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Takatsuka D, Tachinami H, Suzuki N, Yamazaki M, Yonesi A, Takaichi M, Imaue S, Yamada SI, Tanuma JI, Noguchi M, Tomihara K. PAK4 inhibition augments anti-tumour effect by immunomodulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14092. [PMID: 38890401 PMCID: PMC11189426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumours, warranting novel treatments. Here, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of inhibiting p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in OSCC and determined its immunomodulatory effect by focusing on the enhancement of anti-tumour effects. We examined PAK4 expression in OSCC cells and human clinical samples and analysed the proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC cells following PAK4 inhibition in vitro. We also investigated the effects of in vivo administration of a PAK4 inhibitor on immune cell distribution and T-cell immune responses in OSCC tumour-bearing mice. PAK4 was detected in all OSCC cells and OSCC tissue samples. PAK4 inhibitor reduced the proliferation of OSCC cells and induced apoptosis. PAK4 inhibitor significantly attenuated tumour growth in mouse and was associated with increased proportions of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T-cells. Furthermore, PAK4 inhibitor increased the number of dendritic cells (DCs) and up-regulated the surface expression of various lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, including MHC-class I molecules, CD80, CD83, CD86, and CD40. These DCs augmented CD8+ T-cell activation upon co-culture. Our results suggest that PAK4 inhibition in OSCC can have direct anti-tumour and immunomodulatory effects, which might benefit the treatment of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danki Takatsuka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hidetake Tachinami
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Nihei Suzuki
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Manabu Yamazaki
- Divisions of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan
| | - Amirmoezz Yonesi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mayu Takaichi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shuichi Imaue
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Yamada
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Tanuma
- Divisions of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan
| | - Makoto Noguchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kei Tomihara
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
- Divisions of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8514, Japan.
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Khan HY, Nagasaka M, Aboukameel A, Alkhalili O, Uddin MH, Bannoura SF, Mzannar Y, Azar I, Beal EW, Tobon ME, Kim SH, Beydoun R, Baloglu E, Senapedis W, El-Rayes BF, Philip PA, Mohammad RM, Shields AF, Al Hallak MN, Azmi AS. Anticancer Efficacy of KRASG12C Inhibitors Is Potentiated by PAK4 Inhibitor KPT9274 in Preclinical Models of KRASG12C-Mutant Pancreatic and Lung Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1422-1433. [PMID: 37703579 PMCID: PMC10690049 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors, such as sotorasib and adagrasib, have revolutionized cancer treatment for patients with KRASG12C-mutant tumors. However, patients receiving these agents as monotherapy often develop drug resistance. To address this issue, we evaluated the combination of the PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 and KRASG12C inhibitors in preclinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PAK4 is a hub molecule that links several major signaling pathways and is known for its tumorigenic role in mutant Ras-driven cancers. We found that cancer cells resistant to KRASG12C inhibitor were sensitive to KPT9274-induced growth inhibition. Furthermore, KPT9274 synergized with sotorasib and adagrasib to inhibit the growth of KRASG12C-mutant cancer cells and reduce their clonogenic potential. Mechanistically, this combination suppressed cell growth signaling and downregulated cell-cycle markers. In a PDAC cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model, the combination of a suboptimal dose of KPT9274 with sotorasib significantly reduced the tumor burden (P= 0.002). Similarly, potent antitumor efficacy was observed in an NSCLC CDX model, in which KPT9274, given as maintenance therapy, prevented tumor relapse following the discontinuation of sotorasib treatment (P= 0.0001). Moreover, the combination of KPT9274 and sotorasib enhances survival. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that KRASG12C inhibitors can synergize with the PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 and combining KRASG12C inhibitors with KPT9274 can lead to remarkably enhanced antitumor activity and survival benefits, providing a novel combination therapy for patients with cancer who do not respond or develop resistance to KRASG12C inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Misako Nagasaka
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, California
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Amro Aboukameel
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Osama Alkhalili
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Md. Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sahar F. Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yousef Mzannar
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ibrahim Azar
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Eliza W. Beal
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Miguel E. Tobon
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Steve H. Kim
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Rafic Beydoun
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Philip A. Philip
- Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ramzi M. Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Anthony F. Shields
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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Di Stefano I, Alì G, Poma AM, Bruno R, Proietti A, Niccoli C, Zirafa CC, Melfi F, Mastromarino MG, Lucchi M, Fontanini G. New Immunohistochemical Markers for Pleural Mesothelioma Subtyping. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2945. [PMID: 37761312 PMCID: PMC10529020 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182945] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) comprises three main subtypes: epithelioid, biphasic and sarcomatoid, which have different impacts on prognosis and treatment definition. However, PM subtyping can be complex given the inter- and intra-tumour morphological heterogeneity. We aim to use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate five markers (Mesothelin, Claudin-15, Complement Factor B, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 and p21-activated Kinase 4), whose encoding genes have been previously reported as deregulated among PM subtypes. Immunohistochemical expressions were determined in a case series of 73 PMs, and cut-offs for the epithelioid and non-epithelioid subtypes were selected. Further validation was performed on an independent cohort (30 PMs). For biphasic PM, the percentage of the epithelioid component was assessed, and IHC evaluation was also performed on the individual components separately. Mesothelin and Claudin-15 showed good sensitivity (79% and 84%) and specificity (84% and 73%) for the epithelioid subtype. CFB and PAK4 had inferior performance, with higher sensitivity (89% and 84%) but lower specificity (64% and 36%). In the biphasic group, all markers showed different expression when comparing epithelioid with sarcomatoid areas. Mesothelin, Claudin-15 and CFB can be useful in subtype discrimination. PAI1 and PAK4 can improve component distinction in biphasic PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iosè Di Stefano
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Greta Alì
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Rossella Bruno
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.B.); (A.P.); (C.N.)
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.B.); (A.P.); (C.N.)
| | - Cristina Niccoli
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.B.); (A.P.); (C.N.)
| | - Carmelina Cristina Zirafa
- Multispecialty Centre for Surgery, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.Z.); (F.M.)
| | - Franca Melfi
- Multispecialty Centre for Surgery, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.Z.); (F.M.)
| | | | - Marco Lucchi
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Gabriella Fontanini
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
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Khan HY, Nagasaka M, Aboukameel A, Alkhalili O, Uddin MH, Bannoura S, Mzannar Y, Azar I, Beal E, Tobon M, Kim S, Beydoun R, Baloglu E, Senapedis W, El-Rayes B, Philip PA, Mohammad RM, Shields AF, Al-Hallak MN, Azmi AS. Anticancer efficacy of KRASG12C inhibitors is potentiated by PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 in preclinical models of KRASG12C mutant pancreatic and lung cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.27.534309. [PMID: 37034616 PMCID: PMC10081231 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.27.534309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
KRASG12C inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for cancer patients harboring the G12C mutant isoform of KRAS. With the recent FDA approval of sotorasib and adagrasib, patients now have access to more promising treatment options. However, patients who receive these agents as a monotherapy usually develop drug resistance. Thus, there is a need to develop logical combination strategies that can delay or prevent the onset of resistance and simultaneously enhance the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment regimen. In this study, we aimed at pharmacologically targeting PAK4 by KPT9274 in combination with KRASG12C inhibitors in KRASG12C mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and nonâ€"small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) preclinical models. PAK4 is a hub molecule that links several major signaling pathways and is known for its tumorigenic role in mutant Ras-driven cancers. We assessed the cytotoxicity of PAK4 and KRASG12C inhibitors combination in KRASG12C mutant 2D and 3D cellular models. KPT9274 synergized with both sotorasib and adagrasib in inhibiting the growth of KRASG12C mutant cancer cells. The combination was able to reduce the clonogenic potential of KRASG12C mutant PDAC cells. We also evaluated the antitumor activity of the combination in a KRASG12C mutant PDAC cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model. Oral administration of a sub-optimal dose of KPT9274 in combination with sotorasib (at one-fourth of MTD) demonstrated significant inhibition of the tumor burden ( p = 0.002). Similarly, potent antitumor efficacy was observed in an NSCLC CDX model where KPT9274, acting as an adjuvant, prevented tumor relapse following the discontinuation of sotorasib treatment ( p = 0.0001). KPT9274 and sotorasib combination also resulted in enhanced survival. This is the first study showing that KRASG12C inhibitors can synergize with PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 both in vitro and in vivo resulting in remarkably enhanced antitumor activity and survival outcomes. Significance KRASG12C inhibitors demonstrate limited durable response in patients with KRASG12C mutations. In this study, combining PAK4 inhibitor KPT9274 with KRASG12C inhibitors has resulted in potent antitumor effects in preclinical cancer models of PDAC and NSCLC. Our results bring forward a novel combination therapy for cancer patients that do not respond or develop resistance to KRASG12C inhibitor treatment.
