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A Novel Aurora Kinase Inhibitor Attenuates Leukemic Cell Proliferation Induced by Mesenchymal Stem Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 18:491-503. [PMID: 32953983 PMCID: PMC7479495 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an essential role in protecting leukemic cells from chemotherapeutic agents through activating a wide range of adhesion molecules and cytokines. Thus, more attention should be paid to attenuate the protection of leukemic cells by MSCs. By examining the gene expression files of MSCs from healthy donors and AML patients through high-throughput microarrays, we found that interleukin (IL)-6 was an important cytokine secreted by AML MSCs to protect leukemic cells, contributing to disease progression. Strikingly, Aurora A (AURKA) was activated by IL-6, offering a new target to interfere with leukemia. Importantly, a novel AURKA inhibitor, PW21, showed excellent AURKA kinase inhibitory activities and attenuated the interaction of leukemic cells and the microenvironment. PW21 inhibited MSC-induced cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration, and it induced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, PW21 could inhibit IL-6 secreted by MSCs. Moreover, we found that PW21 displayed a strong anti-leukemia effect on non-obese diabetic (NOD)-severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and murine MLL-AF9 leukemic models. PW21 significantly prolonged the survival of leukemic mice and eliminated the leukemic progenitor cells. AURKA inhibitor PW21 could provide a new approach for treatment of leukemia through blocking the protection by the leukemic microenvironment in clinical application.
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2
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Bertolin G, Tramier M. Insights into the non-mitotic functions of Aurora kinase A: more than just cell division. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1031-1047. [PMID: 31562563 PMCID: PMC11104877 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AURKA is a serine/threonine kinase overexpressed in several cancers. Originally identified as a protein with multifaceted roles during mitosis, improvements in quantitative microscopy uncovered several non-mitotic roles as well. In physiological conditions, AURKA regulates cilia disassembly, neurite extension, cell motility, DNA replication and senescence programs. In cancer-like contexts, AURKA actively promotes DNA repair, it acts as a transcription factor, promotes cell migration and invasion, and it localises at mitochondria to regulate mitochondrial dynamics and ATP production. Here we review the non-mitotic roles of AURKA, and its partners outside of cell division. In addition, we give an insight into how structural data and quantitative fluorescence microscopy allowed to understand AURKA activation and its interaction with new substrates, highlighting future developments in fluorescence microscopy needed to better understand AURKA functions in vivo. Last, we will recapitulate the most significant AURKA inhibitors currently in clinical trials, and we will explore how the non-mitotic roles of the kinase may provide new insights to ameliorate current pharmacological strategies against AURKA overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bertolin
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes), UMR 6290, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Marc Tramier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes), UMR 6290, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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3
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Pinzi L, Rastelli G. Identification of Target Associations for Polypharmacology from Analysis of Crystallographic Ligands of the Protein Data Bank. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 60:372-390. [PMID: 31800237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The design of a chemical entity that potently and selectively binds to a biological target of therapeutic relevance has dominated the scene of drug discovery so far. However, recent findings suggest that multitarget ligands may be endowed with superior efficacy and be less prone to drug resistance. The Protein Data Bank (PDB) provides experimentally validated structural information about targets and bound ligands. Therefore, it represents a valuable source of information to help identifying active sites, understanding pharmacophore requirements, designing novel ligands, and inferring structure-activity relationships. In this study, we performed a large-scale analysis of the PDB by integrating different ligand-based and structure-based approaches, with the aim of identifying promising target associations for polypharmacology based on reported crystal structure information. First, the 2D and 3D similarity profiles of the crystallographic ligands were evaluated using different ligand-based methods. Then, activity data of pairs of similar ligands binding to different targets were inspected by comparing structural information with bioactivity annotations reported in the ChEMBL, BindingDB, BindingMOAD, and PDBbind databases. Afterward, extensive docking screenings of ligands in the identified cross-targets were made in order to validate and refine the ligand-based results. Finally, the therapeutic relevance of the identified target combinations for polypharmacology was evaluated from comparison with information on therapeutic targets reported in the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The results led to the identification of several target associations with high therapeutic potential for polypharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Giuseppe Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
| | - Giulio Rastelli
- Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Via Giuseppe Campi 103 , 41125 Modena , Italy
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4
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Bonifacio M, Stagno F, Scaffidi L, Krampera M, Di Raimondo F. Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Advanced Phase. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1132. [PMID: 31709190 PMCID: PMC6823861 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in advanced phases remains a challenge also in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment. Cytogenetic clonal evolution and development of resistant mutations represent crucial events that limit the benefit of subsequent therapies in these patients. CML is diagnosed in accelerated (AP) or blast phase (BP) in <5% of patients, and the availability of effective treatments for chronic phase (CP) has dramatically reduced progressions on therapy. Due to smaller number of patients, few randomized studies are available in this setting and evidences are limited. Nevertheless, three main scenarios may be drawn: (a) patients diagnosed in AP are at higher risk of failure as compared to CP patients, but if they achieve optimal responses with frontline TKI treatment their outcome may be similarly favorable; (b) patients diagnosed in BP may be treated with TKI alone or with TKI together with conventional chemotherapy regimens, and subsequent transplant decisions should rely on kinetics of response and individual transplant risk; (c) patients in CP progressing under TKI treatment represent the most challenging population and they should be treated with alternative TKI according to the mutational profile, optional chemotherapy in BP patients, and transplant should be considered in suitable cases after return to second CP. Due to lack of validated and reliable markers to predict blast crisis and the still unsatisfactory results of treatments in this setting, prevention of progression by careful selection of frontline treatment in CP and early treatment intensification in non-optimal responders remains the main goal. Personalized evaluation of response kinetics could help in identifying patients at risk for progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Stagno
- Division of Hematology With BMT, AOU Policlinico “Vittorio Emanuele”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Scaffidi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Krampera
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology With BMT, AOU Policlinico “Vittorio Emanuele”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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5
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Yen CC, Chen SC, Hung GY, Wu PK, Chua WY, Lin YC, Yen CH, Chen YC, Wang JY, Yang MH, Chao Y, Chang MC, Chen WM. Expression profile‑driven discovery of AURKA as a treatment target for liposarcoma. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:938-948. [PMID: 31485600 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Liposarcoma (LPS) is one of the most frequently reported type of soft‑tissue sarcoma (STS). Well‑differentiated (WD) LPS and dedifferentiated (DD) LPS are the two most common subtypes. Chemotherapy has been considered to be ineffective in LPS, and novel treatment agents are thus necessary. In this study, we reanalyzed two published microarray data sets of LPS. By comparing the top 50 upregulated genes in DD LPS in both sets of data, we identified 12 overlapping genes. Of note, the top five gene sets enriched in DD LPS in both sets of data were involved in cell cycle regulation. Among the 12 overlapping genes, aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a well‑known gene involved in cell cycle regulation; we thus further investigated this gene. AURKA was significantly upregulated in DD LPS, compared with WD LPS. Among 40 cases of DD LPS in GSE30929, patients with high AURKA expression in tumors had significantly worse distant recurrence‑free survival than those with low expression. In an in vitro model, MLN8237, an AURKA inhibitor, could inhibit AURKA in LPS cell lines with a resultant G2/M arrest. MLN8237 was also reported to exert a cytotoxic effect by inducing apoptosis in LPS cell lines. Furthermore, except for cisplatin, MLN8237 had a significantly synergistic effect with chemotherapy agents against LPS. MLN8237 induced cellular senescence in LPS cell lines with increased expression of DcR2, a senescence biomarker, and upregulated expression of cytokines associated with the senescence‑associated secretory phenotype, including interleukin (IL)‑1α, IL‑6 and IL‑8. Our study identified AURKA as a potential biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in LPS. The findings of the present study suggested the potential of AURKA as a therapeutic target in LPS cell line models, while the novel combination of AURKA inhibitors and chemotherapy requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chueh-Chuan Yen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - San-Chi Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Giun-Yi Hung
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Po-Kuei Wu
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Yang Chua
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yung-Chan Lin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiao-Han Yen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Chun Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jir-You Wang
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yee Chao
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‑Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Chau Chang
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Ming Chen
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan, R.O.C
