1
|
Sun X, Wu Q, Bu H, Pei Y, Guan D, Guo S, Zhou J, Zhang H. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of MNK-PROTACs. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10776-7. [PMID: 38498082 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10776-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases (MNKs) can regulate cellular mRNA translation by controlling the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), which plays an important role in tumor initiation, development, and metastasis. Although small-molecule MNK inhibitors have made significant breakthroughs in the treatment of various malignancies, their clinical application can be limited by drug resistance, target selectivity and other factors. The strategy of MNK-PROTACs which selectively degrades MNK kinases provides a new approach for developing small-molecule drugs for related diseases. In this study, DS33059, a small-molecule compound modified based on the ongoing clinical trials drug ETC-206, was chosen as the target protein ligand. A series of novel MNK-PROTACs were designed, synthesized and evaluated biological activity. Several compounds showed good inhibitory activities against MNK1/2. Besides, compounds exhibited moderate to excellent anti-proliferative activity in A549 and TMD-8 cells in vitro. In particular, compound II-5 significantly inhibited A549 (IC50 = 1.79 μM) and TMD-8 (IC50 = 1.07 μM) cells. The protein degradation assay showed that compound II-5 had good capability to degrade MNK1. The MNK-PROTACs strategy represents a new direction in treating tumors and deserves further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qingyun Wu
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hong Bu
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yifeng Pei
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Dezhong Guan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shi Guo
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinpei Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao X, Jin Y, Zhu W, Wu X, Wang J, Guo C. Regulation of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E as a Potential Anticancer Strategy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12678-12696. [PMID: 37725577 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) are highly expressed in cancer cells, especially eIF4E, the central regulatory node driving cancer cell growth and a potential target for anticancer drugs. eIF4E-targeting strategies primarily focus on inhibiting eIF4E synthesis, interfering with eIF4E/eIF4G interactions, and targeting eIF4E phosphorylation and peptide inhibitors. Although some small-molecule inhibitors are in clinical trials, no eIF4E inhibitors are available for clinical use. We provide an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of eIF4E and summarize the progress in developing and discovering eIF4E inhibitor strategies. We propose that interference with eIF4E/eIF4G interactions will provide a new perspective for the design of eIF4E inhibitors and may be a preferred strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Gao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yonglong Jin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Wenyong Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, China
| | - Xiaochen Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biology Science and Technology, Baotou Teacher's College, Baotou 014030, China
| | - Chuanlong Guo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fernandez A, Monsen PJ, Platanias LC, Schiltz GE. Medicinal chemistry approaches to target the MNK-eIF4E axis in cancer. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1060-1087. [PMID: 37360400 PMCID: PMC10285747 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00121k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant translation of proteins that promote cell proliferation is an essential factor that defines oncogenic processes and cancer. The process for ribosomal translation of proteins from mRNA requires an essential initiation step which is controlled by the protein eIF4E, which binds the RNA 5'-cap and forms the eIF4F complex that subsequently translates protein. Typically, eIF4E is activated by phosphorylation on Ser209 by MNK1 and MNK2 kinases. Substantial work has shown that eIF4E and MNK1/2 are dysregulated in many cancers and this axis has therefore become an active area of interest for developing new cancer therapeutics. This review summarizes and discusses recent work to develop small molecules that target different steps in the MNK-eIF4E axis as potential cancer therapeutics. The aim of this review is to cover the breadth of different molecular approaches being taken and the medicinal chemistry basis for their optimization and testing as new cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Paige J Monsen
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center Chicago IL 60612 USA
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL 60611 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Montiel-Dávalos A, Ayala Y, Hernández G. The dark side of mRNA translation and the translation machinery in glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1086964. [PMID: 36994107 PMCID: PMC10042294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1086964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the different types of cancer affecting the central nervous system (CNS), glioblastoma (GB) is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most common and aggressive CNS cancer in adults. GB incidence is more frequent among persons aged 45–55 years old. GB treatments are based on tumor resection, radiation, and chemotherapies. The current development of novel molecular biomarkers (MB) has led to a more accurate prediction of GB progression. Moreover, clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have established genetic variants consistently associated with the risk of suffering GB. However, despite the advances in these fields, the survival expectancy of GB patients is still shorter than 2 years. Thus, fundamental processes inducing tumor onset and progression remain to be elucidated. In recent years, mRNA translation has been in the spotlight, as its dysregulation is emerging as a key cause of GB. In particular, the initiation phase of translation is most involved in this process. Among the crucial events, the machinery performing this phase undergoes a reconfiguration under the hypoxic conditions in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, ribosomal proteins (RPs) have been reported to play translation-independent roles in GB development. This review focuses on the research elucidating the tight relationship between translation initiation, the translation machinery, and GB. We also summarize the state-of-the-art drugs targeting the translation machinery to improve patients’ survival. Overall, the recent advances in this field are shedding new light on the dark side of translation in GB.
