ETS activity. Several inhibitors have demonstrated ERG antagonist activity in prostate cancer, but further investigations into their molecular mechanisms and impacts on nontumor ETS-containing tissues is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gartrell C Bowling
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.,Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mitchell G Rands
- School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Albert Dobi
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Binil Eldhose
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
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7
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Zhou K, Cheong JE, Krishnaji ST, Ghalali A, Fu H, Sui L, Alix-Panabières C, Cayrefourcq L, Bielenberg D, Sun L, Zetter B. Inhibition of Wnt Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells via an Oral Drug that Facilitates TNIK Degradation. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:25-36. [PMID: 36302395 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We have synthesized an oxetane derivative of the benzimidazole compound mebendazole (OBD9) with enhanced solubility and strong anticancer activity in multiple types of cancer cells, especially colorectal cancer. In this report, we provide evidence that OBD9 suppresses colorectal cancer growth by interfering with the Wnt signaling pathway, a main driver of cell growth in colorectal cancer. Specifically, we find that OBD9 induces autophagic degradation of TNIK (traf2 and Nck-interacting kinase), which promotes T-cell factor-4 (TCF4)/beta-catenin-mediated gene expression. Thus, OBD9 as a TNIK inhibitor blocks Wnt/beta-catenin signaling at the final step of transcriptional activation. We suggest that OBD9 provides a potential novel autophagy-mediated, Wnt-damping therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhou
- Luye Pharma Boston R&D, Woburn, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Aram Ghalali
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haojie Fu
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lufei Sui
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Diane Bielenberg
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lijun Sun
- Center for Drug Discovery and Translational Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bruce Zetter
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Chen Y, Chen M, Deng K. Blocking the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway to treat colorectal cancer: Strategies to improve current therapies (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 62:24. [PMID: 36579676 PMCID: PMC9854240 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumor types occurring in the digestive system. The incidence of CRC has exhibits yearly increases and the mortality rate among patients with CRC is high. The Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway, which is associated with carcinogenesis, is abnormally activated in CRC. Most patients with CRC have adenomatous polyposis coli mutations, while half of the remaining patients have β‑catenin gene mutations. Therefore, targeting the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway for the treatment of CRC is of clinical value. In recent years, with in‑depth research on the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway, inhibitors have been developed that are able to suppress or hinder the development and progression of CRC. In the present review, the role of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in CRC is summarized, the research status on Wnt/β‑catenin pathway inhibitors is outlined and potential targets for inhibition of this pathway are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China,The Laboratory of Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Gerontology, Tibetan Chengdu Branch Hospital of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China,Department of Gerontology, Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China,Professor Mo Chen, Department of Gerontology, Tibetan Chengdu Branch Hospital of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 20 Ximianqiao Cross Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Kai Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China,The Laboratory of Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Kai Deng, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China, E-mail:
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9
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Structural Insight into TNIK Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113010. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TRAF2- and NCK-interacting kinase (TNIK) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for colorectal cancer because of its essential role in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Colorectal cancers contain many mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway genes upstream of TNIK, such as the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene. TNIK is a regulatory component of the transcriptional complex composed of β-catenin and T-cell factor 4 (TCF4). Inhibition of TNIK is expected to block the aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling caused by colorectal cancer mutations. Here we present structural insights into TNIK inhibitors targeting the ATP-binding site. We will discuss the effects of the binding of different chemical scaffolds of nanomolar inhibitors on the structure and function of TNIK.