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Zhang L, Lin S, Zhang Z, Yan C, Liu F. The role of p21-activated kinase 4 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:739-747. [PMID: 36593383 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02980-y] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC), the most common head and neck malignancy, has a strong propensity for malignant proliferation and metastasis, which will decrease the survival of patients. P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a classical serine/threonine protein kinase with multiple cellular functions, has an essential role in cancer cell migration and invasion. Here, we elucidated the function and possible molecular mechanisms of the effect of PAK4 on the biological behaviors of OSCC. METHODS The expression of genes and protein was detected by real-time PCR and western blotting. We used oral squamous carcinoma cell lines, Tca8117, Cal 27, SCC 4, and SCC 9 for validation of our cell function data. Flow cytometry, 3D cultures, and clone formation assay were used to detect proliferation of cells. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis was performed to determine the potential function of PAK4. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time PCR demonstrated that PAK4 expression was up-regulated in OSCC tissues. Overexpression of PAK4 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cell lines. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) for the transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression followed by bioinformatic analysis was performed to determine the potential function of PAK4. Based on the KEGG enrichment analysis and GO analysis of differential expression genes (DEGs) we found that PAK4 promotes the cell-cycle machinery, which associated with 44 regulated genes, thereby promoting cancer cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the PAK4 regulates the biological behaviors of OSCC by PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and these findings might provide a novel strategy for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China.,Nosocomial Infection Management Office, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Shanfeng Lin
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China
| | - Zeying Zhang
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China.,Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China
| | - Cong Yan
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China
| | - Fayu Liu
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China.
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6
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Tang L, Gao Y, Li T. Pan-cancer analysis identifies the immunological and prognostic role of PAK4. Life Sci 2023; 312:121263. [PMID: 36470541 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) belongs to the wider family of Serine/Threonine p21-activated kinases (PAKs) and functions as a hub for signaling pathways in cancer progression. Numerous studies have indicated the significance of PAK4 for tumorigenesis, but no systematic pan-cancer analysis has been performed. MAIN METHODS The current study aimed to investigate the prognostic and immunological functions of PAK4 through bioinformatic analysis of datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, UALCAN, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, TIMER2, and Human Protein Atlas. PAK4 expression was correlated with prognosis, DNA methylation, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and immune cell infiltration. KEY FINDINGS PAK4 was highly expressed in various cancers but showed decreased expression in colon adenocarcinoma, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, and thyroid carcinoma. PAK4 was found to have a positive or negative correlation with prognosis of different cancers. PAK4 expression was related to tumor mutational burden in 11 tumor types, and associated with microsatellite instability in 10 tumor types and was correlated with immune infiltration and immune checkpoint genes. SIGNIFICANCE PAK4 could be considered as a prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker for some types of malignant tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Tang
- Advanced Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China.
| | - Yunling Gao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of the PRC and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of the PRC and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
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Mozibullah M, Junaid M. Biological Role of the PAK4 Signaling Pathway: A Prospective Therapeutic Target for Multivarious Cancers. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Yuan Y, Zhang H, Li D, Li Y, Lin F, Wang Y, Song H, Liu X, Li F, Zhang J. PAK4 in cancer development: Emerging player and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 545:215813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Yu X, Huang C, Liu J, Shi X, Li X. The significance of PAK4 in signaling and clinicopathology: A review. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:586-598. [PMID: 35800076 PMCID: PMC9210989 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated protein kinases (PAKs) are thought to be at the center of tumor signaling pathways. As a representative member of the group II PAK family, P21-activated protein kinase 4 (PAK4) plays an important role in the development of tumors, with several biological functions such as participating in oncogenic transformation, promoting cell division, resisting aging and apoptosis, regulating cytoskeleton and adhesion, as well as suppressing antitumor immune responses. PAK4 is also crucial in biological processes, including the occurrence, proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, drug resistance, and immune escape of tumor cells. It is closely related to poor prognosis and tumor-related pathological indicators, which have significant clinical and pathological significance. Therefore, this article offers a review of the structure, activation, and biological functions of PAK4 and its clinical and pathological importance. This overview should be of assistance for future research on PAK4 and tumors and provide new ideas for tumor treatment and prognostic evaluation of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Yu
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Changwei Huang
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Jiyuan Liu
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- The Second Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of the PRC and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
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Zhang S, Wang X, Wang D. Long non-coding RNA LINC01296 promotes progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway via the miR-485-5p/PAK4 axis. Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:786-799. [PMID: 35591837 PMCID: PMC9102572 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.86805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1296 (LINC01296), a newly identified lncRNA, can function as an oncogenic driver to promote the development of multiple carcinomas. However, the effect of LINC01296 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS We determined the expression and role of LINC01296 in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The cell viability, migration and invasion were determined by MTT, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used for detecting cell cycle and apoptosis. The interaction and association between LINC01296, microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) and p21 (RAC1) activated kinase 4 (PAK4) were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. The xenograft mouse model was established to detect the effect of LINC01296 on OSCC tumor growth. RESULTS Our study showed that LINC01296 was over-expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The level of LINC01296 was positively correlated with the patient's tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and nodal invasion. Knockdown of LINC01296 effectively inhibits cell viability, migration and invasion but promotes cell apoptosis in vitro. The in vivo experiment showed that LINC01296 knockdown inhibited OSCC tumor growth. The following analysis indicated that LINC01296 acted as a ceRNA for miR-485-5p, and PAK4 was identified as a direct target of miR-485-5p. Furthermore, we found that the effects of LINC01296 on OSCC progression were through regulating the expression of PAK4/p-MEK/p-ERK via sponging miR-485-5p. CONCLUSIONS LINC01296 promote the cell cycle, proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibit apoptosis of OSCC cells through activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway via sponging miR-485-5p to regulate PAK4 expression. These results suggested that the LINC01296/miR-485-5p/PAK4 axis was closely associated with OSCC progression. Our study provides a new insight into the molecular pathogenesis of OSCC, and may supply novel biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyue Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dazhao Wang
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu Province, China
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PAK4 and NAMPT as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, and Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010160. [PMID: 35008323 PMCID: PMC8750170 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) are cancers of the white blood cells. While some NHL subtypes, such as Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), grow and spread aggressively, others, like follicular lymphoma (FL), are indolent in nature. Irrespective of how fast they grow, all NHL subtypes can spread to other organs in the body if not treated. In this study, we have demonstrated that the targeted inhibition of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) in different NHL subtypes by a novel, orally bioavailable, dual inhibitor KPT-9274 can lead to energy depletion, inhibition of cell proliferation, and ultimately apoptosis. KPT-9274 treatment shows potent anti-tumor effects in DLBCL and MCL subcutaneous xenograft models and enhances mice survival in a systemic FL model. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of targeting PAK4 and NAMPT by a small molecule inhibitor KPT-9274 for NHL therapy. Abstract Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), grade 3b follicular lymphoma (FL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). Cure rates are suboptimal and novel treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes. Here, we show that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is critical for lymphoma subsistence. Dual targeting of PAK4-NAMPT by the Phase I small molecule KPT-9274 suppressed cell proliferation in DLBCL, FL, and MCL. Growth inhibition was concurrent with apoptosis induction alongside activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and reduced pro-survival markers. We observed NAD suppression, ATP reduction, and consequent cellular metabolic collapse in lymphoma cells due to KPT-9274 treatment. KPT-9274 in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapeutics led to superior inhibition of cell proliferation. In vivo, KPT-9274 could markedly suppress the growth of WSU-DLCL2 (DLBCL), Z-138, and JeKo-1 (MCL) sub-cutaneous xenografts, and a remarkable increase in host life span was shown, with a 50% cure of a systemic WSU-FSCCL (FL) model. Residual tumor analysis confirmed a reduction in total and phosphorylated PAK4 and activation of the pro-apoptotic cascade. This study, using various preclinical experimental models, demonstrates the therapeutic potential of targeting PAK4-NAMPT in DLBCL, FL, and MCL. The orally bioavailable, safe, and efficacious PAK4-NAMPT dual inhibitor KPT-9274 warrants further clinical investigation.