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6
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Goff LW, Azad NS, Stein S, Whisenant JG, Koyama T, Vaishampayan U, Hochster H, Connolly R, Weise A, LoRusso PM, Salaria SN, El-Rifai W, Berlin JD. Phase I study combining the aurora kinase a inhibitor alisertib with mFOLFOX in gastrointestinal cancer. Invest New Drugs 2018; 37:315-322. [PMID: 30191522 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-018-0663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression and cellular mis-localization of aurora kinase A (AURKA) in gastrointestinal cancers results in chromosomal instability, activation of multiple oncogenic pathways, and inhibition of pro-apoptotic signaling. Inhibition of AURKA causes mitotic delays, severe chromosome congression, and activation of p53/p73 leading to cell death. Our preclinical data showed cooperative activity with the AURKA inhibitor alisertib and platinum agents in cell lines and xenografts, and suggested an optimal treatment window. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of alisertib in combination with modified FOLFOX (mFOLFOX), as this is a standard platinum-based therapy for gastrointestinal cancers. Standard 3 + 3 dose escalation was used, where the starting dose of alisertib was 10 mg twice daily (Days 1-3), with leucovorin (400 mg/m2) and oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2) on Day 2 followed by continuous 46-h 5-FU (2400 mg/m2) infusion on Days 2-4 in 14-day cycles. Fourteen patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers were enrolled and two doses explored; two patients were not evaluable for dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and replaced. Two patients experienced DLTs at 20 mg of alisertib (Grade 3 fatigue (n = 2); Grade 3 nausea, vomiting, dehydration with hospitalization (n = 1)). MTD was 10 mg alisertib with 85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 2400 mg/m2 5-FU. Most frequent toxicities were nausea (57%), diarrhea, fatigue, neuropathy, and vomiting (43%), and anorexia and anemia (36%); most were Grade 1-2. One patient with colorectal cancer had a partial response of 12 evaluable patients, and four patients had stable disease. Alisertib in combination with mFOLFOX did not demonstrate unexpected side effects, but the regimen was only tolerable at the lowest dose investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura W Goff
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB 777, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Nilofer S Azad
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stacey Stein
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer G Whisenant
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB 777, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tatsuki Koyama
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB 777, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Roisin Connolly
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy Weise
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Safia N Salaria
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB 777, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jordan D Berlin
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, 2220 Pierce Avenue, PRB 777, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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7
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Alimbetov D, Askarova S, Umbayev B, Davis T, Kipling D. Pharmacological Targeting of Cell Cycle, Apoptotic and Cell Adhesion Signaling Pathways Implicated in Chemoresistance of Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061690. [PMID: 29882812 PMCID: PMC6032165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs target a physiological differentiating feature of cancer cells as they tend to actively proliferate more than normal cells. They have well-known side-effects resulting from the death of highly proliferative normal cells in the gut and immune system. Cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the years owing to rapid advances in oncology research. Developments in cancer therapies, namely surgery, radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy and selective treatment methods due to better understanding of tumor characteristics, have significantly increased cancer survival. However, many chemotherapeutic regimes still fail, with 90% of the drug failures in metastatic cancer treatment due to chemoresistance, as cancer cells eventually develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemoresistance is caused through genetic mutations in various proteins involved in cellular mechanisms such as cell cycle, apoptosis and cell adhesion, and targeting those mechanisms could improve outcomes of cancer therapy. Recent developments in cancer treatment are focused on combination therapy, whereby cells are sensitized to chemotherapeutic agents using inhibitors of target pathways inducing chemoresistance thus, hopefully, overcoming the problems of drug resistance. In this review, we discuss the role of cell cycle, apoptosis and cell adhesion in cancer chemoresistance mechanisms, possible drugs to target these pathways and, thus, novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dauren Alimbetov
- Laboratory of bioengineering and regenerative medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Z05H0P9 Astana, Kazakhstan.
| | - Sholpan Askarova
- Laboratory of bioengineering and regenerative medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Z05H0P9 Astana, Kazakhstan.
| | - Bauyrzhan Umbayev
- Laboratory of bioengineering and regenerative medicine, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Z05H0P9 Astana, Kazakhstan.
| | - Terence Davis
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - David Kipling
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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8
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Li M, Gao K, Chu L, Zheng J, Yang J. The role of Aurora-A in cancer stem cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 98:89-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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9
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Kogiso M, Qi L, Braun FK, Injac SG, Zhang L, Du Y, Zhang H, Lin FY, Zhao S, Lindsay H, Su JM, Baxter PA, Adesina AM, Liao D, Qian MG, Berg S, Muscal JA, Li XN. Concurrent Inhibition of Neurosphere and Monolayer Cells of Pediatric Glioblastoma by Aurora A Inhibitor MLN8237 Predicted Survival Extension in PDOX Models. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:2159-2170. [PMID: 29463553 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric glioblastoma multiforme (pGBM) is a highly aggressive tumor in need of novel therapies. Our objective was to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of MLN8237 (alisertib), an orally available selective inhibitor of Aurora A kinase (AURKA), and to evaluate which in vitro model system (monolayer or neurosphere) can predict therapeutic efficacy in vivoExperimental Design: AURKA mRNA expressions were screened with qRT-PCR. In vitro antitumor effects were examined in three matching pairs of monolayer and neurosphere lines established from patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models of the untreated (IC-4687GBM), recurrent (IC-3752GBM), and terminal (IC-R0315GBM) tumors, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy through log rank analysis of survival times in two models (IC-4687GBM and IC-R0315GBM) following MLN8237 treatment (30 mg/kg/day, orally, 12 days). Drug concentrations in vivo and mechanism of action and resistance were also investigated.Results: AURKA mRNA overexpression was detected in 14 pGBM tumors, 10 PDOX models, and 6 cultured pGBM lines as compared with 11 low-grade gliomas and normal brains. MLN8237 penetrated into pGBM xenografts in mouse brains. Significant extension of survival times were achieved in IC-4687GBM of which both neurosphere and monolayer were inhibited in vitro, but not in IC-R0315GBM of which only neurosphere cells responded (similar to IC-3752GBM). Apoptosis-mediated MLN8237 induced cell death, and the presence of AURKA-negative and CD133+ cells appears to have contributed to in vivo therapy resistance.Conclusions: MLN8237 successfully targeted AURKA in a subset of pGBMs. Our data suggest that combination therapy should aim at AURKA-negative and/or CD133+ pGBM cells to prevent tumor recurrence. Clin Cancer Res; 24(9); 2159-70. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Kogiso
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lin Qi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Frank K Braun
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sarah G Injac
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Linna Zhang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuchen Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Frank Y Lin
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sibo Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Holly Lindsay
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jack M Su
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Patricia A Baxter
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Adekunle M Adesina
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Debra Liao
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mark G Qian
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Stacey Berg
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jodi A Muscal
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. .,Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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10
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Massimino M, Stella S, Tirrò E, Romano C, Pennisi MS, Puma A, Manzella L, Zanghì A, Stagno F, Di Raimondo F, Vigneri P. Non ABL-directed inhibitors as alternative treatment strategies for chronic myeloid leukemia. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:56. [PMID: 29455672 PMCID: PMC5817805 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) has significantly improved the outcome of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients that, in large part, achieve satisfactory hematological, cytogenetic and molecular remissions. However, approximately 15-20% fail to obtain optimal responses according to the current European Leukemia Network recommendation because of drug intolerance or resistance.Moreover, a plethora of evidence suggests that Leukemic Stem Cells (LSCs) show BCR-ABL1-independent survival. Hence, they are unresponsive to TKIs, leading to disease relapse if pharmacological treatment is discontinued.All together, these biological events generate a subpopulation of CML patients in need of alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome TKI resistance or to eradicate LSCs in order to allow cure of the disease.In this review we update the role of "non ABL-directed inhibitors" targeting signaling pathways downstream of the BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein and describe immunological approaches activating specific T cell responses against CML cells.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Romano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Pennisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana Puma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Zanghì
- Department of Surgical Medical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Fabio Stagno
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, Catania, 95123, Italy.