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10
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Ma L, Li R, Yao Z, Wang B, Liu Y, Liu C, Wang H, Chen S, Sun D. Computational study on new natural compound inhibitors of Traf2 and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK). Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:8394-8410. [DOI: 10.18632/aging.204349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lushun Ma
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiwei Yao
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunxiang Liu
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Pediatric Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuxian Chen
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Daqing Sun
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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11
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Vinogradov AA, Zhang Y, Hamada K, Chang JS, Okada C, Nishimura H, Terasaka N, Goto Y, Ogata K, Sengoku T, Onaka H, Suga H. De Novo Discovery of Thiopeptide Pseudo-natural Products Acting as Potent and Selective TNIK Kinase Inhibitors. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:20332-20341. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c07937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Vinogradov
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keisuke Hamada
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Jun Shi Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Chikako Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Nishimura
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuki Goto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogata
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Toru Sengoku
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Onaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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12
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Kim J, Oh J, Peterson HM, Carlson JC, Pittet MJ, Weissleder R. TNIK Inhibition Has Dual Synergistic Effects on Tumor and Associated Immune Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200030. [PMID: 35675910 PMCID: PMC9398996 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200030] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Treatment with checkpoint inhibitors can be extraordinarily effective in a fraction of patients, particularly those whose tumors are pre-infiltrated by T cells. In others, efficacy is considerably lower, which has led to interest in developing strategies for sensitization to immunotherapy. Using various colorectal cancer mouse models, it is shown that the use of Traf2 and Nck-interacting protein kinase inhibitors (TNIKi) unexpectedly increases tumor infiltration by PD-1+ CD8+ T cells, thus contributing to tumor control. This appears to happen by two independent mechanisms, by inducing immunogenic cell death and separately by directly activating CD8. The use of TNIKi achieves complete tumor control in 50% of mice when combined with checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1. These findings reveal immunogenic properties of TNIKi and indicate that the proportion of colorectal cancers responding to checkpoint therapy can be increased by combining it with immunogenic kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehee Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Juhyun Oh
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hannah M. Peterson
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan C.T. Carlson
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA,MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mikael J. Pittet
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Agora Cancer Center, Rue du Bugnon 25A, 1000, Lausanne, Switzerland,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA,MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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13
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Yi D, Zhang D, Zeng Z, Zhang S, Li M, Zhang Y. MicroRNA-144-3p Represses the Growth and EMT of Thyroid Cancer via the E2F2/TNIK Axis in Cells and Male BALB/c Nude Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6586857. [PMID: 35579981 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT microRNA (miR/miRNA)-144-3p has been implicated in thyroid cancer (TC) progression with poorly identified mechanisms. Furthermore, E2F2 has been documented to assume a role in the development of various cancers. OBJECTIVE This research sought to ascertain the role of miR-144-3p in growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TC in cells and male BALB/c nude mice. METHODS In the obtained TC cells, miR-144-3p expression was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and E2F2 and TNIK expression by Western blot analysis. After gain- and loss-of-function assays, cell viability, clone formation, migration, and invasion were assessed by cell counting kit-8, clone formation, scratch, and Transwell assays. The expression of EMT-related proteins (Snail, Vimentin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin) was tested by Western blot analysis. The targeting relationship between miR-144-3p and E2F2 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter and radioimmunoprecipitation assays, and the binding relationship between E2F2 and TNIK by dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. TC cell growth in vivo was determined by subcutaneous tumorigenesis assays in nude mice. RESULTS miR-144-3p was downregulated, whereas E2F2 and TNIK were upregulated in TC cells. Mechanistically, miR-144-3p inversely targeted E2F2, which increased TNIK expression by binding to TNIK promoter in TC cells. Overexpression of miR-144-3p reduced proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of FRO and KTC3 cells, which was nullified by overexpressing E2F2 or TNIK expression. Upregulation of miR-144-3p diminished FRO cell growth and EMT in nude mice, which was abrogated by overexpressing TNIK. CONCLUSION miR-144-3p inhibits cell growth and EMT in TC through E2F2/TNIK axis inactivation in cells and male BALB/c nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410005, P. R. China
| | - Dongxin Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410005, P. R. China