Collapse
|
5
|
de Las Heras B, Bouyoucef-Cherchalli D, Reeve L, Reichl A, Mandarino D, Flach S, Vidal L, van Brummelen EMJ, Steeghs N. Healthy volunteers in first-in-human oncology drug development for small molecules. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:1773-1784. [PMID: 34558113 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides tools to consider the inclusion of healthy volunteers (HVs) in first-in-human (FIH) oncology clinical trials with small molecules, including targeted and immunomodulatory agents, a strategy that was not envisioned with classic chemotherapy. To enable an FIH oncology trial in HVs compared to cancer patients (CPs), a robust nonclinical package must be generated, which includes toxicokinetic and pharmacokinetic studies, as well as more extensive safety pharmacology, toxicology and genotoxicity studies. This strategy could provide an early clinical characterization of the pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical safety profile in the absence of comorbidities and concomitant medication. It also avoids the ethical issue of administrating subtherapeutic doses to CPs, and could potentially help to accelerate the timelines of clinical drug development for patient care. That being said, stakeholders involved in these studies need to proceed with caution, fully understand the regulatory guidance and thoroughly evaluate the benefits and risks. This paper serves to address the regulatory guidance and other considerations needed when using healthy volunteers in early oncology trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Begoña de Las Heras
- Labcorp Drug Development Inc., headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, USA.,Madrid Medical Doctors Association, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lesley Reeve
- Labcorp Drug Development Inc., headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andreas Reichl
- Labcorp Drug Development Inc., headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Debra Mandarino
- Labcorp Drug Development Inc., headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen Flach
- Labcorp Drug Development Inc., headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Vidal
- Labcorp Drug Development Inc., headquarters in Burlington, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu W, Kannan S, Verma CS, Nacro K. Update on the Development of MNK Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents. J Med Chem 2021; 65:983-1007. [PMID: 34533957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) represent a central class of enzymes that are activated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. MNK1 and MNK2 coordinate cellular signaling, control production of inflammatory chemokines, and regulate cell proliferation and survival. MNK1/2 are referred to as serine/threonine kinases as they phosphorylate serine or threonine residues on their substrates. Upon activation, MNK1/2 phosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) at Ser209, which in turn initiates ribosome assembly and protein translation. Deleterious overexpression of MNK1/2 and/or eIF4E have been reported in several diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, autism, and inflammation. Recently, there have been intense efforts toward the development of potent and selective inhibitors of MNK1/2 in both academia and industry. Herein, we review the current understanding of the structural and biological aspects of MNK1/2 and provide an update of pharmacological inhibitors of MNK1/2 including candidates in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Xu
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), A*STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos #05-01, 138670, Singapore
| | | | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Kassoum Nacro
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), A*STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos #05-01, 138670, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bu H, Yuan X, Wu H, Zhou J, Zhang H. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazopyridazine derivatives containing isoquinoline group as potent MNK1/2 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 40:116186. [PMID: 33971490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases (MNKs) are located at the meeting-point of ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which can phosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) at the conserved serine 209 exclusively. MNKs modulate the translation of mRNA involved in tumor-associated signaling pathways. Consequently, selective inhibitors of MNK1/2 could reduce the level of phosphorylated eIF4E. Series of imidazopyrazines, imidazopyridazines and imidazopyridines derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as MNK1/2 inhibitors. Several compounds exhibited great inhibitory activity against MNK1/2 and selected compounds showed moderate to excellent anti-proliferative potency against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines. In particular, compound II-5 (MNK1 IC50 = 2.3 nM; MNK2 IC50 = 3.4 nM) exhibited excellent enzymatic inhibitory potency and proved to be the most potent compound against TMD-8 and DOHH-2 cell lines with IC50 value of 0.3896 μM and 0.4092 μM respectively. These results demonstrated that compound II-5 could be considered as a potential MNK1/2 inhibitor for further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Bu
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xinrui Yuan
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hanshu Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinpei Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jin X, Yu R, Wang X, Proud CG, Jiang T. Progress in developing MNK inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 219:113420. [PMID: 33892273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The MNKs (mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting protein kinases) phosphorylate eIF4E (eukaryotic initiation factor 4 E) at serine 209; eIF4E plays an important role in the translation of cytoplasmic mRNAs, all of which possess a 5' 'cap' structure to which eIF4E binds. Elevated levels of eIF4E, p-eIF4E and/or the MNK protein kinases have been found in many types of cancer, including solid tumors and leukemia. MNKs also play a role in metabolic disease. Regulation of the activities of MNKs (MNK1 and MNK2), control the phosphorylation of eIF4E, which in turn has a close relationship with the processes of tumor development, cell migration and invasion, and energy metabolism. MNK knock-out mice display no adverse effects on normal cells or phenotypes suggesting that MNK may be a potentially safe targets for the treatment of various cancers. Several MNK inhibitors or 'degraders' have been identified. Initially, some of the inhibitors were developed from natural products or based on