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Wang H, Song P, Gao Y, Shen L, Xu H, Wang J, Cheng M. Drug discovery targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4): a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:977-987. [PMID: 34369844 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1944100] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The Ser/Thr protein kinase PAK4 is a downstream regulator of Cdc42, mediating cytoskeleton remodeling, and cell motility, and inhibiting apoptosis and transcriptional regulation. Nowadays, efforts in PAK4 inhibitor development are focusing on improving inhibitory selectivity, cellular potency, and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, and identifying the feasibility of immunotherapy combination in oncology therapy.Areas covered: This review summarized the development of PAK4 inhibitors that reported on patents in the past two decades. According to their binding features, these inhibitors were classified into type I, type I 1/2, and PAMs. Their designing ideas and SAR were elucidated in this review. Moreover, synergistic therapy of PAK4 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 or CAR-T were also summarized .Expert opinion: In the past years, preclinical and clinical studies of PAK4 inhibitors ended in failure due to poor selectivity, cellular activity, or pharmacokinetic issues. There are researchers questioning the reliability of PAK4 as a drug target, particularly PAK4-related therapy is concerned with the distinguishment of the non-kinase functions and catalytic functions triggered by PAK4 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, synergistic effects of PAK4 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 and CAR-T immunotherapy shed light for the development of PAK4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peilu Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yinli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanlan Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hanqin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Naїja A, Merhi M, Inchakalody V, Fernandes Q, Mestiri S, Prabhu KS, Uddin S, Dermime S. The role of PAK4 in the immune system and its potential implication in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Immunol 2021; 367:104408. [PMID: 34246086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104408] [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: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The p21 activated kinases (PAKs) are known to play a role in the regulation of cell morphology and functions. Among the various members of PAKs family, only the PAK4 protein has been shown to be overexpressed in cancer cells and its upregulation was associated with tumor development. Indeed, several studies have shown that PAK4 overexpression is implicated in carcinogenesis by different mechanisms including promotion of cell proliferation, invasion and migration, protection of cells from apoptosis, stimulation of the tumor-specific anchorage-independent cell growth and regulation of the cytoskeletal organisation and adhesion. Moreover, high PAK4 protein levels have been observed in several solid tumors and have been shown able to enhance cancer cell resistance to many treatments especially chemotherapy. Interestingly, it has been recently demonstrated that PAK4 downregulation can inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 immune regulatory pathway. Taken together, these findings not only implicate PAK4 in oncogenic transformation and in prediction of tumor response to treatment but also suggest its role as an attractive target for immunotherapy. In the current review we will summarize the different mechanisms of PAK4 implication in tumor development, describe its role as a regulator of the immune response and as a potential novel target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Naїja
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic health system, Hamad medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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14
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Li Y, Jia S, Dai W. Fisetin Modulates Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Proliferation by Blocking PAK4 Signaling Pathways. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:773-782. [PMID: 32158195 PMCID: PMC7049269 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s229270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. There is an urgent need to identify bioactive molecules and potential target genes that could inhibit carcinogenesis for OSCC therapy. Fisetin (3,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been previously shown to have anti-proliferative activities in OSCC; however, its molecular mechanism is unknown. Methods Colony formation, cell viability, Boyden chamber, wound healing, and tumor xenograft assays were used to detect the impact of fisetin on OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to examine the corresponding protein expression. Results Fisetin treatment significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis by repressing PAK4 expression. Moreover, fisetin treatment attenuated cell migration by blocking PAK4 signaling pathways. In addition, the tumor xenograft showed anti-tumor growth effects of fisetin exposure in vivo. Conclusion Fisetin may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for human OSCC by targeting PAK4 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshu Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,Department of Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiheng Jia
- Department of Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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15
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Peng M, Pang C. MicroRNA-140-5p inhibits the tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting p21-activated kinase 4. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:145-154. [PMID: 31393040 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious global health problem. Recently, accumulating microRNA (miRNA) has emerged as crucial players in the development and progression of carcinomas including OSCC. Our study aimed to further investigate the roles of miR-140-5p in OSCC tumorigenesis and related molecular basis. In this study, OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were isolated from 34 OSCC patients who suffered from surgical resection at our hospital. MiR-140-5p level was measured by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) protein level was determined by western blot assay in OSCC cells at 48 h posttransfection or OSCC xenograft tumors at day 35 after OSCC cell injection. The cell proliferative ability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay in OSCC cells at 0, 24, 48, 72 h after transfection. Cell apoptosis and cell-cycle analysis was conducted using a flow cytometry in OSCC cells at 48 h after transfection. The interaction between miR-140-5p and PAK4 3'-untranslated region was tested by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay in OSCC cells at 48 h after transfection. Mouse xenograft models of OSCC were established to examine the influence of miR-140-5p on OSCC tumorigenesis in vivo during 35 days after OSCC cell injection. Our data showed that miR-140-5p expression was notably downregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. MiR-140-5p inhibited the expression of PAK4 by direct interaction in OSCC cells. Functional analysis disclosed that miR-140-5p overexpression or PAK4 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced cell-cycle arrest in OSCC. Moreover, PAK4 upregulation rescued the detrimental effects of miR-140-5p on cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression and hampered cell apoptosis induced by miR-140-5p in OSCC. In vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-140-5p overexpression suppressed the growth of OSCC xenograft tumors by downregulating PAK4. In conclusion, our data revealed miR-140-5p suppressed OSCC tumorigenesis by targeting PAK4 in vitro and in vivo, deepening our understanding on the function and molecular basis of miR-140-5p in the development of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Peng
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 4#, The second North Jianshe Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China.,Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 32#, West 2, the First Ring Road, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunyan Pang
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 32#, West 2, the First Ring Road, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Santiago-Gómez A, Kedward T, Simões BM, Dragoni I, NicAmhlaoibh R, Trivier E, Sabin V, Gee JM, Sims AH, Howell SJ, Clarke RB. PAK4 regulates stemness and progression in endocrine resistant ER-positive metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 458:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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PAK4 signaling in health and disease: defining the PAK4-CREB axis. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-9. [PMID: 30755582 PMCID: PMC6372590 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
p21-Activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a member of the PAK family, regulates a wide range of cellular functions, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of its expression and activity thus contributes to the development of diverse pathological conditions. PAK4 plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by accelerating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, PAK4 is regarded as an attractive therapeutic target in diverse types of cancers, prompting the development of PAK4-specific inhibitors as anticancer drugs; however, these drugs have not yet been successful. PAK4 is essential for embryonic brain development and has a neuroprotective function. A long list of PAK4 effectors has been reported. Recently, the transcription factor CREB has emerged as a novel effector of PAK4. This finding has broad implications for the role of PAK4 in health and disease because CREB-mediated transcriptional reprogramming involves a wide range of genes. In this article, we review the PAK4 signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and melanogenesis, focusing in particular on the PAK4-CREB axis. An enzyme that regulates an important controller of gene expression may offer a therapeutic target for cancer and other diseases. cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) interacts with various other proteins to switch a myriad of target genes on and off in different cells. A review by Eung-Gook Kim, Eun-Young Shin and colleagues at Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea, explores the interplay between CREB and an enzyme called p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in human health and disease. PAK4, for example, has been shown to promote CREB’s gene-activating function in prostate cancer, and PAK4 overexpression is a feature of numerous other tumor types. Disruptions in PAK4-mediated regulation of CREB activity have also been observed in neurons affected by Parkinson’s disease. The authors see strong clinical promise in further exploring the biology of the PAK4-CREB pathway.