| | - Zhaohui Zeng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410005, P. R. China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410005, P. R. China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410005, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management Center, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410005, P. R. China
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14
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Li Y, Zhang L, Yang R, Qiao Z, Wu M, Huang C, Tian C, Luo X, Yang W, Zhang Y, Li L, Yang S. Discovery of 3,4-Dihydrobenzo[ f][1,4]oxazepin-5(2 H)-one Derivatives as a New Class of Selective TNIK Inhibitors and Evaluation of Their Anti-Colorectal Cancer Effects. J Med Chem 2022; 65:1786-1807. [PMID: 34985886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Traf2- and Nck-interacting protein kinase (TNIK) is a downstream signal protein of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and has been thought of as a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) that is often associated with dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Herein, we report the discovery of a series of 3,4-dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]oxazepin-5(2H)-one derivatives as a new class of TNIK inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses led to the identification of a number of potent TNIK inhibitors with compound 21k being the most active one (IC50: 0.026 ± 0.008 μM). This compound also displayed excellent selectivity for TNIK against 406 other kinases. Compound 21k could efficiently suppress CRC cell proliferation and migration in in vitro assays and exhibited considerable antitumor activity in the HCT116 xenograft mouse model. It also showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, 21k could be a promising lead compound for drug discovery targeting TNIK and deserves further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Liting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruicheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zeen Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chenyu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xinling Luo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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15
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Yuan R, Li Y, Fu Y, Ning A, Wang D, Zhang R, Yu S, Xu Q. TNIK influence the effects of antipsychotics on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3283-3292. [PMID: 34350475 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RationaleTraf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK), a member of germinal center kinase (GCK) family, has been implicated as a risk factor in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as well as the action of antipsychotics. TNIK is an essential activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway which has been identified involved in the mechanism underlying the effects of antipsychotics. Thus, the effects of TNIK on antipsychotics may be achieved by influencing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway proteins.Objectives and methodsIn the current study, the effects of up- or downregulated TNIK on β-catenin, T-cell factor 4 (TCF-4), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and phosphorylated GSK3β (p-GSK3β) were examined in the human glioma U251 cells. Then, we observed the effects of antipsychotics (clozapine and risperidone) on the above proteins and evaluated the role of differentially expressed TNIK on antipsychotic-treated cell groups.ResultsThe result showed that clozapine treatment decreased β-catenin and TCF-4 levels in U251 cells, and risperidone had the similar effects on β-catenin and p-GSK3β. The downregulated TNIK using siRNA impeded the regulation of antipsychotics on Wnt pathway proteins via increasing the expression levels of TCF-4, β-catenin, or p-GSK3β, whereas the upregulated TNIK made no significant change.ConclusionsThe influence of TNIK on the effects of antipsychotics may be partly through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaojing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ailing Ning
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunying Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingqing Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Yu F, Yu C, Li F, Zuo Y, Wang Y, Yao L, Wu C, Wang C, Ye L. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:307. [PMID: 34456337 PMCID: PMC8403677 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been broadly implicated in human cancers and experimental cancer models of animals. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is tightly linked with the increment of prevalence, advancement of malignant progression, development of poor prognostics, and even ascendence of the cancer-associated mortality. Early experimental investigations have proposed the theoretical potential that efficient repression of this signaling might provide promising therapeutic choices in managing various types of cancers. Up to date, many therapies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers have been developed, which is assumed to endow clinicians with new opportunities of developing more satisfactory and precise remedies for cancer patients with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, current facts indicate that the clinical translations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-dependent targeted therapies have faced un-neglectable crises and challenges. Therefore, in this study, we systematically reviewed the most updated knowledge of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and relatively targeted therapies to generate a clearer and more accurate awareness of both the developmental stage and underlying limitations of Wnt/β-catenin-targeted therapies in cancers. Insights of this study will help readers better understand the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and provide insights to acknowledge the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changhao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanqin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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17