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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11
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Okumu DO, East MP, Levine M, Herring LE, Zhang R, Gilbert TSK, Litchfield DW, Zhang Y, Graves LM. BIRC6 mediates imatinib resistance independently of Mcl-1. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177871. [PMID: 28520795 PMCID: PMC5433768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviral IAP repeat containing 6 (BIRC6) is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), a family of functionally and structurally related proteins that inhibit apoptosis. BIRC6 has been implicated in drug resistance in several different human cancers, however mechanisms regulating BIRC6 have not been extensively explored. Our phosphoproteomic analysis of an imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell line (MYL-R) identified increased amounts of a BIRC6 peptide phosphorylated at S480, S482, and S486 compared to imatinib-sensitive CML cells (MYL). Thus we investigated the role of BIRC6 in mediating imatinib resistance and compared it to the well-characterized anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl-1. Both BIRC6 and Mcl-1 were elevated in MYL-R compared to MYL cells. Lentiviral shRNA knockdown of BIRC6 in MYL-R cells increased imatinib-stimulated caspase activation and resulted in a ~20-25-fold increase in imatinib sensitivity, without affecting Mcl-1. Treating MYL-R cells with CDK9 inhibitors decreased BIRC6 mRNA, but not BIRC6 protein levels. By contrast, while CDK9 inhibitors reduced Mcl-1 mRNA and protein, they did not affect imatinib sensitivity. Since the Src family kinase Lyn is highly expressed and active in MYL-R cells, we tested the effects of Lyn inhibition on BIRC6 and Mcl-1. RNAi-mediated knockdown or inhibition of Lyn (dasatinib/ponatinib) reduced BIRC6 protein stability and increased caspase activation. Inhibition of Lyn also increased formation of an N-terminal BIRC6 fragment in parallel with reduced amount of the BIRC6 phosphopeptide, suggesting that Lyn may regulate BIRC6 phosphorylation and stability. In summary, our data show that BIRC6 stability is dependent on Lyn, and that BIRC6 mediates imatinib sensitivity independently of Mcl-1 or CDK9. Hence, BIRC6 may be a novel target for the treatment of drug-resistant CML where Mcl-1 or CDK9 inhibitors have failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis O. Okumu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael P. East
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Merlin Levine
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Laura E. Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Raymond Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Thomas S. K. Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David W. Litchfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lee M. Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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12
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Domain-specific interactions between MLN8237 and human serum albumin estimated by STD and WaterLOGSY NMR, ITC, spectroscopic, and docking techniques. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45514. [PMID: 28358124 PMCID: PMC5371984 DOI: 10.1038/srep45514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alisertib (MLN8237) is an orally administered inhibitor of Aurora A kinase. This small-molecule inhibitor is under clinical or pre-clinical phase for the treatment of advanced malignancies. The present study provides a detailed characterization of the interaction of MLN8237 with a drug transport protein called human serum albumin (HSA). STD and WaterLOGSY nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-binding studies were conducted first to confirm the binding of MLN8237 to HSA. In the ligand orientation assay, the binding sites of MLN8237 were validated through two site-specific spy molecules (warfarin sodium and ibuprofen, which are two known site-selective probes) by using STD and WaterLOGSY NMR competition techniques. These competition experiments demonstrate that both spy molecules do not compete with MLN8237 for the specific binding site. The AutoDock-based blind docking study recognizes the hydrophobic subdomain IB of the protein as the probable binding site for MLN8237. Thermodynamic investigations by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) reveal that the non-covalent interaction between MLN8237 and HSA (binding constant was approximately 105 M−1) is driven mainly by favorable entropy and unfavorable enthalpy. In addition, synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy suggest that MLN8237 may induce conformational changes in HSA.
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Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled tumour cell proliferation resulting from aberrant activity of various cell cycle proteins. Therefore, cell cycle regulators are considered attractive targets in cancer therapy. Intriguingly, animal models demonstrate that some of these proteins are not essential for proliferation of non-transformed cells and development of most tissues. By contrast, many cancers are uniquely dependent on these proteins and hence are selectively sensitive to their inhibition. After decades of research on the physiological functions of cell cycle proteins and their relevance for cancer, this knowledge recently translated into the first approved cancer therapeutic targeting of a direct regulator of the cell cycle. In this Review, we focus on proteins that directly regulate cell cycle progression (such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)), as well as checkpoint kinases, Aurora kinases and Polo-like kinases (PLKs). We discuss the role of cell cycle proteins in cancer, the rationale for targeting them in cancer treatment and results of clinical trials, as well as the future therapeutic potential of various cell cycle inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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14
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Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor AKI603 Induces Cellular Senescence in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells Harboring T315I Mutation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35533. [PMID: 27824120 PMCID: PMC5099696 DOI: 10.1038/srep35533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to imatinib mediated by mutations in the BCR-ABL has become a major challenge in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Alternative therapeutic strategies to override imatinib-resistant CML are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the effect of AKI603, a novel small molecule inhibitor of Aurora kinase A (AurA) to overcome resistance mediated by BCR-ABL-T315I mutation. Our results showed that AKI603 exhibited strong anti-proliferative activity in leukemic cells. AKI603 inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation capacities in imatinib-resistant CML cells by inducing cell cycle arrest with polyploidy accumulation. Surprisingly, inhibition of AurA by AKI603 induced leukemia cell senescence in both BCR-ABL wild type and T315I mutation cells. Furthermore, the induction of senescence was associated with enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Moreover, the anti-tumor effect of AKI603 was proved in the BALB/c nude mice KBM5-T315I xenograft model. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the small molecule AurA inhibitor AKI603 may be used to overcome drug resistance induced by BCR-ABL-T315I mutation in CML.
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15
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Yan M, Wang C, He B, Yang M, Tong M, Long Z, Liu B, Peng F, Xu L, Zhang Y, Liang D, Lei H, Subrata S, Kelley KW, Lam EWF, Jin B, Liu Q. Aurora-A Kinase: A Potent Oncogene and Target for Cancer Therapy. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:1036-1079. [PMID: 27406026 DOI: 10.1002/med.21399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Aurora kinase family is comprised of three serine/threonine kinases, Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C. Among these, Aurora-A and Aurora-B play central roles in mitosis, whereas Aurora-C executes unique roles in meiosis. Overexpression or gene amplification of Aurora kinases has been reported in a broad range of human malignancies, pointing to their role as potent oncogenes in tumorigenesis. Aurora kinases therefore represent promising targets for anticancer therapeutics. A number of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) have been generated; some of which are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. Recent studies have unveiled novel unexpected functions of Aurora kinases during cancer development and the mechanisms underlying the anticancer actions of AKIs. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in Aurora-A kinase research and targeted cancer therapy, focusing on the oncogenic roles and signaling pathways of Aurora-A kinases in promoting tumorigenesis, the recent preclinical and clinical AKI data, and potential alternative routes for Aurora-A kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengying Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengying Tong
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zijie Long
- Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dapeng Liang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haixin Lei
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Sen Subrata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keith W Kelley
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bilian Jin
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China. .,Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Reversine triggers mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis in K562 cells. Leuk Res 2016; 48:26-31. [PMID: 27447890 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm of the hematopoietic stem cell characterized by presence of the oncoprotein BCR-ABL1, which have constitutive tyrosine kinase activity. BCR-ABL1 activation induces aurora kinase A (AURKA) and aurora kinase B (AURKB) expression, which are serine-threonine kinases that play an important function in chromosome alignment, segregation and cytokinesis during mitosis. Acquisition of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors has emerged as a problem for CML patients and the identification of novel targets with an important contribution for CML phenotype is of interest. In the present study, we explored the cellular effects of reversine, an AURKA and AURKB inhibitor, in the BCR-ABL1+ K562 cells. Our results indicate that reversine reduces AURKA and AURKB expression, leads to reduction of cell viability and increased apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as well as, induces mitotic catastrophe in K562 cells. Our preclinical study establishes that reversine presents an effective antileukemia activity against K562 cells and provide new insights on anticancer opportunities for CML.
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17
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Durlacher CT, Li ZL, Chen XW, He ZX, Zhou SF. An update on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alisertib, a selective Aurora kinase A inhibitor. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 43:585-601. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron T Durlacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Pharmacy; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
| | - Zhi-Ling Li
- Department of Pharmacy; Shanghai Children's Hospital; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Xiao-Wu Chen
- Department of General Surgery; The First People's Hospital of Shunde Affiliated to Southern Medical University; Shunde Foshan Guangdong
| | - Zhi-Xu He
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine; Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Centre & Sino-US Joint Laboratory for Medical Sciences; Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang Guizhou China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Pharmacy; University of South Florida; Tampa FL USA
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18
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The Aurora kinase inhibitors in cancer research and therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:1995-2012. [PMID: 26932147 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2136-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Compounds that affect enzymatic function of kinases are valuable for the understanding of the complex biochemical processes in cells. Aurora kinases (AURKs) play a key role in the control of the mitosis. These kinases are frequently deregulated in different human cancers: overexpression, amplifications, translocations and deletions were reported in many cancer cell lines as well as patient tissues. These findings steered a rigorous hunt for small-molecule AURK inhibitors not only for research purposes as well as for therapeutic uses. In this review, we describe a number of AURK inhibitors and their use in cancer research and/or therapy. We hope to assist researchers and clinicians in deciding which inhibitor is most appropriate for their specific purpose. The review will also provide a broad overview of the clinical studies performed with some of these inhibitors (if such studies have been performed).