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Pérez-Yépez EA, Saldívar-Cerón HI, Villamar-Cruz O, Pérez-Plasencia C, Arias-Romero LE. p21 Activated kinase 1: Nuclear activity and its role during DNA damage repair. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 65:42-46. [PMID: 29597073 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase activated by the small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. It is located in the chromosome 11q13 and is amplified and/or overexpressed in several human cancer types including 25-30% of breast tumors. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in the control of a number of fundamental cellular processes by phosphorylating its downstream substrates. In addition to its role in the cytoplasm, it is well documented that PAK1 also plays crucial roles in the nucleus participating in mitotic events and gene expression through its association and/or phosphorylation of several transcription factors, transcriptional co-regulators and cell cycle-related proteins, including Aurora kinase A (AURKA), polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), the forkhead transcription factor (FKHR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), and Snail. More recently, PAK signaling has emerged as a component of the DNA damage response (DDR) as PAK1 activity influences the cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiation and promotes the expression of several genes involved in the Fanconi Anemia/BRCA pathway. This review will focus on the nuclear functions of PAK1 and its role in the regulation of DNA damage repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloy Andrés Pérez-Yépez
- UBIMED, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México 54090, Mexico; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Héctor Iván Saldívar-Cerón
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado postal 14-740, 07360 México, D. F., México
| | - Olga Villamar-Cruz
- UBIMED, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México 54090, Mexico
| | - Carlos Pérez-Plasencia
- UBIMED, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México 54090, Mexico
| | - Luis Enrique Arias-Romero
- UBIMED, Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México 54090, Mexico.
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20
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Hao C, Li X, Song S, Guo B, Guo J, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Huang W, Wang J, Lin B, Cheng M, Li F, Zhao D. Advances in the 1-phenanthryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline series of PAK4 inhibitors: potent agents restrain tumor cell growth and invasion. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 14:7676-90. [PMID: 27454186 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01072e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A new series of novel 1-phenanthryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated for their PAK4 inhibitory activities and anti-proliferative effects against three cancer cell lines A549, MCF-7 and HT-1080. Among them, compound 12a exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against PAK4 with an IC50 value of 0.42 μM. Moreover, this compound inhibited the invasion of A549 tumor cells by regulating the PAK4-LIMK1-cofilin signaling pathway in vitro, and exhibited anti-tumor activity in vivo in the A549 tumor xenograft model. To further evaluate the binding mode of 12a with PAK4, the biotinylated 12a derivative has been synthesized and it was used for immunoprecipitation assay. Intriguingly, our observations suggest that 12a interacts with both the N- and C-termini of PAK4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenzhou Hao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Shuai Song
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Bingyu Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Wanxu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Bin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Rane CK, Patel M, Cai L, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Minden A. Decrypting the PAK4 transcriptome profile in mammary tumor forming cells using Next Generation Sequencing. Genomics 2017; 110:S0888-7543(17)30128-3. [PMID: 29055713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The p-21 Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) protein kinase is implicated in many cancers, including breast cancer. Overexpression of PAK4 is sufficient to cause mouse mammary epithelial cells (iMMECs) to become tumorigenic. To gain insight into the long-term gene expression changes that occur downstream to PAK4, we performed Next Generation Sequencing of RNA collected from PAK4 overexpressing iMMECs and wild-type iMMECs. We identified a list of genes whose expression levels were altered in response to PAK4 overexpression in iMMECs. Some of these genes, including FoxC2 and ParvB, are consistent with a role for PAK4 in cancer. In addition, PAK4 regulates many genes that are frequently associated with the inflammatory response, raising the possibility that there is a connection between PAK4, inflammation, and the tumor microenvironment. This study delineates the PAK4 transcriptome profile in transformed mammary cells and can provide translational utility in other types of cancers as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan K Rane
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 164 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Misaal Patel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - William Senapedis
- Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., 85 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, United States
| | - Erkan Baloglu
- Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., 85 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, United States
| | - Audrey Minden
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 164 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
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Thillai K, Lam H, Sarker D, Wells CM. Deciphering the link between PI3K and PAK: An opportunity to target key pathways in pancreatic cancer? Oncotarget 2017; 8:14173-14191. [PMID: 27845911 PMCID: PMC5355171 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of personalised therapies has ushered in a new and exciting era of cancer treatment for a variety of solid malignancies. Yet pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has failed to benefit from this paradigm shift, remaining notoriously refractory to targeted therapies. Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of management but can offer only modest survival benefits of a few months with 5-year survival rates rarely exceeding 3%. Despite these disappointing statistics, significant strides have been made towards understanding the complex biology of pancreatic cancer, with deep genomic sequencing identifying novel genetic aberrations and key signalling pathways. The PI3K-PDK1-AKT pathway has received great attention due to its prominence in carcinogenesis. However, efforts to target several components of this network have resulted in only a handful of drugs demonstrating any survival benefit in solid tumors; despite promising pre-clinical results. p-21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a gene that is recurrently amplified or overexpressed in PDAC and both PAK4 and related family member PAK1, have been linked to aberrant RAS activity, a common feature in pancreatic cancer. As regulators of PI3K, PAKs have been highlighted as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the biology of pancreatic cancer and the close interaction between PAKs and the PI3K pathway. We also suggest proposals for future research that may see the development of effective targeted therapies that could finally improve outcomes for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiruthikah Thillai
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hoyin Lam
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debashis Sarker
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M Wells
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Park S, Kim JW, Kim H, Kim JW, Kim YJ, Lee KW, Kim JH, Kim JH, Hwang JH, Choi YR, Cho JY, Yoon YS, Han HS. Prognostic value of p21-activated kinase 4 in resected pancreatic cancer. APMIS 2017; 125:699-707. [PMID: 28556956 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Resectable pancreatic cancer has a high recurrence rate after curative surgery. Biomarkers are needed for distinguishing patients who may benefit from curative resection. In this study, we sought to analyze the prognostic value of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1), and thymidylate synthase (TS) in surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. A total of 160 pancreatic cancer patients who underwent surgery with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed. Tissue microarrays were constructed and immunohistochemical stains were performed for PAK1, PAK4, hENT1, and TS. The absence of PAK4 expression in pancreatic adenocarcinomas was associated with poorer histologic differentiation (p < 0.001), shorter overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-5.71; p = 0.003], and disease-free survival (HR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.11-4.74; p = 0.025) on univariate analyses. In addition, more frequent venous invasion and lymph node metastases were seen in PAK4-negative tumors although not statistically significant. PAK1, hENT1, and TS expression status did not have significant influences on patient survival. In conclusion, PAK4 of the markers tested in this study may be a potential prognostic biomarker for pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehhoon Park
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Haeryoung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji-Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jai Hwan Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jin-Hyeok Hwang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Young Rok Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jai Young Cho
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yoo-Seok Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ho-Seong Han