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Thomson DW, Bergamini G. Recent progress in small molecule TBK1 inhibitors: a patent review (2015- 2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:785-794. [PMID: 33724136 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1904893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a key mediator of innate immunity processes and studies have reported on its role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, several studies have also described the important role of TBK1 in cancer and metabolic disorders. Therefore, there is increasing interest in this noncanonical IKK serine/threonine kinase family member as a drug target in both the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry as indicated by the growing number of patents reporting on these efforts.Areas covered: This review covers the patent literature from 2015 to 2020 issued by the World, US and European patent offices on novel TBK1 small molecule inhibitors as well as patents claiming new applications of TBK1 inhibitors.Expert opinion: The high complexity TBK1 biology greatly increases the challenge of pursuing it as a drug target. The recent discovery of several small molecule inhibitors, particularly those with high selectivity, will enable further exploration of TBK1s biological role and its validation as a drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Thomson
- Functional Genomics, Cellzome GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giovanna Bergamini
- Functional Genomics, Cellzome GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Hirozane T, Masuda M, Sugano T, Sekita T, Goto N, Aoyama T, Sakagami T, Uno Y, Moriyama H, Sawa M, Asano N, Nakamura M, Matsumoto M, Nakayama R, Kondo T, Kawai A, Kobayashi E, Yamada T. Direct conversion of osteosarcoma to adipocytes by targeting TNIK. JCI Insight 2021; 6:137245. [PMID: 33400690 PMCID: PMC7934882 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.137245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive mesenchymal tumor for which no molecularly targeted therapies are available. We have previously identified TRAF2- and NCK-interacting protein kinase (TNIK) as an essential factor for the transactivation of Wnt signal target genes and shown that its inhibition leads to eradication of colorectal cancer stem cells. The involvement of Wnt signaling in the pathogenesis of OS has been implicated. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential of TNIK as a therapeutic target in OS. RNA interference or pharmacological inhibition of TNIK suppressed the proliferation of OS cells. Transcriptome analysis suggested that a small-molecule inhibitor of TNIK upregulated the expression of genes involved in OS cell metabolism and downregulated transcription factors essential for maintaining the stem cell phenotype. Metabolome analysis revealed that this TNIK inhibitor redirected the metabolic network from carbon flux toward lipid accumulation in OS cells. Using in vitro and in vivo OS models, we confirmed that TNIK inhibition abrogated the OS stem cell phenotype, simultaneously driving conversion of OS cells to adipocyte-like cells through induction of PPARγ. In relation to potential therapeutic targeting in clinical practice, TNIK was confirmed to be in an active state in OS cell lines and clinical specimens. From these findings, we conclude that TNIK is applicable as a potential target for treatment of OS, affecting cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Hirozane
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Masuda
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teppei Sugano
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Sekita
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Goto
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Aoyama
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takato Sakagami
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Uno
- Carna Biosciences Inc., Kobe, Japan
| | | | | | - Naofumi Asano
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Nakayama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kondo
- Division of Rare Cancer Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kawai
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Kobayashi
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tesshi Yamada
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Phull MS, Jadav SS, Gundla R, Mainkar PS. A perspective on medicinal chemistry approaches towards adenomatous polyposis coli and Wnt signal based colorectal cancer inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 212:113149. [PMID: 33445154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of carcinogenic mortality in numbers only after lung and breast cancers. The mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene leads to formation of colorectal polyps in the colonic region and which develop as a malignant tumour upon coalition with patient related risk factors. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) of APC with Asef (A Rac specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor) overwhelms the patient's conditions by rapidly spreading in the entire colorectal region. Most mutations in APC gene occur in mutated cluster region (MCR), where it specifically binds with the cytosolic β-catenin to regulate the Wnt signalling pathway required for CRC cell adhesion, invasion, progression, differentiation and stemness in initial cell cycle phages. The current broad spectrum perspective is attempted to elaborate the sources of identification, development of selective APC inhibitors by targeting emopamil-binding protein (EBP) & dehydrocholesterol reductase-7 & 24 (DHCR-7 & 24); APC-Asef, β-catenin/APC, Wnt/β-catenin, β-catenin/TCF4 PPI inhibitors with other vital Wnt signal cellular proteins and APC/Pol-β interface of colorectal cancer. In this context, this perspective would serve as a platform for design of new medicinal agents by targeting cellular essential components which could accelerate anti-colorectal potential candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjinder Singh Phull
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to Be University), Hyderabad, 502329, Telangana, India
| | - Surender Singh Jadav
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Rambabu Gundla
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to Be University), Hyderabad, 502329, Telangana, India
| | - Prathama S Mainkar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Utter Pradesh, India.