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19
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Bavetsias V, Linardopoulos S. Aurora Kinase Inhibitors: Current Status and Outlook. Front Oncol 2015; 5:278. [PMID: 26734566 PMCID: PMC4685048 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aurora kinase family comprises of cell cycle-regulated serine/threonine kinases important for mitosis. Their activity and protein expression are cell cycle regulated, peaking during mitosis to orchestrate important mitotic processes including centrosome maturation, chromosome alignment, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis. In humans, the Aurora kinase family consists of three members; Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C, which each share a conserved C-terminal catalytic domain but differ in their sub-cellular localization, substrate specificity, and function during mitosis. In addition, Aurora-A and Aurora-B have been found to be overexpressed in a wide variety of human tumors. These observations led to a number of programs among academic and pharmaceutical organizations to discovering small molecule Aurora kinase inhibitors as anti-cancer drugs. This review will summarize the known Aurora kinase inhibitors currently in the clinic, and discuss the current and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Bavetsias
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research , London , UK
| | - Spiros Linardopoulos
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Breast Cancer Now, Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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20
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Asteriti IA, Di Cesare E, De Mattia F, Hilsenstein V, Neumann B, Cundari E, Lavia P, Guarguaglini G. The Aurora-A inhibitor MLN8237 affects multiple mitotic processes and induces dose-dependent mitotic abnormalities and aneuploidy. Oncotarget 2015; 5:6229-42. [PMID: 25153724 PMCID: PMC4171625 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of Aurora kinase activity by small molecules is being actively investigated as a potential anti-cancer strategy. A successful therapeutic use of Aurora inhibitors relies on a comprehensive understanding of the effects of inactivating Aurora kinases on cell division, a challenging aim given the pleiotropic roles of those kinases during mitosis. Here we have used the Aurora-A inhibitor MLN8237, currently under phase-I/III clinical trials, in dose-response assays in U2OS human cancer cells synchronously proceeding towards mitosis. By following the behaviour and fate of single Aurora-inhibited cells in mitosis by live microscopy, we show that MLN8237 treatment affects multiple processes that are differentially sensitive to the loss of Aurora-A function. A role of Aurora-A in controlling the orientation of cell division emerges. MLN8237 treatment, even in high doses, fails to induce efficient elimination of dividing cells, or of their progeny, while inducing significant aneuploidy in daughter cells. The results of single-cell analyses show a complex cellular response to MLN8237 and evidence that its effects are strongly dose-dependent: these issues deserve consideration in the light of the design of strategies to kill cancer cells via inhibition of Aurora kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italia Anna Asteriti
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology (formerly Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology), CNR National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Di Cesare
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology (formerly Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology), CNR National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Mattia
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology (formerly Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology), CNR National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Volker Hilsenstein
- Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, EMBL, Meyerhofstraße 1, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Neumann
- Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, EMBL, Meyerhofstraße 1, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Enrico Cundari
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology (formerly Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology), CNR National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lavia
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology (formerly Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology), CNR National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarguaglini
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology (formerly Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology), CNR National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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21
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Choudary I, Barr PM, Friedberg J. Recent advances in the development of Aurora kinases inhibitors in hematological malignancies. Ther Adv Hematol 2015; 6:282-94. [PMID: 26622997 PMCID: PMC4649604 DOI: 10.1177/2040620715607415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, since the discovery of Drosophila mutants in 1995, much effort has been made to understand Aurora kinase biology. Three mammalian subtypes have been identified thus far which include the Aurora A, B and C kinases. These regulatory proteins specifically work at the cytoskeleton and chromosomal structures between the kinetochores and have vital functions in the early phases of the mitotic cell cycle. Today, there are multiple phase I and phase II clinical trials as well as numerous preclinical studies taking place looking at Aurora kinase inhibitors in both hematologic and solid malignancies. This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical development of Aurora kinase inhibitors in hematological malignancy and discusses their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Choudary
- University of Rochester - James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester NY 14642, USA
| | - Paul M. Barr
- University of Rochester - James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, USA
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22
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Shu LP, Zhou ZW, Zi D, He ZX, Zhou SF. A SILAC-based proteomics elicits the molecular interactome of alisertib (MLN8237) in human erythroleukemia K562 cells. Am J Transl Res 2015; 7:2442-2461. [PMID: 26807190 PMCID: PMC4697722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Alisertib (MLN8237, ALS), an Aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibitor, exerts potent anti-tumor effects in the treatment of solid tumor and hematologic malignancies in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the fully spectrum of molecular targets of ALS and its anticancer effect in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are not clear. This study aimed to examine the proteomic responses to ALS treatment and unveil the molecular interactome and possible mechanisms for its anticancer effect in K562 cells using stable-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) approach. The proteomic data identified that ALS treatment modulated the expression of 1541 protein molecules (570 up; 971 down). The pathway analysis showed that 299 signaling pathways and 459 cellular functional proteins directly responded to ALS treatment in K562 cells. These targeted molecules and signaling pathways were mainly involved in cell growth and proliferation, cell metabolism, and cell survival and death. Subsequently, the effects of ALS on cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and autophagy were verified. The flow cytometric analysis showed that ALS significantly induced G2/M phase arrest and the Western blotting assays showed that ALS induced apoptosis via mitochondria-dependent pathway and promoted autophagy with the involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38 MAPK, and AMPK signaling pathways in K562 cells. Collectively, this study provides a clue to quantitatively evaluate the proteomic responses to ALS and assists in globally identifying the potential molecular targets and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of ALS for CML treatment, which may help develop new efficacious and safe therapies for CML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Shu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, Laboratory Animal Center, Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical UniversityGuiyang, Guizhou 550004, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South FloridaTampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South FloridaTampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Dan Zi
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, Laboratory Animal Center, Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical UniversityGuiyang, Guizhou 550004, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South FloridaTampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Zhi-Xu He
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, Laboratory Animal Center, Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical UniversityGuiyang, Guizhou 550004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South FloridaTampa, FL 33612, USA
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23
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Falchook GS, Bastida CC, Kurzrock R. Aurora Kinase Inhibitors in Oncology Clinical Trials: Current State of the Progress. Semin Oncol 2015; 42:832-48. [PMID: 26615129 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Aurora kinase family of kinases (Aurora A, B, and C) are involved in multiple mitotic events, and aberrant expression of these kinases is associated with tumorigenesis. Aurora A and Aurora B are validated anticancer targets, and the development of Aurora kinase inhibitors has progressed from preclinical to clinical studies. A variety of Aurora A, B and pan-Aurora kinase inhibitors have entered the clinic. The main side effects include febrile neutropenia, stomatitis, gastrointestinal toxicity, hypertension, and fatigue. Responses including complete remissions have been described in diverse, advanced malignancies, most notably ovarian cancer and acute myelogenous leukemia. This review highlights the biologic rationale for Aurora kinase as a target, and clinical trials involving Aurora kinase inhibitors, with particular emphasis on published early phase studies, and the observed anti-tumor activity of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christel C Bastida
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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24
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Niu H, Manfredi M, Ecsedy JA. Scientific Rationale Supporting the Clinical Development Strategy for the Investigational Aurora A Kinase Inhibitor Alisertib in Cancer. Front Oncol 2015; 5:189. [PMID: 26380220 PMCID: PMC4547019 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alisertib (MLN8237) is a selective small molecule inhibitor of Aurora A kinase that is being developed in multiple cancer indications as a single agent and in combination with other therapies. A significant amount of research has elucidated a role for Aurora A in orchestrating numerous activities of cells transiting through mitosis and has begun to shed light on potential non-mitotic roles for Aurora A as well. These biological insights laid the foundation for multiple clinical trials evaluating the antitumor activity of alisertib in both solid cancers and heme-lymphatic malignancies. Several key facets of Aurora A biology as well as empirical data collected in experimental systems and early clinical trials have directed the development of alisertib toward certain cancer types, including neuroblastoma, small cell lung cancer, neuroendocrine prostate cancer, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors, and breast cancer among others. In addition, these scientific insights provided the rationale for combining alisertib with other therapies, including microtubule perturbing agents, such as taxanes, EGFR inhibitors, hormonal therapies, platinums, and HDAC inhibitors among others. Here, we link the key aspects of the current clinical development of alisertib to the originating scientific rationale and provide an overview of the alisertib clinical experience to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Niu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark Manfredi
- Department of Oncology Biology, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Ecsedy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Gavriilidis P, Giakoustidis A, Giakoustidis D. Aurora Kinases and Potential Medical Applications of Aurora Kinase Inhibitors: A Review. J Clin Med Res 2015; 7:742-51. [PMID: 26345296 PMCID: PMC4554212 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2295w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AKs) represent a novel group of serine/threonine kinases. They were originally described in 1995 by David Glover in the course of studies of mutant alleles characterized with unusual spindle pole configuration in Drosophila melanogaster. Thus far, three AKs A, B, and C have been discovered in human healthy and neoplastic cells. Each one locates in different subcellular locations and they are all nuclear proteins. AKs are playing an essential role in mitotic events such as monitoring of the mitotic checkpoint, creation of bipolar mitotic spindle and alignment of centrosomes on it, also regulating centrosome separation, bio-orientation of chromosomes and cytokinesis. Any inactivation of them can have catastrophic consequences on mitotic events of spindle formation, alignment of centrosomes and cytokinesis, resulting in apoptosis. Overexpression of AKs has been detected in diverse solid and hematological cancers and has been linked with a dismal prognosis. After discovery and identification of the first aurora kinase inhibitor (AKI) ZM447439 as a potential drug for targeted therapy in cancer treatment, approximately 30 AKIs have been introduced in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Gavriilidis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Theageneio Anticancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Giakoustidis
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Giakoustidis
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Hippokrateion University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
SummaryAurora-A kinase (AURKA), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, is involved in multiple steps of mitotic progression. It regulates centrosome maturation, mitotic spindle formation, and cytokinesis. While studied extensively in somatic cells, little information is known about AURKA in the early cleavage mouse embryo with respect to acentrosomal spindle assembly. In vitro experiments in which AURKA was inactivated with specific inhibitor MLN8237 during the early stages of embryogenesis documented gradual arrest in the cleavage ability of the mouse embryo. In the AURKA-inhibited 1-cell embryos, spindle formation and anaphase onset were delayed and chromosome segregation was defective. AURKA inhibition increased apoptosis during early embryonic development. In conclusion these data suggest that AURKA is essential for the correct chromosome segregation in the first mitosis as a prerequisite for normal later development after first cleavage.