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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He LF, Xu HW, Chen M, Xian ZR, Wen XF, Chen MN, Du CW, Huang WH, Wu JD, Zhang GJ. Activated-PAK4 predicts worse prognosis in breast cancer and promotes tumorigenesis through activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:17573-17585. [PMID: 28407679 PMCID: PMC5392270 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is sufficient to transform noncancerous mammary epithelial cells and to form tumors in the mammary glands of mice. The accumulated information suggests that PAK4 might be an oncogenic protein in breast cancer. In this study, we sought to identify the role for PAK4 in breast cancer progression. Immunohistochemical study revealed that high PAK4 expression is associated with larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and advanced stage cancer in 93 invasive breast carcinoma patients. Moreover, high PAK4 expression was significantly associated with poor overall and disease-free survival. PAK4 remained an independent adverse prognosticator after univariate and multivariate analysis. Ectopic expression of wild-type PAK4 in MDA-MB-231 cells activated PI3K/AKT signaling and resulted in the enhancement of the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas PAK4-induced effects were blocked by the PAK4 kinase inhibitor PF- 3758309, PAK4 siRNAs or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Furthermore, a kinase-active PAK4 (S474E) strongly induced PI3K/AKT activation, and promoted proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. A kinase-inactive PAK4 KD (K350A/K351A) did partially upregulate PI3K/AKT, and promoted invasive phenotype. Taken together, these findings suggest that PAK4-activated PI3K/AKT signaling is both kinase-dependent and -independent, which contributes to breast cancer progression. Thus, our results imply that dual inhibition of PAK4 and PI3K/AKT signaling might be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fang He
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xu
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou, University Medical College, Shantou 515031, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Chen
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Xian
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Fen Wen
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Min-Na Chen
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Cai-Wen Du
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-He Huang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Dong Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
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A novel orally bioavailable compound KPT-9274 inhibits PAK4, and blocks triple negative breast cancer tumor growth. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42555. [PMID: 28198380 PMCID: PMC5309789 DOI: 10.1038/srep42555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease consisting of several subtypes. Among these subtypes, triple negative breast cancer is particularly difficult to treat. This is due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease, and consequently a lack of druggable targets. PAK4 plays critical roles in cell survival, proliferation, and morphology. PAK4 protein levels are high in breast cancer cells and breast tumors, and the gene is often amplified in basal like breast cancers, which are frequently triple negative. PAK4 is also overexpressed in other types of cancer, making it a promising drug target. However, its inhibition is complicated by the fact that PAK4 has both kinase-dependent and -independent functions. Here we investigate a new clinical compound KPT-9274, which has been shown to inhibit PAK4 and NAMPT. We find that KPT-9274 (and its analog, KPT-8752) can reduce the steady state level of PAK4 protein in triple negative breast cancer cells. These compounds also block the growth of the breast cancer cells in vitro, and stimulate apoptosis. Most importantly, oral administration of KPT-9274 reduces tumorigenesis in mouse models of human triple negative breast cancer. Our results indicate that KPT-9274 is a novel therapeutic option for triple negative breast cancer therapy.
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Functional role and therapeutic targeting of p21-activated kinase 4 in multiple myeloma. Blood 2017; 129:2233-2245. [PMID: 28096095 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-06-724831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated oncogenic serine/threonine kinases play a pathological role in diverse forms of malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM), and thus represent potential therapeutic targets. Here, we evaluated the biological and functional role of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and its potential as a new target in MM for clinical applications. PAK4 promoted MM cell growth and survival via activation of MM survival signaling pathways, including the MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Furthermore, treatment with orally bioavailable PAK4 allosteric modulator (KPT-9274) significantly impacted MM cell growth and survival in a large panel of MM cell lines and primary MM cells alone and in the presence of bone marrow microenvironment. Intriguingly, we have identified FGFR3 as a novel binding partner of PAK4 and observed significant activity of KPT-9274 against t(4;14)-positive MM cells. This set of data supports PAK4 as an oncogene in myeloma and provide the rationale for the clinical evaluation of PAK4 modulator in myeloma.
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Kumar R, Sanawar R, Li X, Li F. Structure, biochemistry, and biology of PAK kinases. Gene 2016; 605:20-31. [PMID: 28007610 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PAKs, p21-activated kinases, play central roles and act as converging junctions for discrete signals elicited on the cell surface and for a number of intracellular signaling cascades. PAKs phosphorylate a vast number of substrates and act by remodeling cytoskeleton, employing scaffolding, and relocating to distinct subcellular compartments. PAKs affect wide range of processes that are crucial to the cell from regulation of cell motility, survival, redox, metabolism, cell cycle, proliferation, transformation, stress, inflammation, to gene expression. Understandably, their dysregulation disrupts cellular homeostasis and severely impacts key cell functions, and many of those are implicated in a number of human diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiac disorders. Here we provide an overview of the members of the PAK family and their current status. We give special emphasis to PAK1 and PAK4, the prototypes of groups I and II, for their profound roles in cancer, the nervous system, and the heart. We also highlight other family members. We provide our perspective on the current advancements, their growing importance as strategic therapeutic targets, and our vision on the future of PAKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.
| | - Rahul Sanawar
- Cancer Biology Program, Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Chinese Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Chinese Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Kumar R, Li DQ. PAKs in Human Cancer Progression: From Inception to Cancer Therapeutic to Future Oncobiology. Adv Cancer Res 2016; 130:137-209. [PMID: 27037753 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the initial recognition of a mechanistic role of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in breast cancer invasion, PAK1 has emerged as one of the widely overexpressed or hyperactivated kinases in human cancer at-large, allowing the PAK family to make in-roads in cancer biology, tumorigenesis, and cancer therapeutics. Much of our current understanding of the PAK family in cancer progression relates to a central role of the PAK family in the integration of cancer-promoting signals from cell membrane receptors as well as function as a key nexus-modifier of complex, cytoplasmic signaling network. Another core aspect of PAK signaling that highlights its importance in cancer progression is through PAK's central role in the cross talk with signaling and interacting proteins, as well as PAK's position as a key player in the phosphorylation of effector substrates to engage downstream components that ultimately leads to the development cancerous phenotypes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances in PAK cancer research and its downstream substrates in the context of invasion, nuclear signaling and localization, gene expression, and DNA damage response. We discuss how a deeper understanding of PAK1's pathobiology over the years has widened research interest to the PAK family and human cancer, and positioning the PAK family as a promising cancer therapeutic target either alone or in combination with other therapies. With many landmark findings and leaps in the progress of PAK cancer research since the infancy of this field nearly 20 years ago, we also discuss postulated advances in the coming decade as the PAK family continues to shape the future of oncobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kumar
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States; Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
| | - D-Q Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Epigenetics in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Shao YG, Ning K, Li F. Group II p21-activated kinases as therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:1224-1235. [PMID: 26811660 PMCID: PMC4716033 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i3.1224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are central players in various oncogenic signaling pathways. The six PAK family members are classified into group I (PAK1-3) and group II (PAK4-6). Focus is currently shifting from group I PAKs to group II PAKs. Group II PAKs play important roles in many fundamental cellular processes, some of which have particular significance in the development and progression of cancer. Because of their important functions, group II PAKs have become popular potential drug target candidates. However, few group II PAKs inhibitors have been reported, and most do not exhibit satisfactory kinase selectivity and “drug-like” properties. Isoform- and kinase-selective PAK inhibitors remain to be developed. This review describes the biological activities of group II PAKs, the importance of group II PAKs in the development and progression of gastrointestinal cancer, and small-molecule inhibitors of group II PAKs for the treatment of cancer.