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20
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Sugano T, Masuda M, Takeshita F, Motoi N, Hirozane T, Goto N, Kashimoto S, Uno Y, Moriyama H, Sawa M, Nagakawa Y, Tsuchida A, Seike M, Gemma A, Yamada T. Pharmacological blockage of transforming growth factor-β signalling by a Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase inhibitor, NCB-0846. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:228-236. [PMID: 33244122 PMCID: PMC7782820 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01162-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is the primary cause of death in cancer patients, and its management is still a major challenge. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the process of cancer metastasis, and its pharmacological interference holds therapeutic promise. METHODS Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) functions as a transcriptional coregulator of Wnt target genes. Given the convergence of Wnt and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling, we examined the effects of a small-molecule TNIK inhibitor (named NCB-0846) on the TGFβ1-induced EMT of lung cancer cells. RESULTS NCB-0846 inhibited the TGFβ1-induced EMT of A549 cells. This inhibition was associated with inhibition of Sma- and Mad-Related Protein-2/3 (SMAD2/3) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. NCB-0846 abolished the lung metastasis of TGFβ1-treated A549 cells injected into the tail veins of immunodeficient mice. The inhibition of EMT was mediated by suppression of the TGFβ receptor type-I (TGFBR1) gene, at least partly through the induction of microRNAs targeting the TGFBR1 transcript [miR-320 (a, b and d) and miR-186]. CONCLUSIONS NCB-0846 pharmacologically blocks the TGFβ/SMAD signalling and EMT induction of lung cancer cells by transcriptionally downregulating TGFBRI expression, representing a potentially promising approach for prevention of metastasis in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Sugano
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Mari Masuda
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Takeshita
- Department of Functional Analysis, Fundamental Innovative Oncology Core Center (FIOC), National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Noriko Motoi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Toru Hirozane
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Naoko Goto
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | | | - Yuko Uno
- Carna Biosciences, Inc, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | | | | | - Yuichi Nagakawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akihiko Tsuchida
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Masahiro Seike
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Akihiko Gemma
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Tesshi Yamada
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan. .,Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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21
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Sekita T, Yamada T, Kobayashi E, Yoshida A, Hirozane T, Kawai A, Uno Y, Moriyama H, Sawa M, Nagakawa Y, Tsuchida A, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Nakayama R, Masuda M. Feasibility of Targeting Traf2-and-Nck-Interacting Kinase in Synovial Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051258. [PMID: 32429395 PMCID: PMC7281028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The treatment of patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma is still challenging, and the development of new molecular therapeutics is desirable. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in synovial sarcoma. Traf2-and-Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) is an essential transcriptional co-regulator of Wnt target genes. We examined the efficacy of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to TNIK and a small-molecule TNIK inhibitor, NCB-0846, for synovial sarcoma. Methods: The expression of TNIK was determined in 20 clinical samples of synovial sarcoma. The efficacy of NCB-0846 was evaluated in four synovial sarcoma cell lines and a mouse xenograft model. Results: We found that synovial sarcoma cell lines with Wnt activation were highly dependent upon the expression of TNIK for proliferation and survival. NCB-0846 induced apoptotic cell death in synovial sarcoma cells through blocking of Wnt target genes including MYC, and oral administration of NCB-846 induced regression of xenografts established by inoculation of synovial sarcoma cells. Discussion: It has become evident that activation of Wnt signaling is causatively involved in the pathogenesis of synovial sarcoma, but no molecular therapeutics targeting the pathway have been approved. This study revealed for the first time the therapeutic potential of TNIK inhibition in synovial sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Sekita
- Laboratory of Collaborative Research, Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (T.S.); (M.M.)
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (T.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.); (R.N.)
| | - Tesshi Yamada
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (Y.N.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eisuke Kobayashi
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (E.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Akihiko Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;
| | - Toru Hirozane
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (T.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.); (R.N.)
| | - Akira Kawai
- Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (E.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Yuko Uno
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (Y.U.); (H.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Hideki Moriyama
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (Y.U.); (H.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Masaaki Sawa
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (Y.U.); (H.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Yuichi Nagakawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (Y.N.); (A.T.)
| | - Akihiko Tsuchida
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; (Y.N.); (A.T.)