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Phase 1 study of the investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) in East Asian cancer patients: pharmacokinetics and recommended phase 2 dose. Invest New Drugs 2015; 33:942-53. [PMID: 26084989 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-015-0258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase 1 study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK), maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), safety, and preliminary efficacy of the investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor, alisertib, in East Asian patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received alisertib twice-daily (BID) for 7 days in 21-day cycles. Doses were escalated (3 + 3) from 30 mg BID based on cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) until the MTD, followed by expansion for PK/safety characterization. RESULTS Thirty-six patients (61 % Chinese, 36 % Korean, 3 % Malay) received alisertib (30 mg BID, n = 30; 40 mg BID, n = 6; median, 2.5 cycles). Alisertib exposures increased approximately dose proportionally, and mean half-life was 16 h. Geometric mean apparent oral clearance (2.65 L/h) was 40 % lower than previous estimates in Western patients, resulting in approximately 70 % higher mean dose-normalized, steady-state exposures (735 nM*h/mg) in East Asian patients. Two patients experienced DLTs at 40 mg BID (grade 3 stomatitis; grade 4 neutropenia); the MTD/RP2D was 30 mg BID. Common toxicities (grade ≥3 at RP2D) were neutropenia (50 %), diarrhea (13 %), and stomatitis (10 %). One patient with extranodal T-/NK-cell lymphoma (nasal type) achieved a partial response and 18 (51 %) had stable disease. CONCLUSION The MTD/RP2D of alisertib in East Asian patients (30 mg BID) was lower than in Western patients (50 mg BID), consistent with higher systemic exposures in the East Asian population. Alisertib was generally well tolerated and showed signs of antitumor activity in East Asian cancer patients.
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Katsha A, Belkhiri A, Goff L, El-Rifai W. Aurora kinase A in gastrointestinal cancers: time to target. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:106. [PMID: 25987188 PMCID: PMC4436812 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a major cause of cancer-related deaths. During the last two decades, several studies have shown amplification and overexpression of Aurora kinase A (AURKA) in several GI malignancies. These studies demonstrated that AURKA not only plays a role in regulating cell cycle and mitosis, but also regulates a number of key oncogenic signaling pathways. Although AURKA inhibitors have moved to phase III clinical trials in lymphomas, there has been slower progress in GI cancers and solid tumors. Ongoing clinical trials testing AURKA inhibitors as a single agent or in combination with conventional chemotherapies are expected to provide important clinical information for targeting AURKA in GI cancers. It is, therefore, imperative to consider investigations of molecular determinants of response and resistance to this class of inhibitors. This will improve evaluation of the efficacy of these drugs and establish biomarker based strategies for enrollment into clinical trials, which hold the future direction for personalized cancer therapy. In this review, we will discuss the available data on AURKA in GI cancers. We will also summarize the major AURKA inhibitors that have been developed and tested in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Katsha
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 760 PRB, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 37232-6308, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Abbes Belkhiri
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 760 PRB, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 37232-6308, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Laura Goff
- Department of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 760 PRB, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 37232-6308, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Woo JK, Kang JH, Shin D, Park SH, Kang K, Nho CW, Seong JK, Lee SJ, Oh SH. Daurinol Enhances the Efficacy of Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer via Suppression of Aurora Kinase A/B Expression. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1693-704. [PMID: 25882311 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aurora kinases constitute one family of serine/threonine kinases whose activity is essential for mitotic progression. The aurora kinases are frequently upregulated in human cancers and are associated with sensitivity to chemotherapy in certain ones. In the present study, we investigated whether aurora kinases could be a target to overcome radioresistance or enhance the radiosensitivity of lung cancer. For that purpose, we determined the therapeutic potential of daurinol, an investigational topoisomerase inhibitor, alone and in combination with radiation, by observing its effect on aurora kinases. Daurinol decreased cell viability and proliferation in human colon and lung cancer cells. Gene expression in daurinol-treated human colon cancer cells was evaluated using RNA microarray. The mRNA expression of 18 genes involved in the mitotic spindle check point, including aurora kinase A (AURKA) and aurora kinase B (AURKB), was decreased in daurinol-treated human colon cancer cells as compared with vehicle-treated cells. As expected, radiation increased expression levels of AURKA and AURKB. This increase was effectively attenuated by siRNAs against AURKA and AURKB, which suppressed cell growth and increased apoptosis under radiation. Furthermore, the expression of AURKA and AURKB was suppressed by daurinol in the presence or absence of radiation in colon and lung cancer cells. Daurinol alone or in combination with radiation decreased lung cancer growth in xenograft mouse models. Our data clearly confirm the antitumor and radiosensitizing activity of daurinol in human lung cancer cells through the inhibition of AURKA and AURKB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Kyu Woo
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Kang
- National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - DongYun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Hyeok Park
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsu Kang
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chu Won Nho
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung Institute, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Jin Lee
- National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Long ZJ, Wang LX, Zheng FM, Chen JJ, Luo Y, Tu XX, Lin DJ, Lu G, Liu Q. A novel compound against oncogenic Aurora kinase A overcomes imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia cells. Int J Oncol 2015; 46:2488-96. [PMID: 25872528 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance still represents a major obstacle to successful chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment and novel compounds or strategies to override this challenging problem are urgently required. Here, we evaluated a novel compound AKI603 against oncogenic Aurora kinase A (Aur-A) in imatinib-resistant CML cells. We found that Aur-A was highly activated in imatinib-resistant KBM5-T315I cells. AKI603 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Aur-A kinase at Thr288, while had little inhibitory effect on BCR-ABL kinase in both KBM5 and KBM5-T315I cells. AKI603 inhibited cell viability, and induced cell cycle arrest with polyploidy accumulation in KBM5 and KBM5-T315I cells. Moreover, inhibition of Aur-A kinase by AKI603 suppressed colony formation capacity without promoting obvious apoptosis. Importantly, AKI603 promoted cell differentiation in both CML cell types. Thus, our study suggested the potential clinical use of small molecule Aurora kinase inhibitor AKI603 to overcome imatinib resistance in CML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jie Long
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Institute of Hematology, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Le-Xun Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Institute of Hematology, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Fei-Meng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Jie Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Institute of Hematology, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Yu Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xi-Xiang Tu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Jun Lin
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Institute of Hematology, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Gui Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Quentin Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Institute of Hematology, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
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Yang H, Lawrence HR, Kazi A, Gevariya H, Patel R, Luo Y, Rix U, Schonbrunn E, Lawrence NJ, Sebti SM. Dual Aurora A and JAK2 kinase blockade effectively suppresses malignant transformation. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2947-61. [PMID: 24930769 PMCID: PMC4102782 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora A and JAK2 kinases are involved in cell division and tumor cell survival, respectively. Here we demonstrate that ectopic expression of Aurora A and JAK2 together is more effective than each alone at inducing non-transformed cells to grow in an anchorage-independent manner and to invade. Furthermore, siRNA silencing or pharmacological inhibition of Aurora A and JAK2 with Alisertib and Ruxolitinib, respectively, is more effective than blocking each kinase alone at suppressing anchorage-dependent and –independent growth and invasion as well as at inducing apoptosis. Importantly, we have developed dual Aurora and JAK inhibitors, AJI-214 and AJI-100, which potently inhibit Aurora A, Aurora B and JAK2 in vitro. In human cancer cells, these dual inhibitors block the auto-phosphorylation of Aurora A (Thr-288) and the phosphorylation of the Aurora B substrate histone H3 (Ser-10) and the JAK2 substrate STAT3 (Tyr-705). Furthermore, AJI-214 and AJI-100 inhibit anchorage dependent and independent cell growth and invasion and induce G2/M cell cycle accumulation and apoptosis. Finally, AJI-100 caused regression of human tumor xenografts in mice. Taken together, our genetic and pharmacological studies indicate that targeting Aurora A and JAK2 together is a more effective approach than each kinase alone at inhibiting malignant transformation and warrant further advanced pre clinical investigations of dual Aurora A/JAK2 inhibitors as potential anti tumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yang
- Drug Discovery Department, Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Chemical Biology Core Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
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Inhibition of Aurora kinase B is important for biologic activity of the dual inhibitors of BCR-ABL and Aurora kinases R763/AS703569 and PHA-739358 in BCR-ABL transformed cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112318. [PMID: 25426931 PMCID: PMC4245092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) like Imatinib, Dasatinib and Nilotinib are the gold standard in conventional treatment of CML. However, the emergence of resistance remains a major problem. Alternative therapeutic strategies of ABL TKI-resistant CML are urgently needed. We asked whether dual inhibition of BCR-ABL and Aurora kinases A-C could overcome resistance mediated by ABL kinase mutations. We therefore tested the dual ABL and Aurora kinase inhibitors PHA-739358 and R763/AS703569 in Ba/F3- cells ectopically expressing wild type (wt) or TKI-resistant BCR-ABL mutants. We show that both compounds exhibited strong anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity in ABL TKI resistant cell lines including cells expressing the strongly resistant T315I mutation. Cell cycle analysis indicated polyploidisation, a consequence of continued cell cycle progression in the absence of cell division by Aurora kinase inhibition. Experiments using drug resistant variants of Aurora B indicated that PHA-739358 acts on both, BCR-ABL and Aurora Kinase B, whereas Aurora kinase B inhibition might be sufficient for the anti-proliferative activity observed with R763/AS703569. Taken together, our data demonstrate that dual ABL and Aurora kinase inhibition might be used to overcome ABL TKI resistant CML.