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Siu MKY, Kong DSH, Ngai SYP, Chan HY, Jiang L, Wong ESY, Liu SS, Chan KKL, Ngan HYS, Cheung ANY. p21-Activated Kinases 1, 2 and 4 in Endometrial Cancers: Effects on Clinical Outcomes and Cell Proliferation. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26218748 PMCID: PMC4517872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
p21-activated kinases (Paks) are serine/threonine protein kinases involved in biological events linked to malignant tumor progression. In this study, expression of Pak1, p-Pak2 Ser20, Pak4, pPak4 Ser474 in 21 normal endometrium, 16 hyperplastic endometrium without atypia, 17 atypical complex hyperplasia and 67 endometrial cancers was assessed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. We also accessed the proliferative role and downstream targets of Pak1 in endometrial cancer. Pak1 was expressed in cytoplasm whereas Pak4 and p-Pak4 were expressed in both cytoplasm and nucleus of endometrial tissues. In normal endometrium, significantly higher Pak1 (P = 0.028) and cytoplasmic p-Pak2 (P = 0.048) expression was detected in proliferative endometrium than secretory endometrium. Pak1, cytoplasmic and nuclear Pak4 and nuclear p-Pak4 was significantly overexpressed in endometrial cancer when compared to atrophic endometrium (all P<0.05). Moreover, type I endometrioid carcinomas showed significantly higher Pak1 expression than type II non-endometrioid carcinomas (P<0.001). On the other hand, Pak1, Pak4 and p-Pak4 expression negatively correlated with histological grade (all P<0.05) while p-Pak2 and cytoplasmic Pak4 expression inversely correlated with myometrial invasion (all P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with endometrial cancers with lower cytoplasmic Pak4 expression showed poorer survival (P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis showed cytoplasmic Pak4 is an independent prognostic factor. Functionally, knockdown of Pak1, but not Pak4, in endometrial cancer cell line led to reduced cell proliferation along with reduced cyclin D1, estrogen receptor (ERα) and progestogen receptor (PR) expression. Significant correlation between Pak1 and PR expression was also detected in clinical samples. Our findings suggest that Pak1 and cytoplasmic p-Pak2 may promote cell proliferation in normal endometrium during menstral cycle. Pak1, cytoplasmic and nuclear Pak4 and nuclear p-Pak4 are involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer especially in postmenopausal women. Pak1 promote endometrial cancer cell proliferation, particular in type I endometrioid carcinoma. Cytoplasmic Pak4 can be potential prognostic marker in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K. Y. Siu
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
- * E-mail: (MKYS); (ANYC)
| | - Daniel S. H. Kong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Sheila Y. P. Ngai
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Hoi Yan Chan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Esther S. Y. Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Stephanie S. Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Annie N. Y. Cheung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
- * E-mail: (MKYS); (ANYC)
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rho GTPases are master regulators of actomyosin structure and dynamics and play pivotal roles in a variety of cellular processes including cell morphology, gene transcription, cell cycle progression, and cell adhesion. Because aberrant Rho GTPase signaling activities are widely associated with human cancer, key components of Rho GTPase signaling pathways have attracted increasing interest as potential therapeutic targets. Similar to Ras, Rho GTPases themselves were, until recently, deemed "undruggable" because of structure-function considerations. Several approaches to interfere with Rho GTPase signaling have been explored and show promise as new ways for tackling cancer cells. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the recent progress in targeting the signaling activities of three prototypical Rho GTPases, that is, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. The authors describe the involvement of these Rho GTPases, their key regulators and effectors in cancer. Furthermore, the authors discuss the current approaches for rationally targeting aberrant Rho GTPases along their signaling cascades, upstream and downstream of Rho GTPases, and posttranslational modifications at a molecular level. EXPERT OPINION To date, while no clinically effective drugs targeting Rho GTPase signaling for cancer treatment are available, tool compounds and lead drugs that pharmacologically inhibit Rho GTPase pathways have shown promise. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting Rho GTPase signaling may add new treatment options for future precision cancer therapy, particularly in combination with other anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Abstract
The establishment of polarity is an essential step in epithelial morphogenesis. Polarity proteins promote an apical/basal axis, which, together with the assembly of apical adherens and tight junctions, directed vesicle transport and the reorganization of the actomyosin filament network, generate a stable epithelium. The regulation of these cellular activities is complex, but the Rho family GTPase Cdc42 (cell division cycle 42) is known to play a key role in the establishment of polarity from yeast to humans. Two Cdc42 target proteins, the kinase PAK4 [p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinase 4] and the scaffold partitioning defective (Par) 6B, are required to promote the assembly of apical junctions in human bronchial epithelial cells. We show in the present paper that PAK4 phosphorylates Par6B at Ser143 blocking its interaction with Cdc42. This provides a potential new mechanism for controlling the subcellular localization of Par6B and its interaction with other proteins.
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Ha BH, Morse EM, Turk BE, Boggon TJ. Signaling, Regulation, and Specificity of the Type II p21-activated Kinases. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:12975-83. [PMID: 25855792 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.650416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are a family of six serine/threonine kinases that act as key effectors of RHO family GTPases in mammalian cells. PAKs are subdivided into two groups: type I PAKs (PAK1, PAK2, and PAK3) and type II PAKs (PAK4, PAK5, and PAK6). Although these groups are involved in common signaling pathways, recent work indicates that the two groups have distinct modes of regulation and have both unique and common substrates. Here, we review recent insights into the molecular level details that govern regulation of type II PAK signaling. We also consider mechanisms by which signal transduction is regulated at the level of substrate specificity. Finally, we discuss the implications of these studies for clinical targeting of these kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth M Morse
- Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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Abstract
PAKs 4, 5 and 6 are members of the group B family of p21-activated kinases. Among this group, PAK4 has been most extensively studied. While it has essential roles in embryonic development, in adults high levels of PAK4 are frequently associated with cancer. PAK4 is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, and the Pak4 gene is amplified in some cancers. PAK4 overexpression is sufficient to cause oncogenic transformation in cells and in mouse models. The tight connection between PAK4 and cancer make it a promising diagnostic tool as well as a potential drug target. The group B PAKs also have important developmental functions. PAK4 is important for many early developmental processes, while PAK5 and PAK6 play roles in learning and memory in mice. This chapter provides an overview of the roles of the group B PAKs in cancer as well as development, and includes a discussion of PAK mediated signaling pathways and cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Minden
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research; Department of Chemical Biology; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Piscataway, NJ USA
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35
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Abstract
The p21 activated kinases (Paks) are well known effector proteins for the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac. The Paks contain 6 members, which fall into 2 families of proteins. The first family consists of Paks 1, 2, and 3, and the second consists of Paks 4, 5, and 6. While some of the Paks are ubiquitously expressed, others have more restrictive tissue specificity. All of them are found in the nervous system. Studies using cell culture, transgenic mice, and knockout mice, have revealed important roles for the Paks in cytoskeletal organization and in many aspects of cell growth and development. This review discusses the basic structures of the Paks, and their roles in cell growth, development, and in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan K Rane
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research; Department of Chemical Biology; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey; Piscataway, NJ USA
| | - Audrey Minden
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research; Department of Chemical Biology; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey; Piscataway, NJ USA
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36
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Abstract
p21-Activated kinases (PAKs) are positioned at the nexus of several oncogenic signalling pathways. Overexpression or mutational activation of PAK isoforms frequently occurs in various human tumours, and recent data suggest that excessive PAK activity drives many of the cellular processes that are the hallmarks of cancer. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms of PAK activation in cancer, the key substrates that mediate the developmental and oncogenic effects of this family of kinases, and how small-molecule inhibitors of these enzymes might be best developed and deployed for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Radu
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Galina Semenova
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachelle Kosoff
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cancer Biology program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Jonathan Chernoff, Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA, Tel.: (215) 728 5319; Fax: (215) 728 3616;
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Role of p-21-activated kinases in cancer progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 309:347-87. [PMID: 24529727 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800255-1.00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The p-21-activated kinases (PAKs) are downstream effectors of Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42. The PAK family consists of six members which are segregated into two subgroups (Group I and Group II) based on sequence homology. Group I PAKs (PAK1-3) are the most extensively studied but there is increasing interest in the functionality of Group II PAKs (PAK4-6). The PAK family proteins are thought to play an important role in many different cellular processes, some of which have particular significance in the context of cancer progression. This review explores established and more recent data, linking the PAK family kinases to cancer progression including expression profiles, evasion of apoptosis, promotion of cell survival, and regulation of cell invasion. Finally, we discuss attempts to therapeutically target the PAK family and outline the major obstacles that still need to be overcome.