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (T.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.); (R.N.)
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (T.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.); (R.N.)
| | - Robert Nakayama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (T.H.); (M.M.); (M.N.); (R.N.)
| | - Mari Masuda
- Laboratory of Collaborative Research, Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (T.S.); (M.M.)
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22
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Flavone-based arylamides as potential anticancers: Design, synthesis and in vitro cell-based/cell-free evaluations. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 187:111965. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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23
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Ren T, Fan XX, Wang MF, Duan FG, Wei CL, Li RZ, Jiang ZB, Wang YW, Yao XJ, Chen MW, Tang YJ, Leung ELH. miR‑20b promotes growth of non‑small cell lung cancer through a positive feedback loop of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2019; 56:470-479. [PMID: 31894264 PMCID: PMC6959373 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression by targeting the 3′-untranslated region and play an important role in many biological and pathological processes, such as inflammation and cancer. In this study, we found that miR-20b was significantly increased in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and patient tissues, suggesting that it may possess a carcinogenic role in lung cancer. This miRNA promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells by targeting and downregulating the expression of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), which is a negative regulator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling activation may increase transcription of miR-20b. Therefore, miR-20b and canonical Wnt signaling were coupled through a feed-forward positive feedback loop, forming a biological regulatory circuit. Finally, an in vivo investigation further demonstrated that an increase in miR-20b promoted the growth of cancer cells. Overall, our findings offer evidence that miR-20b may contribute to the development of NSCLC by inhibiting APC via the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Mei-Fang Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Gang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Li Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Bo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Wei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Jun Tang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, P.R. China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, P.R. China
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24
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Guerini AE, Triggiani L, Maddalo M, Bonù ML, Frassine F, Baiguini A, Alghisi A, Tomasini D, Borghetti P, Pasinetti N, Bresciani R, Magrini SM, Buglione M. Mebendazole as a Candidate for Drug Repurposing in Oncology: An Extensive Review of Current Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091284. [PMID: 31480477 PMCID: PMC6769799 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticancer treatment efficacy is limited by the development of refractory tumor cells characterized by increased expression and activity of mechanisms promoting survival, proliferation, and metastatic spread. The present review summarizes the current literature regarding the use of the anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) as a repurposed drug in oncology with a focus on cells resistant to approved therapies, including so called “cancer stem cells”. Mebendazole meets many of the characteristics desirable for a repurposed drug: good and proven toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics allowing to reach therapeutic concentrations at disease site, ease of administration and low price. Several in vitro studies suggest that MBZ inhibits a wide range of factors involved in tumor progression such as tubulin polymerization, angiogenesis, pro-survival pathways, matrix metalloproteinases, and multi-drug resistance protein transporters. Mebendazole not only exhibits direct cytotoxic activity, but also synergizes with ionizing radiations and different chemotherapeutic agents and stimulates antitumoral immune response. In vivo, MBZ treatment as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy led to the reduction or complete arrest of tumor growth, marked decrease of metastatic spread, and improvement of survival. Further investigations are warranted to confirm the clinical anti-neoplastic activity of MBZ and its safety in combination with other drugs in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Triggiani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Maddalo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Marco Lorenzo Bonù
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Frassine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Baiguini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alghisi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Tomasini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Borghetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Spedali Civili of Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Pasinetti
- Radiation Oncology Service, ASST Valcamonica, 25040 Esine, Italy
| | - Roberto Bresciani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Unit of Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Buglione
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brescia University, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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25