other protein kinase inhibitors which inhibit multiple kinases. Subsequently, more potent and selective inhibitors for MNK1/2 have been designed and synthesized. Currently, three inhibitors (BAY1143269, eFT508 and ETC-206) are in various stages of clinical trials for the treatment of solid cancers or leukemia, either alone or combined with inhibitors of other protein kinase. In this review, we summarize the diverse MNK inhibitors that have been reported in patents and other literature, including those with activities in vitro and/or in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China and Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China; College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Rilei Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China and Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Lifelong Health, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Lifelong Health, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China and Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu L, Chen Y, Huang Y, Sandanaraj E, Yu JS, Lin RYT, Dakle P, Ke XY, Chong YK, Koh L, Mayakonda A, Nacro K, Hill J, Huang ML, Gery S, Lim SW, Huang Z, Xu Y, Chen J, Bai L, Wang S, Wakimoto H, Yeo TT, Ang BT, Müschen M, Tang C, Tan TZ, Koeffler HP. Topography of transcriptionally active chromatin in glioblastoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/18/eabd4676. [PMID: 33931443 PMCID: PMC8087410 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd4676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecular profiling of the most aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) on the basis of gene expression, DNA methylation, and genomic variations advances both cancer research and clinical diagnosis. The enhancer architectures and regulatory circuitries governing tumor-intrinsic transcriptional diversity and subtype identity are still elusive. Here, by mapping H3K27ac deposition, we analyze the active regulatory landscapes across 95 GBM biopsies, 12 normal brain tissues, and 38 cell line counterparts. Analyses of differentially regulated enhancers and super-enhancers uncovered previously unrecognized layers of intertumor heterogeneity. Integrative analysis of variant enhancer loci and transcriptome identified topographies of transcriptional enhancers and core regulatory circuitries in four molecular subtypes of primary tumors: AC1-mesenchymal, AC1-classical, AC2-proneural, and AC3-proneural. Moreover, this study reveals core oncogenic dependency on super-enhancer-driven transcriptional factors, long noncoding RNAs, and druggable targets in GBM. Through profiling of transcriptional enhancers, we provide clinically relevant insights into molecular classification, pathogenesis, and therapeutic intervention of GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - Yulun Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215124, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215124, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Edwin Sandanaraj
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 308433, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, 117609, Singapore
| | - John S Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ruby Yu-Tong Lin
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Pushkar Dakle
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin-Yu Ke
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Yuk Kien Chong
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 308433, Singapore
| | - Lynnette Koh
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 308433, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Anand Mayakonda
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Kassoum Nacro
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 138670, Singapore
| | - Jeffrey Hill
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Mo-Li Huang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Sigal Gery
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - See Wee Lim
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 308433, Singapore
| | - Zhengyun Huang
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Research Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Research Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianxiang Chen
- College of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Longchuan Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tseng Tsai Yeo
- National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, 119074, Singapore
| | - Beng Ti Ang
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, 308433, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 169857, Singapore
| | - Markus Müschen
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Carol Tang
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, 308433, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 169857, Singapore
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - H Phillip Koeffler
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, 119074, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yousuf MS, Shiers SI, Sahn JJ, Price TJ. Pharmacological Manipulation of Translation as a Therapeutic Target for Chronic Pain. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:59-88. [PMID: 33203717 PMCID: PMC7736833 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in regulation of mRNA translation is an increasingly recognized characteristic of many diseases and disorders, including cancer, diabetes, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and chronic pain. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States experience chronic pain. This economic burden is greater than annual costs associated with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Treatment options for chronic pain are inadequately efficacious and riddled with adverse side effects. There is thus an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to treating chronic pain. Sensitization of neurons along the nociceptive pathway causes chronic pain states driving symptoms that include spontaneous pain and mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. More than a decade of preclinical research demonstrates that translational mechanisms regulate the changes in gene expression that are required for ongoing sensitization of nociceptive sensory neurons. This review will describe how key translation regulation signaling pathways, including the integrated stress response, mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases, impact the translation of different subsets of mRNAs. We then place these mechanisms of translation regulation in the context of chronic pain states, evaluate currently available therapies, and examine the potential for developing novel drugs. Considering the large body of evidence now published in this area, we propose that pharmacologically manipulating specific aspects of the translational machinery may reverse key neuronal phenotypic changes causing different chronic pain conditions. Therapeutics targeting these pathways could eventually be first-line drugs used to treat chronic pain disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Translational mechanisms regulating protein synthesis underlie phenotypic changes in the sensory nervous system that drive chronic pain states. This review highlights regulatory mechanisms that control translation initiation and how to exploit them in treating persistent pain conditions. We explore the role of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinase inhibitors and AMPK activators in alleviating pain hypersensitivity. Modulation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation is also discussed as a potential therapy. Targeting specific translation regulation mechanisms may reverse changes in neuronal hyperexcitability associated with painful conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Yousuf