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Kim TW, Kang YK, Park ZY, Kim YH, Hong SW, Oh SJ, Sohn HA, Yang SJ, Jang YJ, Lee DC, Kim SY, Yoo HS, Kim E, Yeom YI, Park KC. SH3RF2 functions as an oncogene by mediating PAK4 protein stability. Carcinogenesis 2013; 35:624-34. [PMID: 24130170 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SH3RF (SH3-domain-containing RING finger protein) family members, SH3RF1-3, are multidomain scaffold proteins involved in promoting cell survival and apoptosis. In this report, we show that SH3RF2 is an oncogene product that is overexpressed in human cancers and regulates p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) protein stability. Immunohistochemical analysis of 159 colon cancer tissues showed that SH3RF2 expression levels are frequently elevated in cancer tissues and significantly correlate with poor prognostic indicators, including increased invasion, early recurrence and poor survival rates. We also demonstrated that PAK4 protein is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and that SH3RF2 inhibits PAK4 ubiquitination via physical interaction-mediated steric hindrance, which results in the upregulation of PAK4 protein. Moreover, ablation of SH3RF2 expression attenuates TRADD (TNFR-associated death domain) recruitment to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor 1 and hinders downstream signals, thereby inhibiting NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappaB) activity and enhancing caspase-8 activity, in the context of TNF-α treatment. Notably, ectopic expression of SH3RF2 effectively prevents apoptosis in cancer cells and enhances cell migration, colony formation and tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that SH3RF2 is an oncogene that may be a definitive regulator of PAK4. Therefore, SH3RF2 may represent an effective therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Woo Kim
- Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea
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Guo Q, Su N, Zhang J, Li X, Miao Z, Wang G, Cheng M, Xu H, Cao L, Li F. PAK4 kinase-mediated SCG10 phosphorylation involved in gastric cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2013; 33:3277-87. [PMID: 23893240 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Superior cervical ganglia 10 (SCG10), as a microtubule (MT) destabilizer, maintains MT homeostasis and has a critical role in neuronal development, but its function in tumorigenesis has not been characterized. In the present study, we demonstrated that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4)-mediated SCG10 phosphorylation regulates MT homeostasis in metastatic gastric cancer. Our results indicate that SCG10 is a physiological substrate of PAK4, which is phosphorylated on serine 50 (Ser50) in a PAK4-dependent manner. Phosphorylated SCG10 regulated MT dynamics to promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in a xenograft mouse models. Inhibiting PAK4, either by LCH-7749944 or RNA interference, resulted in the inhibition of Ser50 phosphorylation and a blockade to cell invasion, suggesting that PAK4-SCG10 signaling occurs in gastric cancer cell invasion. Moreover, we demonstrated a strong positive correlation between PAK4 and phospho-Ser50 SCG10 expression in gastric cancer samples. We also showed that high expression of SCG10 phospho-Ser50 is highly correlated to an aggressive phenotype of clinical gastric cancer. These findings revealed a novel function of SCG10 in promoting invasive potential of gastric cancer cells, suggesting that blocking PAK4-mediated SCG10 phosphorylation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for metastasis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - N Su
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - J Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - X Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Z Miao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - G Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - M Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - H Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - L Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - F Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Li Y, Wang D, Zhang H, Wang C, Dai W, Cheng Z, Wang G, Li F. P21-Activated Kinase 4 Regulates the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor P57Kip2in Human Breast Cancer. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 296:1561-7. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanshu Li
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Zhenguo Cheng
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Guanqiao Wang
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology; Key Laboratory of Cell Biology; Ministry of Public Health; and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology; Ministry of Education; China Medical University; Shenyang 110001 China
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Dart AE, Wells CM. P21-activated kinase 4--not just one of the PAK. Eur J Cell Biol 2013; 92:129-38. [PMID: 23642861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a member of the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family. Historically much of the attention has been directed towards founding family member PAK1 but the focus is now shifting towards PAK4. It is a pluripotent serine/threonine kinase traditionally recognised as a downstream effector of the Rho-family GTPases. However, emerging research over the last few years has revealed that this kinase is much more than that. New findings have shed light on the molecular mechanism of PAK4 activation and how this kinase is critical for early development. Moreover, the number of PAK4 substrates and binding partners is rapidly expanding highlighting the increasing amount of cellular functions controlled by PAK4. We propose that PAK4 should be considered a signalling integrator regulating numerous fundamental cellular processes, including actin cytoskeletal dynamics, cell morphology and motility, cell survival, embryonic development, immune defence and oncogenic transformation. This review will outline our current understanding of PAK4 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Dart
- Division of Cancer Studies, New Hunts House, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
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Bernaldo de Quirós S, Merlo A, Secades P, Zambrano I, de Santa María IS, Ugidos N, Jantus-Lewintre E, Sirera R, Suarez C, Chiara MD. Identification of TRPC6 as a possible candidate target gene within an amplicon at 11q21-q22.2 for migratory capacity in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:116. [PMID: 23497198 PMCID: PMC3606258 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytogenetic and gene expression analyses in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) have allowed identification of genomic aberrations that may contribute to cancer pathophysiology. Nevertheless, the molecular consequences of numerous genetic alterations still remain unclear. METHODS To identify novel genes implicated in HNSCC pathogenesis, we analyzed the genomic alterations present in five HNSCC-derived cell lines by array CGH, and compared high level focal gene amplifications with gene expression levels to identify genes whose expression is directly impacted by these genetic events. Next, we knocked down TRPC6, one of the most highly amplified and over-expressed genes, to characterize the biological roles of TRPC6 in carcinogenesis. Finally, real time PCR was performed to determine TRPC6 gene dosage and mRNA levels in normal mucosa and human HNSCC tissues. RESULTS The data showed that the HNSCC-derived cell lines carry most of the recurrent genomic abnormalities previously described in primary tumors. High-level genomic amplifications were found at four chromosomal sites (11q21-q22.2, 18p11.31-p11.21, 19p13.2-p13.13, and 21q11) with associated gene expression changes in selective candidate genes suggesting that they may play an important role in the malignant behavior of HNSCC. One of the most dramatic alterations of gene transcription involved the TRPC6 gene (located at 11q21-q22.2) which has been recently implicated in tumour invasiveness. siRNA-induced knockdown of TRPC6 expression in HNSCC-derived cells dramatically inhibited HNSCC-cell invasion but did not significantly alter cell proliferation. Importantly, amplification and concomitant overexpression of TRPC6 was also found in HNSCC tumour samples. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data show that TRPC6 is likely to be a target for 11q21-22.2 amplification that confers enhanced invasive behavior to HNSCC cells. Therefore, TRPC6 may be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bernaldo de Quirós
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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Sumino J, Uzawa N, Okada N, Miyaguchi K, Mogushi K, Takahashi KI, Sato H, Michikawa C, Nakata Y, Tanaka H, Amagasa T. Gene expression changes in initiation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas revealed by laser microdissection and oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:540-8. [PMID: 22740306 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sumino