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Shagisultanova E, Dunbrack RL, Golemis EA. Issues in interpreting the in vivo activity of Aurora-A. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 19:187-200. [PMID: 25384454 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.981154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Based on its role as a mitotic regulatory kinase, overexpressed and associated with aneuploidy in cancer, small-molecule inhibitors have been developed for Aurora-A (AURKA) kinase. In preclinical and clinical assessments, these agents have shown efficacy in inducing stable disease or therapeutic response. In optimizing the use of Aurora-A inhibitors, it is critical to have robust capacity to measure the kinase activity of Aurora-A in tumors. AREAS COVERED We provide an overview of molecular mechanisms of mitotic and non-mitotic activation of Aurora-A kinase, and interaction of Aurora-A with its regulatory partners. Typically, Aurora-A activity is measured by use of phospho-antibodies targeting an autophosphorylated T288 epitope. However, recent studies have identified alternative means of Aurora-A activation control, including allosteric regulation by partners, phosphorylation on alternative activating residues (S51, S98), dephosphorylation on inhibitory sites (S342) and T288 phosphorylation by alternative kinases such as Pak enzymes. Additional work has shown that the relative abundance of Aurora-A partners can affect the activity of Aurora-A inhibitors, and that Aurora-A activation also occurs in interphase cells. EXPERT OPINION Taken together, this work suggests the need for comprehensive analysis of Aurora-A activity and expression of Aurora-A partners in order to stratify patients for likely therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Shagisultanova
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology , Philadelphia, PA 19111 , USA
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Combination therapy with nilotinib for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant BCR-ABL-positive leukemia and other malignancies. Arch Toxicol 2014; 88:2233-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Jayanthan A, Ruan Y, Truong TH, Narendran A. Aurora kinases as druggable targets in pediatric leukemia: heterogeneity in target modulation activities and cytotoxicity by diverse novel therapeutic agents. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102741. [PMID: 25048812 PMCID: PMC4105567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy, constituting more than 30% of all childhood cancers. Although cure rates have improved greatly, approximately one in five children relapse and poor survival rates post relapse remain a challenge. Given this, more effective and innovative therapeutic strategies are needed in order to improve prognosis. Aurora kinases, a family of serine/threonine kinases essential for the regulation of several mitotic processes, have been identified as potential targets for cancer therapeutics. Elevated expression of Aurora kinases has been demonstrated in several malignancies and is associated with aberrant mitotic activity, aneuploidy and alterations in chromosomal structure and genome instability. Based on this rationale, a number of small molecule inhibitors have been formulated and advanced to human studies in the recent past. A comparative analysis of these agents in cytotoxicity and target modulation analyses against a panel of leukemia cells provides novel insights into the unique mechanisms and codependent activity pathways involved in targeting Aurora kinases, constituting a distinctive preclinical experimental framework to identify appropriate agents and combinations in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Jayanthan
- Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators Consortium (POETIC) Laboratory for Pre-Clinical and Drug Discovery Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yibing Ruan
- Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators Consortium (POETIC) Laboratory for Pre-Clinical and Drug Discovery Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tony H. Truong
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aru Narendran
- Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators Consortium (POETIC) Laboratory for Pre-Clinical and Drug Discovery Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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An exploratory phase 2 study of investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Leuk Res Rep 2014; 3:58-61. [PMID: 25068104 PMCID: PMC4110881 DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alisertib (MLN8237) is an investigational, oral, selective, Aurora A kinase (AAK) inhibitor. In this phase 2 trial, 57 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high-grade myelodysplastic syndrome received alisertib 50 mg BID for 7 days in 21-day cycles. Responses in 6/35 AML patients (17% response rate with an additional 49% stable disease, 34% transfusion independence) included 1 complete response lasting >1 year. No responses were observed in MDS patients. Adverse events >30% included diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, febrile neutropenia, and stomatitis. Results suggest modest activity in AML, supporting further research to better understand how AAK inhibition may induce leukemic cell senescence. The efficacy and safety of alisertib, an AAK inhibitor, in AML/MDS was evaluated. 57 patients received alisertib 50 mg twice-daily for 7 days in 21-day cycles. The ORR in AML was 17%, with 49% stable disease; no responses were observed in MDS. Common AEs included diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, febrile neutropenia, and stomatitis. Our results suggest that alisertib has modest single-agent activity in AML.
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Yeh CN, Yen CC, Chen YY, Cheng CT, Huang SC, Chang TW, Yao FY, Lin YC, Wen YS, Chiang KC, Chen JS, Yeh TS, Tzeng CH, Chao TC, Fletcher JA. Identification of aurora kinase A as an unfavorable prognostic factor and potential treatment target for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Oncotarget 2014; 5:4071-86. [PMID: 24901229 PMCID: PMC4147307 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although imatinib mesylate (IM) has revolutionized the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), drug resistance remains a challenge. Previous studies have shown that the expression of aurora kinase A (AURKA) predicts recurrence in patients with primary, surgically resected GISTs. The current study aimed to evaluate the significance of AURKA expression as an unfavorable prognostic marker for advanced GISTs, and provide evidence that AURKA could be a potential therapeutic target in GISTs. The prognostic significance of the expression of AURKA, along with other clinicopathological factors, was analyzed in a cohort of 99 IM-treated patients with advanced GISTs. The potential use of an inhibitor of AURKA as a therapeutic agent against GISTs was also tested in GIST cell lines. Among 99 enrolled patients, poor performance status, large tumor size, drug response, and AURKA overexpression were independent prognostic factors for poor progression-free survival (PFS). For overall survival (OS), only large tumor size and AURKA overexpression were identified as independent unfavorable factors. In an in vitro study, MLN8237, an AURKA inhibitor, inhibited growth of both IM-sensitive and IM-resistant GIST cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity with IM in GIST cells. The inhibitory effect of MLN8237 in GIST cells could be attributed to the induction of G2/M arrest, apoptosis, and senescence. Our study shows that AURKA expression independently predicted poor PFS and OS in patients with advanced GISTs who were treated with IM. An AURKA inhibitor may have potential as a therapeutic agent for both IM-sensitive and IM-resistant GISTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Nan Yeh
- Department of Surgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Chueh-Chuan Yen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yang Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tung Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chiang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wei Chang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yi Yao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chan Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Shan Wen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Chun Chiang
- Department of Surgery, Keelung Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shi Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Sen Yeh
- Department of Surgery, Lin-Kou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and University, Gueishan Township, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hwai Tzeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chung Chao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Therapeutical and Research Center of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zorba A, Buosi V, Kutter S, Kern N, Pontiggia F, Cho YJ, Kern D. Molecular mechanism of Aurora A kinase autophosphorylation and its allosteric activation by TPX2. eLife 2014; 3:e02667. [PMID: 24867643 PMCID: PMC4032492 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We elucidate the molecular mechanisms of two distinct activation strategies (autophosphorylation and TPX2-mediated activation) in human Aurora A kinase. Classic allosteric activation is in play where either activation loop phosphorylation or TPX2 binding to a conserved hydrophobic groove shifts the equilibrium far towards the active conformation. We resolve the controversy about the mechanism of autophosphorylation by demonstrating intermolecular autophosphorylation in a long-lived dimer by combining X-ray crystallography with functional assays. We then address the allosteric activation by TPX2 through activity assays and the crystal structure of a domain-swapped dimer of dephosphorylated Aurora A and TPX21−25. While autophosphorylation is the key regulatory mechanism in the centrosomes in the early stages of mitosis, allosteric activation by TPX2 of dephosphorylated Aurora A could be at play in the spindle microtubules. The mechanistic insights into autophosphorylation and allosteric activation by TPX2 binding proposed here, may have implications for understanding regulation of other protein kinases. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02667.001 The kinase, Aurora A, is a human protein that is needed for cells to divide normally. Kinases are enzymes that control other proteins by adding phosphate groups to these proteins; however, like other kinases, Aurora A must first be activated or ‘switched on’ before it can do this. Aurora A kinase can be switched on in two ways: by having a phosphate group added to its ‘activation loop’; or by binding to another protein called TPX2. Also like other kinases, Aurora A can self-activate, but the details of this process are not understood. Does a single Aurora A kinase add a phosphate group to its own activation loop, or does one Aurora A kinase activate a second? Furthermore, it is not clear how binding to TPX2 can activate an Aurora A kinase without adding a phosphate group to the activation loop. Zorba, Buosi et al. now show that Aurora A kinases that have been activated in different ways—via the addition of a phosphate group or binding to TPX2—are equally good at adding phosphate groups to other proteins. Zorba, Buosi et al. also worked out the three-dimensional shapes of the kinases activated in these two ways—since many proteins change shape when they are switched on—and found that they were also the same. Finally, it was shown that self-activation involves two Aurora A kinases binding to each other, and one kinase adding a phosphate group to the other, rather than a single kinase adding a phosphate group to itself. Since other protein kinases can be activated in similar ways to Aurora A, the findings of Zorba, Buosi et al. might also help us to understand how other protein kinases can be switched ‘on’ or ‘off’. And, as mutations in Aurora A have been linked to the development of cancer, uncovering how this kinase is controlled could help efforts to design new drugs to treat this disease. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02667.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelajda Zorba
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Vanessa Buosi
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Steffen Kutter
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Nadja Kern
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Francesco Pontiggia
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Young-Jin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
| | - Dorothee Kern
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Brandeis University, Waltham, United States
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Oku Y, Tareyanagi C, Takaya S, Osaka S, Ujiie H, Yoshida K, Nishiya N, Uehara Y. Multimodal effects of small molecule ROCK and LIMK inhibitors on mitosis, and their implication as anti-leukemia agents. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92402. [PMID: 24642638 PMCID: PMC3958508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation is vital for cell viability. Many cancer cells show chromosome instability (CIN) due to aberrant expression of the genes involved in chromosome segregation. The induction of massive chromosome segregation errors in such cancer cells by small molecule inhibitors is an emerging strategy to kill these cells selectively. Here we screened and characterized small molecule inhibitors which cause mitotic chromosome segregation errors to target cancer cell growth. We screened about 300 chemicals with known targets, and found that Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitors bypassed the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which delays anaphase onset until proper kinetochore-microtubule interactions are established. We investigated how ROCK inhibitors affect chromosome segregation, and found that they induced microtubule-dependent centrosome fragmentation. Knockdown of ROCK1 and ROCK2 revealed their additive roles in centrosome integrity. Pharmacological inhibition of LIMK also induced centrosome fragmentation similar to that by ROCK inhibitors. Inhibition of ROCK or LIMK hyper-stabilized mitotic spindles and impaired Aurora-A activation. These results suggested that ROCK and LIMK are directly or indirectly involved in microtubule dynamics and activation of Aurora-A. Furthermore, inhibition of ROCK or LIMK suppressed T cell leukemia growth in vitro, but not peripheral blood mononuclear cells. They induced centrosome fragmentation and apoptosis in T cell leukemia cells. These results suggested that ROCK and LIMK can be a potential target for anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Oku
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Chiaki Tareyanagi
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takaya
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Sayaka Osaka
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Haruki Ujiie
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yoshida
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Nishiya
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Uehara
- Department of Microbial Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Iwate Medical University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Goldenson B, Crispino JD. The aurora kinases in cell cycle and leukemia. Oncogene 2014; 34:537-45. [PMID: 24632603 PMCID: PMC4167158 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Aurora kinases, which include Aurora A (AURKA), Aurora B (AURKB) and Aurora C (AURKC), are serine/threonine kinases required for the control of mitosis (AURKA and AURKB) and meiosis (AURKC). Since their discovery nearly 20 years ago, Aurora kinases have been studied extensively in cell and cancer biology. Several early studies found that Aurora kinases are amplified and overexpressed at the transcript and protein level in various malignancies, including several types of leukemia. These discoveries and others provided a rationale for the development of small-molecule inhibitors of Aurora kinases as leukemia therapies. The first generation of Aurora kinase inhibitors did not fare well in clinical trials, owing to poor efficacy and high toxicity. However, the creation of second-generation, highly selective Aurora kinase inhibitors has increased the enthusiasm for targeting these proteins in leukemia. This review will describe the functions of each Aurora kinase, summarize their involvement in leukemia and discuss inhibitor development and efficacy in leukemia clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Goldenson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J D Crispino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Hong X, O'Donnell JP, Salazar CR, Van Brocklyn JR, Barnett KD, Pearl DK, deCarvalho AC, Ecsedy JA, Brown SL, Mikkelsen T, Lehman NL. The selective Aurora-A kinase inhibitor MLN8237 (alisertib) potently inhibits proliferation of glioblastoma neurosphere tumor stem-like cells and potentiates the effects of temozolomide and ionizing radiation. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2014; 73:983-90. [PMID: 24627220 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-014-2430-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The selective Aurora-A kinase inhibitor MLN8237 is in clinical trials for hematologic malignancies, ovarian cancer and other solid tumors. We previously showed that MLN8237 is potently antiproliferative toward standard monolayer-cultured glioblastoma cells. We have now investigated the effect of MLN8237 with and without temozolomide or ionizing radiation on the proliferation of glioblastoma tumor stem-like cells (neurospheres) using soft agar colony formation assays and normal human astrocytes by MTT assay. Western blotting was utilized to compare MLN8237 IC50s to cellular Aurora-A and phosphoThr(288)Aurora-A levels. MLN8237 was more potently antiproliferative to neurosphere cells than to standard monolayer glioma cells, and was non-toxic to normal human astrocytes. Western blot analysis revealed that MLN8237 treatment inhibits phosphoThr(288)Aurora-A levels providing proof of drug target-hit in glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, phosphoThr(288)Aurora-A levels partially predicted the antiproliferative efficacy of MLN8237. We also found that Aurora-A inhibition by MLN8237 was synergistic with temozolomide and potentiated the effects of ionizing radiation on colony formation in neurosphere glioblastoma tumor stem-like cells. These results further support the potential of Aurora-A inhibitors as primary chemotherapy agents or biologic response modifiers in glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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Goldberg SL, Fenaux P, Craig MD, Gyan E, Lister J, Kassis J, Pigneux A, Schiller GJ, Jung J, Jane Leonard E, Fingert H, Westervelt P. An exploratory phase 2 study of investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Leuk Res Rep 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2014.06.003 s2213-0489(14)00014-4 [pii]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
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Aurora kinases in cancer: an opportunity for targeted therapy. Mol Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9781139046947.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Pitts TM, Davis SL, Eckhardt SG, Bradshaw-Pierce EL. Targeting nuclear kinases in cancer: development of cell cycle kinase inhibitors. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 142:258-69. [PMID: 24362082 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cellular proliferation is a tightly controlled set of events that is regulated by numerous nuclear protein kinases. The proteins involved include checkpoint kinases (CHK), cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), which regulate the cell cycle and aurora kinases (AURK) and polo-like kinases (PLK), which regulate mitosis. In cancer, these nuclear kinases are often dysregulated and cause uncontrolled cell proliferation and growth. Much work has gone into developing novel therapeutics that target each of these protein kinases in cancer but none have been approved in patients. In this review we provide an overview of the current compounds being developed clinically to target these nuclear kinases involved in regulating the cell cycle and mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States.