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Popow O, Paulo JA, Tatham MH, Volk MS, Rojas-Fernandez A, Loyer N, Newton IP, Januschke J, Haigis KM, Näthke I. Identification of Endogenous Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Interaction Partners and β-Catenin-Independent Targets by Proteomics. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1828-1841. [PMID: 31160382 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) is the most frequently mutated gene in colorectal cancer. APC negatively regulates the Wnt signaling pathway by promoting the degradation of β-catenin, but the extent to which APC exerts Wnt/β-catenin-independent tumor-suppressive activity is unclear. To identify interaction partners and β-catenin-independent targets of endogenous, full-length APC, we applied label-free and multiplexed tandem mass tag-based mass spectrometry. Affinity enrichment-mass spectrometry identified more than 150 previously unidentified APC interaction partners. Moreover, our global proteomic analysis revealed that roughly half of the protein expression changes that occur in response to APC loss are independent of β-catenin. Combining these two analyses, we identified Misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1) as a putative substrate of an APC-containing destruction complex. We validated the interaction between endogenous MINK1 and APC and further confirmed the negative, and β-catenin-independent, regulation of MINK1 by APC. Increased Mink1/Msn levels were also observed in mouse intestinal tissue and Drosophila follicular cells expressing mutant Apc/APC when compared with wild-type tissue/cells. Collectively, our results highlight the extent and importance of Wnt-independent APC functions in epithelial biology and disease. IMPLICATIONS: The tumor-suppressive function of APC, the most frequently mutated gene in colorectal cancer, is mainly attributed to its role in β-catenin/Wnt signaling. Our study substantially expands the list of APC interaction partners and reveals that approximately half of the changes in the cellular proteome induced by loss of APC function are mediated by β-catenin-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesja Popow
- Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - João A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael H Tatham
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie S Volk
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Rojas-Fernandez
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe) and Institute of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Nicolas Loyer
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ian P Newton
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Januschke
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Haigis
- Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Digestive Disease Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Inke Näthke
- Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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26
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Liu J, Feng K, Ren Y. In silico studies on potential TNKS inhibitors: a combination of pharmacophore and 3D-QSAR modelling, virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:3803-3821. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1528887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Liu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Kairui Feng
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujie Ren
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
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27
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Grimaldi M, Boulahtouf A, Prévostel C, Thierry A, Balaguer P, Blache P. A Cell Model Suitable for a High-Throughput Screening of Inhibitors of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1160. [PMID: 30364258 PMCID: PMC6193374 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A constitutive activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is an initiating event in colon carcinogenesis. We developed colon cancer cells models that highlight the non-selectivity of previously described inhibitors of the Wnt pathway and we propose our model as a suitable screening system for inhibitors of the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grimaldi
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Abdelhay Boulahtouf
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Corinne Prévostel
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alain Thierry
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Blache
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, U1194, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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28
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Strubberg AM, Veronese Paniagua DA, Zhao T, Dublin L, Pritchard T, Bayguinov PO, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Madison BB. The Zinc Finger Transcription Factor PLAGL2 Enhances Stem Cell Fate and Activates Expression of ASCL2 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:410-424. [PMID: 30017821 PMCID: PMC6092695 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial stem cell (IESC) fate is promoted by two major transcriptional regulators, the TCF4/β-catenin complex and ASCL2, which drive expression of IESC-specific factors, including Lgr5, Ephb2, and Rnf43. Canonical Wnt signaling via TCF4/β-catenin directly transactivates Ascl2, which in turn auto-regulates its own expression. Conversely, Let-7 microRNAs antagonize the IESC lineage by repressing specific mRNA targets. Here, we identify the zinc finger transcription factor PLAGL2 as a Let-7 target that regulates IESC fate. PLAGL2 drives an IESC expression signature, activates Wnt gene expression, and enhances a TCF/LEF reporter in intestinal organoids. In parallel, via cell-autonomous mechanisms, PLAGL2 is required for lineage clonal expansion and directly enhances expression of ASCL2. PLAGL2 also supports enteroid growth and survival in the context of Wnt ligand depletion. PLAGL2 expression is strongly associated with an IESC signature in colorectal cancer and may be responsible for contributing to the aberrant activation of an immature phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee M Strubberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, CSRB NT 923, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Daniel A Veronese Paniagua
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, CSRB NT 923, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Leeran Dublin