- Maxillofacial Surgery, Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Function, Division of Maxillofacial and Neck Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Miyawaki Y, Kawachi H, Ooi A, Eishi Y, Kawano T, Inazawa J, Imoto I. Genomic copy-number alterations of MYC and FHIT genes are associated with survival in esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2012; 103:1558-66. [PMID: 22578181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis. Studies are warranted on the clinical relevance of its genomic copy-number alterations (CNA) as prognosticators for ESCC. In the present study, we first screened recurrent CNA by array-based comparative genomic hybridization using an in-house focused bacterial artificial chromosome-based array for 108 loci in 45 ESCC specimens. We detected 14 regions showing recurrent (>20%) CNA (4 losses and 10 gains) by array-based comparative genomic hybridization in the first cohort. Among them, loss of 3p14.2 and gain of 8q24.21 for the FHIT and MYC genes, respectively, and the accumulation of those two CNA (higher FM-CNA scores) were significantly associated with a worse overall survival (OS) in the first cohort (P = 0.0273, P = 0.0356 and P = 0.0089, respectively). In the independent validation cohort of 92 resected ESCC cases, loss of FHIT, gain of MYC and higher FM-CNA scores determined by a quantitative genomic PCR-based copy-number analysis were associated with a worse OS (P = 0.0011, P = 0.0104 and P = 0.0008, respectively) and disease-free survival (P = 0.0038, P = 0.0132 and P = 0.0021, respectively). In addition, the Cox model showed the presence of either CNA to be an independent prognosticator for OS and disease-free survival in the validation cohort (P = 0.0120 and P = 0.0255, respectively). These results suggest that CNA of MYC and FHIT are poor prognostic markers, and risk stratification based on the copy-number status of those genes is useful to select the optimal treatment strategy in resected ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Miyawaki
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Li Y, Shao Y, Tong Y, Shen T, Zhang J, Li Y, Gu H, Li F. Nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of PAK4 modulates β-catenin intracellular translocation and signaling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1823:465-75. [PMID: 22173096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a central role in development and cancer. The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) involves in a wide range of cellular processes, including cytoskeletal reorganization, cell proliferation, gene transcription and oncogenic transformation. However, the cross talk between the Wnt and PAK4 signaling pathways is poorly understood. Here, we show that PAK4 is a nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, containing three nuclear export signals (NESs) and two nuclear localization signals (NLSs). PAK4 is exported by the chromosome region maintenance-1 (CRM-1)-dependent pathway and is imported into the nucleus in an importin α5-dependent manner. PAK4 interacts with and phosphorylates β-catenin on Ser675, which promotes the TCF/LEF transcriptional activity and stabilizes β-catenin through inhibition of its degradation. Moreover, nuclear import of PAK4 accompanies with the nuclear import of β-catenin and increased TCF/LEF transcriptional activity. We further demonstrated that PAK4 associates with the TCF/LEF transcriptional complex by ChIP assays. These findings uncover a novel role for PAK4 in modulating intracellular translocation and signaling of β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
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Zhang HJ, Siu MKY, Yeung MCW, Jiang LL, Mak VCY, Ngan HYS, Wong OGW, Zhang HQ, Cheung ANY. Overexpressed PAK4 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of choriocarcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2011; 32:765-71. [PMID: 21325635 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgr033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) includes frankly malignant choriocarcinoma (CCA) and placental site trophoblastic tumor and potentially malignant hydatidiform mole. p21-Activated kinase (PAK) 4 promotes cell motility. This study investigated the role of PAK4 in the pathogenesis of GTD. PAK4 messenger RNA and protein expressions in clinical samples and cell lines of normal placentas and GTD were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) on the expression and activation of PAK4 were investigated by treating CCA JEG3 and JAR cells with anti-hCG antibody and PI3K inhibitor, respectively. The effects of PAK4 on CCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by corresponding functional assays. We demonstrated overexpression of PAK4 in GTD and CCA cell lines at both RNA and protein level. hCG is one of the upstream regulators of PAK4 expression, whereas activation of PAK4 is PI3K/PKB dependent in JEG3 and JAR cells. Significant correlation was found between PAK4 expression and proliferation index minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (P = 0.007). In JEG3 and JAR cells, stably transfected PAK4 increased proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas small interfering RNA knockdown of PAK4 decreased proliferation, migration and invasion along with downregulated CDK6 and membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and upregulated p16. We further found PAK4-mediated transcription of MT1-MMP in CCA cells by luciferase reporter assay. Our results demonstrated for the first time that overexpressed PAK4 was involved in the pathogenesis of GTD, promoting proliferation and enhancing cell migration and invasion in CCA cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Zhang
- Departments of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Gastric cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. P21-activated kinases (PAKs), regulators of cancer-cell signalling networks, play fundamental roles in a range of cellular processes through their binding partners or kinase substrates. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW The complex regulation of PAKs through their upstream or downstream effectors in human cancers, especially in gastric cancer, are described and the identified inhibitors of PAKs are summarized. WHAT THE READERS WILL GAIN The structural differences and activation mechanisms between two subgroups of PAK are described. Both groups of PAKs play complicated and important roles in human gastric cancer, which indicated a possible way for us to identify the specific inhibitors targeting PAKs for gastric cancer. TAKE HOME MESSAGE PAKs play important roles in progression of many cancer types, the full mechanisms of PAKs in gastric cancer are still unclear. It seems there are different roles for two groups of PAKs in cancers. Group I PAKs play their functions mostly through their specific substrates, however, many binding partners that are independent of phosphorylation by group II PAKs were identified. Finding specific inhibitors of PAKs will help us discover the roles of PAKs and target these kinases in human gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P. R. China.
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Baldassa S, Calogero AM, Colombo G, Zippel R, Gnesutta N. N-terminal interaction domain implicates PAK4 in translational regulation and reveals novel cellular localization signals. J Cell Physiol 2010; 224:722-33. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
The Rho-family GTPases Rho Rac and Cdc42 regulate many intracellular processes through their interaction with downstream effector proteins. The PAKs (p21-activated kinases) are a family of effector proteins for Rac and Cdc42. PAKs are important regulators of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite outgrowth, cell survival, hormone signalling and gene transcription. There are six mammalian PAKs that can be divided into two groups: group I PAKs (PAK1-3) and group II PAKs (PAK4-6). Although the two PAK groups are architecturally similar, there are differences in their mode of regulation, suggesting that their cellular functions are likely to be different. Whereas much is known about group I PAKs, less is known about the more recently discovered PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6. This review will focus on the latest structural and functional results relating to the group II PAKs and discuss the emerging importance of group II PAKs in disease progression.
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Li X, Ke Q, Li Y, Liu F, Zhu G, Li F. DGCR6L, a novel PAK4 interaction protein, regulates PAK4-mediated migration of human gastric cancer cell via LIMK1. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 42:70-9. [PMID: 19778628 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression, genetic amplification and mutations of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) were found in a variety of human cancers. PAK4 regulated actin cytoskeleton reorganization by phosphorylating LIMK1 and promoted cancer cells migration. Using yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified a novel PAK4 binding protein, DGCR6L, which was associated with cancer cell metastasis. We confirmed PAK4 binding to the DGCR6L specifically by GST pull-down assay, and found an association between endogenous PAK4 and DGCR6L by immunoprecipitation in mammalian cells. Furthermore, L115 of DGCR6L was the critical amino acid to bind 466-572aa in the very C-terminus of PAK4. Importantly, DGCR6L was required for the formation of PAK4-DGCR6L-beta-actin complex. Overexpressed DGCR6L promoted migration of AGS cells mediated by PAK4, whereas knock-down of DGCR6L markedly inhibited the migration of those cells. Moreover, DGCR6L (L115V), which did not bind to PAK4, lost the ability to promote AGS cells migration. DGCR6L colocalized with PAK4 or F-actin and enhanced the phosphorylation level of LIMK1 and cofilin in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, our results demonstrated that DGCR6L, a novel PAK4 interacting protein, regulated PAK4-mediated migration of human gastric cancer cells via LIMK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, PR China
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