| | - S Lindsey Davis
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | - S Gail Eckhardt
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | - Erica L Bradshaw-Pierce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
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Katsha A, Soutto M, Sehdev V, Peng D, Washington MK, Piazuelo MB, Tantawy MN, Manning HC, Lu P, Shyr Y, Ecsedy J, Belkhiri A, El-Rifai W. Aurora kinase A promotes inflammation and tumorigenesis in mice and human gastric neoplasia. Gastroenterology 2013; 145:1312-22.e1-8. [PMID: 23993973 PMCID: PMC3840093 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of gastric tumorigenesis. The aurora kinase A (AURKA) gene is frequently amplified and overexpressed in gastrointestinal cancers. We investigated the roles of AURKA in inflammation and gastric tumorigenesis. METHODS We used quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, luciferase reporter, immunoblot, co-immunoprecipitation, and in vitro kinase assays to analyze AGS and MKN28 gastric cancer cells. We also analyzed Tff1(-/-) mice, growth of tumor xenografts, and human tissues. RESULTS We correlated increased expression of AURKA with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and inflammation in the gastric mucosa of Tff1(-/-) mice (r = 0.62; P = .0001). MLN8237, an investigational small-molecule selective inhibitor of AURKA, reduced nuclear staining of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in human gastric cancer samples and mouse epithelial cells, suppressed NF-κB reporter activity, and reduced expression of NF-κB target genes that regulate inflammation and cell survival. Inhibition of AURKA also reduced growth of xenograft tumors from human gastric cancer cells in mice and reversed the development of gastric tumors in Tff1(-/-) mice. AURKA was found to regulate NF-κB activity by binding directly and phosphorylating IκBα in cells. Premalignant and malignant lesions from the gastric mucosa of patients had increased levels of AURKA protein and nuclear NF-κB, compared with healthy gastric tissue. CONCLUSIONS In analyses of gastric cancer cell lines, human tissue samples, and mouse models, we found AURKA to be up-regulated during chronic inflammation to promote activation of NF-κB and tumorigenesis. AURKA inhibitors might be developed as therapeutic agents for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Katsha
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mohammed Soutto
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Vikas Sehdev
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dunfa Peng
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - M. Kay Washington
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - M. Blanca Piazuelo
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mohammed N. Tantawy
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - H. Charles Manning
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Pengcheng Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yu Shyr
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ecsedy
- Translational Medicine, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Abbes Belkhiri
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37232
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Graux C, Sonet A, Maertens J, Duyster J, Greiner J, Chalandon Y, Martinelli G, Hess D, Heim D, Giles FJ, Kelly KR, Gianella-Borradori A, Longerey B, Asatiani E, Rejeb N, Ottmann OG. A phase I dose-escalation study of MSC1992371A, an oral inhibitor of aurora and other kinases, in advanced hematologic malignancies. Leuk Res 2013; 37:1100-6. [PMID: 23746966 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2013.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A phase I dose-escalation study of MSC1992371A, an oral aurora kinase inhibitor, was carried out in patients with hematologic malignancies. Patients received escalating doses either on days 1-3 and 8-10 (n=36) or on days 1-6 (n=39) of a 21-day cycle. The maximum tolerated doses were 37 and 28 mg/m(2)/day, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicities included severe neutropenia with infection and sepsis, mucositis/stomatitis, and diarrhea. Complete responses occurred in 3 patients. Four disease-specific expansion cohorts then received the dose and schedule dictated by the escalation phase but the study was prematurely discontinued due to hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicity at clinically effective doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Graux
- Mont-Godinne University Hospital (UCL), Yvoir, Belgium.
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Zhou N, Singh K, Mir MC, Parker Y, Lindner D, Dreicer R, Ecsedy JA, Zhang Z, Teh BT, Almasan A, Hansel DE. The investigational Aurora kinase A inhibitor MLN8237 induces defects in cell viability and cell-cycle progression in malignant bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:1717-28. [PMID: 23403633 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-2383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite more than 70,000 new cases of bladder cancer in the United States annually, patients with advanced disease have a poor prognosis due to limited treatment modalities. We evaluated Aurora kinase A, identified as an upregulated candidate molecule in bladder cancer, as a potential therapeutic target. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Gene expression in human bladder cancer samples was evaluated using RNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Effects of the Aurora kinase A inhibitor MLN8237 (Millennium) on cell dynamics in malignant T24 and UM-UC-3 and papilloma-derived RT4 bladder cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in a mouse xenograft model. RESULTS A set of 13 genes involved in the mitotic spindle checkpoint, including Aurora kinases A and B, were upregulated in human urothelial carcinoma compared with normal urothelium. The Aurora kinase A inhibitor MLN8237 induced cell-cycle arrest, aneuploidy, mitotic spindle failure, and apoptosis in the human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and UM-UC-3. MLN8237 also arrested tumor growth when administered orally over 4 weeks in a mouse bladder cancer xenograft model. Finally, in vitro sequential administration of MLN8237 with either paclitaxel or gemcitabine resulted in synergistic cytotoxic effects in T24 cells. CONCLUSIONS Mitotic spindle checkpoint dysfunction is a common characteristic of human urothelial carcinoma and can be exploited with pharmacologic Aurora A inhibition. Given our demonstration of the ability of the Aurora A inhibitor MLN8237 to inhibit growth of bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo, we conclude that Aurora kinase inhibitors warrant further therapeutic investigation in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhou
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Sehdev V, Katsha A, Ecsedy J, Zaika A, Belkhiri A, El-Rifai W. The combination of alisertib, an investigational Aurora kinase A inhibitor, and docetaxel promotes cell death and reduces tumor growth in preclinical cell models of upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. Cancer 2012; 119:904-14. [PMID: 22972611 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.27801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas (UGCs) respond poorly to current chemotherapeutic regimes. The authors and others have previously reported frequent Aurora kinase A (AURKA) gene amplification and mRNA and protein overexpression in UGCs. The objective of the current study was to determine the therapeutic potential of alisertib (MLN8237) alone and in combination with docetaxel in UGCs. METHODS After treatment with alisertib and/or docetaxel, clonogenic cell survival, cell cycle analyses, Western blot analyses, and tumor xenograft growth assays were carried out to measure cell survival, cell cycle progression, apoptotic protein expression, and tumor xenograft volumes, respectively. RESULTS By using the AGS, FLO-1, and OE33 UGC cell lines, which have constitutive AURKA overexpression and variable tumor protein 53 (p53) status, significantly enhanced inhibition of cancer cell survival was observed with alisertib and docetaxel treatment in combination (P < .001), compared with single-agent treatments. Cell cycle analyses, after 48 hours of treatment with alisertib, produced a significant increase in the percentage of polyploidy in UGC cells (P < .01) that was further enhanced by docetaxel (P < .001). In addition, an increase in the percentage of cells in sub-G1-phase observed with alisertib (P < .01) was significantly enhanced with the combination treatment (P < .001). Western blot analysis demonstrated higher induction of cleaved caspase 3 protein expression with the combined treatment compared with single-agent treatments. In addition, FLO-1 and OE33 cell xenograft models demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity for the alisertib and docetaxel combination compared with single-agent treatments (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated that alisertib combined with docetaxel can mediate a better therapeutic outcome in UGC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Sehdev
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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Seewald L, Taub JW, Maloney KW, McCabe ERB. Acute leukemias in children with Down syndrome. Mol Genet Metab 2012; 107:25-30. [PMID: 22867885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome (DS) often present with hematopoietic abnormalities, and are at increased risk of developing leukemia. Specifically, 3-10% of newborns with DS are diagnosed with transient myeloproliferative disease, and children with DS are 500 times more likely to develop acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and 20 times more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than typical children. This review examines the characteristics of these leukemias and their development in the unique genetic background of trisomy 21. A discussion is also provided for areas of future research and potential therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seewald
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Patel AV, Eaves D, Jessen WJ, Rizvi TA, Ecsedy JA, Qian MG, Aronow BJ, Perentesis JP, Serra E, Cripe TP, Miller SJ, Ratner N. Ras-driven transcriptome analysis identifies aurora kinase A as a potential malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor therapeutic target. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:5020-30. [PMID: 22811580 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), which are often inoperable and do not respond well to current chemotherapies or radiation. The goal of this study was to use comprehensive gene expression analysis to identify novel therapeutic targets. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Nerve Schwann cells and/or their precursors are the tumorigenic cell types in MPNST because of the loss of the NF1 gene, which encodes the RasGAP protein neurofibromin. Therefore, we created a transgenic mouse model, CNP-HRas12V, expressing constitutively active HRas in Schwann cells and defined a Ras-induced gene expression signature to drive a Bayesian factor regression model analysis of differentially expressed genes in mouse and human neurofibromas and MPNSTs. We tested functional significance of Aurora kinase overexpression in MPNST in vitro and in vivo using Aurora kinase short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) and compounds that inhibit Aurora kinase. RESULTS We identified 2,000 genes with probability of linkage to nerve Ras signaling of which 339 were significantly differentially expressed in mouse and human NF1-related tumor samples relative to normal nerves, including Aurora kinase A (AURKA). AURKA was dramatically overexpressed and genomically amplified in MPNSTs but not neurofibromas. Aurora kinase shRNAs and Aurora kinase inhibitors blocked MPNST cell growth in vitro. Furthermore, an AURKA selective inhibitor, MLN8237, stabilized tumor volume and significantly increased survival of mice with MPNST xenografts. CONCLUSION Integrative cross-species transcriptome analyses combined with preclinical testing has provided an effective method for identifying candidates for molecular-targeted therapeutics. Blocking Aurora kinases may be a viable treatment platform for MPNST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami V Patel
- Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Oncology, and Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
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