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - Stephanie I Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - James J Sahn
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - Theodore J Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jeevakumar V, Al Sardar AK, Mohamed F, Smithhart CM, Price T, Dussor G. IL-6 induced upregulation of T-type Ca 2+ currents and sensitization of DRG nociceptors is attenuated by MNK inhibition. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:274-283. [PMID: 32519575 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00188.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation of the 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E by MAPK-interacting kinases (MNK1/2) is important for nociceptor sensitization and the development of chronic pain. IL-6-induced dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptor excitability is attenuated in mice lacking eIF4E phosphorylation, in MNK1/2-/- mice, and by the nonselective MNK1/2 inhibitor cercosporamide. Here, we sought to better understand the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying how IL-6 causes nociceptor excitability via MNK-eIF4E signaling using the highly selective MNK inhibitor eFT508. DRG neurons were cultured from male and female ICR mice, 4-7 wk old. DRG cultures were treated with vehicle, IL-6, eFT508 (pretreat) followed by IL-6, or eFT508 alone. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were done on small-diameter neurons (20-30 pF) to measure membrane excitability in response to ramp depolarization. IL-6 treatment (1 h) resulted in increased action potential firing compared with vehicle at all ramp intensities, an effect that was blocked by pretreatment with eFT508. Basic membrane properties, including resting membrane potential, input resistance, and rheobase, were similar across groups. Latency to the first action potential in the ramp protocol was lower in the IL-6 group and rescued by eFT508 pretreatment. We also found that the amplitudes of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) were increased in the DRG following IL-6 treatment, but not in the eFT508 cotreatment group. Our findings are consistent with a model wherein MNK-eIF4E signaling controls the translation of signaling factors that regulate T-type VGCCs in response to IL-6 treatment. Inhibition of MNK with eFT508 disrupts these events, thereby preventing nociceptor hyperexcitability.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we show that the MNK inhibitor and anti-tumor agent eFT508 (tomivosertib) is effective in attenuating IL-6 induced sensitization of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptors. Pretreatment with eFT508 in DRG cultures from mice helps mitigate the development of hyperexcitability in response to IL-6. Furthermore, our data reveal that the upregulation of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels following IL-6 application can be blocked by eFT508, implicating the MNK-eIF4E signaling pathway in membrane trafficking of ion channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jeevakumar
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Aysha Khalid Al Sardar
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Farah Mohamed
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Clay Matthew Smithhart
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Theodore Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Gregory Dussor
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Teneggi V, Novotny-Diermayr V, Lee LH, Yasin M, Yeo P, Ethirajulu K, Gan SBH, Blanchard SE, Nellore R, Umrani DN, Gomeni R, Teck DLW, Li G, Lu QS, Cao Y, Matter A. First-in-Human, Healthy Volunteers Integrated Protocol of ETC-206, an Oral Mnk 1/2 Kinase Inhibitor Oncology Drug. Clin Transl Sci 2019; 13:57-66. [PMID: 31343094 PMCID: PMC6951458 DOI: 10.1111/cts.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, drug development has tackled substantial challenges to improve efficiency and facilitate access to innovative medicines. Integrated clinical protocols and the investigation of targeted oncology drugs in healthy volunteers (HVs) have emerged as modalities with an increase in scope and complexity of early clinical studies and first‐in‐human (FIH) studies in particular. However, limited work has been done to explore the impact of these two modalities, alone or in combination, on the scientific value and on the implementation of such articulated studies. We conducted an FIH study in HVs with an oncology targeted drug, an Mnk 1/2 small molecule inhibitor. In this article, we describe results, advantages, and limitations of an integrated clinical protocol with an oncology drug. We further discuss and indicate points to consider when designing and conducting similar scientifically and operationally demanding FIH studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Teneggi
- D3 (Drug Discovery and Development), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Lay Hoon Lee
- D3 (Drug Discovery and Development), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maryam Yasin
- D3 (Drug Discovery and Development), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pauline Yeo
- D3 (Drug Discovery and Development), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Ranjani Nellore
- D3 (Drug Discovery and Development), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Darren Lim Wan Teck
- SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Greg Li
- SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit, Singapore Health Services, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qing Shu Lu
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Cao
- Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alex Matter
- D3 (Drug Discovery and Development), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.,Experimental Therapeutics Centre, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|