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Thomas Pritchard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, CSRB NT 923, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Peter O Bayguinov
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Departments of Cell Biology & Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63105, USA
| | - Blair B Madison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8124, CSRB NT 923, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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29
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Niiro E, Morioka S, Iwai K, Yamada Y, Ogawa K, Kawahara N, Kobayashi H. Potential signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance in mucinous ovarian cancer. Biomed Rep 2018; 8:215-223. [PMID: 29564122 DOI: 10.3892/br.2018.1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of mucinous ovarian cancer are predominantly resistant to chemotherapies. The present review summarizes current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of targeting the Wingless (WNT) pathway, with particular emphasis on preclinical and clinical studies, for improving the chemoresistance and treatment of mucinous ovarian cancer. A review was conducted of English language literature published between January 2000 and October 2017 that concerned potential signaling pathways associated with the chemoresistance of mucinous ovarian cancer. The literature indicated that aberrant activation of growth factor and WNT signaling pathways is specifically observed in mucinous ovarian cancer. An evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade system including epidermal growth factor/RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and WNT signaling regulates a variety of cellular functions; their crosstalk mutually enhances signaling activity and induces chemoresistance. Novel antagonists, modulators and inhibitors have been developed for targeting the components of the WNT signaling pathway, namely Frizzled, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6, Dishevelled, casein kinase 1, AXIN, glycogen synthase kinase 3β and β-catenin. Targeted inhibition of WNT signaling represents a rational and promising novel approach to overcome chemoresistance, and several WNT inhibitors are being evaluated in preclinical studies. In conclusion, the WNT receptors and their downstream components may serve as novel therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance in mucinous ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Niiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Sachiko Morioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kana Iwai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kenji Ogawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Naoki Kawahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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30
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Larsen CJ. [Spheroids: A reference model for in vitro culture of solid tumors?]. Bull Cancer 2017; 105:25-34. [PMID: 29224886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The recognition that solid tumors are complex entities composed of the tumor cell mass itself and a stromal micro-environnement providing a variety of cells from the host (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells) led to recognize that this heterogeneity could not be recapitulated in vitro by conventional bidimensional (2-D) cultures. This justified numerous attempts to develop tridimensional (3-D) cultures that provided better tools for approaching tumor complexity and more convincing drug testing systems. Among various 3-D technologies, tumor spheroids are more likely suited to provide in vitro platforms for apprehending specific aspects of different processes specifically defining each tumor category as well as testing drug delivery systems. This review summarizes current features of multicellular tumor spheroids and their suitability for studying different aspects of cancer cell biology, patient-specific therapies and drug treatment.
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Yamada T, Masuda M. Emergence of TNIK inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:818-823. [PMID: 28208209 PMCID: PMC5448614 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer remains unsatisfactory. To improve patient prognosis, it will be necessary to identify new drug targets based on molecules that are essential for colorectal carcinogenesis, and to develop therapeutics that target such molecules. The great majority of colorectal cancers (>90%) have mutations in at least one Wnt signaling pathway gene. Aberrant activation of Wnt signaling is a major force driving colorectal carcinogenesis. Several therapeutics targeting Wnt pathway molecules, including porcupine, frizzled receptors and tankyrases, have been developed, but none of them have yet been incorporated into clinical practice. Wnt signaling is most frequently activated by loss of function of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene. Restoration of APC gene function does not seem to be a realistic therapeutic approach, and, therefore, only Wnt signaling molecules downstream of the APC gene product can be considered as targets for pharmacological intervention. Traf2 and Nck‐interacting protein kinase (TNIK) was identified as a regulatory component of the β‐catenin and T‐cell factor‐4 (TCF‐4) transcriptional complex. Several small‐molecule compounds targeting this protein kinase have been shown to have anti‐tumor effects against various cancers. An anthelmintic agent, mebendazole, was recently identified as a selective inhibitor of TNIK and is under clinical evaluation. TNIK regulates Wnt signaling in the most downstream part of the pathway, and its pharmacological inhibition seems to be a promising therapeutic approach. We demonstrated the feasibility of this approach by developing a small‐molecule TNIK inhibitor, NCB‐0846.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesshi Yamada
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Masuda
- Division of Chemotherapy and Clinical Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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